Spring ! ?
Mad Hares, singing Warblers, and Crows eating duck eggs for breakfast - maybe the long, wet Winter is drawing to a close!
Starting with non-bird news, at least 3 Hares were chasing each other around the fields this morning, and a Peacock butterfly was seen on the reserve this afternoon.
Cetti's Warblers and Chiffchaff both quite vocal this morning, and a Carrion Crow was eating a duck (Mallard?) egg on the edge of the Mere.
The Bean Goose was gain present on the edge of the Mere today, where 70+ Oystercatchers, 50 Black-tailed Godwits and about 20 Ruff were also present.
Marsh harrier, Merlin, Peregrine and Common Buzzard, as well as Barn and Tawny Owls are being seen regularly.
At least 3 adult summer plumaged Mediterranean Gulls, 2 great White Egrets, and 4 Little Egrets on and around the Mere.
Elsewhere around the reserve, 2 Ringed Plovers, 20+ Avocets, Great Crested Grebe and Willow Tit and a belated report (from yesterday) of a White-fronted Goose amongst the Pink-footed Geese.