First Bewick's Swan
Its been a gorgeous sunny day, a marked contrast to yesterday's rain. But unfortunately it is the rain we need, ideally in small doses on and off to top up the winter flood levels across the reserve to provide the ideal winter refuge for thousands of ducks, geese, swans and waders. We'd also like some sunshine in between to get out and enjoy the spectacle!
Our first Bewick's Swan of the season arrived on the Rushy at 11:55am, a yearling who has been named Trotsky as 2017 represents the 100th Anniversary of the Russian Revolution, and Russia is most likely where this bird has spent the Summer. We're reasonably sure that the bird has been to Slimbridge before, last year as a juvenile, as it settled in to the afternoon feed well giving great views right in front of the Peng Observatory.
More White-fronted Geese have also arrived, our flock of 9 birds increasing to 12 by the end of the day.
Zeiss Hide
Lots of wader action here this morning including the probable Semipalmated Sandpiper with around 320 Dunlin, 400 Lapwing, 19 Knot, 31 Golden Plover, 7 Ruff, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Stint, 2 Redshank and 13 Curlew. At least 14 Snipe were around the shoreline of the scrape.
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Robbie Garnett Hide
The White-fronted Goose flock was on the Tack Piece for the day, originally numbering 9 birds before increasing to 12 by the end of the day. Also present were 17 Curlew, 230 Teal, 150 Lapwing and Buzzard was sat on the fence.
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Holden Tower
A Brent Goose and the Red-breasted Goose were with the Barnacle Geese on the Dumbles.
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Rushy Hide and Peng Observatory
Duck this morning included 97 Pochard, 61 Shelduck, 42 Pintail and 158 Tufted Duck. A Little Grebe was on the top pond and a Redshank was on the lower pond.
