Bewick's Swan return, White-rumped Sandpiper continues and a Spoonbill
Missing Bewick's Swans appear again
Bewick's Swan news
Bewick's Swan numbers dropped to 84 last week following a run of suitable migration nights, however the flock number returned to 110 today, a party of 24 had been seen on the West side of the Severn at Awre but no recent reports or sightings here led us to believe they had gone. A colder night led to a film of ice on still shallow waters do they may have been roosting elsewhere and abandoned that site due to the conditions. Perhaps they are mustering for a genuine departure?
White-rumped Sandpiper
The first winter bird continues to show well on the South Lake, it is very mobile and can be hidden behind islands or visi the duck marsh end of the lake. It's worth checking both Discovery and Hogarth Hides for the best views.
Sightings from around the hides include the following
Tack Piece
400 Wigeon, 5 Pintail and 16 Teal.
South Lake
The first winter White-rumped Sandpiper, adult Spoonbill (was also seen yesterday), 180 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 2 Avocet, 9 Black-tailed Godwit and 70 Lapwing on the partially frozen wader scrape, Greater Scaup with 62 Pochard and Tufted Ducks on deep lake section + a pair of Goldeneye. Yesterday a flock of 50 Avocet were present.
Estuary Tower
The Russian White-fronted Goose flock flew from Four Score ground to the Severn, over 150 birds. Yesterday 192 dropped int the Top New Piece for a drink and then fed on the Dumbles all day. Forty six Barnacle Geese + c40 Canada Geese on the Dumbles. 120 Wigeon plus a Great Egret on the Pill Box Pool, latter flew to Long Ground.
Top New Piece/Bottom New Piece
Golden Plover, Dunlin and Lapwing in their 100s moving between the two fields/floods today, 90 Wigeon, 2 Pochard and c300 Starling. Two Great Egrets and a Merlin seen yesterday + 4 Roe Deer.
Loopway near Hogarth Hide
A flock of Siskins and Lesser Redpolls feeding in the Alders with Chaffinches and Goldfinches.
Wildfowl departures
A noticeable decrease in ducks around the reserve as the leave us, low numbers of Teal (pictured) about the reserve today, less than 300!
