Today's sightings
A misty and for a time foggy start to the day but cleared to allow birding. Birds were on show from every hide but huge numbers favouring the Tack Piece, Dumbles and Top New Piece. Due to the attention of hunting Peregrine the wader flocks kept on the move during the day so they were commuting to different parts.
Lapwing dominated the flocks but Dunlin and Golden Plover were also seen in large numbers. Redshank were numerous with c40 feeding on the Tack Piece and smaller numbers of Ruff and a Spotted Redshank with them too. Black-tailed Godwits showed in flocks all day and a few Curlew fed on the wet fields, flocks were seen from 1500hrs heading to the estuary to roost.
Bewick's Swans were mobile but ever present from most of the main hides and the Rushy all day. Some nice flock movements were noted during the day. E White-fronted Geese fed on the Dumbles this morning with the Barnacle Geese and a single Egyptian Goose.
Teal and Wigeon were present in large flocks with the Holden Tower and Zeiss Hide providing the pargest spectacle. Over 100 Shoveler were on the scrapes with smaller numbers of Gadwall.
The Bittern showed between 1140-1315 from the Zeiss Hide, initially taking flight and dropping onto the island before moving to the west bank of the scrape then the east bank.
Water Rails have been very showy today, two from Zeiss, one out in the open, two from Robbie Garnett Hide and one under feeders at the Willow Hide.
A few Redpoll were about the grounds and the usual gathering of commoner finches and tits around the two feeding stations. At least three Song Thrush were in full song this morning with two still singing at 4pm. Treecreeper was seen in the Spinney as usual.
