Brambling
Another fine day as the high pressure holds with light easterlies and good spells of warm sunshine. These conditions are perfect for the departure of Whooper Swan so it will be interesting to see if any counts reflect this.
The first Brambling of the year, a female from the Janet Kear Hide. A number of winter visitors to the UK start moving back into Europe so 'late' Bramblings are not unusual.
Signs of breeding plumage are apparent on some of the 51 Ruff present. Other waders included 45 Avocet, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit, 30+ Oystercatcher, 100+ Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Ringed Plover, Dunlin and a few Snipe.
Five species of raptor with 2 Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 5+ Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Barn Owl showed this morning from the United Utilities Hide and the Tawny Owl is still in it's usual spot (direction from in focus).
