Summer
Despite this time of year classically being considered a quiet period there is still plenty to be seen at Wilstone. There are many young birds hiding away in the reeds and woodland and these provide a challenge to identify.
This year little egrets have bred on the reserve for the first time, with 2 chicks currently being fed by adults (w/c25/7) still be seen around the reservoir, often callling and passing food amongst each other (most likely from adult to juvenile). You could also try spotting them perched in the tall trees that border the edge of the reservoir, where they often take a break.
Common Terns can also still be seen at the reservoir, with great views as they glide past hunting for fish. They nest on rafts which are put out to attract them
With many birds beginning to migrate now is a perfect time to visit the reserve. If the water levels are low and there is exposed mud waders can be expected and there is always the chance of something rare turning up.
Recent sightings have included common sandpiper, green sandpiper, dunlin, redshank and little ringed plover. A juvenile marsh harrier was seen briefly towards the end of July, they are often seen during migration periods hunting over the reed beds. Keep a look out over the next few weeks for flocks of yellow wagtails, they often feed around the edges of the reservoirs and fly into the surrounding fields if disturbed.
4 juvenile water rails could be seen in the reedbed (27/7) and 2 pairs have bred at Wilstone this year.
Spring brings passage and summer migrants. Breeding duck include Gadwall and Shoveler, and the reserve has one of the county's three regular heronries. Flowering plants include celery-leaved and goldilocks buttercups.
The summer moult flocks of Tufted Duck and Pochard are of national importance.
Autumn passage again brings terns, gulls and other vagrants.
In winter waterbirds include nationally important levels of Shoveler as well as Teal and Wigeon. The nightly gull roost can be in excess of 20,000 birds, and corn buntings roost in the reedbed.
