A few late migrants
Image- Green Sandpiper- MJM
The weather no doubt played a part in the appearance of late migrating waders today, a female Ruff (reeve) was seen on the Tack Piece paleochannel, viewed from the Summer Walkway. Four Ringed Plover arrived on South Lake and a small flock of waders on the Severn on the ebb tide included at least 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Sanderling and two Dunlin, there may've been a few more hidden beyond the saltmarsh shelf. The Curlew flock was up to 10 in number, failed or non-breeders returning to the Severn.
Tack Piece
Our first returning Green Sandpiper was at the far NE end of the scrape, a few Shoveler among the Gadwall and a pair of Teal. The field and central flood hosting Barnacle and Greylag Geese, juvenile Kingfisher on the posts here and at the Martin Smith Hide.
South Lake
Both Crane parents seen with two chicks. Three Teal, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 106 Avocet, 4 Oystercatcher, Tufted Ducks, Gadwall, pair of Great Crested Grebe (weed dance noted) and fledged Black-headed Gulls appearing on the scrape.
Rushy Hide
The moulting drake Garganey asleep on lower pond island.
Withy Bed area/Willow Hide
Cuckoo singing on NW edge of Decoy Wood near Willow Hide.
Top New Piece
Five Teal and 5 Shoveler among the moulting Gadwall, 7 Avocet, Lapwing, flock of Shelduck.
Kingfisher Hide
Female Cuckoo again showing well here today, a pair of Kingfishers at the nest bank, seemingly poised for another nesting attempt.
Bottom New Piece
Redshank over on the distant flood posts. Both adult Cranes with two chicks.
Late news for yesterday included a 2cy and 3cy Yellow-legged Gull from Middle Point.
