15,000+ Pink-footed Geese
Another pleasant day and substantial numbers of Pink-footed Geese now arriving on the reserve. No official counts but yesterdays roost will have topped 15000 birds, impressive. On this day last year we recorded a record breaking 45000!
The Starling roost which is taking place in the Reed Bed looks to be around 6000 birds. The will be a good chance to see and hear these birds coming in on the path up to the Harrier Hide on the late opening days (see below).
Other reports included 1000+ Lapwing, 30+ Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit and many Common Snipe. Although not reported to anyone on site one visitor wrote that they had seen a Jack Snipe. It's early-ish for Jack Snipe and we aren't actually sure were they had it (?) on the reserve but always worth mentioning any sightings to us at the in focus shop so we can direct visitors.
Teal numbers have increased to 700, 20+ Wigeon, 600+ Greylag and 400+ Canada Geese.
At least 2 Marsh Harrier, 5+ Common Buzzard, 3 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel.
Kingfishers seen from the Ron Barker Hide and on the newly dug pool next to the United Utilities Hide. Goldcrests, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps along the Nature Trail and inside the Wildfowl Gardens. Keep an eye (and ear) out for Yellow-browed Warbler as a major influx has occurred in the Northern Isles and on the east coast.
See previous days map for site details.
