Update from the Netherlands
The Bewick's are continuing to move across the Netherlands with close to 1,000 birds now at various sites around the country, according to Dutch ornithologist Wim Tijsen. As Wim says 'it is all starting to move!' Jacob Jorritsma managed to capture this fantastic shot of a flock arriving at Enkhuizen on the north coast where 84 were seen a few days ago.
The Netherlands is the most important country for the Bewick's in Northwest Europe, hosting up to 70% of the population in mid-winter.
Meanwhile, a few more swans have crossed the sea and trickled into Britain with two birds reaching Chew Lake in Somerset and seven swans spotted at Northwick Warth, Gloucestershire, in recent days (N. Milbourne, R. Mielcarek, Severnside Birds). Swan volunteer Steve Heaven popped down to Chew Lake at the weekend and recognised the pair by their bill patterns as Slimbridge visitors Willows and the Jonitor. We expect to see them at Slimbridge soon....
