Whooper influx
The first proper frost of this winter period, overcast for most of the day with light winds. This morning's dawn count produced 1360 Whooper Swan. Quite surprised at the total even though it has been obvious that new birds have been arriving over the weekend. In contrast the Pink-footed Geese count was only 10400 which is less surprising as birds move across to North Norfolk for the winter.
Wigeon and Teal numbers on the increase but no specific counts. Always worth spending sometime looking through these for Green-winged Teal and American Wigeon or perhaps something rarer!
At least 100 Black-tailed Godwit flew in this morning joining 600+ Lapwing, 50+ Ruff and 50+ Snipe.
Raptors included 5+ Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 2 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk.
Goldcrests and Grey Wagtail can be encounted within the Waterfowl Gardens.
A further Waxwing influx into the North West today. In good Waxwing years we occasionally sitings on the reserve.
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.
