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Bittern Bonanza Continues
Zeiss Hide
One Bittern seen well, at least 2 birds over the past few days and quite possibly 3. Looks like this is the time to see this elusive species. Heron, Cettis, Water Rail and Snipe all seen whilst looking for the Bittern. Over 400 Lapwing dominated the main scrape area and on leaving Golden Plover were up to 170 and increasing steadily. Also 310 Dunlin, 1 Redshank and 41 Knot.
Estuary Tower
Lots of feral Geese including Barnacles with the 8 Pinkfooted Geese among them. They are tending to feed on the lower saltmarsh shelf which can now be viewed more thoroughly from the Estuary Tower with its height advantage. Two Stonechat could be seen distantly at the north end of the Top New Piece, the Mistle Thrush was guarding its Mistletoe by the pillbox and it was good to see a flock of Long Tailed Tits at eye level around the tower.
Tack Piece
All 21 Bewicks were out feeding here early this morning. The Whitefront flock was mixed in with Canada's and Greylags. There were exactly 50 counted so a small increase yesterday or last night. Five then flew to the Bottom New Piece which included the 2 juvenile Greenland's. There was a very fine flock of 97 Curlew and over 300 Wigeon. The wader flocks were very nervous perhaps as a result of yesterdays Merlin at best there were over 700 Lapwing, 60 Golden Plovers, 150 Dunlin, 9 Ruff and 5 Redshank. There were calling Cettis and Water rail at the Willow Hide feeding station along with the usual small birds.
South Lake
A magnificent flock of 346 Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 3 Knot among 600 Lapwing were on the scrape, all it needed was a little sunlight to appreciate them more. The high Shoveler counts continue with 170 there this morning. A great location to practice your Duck id with a little bit of everything at close quarters.
Kingfisher Hide
The 3 European and 2 juvenile Greenland Whitefronted Geese were showing well among the feral geese.
Rushy
Teaming with the usual Pochard, Tufted Duck and Pintail. Three Snipe were also along the left side.
