Sighting compilation
It generally pays to be further up rather than down to food chain as one or two species have discovered. Marsh Harriers (3+) have been recorded catching Moorhen and Mallard, and an adult Greater Black-backed Gull caught and killed a juvenile Shelduck today. Good weather has also resulted in good counts of Common Buzzard, some possibly on passage(?) with at least 8 birds, a couple of Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel have been present, the later hunting on the newly cut edge of the Mere.
A Wood Sandpiper turned up yesterday, 6 Ruff, 20+ Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 10 Black-tailed Godwit and 300+ Lapwing.
Adult and juv Little Grebe from the Harrier Hide also Lttle Egret there. At least 6 Grey Heron around the reserve. A female Mandarin flew in onto the Mere yesterday morning, no further sign today.
It's a good time to see Stock Dove with a 30+ strong flock regularly on Top Mere.
Plenty of butterflies on the wing including quite a few Brimstone.
