Otter-ly lovely
Does the title say it all? An Otter was seen this morning from the Kingfisher Hide. At first the only suggestion as to the animal's presence was when a pair of Coot and a Little Grebe flushed from the main ditch. Then a clatter of reeds before briefly swimming across the ditch allowing just enough time for a quick photo. Elsewhere on the reserve its been a good morning for Ruff and Cetti's Warbler, being seen (and the latter more often heard) at most hides.
Rushy Pen
At least 5 juvenile Ruff were present this morning along with a single Black-tailed Godwit, 21 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper and a Little Grebe. There was no sign of the Garganey amongst the 60+ Teal.
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Holden Walkway
The Robbie Garnett Hide held another 3 juvenile Ruff were present along with 48 Teal, 8 Shoveler and a Reed Warbler was busy feeding in the reeds fringing the pool. A Buzzard flew over and at least 2 Whinchat were out on the weeds on the Tack Piece, also viewable from the Holden Tower. A flock of 89 Barnacle Geese were on The Dumbles from the Holden Tower and a single Curlew and 4 Ruff flew down river. Back at the Knott Hide warbler activity was again good with more Reed Warblers showing than the last few days. A Cetti's Warbler also called from the reeds and the hedgerow held at least 3 Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Willow Warbler. Its definitely worth spending some time here watching the hedgerow to see what is passing through.
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Zeiss Hide
Waders on the Top New Piece included 93 Lapwing, 5 Ruff (including 3 juveniles), 200+ Teal, 2 Redshank, 7 Snipe and 3 Black-tailed Godwit. Today's High Tide is around 12:15pm so an early lunchtime visit could be productive. A Cetti's Warbler was calling from the reedbed and a Sparrowhawk was hunting along the seawall hedgerows.
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South Lake Hide
More Ruff on the South Lake, with at least 5 birds present including 2 juveniles. The Black-tailed Godwit flock was around 120 birds, tightly packed at roost. Other waders included 6 Curlew Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 175 Lapwing, 2 Snipe and 27 Redshank.
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Kingfisher Hide
Aside from the Otter, the reedbed was very active this morning with Reed Warbler and Cetti's Warbler; at least 3 of the latter were heard. A flock of 97 Barnacle Geese were on the Bottom New Piece, a Kingfisher flew through as did a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Kestrel.
