The wheelbarrow is back

Our trusty wheelbarrow has been back on the Rushy again as we get ready for winter

Our trusty wheelbarrow has been back on the Rushy again this morning as we get ready for the return of our winter Wild Bird Feeds.

As you can imagine we've had to carefully plan how these events can return, and we'll have extra safety measures and restrictions in place to help keep everyone safe. Our free public commentated 4pm feeds will be starting soon, once the first of our Bewick's Swans have arrived in the coming days. The event will remain free, but visitors must book a normal admissions ticket even if only visiting the reserve for the event. Admission will be through the main visitor centre entrance, with last admission at 4pm. This winter will also see the return of our 'Evening with the Swans' events. These will need to be prebooked as normal. More details on all our events will follow soon.

Summer Walkway
The walkway will be closing soon, but should remain open for half term. This morning several flocks of Curlew have been moving from the estuary to feed in the Goose Fields, viewable from the seawall at the Goose House. Please do no proceed beyond the blue rope.

Van de Bovenkamp Hide
A Bittern was seen this morning by our volunteer Mike, preening in the sun before flying forwards the Kingfisher Hide.

South Lake
The wind direction is putting birds off here but a Spotted Redshank was heard calling but not seen. A small flock of 21 Black-tailed Godwit are feeding on the wader scrape.

Zeiss Hide
A Merlin and a Peregrine were causing upset this morning amongst the Teal and Wigeon flocks who remained unsettled and hard to count. At least 71 Pintail were roosting on the islands.

Estuary Tower
At least 21 White-fronted Geese were on the Dumbles this morning, with more in the Bottom New Piece. These birds moved and a new full count is needed. Also on the Dumbles were 756 Canada Geese, 62 Greylag Geese and 157 Barnacle Geese. The Bar-headed Goose, and a Canada x Barnacle hybrid were also present. A flock of 663 Wigeon were on the scrape with 23 Pintail and several hundred Teal. Also of note were 529 Lapwing and two Ruff. The Golden Plover flock arrived around 8:30am but would not settle and continued to circle the area calling.

Willow Hide
The Siberian Chiffchaff was singing again near hide above path. A Water Rail was under the feeders.

Rushy Hide
Counts this morning included 28 Pochard, 37 Tufted Duck, 24 Pintail, 18 Shelduck, 9 Redshank and a Ruff. Now we have started our morning feeds numbers should increase quickly.

• Share this article