Weekend Bird News
Warm to hot over the weekend, the arrival of a Green Sandpiper on Saturday (still present Sunday) was the first of the year on the reserve. Birds like this form part of a post breeding / failed breeding dispersal which see a build up of waders over the next few month before the passage of birds really comes on stream.
Also new in a single Dunlin on sunday. Wader counts included 120+ Lapwing, 41 Black-tailed Godwit, 20+ Avocet, 6+ Redshank, 10+ Oystercatcher and 2 Little Ringed Plover.
Great White Egret reported late afternoon from the Harrier Hide.
Two adult Med Gull seen on Sunday, Little Gull still present on Saturday at least.
Raptors included 4 Common Buzzard, 2+ Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawk. Two Marsh Harrier (ad male and female) reported on Saturday but not seen since. Barn Owl (2) hunting from the Ron Barker Hide Sunday morning.
Cuckoo(s) seen from the Ron Barker Hide and along the Reedbed Walk. Plenty of Reed and Sedge Warbler activity as well as Whitethroat in that area.
At least 2 Common Tern present.
At least 25 Long-tailed Tit in a single flock on the Nature Trail.
If you see anything on the reserve or would like to know the best spots call in at the in focus shop, next to the Discovery Hide.
Check previous days for a fuller picture of whats about.
