RXwildlife Sightings

The two smew were still present in front of Scott hide and had been joined by another three redheads. Three goosander were also seen from Scott hide and two corn bunting were around Hookers pits. Two different Caspian gulls were on Burrowes pit, one showing well on the islands in front of Makepeace hide with a damaged leg, and a third year bird bathing next to the main shingle island in front of the visitor centre. A Dartford warbler was seen in the bushes between the viewing ramp and the return trail and a firecrest was in the willows at the back of the car park. Small numbers of finches moving overhead included three redpoll, five brambling and seventeen siskin.  

A very cold and frosty start to the day, but there was some reward for getting freezing cold feet, 45 Little Egret were counted leaving the roost, 24 White-fronted Geese passed low overhead and appeared to have spent the night at Castle Water, a Barn Owl gave close views and 2 Kingfisher made an early appearance. A few Fieldfare and Redwing had also roosted in the nearby willows. Highlights yesterday included, a late Swallow over Long Pit and a Merlin once again chasing prey over the sea.