Three swans species
Rushy Pen
Two Whooper Swan flew in late afternoon to join the Bewick's Swan flock (38 at roost this morning) and two Mute Swans. The latter pair are being slightly aggressive toward the newcomers. It is a great opportunity to compare and learn the different features of the 'winter' swans.
Also on the lake were 104 Shelduck, 45 Pintail and 60 Pochard as well as hundreds of Mallard and Tufted Duck.
Where are the White-fronts?
The White-fronted Geese have joined a daytime feeding flock of Bewick' Swan and Greylag in the field N of the Tack Piece, they are often hidden behind the hedge. At least some of the flock headed out the estuary this afternoon for a while but returned.
Holden Tower
Ever changing numbers of Golden Plover, Lapwing and Dunlin were accompanied by a large flock (507) of Canada Geese and the highest count of Barnacle Geese so far this late autumn/winter (239).
Zeiss Hide
Great views over the Top and Bottom New Piece where 2000+ Wigeon, 1000+ Teal, 1500+ Lapwing, 410 Dunlin, 200 Golden Plover, 8+ Ruff, 40 Black-tailed Godwit and 74 Pintail could be seen. Flocks of Starling were also feeding around the puddles with the other species. A pair of Stonechat were feeding from the reeds and fences and a Merlin put in an appearance.
Kingfisher Hide
A Barn Owl was out hunting in daylight this morning.
South Lake
70 Shoveler, 159 Black-tailed Godwit, 217 Lapwing, 9 Cormorant, Grey Heron, 2 Pochard and a Little Grebe were the pick of the birds here today.
