Time for a preen
This morning's rain seemed to encourage most of the birds to take the opportunity to preen, a vital part of looking after their plumage especially as they currently undertake their moult.
Rushy Hide
At least 7 Green Sandpipers were present this morning, all on the lower pond along with 2 Redshank, 8 Lapwing and 7 Black-tailed Godwit. A Little Grebe was on the upper pond with an Oystercatcher, second Redshank, the hybrid pair of Wigeon and several female Tufted Duck with single ducklings.
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South Lake Hides
The birds were well spread across the wader scrape this morning with many of the Black-tailed Godwits very close to the Discovery Hide, the flock totaling 165 birds. At least 7 Ruff were at the back the scrape, with all birds having a different plumage as is usual with the species. A pair of Oystercatcher were on the island and another single bird on the causeway in front of the Discovery Hide.
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Zeiss Hide
The main highlight here amongst the wader flock is the Little Stint. Other waders include 30 Dunlin, 10 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Avocet and 12 Lapwing.
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Robbie Garnett Hide
Two Greenshank were feeding in the main channel along with at least 10 Green Sandpiper.
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Holden Tower
Check amongst the cattle as you look out over the Dumbles as at least 5 Yellow Wagtails were busy feeding on disturbed insects along with a small flock of Starling and Swallow. Out on the river were a single Curlew, a Little Egret and 11 Dunlin.
