More return migration
Estuary from Middle Point and Holden Tower
A flock of 103 Dunlin contained a breeding plumaged CURLEW SANDPIPER and two Sanderling. Other birds noted on the estuary included a Turnstone, the first returning 5 Ringed Plover, a Little-ringed Plover, 7, 1 and 2 Dunlin and 6 Avocet feeding N of Middle Point with 4 Curlew. A further 107 Curlew fed with 91 Shelduck (67 juveniles) on mud at the N end of the estuary basin.
South Lake
Please note: as it is quieter for birds here today we may have a work party here this afternoon to open up views from the hides and clean the windows, the birds will move to the Top New Piece/Rushy for a short time.
A flock of Black-tailed Godwit (127) and 32 Redshank are roosting and feeding here, Oystercatcher, 4 Ruff and 1 Common Sandpiper also seen this morning. Other species include Heron, Buzzard, Teal (20) and lots of moulting duck.
Zeiss Hide
We are finishing off some reed cutting and rush topping work to open up views and make it more attractive to waders this morning. Yesterday we weeded the two large islands and cut the edges of the scrape to improve views and habitat. As usual the birds will move to the opposite end of the scrape to where we are working, it was quieter here for birds yesterday and today so we took/are taking the window of opportunity to do this work.
8 Avocet, 3 Green Sandpiper, 50 Teal, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, Little Grebe all seen from the hide.
Yesterday a party of 15 Dunlin were with the waders over the high tide period and a juvenile Hobby flew through.
Robbie Garnett Hide
Green Sandpiper 5, Crane 2 and a brood of Mallard.
Martin Smith Hide
Little Egret 1
Holden Tower
4 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 adults and 2 juveniles, 5 Crane and Little Egret.
Rushy Pen
5 Green Sandpiper and a Redshank.
