Swifts in numbers
Lots of hirundines over the site today plus an arrival of Swifts.
The day began still and dry but a rain front arrived and left overcast conditions, large numbers of swallows and martins were feeding over the site, perhaps 1000+, thankfully our hides offer dry viewing where close views of them skimming over the water were possible. A large hatch-off of insects also attracted these birds, the Swifts were feeding over the hedges with 40+ present at any one time.
Other sightings included the following.
Tack Piece
Garganey from the Robbie Garnett Hide, two Greenshank on Tack Piece flood plus two Ruff and a Common Sandpiper.
Rushy Hide
Drake Garganey with 8 Teal early morning, two Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Avocet (five nests), pair of Shoveler plus two 2cy Mediterranean Gull with 82 Black-headed Gull. A Common Sandpiper was feeding here late morning.
Estuary Tower
Four Wheatear on the Dumbles today.
Top New Piece
58 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ruff, 3 Teal, 2 drake Shoveler, singing Sedge and Reed Warblers, Cranes, 22 Avocet and Lapwing.
Bottom New Piece
Two female/immature Marsh Harrier.
South Finger
Treecreepers, Blackcap and Chiffchaffs along the path and mature hedge and Reed and Sedge Warblers in the reed bed.
