Seaducks
Migrants
A party of four Red-breasted Mergansers on the Severn were a welcome treat, although distant from the Holden Tower in the murk two pairs of these 'sawbills' spent the morning to early afternoon on the main channel, the males were even displaying. They eventually took off and flew high S. Another party of scarce ducks were also spotted, 5 Common Scoter that mostly slept in the same channel over the tide, also of note were 4 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Pintail and a dark phase Arctic Skua that buzzed the gulls. A Pochard flew over North as did two White Wagtail.
A Sedge Warbler was singing opposite the Van de Bovenkamp Hide plus a brief burst of Grasshoppper Warbler song (per Mike Jackson).
Plenty of Swallows and Sand Martins were about with a House Martin or two with them. Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps were also singing.
South Lake
At least 11 Mediterranean Gulls today (three adults, four 2nd summer and four 1st summer) in the Black-headed Gull colonies, at least 900 of the latter present on the lake today! 300+ Black-tailed Godwit roosted but fed mainly on the Top New Piece, 4 Avocet early morning and 2 Snipe. Pair of Great Crested Grebe, two pairs of Little Grebe.
Zeiss Hide
A male Ruff with the godwits, nesting Lapwings, 2 Snipe, 8 Gadwall and 32 Avocet.
Holden Tower
See migrants. 31 Avocet and a pair of Oystercatcher on the scrape, Wheatear on the Dumbles.
Kingfisher Hide
A pair of Kingfisher about the nest hole, 4 Wigeon, 20 Teal and a pair of Little Grebe.
