Snow covered but good birding.
A light snow covering but the roads to the reserve and paths along the Nature Trail are fine.
A good selection of sightings today. The drake Green-winged Teal present in front of the Harrier Hide. At least 700 Whooper Swan throughout the day with more present early and late. Small groups of Pink-footed Geese 1000+ early afternoon. Worth noting that a blue morph Snow Goose has been reported on the Fylde with Pink-footed Geese.
Some interesting cold weather movements with ~425 Skylark over the reserve mid morning. Also a flock of ~100 Redwing. A few Redwing and a single Fieldfare can be found around the Car Park. Also Song Thrush and good numbers of Blackbirds present along the Nature Trail.
A 2nd winter Med Gull was found this morning with Black-headed Gulls. Other gull species (ones and twos) included Common, Lesser Black-backed, Herring (normally flying over) and Great Black-backed Gulls the later sometimes hunting ducks.
Woodcock again from the Janet Kear Hide, a second bird narrowly missed being Peregrine food as it flew in the open over Owl Marsh before diving for cover. Brambling, 3 Great-spotted Woodpecker and good numbers of Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Reed Bunting also at the JK Hide.
At least 3 Goldcrest along the Nature Trail. Also Water Rail along the ditch before the Raines Hide briefly. Seventy two Ruff mostly around the Mere.
Raptors included 3 Peregrine, 3 Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. At least one Barn Owl out hunting early afternoon.
