New bus service launching this summer, with access to WWT Slimbridge. Find out more.
Good October birding
Reminder that we are closed on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 October due to roadworks. Apologies.
Wintering birds are still arriving or passing through with the North breeze today. Some visible migration was in evidence with a few parties of Chaffinch and Goldfinch moving across the estuary. Out at Middle Point a Yellowhammer flew in and joined the Linnets before heading off N again. A pair of Stonechat were fly catching from the reeds, two Rock Pipit were out along the shore with a party of Meadow Pipits. At low tide there were 372 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 69 Shelduck, 41 Curlew, 2 Dunlin and a few Redshank near to the point in the channel. A couple of Cormorant fished.
An Osprey was reported flying downriver. The Barnacle Goose flock held a Bar-headed Goose and Snow x Bar-headed Goose hybrid. A Raven fed on a dead fish on the mudflats. Over high tide three Goosander were on the river. Three Kestrels could be seen hunting over the reserve and a Marsh Harrier quartered the fields to the N.
On the Dumbles a quick scan of the Greylag Goose flock revealed what appears to be a juvenile Greenland White-fronted Goose, unusual to be without parental company. The goose flock relocated so it may turn up anywhere, hopefully in good light for better views.
Other highlights from the hides included..
Rushy Hide
Greylag Goose flock digging up roots on the newly cut and now flooded field, 12 Pintail, 2 Pochard 18 Tufted Duck and 16 Shelduck among the Mallard and Teal flock and female Wigeon with hybrid Wigeon male partner
South Lake
18 Pochard, 5 Pintail, 116 Shoveler, Spotted Redshank, 44 Lapwing, 590 Black-tailed Godwit, 10+ Ruff, Redshank and 50+ Knot among them, Grey Wagtail, 10 Cormorant, 24 Tufted Duck
Duck Decoy
Cetti's Warbler singing from between House and North pipe
Willow/Knott Hide
Cetti's Warbler singing.
Tack Piece
Redshank, Shelduck, 30 Teal, 7 Lapwing and Greylag Goose flock on the field.
Top New Piece
17 Golden Plover, 24 Redshank, 229 Lapwing and 500+ Teal.
Bottom New Piece
42 Curlew included 2 colour ringed birds
Estuary Tower area and Summer Walk hedges
4+ Goldcrest, Long-tailed and Blue Tits, Redwing and Chiffchaff.
