Sunday's Sightings +
Blue skies and a frosty start this morning. Plenty of action to be had with the reserved packed with wildfowl. At least 3000 Teal present, increasing numbers of Wigeon, Pintail and Shelduck. Smaller numbers of Shoveler, Gadwall, Pochard and Tufted Duck present. We can expect Goldeneye to turn up soon. A Goosander was present on Friday.
Over 800 Whooper Swan roosting on the reserve but smaller numbers about during the early part of the day. Over 10,000 Pink-footed Geese roosting too.
At least 30 Ruff present (featured image) and showing very well from the Discovery Hide or Raines Observatory. Also 600+ Lapwing, 100+ Black-tailed Godwit, 100+ Snipe.
It should be a good day for raptors with recent sightings of Merlin, Peregrine, 3+ Marsh Harrier, 3+ Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk.
Adult winter Med Gull with Black-headed Gulls on the Mere.
At least two Stonechat on the fence tops.
Less than a week before... (see link below)
The North West Birdwatching Festival 16th-17th November 2019