Birding in the sunshine
After the wet and windy weather comes a morning of glorious sunshine
After the wet and windy weather comes a morning of glorious sunshine, illuminating the birds in a golden light.
South Lake
Two Mediterranean Gull were seen this morning, both adults whereas yesterday we saw one adult and one second-winter bird, the latter have some retained black on the primaries. Also of note on the South Lake were 236 Black-tailed Godwit, 186 Tufted Duck, 19 Pochard, 12 Cormorant, 146 Shoveler, a single Snipe, 62 Lapwing and a single Pintail.
Zeiss Hide
Counts this morning included 92 Wigeon, 513 Teal, two Redshank, ten Black-tailed Godwit, two Buzzard and a Peregrine.
Estuary Tower
Around 1000 Golden Plover were settled on the Tack Piece this morning. At least 16 White-fronted Geese were towards the west side of the field amongst the Greylag and Canada flock. Several hundred Wigeon and Teal are on the water. Out on the Dumbles were a Peregrine, Buzzard and Marsh Harrier sat on the ground. The hedgerow along the Tack Piece is filled with hundreds of winter thrushes, and a good flock of Linnet.
Rushy Hide
Duck this morning included 56 Shelduck, 28 Pochard and 27 Pintail, plus the usual Mallard and Tufted Duck. A Grey Heron was on the lower pond.
Canoe Safari
Ten Cattle Egret were roosting in the willows, viewable from paths through grounds. The birds will likely head out to local cattle herds to forage in the fields for the day once temperatures warm a little.
