Bewick's Swan again
Two days in a row for the Bewick's Swan feeding on Top Mere viewed from the Hale Hide on a fairly wild and blustery day. The wind drops tomorrow so it should be a better days viewing all round if slightly more showery. A good selection of hides provide some shelter between the showers.
No specific wildfowl counts but minimums of 2,500 Teal, 1000 Wigeon, 2000 Mallard, 800 Shelduck, 400 Pintail, 50 Pochard, 50 Gadwall, 20 Shoveler, 20 Tufted Duck. Over 1000 Whooper Swan and 3000+ Pink-footed Geese roosting on the reserve.
Raptors included 2 Peregrine, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Barn Owl again.
The usual waders with 3000+ Lapwing, 50+ Ruff, 15 Oystercatcher and 4 Black-tailed Godwit.
Along the Nature Trail Tree Sparrows, a site specialty. A few Skylark and Meadow Pipit.
