Has winter Birding declined at Middleton Lakes
Bittern- we still get Bittern and with more habitat being created for them they should continue, the only problem is they are not viewable.
Stonechat- we still get Stonechat, although grassland has dimished due to the creation of jubilee wetlands, the new fencing has created much scope for Hunting Stonechat.
Short-eared Owl - decreased grassland and grazing on Fisher's mill meadow, but still will be seen in Owl years, that's why the RSPB needs to leave as much rough grassland as possible.
Hen Harrier- with 2 past wintering Birds and sporadic sightings, none of recent, there is habitat to attract birds, but with present upland Grouse management numbers have declined. However I have noticed on the moors, land managed for Grouse is more richer in birds and insects than sheep grazed land.
Smew once a regular winter visitor now very rare, no sightings in the last 2 years.
Gulls with the closure of Dosthill/ Kingsbury tip where in the past winters, numbers in excess of 1000 large Gulls were regular loafing after feeding on the tip, Iceland and Glaucous Gull, Caspian Gull were recorded in winter but no longer. 10 Large Gulls seen now in winter is a good number.
Great White Egret - will continue to be seen.
Cetti's Warbler - still regular and the future may see Beared Tit as well.
