Greenland White-fronts and other Geese.
The first Greenland White-fronted Geese of the year with 7 adult birds and a couple of immature birds, also at least one European White-front present with ~1000 Pink-footed Geese mid morning. [...]
The first Greenland White-fronted Geese of the year with 7 adult birds and a couple of immature birds, also at least one European White-front present with ~1000 Pink-footed Geese mid morning.
Greenland White-fronts are overall darker than European White-fronted Geese. The adults will have bolder dark patches on their bellies and slightly longer orange coloured bill as opposed to pink in European, although the latter features maybe somewhat variable.
Also with these flocks at least 10 Tundra Bean Geese. The Bean Geese have been flying together in a distinct flock so it was interesting that one observer noted 13 birds taking to the air. The best hides for viewing these is going to be either the Ron Barker Hide or United Utilities depending on the fickle nature of the wild goose flock, which of course spend time feeding around the reserve in local fields.
Hen Harrier hunting, 3 Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Buzzard, 2 Peregrine and Kestrel.
Bar-tailed Godwit still around the Mere, also 70+ Ruff.
Worth noting that yesterday's count of 220 Tufted Duck was a reserve record.
AB
