Today's sightings
The tides are creeping higher over the weekend with today's tide producing a roosting flock of 67 Curlew and 66 Shelduck with a mix of larger gulls.
South Lake Hides
Many of the fledged Avocet are now moving to the Top New Piece leaving a mixture of younger chicks and parents behind. This morning was an equal split between 20 adults and 20 chicks. Also on the scrape were 5 Oystercatcher, including two adults with a fledged chick, 32 Shelduck, 6 Redshank and a few Lapwing. The Crane family were seen again from the Hogarth Hide, and hopefully the cooler temperatures will allow them to head out into the open more.
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Rushy Hide
At least 100 Black-tailed Godwits were present this morning along with the Oystercatcher family who still have two fledged chicks. Mum and Dad had taken a chick each to feed on the causeway. Another pair of Oystercatchers dropped in briefly and so followed a short period of display flights, chasing and loud calling as the original pair proclaimed their territory. Eight Avocet were here too and a single Green Sandpiper was to the back of the lower pond.
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Zeiss Hide
The flock of Avocet has built to 53 birds - look out for juveniles from the South Lake told by their 'dirty' brown backs. Two Redshank, 12 Lapwing and 4 Oystercatcher were the only other waders after yesterdays Knot. Duck numbers are also slowly creeping up with 28 Shelduck, 30+ Gadwall, 12 Shoveler and 4 Teal. A Little Egret was fishing around the southern end of the scrape.
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Holden Tower
Out on the edge of the Dumbles at high tide were 67 Curlew and 66 Shelduck, roosting together near the island. A Peregrine was sat slightly further up river, keeping an eye out for an easy meal. A Little-ringed Plover flew north over the tide. A new brood of Tufted Duck were on the Long Ground Pool and a single Green Sandpiper was on the near pool outside the Knott Hide. Five Stock Dove flew past and landed on the Dumbles.
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Robbie Garnett Hide
At least six Green Sandpiper were feeding around the island which also concealed a Redshank and four Lapwing. Two broods of well grown Avocet chicks and their parents were also present.
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