WWT Sightings 22 February 2006

22 February 2006 The three 'continental' Greylag were on the spartina island in the estuary. I had the optical stamina to distantly count at least 575 E.White-fronted Goose and the Dark-belleied Brent were feeding on the Warth (Lower Dumbles). The Bar-headed Goose was also with them. Nine Meadow Pipit, seven Skylark and five Linnet fed around the Holden Pool. The Tack Piece held 200 Bewick's Swan, 1200 Wigeon, 1 Knot, 200 Dunlin, 7 Ruff (1 colour-ringed), 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 50 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher and 13 Redshank. At least six more Ruff were at the South Finger as well as the female Smew. Dave Paynter relocated the 2 Eastern Greylags on the Top New Piece.

Yesterday I also saw a Slimbridge colour-ringed Lapwing from our 2004 breeding season which was very encouraging. MJM.