Hen Harrier
Some news from recent days as well as todays sightings:
25th: A group of 4 Bewick's Swans were seen by staff before departing, these are the first sightings of Bewick's this winter, hopefully they will be seen again soon.
26th: Barn Owl and Tawny Owl were seen along with 1 Golden Plover, Marsh Harrier and Stonechat.
28th: A beautifull male Hen Harrier graced the reserve from late morning onwards, it was seen presumably going to roost with a Marsh Harrier near United Utilities hide this afternoon. Other raptors included 4 Common Buzzard, 2 adult Peregrine, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and a report of a male Merlin.
Good numbers of waders remain on site with c1000 Lapwing, 60 Ruff, a flock of c100 Black tailed Godwit flew over and a single Dunlin flew through the rerserve heading towards the coast.
Other sightings include the male Stonechat, a Fieldfare in the car park by the disabled parking area and a Goldcrest was seen near Ron Barker hide. As always this time of year excellent numbers of Whooper Swans are a daily sight along with big numbers of duck and Pink footed Geese.
