17600 Pink-footed Geese
Brilliant start to the day with impressive numbers of Pink-footed Geese roosting on the reserve. The count came to 17600 although we tend to think many more birds are now present in the area by late afternoon as good numbers of new arrivals have been coming in high from the East.
A single Barnacle Goose was in with the Pinks early on. At least 3 Barnacles have been in the area for some time.
At least 40 Whooper Swan have arrived including a few family parties.
No counts of late but 1500+ Teal as well as numbers of Wigeon, Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard and Pintail. A few Pochard and Tufted Duck too.
Waders included 70+ Ruff, 800+ Lapwing, 50+ Snipe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin.
Up to 5 Marsh Harrier, Peregrine (juv), 6+ Buzzard, 3 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk. Barn Owl early on.
Good numbers of Skylark on the move again. Difficult to estimate the numbers going over unless somebody is commited to doing some'vismig'.
Speaking of migrants a few more Goldcrest seen and heard around the Nature Trail.
Other birds included Kingfisher, Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler, the later two heard only on the Inner Reed Bed Walk. Jays flying through the reserve. Chiffchaff singing on the Nature Trail.
Call in at the in focus shop to report any sightings to to get the latest as to what is about on the reserve.
