Big Fall
A top quality day with at least 73 species of bird recorded on the reserve.
At least 20+ White Wagtail on the reserve an exceptional count. Also Yellow Wagtail with the flock, possibly more than one. The birds are moving around from the back of the Mere, Plover Field and the fields right of the Ron Barker Hide. At least 6 Meadow Pipit with the wagtails from the Ron Barker Hide.
More new arrivals with the first Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler, the later having been recorded yesterday as well. These birds were seen near the United Utilities hide, also 2 Wheatear dropped into fields opposite here.
Inside the the grounds near the Mere Tun Village, 4+ Willow Warbler, male Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper and 2 Long-tailed Tit. More evidence of Willow Warblers along the Nature Trail, an obvious influx today.
Waders present included Common Sandpiper, 40+ Avocet, 10+ Ruff, 10+ Black-tailed Godwit, 15+ Redshank, ~ 20 Oystercatcher, 37 Curlew dropped in 4pm and ~200 Lapwing.
Raptors included 5+ Common Buzzard, male Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Barn and Tawny Owl also seen.
