Wader spectacle building
Over the weekend water levels have risen, bringing many of the wading birds closer to the hides, as well as more birds arriving. This is creating a hive of activity on the islands in plain view of visitors. 800+ black-tailed godwit are feeding out on the reserve and using the island in front of the main hide to retreat to when birds of prey hunt over the reserve. Whilst on this island they preen and rest, giving fantastic views and the chance to spot any birds with coloured leg-ring combinations. They are also good numbers of snipe and dunlin feeding on the islands and spits of land, even when the godwits go further out onto the reserve.