Severn Bore bringing big tides
This weekend (including today) sees big tides come to the estuary, some of which could completely flood over the Dumbles
This weekend (including today) sees big tides come to the estuary, some of which could completely flood the Dumbles. The largest tides are sadly in the dark, but Saturday and Sunday morning offer you a chance to see the Severn Bore pass off Middle Point, and then watch the tide rise with birds heading off to roost.
Saturday 2nd September - High tide is around 10:47am, so the Severn Bore should pass Middle Point around 8:45am.
Sunday 3rd September - High tide is around 11:25am, so the Severn Bore should pass Middle Point around 9:25am.
Members' can access the Estuary Walkway and then head out down the Summer Walkway to Middle Point from 8:15am via the Members' Gate. It is a 15-20 minute walk so you'll need to be punctual as the tide waits for no one! Non-members can watch the tide rising from 9:30am when the visitor centre opens for admissions. We'd recommend heading to the Zeiss Hide or Estuary Tower to see the roosting birds including up to four Spoonbill, all three egret species, and a good selection of waders.
Today's sightings include...
Estuary Tower
The Curlew roost on the riverbank was at least 141 birds, but partly obscured by taller vegetation, and a Bar-tailed Godwit was also seen. A flock of 14 Cranes were on the Dumbles.
Stephen Kirk Hide and Robbie Garnett Hide
A Wood Sandpiper was on the Tack Piece this morning, but seems to be a mobile bird as it was later seen from the Zeiss Hide. Also on the Tack Piece were a Black-tailed Godwit, nine Ruff (including eight juveniles), four Green Sandpiper and 18 Teal.
Zeiss Hide
The wader flock began gathering over high tide but was flushed back out to the estuary by a passing Marsh Harrier. The roost including Ringed Plover, Dunlin and at least ten Sanderling. Other notable waders including a newly arrived juvenile Spotted Redshank and a Wood Sandpiper. A Bittern flew out from the reeds in front of the hide and dropped back into the reedbed near the Kingfisher Hide. Four Spoonbill and a Great Egret were roosting on the southern island with a Grey Heron, and a second Great Egret was stalking the margins near to the hide. At least six Yellow Wagtail were with the cattle herd, and two Cattle Egret flew past over the Dumbles before one dropped in with the cattle herd too.
South Lake
The Black-tailed Godwit flock held 274 birds on the wader scrape along with a Snipe and six Ruff.
Middle Point / Summer Walkway
A Wheatear was along the fence line of the Goose House Ground. Out on the estuary before the tide starting coming in were a Bar-tailed Godwit, the Curlew flock, 11 Little Egret, seven Grey Heron and 96 Shelduck.
Wild Safaris
A second Wheatear was in the fields at the north end of the reserve this morning, and a Merlin was seen along the riverbank before the Severn Bore passed through. A pair of Crane were in the Goose House Ground too, before moving off to the Zeiss Hide. Grass Snake were seen under the tins.
