Moulting through
Its a great time to test your duck ID skills as the flocks of Teal, Wigeon, Pintail, Tufted Duck and Shoveler are moulting into their finery for the winter. The Shoveler especially have been showing really well in front of the Discovery Hide on the South Lake, busy feeding in small groups that look like they're performing an elaborate dance.
Zeiss Hide
A large flock of Wigeon were present this morning but took to the wing and moved south. A flock of Black-tailed Godwit were present early morning but had also departed, along with many other birds - the Goshawk may have passed through and spooked them. Still present amongst the 1000+ Teal were 6 Dunlin, a single Ruff, Avocet and Redshank and a few Lapwing. A Grey Wagtail was bathing in a puddle in front of the hide.
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Kingfisher Hide
A pair of Little Grebe were busy feeding in front of the hide along with a nice selection of ducks including a pair of Gadwall, 7 Shoveler and a few Teal. A Reed Bunting was in the reedbed edge and a Blackcap and Chiffchaff were in the hedge.
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Rushy Pen
A few other species of duck hiding amongst the 160+ Teal including 2 Pintail, 2 Wigeon, 10 Gadwall and a Tufted Duck. A Grey Wagtail was feeding along the shoreline along with 5 Lapwing and 3 Snipe.
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Holden Tower
White-fronted Geese have increased to 4 birds amongst the 370+ Greylag and 235 Barnacle Geese. Six Linnet were working their way along the hedgerow and a couple of Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest were in the hawthorns next to the hide.
