Late winter wader bonanza on South Lake
South Lake
Unfortunately no Curlew were seen or reported at this site but we still managed to see twelve species of wader here today (numbered in brackets) The Avocet (1) flock increased to 20 and some initial mating behaviour was noted. At least 120 Black-tailed Godwit (2) were roosting and feeding, some are just beginning to show the reddish breeding plumage. Up to 30 Golden Plover (3) rested among the Lapwing (4) flocks, 3 Redshank (5) had a Spotted Redshank (6) for company, at least 5 Snipe (7) skulked in the shoreline vegetation. A single Little Stint (8) fed on the islands with 300 Dunlin (9) for company, at least two Red Knot (10) were among them. A pair of Oystercatcher (11) or two were about and up to seven Ruff (12) favoured the duck marsh with 46 Shoveler and 34 Teal.
Spotted Redshank with Redshank, Dunlin and Lapwing
Holden Tower
Lots of action today, Cranes were displaying (Crane Project, Cotton, Oakie and Evie), the E. White-fronted Geese spent the day grazing the Tack Piece. The male Goshawk gave a brilliant close lfy past before settling on a post along the TNP/Dumbles seawall fenceline for ten minutes. It headed off across TNP and BNP to South Finger. The Lapland Bunting made several appearances among the Meadow Pipits, Skylark and Pied Wagtails around the pool. 231 Barnacle Geese and 30+ Canada Geese grazed.
Lapland Bunting
Rushy Pen
Peak winter count of 162 Bewick's Swans this morning, perhaps gathering in readiness for departure. Still 200+ Pochard, 150+ Tufted Duck, 100 Shelduck and 150 Pintail at the feeds. The hybrid Wigeon was still present on the lower pond ditch bank.
Martin Smith Hide
Two Cranes (Crane project Monty and Sedge) plus Little Egret, Cetti's Warbler, 300 Wigeon, 47 Curlew and 15 Redshank.
Kingfisher Hide
Water Rail
