WWT Slimbridge Bird Sightings 1 and 2 January 2006

1 January 2006 The two Pink-footed Geese and single juvenile Dark-bellied Brent were still present among 600+ E.White-fronted Geese. Six Grey Plover and three Raven were of note from the Holden Tower. 222 Bewick's Swans were noted, a drop in number, probably due to the fireworks of New Year's Eve. Some of the duck were also missing. A drake Red-crested Pochard was on the Long Ground Pool.

Two Jack Snipe and one Water Rail were present on the sedge/rush filled pool in front of the Martin Smith Hide. A single Chiffchaff called from the South Lake willows. Over 65 species of bird were seen at WWT Slimbridge today.

2 January 2006 The Dark-bellied Brent and one Pink-footed Goose were present among the 627 E.White-fronted Geese. Three Greylag were also on the Dumbles with this flock and may well be continental visitors. Two Jack Snipe and three Common Snipe were again present at the Martin Smith Hide. A Water Rail pursued and grabbed one of the Jack Snipe actually pulling out feathers and causing it to flush. A very large flock of 171 Great Black-backed Gull were roosting at high tide from the Holden Tower.

Seven Common Redshank, two Black-tailed Godwit, one Ruff and one Spotted Redshank were seen by MJM and visitors reported up to three Little Stint and two Grey Plover later in the day.

Three Stonechat were seen from the 100 Acre viewing platform with three Cetti's Warbler calling from the sedge beds. A Long eared Owl was discovered roosting at the South Finger late this afternoon and it or another was seen on the entrance road by MJM as he left work at 1830. A single Lesser Redpoll and Water Rail were seen feeding at the Van de Bovenkamp Hide.