Hare Today
A chilly start off set by blue skies and sunshine throughtout the day. A dawn count of 894 Whooper Swan has been failry consistent this winter. We are approaching the stage were birds that have wintered at Welney (etc) will come back through as birds that have wintered here will also start to move North.
Relatively small numbers of Pink-footed Geese roosting with 2318 birds. Do check any geese coming in for rarer species which can get concentrated at this time of year.
No other wildfowl counts to report but plenty of birds to look through 13 species using the reserve.
Avocet numbers have increased to 14. The Oystercatchers are building up with 65 seen today. Other waders include 1000+ Lapwing, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 30+ Ruff and 10+ Snipe.
A Great White Egret flew in around midday. A few Little Egret are present around the reserve.
The local Brown Hare population is active with animals putting on a show from the United Utilities Hide. Thanks to Maureen Jones for the hare shots and to Jimmy Taylor for the Barn Owl.
Raptors included 3+ Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 2 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk. Barn Owls again late morning and late afternoon. Three roosting Tawny Owl.
A Willow Tit was seen between the Duckery and the Kingfisher Hide yesterday. A Kingfisher was showing inside the Grounds.
Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch and Greenfinch in song around the in focus shop.
It should be possible to see over 60 species in a full days birdwatching around the reserve. If you have seen anything interesting or have up to date counts or would like to know where the best spots are for specific species, do call in at the in focus shop (see map).
