Wheatear & Martins
The highlights today included a male Wheatear on the boundary of the reserve and 4 Sand Martins which flew north at c18.30. Otherwise waders dominated with some more good counts, 87 Curlew were again [...]
The highlights today included a male Wheatear on the boundary of the reserve and 4 Sand Martins which flew north at c18.30. Otherwise waders dominated with some more good counts, 87 Curlew were again present in the afternoon slightly down on the record count of 90 in previous days, also 70 Avocet, at least 44 Black tailed Godwit and 68 Oystercatcher along with good numbers of Redshank, Ruff, Lapwing, 3 Snipe and several Ringed Plover.
A single adult Peregrine appeared in the afternoon and caused panic over the mere as did a Sparrowhawk shortly after, also Kestrel, several Common Buzzard and at least 2 Marsh Harrier were also seen. Winter visitors are still present with 12 Whooper Swan on and around the mere still, several Pink footed Geese, at least 1 pair of Pintail also on the mere and upto 40 Wigeon. Both Chiffchaff and Blackcaps are singing on site daily.
TD
