Redstarts have bred
Redstart news Redstarts are present again today along the Summer Walkway. A fresh juvenile and female are flycatching from the fence and hedge. We had one or two males singing and visiting likely [...]
Redstart news
Redstarts are present again today along the Summer Walkway. A fresh juvenile and female are flycatching from the fence and hedge. We had one or two males singing and visiting likely locations to nest until late May at least with further sightings from the end of June. It is highly likely that these birds have bred here this year, breeding was also suspected last year.
Redstart is a regular visitor in Spring and autumn as they migrate from breeding grounds in Britain to spend the winter in Africa. A pleasing local trend of apparent population increases in the Severn and Cotswold areas has seen this bird appearing more frequently on the reserve. They sport a bright red tail and rump which is often flicked or shivered.
Waders
At least 14 species of wader have been recorded here today.
Bar-tailed Godwit 1 breeding plumage male among the Curlew at high tide
Curlew 143
Little ringed Plover-a juvenile
Dunlin 6 on the scrapes and estuary
Oystercatcher-4 on the estuary, 2 on South Lake and 3 on the Rushy
Redshank 50+
Black-tailed Godwit 147- includes many adults in breeding plumage, 26 1st summer birds
Golden Plover- 1st of the 'autumn' flew downriver calling
Ruff- a reeve or female ruff on the scrapes
Red Knot-17 on the estuary at high tide
Greenshank 2 on the scrapes
WOOD SANDPIPER- an adult on the Bottom and New Piece scrapes
Avocet- a pair nesting on South Lake, four more seen coming in off the river to S. Lake.
Lapwing-92 on Top New Piece plus a few more dotted about
South Lake
see above
Great Crested Grebe pair
Common Tern pair incubating eggs
Gadwall 2 broods
Tufted Duck 4 broods
Wigeon 4
Mandarin 1
Dumbles
Wigeon 3
Teal 70 (flew to Top New Piece)
Gadwall 6
Reserve Event
Evening on the Estuary to watch the tide, search through the gull roost for up to 7 species including Yellow-legged and Mediterranean Gulls. Should be some waders in the roost and any early passerines like Yellow Wagtail. We will walk out from the centre to the estuary.
18 July 2012 7.30pm £12.00 includes admission
1 August 2012 7.00pm £12.00 includes admission
Wear wellies (recommended) or very waterproof boots
Phone 01453 891223 to book
