Brambling, Starlings and other birds
Northerlies putting a chill in the air but lovely and bright on Sunday at least. The huge Starling roost of 50000+ birds is attracting a lot of attention. It's worth noting that last entry onto the reserve is 3.30pm and the reserve is staying open a little beyond the winter closing time of 4.30pm so people can witness the spectacle.
Over 400 Whooper Swan roosting on the reserve but most are out and about locally during the morning at least. Around 10,000 Pink-footed Geese roosting too. A single leucistic Pink-footed Goose was in a flock which flew in around midday.
Wigeon and Teal numbers are increasing. Great views of many wildfowl on the Mere and from the Hale Hide. Still present the drake Scaup on the Mere and 2 Goldeneye.
Plenty of raptor action with 4+ Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 5+ Buzzard, 3 Kestrel and two Sparrowhawk.
Waders; Lapwing 700+, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Ruff, 80+ Snipe, Redshank and Dunlin.
Brambling again on the feeders at the Janet Kear Hide. Three Cetti's Warbler calling and occasionally seen on the Reed Bed Walk. Fieldfare and Redwing around the reserve. Kingfisher from the Ron Barker Hide.
