RSPB Otmoor. November WeBS

The WeBS count for November was carried out this morning. Results, including total numbers and numbers per field were...

Little grebe 1 (Reedbed)
Little egret 2 (Ashgrave)
Grey heron 4 (1 Flood, 2 Greenaways, 1 Big Otmoor)
Mute swan 18 (7 Greenaways, 3 Ashgrave, 2 Ashgrave, 6 Reedbed)
Greylag goose 170 (123 Closes, 44 Greenaways, 3 Ashgrave)
Canada goose 451 (2 Closes, 449 Ashgrave)
Lapwing 159 (26 Flood, 1 Closes, 130 Ashgrave, 1 Big Otmoor, 1 Reedbed)
Snipe 4 (1 Closes, 2 Greenaways, 1 Reedbed)
Wigeon 838 (170 Flood, 55 Closes, 23 Greenaways, 30 Ashgrave, 550 Ashgrave, 4 Big Otmoor, 6 Reedbed)
Gadwall 9 (1 Flood, 8 Reedbed)
Teal 314 (95 Flood, 76 Closes, 21 Ashgrave, 50 Ashgrave, 72 Reedbed)
Mallard 132 (55 Flood, 4 Malt Pit, 15 Closes, 3 Greenaways, 47 Ashgrave, 8 Reedbed)
Pintail 2 (Ashgrave)
Shoveler 149 (5 Flood, 143 Ashgrave, 1 Reedbed)
Tufted duck 7 (Reedbed)
Moorhen 1 (Closes)
Coot 3 (Reedbed)
Black-headed gull 29 (Ashgrave)

Other birds picked up during the survey included; hen harrier, stonechat, peregrine and two ravens. Large flocks of fieldfare and redwing are roaming the moor and mixed groups of finches and tits are every where.

The starling roost is still numbering about 60000 birds and is regularly being harrassed by raptors including sparrowhawk, peregrine and hen harrier so it's an impressive sight. If people are coming to see the roost however, we are asking them to if possible come during the week. The car park on the reserve is only small and just can't cope with the numbers of starling watchers that are turning up at the weekend. Also if people can avoid parking in front of the main reserve that would be much appreciated. Thank you :)