WWT Slimbridge Sightings 3-5 January 2005

3 January 2005 The two Jack Snipe were present in front of the Martin Smith Hide and the now single Pink-footed and Dark-bellied Brent were seen with the E.White-fronted Geese. The male Red-crested Pochard was seen on South Lake.

4 January 2005 All birds were disturbed at WWT today as the hunt were active. I did see the Dark-bellied Brent in flight with the other geese way out over the river (MJM). The E.White-fronted Geese numbered 788.

5 January 2005 On South Lake 28 Bewicks Swans were present with eight of them cygnets. Nine Black-tailed Godwit and a Great Crested Grebe were also present. A Redpoll flew over at 0820 and 1630. The Dark-bellied Brent and Pink-footed Goose were seen on the Dumbles.

At the South Finger a fabulous Otter performed brilliantly in the pool below the Kingfisher bank. It was watched from the Death and Loke Hides as it fished and despite almost daily signs such as spraints (droppings) and footprints for nearly two years there have been no sightings. This is only the second known sighting record for the reserve.

Nearby a Cetti's Warbler called and 158 E.White-fronted Geese fed on the Bottom New Piece. A Water Rail fed under the bird table at the Van de Bovenkamp Hide.

A Kingfisher was noted here later in the day plus what may have been two Redpoll (described by watchers).

At the 100 Acre a female Merlin, two hunting Peregrine and thousands of duck were on the marshes. View from the platform along the Green Lane permissive path.