|
|
| Lincolnshire Species |
 |
Birds of Gibraltar Point NNR
If you require further information please contact Kevin Wilson, Warden, Gibraltar Point NNR.
| Brent Goose |
 |
|
One of the birds that gives Gibraltar Point its' special character in winter. They were rarely seen on the reserve prior to 1960 but now this species regularly winters in flocks of up to 4000 strong. The vast majority of the flock are of the dark-bellied race that breeds in western Siberia. They frequent the saltmarsh where they graze on marsh plants. They are occasionally joined by small numbers of the pale-bellied race which over-winters in large numbers on the Northumberland coast. Present September to April. |
| Common scoter |
 |
|
The most regularly observed sea-duck seen from Gibraltar Point. Counts are rarely high but flocks can be seen moving to-and-from feeding areas in the Wash or resting on the sea just offshore. Flying flocks are easy to recognise as this species tends to fly low over the sea in long, see-sawing 'strings' of dark-coloured birds. They feed on mussels and crustaceans. |
| Fieldfare |
 |
|
This noisy and charismatic thrush gathers in large flocks (up to 2000 strong) in most winters to feed on the bright orange berries of sea buckthorn. They originate from Scandinavia, arriving in October and remain until at least March. They often flock with starling and redwing, these flocks keep the local sparrowhawks in food throughout the winter. |
| Knot |
 |
|
Whirling flocks of Knot can be seen regularly out in the Wash and can be enjoyed at close range during the monthly high tides. They provide one of the 'wildlife spectaculars' that Gibraltar Point can offer. Numbers peak in September and October when over 20,000 birds can be seen at high tides. This species breeds in the high Arctic and is heavily dependent on the mud around the British Isles for its winter survival. |
| Oystercatcher |
 |
|
The most easily spotted and distinctive of the waders that breeds and over-winter at Gibraltar Point. Numbers are at their lowest in July when less than 50 birds can be present around the reserve but numbers peak in September where 2500 birds may be seen at high tide when rising waters force the birds out of the Wash and onto the high tide roost on the reserve. |
| Red-throated diver |
 |
|
Always present offshore during the winter months. This smallest of the divers regularly fishes off the reserve but can stay submerged for long periods while feeding on fish. It is by far the commonest diver seen from the reserve and is often seen on the wing as it commutes to and from the Wash. |
| Redshank |
 |
|
The picture shows a roost of redshank on the Fenland Lagoon at Gibraltar Point, where several hundred may assemble during the highest tides. The flight view shows their distinctive white trailing edge to the wing, a feature not shared with any other European wader. Redshanks also have a very distinctive, shrill call which often serves as a warning signal and has earned them the title 'warden of the marsh'. Fifty percent of the wintering population on the Wash are of Icelandic origin. |
| Rock Pipit |
 |
|
October sees the changeover in pipit species on the reserve with the very common breeding Meadow Pipit departing south for the winter and the arrival of Rock Pipits that then stay until March/April. Commonly seen rising and falling again into the tall saltmarsh vegetation, this common but tricky-to-observe species feeds on insects, crustaceans and snails. Continental-race birds are known to occur on the reserve but it is not clear how many of the population originate from breeding areas on rocky shores around the British Isles. |
| Sanderling |
 |
|
This small, very pale wader can been encountered at very close range on the sandy shoreline where it runs up and down like a 'clockwork toy'. It picks items of food from the tideline that are deposited there by the receding waves. This species breeds in the High Arctic and like the Knot, is heavily dependent for its survival on the relative warmth of the British Isles in comparison to much of continental Europe. Like the Knot, the gaudy summer plumage is replaced in winter by a greyish-white plumage. |
| Shorelark |
 |
|
Sadly this distinctive and attractive species has declined in number as an over-wintering species in Britain in the last 2 decades but Gibraltar Point still attracts them annually. 1996/7 was exceptional in that over forty birds were seen on occasion with a flock of 36 birds present from November 1996 to May 1997. They feed on the saltings and shingle areas of the reserve, occasionally moving over to the Freshwater marsh to drink. |
| Short-eared Owl |
 |
|
Commonly seen at dusk and occasionally during the day as it quarters the saltmarsh in search of its' prey. The birds roost in the tall grasses of the saltmarsh, two or three being the usual number associated with the reserve. It is not clear whether the birds on the reserve are of British or continental origin but migration from mainland Europe has often been observed. |
| Water Rail |
 |
|
Whilst this species breeds sparsely in Britain, the winter population is augmented by continental birds fleeing from frozen wetlands. This most ungainly migrant has been recorded as arriving from as far afield as Poland. A very secretive bird, more often heard delivering it's pig like squealing call, two have been seen regularly on the Mere during December. |
| Wigeon |
 |
|
Peak numbers of this colourful species occur in January and February when over 3000 can be present on the reserve and adjoining saltmarsh. Good views are often to be had from the Mere hide where the ducks can be seen grazing on the grass of the freshwater marsh. Most of our over-wintering birds originate from Scandinavia and Russia. Present in number from September to April. |
|
