First Swallows of the year
Our first Barn Swallows arrived today, initially two birds feeding over the Long Ground with Sand Martins but by mid morning numbers of both species increased, they fed over the South Lake and visitor centre though the day.
Passage Migrants
Five Arctic Skua were seen flying upriver through our recording area by observers at Purton (Frank S and Andrew J). A steady passage of Meadow Pipits and a Grey Wagtail were also noted headed NE.
South Lake
Sand Martins, 94 Avocet, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, two drake Pochard, GC Grebe, 14 drake and 12 duck Shoveler plus the Glossy Ibis, 10 Cattle and 1 Little Egret were seen early morning with at least three Cattle Egret around midday.
Estuary Tower
Three Snow Geese, 195+ Russian White-fronted Geese, displaying Lapwing, 6 Curlew on Dumbles with 30 on the mudflats, Grey Wagtail and 54 Meadow Pipit NE + Snipe on the Pill Box Pool.
Top New Piece
45 Wigeon, 22 Avocet, 64 Black-tailed Godwit, Spoonbill, 2 Little Egret, 2 pairs of Shoveler.
Bottom New Piece
Seven Golden Plover, nesting Lapwing, 31 Teal on the flood plus a pair of Kingfishers digging the nest from Kingfisher Hide, singing Blackcap and Chiffchaffs along the path.
