Cattle Egret again
Overcast and chilly but excellent visibilty. Bird of the day was Cattle Egret which was seen just off the reserve arounf midday before being seen on the Mere in the afternoon. As noted before on here there has been a considerable influx of Cattle Egret into the Norh West this year.
A good raptor day with two Peregrine (ad+juv) with the adult catching and killing a Wigeon at the back of the Mere mid morning. It was soon disturbed by a Great Black-backed Gull which was driven off unusually by a Buzzard.
At least 2 Marsh Harrier, 4+ Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
Big numbers of Teal, Wigeon and Mallard. Pintail and Shelduck numbers are building up. Smaller numbers of Shoveler, Gadwall, Pochard and Tufted Duck present. At least 600 Whooper Swan roosting and 20,000+ Pink-footed Geese.
Kingfisher from the Kingfisher Hide!
