This morning the Bearded Reedlings were heard in the reeds along the north side of the Slurry Lagoon, but not seen and the female Pintail was still present. Water Rails were seen three times (at least two individuals) as they flew across in front of the Causeway bench. Several small flocks of Fieldfares flew through, totalling about 155. PS.
In the afternoon a juvenile Marsh Harrier was seen over the Slurry Lagoon. MC.
This morning a small flock of about 20 Fieldfares flew over the reserve, but the bushes everywhere had Redwings in them, perhaps 200 or more. Five Egyptian Geese flew over from the flooded fields and three Snipe. Towards mid-day 12 Whooper Swans flew over to the NE. PS.
The Starling murmuration tonight reached approximately 10,000 birds and their aerial manoeuvres were quite spectacular. JDn.
Amongst the gulls roosting on the Slurry Lagoon this afternoon an adult Caspian Gull was found, as well as a Yellow-legged Gull. There were twelve White-fronted Geese which circled the lagoon before coming down across the river to land with the goose flock. Later some of them came onto the Slurry Lagoon with the other geese to roost. Also on the Slurry Lagoon were four Pintail and two Little Egrets. The Starling roost contained at least 3,000 birds and was predated by a Sparrowhawk and a possible Merlin and at least eight Water Rails were either seen or heard. RW. PS.