Willow Tit?
The relatively windless winter condition over the past two days have made for some excellent birding around the reserve.
Another good raptor day with six species recorded; Merlin, Peregrine, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3+ Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Three Barn Owl out and about late afternoon and a couple still in the mornings to ~10am. Tawny Owls again regularly on view. (Picture by Kevin Livesey)
The Mere has been packed with wildfowl with 10+ species present including a male Goldeneye and 83 Pochard, the later our highest count of the winter. Great to see 600+ Pink-footed Geese dropping in on Plover Field the other day. Well worth a scan for rarer geese.
Similiar wader numbers as of late but an extend cold snap can drop back Lapwing numbers.
An intersting report of possible Willow Tit calling near the Janet Kear Hide. We have had almost annual records of this declining species and it's also a good time for one to turn up. The feeders are always worth a look at this time of year and cold weather can move new birds onto the reserve including Brambling, Siskin and Redpoll joining the regular Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting and common finches.
Out on the Reed Bed Walk, Cetti's Warblers are calling and a Water Rail was seen running across the path.
At least 5 Roe Deer regularly showing around the reserve. (picture by Phil Cunliffe)
It should be possible to see over 60 species in a day's birding around the reserve. If you'd like to know the best spots, are interested in seeing particular species or would like to report a sighting, please call in at the in focus shop next to the Discovery Hide.
