Some counts
A misty start to the day slowly clearing in light winds.
At least 1400+ Whooper Swan roosting on the reserve. At least 2000 Pink-footed Geese came in just after midday and around 4000 roosting. Other wildfowl counts included; 570 Greylag, 10 Canada Geese, 2340 Mallard, 890 Shelduck, 4500 Teal, 780 Wigeon, 470 Pintail, 53 Gadwall, 12 Shoveler, 23 Pochard, 36 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye and 198 Coot.
On the wader front 700+ Lapwing, 83 Ruff, 25+ Snipe, 20+ Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin.
Up to 7 Marsh Harrier present, 8 Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. A Merlin was chasing a Snipe late afternoon. A Red Kite also appeared late on. A Barn Owl was out during the morning.
At least 520 Black-headed Gull, 60+ Herring Gull, 4 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2 Great Black-backed Gull on the reserve today. A possible Yellow-legged Gull or hybrid has been present recently.
At least 5000 Starling still murmurating from 3.45pm onward.
Other sightings have included; Great White Egret over the Mere late afternoon. Water Rail on the Reed Bed Walk also there Cetti's Warbler (2) calling. Kingfisher from the Hale Hide, 2 Little Egret, 4 Stonechat, Treecreeper, 3+ Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush and 13 Reed Bunting.
Currently it should be possible to see over 70 species in a full days birding in the area.
Call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide to find out more sightings around the reserve and to report any thing you may have seen. The sighting page relies on your information.
