Bean Geese

Lade - 0900hrs - mild, nw 2, sunny - Once the early showers had cleared it turned out to be a fine, dry winters day with plenty of sunshine. A thrash around the local patch duly delivered Goldeneye and Red-crested Pochard on the pits amongst the numerous wildfowl. Best of all though was a Bittern flying in from the direction of the bird reserve. Also noted two Marsh Harriers, Sparrowhawk and Green Woodpecker.
Scotney - 1430hrs - Joined Marshman to check out the grey geese on the pits where two Bean Geese eventually showed well by the double bends. Initially asleep once active they waddled out onto the water on bright orange legs showing a short, dark head and neck with a small blob of orange on the bill exhibiting all the hallmarks of the Tundra race rossicus. Also nearby eight White-fronts and all the usual Greylags, Barnacles, Wigeon, gulls and Lapwings, plus two Green Sandpipers on the far bank.

                                Tundra Bean Geese, Scotney

Walland Marsh - Moving out onto the Marsh we ended up joining PB at a harrier roost site. Although none came in to roost up to ten Marsh Harriers were in the general area along with three Common Buzzards, Kestrel, Peregrine and plenty of Lapwing flocks. Water Rail, Cetti`s Warbler and Bearded Tit all heard in the reedbed.
NB: Also noted around the Marsh today were all the birds on yesterdays forecast - phew!