Latest Sightings
Misty rain until midday then a brief gap in the weather before more cloud rolled in.
At least 15000 Pink-footed Geese roosted on the reserve. Two Barnacle Geese came in around midday with the Pink-footed flocked. At least 55 Whooper Swan also roosted with small numbers flying in and out during the day.
Other wildfowl included; 600+ Greylag, 10 Canada, 115 Shoveler (a good count here), 1000+ Teal, 300 Wigeon, 50+ Pintail, 40+ Shelduck, 800+ Mallard, 70+ Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck and 4 Pochard.
Another good raptor day when it wasn't raining with 4+ Marsh Harrier, 4+ Buzzard, 4 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk and a male Merlin. Two Barn Owl hunting early on and one around midday.
Wader counts; 700+ Lapwing, 100+ Snipe, 60+ Ruff, Little Stint and Golden Plover. Ruff numbers have dropped back slightly as birds move between here and the coast. If they increase again they might bring the Long-billed Dowitcher back with them..
Other sightings included an adult Mediterranean Gull with Black-headed Gull on the Mere and a 1cy bird late on. Two Swallow again. Three Bullfinch on the Reed Bed Walk. Goldcrests and Coal Tits with the tit flock along the Nature Trail and inside the Grounds. Great Spotted Woodpecker from the Janet Kear Hide.
