A relatively quiet month but no real winter movement in mild westerly conditions but a Merlin that arrived on the 6th was seen well on several dates while the Arctic Skua reappeared on the 1st. The 6th also saw a Barnacle Goose arrive and spend a couple of weeks with the Canadas. Wader numbers stayed static with about 180 Black-tailed Godwits, two Avocet, Spotted Redshank and a single Ruff among the Lapwing, Golden Plover and Dunlin. A Bittern made welcome appearance on the 15th-18th and the mild conditions kept up to six Little Egrets on the marsh while a Great White Egret flew through on the 17th. A touch of east on the 21st brought in two Bewick’s Swans, three Mergansers and two dapper Goldeneye and a couple of Med Gulls and a Caspian were seen on the river. Bearded Tits were seen on quieter days and a late Wheatear was seen on the 4th. Up to four Marsh Harriers and eight Peregrines are currently using the site. A late Swallow was seen on the 8th.
10-12-13
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer