Busy Peregrines
At least two Peregrines have been busy this morning, especially in front of the Zeiss Hide where most of the waders are taking shelter from the strong winds we're experiencing today. The Peregrines are putting thousands of birds into the skies, a spectacle which can be seen from across the reserve.
Zeiss Hide
Waders here include around 1500 Lapwing and 400 Dunlin with a few Ruff, Redshank and Golden Plover mixed in this morning. Feeding amongst the Wigeon flock were two Black-tailed Godwits. A Cetti's Warbler was very vocal in the reedbed, and take time to check the edge of the reedbed for feeding ducks close to the hide. In the last few days we've been enjoying great views of Shoveler, Gadwall and Teal.
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Holden Tower
A rather empty Dumbles this morning given the strong winds as most birds take shelter behind the seawall, with the exception of the Bewick's Swans who are spending most of the day here after leaving their roost on the Rushy. One of the Peregrines seen from the Zeiss Hide was hunting along the river bank this morning, whilst out on the river at low tide were at least 204 Curlew and 8 Great Black-backed Gulls.
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South Lake Hides
Some of the Lapwing are taking shelter on the South Lake today with around 1000 birds present this morning. Four Black-tailed Godwits were the only other waders present, feeding on the scrape amongst the Black-headed Gulls and Teal. On the deep lake were 30 Pochard and the Great Crested Grebe, along with a mix of Teal, Shelduck, Shoveler and Gadwall.
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Martin Smith Hide
The increasing water levels are attracting lots of ducks to the pool in front of the hide, and the scrape on the Tack Piece beyond. Around 1000 Wigeon can be seen from the hide out around the scrape whilst on the pool you can enjoy very close views of Pintail, with 34 counted this morning.
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Kingfisher Hide
A Little Egret was out on the scrape along with 4 Curlew whilst the rest of the wader flock tumbled around overhead trying to evade the Peregrine. The Little Grebe and 4 Gadwall were on the pond and a male Great Spotted Woodpecker was busy tucking in to the peanuts on the feeder.
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