A few waders coming in on the high tides
Image - Roe Deer from Kingfisher Hide - MJM.
Just about all of the potential roosting spots for waders were flooded by the high Severn tides this morning, wader numbers on the mudflats aren't particularly high but we do have a little variety.
Estuary Tower
The flooded 'saltpans' on the Dumbles held a male and female Bar-tailed Godwit, two Grey Plover, one of which is sporting breeding plumage and three Curlew fed. The seven Dark-bellied Brent Geese remain favouring the saltmarsh shelf for grazing. Five species of gull were also present on the foreshore, most of which were first summer birds. Common, Black-headed, Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed Gull. The Greenshank continues to favour the Dumbles scrape. Two drake Mandarin flew South.
Other sightings included.
At 1:35pm three Red Kite flew high and drifted NW over the Rushy and Tack piece, not quite the 200+ noted moving in Dorset and Devon in recent days but of note for us.
Tack Piece
Egyptian Geese, Great Egret, 52 Dunlin and 19 Ringed Plover, a Yellow Wagtail flew over. Two drake Shoveler, two drake Wigeon and a drake Teal joined the sleeping Shelducks.
South Lake
Two 3cy Mediterranean Gull, two Oystercatcher, 33 Avocet, two Common Crane. A Grass Snake had to be escorted back out of the hide after finding it's way in.
Middle Point
The male White-spotted Bluethroat showed well from 08:15am onwards, many sightings with it sat up on the sticks and singing for periods. Numerous Reed & Sedge Warblers and Reed Buntings and a Lesser Whitethroat singing near the Goose House Ground.
Top New Piece from Zeiss hide
14 Avocet, drake Garganey, 63 Black Tailed Godwit, two Common Crane with chicks.
Long Ground Pool from Estuary Tower
Cuckoo calling and seen.
