Last day of January 2023
We say goodbye to January
The mild weather continues along with increasing wader numbers, it's likely that 3000+ Lapwing have returned to the reserve following last week's long freeze up. At least 70 Black-tailed Godwit, an Avocet and now three Oystercatcher are back on site, the latter now very noticeable due to increasing vocalisations as they claim territories.
Highlights today included the typically mobile Eurasian Spoonbill, read on for sightings.
Estuary Tower
Pair of Peregrine Falcons, 84 Wigeon on the Dumbles scrape plus a Redshank, a singing Mistle Thrush, the Spoonbill (distantly) on the Top New Piece early morning and again later and Barnacle and Canada Geese on the Dumbles. Up to eleven Cranes were on the Dumbles early afternoon with another six on the Tack Piece.
Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory
The first winter drake Greater Scaup, 96 Bewick's Swans, drake Mandarin and a singing Greenfinch early morning.
Top New Piece
106 Russian White-fronted Geese early morning but flushed by someone walking along the seawall, they settled later on the Tack Piece and Bottom New Piece. 370 Teal, the Lesser Snow Goose, 175 Greylag, 210 Wigeon and 70 Canada Geese returned, Marsh Harrier went through. One of the Oystercatcher visited.
Tack Piece
Ruff, Snipe, Golden Plover, Lapwing and Redshank all kept on their toes by regular visits from the Marsh Harrier. 370 Wigeon and 60 Teal on the scrape with c12 Pintail.
South Lake
The Spoonbill spent the morning here with three Oystercatcher, 70 Black-tailed Godwit, 608 Lapwing, 52 Shoveler, 12 Cormorant and 15 Pochard.
