Magical May 1st
Always a great spring day, calm winds and sunshine.
Estuary Tower
Nice to see a pair of Curlews on the Dumbles. The high tides over the last few days just flooded the outer edge refreshing the ground nicely. A curlew and 5 Whibrel were feeding there. The Lapwing have dodged the high tides, there were two broods of youngsters running around and at least 3 incubating birds as well. Three Roe Deer were out in the salt-marsh and at least 2 very bright Wheatear along the Dumbles edge.
Dont forget to check out the holes in the wall along the walkway. Reed Sedge and Cettis all showing well and Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing.
Glimpses of 6 Avocet, 3 Black Tailed Godwit and Shoveler through the Robbie Garnett hide and looking back from the tower.
Summer Walkway.
Definitely worth the hike along here this morning. Great views of the 5 Whimbrel and Wheatears from the viewing platform, there were 2 Yellow Wagtails with the cattle and probably 2 reeling Grasshopper Warblers at mid point. A pair of Cranes were in the Goose House field and distant Great White Egret and Marsh Harrier to the north. The reeds at mid point were very lively with the usual Reed Bunting, Sedge and Reed warblers all showing well. But be warned you will need wellies to get out to mid point after the high tides have flooded the area.
Top New Piece
View from the safari trailer at the Canoe kiosk and the new viewing slots at the Van De Bovenkamp hide. There were 37 Avocet and 6 Black tailed Godwit, a pair of Redshank were very vocal and a few pairs of Lapwing are incubating here.
South Finger Reed Bed
Worth a walk here as well if only to see the Reed and Sedge Warblers at their very best with high concentrations of birds seemingly singing every where. A Cuckoo was heard to the south and two singing Cettis.
