WWT Slimbridge Sightings 8 January 2006

8 January 2006 Martin and James started the day with a breakfast with the birds walk at Slimbridge. Some great birding was on offer but it was the first one in seven years that MJM has not seen the E.White-fronted Geese. They had spent the day on the Moors which is off the reserve. 2 Lesser Redpoll, c20 Reed Bunting, female Stonechat, 3 Buzzard, 2500 Lapwing, 250 Golden Plover, 200 Dunlin, c10 Snipe, c20 Linnet and thousands of duck were seen as well as flypasts of the Barnacle Goose flock, Canada's and Greylag.

On returning to the centre it was not long before Nick Goatman was in reporting to MJM a possible hybrid aythya (diving duck) on South Lake. On checking it out, it turned out to be a first winter Greater Scaup. I thought it a little on the small side and to be first winter male that had not fully moulted but clearly this species. The patches of greyish (actually vermiculated) feathers were seen at close range but the bird was brownish. The three seen at Lydney yesterday were more advanced as are the collection birds of a similar age in the grounds.

Over lunch a Common and Jack Snipe ringing effort produced a pair of Stonechat, a Rock Pipit, and at least 16 Jack Snipe. Although none were ringed, two of the party of four fell over in the cold water providing entertainment for the dryer members. At least one Jack Snipe was showing in front of the Martin Smith Hide.

Yesterdays reported Ferruginous Duck never appeared but at least one of the Ferruginous hybrids was present on the Rushy.