Bittern Booming
Very mild and spring like today, so much so that a wintering Bittern was practicing it's territorial call, heard in the reed bed from the Harrier Hide. This bird is likely to return to mainland Europe to breed but if it's still calling in May/June it maybe a different story.
A single Bewick's Swan again on the Mere. Some counts produced 1200 Whooper Swan, 5100 Pink-footed Geese, 49 Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck and 5 Shoveler.
Waders included 1600 Lapwing, 96 Ruff, Oystercatcher and Black-tailed Godwit.
Goldcrest in Pines along the Nature Trail. At least 5 Stonechat around the fencing from Plover Field and beyond.
Raptors included 3+ Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk.
Two Barn Owl late afternoon.
