The week that was

A look back a the week's sightings ahead of our hides reopening tomorrow

Our hides reopen tomorrow, Saturday 4th July. Unfortunately we were instructed by the local authority to close them on Tuesday, but with regulations changing this weekend they will once again be open. Here is a summary of what has been going on behind closed doors...

South Lake Discovery Hide
The thriving Avocet colony continues with over 100 birds present somedays, includng all the chicks. There have also been occasional visits from the Black-tailed Godwit flock, a few Ruff and a Dunlin. The two pairs of Little-ringed Plover continue to attempt yet again to raise a family, look for them at either end of the wader scrape. The Oystercatcher chicks are very nearly fledged. On the deep lake the Great Crested Grebe pair still have one chick, and we're also seeing lots of fledged Black-headed Gulls now spreading across the whole area.

Zeiss Hide
This has been the main place to catch up with the first returning Ruff of the season, three males of different colours and a female. The Black-tailed Godwit flock and good numbers of Redshank can also be found here amongst the Avocets. A single Avocet nest is still being incubated too. A Common Sandpiper was seen on the islands along with two Little-ringed Plover, and Teal numbers continue to build.

Estuary Tower
The main activity has been on the river as birds move around with the tides. The top floor of the hide can offer views of roosting birds sometimes not visible from the Summer Walkway and Middle Point. At least 113 Curlew roosted on the spartina island on Friday morning's high tide, along with a few Redshank and Oystercatcher. A Peregrine is occasionally seen, as is a Kestrel. Although we are able to reopen our hides tomorrow, please note that the Estuary Tower will only be open when staff and volunteers are present so times may vary - please check on arrival to the Visitor Centre.

Kingfisher Hide
The male has been seen carrying fish into the nesting hole, but we're unsure as to whether he is feeding the female or feeding chicks. The Little Grebe chick continues to grow on the pond, and in the Bottom New Piece field our Cranes, Oakie and Sherbert, still have one well-grown chick. See if you can spot them amongst the long grass! We have also opened a new Reedbed Walk near the Kingfisher Hide, follow the directional signage from the main path.

Rushy Hide
A Greenshank was on the lower pond on Friday morning along with a few Black-tailed Godwit. Two Redshank were also sheltering here. The Rushy is also a popular place for Green Sandpiper with up to eight seen here this week.

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