Highest Marsh Harrier count for the site
On Sunday 19th January as part of the national Harrier survey (monthly winter harrier roost survey). The reserve team counted a new site record for Marsh Harriers with 45 going into roost across the site!! The first individuals started arriving at 3:30pm and they came in groups across the reserve and could be seen from the Ron Barker hide and on the reedbed banking. The last bird went into roost at 4:50pm.
The Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) had a dramatic history in the UK, with the species becoming extinct there in 1899 due to habitat loss, persecution, and environmental changes. However, it began to recolonize the UK starting in 1927, likely from nearby populations in Europe. After the initial stages of recolonization, the population grew and reached its peak of 15 nesting pairs in 1958.
Despite this growth, Marsh Harrier numbers declined once again, largely due to further habitat degradation and hunting. By 1971, the population had plummeted to just one nesting pair in the UK. Since then, the species has gradually rebounded, benefitting from improved conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and legal protection.
Today, the UK Marsh Harrier population is more stable, with increased nesting success and a wider distribution across wetlands and marshes. The recovery of the species in the UK is considered a notable success story in bird conservation.
We also saw 11 cattle egrets and 5 Great white egrets coming into roost. We also had lovely views of Barn Owl at Ron Barker, Kingfisher and a flock of 80 Linnets.
Still large numbers of Swans, geese and ducks on the reserve and coming to the swan feeds. With 745 Whooper swans, 5000 pink-footed geese, 700 pintail, 500 shelduck, 240 wigeon and 1000 teal. Wader numbers are increasing after the freeze with 50 black-tailed godwits, 42 Ruff and 1000+ lapwing feeding on the fields and coming to the swan feeds.
Roe deer often spotted from Ron Barker hide
Photo Marsh Harrier going into reedbed
