15,000 + Pinks
The dawn count this morning produced just over 15,000 Pink-footed Geese and a single Barnacle Goose. Yesterday's big counts of 10,000+ were also from a seasoned observer and correct! The birds are moving around so if you are lucky you'll catch some big flocks as they return.
Interesting speculation on the Barnacle Geese present, as around 500 pairs of 'Greenland' Barnacle Geese now breed in Iceland in the same areas as Pink-footed Geese. It maybe that these birds are following the Pink's during migration. Over the years we have recorded 'Svalbard' Barnacle Geese with darvic rings and the count of these birds from our sister site at WWT Caerlaverock went from 1020 to 3900+ overnight.
Three Marsh Harrier around the reserve, 4+ Common Buzzard, 3 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel.
Kingfisher again from the Ron Barker Hide.
Counts from yesterday included 122 Wigeon and Yellow Wagtail.
