Red-breasted Merganser
A female Red-breasted Merganser was reported late morning along Boat House Sluice. If you have a photograph of this bird we would love to see it. If confirmed it would be only the third record for the reserve. The more common and very similar (female) Goosander is recorded annually and is far more likely to be inland.
A quality day all round, calm and mostly sunny. Barn Owl(s) showed well this morning and in the afternoon. Three Peregrine, one caught a Teal, 2+ Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
A 1000+ Whooper Swan roosting on the reserve with plenty at the 10:30 feed in front of the Swan Link Hide. Around 1000 Pink-footed Geese came in mid afternoon.
Waders included the first Oystercatcher of the year, 600+ Lapwing and 50+ Ruff.
A female Brambling was seen from the Janet Kear Hide.
