Sightings 11th and 12th September
Summary of sightings
11th September Highlights
The standout birds were what is probably a record flock of 12 Cattle Egrets a mixture of adult and at least one immature bird. They were all on the South Lake first thing then most of them spent the morning on the Rushy before flying off eastwards in a group at around 13.20. Another great addition was an immature Spotted Redshank that joined the adult and immature already here. They were also on the South Lake mixing in with the flocks of Redshank, Black Tailed Godwits and Ruff. A Hobby was watched by many observers from the Estuary Tower and Zeiss Hide noteworthy for perching for a while just a few fence posts away from a Peregrine.
12th September
South Lake
A great collection of waders including 14 Ruff, 16 Redshank, 132 Black Tailed Godwit and the adult and 2 immature Spotted Redshank. ducks included 75 Teal and 17 Shoveler.
Tack Piece and Estuary walkway
A Snipe was back in position on the newly cleared islands at the Martin Smith Hide, 30 Teal were scattered around, a Wheatear was on the Summer Walkway and a Hobby was on the Dumbles cross fence again in the afternoon. Highlight once more was excellent views of the Great White Egret in the Pillbox Pool.
Rushy
A Garganey was here with just 26 Teal and some lovely close up views of Black tailed Godwit. A Cettis was calling near by.
Zeiss Hide
Quiet at first dominated by the ducks with 491 Teal, 21 Wigeon, 7 Pintail 14 Shoveler. The only waders first thing were a handful of Lapwing and 3 cracking juvenile Ruff but by the afternoon much of the South Lake wader collection were feeding here including 2 of the Spotted Redshank.
