Winter Birding
Another chilly one. Nevertheless the local roads are fine and the Nature Trail paths free from ice.
A good count of 1370 Whooper Swan on the reserve this morning. Other counts included 340 Pintail, 490 Wigeon, 700 Teal, 27 Gadwall, 55 Pochard, 12 Tufted and 10 Shoveler. The Wigeon and Teal counts are low due to the cold snap which limits the feeding opportunities of these and many other species, notably Lapwing with just a handful of birds present.
The Woodcock showed well after being flushed by a Stoat at the Janet Kear Hide. Brambling also at the JK Hide.
A record count for this winter of Ruff with 146 on the Mere.
The usual raptors with 3 Peregrine, 3+ Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Barn Owls again early morning and afternoon.
Redwings along the Nature Trail. Nuthatch by the Beaver Enclosure and Grey Wagtail near the otters.
