Goshawk and Bittern
Holden Tower/Dumbles
A male Peregrine was actively hunting the area this morning, female Marsh Harrier seen late morning and a female Merlin at Middle Point early afternoon. At least 14 E White-fronted Geese fed among Greylag Geese, the Barnacle Goose flock was nearby. Out on the estuary basin a count of 175 Shelduck was made at low tide. Two Redpoll flew past early morning.
Tack Piece
A flock of 540 Wigeon fed on the 'lawns' (1238 on site today), 400 Teal were in the scrape with a few Shoveler and Pintail. Four Curlew, c80 Lapwing and 11 Redshank were also noted.
Willow Hide
Goldcrests in the hedge and a Water Rail under the feeders
Martin Smith Hide
A Cetti's Warbler and male Sparrowhawk on a kill were of note.
South Lake
The lake was temporarily flushed by a male Goshawk this morning, it was hunting Teal but missed and was chased by corvids. At least 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Redshank and 3 Snipe were among the Lapwing, 30 Shoveler and 70 Teal on the wader scrape and three Pochard and Great Crested Grebe on deep lake.
Top New Piece from Zeiss Hide
648 Wigeon, c200 Teal, 10 Redshank, 22 Ruff, 20 Snipe, c70 Golden Plover, c80 Dunlin, c80 Lapwing, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 10 Pintail. Calling Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail.
A Bittern was seen three times in flight between the Kingfisher Hide and here late morning to early afternoon.
Big Pen Pond
The Bewick's Swan remains among the 'resident' birds.
