Arctic Tern
Holden Tower and Tack Piece.
Several Shoveler and Gadwall pairs, A Common Sandpiper from Robbie Garnett hide. A constant trickle of Swallow, House and Sand Martins drifting northwards and stopping to feed in sheltered spots, about 100 along the Tack Piece hedge but just a handful of Swifts higher up. A tired looking Hobby flew north up the center of the estuary against the cold north wind.Two Ravens and some GBB Gulls were feeding on a large dead fish on the estuary. Two Peregrines were on the Dumbles edge and 3 female Wheatears very close to the Holden. The Holden flash was alive with Avocet, possibly as many as 27 nests and over 80 birds here, on the approach or visible in the Top New Piece field (Zeiss Hide). Great views of singing Reed, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap and a pair of little Grebes from the Knott Hide. A Treecreeper was charming everyone along the walkway.
South Lake
At least 6 Mediterranean Gulls here including 3 1st Summers. BH Gull colony incredibly busy and full of life. A common Sandpiper was along the causeway in front of the hide and up to 150 Black Tailed Godwits and a single Ruff were moving between here and the Zeiss Hide. Yet more Avocet (11) and the 3 pairs of Oystercatchers. The Crane was sitting tight close to the Hogarth hide and a Little Grebe was just a few feet from the hide. Over 100 Hirundines were feeding over the lake, Sand Martins were the commonest, lots of Swallows and just a handful of House Martins. From 2 pm a very fine Arctic Tern was busy feeding over the lake.
South Finger and Zeiss Hide
The Godwit flock were in and out of here along with the Ruff. At least two pairs of Redshank were looking territorial and there was lots of activity from around 8 pairs of Lapwing including sitting birds. More pairs of Shoveler scattered around and one or two Wigeon and Teal still here. Very little activity from the Kingfishers who are presumably sitting now but 2 Little Grebe,Reed Buntings, Reed and Sedge Warblers a Cettis showing well and my first Common Whitethroat of the year was a nice consolation.
