Amazing views of Stilts
South Lake
Great birding here, three Black Winged Stilts with some stunning views as they pass within a few metres of the hide, the Hogarth is also a good spot to get some great close up views. This is part of a black and white wader theme, 45 Avocet including several incubating birds, the three pairs of Oystercatcher and several Lapwing. Even a group of Ruff are trying to get in on the black and white act. A group of 11 birds includes a couple of very fine black males with full ruffs and a very white male as well. Well worth spending a little time watching this group if you can tear your eyes away from the Stilts there are constant interactions and displays going on.
The Black Tailed Godwit flock is stunning, over 300 birds many in full summer plumage, they are moving between the South Lake and Zeiss Hide. Two beautiful Little Grebes were thrilling visitors just a few metres in front of the hide.
Black-winged Stilts (c) S Petrek
Cattle Egret
Two birds were seen at several locations through the afternoon.
Zeiss Hide and South Finger.
A young Spoonbill was feeding here this morning but was quite mobile. The Godwit flock dropped in and looked great. Still 27 Teal scattered around and a Little Egret was on the floods from the Kingfisher Hide. A Kingfisher flew by as I approached the Hide, it looks fairly certain that they are now incubating as several change overs have been reported. Many thanks for your patience with the windows screwed down but it dos seem to have worked. We hope to be able to reopen the windows shortly. A male Sparrowhawk was seen briefly and there were Cettis, Reeds and Sedge warblers singing as well as a Little Grebe close to the hide.
Holden and Tack Piece
Cranes dominating the scene here this more. There were pitched battles and lots of calling from 5 birds in the Tack Piece. A very large female Peregrine was perched on a look straight out from the Holden and there was two distant Wheatears on the edge of the estuary. The Shelduck flock is building nicely , there were at least 90 birds scattered across the mudflats. Several small groups of both Sand Martin and Swallow have been passing through heading north.
Rushy
The strange Wigeon hybrid is still here with 4 pairs of Avocet. Two Common Sandpipers were on the top pond and a Hobby was high overhead.
