The first week of September brought in cooler weather with some heavy but short rain showers which gradually replenished the pools to a certain extent and this signalled the departure of our 'longish' staying Ruff. They first arrived 20th August & where seen daily until 4th September, but a single on 6th may have been a different bird. Other notables present during WeBS count on 8th was of only 2 Gadwall & 3 Shoveler, but better numbers of 75 Teal & 27 Moorhen. The Lapwings are at their easiest to count at present while all grouped together in their favourite undisturbed site. Apart from 5 Snipe these were the only waders present. Not so welcome was the further increase in the Greylags, although not as productive breeding season as they usually enjoy, this count of 96 is the highest yet & will probably increase further in the coming weeks.. Also on the day Little Egret, has been scarcer this year, so nice to see one back.
others noted during early Sept - Mandarin- 6th, Peregrine -8th. Hobby -9th (SB). Green Sandpiper, At least a single daily until 6th. A Common Tern (juv) on 1st, Gt S Woodpecker -Ad +( juv,) Apparently a Green Woodpecker that had been present for some months and unusually for a Green Woodpecker was relatively easy to see & often along the Canal side has reportedly been shot. Anyone with information please report to DWT or the Police.