Gulltastic
South Lake
Alive with Gulls here this morning, over 600 BH Gulls many actively engaged in displays and nest building. A fantastic set of Med Gulls among them with at least one adult pair displaying on the main nesting island but a bewildering mixture of ages, plumages and also colour rings with at least 3 ringed birds. Running totals so far are at least 6 full adults, 3 2nd Summers and 3 probably 4 1st summers. Around 30 Common Gulls of all ages as well makes for an excellent Gull ID workshop. Also 12 Avocets and 4 Oystercatchers. Little Grebes close to the hide and waves of Swallow and Sand Martin passing over.
Rushy
High water levels here still, only 9 Avocet, 2 Blackwits and a snipe.
Tack Piece
A few winter birds hanging on; Wigeon 53, Shoveler 32 and a handfull of Teal. The Blackwit flock were starting to drop in up to 40 and still climbing, 23 Redshank were feeding around the floods with 2 Curlew and 2 Avocets. About 120 Curlew could be seen distantly to the north. Most impressive was a sudden appearance of around 45 Sand Martin and 40 Swallow during a heavy shower. Great views of 2 Treecreepers along the walkway, a snipe was showing well through the holes in the wall and a Blackcap was singing.
Holden Tower
The Holden flash has suddenly come alive with 18 Avocets displaying mateing and nest building. Most of them crammed onto one small island. A handfull of Lapwing were holding territories on the Dumbles and over 40 Tufted Duck counted on the long ground pool.
Zeiss Hide
The Stunning flock of 230 Blackwits and 2 Ruff were here, 18 Avocet were on the scrapes and 6 snipe. Another high count of 88 Common Gulls here clearly looks like a good movement through. There were 2 Blackcap singing and 7 Chiffchaff. A male Brambling was reported along the south finger close to the Van Der Bovenkamp hide.
Kingfisher Hide
Lots of Kingfisher activity here over the past few days and continuing today, afternoon seems to be the most active period with nest digging, displaying and the male passing fish to the female. The windows have been closed to avoid disturbance over this very sensitive period. Once they have started incubation we will hope to re-open them. But please help by being quiet around the general area especially as you approach the hide.
Some great views of the Godwits and close ups of Little Grebe and Gadwall to keep you entertained whilst you wait for the Kingfishers to appear.
