Another Marsh Harrier

One rather plain looking 'cream crown' Marsh Harrier has been around for a few weeks has briefly been in the company of others that were passing through. A couple of other individuals have been seen but appear to be moving through or staying just for a day. A male has been in the area over the weekend, it may have first arrived on 2 April, a brief view of what was likely to be this bird was had. Today there may even be a third bird here, photographs certainly help to track individuals so we can get a better handle on how many use the site. As ever Marsh Harriers are very mobile and hunt every part of the reserve, fields, foreshore and can cross the river to hunt elsewhere. Zeiss Hide is a good vantage point, viewing from here is the best way to catch up with them.

A large (possibly a hybrid escaped) falcon is also in the area and has been very disruptive to the waders and wildfowl.

Rushy Hide

A very busy Black-headed Gull colony that hasn't quite got going, they are still waiting for warmer weather and the vegetation to grow. Three Avocet were present this morning.

Tack Piece

18 Teal, 50 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 8 Tufted Duck and 11 Redshank were the pick of the birds on the scrape.

Holden Tower

Now closed for demolition, new estuary tower should be ready for late autumn.

Dumbles

Small numbers of Greylag Geese, the godwit flock keeps visiting to feed. A party of 22 Golden Plover were among the Lapwing, c.40 Curlew also fed on the floods and wet grass. 34 Wigeon, 24 Shoveler and 57 Avocet were on the scrape.

Duck Decoy

Little Grebe on the pond, good news, we hoped that this species would colonize following the restoration of the pond. Around 30 Tufted Duck and 40 Shelduck also present.

South Lake

Up to 5 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe (two pairs), 60 pairs of Black-headed Gull in the colony, varying numbers of Black-tailed Godwit as they come and go but 5 Red Knot were with them today. 10 Gadwall and 37 Shoveler were also present with a few Teal. Two pairs of Oystercatcher are on territory.

Zeiss Hide/Top New Piece

Male and female Marsh Harrier seen here on and off, 8+ Avocet, 400+ Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Red Knot, 5 Ruff, 20 Lapwing, 3 Snipe and 10 Wigeon.

Kingfisher Hide

75 Golden Plover, 62 Teal, 8 Shoveler and 6 Gadwall. Cetti's Warbler and Reed Bunting singing.

South Finger Viewing Screen

A Willow Warbler was singing in the hedge, both Chiffchaff and Blackcap males were displaying to females.

Visible Migration

Some Lesser Black-backed, a pair of Great Black-backed and a few Herring Gulls were all noted heading North, Tens of Sand Martins and Swallow and a few House Martin went through N all day, tens of Meadow Pipits were also on the move. Our first Yellow Wagtail went N this afternoon. What was a probably a 'Greenland' Wheatear (male) and a Green Sandpiper added to the migrant list today.

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