Departures have begun
We've seen some large scale departures of our wintering bird flocks but also further arrivals of species that breed here (Avocet and Oystercatcher). Passage birds that stop over on their way through such as Black-tailed Godwit are also increasing.
Rushy Hide
115 Pochard and at least 91 Bewick's Swans seen today.
Tack Piece
10 Ruff, 40 Redshank, 12 Curlew, 400 Wigeon with small numbers of Shoveler. The Bewick's Swans moved here to feed/rest for the day.
Holden Tower
Two Peregrines made hunting sorties over the Top New Piece. Six Cranes including the unringed adult and two juveniles (Oakie and Sherbert and Ruby offspring). 149 E. White-fronted Geese were on the Tack Piece first thing but the flock flew and split, some feeding on the Dumbles and the rest in the 50 Acre to the North.
South Lake
31 Avocet (see pic), 99 Black-tailed Godwit, 1000+ Lapwing, 55 Golden Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 22 Common Gull, 92 Herring Gull, 320 Black-headed Gull. The Great Crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant and 21 male and 6 female Pochard on deep lake.
Zeiss Hide
The Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming in the Spinney Wood, 400 Golden Plover, 300 Lapwing, 120 Dunlin were spooked by the Peregrines.
Kingfisher Hide
8 male and 5 female Gadwall in the channel.
