Walland Marsh & Dungeness 01/01/23

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A dull day though fortunately dry and fairly mild.

Starting at Walland Marsh three adult Whooper Swans were present near Midley Cottages and gulls in the adjacent field included three Mediterranean: a first-winter, second-winter and an adult.

Further along the road at Hawthorn Corner a large flock of approx. 52 Bewick's Swan contained a high proportion of juveniles (c20) indicating a good breeding season.

Moving on to the RSPB reserve a Great White Egret was again seen on Cook's Pool with a Marsh Harrier in the same area.

On Burrowes Pit the main interest was gulls coming into bathe, especially two smart first-winter Caspian.

Adult Whooper Swans 

Whooper Swans 

Bewick's Swans

Bewick's Swans

Great White Egret 

First-winter Caspian Gull in foreground 

Caspian Gull


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