End of week 1 (Bird Race update 3)
It is Sunday and therefore the end to the first week of an exciting bird race.
So far Team Warden is on 66 species. Their highlights include: spoonbill, hen harrier, merlin, goldcrest, sparrowhawk, tree sparrow, snipe and bullfinch.
Two goldcrests in a hedge with their tails fanned out looking at each other by Marianne Nicholson
Just behind them is Team Dave on 62. Some of his best bits of the New Year are seeing a peregrine chasing a lapwing, the two raven he saw flying over and hearing the water rail.
Peregrine falcon across the sky by Alex Hillier
Team Placement are holding the third position at the moment on 46. Their favourite sightings are the little grebe on the Back Pond, ruff on the Folly Pond, the kestrels seen at Powhillon when clearing some fence and the two barn owls near the Visitor Centre.
Little grebe with fish in its mouth by Alex Hillier
But it is still all to play for in the three remaining weeks. Who will triumph?
Words by Marianne Nicholson
Feature image of ruff by Alex Hillier
