Sightings and news to week ending 10 May 2026
Bank Holiday Monday 4 May
Black-winged Stilts
A pair of these elegant waders arrived overnight, initially seen on the South Lake wader scrape from Discovery Hide, they relocated to the Top New Piece. This constitutes our fourth record for the recording area. They closest views of the latest visitors are currently from Zeiss Hide at around 200m away as they feed in the flood. They can also be seen from the top level of the Estuary Tower at around 500m distance. A number of pairs have arrived in the UK this spring, there has been sightings across (mostly) the Midlands and Southern England as they explore any wetlands they find. Out last record was a single male that summered in 2023 with a flock of six around in 2017 and our first reserve record prior to that was also a pair.
Although we allowed access a little earlier today, we resume regular opening times and access for members. From 0815-0930hrs via the members gate. Access to Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory, Martin Smith, Knott, Willow, Stephen Kirk hides and of course the Estuary Tower. Please have membership cards available for recording.
*Please note the Grounds, Decoy and Zeiss Hide South Finger and South Lake hides do not open until 0930hrs. After this time access is via admissions*.
Top New Piece
Pair of Cranes, Greenshank, three pairs of Redshank, a few Avocets and the Black-winged Stilts.
South Lake
Common Sandpiper, 2cy Mediterranean Gull, six pairs of Avocet, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, pair of Cranes with two chicks.
Tack Piece
Pair of Teal, 15 Gadwall, pair of Shoveler, 2 Cranes, 2 Roe Deer and Shelducks and Black-headed Gulls.
