New bus service launching this summer, with access to WWT Slimbridge. Find out more.
After the deluge
Calm after the downpours
The torrential downpours of yesterday overwhelmed our scrapes forcing water levels to rise up extremely high in a very short space of time, we just couldn't drain it off quickly enough. We're absolutely gutted to report that both incubating pairs of Little-ringed Plovers have been flooded out. It was pleasing to see both the juvenile Little-ringed Plovers still present on the Rushy with their parents this morning.
Highlights today included the following
Middle Point
The estuary mud is getting busier, 165 Curlew were feeding here this morning with another 12 arriving from inland. 77 Shelduck, a few Oystercatcher, a Redshank, 12 Black-tailed Godwit and a flock of 26 Avocet included 19 fledged juveniles that have made their way from the scrapes.
The reeds were also busy, Reed Buntings, lots of Reed Warblers with fledged young and the Grasshopper Warbler reeling.
A Lesser Whitethroat sang from the hedge between the Goose House Ground and Tack Piece with a day roost of three Great White and three Little Egret plus two Grey Heron along the ditch in the Ox Piece, they could be seen from the Shepherds Hut.
Tack Piece
The released or escaped female Cape or South African Shelduck was on the scrape with six Green Sandpiper and a Little-ringed Plover. The usual pair of Cranes (Kia and Chocolo) were joined by a Great White Egret and Little Egret for a time.
South Lake
The mega Avocet flock has taken to feeding on the estuary and many juveniles have left with them. Only 15 were present today. A flock of 87 Black-tailed Godwit, 21 Redshank (with two juveniles), 8 Lapwing, two Little-ringed Plover and six Green Sandpiper. At least 45 fledged juvenile Black-headed Gull were about the lake. A male Ruff was again reported.
