Today's sightings
After a short downpour this morning the reserve is currently bathed in sunshine, but thunderstorms are forecast later. Fingers crossed the bands of weather will drop in some new arrivals for us.
South Lake Hides
Again, most of the reserve action is here today with 249 Black-tailed Godwit, 43 Redshank, 9 Ruff, 184 Lapwing, 2 Snipe and a Green Sandpiper on the wader scrape amongst several hundred Black-headed Gulls and a mix of Teal, Gadwall and Mallard. The Cattle Egret also dropped in mid-morning during the downpour. Two Buzzard were sat in the oak trees behind the scrape and at least 2 Little Grebe were on the deep lake.
.
Rushy Hide
A Mediterranean Gull was on the causeway this morning with a small group of Black-headed Gulls. At least 3 Green Sandpiper were on the lower pond and the Little Grebe and Grey Wagtail assumed their usual positions on the upper pond and the overflow channel respectively.
.
Zeiss Hide
At least 120 Dunlin and 3 Ringed Plover dropped in over high tide but most had left by mid-morning. Four Redshank were present along with 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Green Sandpiper and 12 Lapwing. A Cetti's Warbler was singing from the Bottom New Piece where 3 Cranes (Cotton, Oakie and Evie) were also seen. A Kestrel flew through being mobbed by Carrion Crows. Two Little Egret were hunting in the channel near the hide.
.
Holden Tower
At least 82 Curlew roosted on the island off the Dumbles along with 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and a single Avocet. The Cattle Egret made a brief appearance amongst the grazing cattle but later relocated to the South Lake. At least 5 Yellow Wagtail were also with the cattle and a Hobby was sat on a fence post near the river.
.
Robbie Garnett Hide
Eleven Green Sandpiper were feeding across the scrape, plus another bird from the Knott Hide. A Wood Sandpiper was reported on the Tack Piece yesterday, but no sign so far today. Five Black-tailed Godwit were also present this morning.
