Change in the weather
Some much needed rain is forecast for today and subsequent days, hopefully enough to top up the drying scrapes.
Some highlights for today follow
Grounds/Duck Decoy
Cuckoo singing today
South Lake
The adult breeding plumage Little Gull continues to give brilliant views as it feeds over the deep lake. A Ruff (pictured) was feeding on the scrape with a Little-ringed Plover also present. Other couts were 25 Avocet, 75 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Oystercatcher, 8 Shelduck, Great Crested Grebe.
Zeiss Hide/Top New Piece
The Black-tailed Godwit flock numbered ++, at least one Ruff was on the isalnds with ++ Shoveler and a few Teal on the scrape. It appears that the Crane pair have abandoned their nest/egg or it has been predated. Keep an eye out for Lapwing chicks in the grass and scrape edges. Also 214 Black-tailed Godwit, Sedge Warbler, 12 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 12 Wigeon, 36 Shelduck, 8 Shoveler, 4 Redshank, Reed Warbler,m 6 Lapwing, Grey Heron, Snipe, 18 Teal and 2 Reed Bunting.
Rushy Hide
The Avocet and and Black-headed Gull colony was still very busy with a pair of Oystercatcher also on territory. A 2cy Mediterranean Gull was also present.
Tack Piece
Small numbers of duck in groups of <15 included Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler and Wigeon. Two Redshank on the scrape edge and 12 Avocet feeding in the scrape.
Kingfisher Hide
4 Reed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, Cuckoo, 8 Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Little Grebe, Treeceeper and Cetti's Warbler.
Late news highlights for yesterday included a flock of 66 Bar-tailed Godwit among the handful of Curlew over high tide and 5 Yellow Wagtails.
