31-Jan-2019
Earlier in the morning: also both adult Whooper Swans feeding together north of the island shed, a male Goosander, Imm/female Goldeneye, 5 Grt W Egrets, 3 Marsh Harriers (ad male, female & presumed juv) and 2 Kingfishers.

Well over 1000 winter duck from Noah’s hide at midday today including a few Pintail amongst numerous Wigeon, Teal, Shoveller, Tufted Duck and odd Great Crested Grebe. The only swans were Mute Swans.

Was amazed to see a Marsh Harrier land on a Wigeon and then seemingly attempt to drown it by sitting on it with it’s talons underwater.  To our surprise the Wigeon survived even though it was submerged for over a minute. I thought the Harrier would struggle to take it as prey and the wigeon swam off after the ordeal back toward a large group of wigeon.  I thought it may have been injured as it flapped its wings with difficulty and did not fly away.

A much smaller bird of prey ( Merlin ?) was also seen skimming over the water.