Holden Towers last high tide

Holden Tower

Five hours of great birding to say goodbye to the Holden Tower this morning.

Built in 1956 the Holden Tower was decades ahead of its times, the first screened approach, the first mega hide the first chance for large numbers of ordinary members of the public to get close to huge flocks of really wild wildfowl. Tens of thousand of visitors have passed through its doors and been inspired by the views it has provided. For many of us it has given some great birding moments especially views of the whitefronted geese and the constant search for the rare goose among them. The days of lesser white-fronts and red-brested geese stand out. The 10000 lapwing day will never be forgotten as will numerous yankee waders a white tailed plover and more recently cranes and avocets.

Its last high tide was not a disappointment high a big bore over the last two days had left the dumbles a flooded wonderland with hundreds of gulls, waders and wildfowl covering the flood waters. Two male garganey were among the set of common ducks. a bonxie finally drifted by and gave the patient ones some great flight views, a water Rail popped out in front of the hide, 25 Avocets were prospecting and nest scraping on the islands. At least 12 dancing cranes including last years juvs and an un-ringed bird performed well. The ever present peregrines (at least 3) did not disappoint and 3 red kite passed over putting everything to flight and persuading the 145 whitefronts to land just a few meters from the hide. Two Mediterranean gulls were found and my first wheater of the year appeared predictably on the northern cross fence followed soon after by my first sand martins, raven, redshank, curlew, 50 golden plover in summer plumage a fly by from 500 black tailed godwits the list go's on and on. A total of 70 species were recorded in just 5 hours.

The Holden will be closed after next w/e and demolition will begin soon after. The new Estuary Tower will be constructed over the summer on the same basic foot print with lift access to a much larger viewing area at a similar height to the current level. A further screened roof terrace will allow uninterrupted views across the estuary and of the bird filled skies. We hope to complete construction by October with a formal opening on the 16th of November. Lets hope it go's on to inspire as many as the Holden Tower has.

Kingfisher Hide

Lots of activity from the Kingfisher pair food passes mating and excavating the nest tunnel have all been observed. This is the best time to come and see these birds. A flock of 50 Golden Plover many in full summer plumage were an added bonus.

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