Pinkfeet & Otters
A few new Pink-footed Geese in today but probably local birds plus Otters showing again and the Willow Tit continues to visit the Janet Kear feeding station. Otter photo by John Watson
A group of 7 Pink-footed Geese were seen in flight and on the water this afternoon, they were all adults or sub adults rather than the usual family group or groups that normally constitute the first arrivals back from Iceland so these are probably our resident 4 that have been joined by other local over summering birds.
A Common Sandpiper and 2 Golden Plover on the Mere were new birds as was the single Dunlin on Woodend Marsh but overall a bit disappointing considering the promising weather conditions today. At least 1 juvenile Little Ringed Plover was also on Woodend Marsh along with good numbers of Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit and 15 Ruff.
In the outer fields there are now up to 30 Yellow Wagtails with the Longhorn Cattle, also 3 Wheatears. A large flock of 200+ Goldfinch was on the edge of Woodend Marsh.
Two Marsh Harriers were around today and at least 2 Sparrowhawks, also Peregrine, Kestrel and Buzzard.
Two Otters were seen again in the ditch in front of Ron Barker Hide, lets hope they become a more regular sight.
