Bolton Ings and Old Moor

An early morning walk on here was rewarding;- highlight were 2 Hawfinch that flew over constantly calling, quite low that headed off to the north-west. A pair of Bearded Tits at the eastern end reedbed are the first occurrence on Bolton apparantly and could be birds from across the river at Old Moor or perhaps immigrants from further afield, either way it bodes well for the future. At least 6 Cettis Warblers were located calling from the reedbeds and a drake Pintail on the water. Two pair of Stonechats in the reed edges.
Old Moor.
A large (presumably male) Bittern had a mid morning fly around, a Marsh Harrier earlier at Broomhill did a circuit of the marsh and was joined by a second bird (both cream-crowns) over the reedbeds early afternoon. Common Buzzards were noticeable in the morning sun, a 'stack' of 8 from Wombwell Ings as well as many singles around the area. Two Pintail and a Goldeneye on the Mere but there is a very noticeable lack of waders - acres of mud, mostly empty mud, just 2 Green Sandpipers and a couple of Common Snipe, no Lapwing or Golden Plover - where are they? Another pair of Stonechat were distant from Wath Ings hide.