Sightings for Tuesday 11 January
Another bird packed day on the reserve
Estuary Tower
The adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose was among the Canada Geese with the Ross's Goose was accompanying the Barnacle Geese, a Greenland White-fronted flew past calling and joined the Canada Geese on the Tack Piece but soon moved on. Later in the day flushes due to aircraft moved the geese, at least 70 Russian White-fronted Geese were present. The Spoonbill was feeding on the estuary over high tide.
During the morning the Ox Piece/Goose House held at least 84 Russian and three Greenland White-fronted Geese, the Todd's Canada Goose was with the Canada flock but all of these birds departed when an aeroplane went over, further disturbance from a helicopter later.
Tack Piece
Just packed with birds- Ruff, Redshank, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail and Shoveler to name but a few. 1000s of birds.
Top New Piece
Flocks of Dunlin, Canada Geese, Teal and Lapwing, a few Pochard and Gadwall on the fleet. A Merlin was seen with prey on the fenceline late afternoon.
South Lake
At least 10 Avocet on the wader scrape today.
Willow Hide
A Badger was active and out in the open at dawn, calling Water Rail in the reeds.
Duck Decoy
Two male Bullfinch fed in the Blackthorn bushes
