There's a chill in the air
Winter is fast approaching and we've had news today that the first Bewick's Swans have arrived over at Welney in Norfolk. When will the first birds arrive here at Slimbridge is now the main question! Speaking of winter arrivals, the White-fronted Geese were hiding this morning, not in their usual place on The Dumbles. Another feeding opportunity must be taking their fancy.
South Lake Hides
The Spotted Redshank has relocated to the South Lake giving good views from the Discovery Hide. Other waders here include 202 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Redshank and 184 Lapwing, although birds are coming and going all the time so numbers can quickly increase. More duck on the deeper water today including 64 Shoveler, some of which are now really looking handsome.
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Holden Tower
In the absence of the White-fronted Geese only Greylag and Canada were present this morning, even the Barnacle flock was feeding at the very south of the reserve only just in view. Now the high tides have flooded the pools and ditches across The Dumbles, the Wigeon and Shelduck are showing very well from the Holden Tower. A flock of Long-tailed Tits passed through the hawthorns but only a Reed Bunting was in tow. Two Crane were on the Tack Piece and a Roe Deer could be seen along the hedgerow in the Goose Fields.
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Kingfisher Hide
A female Blackcap and 2 Goldcrest were feeding amongst the hawthorns with a flock of Blue Tit. A small flock of Goldfinch dropped in for a drink and a bathe and a flock of Starling were busy feeding on the hawthorn berries. A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over the hide.
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Rushy Hide
Duck numbers are slowly creeping up on the Rushy and amongst the Mallard look out for Tufted Duck, Teal, Pochard and today the Pintail numbered 26, some starting to look at their best.
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