Green-winged Teal found
It was only a matter of time before a Green-winged Teal was picked out of the increasing numbers of Eurasian Teal. The confusingly named Green-winged Teal is a North American species and is probably the commonest duck to visit British waters from the states. It does have a green speculum but so does Eurasian Teal.
The bird, a drake was seen with Teal from the Ron Barker Hide this afternoon. There is some disturbance across the reserve as the environment agency is clearing drainage ditches so birds are moving around the reserve.
A good raptor day once the rain had subsided. Two Peregrine hunting, 3 maybe 4 Marsh Harrier, 4+ Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
The Peregrines were certainly moving the c2000 Lapwing around the reserve, 50+ Ruff, 30+ Snipe and some Black-tailed Godwit.
Kingfisher in front of the Ron Barker Hide and from the Gladstone Hide.
As usual it should be possible to see at least 50 species of bird in a day without too much effort, although a telescope is very useful from most of the hides.
If you are visiting the reserve, pop in to the in focus shop (next to the Discovery Hide) where we have a full list of birds, and should be able to point you in the right direction to get the most out of your visit.
