Birds & Butterflies
2 Brimstones in the collection area today were the first butterflies reports of this year. Also in the collection area, a single Woodcock was flushed.
Lots of bird raptor activity around the reserve, with Red Kite, at least 2 Marsh Harriers, several Common Buzzards, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Barn Owl all seen today.
Still good numbers of wildfowl and waders with the following counts received - Whooper Swan 264, Shelduck 250+, Mallard 360, Common Teal 1,000, Pintail 304,Wigeon 700+, Pochard 14, Tufted Duck 16, Oystercatcher 70, Ruff 148, Black-tailed Godwit 180, and at least 125 Avocets. (Thanks to Lee Bailey for these counts)
Also of interest were 4 Chiffchaffs from the Public Footpath around the back of the reedbed, where the Bittern was again "booming" and 2 Little Egrets.
