A wet weekend
The forecast isn't great for the weekend, and it has started wet with a fine mist and occasional drizzle hanging over the reserve. The birds are still here for you to enjoy though, including our Snipe in front of the Hogarth Hide who are putting on a great show. A couple of our Wigeon carpets are also very close to the hides, particularly the Holden Tower and Van de Bovenkamp Hide. Approach quietly for the best views!
South Lake Hides
A very quiet South Lake this morning by comparison to yesterday with only 307 Lapwing, 53 Black-tailed Godwit, a single Avocet and a few Dunlin. At least 79 Snipe were in front of the Hogarth Hide (a new personal best) and 35 Shelduck were on the scrape. The deep lake held 66 Tufted Duck, 27 Pochard and 5 Cormorant with a few Gadwall. A Great Black-backed Gull tried and failed to catch a Pochard.
.
Rushy Hide & Peng Observatory
Two Little Stint were on the islands on the upper pond first thing with a few Lapwing on the causeway. The Bewick's Swan count this morning was 118 birds including a new yearling that arrived overnight. Amongst the duck were 135 Pochard.
.
Robbie Garnett Hide
The Tack Piece is dominated by Wigeon, Teal and Pintail today, but scan through them and you'll pick out Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank and Dunlin.
.
Holden Tower
At least 103 White-fronted Geese were in the Ox Piece to the north of the Tack Piece, but views were poor through the mist. Two foxes were on the Dumbles, what looked like a male pursuing a female. The few hundred Wigeon on the scrape kept at a safe distance.
.
Zeiss Hide
The Red-breasted Goose was again in the Bottom New Piece with the Barnacle flock. On the scrape were around 150 Lapwing and a count of 120 Snipe. A Water Rail was showing very well to the south of the hide feeding on the slubbings from the recent reedbed management. At least 385 Wigeon were in front of the Van de Bovenkamp Hide. A Grey Heron was stalking the reedbed and a Cetti's Warbler was heard.
