Out in the sunshine
Its a gloriously sunny day outside bathing the reserve and the birds in a golden light. Sixteen Bewick's Swans were on the Rushy this morning, including new arrivals Dario and Bridges who have returned with a yearling. There arrival saw a big fight break out on the causeway but things soon settled down for the morning feed. Elsewhere don't forget to look out for the Water Rail at the Willow Hide. The bird is back showing well under the bird feeders.
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Rushy Hide & Peng Observatory
Along with the 16 Bewick's Swans other counts included 97 Shelduck, 60+ Pintail, 60+ Pochard and 200+ Tufted Duck. A small party of Dunlin flew over and circled the islands but then flew out again back towards the river. Two Kingfishers were seen near the swan pipe during the morning's feed. Three Little Stint were seen on the Rushy after the morning feed along with a Redshank.
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Zeiss Hide
A slow start this morning with the Golden Plover flock only numbering 20 birds. Numbers will soon build as the temperature creeps up. Also present were an Avocet, Redshank, 315 Lapwing, 635 Teal, 12 Pintail, 550 Wigeon, 3 Snipe and a Black-tailed Godwit. Over the fence on the Bottom New Piece, viewed from here or the Kingfisher Hide were 26 White-fronted Geese, 150 Dunlin, 200+ Teal and 2 Black-tailed Godwit. A Treecreeper was seen near the Kingfisher Hide.
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South Lake Hides
At least 373 Dunlin were on the wader scrape this morning along with 167 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 2 Little Stint, 500+ Lapwing and an Oystercatcher. Pochard on the deep lake numbered 38 birds.
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