Waders dropping in.
A good start to the day with a cracking adult male Hen Harrier which flew onto the reserve at 9.30am and off again around 10am. Although the reserve opens at 9.30, the Reed Bed Walk can be accessed at anytime and the viewing platforms give excellent views over the reserve towards the Harrier Hide.
A bit of light rain paid dividends with a few waders dropping in during the day with 8 Golden Plover joining Lapwing in the morning and 8 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin in one flock around midday. There are at least two pair of Ringed Plover also on site. Avocet numbers reached 52, 60+ Oystercatcher, 60+ Ruff, 2 Common Snipe, 8 Black-tailed Godwit and a single Redshank.
At least 600 Whooper Swan and 1000+ Pink-footed Geese, the later mostly off the reserve and coming into roost.
Further raptor sightings included 4+ Common Buzzard, 2 Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Two Raven from the United Utilities Hide.
Tawny Owl seen in the owl box near the Kingfisher Hide. Two Brambling, Siskin and Treecreeper among other birds around the Janet Kear Hide. Red-legged Partridge also seen today.
Corn Bunting singing by the perimeter fence left of the Harrier Hide mid afternoon.
