Locked in ice, but Hen Harrier seen today

With another cold night of temperatures down to at least -8oC, the reserve remains locked in ice except for small areas of open water on the South Lake and Rushy. An unexpected treat today was a female Hen Harrier flying across the Dumbles

With another cold night of temperatures down to at least -8oC, the reserve remains locked in ice except for small areas of open water on the South Lake and Rushy. An unexpected treat was a female Hen Harrier flying across the Dumbles.

Peng Observatory
Why not escape the cold and head to the heated Peng Observatory for great views of wildfowl on the Rushy in the open water areas outside the Scott House. At least 80 Bewick's Swans have been identified today, with a few new arrivals overnight and through this morning.

South Lake
The only other area of open water was again packed with wildfowl, at least 1500 birds here including Teal, Pintail, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Pochard, along with a Bar-headed Goose amongst the Greylag Geese. Three White-fronted Geese also dropped in mid morning.

Van de Bovenkamp Hide
At least 72 White-fronted Geese were counted this morning in the Tin Shed field - look inland from the hide over the reedbed to view.

Estuary Tower
The female (ringtail) Hen Harrier flew through around midday. A flock of 11 Cranes were also on the Dumbles, and a small flock of White-fronted Geese were on the estuary as the tide rose.

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