WWT Slimbridge Sightings 9 and 10 January 2006

9 January 2006 At least six Lesser Redpoll were seen together commuting between South Lake and the Decoy. Further singles were seen twice flying over and two near the entrance ramp feeding on weeds. A Kingfisher was seen at the South Finger. A flock of 13 Ruff roosted with Lapwing on South Lake and 12 Black-tailed Godwit were also seen. At least one of the Ferruginous hybrids was on the Rushy. A Little Stint was with the Dunlin on the Tack Piece.

10 January 2006 Yet another dark and damp day with gusty conditions by the afternoon. The highlight of today came in the form of two adult Whooper Swans which were flying around the reserve this morning. They may well settle into a routine and stay for a while as last years pair did. A Barn Owl hunted along the road at 0730. Two Peregrine, a small flock of Black tailed Godwits, 122 Curlew, 250 Golden Plover and300 Dunlin were on the Tack Piece this morning. The E. White-fronted Geese returned to the reserve where they spent the morning at least in the road fields. The Dark-bellied Brent and Pink-footed Goose were also present. The male Red-crested Pochard fed on the Long Ground Pool. The recent report of three Twite at the Holden Tower on 2nd have not produced any further sightings but the three Linnet, c10 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit and 2 Pied Wagtail are still present daily on the thistle compost around the Holden Tower/Dumbles scrape and bank and bushes nearby. All sightings MJM and JSL.