They're back!
Our first Bewick's Swans of the season have finally arrived
Our first Bewick's Swans of the season have finally arrived. The pair named Fortune Two & Combo have been annual visitors to the reserve since they paired up in 2005.
This season is the latest arrival of the species to the reserve since 1965 - most likely thanks to the mild weather we're currently experiencing, but also continues a long-term trend. Fortune Two first came to the reserve as a cygnet with parents Sauber & Manero in the winter of 2003/04, before pairing with Combo in 2005. Sadly they have only managed to bring back cygnets once in this time, with two cygnets in 2013.
The Bewick's Swans can be recognised as individuals thanks to their unique bill patterns. Fortune Two (right in photo) is a yellow-neb, whilst Combo (left in photo) has a pennyface pattern.
Estuary Tower
A small Curlew roost at high tide of just 63 birds, with many other likely feeding on inland fields which are now wetter thanks to the recent rains. A small gathering of 31 Great Black-backed Gull were also roosting on the riverbank with a flock of Shelduck. Three Little Egret were also noted. Later in the morning a Red-breasted Merganser was seen on the river, and an Arctic Skua was also seen here with it, or another, seen flying inland over the visitor centre.
Two Peregrine were on the Dumbles, before scrapping over a kills with the female taking prey from the male. A flock of ten White-fronted Geese dropped in early morning.
Robbie Garnett Hide
Three Spotted Redshank and 17 Redshank were roosting on the island with a few hundred Teal and Wigeon. A single Black-tailed Godwit was also noted. Out on the field at least 17 Ruff were noted with the Lapwing.
South Lake
A flock of 132 Dunlin were roosting here over high tide, along with nine Ruff and 143 Black-tailed Godwit. A few Common Gull were amongst the Black-headed Gull.
Zeiss Hide
A Marsh Harrier was drifting around the Top and Bottom New Pieces this morning, keeping the duck alert in the winds. At least 162 Wigeon were between the Zeiss Hide and Van de Bovenkamp Hide.
