Jay, new for the year.
Autumn wanderers come in all shapes and sizes. Today's Jay seen by the Ron Barker Hide will be a local bird, although Jay do arrive from the continent later in the autumn. Although the reserve has some well developed trees, Jay is an unusual bird on the reserve and a first for 2012, bringing our year list onto 161 species.
More duck arrivals with 6 Pintail on the Mere this morning. A group of 9 Pink-footed Geese were present with Greylag on Woodend Marsh.
Waders included 28 Ruff, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 100+ Common Snipe and Green Sandpiper.
Raptors included 10 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier, Peregrine eating a Stock Dove, 4 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
Great to see Starling and Black-headed Gulls hawking insects (ants?) over the reserve.
Kingfisher showing well from the Ron Barker Hide.
