Ross's Goose of unknown origin.
Bird watching, like many pastimes, has it's own cultural language. A good example of this is 'unknown origin'. Today a 1st winter Ross's Goose was found along the edge of the Mere from the Gladstone Hide.
This bird is undoubtedly the same individual that was well 'twitched' at Marshside earlier in the winter. It's un-ringed, fully winged but as a result of it hanging around with Mallard most observers would probably consider it to be an escaped bird. You can't be certain one way or the other so the catch all 'unknown origin' gets used!
Two Avocet now, many more to come. Other waders seen included 2000+ Lapwing, 60+ Ruff, 41 Oystercatcher, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Dunlin.
Today's raptors included Marsh Harrier, 5+ Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk.
Raven mid afternoon.
