Sightings and news to week ending 28 June 2026
Image- juvenile Bittern, Pillbox Pool from Estuary Tower (Midsummers Day)
Upcoming Events
BSL Support Day - Sunday 28 June
Wild History Walk - Saturday 4 July
4x4 Photo Safari - Thursday 16 July
The Urban Birder's 20th Anniversary: Guided Birding Walk - Tuesday 21 July
Guided Birdwatch Walk - Tuesday 4 August
Birding for Beginners - Wednesday 5 August
Summer Walkway
We are hoping to open the summer walkway as soon as possible, we are currently monitoring three Cranes that have been using the area as a safe hiding place whilst they moult. To reduce stress to these flightless bird and give them space we are delaying opening the path. Summer herds of cattle are due to go out onto the Top New Piece and Dumbles, we will monitor where these flightless birds choose to hide and feed and make a plan around their movements to keep them safe. Sorry for the delay, we are doing what is right for these birds at a vulnerable stage. Thank you for your understanding.
Monday 22 June
South Lake
Three Black-tailed Godwit, 156 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 8 Cormorant, 52 Avocet-two broods of 4 each, 28 Teal, 12 Shoveler, broods of 3 and 6 Tufted Duck, 40 Coot, Black-tailed Skimmers and Emperor dragonflies, 5 Little Grebes, singing Whitethroat near Sanderson bridge.
Top New Piece
Two breeding plumage male Ruff (the glossy black has begun moult and is scruffy, the cream-ginger has full 'ruff'). Breeding plumage Spotted Redshank, 35 Redshank plus 2 chicks, 4 Lapwing, Avocet, two female Gadwall with broods of 2 and 3, 12 Teal, juvenile Little Grebe on the main fleet.
Estuary Tower
Three juvenile Stonechats and Swallows with brood on the Middle Point fence. Both juvenile Bitterns showing in the open at the Pillbox end of the pool, one in the grass and juncus, the other on the reeds. Also 8 Cranes on the Dumbles.
Tack Piece scrape
Five Green Sandpiper, 2 Teal, pair of Tufted Duck,
Rushy Hide
Broods of Avocets, Black-headed Gulls, 51 Gadwall, broods of Tufted Duck and Shelducks.
