Willow Tit
A Willow or Marsh Tit was seen near the Ron Barker hide this morning, almost certainly a Willow Tit on local distribution and recent records. Up to 3 Little Egrets were seen around the site today. Dawn counts this morning revealed a total of 1370 Whooper Swans and 3200 Pink-footed Geese on the Mere.
At least 33 Pochard on the mere along with Pintail, Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Shelduck and Mallard. Two Oystercatchers and 50+ Ruff were counted on the mere and 1000+ Lapwing were around the reserve evading the juv male Peregrine that was keeping them on their toes! At least 1 Marsh Harrier (imm) and sev Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and a report of a Merlin.
Up to 5 Stonechat can be seen out on the fenceposts at the moment, a Barn Owl was active this morning and afternoon, and the Tawny Owl was again roosting in the pine trees near the Kingfisher Hide.
