New bus service launching this summer, with access to WWT Slimbridge. Find out more.
Dragonfly week
Dragonflies and Damselflies out in force
The central section of the grounds (collection) area offers some clear ponds which attract a few dragonfly and damselfly species. Whilst passing this morning I noticed a few male Small Red-eyed Damselflies holding territory on the mats of algae. If you are looking for them try scanning the pond from the boardwalk near to Peter Scott's bust (visitor centre end of the boardwalk). Large numbers of dragonflies have been recorded in this heatwave week, Southern and Brown Hawker, Four-spotted, Scarce and Broad-bodied Chasers, Emperors, Ruddy and Common Darters and Black-tailed Skimmers are all out in numbers. Azure, Blue-tailed, and Common Blues have been seen in many locations. A great time to celebrate Dragonfly week.
Other highlights today include the following
Red Kite over the centre, grounds and reserve this morning and afternoon
Rushy
Adult Spotted Redshank (also visited the Tack Piece), Greenshank but flew off, 2 Redshank, adult + 2 fledged Little-ringed Plover, 4 Green Sandpiper, 11 Avocet, 8 Lapwing + broods of Gadwall, Shelduck and Mallard.
Tack Piece
Four Green Sandpiper, 5 Lapwing, 3 Little Egret and the Greenshank called in this afternoon.
Martin Smith Hide- brood of 6 near-fledged Shoveler and pair of Reed Bunting collecting food for young
South Lake
Five moulting male Ruff, Common Sandpiper, 5 Green Sandpiper, 209 Black-tailed Godwit including a colour ringed bird, Green Woodpecker, 26 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Common Tern and 60 Gadwall. a few Swallows have been feeding over all day.
Middle Point
Two Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 176 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, 1 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 70 Shelduck, 840 Black-headed Gull + Yellow Wagtail over and reeling Grasshopper Warbler.
Top New Piece
Singles of Great White and Little Egret + Grey Heron, 20 Dunlin including a juvenile, our 1st of the year, adult Greenshank, three Little-ringed Plover, broods of 3 2, and 1 Redshank with attending parents, 11 Teal, 76 Lapwing + 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
