Large scale departures of waders and ducks
Since the end of January we have noticed peak counts dropping but this last week has seen a large scale reduction in Lapwing, Golden Plover, Teal and Pintail. The reserve is still very busy as we see return passage birds appearing to stopover, perhaps best highlighted in Black-tailed Godwits. The Avocet flock reached 78 birds today and copulation was noted, further evidence of Spring getting ready to spring.
Some of the highlights today included.
South Lake
A second calendar year Mediterranean Gull, 12 Cattle Egret, 2 Little Egret, 78 Avocet, 76 Black-tailed Godwit, 15m 3f Pochard, 48 Gadwall, GC Grebe + Herring, Black-headed Gulls, Shoveler, Teal and Cormorants
Rushy Hide
Whooper Swan still among the Bewick's Swans (at least 114 on site this morning), Dunlin, 3 Oystercatcher, 32 Pintail, 27m 4f Pochard among the birds present
Estuary Tower
The juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Goose with the Barnacle/Canada Goose flock, two Peregrine resting on driftwood, singing Skylarks and Blackbird along the Tack Piece hedge, flocks of Wigeon and Teal on the scrape.
Tack Piece
Still one of the busiest spots due to perfect feeding and roosting conditions- at least 81 Bewick's Swans were here early morning before moving to the Rushy to join the other 33. Spotted Redshank, 15+ Ruff, 30+ Redshank, Curlew, 300 Dunlin and flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover were all present. A pair of Kingfisher were digging the bank.
Top New Piece
100+ Black-tailed Godwit, 240 Wigeon and 70 Teal.
Kingfisher Hide
A pair of Kingfishers at the nest bank + singing Reed Buntings.
Grounds- roving flock of Siskin and Goldfinch, singing Chaffinch on the Loopway.
