Latest Highlights
Compilation of sighting from the past few days.
A minimum of 20000 Pink-footed Geese currently roosting. As we go into November the numbers will drop back as birds move on to Norfolk. A White-fronted Goose was present with the flock on friday.
No obvious Whopper Swan influx since c.400 arrived last week. Whooper Swan numbers tend to peak here in December/January.
Thousands of wildfowl present: Teal, Mallard, Wigeon, Pintail, Shelduck in the majority with smaller numbers of Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted and recently Goldeneye.
Six species of raptor with Merlin, Peregrine, 3 Marsh Harrier, 4+ Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk.
A nice Starling murmuration is occuring viewed from the Harrier Hide with around 10,000 birds present.
Usual waders with 600+ Lapwing, 30+ Ruff, 100+ Snipe and a few Black-tailed Godwit.
The Black-headed Gull roost is building with 1000+ birds. Small numbers of Common Gull drop in during the day, Lesser Black-backed Gulls are present and at least one Great Black-backed Gull is hunting/scavanging on site.
Other species recorded included a fly-over Great White Egret, 2 Kingfisher, 2 Stonechat, Song and Mistle Thrush, Redwing and Fieldfare.
Expect Tree Sparrow along the Nature Trail, check the tit flock for Goldcrest, Stock Dove are present out on the reserve fields. The Reed Bed Walk has Cetti's Warbler calling and near by the Sewage Works still has Chiffchaff present. Grey Wagtails are present and can show well in the Waterfowl Gardens. Keep an eye out for Brambling at the Janet Kear Hide.
During the week a Roe Deer swam across the water in front of the Harrier Hide. Brown Hare, Stoat and Weasal have all been seen.
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.
