Bewick's Swans count down to 65
Further departures of our wintering birds noted, including our Bewick's Swans, only 65 were on site today along with two Whooper Swans.
Sightings today include the following.
Tack Piece
Single Spotted Redshank, 38 Redshank and 12 Ruff along the scrape edge. Snipe on western most island from Martin Smith Hide. Chiffchaff along seawall hedge.10 Golden Plover, 96 Curlew, Russian White-fronted Geese and Bewick's Swans began moving here to feed, pair of mating Crane, 500+ Wigeon but flushed by male Marsh Harrier.
Estuary Tower
Adult Pale -bellied and juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Geese with the Canada and Barnacle Goose flock, 11 Great Black-backedGull, 3 Curlew, + 300 Wigeon, 149 Russian White-fronted Geese and the Barnacle Goose in the Ox Piece. A Water Pipit was reported on the scrape with Skylarks. Forty three Little and 15 Cattle Egret roosted.
South Lake
12 Cattle Egret, 290 Black-tailed Godwit, 80 Avocet, 230 Black-headed Gull, 14 Cormorant, 60 Dunlin, Tufted Duck and Pochard flock, 14 Gadwall, 70 Teal. 55 Lapwing and Chiffchaff this afternoon. Some Black-headed Gull and Common Gull passage, increase in numbers today.
Kingfisher Hide/Bottom New Piece
Three displaying Lapwing, Stonechat, 37 Shelduck, 14 Gadwall, 2 Roe Deer, 79 Russian White-fronted Geese, Grey Heron.
Duck Decoy
Water Rail opposite the hide, Bullfinch and a male Blackcap caught during a ringing session.
Grounds
Roving flock of Siskins, at least 60 around the visitor centre.
South Finger
Singing Reed Bunting, Treecreeper and Chiffchaff.
