Great Crested Grebe
A Great Crested Grebe arrived today and spent most of it's time preening, fishing and sleeping on the Mere. Great Crest's are unusual on the reserve as they prefer deeper water. They are just [...]
A Great Crested Grebe arrived today and spent most of it's time preening, fishing and sleeping on the Mere. Great Crest's are unusual on the reserve as they prefer deeper water. They are just about annual although we had no sighting in 2011. This bird brings our year list onto 107 species.
Some interesting data received regarding one of our oldest Whooper Swan, VJA (that's the darvic leg ring lettering, black on yellow). It was seen on the reserve a few days ago and was originally ringed in 1993 as an adult, making it at least 21 years old. A female bird, it has raised 35 cygnets and had two mates over this period. It will have flown the equivalent distance on once round the world so far during it's life.
A ringtailed Hen Harrier was seen late afternoon. At least 3 Marsh Harrier again, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and 5+ Common Buzzard.
AB
