Tundra Bean Goose
Starting off the sightings today with the arrival of a Tundra Bean Goose on the Mere with a few Pink-footed Geese. An almost annual visitor to the reserve the subtle combination of orange legs AND orange in the bill are the main id features. Overall a more stocky bird than the Pink-footed Geese and browner looking. The Bean Goose was still present feeding around the Mere late afternoon. The bird has a slightly drooping right wing.
A single Bewick's Swan (pic by Damien & Emma) also made an appearance on Top Mere late on Monday, only recently identified from a photograph.
Some counts produced 879 Whooper Swan, 2200 Pink-footed Geese, 1200 Wigeon, 670 Teal, 590 Mallard, 410 Shelduck, 230 Pintail, 44 Pochard, 29 Shoveler, 24 Tufted Duck and 3 Goldeneye.
Two adult winter Med Gull on the Mere mid afternoon.
Great-crested Grebe briefly on the Mere late morning.
Call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide for up to date
info on what's being seen and where on the day of your visit or to
report any sightings.
