Bewick`s Swans

 Warm, dry and sunny, NW2 - Once the early morning rain cleared it turned into a fine late autumn day with warm sunshine encouraging a Common Darter and a Red Admiral onto the wing in the shelter of Lade ponds. On south lake a count of 235 Shovelers was of note. Around the bird reserve it was a case of `as you were`, with six Cattle Egrets and a pair of Glossy Ibis on the Boulderwall fields. The first Bewick`s Swans of the season were located this morning when Martin C noted eight birds flying towards Lydd. They were soon located in the oil-seed rape field (the same one as last winter) off Dennes Lane where they hunkered down in amongst a herd of 80 Mute Swans. When I arrived on site just after midday only a juvenile occasionally popped its head up, the others being slumped low down in the crop or asleep.

                                  Whooper Swans, Walland Marsh

This afternoon I joined Chris P on the monthly harrier roost count at our usual spot on Walland Marsh where 14 Marsh Harriers came to roost in wet and windy conditions. Whilst there we noted two Whoopers Swans strutting around and calling in a corn field and nine Bewick`s Swans (four adults, five juvs) flighting in to roost on the nearby reservoir. Also present, a Barn Owl, five Buzzards, 12 Snipes, c300 Fieldfares, calling Water Rail and Cetti`s Warbler and Golden Plovers over in the gloom on the walk back to the car.

                                  Sunset over Walland Marsh