First LRP of the year
Another first of the Spring record in the form of a LRP (Little ringed Plover).
Estuary Tower
A Little ringed Plover (LRP) flew over the Dumbes calling but seemed to head towards the Dunlin flock on the Lower Dumbles, a Little Stint was also seen on the saltpan pools here as well as a flock of Golden Plover and most of the Lapwing. Three Snow Geese were on the Dumbles foreshore, plus 23 (mudflats) and 22 (Dumbles) Curlew, 90 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 80 Dunlin, 32 Golden Plover and 90+ Lapwing on the Lower Dumbles, 20 Starling + 2 Buzzard
The Russian White-fronted Geese began the day in the Ox Piece, at least 70 viewable, the rest were hidden behind the hedge, the flock relocated to the Dumbles taking the two Pin-footed Geese with them.
South Lake
58 Shoveler, 42 Avocet, 51 Pochard, 10 Cormorant, 28 Teal, 127 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Shelduck, Kingfisher, 20 Tufted Duck, GC Grebe, 2 Common and 38 Black-headed Gull + 9 territorial/ scrapping Coot.
Hogarth Hide
Six Snipe, pair of Oystercatcher, pair of Avocet.
South Finger and Estuary Tower paths- Goldcrests and Song Thrush singing and audible from the paths, a few Blackbirds and Great Spotted Woodpecker from the Willow Hide.
Top New Piece
Lower numbers (49) of Teal, 4 Pintail, 3 Pochard, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Shoveler, 280 Wigeon, 2 Lapwing + singing Chiffhcaff near Zeiss Hide.
Bottom New Piece
Five Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 8 Teal on pool, 5 Shoveler, 24 Teal and a few displaying Lapwing on the flood fringes.
Tack Piece
210 Wigeon, 20 Shoveler, Ross's Goose with the Barnacle Geese, 6 Curlew, 1 Redshank, pair of Pintail and 22 Shelduck. Pill Box Pool- 5 Gadwall, 110 Wigeon, c23 Teal, pair of Mute Swan, territorial Little Grebe.
Martin Smith Hide
Singing Reed Bunting, Snipe +22 Wigeon.
Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory
36 Bewick's Swans remain, flighting between the Tack Piece and here regularly. Also counts of 72 Tufted Duck and 25 Pochard, c70 Pintail and the Mandarin and Avocet was visted by four others for a time.
