High tides on the estuary
We've seen a sequence of high tides over 10m in height over the last few days
We've seen a sequence of high tides reaching over 10m in height over the last few days with birds taking refuge on the reserve until water levels drop back to allow them to return to the mudflats.
Summer Walkway / Middle Point
The view from the seawall at the Shepherd's Hut has been as far as you can go recently with the high tide flooding the path to Middle Point. This viewpoint, along with the accessible viewing platform next to the Pillbox have offered great views of all the action. On this morning's high tide at least three Whimbrel and five Curlew were on the Dumbles along with two Grey Plover, 4 Ringed Plover and 29 Dunlin. Along the cross fence and on the driftwood were a Whinchat and two Wheatear, with another four Wheatear over the seawall on the Tack Piece. Here the herd of cattle have been attracting several Yellow Wagtails too.
Also from the Shepherd's Hut, listen out for the male Grasshopper Warbler reeling away. The bird occasionally shows on the edge of the reedbed, usually low down in the vegetation.
Mid-morning a Pink-footed Goose dropped in with the Greylag Goose flock feeding along the paleochannel in the Goose House Ground. The morning also saw a steady stream of hirundines moving north, mainly Swallow but a few House Martin and Sand Martin were passing too. Several Swift were noted with larger numbers seen further inland past the canal.
Estuary Tower roof terrace
A Greenshank was on the Dumbles scrape this morning along with a pair of Avocet, one of which was colour-ringed. We're looking for the project to contact and will then await details of the bird's history.
Safari Trailer (next to Canoe Hut)
At least 37 Black-tailed Godwit were roosting on the Top New Piece this morning with a single Ruff hidden amongst them. A total of 22 Avocet were across the scrape getting ready to nest, but sadly it appears as though our Crane pair nesting here have now abandoned the nest with no birds seen here for a couple of days now.
