Thursday birding
Its been a busy day for the Reserve Team with an Advanced Birders workshop and a visit from a group of students to talk about reserve management and surveys that take place at Slimbridge. The Little Gull and a Mediterranean Gull were on the Rushy this morning, but there was no sign of the Smew until this afternoon when it was found elsewhere on the reserve and was then seen in flight heading towards the South Lake.
South Lake Hides
The Black-tailed Godwit flock left early this morning to head out to feed on the Top New Piece, as viewed from the Zeiss Hide. They left behind two of their flock along with 20 Avocets, 2 Oystercatchers and a single Common Sandpiper that was busy feeding along the back of the scrape. Two Little Gulls were seen here early afternoon along with a second Common Sandpiper.
.
Zeiss Hide
Around 200 Black-tailed Godwits were feeding on the Top New Piece, with another 52 birds on the Bottom New Piece just over the hedge. Three pairs of Avocets and two pairs of Oystercatchers were also on the scrape. The reedbed in front of the hide was alive with the song of Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler, with a Cetti's Warbler also giving the odd burst of song. Three Cranes dropped in early morning (Cotton, Oakie and Evie) and began a short period of display and calling.
.
Summer Walkway
At least 8 Wheatear were still on show at Mid Point along with 2 Whinchat, a male and a female. The Advanced Birders group were treated to Grasshopper Warbler in stereo with two reeling males in the reedbed. A Yellow Wagtail also flew over up river.
.
Holden Tower and Walkway Hides
The Tack Piece was quiet this morning with a handful of Teal, two pairs of Shoveler and Tufted Duck, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 4 Avocet the only birds on the scrape. A small flock of Sand Martin were feeding over the field with a couple of Swallow mixed in.
