Today's sightings
Spring migrants
A very smart male Redstart was seen in the hedge in a gateway today. We also witnessed a light passage of Swallows involving singe birds all heading N. At least three each of Sedge Warbler and Blackcap were in song around the hides.
Rushy Pen
Up to 25 Avocet, one Lapwing and a pair Oystercatcher represented the breeding waders, at least four Black-tailed Godwit fed in the scrape. Small numbers of duck species included Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon and Mallard.
Holden Tower
The Severn spring tides flooded over once again, this has meant we have lost the Lapwing nests here but hopefully they will re-lay. 129 Shelduck and 400 Black-headed Gulls fed on the floodwaters, among them up to 7 Mediterranean Gull (including a white ringed 1st winter), 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 5 Curlew and the Peregrine. At least 5 Crane GCP were noted today including the Slimbridge bred juvenile, this was seen to dance with another for a short time.
A female Goldeneye was on the Long Ground Pool all day, a scarce visitor here.
South Lake
Up to 21 Avocet present on the wader scrape by the afternoon, some nest building. Over 100 Black-tailed Godwit were also in and out as they visit other parts of the reserve too. A Little and 2 Great Crested Grebes were on the Deep Lake.
Zeiss Hide
The Black-tailed Godwit flock and up to 6 Avocet were on the Top New Piece during parts of the day. Two Mediterranean Gulls were seen flying over, one Little Egret and 6 Teal were on the scrape.
Kingfisher Hide
The Kingfishers were seen on and off during the day.
