Wigeon and Pintail
First Pintail arriving on the estuary
A check of the scrapes this morning revealed a few Wigeon at a number of our wetlands spots, this indicates some fresh arrivals on the North winds, it's certainly been chillier at night. Three Pintail were spotted on the estuary which would also be the first of the wintering duck. It seems that the large flock of small waders has reduced, probably due to clear nights, the North wind and the low tides.
Highlights today included
Estuary Tower/Knott Hide
The Great White Egret came in to fish at the 'pill box pool'. The hedge was busy with Blackcaps.
Up to ten Cranes were on the Dumbles with the Barnacle and Canada Geese.
Tack Piece
A few Teal and Gadwall on the scrape but a bit quieter here today, it's quite exposed to the North winds.
South Lake
Water levels are coming down, at least 6 Snipe were lurking in the vegetated spots and the flocks of Ruff, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank were still faithfull to the scrape, the Spotted Redshank was also there. Good numbers of Gadwall, Teal, Tufted Duck and Greylag made it rather busy.
Top New Piece
A Garganey slept among the Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler, the family of Avocet, one adult and three juveniles were on the islands. A Marsh Harrier passed through and then toured the reserve. Sand and House Martins fed over here and the South Finger filtration beds.
