New bus service launching this summer, with access to WWT Slimbridge. Find out more.
Swifts in numbers
Lots of hirundines over the site today plus an arrival of Swifts.
The day began still and dry but a rain front arrived and left overcast conditions, large numbers of swallows and martins were feeding over the site, perhaps 1000+, thankfully our hides offer dry viewing where close views of them skimming over the water were possible. A large hatch-off of insects also attracted these birds, the Swifts were feeding over the hedges with 40+ present at any one time.
Other sightings included the following.
Tack Piece
Garganey from the Robbie Garnett Hide, two Greenshank on Tack Piece flood plus two Ruff and a Common Sandpiper.
Rushy Hide
Drake Garganey with 8 Teal early morning, two Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Avocet (five nests), pair of Shoveler plus two 2cy Mediterranean Gull with 82 Black-headed Gull. A Common Sandpiper was feeding here late morning.
Estuary Tower
Four Wheatear on the Dumbles today.
Top New Piece
58 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ruff, 3 Teal, 2 drake Shoveler, singing Sedge and Reed Warblers, Cranes, 22 Avocet and Lapwing.
Bottom New Piece
Two female/immature Marsh Harrier.
South Finger
Treecreepers, Blackcap and Chiffchaffs along the path and mature hedge and Reed and Sedge Warblers in the reed bed.
