Sunday 5 June
The tail end of Spring passage continues, an increase in Black-tailed Godwit (pictured) numbers to 105 and another great flurry of Arctic bound waders on the Severn today.
Kingfisher Hide
The Barn Owl pair which took up residence in the nest box have been actively hunting mice and voles during the daytime today, one of the adults was seen entering the nest box with prey on two occasions and have ranged to the Top New Piece and Dumbles to hunt. It's still a great place to see and hear wtland passerines such as Reed and Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting.
Top New Piece
Two breeding plumage Cattle Egret were roosting on the most southern of the four islands to 09:30am, a Hobby buzzed 4 Sand Martin and dozen Swallow before heading off NE, 3 drake and one female Shoveler, 35 Avocet of which many were nest building, a pair of Redshank, 4 Lapwing, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, a pair of Crane (chicks hidden in the tall grass) + loafing Shelducks and Gadwall, a brood of the former.
Middle Point/Severn
In the tidal creeks and pools and muddy spots this morning were a smart breeding plumage Curlew Sandpiper, 97 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 34 Curlew, 64 Dunlin, 3 Grey Plover, broods of 2, 7 and 9 Shelduck, 3 immature Spoonbill, 2 Oystercatcher, a Redshank defending young along the shore, 2 Avocet + 40 small waders distant to North. As the tide dropped a count of 48 Sanderling was made from the Estuary Tower.
South Lake
A second calendar year Mediterranean Gull, pair of Cranes (couldn't see the young), 99 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Lapwing, Avocets, Gadwall, a pair of Great Crested and Little Grebes and a pair of Little-ringed Plover being highlights.
Duck Decoy
A Spotted Flycatcher was mobile about the pond, favouring the lee of the tallest trees.
