Bewick's Swan
A new Bewick's Swan was the highlight of the day, the bird was found feeding on the potatoes on Top Mere best viewed from Hale Hide, this is the 3rd Bewick's Swan of the winter. Still lots of Whooper Swans with at least 1300 around at the moment.
Up to 3 Barn Owls were hunting the reserve with one again showing really well in between Gladstone and UU Hides this evening. The usual pair of Peregrine were very active again today displacing the 2-3000 Lapwing on many occasions throughout the day. A few Marsh Harrier, sev Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk also being seen.
An increase of 1 Oystercatcher brings the total to 14, also good numbers of Ruff and at least 1 Black-tailed Godwit. With more warmer southerly winds anytime from now on we could get an earlier than normal arrival of Avocets back from their wintering quarters, expect them anytime from early February onwards.
