A belated posting from Gary's usual Tuesday rounds....
At last the forecast was for a dry day (they obviously don't know about the Tuesday rain curse). Jon W. informed me that two Bewick swans were on the South Brooks, but I arrived five minutes too late; not off to a good start! A couple of bullfinches brightened things up and many birds could be seen in the air over the South Brooks including a large flock of black-tailed Godwits. The culprit seemed to be a sparrowhawk although three buzzards could be seen in the distance. At Winpenny the Brooks were still in turmoil and after some searching a probable adult male peregrine was spotted making several low charges through the clouds of assorted wildfowl, lapwing and godwits, but without luck.
Three stonechats were busy flitting from reed-top to reed-top when an odd shaped blob in the grass on the riverbank caught my eye, this turned into a magnificent short-eared owl.
It then entertained us with great views as it quartered the rough grass and reeds. Later on the North Brooks, although more distant, two Short-eared Owls could be seen together. Also on the North Brooks at least four hundred black-tailed godwits, two ruff but only one snipe (Jon later found a spotted redshank). Some low afternoon sunshine brought out the best in all the birds but the shoveler, teal and pintail looked particularly good.
Hearing that two Dartford warblers had been seen together near the visitor centre we made our way back and after a short wait one appeared on the wire above its favoured bramble bush. A lesser redpoll was also nearby. Thanks to Miles, Jon, Roger and all the many visitors for making it such a good day.