Busy with waders

The reserve is very busy with waders this weekend, including Knot, four Spotted Redshank and a Wood Sandpiper

The reserve is very busy with waders this weekend, with at least 23 species recorded this month and many seen today. Highlights include the Wood Sandpiper, this morning on the Top New Piece, and at least four Spotted Redshank spread across the reserve. An added interest was a single Knot with the Black-tailed Godwit flock.

Rushy Hide
The two Greenshank were again roosting on the island closest to the hide on the lower pond. Also here first thing were 236 Black-tailed Godwit, most of which moved to the South Lake shortly after counting, taking with them a few Ruff and the Spotted Redshank. Remaining on the Rushy were the half a dozen Snipe, three Redshank (including a juvenile), two Green Sandpiper, a few Lapwing and the injured Avocet. Three Grey Wagtail were also seen.

Zeiss Hide
The two Spoonbill were on the Top New Piece again this morning, as was the Wood Sandpiper. Also of note were a single Spotted Redshank and Green Sandpiper, four Ruff, 19 Black-tailed Godwit and around 300 Teal.

Kingfisher Hide
The flock of Barnacle Geese has increased to 172 birds, with the Ross's Goose and Snow Goose x Bar-headed Goose still with them. A Cetti's Warbler was heard singing from the hide.

Summer Walkway
A Hobby was hunting over the Tack Piece this morning. From the Pillbox Viewing Platform there were two Whinchat on the fence line and a flock of Yellow Wagtail amongst the cattle herd.

Martin Smith Hide
A view across the Tack Piece this morning gave a Hobby, Barn Owl and Kestrel in the same scope view - perched on trees and fences to the north.

South Lake Discovery Hide
A Spotted Redshank and a Knot were nestled in with 316 Black-tailed Godwit on the wader scrape. The latter species count also included a massive 77 juveniles suggesting a good breeding season in Iceland. Also hidden in the flock were 12 Ruff and three Redshank.

Middle Point
The rising tide saw 140+ Curlew gathering off the Dumbles, including at least six colour-ringed birds. A small flock of Ringed Plover also dropped in and at least 28 Little Egret were roosting to the south on the breakwater. Three 3 Black-tailed Godwit were also noted with the Curlew and Shelduck flock before the mudflats disappeared.

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