Climate change setback for our Kingfishers
The warm late winter weather triggered our earliest ever Kingfisher breeding activity with a pair excavating and seemingly on the verge of laying eggs, however the wet weather continued, with the now very familiar days and nights of torrential rain. The waterlogged bank collapsed on two occasions causing the pair to halt their interest. We're glad to report that they are back and trying a different spot, a few drier days may help to prevent any more slippage. Mild wet winters are predicted for the future, we may have to find ways to adapt this site to cope with the volume of water falling upon it. Hopefully they'll settle down soon and have a successful season ahead with no further drama. Kingfishers are being seen and heard about the reserve but at the moment the South Finger and Kingfisher Hide is the best place to see them, do remember to speak quietly and move slowly in the hide.
South Lake from Hogarth Hide (note that Discovery Hide is closed for repairs)
63 Avocet, 353 Black Tailed Godwit, 4 Snipe, 74 Shoveler, 2 Oystercatcher, 232 Teal and 56 Lapwing.
Bottom New Piece from Kingfisher Hide
241 Russian White Fronted Geese and the Barnacle Goose, pair of Kingfisher, 2 Little Grebe, 32 Shelduck and 10 Gadwall.
Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory
Pair of Whooper Swans and at least 66 Bewick's Swans on site (41 Rushy, 25 Tack Piece)
South Finger
*Siberian Chiffchaff* in the path side scrub and blossom near to the larger of the dragonfly ponds, calling on and off
Top New Piece from Zeiss Hide
173 Wigeon, 500 Dunlin, 14 Avocet, 195 Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Oystercatcher and singing Reed Buntings.
Estuary Tower
Pink-footed Goose on the foreshore saltmarsh.
Grounds
40 Siskins roving and 2 Great Egret this morning.
Entrance Fields
Snow Goose with the Greylags
