Waders
The early spring build up of waders has begun, with increasing numbers of Oystercatchers currently up to 20 birds, also a good count of 128 Ruff, 1-2 Redshank, 1 Curlew, a few groups of Golden Plover in recent days including 30 yesterday. Also still reasonable numbers of Snipe, 20+ Black-tailed Godwit and 2000 Lapwing. Any day now the first returning Avocet should also appear.
Some counts of wildfowl in recent days included 4 Goldeneye, 45 Pochard, 30 Tufted Duck, 797 Shelduck, 1000 Teal, 300 Wigeon, 350 Pintail, 32 Gadwall and 7 Shoveler.
Still good numbers of Whooper Swan with around 1000 on or just off the reserve, also 2-5000 Pink-footed Goose.
Always a good place to see raptors, we have between 4-7 Marsh Harriers including a Green wing tagged bird, also 8+ Buzzard, 2+ Peregrine, 1 Merlin, 2+ Sparrowhawk and 3+ Kestrel on or around the reserve.
A few thrushes around the site in recent days including 23 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing and several Song Thrush and 3 Mistle Thrush.
A Water Rail has been showing again from Ron Barker Hide, also here Kingfisher can regularly be seen.
At least 3 Little Egret most days, and up to 3 Barn Owl and 2 Tawny Owl at the moment.
