The first Bewick's Swans of the 23/24 season arrive and a record count of Black-tailed Godwits
Bewick's Swans at last
Last Thursday 16 November was the latest ever arrival date for Bewick's Swans at WWT Slimbridge. A family party of four flew in around midday and settled for rest on the Tack Piece flood. The pair, well known to us are Maisie and Maifeld, they have now brought a total of nine cygnets back to winter here since they paired. By the next day we had seven on site, an eighth arrived on 19th but we seem to have lost two, they've left the site for now.
Other sightings follow
Estuary Tower
The first winter (1cy) White-rumped Sandpiper still feeding on the edge of the Dumbles scrape + 1710 Golden Plover, 1100 Dunlin, 880 Lapwing on the Dumbles/Tack Piece plus the two Whooper Swan to NE in Stall House Ground. 47 Russian White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles
South Lake
At least one Goldeneye on the deep lake still today, two were present over the weekend, Great Crested Grebe, a few Dunlin, Lapwing and Teal flocks as well as the gull species and Cormorants.
Rushy
Two Spotted Redshank on the top pond island scrape mid-morning. The Pink-footed and two domestic x Canada Goose hybrids roosted overnight.
Tack Piece
Spotted Redshank, 100s of Golden Plover+ flocks of Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Lapwing, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Pochard. 31 Ruff and 29 Redshank among the birds gathering for the day + Lesser White-fronted Goose with Canada Geese during the morning.
Knott Hide
One visitor said "a fruitful hour in the Knott hide. 6 Siskins, 3 male Bullfinches, several Fieldfare and Redwings, female Blackcap, Grey Wagtail, Long-tailed Tit, several Goldfinches and a Blackbird".
Spinney Wood
A Woodcock flushed nearby along track beyond double gate + Chiffchaff.
Sunday 19 November
It was the WeBS count day, details will be posted later in the week.
An adult Great Northern Diver on the Severn was a highlight as well as two Little Stint.
A record count of 1078 Black-tailed Godwits was a highlight.
Click here for images and additional counts
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