Avocets still rising
Sixty two Avocet on the reserve today. A couple of Dunlin dropped in early doors, 70+ Ruff mostly males, now engaging in a spot of jousting along the bank edges of the Mere. Other waders included 60+ Oystercatcher, 2+ Ringed Plover, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank and ~200 Lapwing.
Brambling still from the Janet Kear Hide, also 2 Great-spotted Woodpecker there.
The water on the Mere are now being reduced to the summer levels as the number of ducks, geese and swans continues to drop away.
Always an exciting time to see a bit of exposed mud and day dream of a major rare wader dropping in in the next few months. On a serious note the reduction in water means better habitat and feeding opportunities for the reserves breeding birds.
