Eclipse is over for some
Many of the drake Gadwall (pictured) have now completed the moult from eclipse plumage, this is when they replace feathers to become camouflaged during the flightless period. Fresh smart feathers mean they are looking great, this enables them to show off again so a number of them are displaying to pair up in readiness for the Spring.
Other sightings form the hide rounds to 09;30am include
Middle Point
Three Sedge Warbler, and 4 Reed Warbler in the reeds, Wheatear on the fence + Greenshank heard. Spoonbill flew to pool off the Dumbles, Great White Egret fishing in pools, 2 Pintail in the main channel, flocks of Curlew, small waders and Shelduck distant in N section of basin.
Tack Piece
70 Teal and 30 Gadwall.
Rushy
200 Teal, 12 Redshank, 10 Ruff, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, single Green Sandpiper and Avocet.
South Lake
42 Black-tailed Godwi, 4 Ruff and 32 Pied Wagtail on the scrape + Mandarin and 2 Pochard on deep lake.
The Dumbles
Pair of adult Peregrine on a kill + immature bird flew N upriver, Crane feeding on the saltpasture
Top New Piece
400+ Teal with small numbers of Wigeon, Shoveler and Gadwall + single Pintail, 21 Ruff, 10+ Snipe, a few Black-tailed Godwits.
Bottom New Piece
Ross's Goose with the Barnacle Goose flock. South Finger (Filter) Reedbed walk- 20+ Chiffchaff and 5+ Blackcap.
