Today's sightings
The weather is forecast to be cooler and cloudier for the rest of the week, but dry. The reserve continue to fill up with new life as several broods of Tufted Duck are now appearing, especially on the Decoy.
Rushy Hide
A flock of 86 Black-tailed Godwits were present again this morning along with 6 Lapwing and 10 Avocet. A single Green Sandpiper was feeding in the corner of the lower pond and an Oystercatcher was flying overhead calling loudly. A Crane was hiding in the long grass at the back of the upper pond, which could be a Sedge who was here yesterday too.
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Robbie Garnett Hide
Another Green Sandpiper was here in front of the hide along with 8 Avocet on the scrape including two well-grown chicks. The three juvenile Lapwing were also present along with 10 Shelduck.
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Holden Tower
Two more Green Sandpipers were on the pool to the left of the hide along with 12 Shelduck and a Mute Swan pair with their single cygnet. A Reed Warbler and a Cetti's Warbler were singing from the reedbed. Out on the Long Ground Pool were at least two new broods of Tufted Duck. Low tide on the river saw at least 13 Shelduck and 16 Curlew amongst the gulls. A flock of 41 Barnacle Geese were on the Dumbles where a Skylark was also singing. A Yellow Wagtail was mixed amongst the cattle yesterday.
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Decoy Hide
A Little Egret was roosting in the dead willows. At least three broods of Tufted Duck were on the pond.
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South Lake Hides
Bart and Ruby made an appearance this morning with their two chicks in front of the Hogarth Hide. The deep lake is filling up with birds as the algal bloom develops. Lots of Coot are moving in along with 72 Gadwall. Another single brood of two Tufted Duck ducklings were up against the tree line and the adult Great Crested Grebe was carrying at least one chick on its back. Waders included 56 Avocet, 2 Redshank and 2 Oystercatcher.
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Zeiss Hide
A flock of 34 Redshank were on the Top New Piece scrape along with 36 Avocet . A Common Tern was sat on the mud.
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Kingfisher Hide
Two Cranes were seen, a bird called Squidgy and an unringed bird. A male Kingfisher was seen at the nest bank. A Cetti's Warbler was calling from the reedbed.
