First Whooper swans arrive

Autumn feels fully underway, we had our first Whooper swans back this week! The first one being spotted on the Folly pond on Tuesday morning. This was then followed by another two individuals on Thursday afternoon. We’re not sure whether these are feral birds or migrating Icelandic birds but it’s still fantastic to see them back and we’re very much looking forward to seeing more of them on the Whooper pond again shortly!

We also still have our geese making their way over, it’s certainly worth keeping your eyes and ears open for them. Pink footed geese seem to be constantly flying over at the moment. As well as all that, a medley of ducks are making their way back; Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted and Pintail have all been spotted and are increasing in number. In addition, the Kingfisher has returned to the Back pond.

26th September
Folly pond

• Curlew
• Black tailed godwit
• Teal

Whooper pond

• Scaup
• Canada goose
• Moorhen
• Tree sparrow
• Sparrowhawk

Avenue tower

• Linnet

27th September
Folly pond

• 1 Whooper swan

29th September
Back pond

• Marsh harrier

Folly pond

• 3 Whooper swans

Saltcot observatory

• Great white egret

30th September
Saltcot observatory

• Male Hen harrier

1st October
Folly pond

• 2 Little egret
• Teal
• Snipe
• Black tailed godwit

Back pond

• 1 Little egret
• 1 Snipe
• Moorhens
• Mallards
• Wren

Flood plain from Peter Scott observatory tower

• Barnacle geese
• 2 Greylag geese
• Canada goose
• Snow goose

2nd October
Peter Scott trail

• 2 Redwing

Folly pond

• 2 Black tailed godwits
• 2 Little egrets

Avenue tower

• Buzzard
• Sparrowhawk
• Barnacle geese

Saltcot observatory

• 3 Peregrine falcon
• Merlin
• Common lizard

Feature photograph Whooper Swan by Faith Hillier

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