Water birds
The snowfall overnight was nearly all gone this morning at Slimbridge, but the surrounding hills still had a dusting of white adding to the scenery. On the reserve the rain and snow have pushed water levels up to their highest so far this winter, and the birds have responded.
South Lake Hides
The morning started with a good number of birds on the scrape including 790 Lapwing, 13 Ruff, 38 Black-tailed Godwit and a single Redshank and Dunlin. Shortly after the first count another large flock arrived including 113 Golden Plover, 500+ Lapwing, 5 Ruff, 250+ Dunlin and a Little Stint. At least 15 Snipe were in front of the Hogarth Hide, and Oystercatcher was on the island in the deep lake whilst on the water were 23 Pochard, a Great Crested Grebe and 68 Shelduck.
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Zeiss Hide
Another very busy area of the reserve with birds often on the wing making counting very tough. The Wigeon had been spooked onto the water and were easier to count - 1418 birds were present on the Top New Piece this morning. A large flock of Golden Plover arrived to join the Dunlin and Lapwing. Two Stonechat were on the fence line in front of the hide.
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Holden Tower
The Red-breasted Goose was with the Barnacle and Canada flock on the Dumbles. Two Stonechat were on the fence line at Mid Point. The tower also provides a great vantage point to view back on to the Tack Piece, although birds are closer at the Robbie Garnett Hide.
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Robbie Garnett Hide
The Tack Piece is awash with thousands of birds including Wigeon, Teal, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, Curlew, Ruff, Greylag Geese, Pintail and Shoveler. Also present were 14 White-fronted Geese, feeding in the shallow pools that are now forming across the field. Our Bewick's Swans have also left the Rushy for the day, with 43 birds on the Tack Piece. They'll be back on the Rushy by 4pm ready for this afternoon's feed.
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Willow Hide
The Water Rail continues to be seen here, and a Brambling and Coal Tit were also reported this morning.
