As I was about to leave Marshside today I thought I'll just check the saltmarsh from the end of the sand works. I'm glad i did!
First was a Peregrine perched up, then a buzzard also perched up, then a Marsh Harrier flying/hunting over the marsh and then a Kestrel also hunting. But the best was when the Buzzard decided to leave its perch only to be mobbed by the first Harrier joined by a second. The Buzzard dropped down and perched again on a fence post but both Harriers kept flying. Meanwhile I think the Peregrine thought there was far too much action out on the marsh and had left its perch unnoticed.
What a great sight before heading home!!
This morning I have seen 8 Pink-footed geese on Suttons Marsh. These are the first I have seen this Autumn on the reserve, although a small flock were seen flying over the reserve back in August by the previous reserve warden, these are the first that have landed!
The RSPB are asking everyone to help spot returning geese this Autumn/Winter. You can report your own goose sightings via Twitter using #goosewatch or by e-mail to goosewatch@rspb.org.uk. The more people watching the skies, the better!
Yesterdays winds brought a Juvenile Black Tern to the reserve. It was seen at midday on Suttons marsh heading south across the reserve. Good but short views of it in front of the hide and over Rainford's lagoon before it headed onto Rimmers Marsh. The same bird was later seen, again in front of the hide at about 7pm.
At Nels hide 1100 Teal, 17 Shoveler (plus another 10 at Junction pool, 8 Gadwall, 8 Wigeon, 3 Pintail and an amazing 1050 Black-tailed Godwits, the highest count of Autumn so far. This included one colour ringed bird (Right leg Red flag, Left leg Yellow over White).
Also 80 Golden Plover seen flying low across Suttons Marsh.