Egret roost count
The increasing UK population of egrets is very welcome, a group of birds that are doing well. We've seen a rise in numbers of these beautiful birds and host firmly established winter roost site for them. The roost moves about the site so it can be tricky to catch up with them, they can begin leaving to feed before dawn. Last night a minimum of 42 Little and 15 Cattle Egrets roosted, we've also had three Great Egrets, these are very early risers and have typically gone before it's light.
Image taken from library.
Other sightings today included the following.
Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory
104 Bewick's Swans and single Whooper Swan.
Tack Piece
Ruff, Redshank, Curlew, Golden Plover and 1100 Wigeon.
Kingfisher Hide
500 Dunlin, Stonechat, 12 Snipe, 87 Lapwing, 38 Shelduck, Chiffchaff, 95 Golden Plover and Marsh Harrier.
Top New Piece from Zeiss Hide
315 Wigeon, 32 Avocet (probably movement between here and South Lake) 432 Teal, Cetti's Warbler.
South Lake
Spoonbill from Hogarth Hide, 93 Avocet, 62 Black Tailed Godwit, 82 Shoveler, male and female Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, 4 Oystercatcher, 24 Gadwall, 32 Pochard.
