Follow the Spoonbill
An immature Spoonbill arrived on the reserve yesterday, and roosted overnight on the Rushy
An immature Spoonbill arrived on the reserve yesterday, and roosted overnight on the Rushy. This morning the bird has moved between the Top New Piece and Tack Piece, before returning to the Rushy around lunchtime.
Estuary Tower roof terrace
The Ross's Goose was with the Greylags on the Long Ground Pool this morning. A pair of Curlew were out on the Dumbles and observed nesting and may now have started laying. The pair spent some time chasing off one of our pairs of Cranes (Monty & Evie) from the area.
Rushy viewpoint
The immature Spoonbill roosted on the lower pond before moving off to feed. Also noted were 16 Avocet, a pair Little Ringed Plover and a pair of Oystercatcher, plus a Common Sandpiper. A Whitethroat was singing from scrub near the Swan Pipe.
Grounds
All three Oystercatcher chicks from the nest on the Decoy Hide roof were still with Mum & Dad this morning, showing well on the grassy area in the Big Pen immediately outside the visitor centre, having moved from the Marsh Garden were they spent the day yesterday.
Safari Trailer
A Hobby was seen sat on a post on the Top New Piece this morning, and a Cuckoo was singing nearby. Don't forget to check the Reedbed Walkway as this can be a favoured spot too.
Summer Walkway / Middle Point
At least 129 Shelduck were out on the mudflats at low tide, with two small flocks of small waders buzzing to the north and south. Later waders seen included 34 Dunlin, 23 Ringed Plover, three Sanderling and a Little Stint. Three Little Egret were also noted. Two Grasshopper Warbler were reeling again, with several Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting for company. We've also seen a steady passage of Swift today along with Swallow, Sand Martin and House Martin. The latter species are also starting to investigate nesting sites around the Visitor Centre and offices. A Wheatear was also seen at Middle Point.
