Winter is coming
A drop in temperature, some new arrivals and a reminder that a new season is just around the corner
A drop in temperature lately has been a reminder that winter is on its way, re-enforced by the arrival of different species - most notable our ducks.
At least 1350 Teal have been counted on the reserve this week, with more present in the hidden ditches and northern areas of the reserve. Wigeon numbers are building, although the flock is spending most of its time out on the river but can be seen on the Dumbles at high tide. Pintail and Pochard numbers are also increasing too.
Rushy Hide
Now the majority of the work is complete here some of our winter ducks are returning and you can almost feel the anticipation in the air as they await the wheelbarrow full of wheat to come every morning. They will have a few weeks to wait yet. This morning counts included 22 Tufted Duck, 121 Teal, seven Pintail, nine Shelduck and two Shoveler. Waders included two Black-tailed Godwit, ten Ruff and a single Redshank.
At lunchtime the Great White Egret had arrived after spending a few days in the north of the reserve, and was present with a Little Egret.
Summer Walkway / Middle Point
The Wheatear was warming up in the sun this morning, still showing well on the Pillbox and viewing platform. From Middle Point was a nice flock of 393 Dunlin on the mudflats which also contained three Little Stint. At least 60 Curlew, 126 Shelduck, a Little Egret, seven Grey Heron, three Cormorant, 300+ Wigeon and 14 Great Black-backed Gulls were also noted.
Estuary Tower
Another reminder of winter today as a flock of 13 Golden Plover were in flight, calling and heading over the Dumbles.
Zeiss Hide
Counts this morning included 650+ Teal, 12 Pintail, 15 Gadwall, 68 Wigeon, nine Shoveler and a Cettis Warbler was heard. A Goshawk was seen this afternoon, a different bird to that seen last week. Seven Ruff were also present over high tide.
South Lake
The two juvenile Spotted Redshank were on the wader scrape along with 64 Black-tailed Godwit, five Redshank, four Ruff and 150 Lapwing. Duck across the area included two Pochard, 30 Tufted Duck, 40 Shoveler and 219 Teal. A Grey Heron and 11 Cormorant were also noted, and a Cetti's Warbler was heard.
