Harriers and more Barnacle geese

Our latest wetland bird survey showed we have 1,037 Barnacle geese in the area which were very active with a high number of those counted in the corner field which is next to the Folly. More species of duck seem to be cropping up to like Pintail and more Shoveler. Good numbers remain of Gadwall, Teal and Wigeon. We’re still waiting for the Whooper swans to properly return although we have had around 20 passing through.
It’s also worth keeping your eye out for birds of prey which seem to be busy at the moment with Merlin, Hen harrier, Marsh harrier, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel all being seen at some point this last week.

3rd October
Saltcot observatory

• 2 Merlin
• Kestrel
• 2 Great white egret

Folly pond

• Lapwing
• Curlew
• 7 Whooper swans

4th October
Avenue tower

• Hen harrier (female)

Teal hide

• Merlin

5th October
Saltcot observatory

• Short eared owl

Folly pond

• Teal
• Wigeon
• Lapwing
• Black tailed godwit
• Greenshank
• Curlew
• Hen harrier (female)

6th October
Folly pond

• Otter

7th October
Peter Scott Trail

• Greater spotted woodpecker
• Goldcrest
• Peter Scott observatory
• 3 Golden plover

Folly pond

• Whimbrel

8th October
Saltcot observatory

• Great white egret
• Marsh harrier (female)

Back pond hide

• Kingfisher

9th October
1037 Barnacle geese (all over reserve)

10th October
Folly pond

• Teal
• Wigeon
• Northern shoveler
• Black tailed godwit
• Lapwing
• Barnacle geese
• Cormorant

Saltcot observatory

• Stonechat
• Chiffchaff
• 2 Swallows
• 2 Marsh harrier
• 1 Hen harrier (female)
• 2 Great white egret

Feature photograph Hen harrier by Andreas Trepte