First Sand Martins of 2024 on 4th March and 5 March sightings
Yesterday afternoon, at approx 1620hrs a trio of Sand Martins flew low through the Rushy heading NE, as is often the case they didn't stop and were seen a little later at Frampton on Severn where they went to roost. The crossover period as the first Spring migrants are sighted overlaps with the outgoing wintering birds, at least 40 Bewick's Swans remain on site today.
Sightings for today included
Estuary Tower
Russian White-fronted Geese on the Severn and Goose House Ground early morning. 14 Pochard on the Long Ground Pool along with 40 Shoveler.
Tack Piece
At least seven Ruff and 15 Redshank joined the Curlew and Wigeon flock, 36 of the Bewick's Swans were here first thing this morning.
Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory
The two Whooper Swans have been remaining for the feed and lingering. At least seven Avocets fed on the lower pond and 45 Pintail were counted among the ever dwindling wintering duck flock.
South Lake
*The Discovery Hide remains closed for repairs, some localised disturbance is possible to the lake* A pair of Goldeneye remain on site.
From the Hogarth Hide at least 69 Avocet, 140 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher and flocks of Teal, Shoveler and a few Gadwall could be seen.
Top New Piece
Six Avocet, 70 Wigeon, 60 Teal, 120 Dunlin on the islands with three Oystercatcher. Two singing Reed Buntings.
Kingfisher Hide
Two Lapwing displaying over the Bottom New Piece, total of 17 on the field with the Dunlin flock from Top New Piece visiting to feed. The Otters were seen again this morning.
Grounds
A Great and four Little Egrets fed in the matrix, A Chiffchaff was singing near the the Spinney Wood. The Sisking and Redpoll flock were near back from the brink exhibit.
Yesterday's sightings included the following.
Tack Piece
200+ Russian White-fronted Geese and the Barnacle Goose have relocated here following the Goshawk flush, single Bewick's Swan, 800+ Wigeon, 37 Curlew, 61 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Ruff, 13 Redshank + Pochard, Pintail, Teal, Shoveler and Mallards.
Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory
2 Whooper Swans and further departures- 39 Bewick's Swans (+ single on the Tack Piece), Spotted Redshank and two Redshank on the lower pond at the back (North end), Pintail, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Teal also present
Top New Piece from Zeiss Hide
Female Marsh Harrier, 46 Shoveler, 130 Teal, 110 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 46 Shoveler, 60 Dunlin, 62 Avocet, 60 Black-tailed Godwit and an imm Goshawk flew low through E flushing all
South Lake
*Discovery Hide closed for repairs* from Hogarth Hide
7 Dunlin, 4 Oystercatcher, 172 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Avocet, 109 Teal, 12 Shoveler and 2 Lapwing.
Bottom New Piece Piece from Kingfisher Hide
29 Russian White-fronted Geese, 27 Lapwing, 110 Dunlin, 5 Rode Deer, 11 Gadwall.
Tin Shed Ground from Van de Bovenkamp Hide
207 Russian White-fronted Geese but flushed by a Goshawk, Treecreeper along the pathway.
