A near verbatim report from our ex-warden who visited the reserve today with a fellow birder.
"I managed the magnificent seven by 4 p.m. and between us we worked out the following numbers; Hen Harrier (3 ringtails), 2 Marsh Harriers (adult female & juvenile), 1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Kestrels, 4 Merlins and 1 Peregrine. Barn owls showed well with one at Hundred End and one around the car park & platform.
10 Whooper Swans flew over & about 70 Linnnets were also seen. The raptors are the highlight though my observations included a Marsh & Hen Harrier fighting, 2 Hen Harriers hunting together, Hen & Marsh Harrier in the same field of view as a Merlin & finally a Merlin & a Sparrowhawk fighting. Raptortastic!
Some excellent work going on too - the new footpath & the hedge-laying."