It would be fair to say that, after the excitements of Sunday, today was a ‘steadier’ day at Old Moor. There were fewer surprises but the sun shone and there was, as always, plenty to enjoy.

Here’s the summary…

Around 09.15 two hundred or so pink-footed geese made their way across the reserve. Later in the morning, about the same number of Canada geese filled the sky above the Mere.

On the Reedbed Trail, three Cetti’s warblers sang and bearded tit were found in at least three locations simultaneously along the path.

A kestrel seen by many visitors today

In the Tree Sparrow Farm (and indeed from the Car Park) eight redwing picked their way through the berries. Later on, these birds could be found on Green Lane along with a large party of long-tailed tit.

Green sandpiper could still be found on the Field Pool along with five or so snipe. The latter took some finding as they were not feeding but sleeping away the day in cover.

Sparrowhawk above the Mere this afternoon

On Wath Ings, eighty-odd golden plover rested (mostly) unmolested. There was one half-hearted sortie from a sparrowhawk around mid-day but otherwise things were remarkably calm.

Golden plover over the main marsh

New here today was a solitary shelduck along with a very determined trio of pied wagtails. In the absence of competition, the wagtails bobbed and picked their way around the sleeping plover. So confident were they that one even took exception to a teal! The poor duck had clearly strayed too close to something the wagtail held dear, and was chased half-way across the marsh for its trouble!

And on that note - until next time.