Bewick's Swan again
Two Bewick's Swan appeared again late afternoon on the mere among 270 Whooper Swan, for the second day running, late afternoon (4-5pm) tomorrow stands a good chance of seeing them. Still c300 Pink-footed Goose around today as well.
Still a bit of a wader fest on the mere at the moment with the following counts: 100 Ruff, 4 Dunlin, 78 Avocet, 31 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Snipe, 25 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Redshank, Lapwing, 8 Ringed Plover and 3 Golden Plover were seen in the morning.
A male Merlin was the star raptor of the day from Ron Barker hide, otherwise the juvenile Peregrine was still around and the usual several Common Buzzard and a couple of sightings of Sparrowhawk. A single Raven was seen to lose some food to a Buzzard, which it then pursued in flight in an attempt to steal it back, before giving up.
The male Brambling is still on the feeders from Janet Kear hide and is looking stunning, having nearly assumed the black head of breeding plumage. Also a pair of Great spotted Woodpecker also on show from the hide today, a Chiffchaff was also in the area.
