Whooper Swan Count
Early morning count of Whooper Swan produced ~1000 birds the biggest count of the autumn so far. The birds are roosting on site with the majority feeding in the surrounding area. Three Bewick's Swan have just arrived on the Ribble Estuary so might visit the reserve too.
Reasonable numbers of Pink-footed Geese roosting on the reserve with smaller numbers coming in and out during the day. Locally a Tundra Bean Goose was seen with the flocks so keep an eye out for that.
Around 3000 Teal on the reserve, 600 Wigeon, 500 Shelduck, 200 Pintail, 1000+ Mallard, 80+ Shoveler, 50+ Gadwall, 30+ Tufted Duck, 10 Pochard, 3 Goldeneye and yesterday drake Scaup.
Six species of raptor over the past two days with 6 Buzzard, 4+ Marsh Harrier, Peregrine (juv), Merlin (fem), 3 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk.
Waders; 700+ Lapwing, 80+ Snipe, 60 Ruff, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Golden Plover, Dunlin and Redshank.
The monster Starling roost continues with over 50000 birds coming in around 4pm in front of the Harrier Hide.
Winter passerines include the presence of Redwing, Fieldfare, Goldcrest, Coal Tit and again Brambling, the later from the Kingfisher Hide.
Also present 40+ Tree Sparrow, 60+ Stock Dove, Barn Owl, Little Egret, Water Rail and Kingfisher.
Cetti's Warblers on the Reed Bed Walk. Chiffchaff around the Sewage Works. At least 20 Corn Bunting on Curlew Lane.
If you would like to know whats about and where on the reserve or have any sightings to report, please call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide, thanks.
