Otter family at the South Finger again
We record regular 'Trailcam' footage of the resident Otter family as they use the reserve, the mother expertly guides the two cubs about the reserve to fish our wetland habitats. The most reliable area to find them is at the South Finger, they have shown adjacent to the hides on a number of occasions over the winter. This morning they were busy in the Kingfisher pool and channel. It's good to see that we have a healthy fish population that can sustain these mammals, in time we hope to see this wetland mammal become comfortable near our hides and provide regular encounters for quiet watchers.
Other sighting today included the following.
Red Kite battling it's way across the Dumbles into the North wind (MJM).
Estuary Tower
A Red Kite laboured across the Dumbles into the wind putting up the geese, a Merlin whizzed through, 15 GBB Gull and the Barnacle/Canada Goose flock on the Dumbles + Ross's and the hybrids, Meadow Pipits and Skylark around the scrape.
Tack Piece
Part of the Bewick's Swan flock rested here through the day, Ruff, Redshank, Curlew and 800+ Wigeon.
Top New Piece
Two Lapwing, 60 Dunlin on the island, 110 Teal, 90 Wigeon.
Kingfisher Hide
Female Stonechat, 2 Little Grebe + Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Mallard but moved off when the three Otters fished the pool, single Curlew on the field with Shelduck, c210 Golden Plover flying through and 60 Dunlin.
Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory
Two Whooper Swans early morning, at least 64 Bewick's Swans on site. 26 Pintail and 18 Pochard among the ducks present. Snow Goose this morning.
Grounds
60+ Siskins in two flocks again today, Decoy boardwalk and near the visitor centre this morning but mobile.
Duck Decoy
Drake Mandarin, single Great, single Cattle and 6 Little Egrets early morning.
South Lake
*Discovery Hide is closed for safety while the repair work continues but Hogarth Hide remains open*.
Thirteen Lapwing, 55 Avocet, 210 Black-tailed Godwit, 45 Pochard, 2 Cattle Egret among the birds seen this morning.
