Barn Owl
A misty start to the day followed by the sun breaking through with a chilly SE wind blowing. Good numbers (1000+) of Whooper Swan on the reserve throughout the day, with many feeding on the waste potatoes on Top Mere.
No recent counts to mention but Wigeon numbers are 1500+, over 2000 Teal, 300+ Pintail, 600+ Shelduck as well as smaller numbers of Tufted Duck, Pochard, Gadwall and a couple of Goldeneye.
A Barn Owl was hunting late on, a poor year for this species. Raptors included 2 Peregrine, 2 Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Marsh Harrier.
At least 600 Lapwing and 50+ Ruff present. The Ruff show very well directly in front of the Swan Link and Raines Hides.
Redwing and Fieldfare on the Nature Trail as well as Goldcrests and Long-tailed Tits. Tree Sparrows and Reed Buntings around the feeding stations.
Nearby at Marshside the drake Baikal Teal is still present.
