Godwit count creeps up again plus the Green-winged Teal is still here
Another great count of Black-tailed Godwits- 853 today!
Sightings from around the reserve included
Estuary Tower
46 Avocet, 65 Teal, 7 Curlew, 8 Lapwing, 6 Oystercatcher, 19 Shelduck, part of the Russian White-fronted Goose flock, Peregrine + another on the Lower Dumbles. The Sedge Warbler was singing again near to Knott Hide.
Tack Piece
The drake Green-winged Teal was showing very nicely to midday at least, 83 Shoveler, 86 Teal, 3 Little Egret, 155 Russian White-fronted Geese, 2 drake Pintail, 24 Curlew and a male Lapwing + 40 Wigeon. Unseasonal floodwater after the wettest March since 1981 is certainly attracting the ducks.
Long Ground Pool
A pair of Pochard and adult drake Goldeneye among the ducks present
Top New Piece
Five Little Egrets flew past NE, 24 Shoveler, 15 Russian White-fronted Geese were drinking early morning but flew off, a pair of Cranes (Oakie and Sherbert) were mating, nest building and dancing, 16 Avocet, female Marsh Harrier early morning, 10 Wigeon and 71 Teal on the fleet and flood.
South Lake
853! Black-tailed Godwits, 77 Avocet, 4 Oystercatcher, Ruff, 50 Shoveler, 24 Teal, drake Pochard, Little Grebe, single Lapwing, 8 Gadwall + Tufted Ducks, Cormorants and Greylag Geese.
Grounds
Siskin with Goldfinches, first summer male Goldeneye in with the collection birds (adult male present yesterday), Bullfinch singing near Decoy Boardwalk + 10 Chiffchaffs and 5 Blackcap singing, single Willow Warbler near the the Living Wetland Theatre.
Rushy Hide
Little-ringed Plover and visiting Avocets.
