Walland Marsh Ramble
30th January 2007, TuesdayA walk across public footpaths on Walland Marsh on Sunday 28th January in a fairly cool wind produced a number of interesting species: literally thousands of Lapwing and Golden Plover, large flocks of Pintail, Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler, a flock of about 70 White-fronted Geese also included a few Greylag Geese and one Egyptian Goose. A small flock of Greylags in flight were joined by two Snow Geese, while six Bewick Swans flew over honking.
A number of Marsh Harriers were seen thoughout the morning. Whilst watching the geese and ducks, we were rewarded by stunning views of a pair of Peregrines which flew right over us. In one of the dykes we saw a pair of Kingfisher and a solitary Green Sandpiper.
Not far from the Woolpack Inn, we saw what we initially took to be another Marsh Harrier, but it was in fact a Common Buzzard - the first time we have seen one out on the marsh. Somewhat surprisingly, having had such success with raptors we did not see a single Kestrel or Sparrowhawk.
Michael Prince