Hen Harrier
The cool and brisk westerly wind in the last couple of days has definitely reminded us that spring has only just got underway.
The wildfowl numbers have dropped back considerably with perhaps under 200 Whooper Swan present this morning. Wigeon, Teal and Pintail have greatly reduced too.
Still present, as potentially breeding birds, a few Shoveler. We can expect a few more these to arrive during the next month. Not impossible that the first Garganey will arrive fairly soon too.
The adult male Hen Harrier put in an appearance again this morning. There is an awful lot of luck involved catching this bird. Few other raptor reports other than 4 Common Buzzard.
The Siberian Chiffchaff still present early afternoon.
Waders included 6 Dunlin, 50+ Ruff (including breeding plumage male), 20+ Black-tailed Godwit, 40+ Oystercatcher, 80+ Avocet, 2 Ringed Plover, Curlew and 160+ Lapwing.
Adult Mediterranean Gull on the Mere late afternoon.
