Bird News
An early heavy rain front moved through to produce some excellent viewing condition. A squally rain front with thunder and lighting came through early afternoon followed by sunshine.
Highest count of Common Snipe of the autumn with 140+, Ruff are up to 29, Black-tailed Godwit 45, Lapwing 300+, Dunlin, Greenshank and Green Sandpiper present. A massive flock of waders over the Ribble Estuary, like distant smoke, were most likely Knot.
Some counts of waterfowl included ~ 900 Teal (surely a Garganey hidden away somewhere) , 1500 Mallard, 520 Greylag, 140 Canada Geese, 5 Gadwall, 14 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon and Pintail.
Raptors included 4+ Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 6 Common Buzzard and 2 Kestrel. A Raven was seen from the Ron Barker Hide.
No shortage of hirundine with 250+ Swallow, 200+ House Martin and a few Sand Martin. Four Common Swift in front of the thunder.
Further birds, probable on passage included Yellow Wagtail (ad+2 juv) and Grey Wagtail (ad+juv).
At least 12 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Coal Tit, 3 Great Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 2 Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Treecreeper in a mixed flock along the Nature Trail. A Kingfisher flew across the Mere early morning.
Around 400 Black-headed Gull early this morning and a flock of around 500 Starling.
