New Ruff
Though the morning started promisingly with low cloud and drizzle nothing really of note was reported despite a few observers being out on the reserve today. Wader passage was noted with an increase i [...]
Though the morning started promisingly with low cloud and drizzle nothing really of note was reported despite a few observers being out on the reserve today. Wader passage was noted with an increase in Ruff numbers with a count of 7 today, other waders of note included a single Dunlin, Ringed Plover and a juv Little ringed Plover and 44 Black tailed Godwit. At least 2 Green Sandpipers cobntinue to show around the reserve, with one roosting in front of Swanlink Hide today.
Our usual Marsh Harriers have been joined by a juvenile bird, it stands out from the other birds by it's immaculate new plumage, the other usual birds are looking rather scruffy now with missing feathers. The usual Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were also seen. A Kingfisher was seen briefly, best looked for from the Ron Barker hide.
Good numbers of Black headed Gulls are using the site at the moment along with many buffish/brown looking juveniles born this year, no Mediterranean Gulls today but a few Common Gulls. With juvenile gulls at this time of year it's easy to assume they are of local origin, but a few colour ringed juvenile Med Gulls seen locally at this time of year have proven to be from as far away as Czech Republic and Poland!
TD
