Little Gulls again
A breezy chilly start to the day followed by blue skies and sunshine. Some Orange-tip butterfly took to the wing today, summer is round the corner!
An adult breeding plumage Little Gull and a second calendar bird were present from the Ron Barker Hide this morning. Oystercatchers still have three chicks on the close island on Sunley's Marsh.
At least 9 Whimbrel moving through the reserve today. Passage Whimbrel numbers tend to decline from this point onward although perhaps the recent sustained Northerlies have held numbers back?
Other waders included 40+ Avocet, 10+ Redshank, 3 tundra Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 18 Black-tailed Godwit and 6 Ruff.
Many more Swift heading north today. Little Egret from the Harrier Hide and Great-crested and Little Grebes there.
Raptors were limited to 4+ Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Perhaps the warm continental air forecast will bring in the first Hobbies of the year?
Raven on and off today, Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer singing around the edge of the reserve. Pied Wagtail, White Wagtail and Wheatears all present.
