Bean Geese arrive!
Another ace day at Martin Mere with thousands of Pink-footed Geese swirling around and coming out and back in on the reserve. No counts this morning but at least 20000 birds present early on. Star find of the day goes to regular observer Gordon Taylor with a pair of Bean Geese with Pink's to the right of Sunley's Marsh.
Not the easiest birds to pick out of thousands of Pink-footed Geese, although once the orange legs and orange in the bulkier bill are clinched they are readily identifiable. Choosing which race they are can be more difficult but from the views had so far we think they are Tundra Beans.
Possibly 2 new Whooper Swan in on the Mere this morning.
More raptor action with 4 Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 6+ Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
The usual waders with 600+ Lapwing, 30+ Ruff and 20+ Common Snipe. Overdue a Pectoral Sandpiper..
Kingfisher from the Ron Barker Hide.
Mixed tit flock with Long-tailed, Coal, Blue and Great Tits also containing Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Chiffchaffs.
Some confusion over yesterday's juvenile White-fronted Goose which is now considered to be of the Greenland variety. No further sign of the Glossy Ibis.
