Today's sightings
A lovely sunny morning with plenty of birds around including the returning Spotted Redshank and at least 2 Knot with 222 Black-tailed Godwits. As the day progresses the Tack Piece comes alive with Wigeon, Teal, Lapwing and Curlew.
Holden Tower
The White-fronted Geese have made their way out to the Dumbles mid-morning with 142 present. A pair of Foxes were seen first thing along with a Peregrine, but the surprise came when an Otter ran out of the Knott Pool Hide toward the seawall and then down the back of the hedgerow along the route of the Summer Walkway. Around 300 Wigeon are back on the scrape whilst 54 Curlew were out on the river.
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Zeiss Hide
The Spotted Redshank was on the Bottom New Piece scrape and could be seen from the Zeiss Hide with 8 Redshank, but better views can be had from the Kingfisher Hide when the bird is here. On the Top New Piece scrape were around 500 Lapwing, 200 Dunlin, another 8 Redshank and a total of 18 Ruff. Three Cranes were present first thing but then flew towards the Tack Piece. Around 500 Wigeon were grazing towards the Van de Bovenkamp Hide and a count of 143 Pintail were on the scrape.
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Kingfisher Hide
Better views of the Spotted Redshank available here along with 8 Redshank, several hundred Teal, lots of Lapwing and a Little Egret. On the pond in front of the hide were the usual collection of 4 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Shoveler and a handful of Teal.
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South Lake Hides
A total of 222 Black-tailed Godwit present this morning with 2 Knot mixed in for you to find. Around 800 Lapwing are also present with 2 Redshank. The deep lake is noticeably quieter today with the large number of ducks present during the cold spell now able to head out to other areas of the reserve to feed. The Great Crested Grebe remains and a pair of Mandarin were also present to add a splash of colour.
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Martin Smith Hide
A Little Egret was showing very well this morning, preening in the morning sunshine. A pair of Pintail were also giving excellent views along with 32 Teal, some of which were dabbling with a spot of displaying as it almost starts to feel a little like Spring.
