Extra warbler arrivals
Sedge Warbler
Migrants
At least four Willow Warbler were seen/heard today marking a fall of new birds, as far as I'm aware none have been noted since 23rd April. An increase in singing Sedge Warbler is also of note, 20+ in song today. A walk through survey (whilst clearing blocked pipes) of the South Finger filtration beds revealed 7 singing Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler and a Reed Bunting. An early Spotted Flycatcher was in the car park. Increased numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin have been obvious today. Two Sanderling flew N upriver at high tide as did 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Holden Tower
Two Peregrine, 32 pairs of Avocet and a pair of Oystercatcher with a few Dunlin and a Ringed Plover over the tide.
South Lake
At least four Mediterranean Gull, a 2cy, 3cy and two adults. 90 pairs of Black-headed Gull, c80 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Dunlin in breeding plumage and the male Ruff. Small numbers of Avocet came and went during the day. The Crane pair Bart and Ruby continued to incubate eggs (we assume they've laid) on the duck marsh. Sand Martins and Swallows fed over the lake. Two pairs of Little Grebe squabbled and the Great Crested Grebe pair were nest building.
Rushy Hide
The Crane pair Monty and Sedge laid an egg on the lower pond island today, the Black-headed Gull nest was scattered and then used but them.
Zeiss Hide
Three pairs of Lapwing continue to defend nest sites, 12 Avocet and a flock of Black-tailed Godwit fed in the deep lake section. A pair of two of Shoveler and Tufted Duck were on the fleets.
Kingfisher Hide
Quiet on the Kingfisher front, we assume the female is now incubating eggs. A few pairs of Teal and the breeding Lapwing were on the field and flood. A Water Rail dashed across the path to the reed bed.
