Following Mum

More new life is starting to appear around the reserve, with several broods of ducklings seen this morning

More new life is starting to appear around the reserve, with several broods of ducklings seen this morning. Along with several broods of Mallard were our first brood of Gadwall, first seen at the weekend and Mum still with all 11 ducklings! The Black-winged Stilt also remains, today favouring the Top New Piece.

Rushy Hide
Three drake Garganey were on the lower pond this morning, including one birds starting to moult into eclipse plumage. Two broods of Avocet have now hatched on the lower pond, with 45 adults in attendance. Some of the other pairs are relaying or even still nest building for a second attempt having lost their first clutch. As a result there is a lot of activity right in front of the hide. The first Black-headed Gull chicks have also hatched from one of the island nests. Other birds of note included a brood of Mallard, six Shoveler (including one pair) and a drake Teal.

Tack Piece (Robbie Garnett and Stephen Kirk Hides)
A Little Ringed Plover was on the Tack Piece this morning, and then later seen from the Zeiss Hide on the Top New Piece. Also on the Tack Piece were nine Avocet, a drake Shoveler and drake Teal, a Little Egret flew over and 23 Barnacle Geese were across the field.

Estuary Tower
A small flock of waders were visible on the estuary made up of 33 Ringed Plover, four Dunlin and two Sanderling.

Summer Walkway / Middle Point
The Bluethroat was heard singing again this morning.

Martin Smith Hide
A male Cuckoo was singing and pursuing a bubbling female around the hide, Withy Bed and then over towards the Decoy Wood.

Zeiss Hide
The Black-winged Stilt was on the Top New Piece this morning. Another two drake Garganey were here too, so at least five on show from the hides today. Two Greenshank were also noted, along with 31 Avocet, 14 Gadwall, four Redshank, 14 Shoveler, a Little Egret, and a pair of Common Tern prospecting to nest on one of the islands.

Kingfisher Hide
The Crane family with two chicks were again feeding in the Bottom New Piece. A Red Kite drifted through and a Mistle Thrush was seen.

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