20th Oct - misty early, sunny intervals am, clear sunny pm 18C, light W

Welney WWT; having spent time at a vintage auction nearby it was easy to pop in to this reserve.  Whooper Swans have increased, I saw about 60, but there were more on the farmland nearby seen when leaving the area, the wardens say they have about 200 back so far for the winter. Other duck numbers are now increasing with many Teal and more Wigeon in, also Shoveler, Gadwall and Mallard. A single female Pintail and 3 Pochard, although I only saw the drake.  With the Canada and Grey Lag Goose flock a Barnacle Goose.
A single Sparrowhawk being hassled by Carrion Crows, several Kestrels and 2 Marsh Harrier. Waders included a good flock of Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Golden Plover flying and several Snipe.