White-rumped Sandpiper continues
The first winter White-rumped Sandpiper has shown very well over the weekend, a variety of videos and images have been shared on our Twitter account which can be viewed here https://twitter.com/slimbridge_wild
This bird has favoured the South Lake but has also been visiting the Rushy, at times giving close views from the Rushy Hide, we've opened up the viewing slots in the gate adjacent to the building to allow for extra viewing places, please be quiet and take extra care here to avoid spooking the Bewick's Swans and other wild birds, as with all situations it's best to talk quietly and move slowly.
We have allowed for special earlier access to the Discovery Hide from last week and over the weekend but we are likely to revert back to normal 09:30 am opening times this week, the Rushy Hide, Peng Observatory, Martin Smith, Robbie Garnett, Stephen Kirk, Willow and Knott Hides and Estuary Tower will all open for WWT members from 08:15 am, the rest of the grounds can be accessed from 09;30 am. Please do not try to access the site any earlier as we need to time to feed, unlock, clean and clear and cover pre-opening checks for the day, thank you. If we do oepn the Discovery Hide early please don't try to access the grounds until after 09:30 am. Please have your WWT membership cards available so that we can record the numbers, thank you.
We hope you get to see the White-rumped Sandpiper, it's a great little bird.
The rest of the reserve is still very busy with birds even though the large scale departures of wintering species is obvious. Some extra highlights and sightings follow.
Tack Piece
186 Russian White-fronted Geese on the field mid-morning but also commuting to the Dumbles + 600 Wigeon, 15 Curlew, a few Redshank and Dunlin.
Estuary Tower
A male Goshawk went low across the Dumbles to South Finger at 08:30am.The Ross's Goose still with 210 Barnacle Geese, Greylag × Barnacle and two Canada x Barnacle hybrids also with them. 193 Russian White-fronted Geese moving between Dumbles and Tack Piece. Snow Goose on the foreshore early in the day at least. At least 11 Crane present, this included the un-ringed bird paired to Ruby, signs of the breeding season are clear as their juvenile is not with them, it'll now have to fend for itself. Some nest building practice behaviour noted from another pair sat down on the Dumbles and dances and kicking also in evidence today.
Top New Piece
At least 515 Black-tailed Godwit today with 170+ Wigeon and 158 Russian White-fronted Geese visited to drink early morning.
Bottom New Piece
Most of the Golden Plover, Dunlin and Lapwing and a few Ruff were on the field here.
Grounds
A Bat species (Natterer's?) was feeding over the restaurant patio and Decoy late morning.
Whilst were on mammals at least 14 Roe Deer seen from around the hides.
