Spotted Redshank remains
The Spotted Redshank continues its stay on the reserve, and gradually moulting through to breeding plumage
The Spotted Redshank continues its stay on the reserve, and gradually moulting through to breeding plumage.
Kingfisher Hide
One of the Kingfisher pair made a brief flypast this morning. The pair must soon be close to hatching so we will keep an eye on activity. A Cuckoo was heard this afternoon.
Robbie Garnett Hide
The Spotted Redshank was on the Tack Piece this morning, along with 13 Black-tailed Godwit, eight Shoveler, 13 Avocet and a few Teal. The cattle have now been put out for the start of the grazing season. This afternoon four summer-plumaged Golden Plover dropped in.
Rushy Hide
A Common Sandpiper was on the upper pond islands this afternoon. Counts this morning included the male Little Ringed Plover on the nest in the protective cage, with the female nearby, the male Crane (Chocolo) on the nest, a total of 26 Black-headed Gull across the area along with a pair of Shoveler, 30 Avocet and six Tufted Duck.
South Lake
A Common Tern was seen flying high over towards the Top New Piece and Zeiss Hide. This morning the second-calendar year Little Gull was present again on the deep lake along with seven Cormorant, seven Tufted Duck, the pair of Great Crested Grebe and five Gadwall. The wader scrape held three Black-tailed Godwit, a Little Ringed Plover, 56 Avocet including 20 birds on nests, a Grey Heron and the Crane on a nest.
Knott Hide
An adult Little Grebe was busy feeding two chicks on the Pillbox Pool. The neighbouring reedbed is filled with warbler song.
Summer Walkway / Middle Point
We have opened the Summer Walkway, accessed from the Estuary Tower. This morning three Wheatear were on the cross fence. The high tide roost on the riverbank included just two Curlew with seven Great Black-backed Gull, 30 Shelduck, five Oystercatcher and a Little Egret.
Zeiss Hide
Counts from the Top New Piece this morning included 26 Avocet, three Redshank, 47 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Shoveler, two Great Egret, a single Oystercatcher, 18 Shelduck and a Grey Heron. A Peregrine was out over the seawall.
Martin Smith Hide
One of the Glossy Ibis was present here early morning before being chased off by a Coot and then flying north over the reserve. The bird arrived from the South Lake direction, so may have roosted here and return later today.
