Swan numbers increase sharply!
This week we have witnessed a definite swanfall at Welney. From less than 100 birds at the start of the week, we now have 2,000 winter visitors, most of which are roosting on the main lagoon!
In amongst the whooper swans there were nine Bewick's swans this morning; the single cygnet family from Thursday and six further adult birds.
The best time of day to see these numbers is first thing in the morning, we have two Swan's awake events next weekend (Sat 29 & Sun 30 October) which should provide great photo opportunities as well as an amazing start to the day with the sight and sound of so many birds waking up and taking to the skies.
Plenty of swans and ducks will stay on the main lagoon throughout the day, feeding up after their long migrations. There will be the opportunity for them to get some extra food at 3.30pm when we do our first swan feed of the season - exciting!!
In amongst the sea of swans there are several ringed individuals, we will bring you the stories of some of these birds in the coming weeks. It is great to be catching up with some familiar faces and seeing plenty of family groups arriving back for winter.
Sightings so far today:
Barn owl - 1
Peregrine - 1
Marsh harrier - 2
Buzzard - 1
Kestrel - 2
Redwing
Whooper swan - 2,000
Bewick's swan - 9
Wigeon
Teal
Shoveler
Gadwall
Mallard
Pochard
Pintail
Curlew - 3
Lapwing
Black-tailed godwit
Ruff
Snipe
Tree sparrow
