Today's sightings
The day started promising with a glimmer of sunshine, but the weather quickly clouded completely over and then light rain for the afternoon. It didn't stop the Chiffchaffs singing though. They can be heard across the reserve at present along with at least four Blackcaps so far.
South Lake Hides
At least one second-summer Mediterranean Gull was on the deep lake this morning, with a second bird reported but with the birds were rather mobile it was difficult to pin them down. The pair of Garganey were seen again this afternoon too. The Black-tailed Godwit flock was 149 this morning along with 35 Avocet, 4 Oystercatcher and 19 Shelduck. A few Lapwing can be seen displaying and nest building down in front of the Hogarth Hide too.
A pair of Great Crested Grebe were on the deep lake and a Little Grebe was fishing close in to the hide. A Kingfisher was busy back and forth too. Ten Sand Martin dropped in briefly first thing and several birds were seen throughout the day.
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Holden Tower
The Brent Goose was again on the Dumbles this morning and the two White-fronted Geese reappeared on the Tack Piece mid-morning with the incoming tide. Three Cranes were here too; Monty, Chip and Slim, our wild born chick from 2015. Around 80 Wigeon remain in the flock, a total of 48 Shoveler were busy feeding on the scrape and a pair of Oystercatcher were flitting between the Tack Piece and the Rushy.
A male Blackcap was singing from the trees in front of the tower and a couple of Sand Martin were making their way down the valley.
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Zeiss Hide
A couple of Ruff were with the Lapwing on the scrape, along with 6 Avocet and 2 Oystercatcher. A pair of Great Black-backed Gulls were on the island amongst a flock of Herring Gulls. Several Common Gulls were heading down the river over high tide too. A Little Egret was feeding in the ditch to the south of the field.
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Kingfisher Hide
A lot of Kingfisher activity today with the pair busy and a third bird possibly trying to get in on the act.
