A couple of newly arrived Bewick's Swans
Rushy Hide
The early morning count revealed a couple of 'new in' and rather wary Bewick's Swans, this takes the total to 118, possibly 119. A count of the Pochard revealed 132 males and 39 females. A hybrid male Pochard was also present, perhaps crossed with Tufted Duck somewhere along the line.The Pochard x Ferruginous Duck has been around this week as is the ever present male Chiloe Wigeon x Wigeon sp hybrid. We are hoping to go for a duck/swan catch tomorrow to ring birds and check general health (weights, measurements and x rays) of our winter population.
Martin Smith Hide
The Jack Snipe was showing but partially hidden in the cut rush/sedge.
Tack Piece
420 Wigeon, 180 Teal, 12 Shoveler and 15 Pintail among the duck species. With limited pumping we've managed to flood the puddle in the centre of the field a little flood puddle habitat. At least 16 Redshank, 3 Ruff and a flock of 200 Dunlin were attracted to feed here early morning.
Large flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover are using the fields to the N of the Tack Piece.
Willow Hide
Three Water Rail visiting the feeders with Chaffinches, Dunnock, Robin, Blue and Great Tits and a few Teal.
Holden Tower
Once again the Linnet flock (c50 birds) was feeding near the distant cross fence, they are usually hidden in the dry 'saltpan' feeding on plant seeds and haven't visited the Dumbles scrape (until 1015am at least). It's likely that the Twite is with them.
Seven Skylark and single Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail fed in the scrape. A flock of Long-tailed Tits came through and continued towards the Decoy. The Peregrine pair were on the fence. 30 White-fronted Geese were on the Severn sands at dawn but flew off, they are likely to be feeding in the fields N of the Tack Piece. Canada and Barnacle Goose flocks gathered on the Dumbles to feed.
South Lake
A bit quieter this morning (0910am) with a single Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Snipe, 23 Lapwing, pair of Pintail, 12 Shoveler and 65 Teal on the wader scrape. 12 Cormorant, 10 Pochard and c30 Tufted Duck on the deep lake.
Zeiss Hide/Top New Piece
450 Wigeon, 290 Teal and 9 Pochard in an extemely brief visit to the hide. Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Spinney Wood.
