Two Marsh Harriers
After a rather misty and murky start it transformed into another sunny and mild day with excellent light for viewing. Birds of prey responded with Merlin, Peregrine, Kestrel, a few Buzzards and now two MARSH HARRIERS on the reserve. The latter birds were both 'cream-crowns' and could be seen distantly if scanning from any hide or tower looking of fields to the North. The Merlin was seen on the Middle Point fence.
Rushy Hide
At least 75 Bewick's Swans roosted again, they moved out to the Tack Piece, Ox Piece and Bottom New Piece for the day.
South Lake
41 Shelduck, 80+ Shoveler, 250+ Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Cormorant and 240 Lawping were among the birds present today.
Willow Hide
Three Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler from the hide.
Tack Piece
6 Snipe from Martin Smith Hide, 41 Redshank, 2 Ruff and flocks of Curlew, Lapwing and Dunlin.
Estuary Tower
The 8 Pink-footed Geese were among the 231 Barnacle Geese + single Bar-headed and Snow x Bar-headed Goose.
Ox Piece (field just North of Tack Piece/Rushy, best viewed from the towers)
Many of the Ruff, Lapwing, Golden Plover and Curlew are scattered about the northern fields but this one is particularly attractive to them and the Russian White-fronted Goose flock, the Barnacle x Grey goose species hybrid was also with the Canada Geese in this field today.
Four Score/Canal Ground (South of Kingfisher hide)
Whilst out on a field condition survey of the South eastern section of the reserve it was good to see a variety of waders feeding on the fields. A few passerines were also noted with two pairs of Bullfinch and three Chiffchaff along the Gloucester to Sharpness Towpath, one of which was a rather pale, brown version. Singing Mistle Thrush was notable and a pair of Kestrel noted.
