Whooper Swans return

The first Whooper Swans appeared yesterday with a count of 7 birds, we have had 5 with us throughout the summer so 2 new birds seemingly arriving with the recent big arrival of Pink-footed Geese, also coinciding with returning birds on the Western Isles in recent days.

Great time to come and view the Pink-footed Geese with thousands present, coming and going throughout the day including one Leucistic (pale creamy whitish and lacking dark pigment) bird among them. Yesterday there was a single Barnacle seen.

A few raptor sightings including a female Merlin yesterday. Today Hobby, Peregrine, 2-3 Marsh Harrier, 2+ Sparrowhawk, 3+ Kestrel and several Common Buzzard including a very pale fronted bird.

No further sign of the fabulous Corncrake from Monday despite people looking. Kingfishers still being seen regularly from Ron Barker Hide, also up to 30+ Ruff, 1 juv Black-tailed Godwit, 100+ Snipe. Also 2 Green Sandpiper yesterday on the freshly dug pool near the end of the Reedbed Walk.

Adult female Kingfisher (T. Disley)

Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Reed Warbler seen from Ron Barker Hide yesterday. Increasing wildfowl numbers with at least 22 Pintail on the Mere today and noticeably more Teal around the reserve.

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