WWT Slimbridge sightings 27 March 2006

27 March 2006 Another windy day with showers. A flock of 7 Sand Martin headed south at 0730, 10 downriver at 0830 and 44 were feeding over the 100 Acre at 0845 and six around the Tack Piece scrape at 1130. Also earlier in the day flock of c35 Golden Plover flew past the Holden Tower where a single Dunlin and one adult Kittiwake battled south downriver and later a first-winter milled around then went upriver. A flock of c25 new Black-tailed Godwit arrived and joined the two that were already present. A further 4 were in the 100 Acre with a Spotted Redshank and 28 Redshank. A first-summer Mediterranean Gull was also on the river. At least one Lesser Redpoll was in the South Lake bridge alders and up to five Chiffchaff were seen around the site. A first-winter female Greater Scaup was on the Tack Piece scrape with the Pochard and Tufted Duck flock.

A lunchtime visit to Frampton Townfield Lake produced 250-300 Sand Martin and two female Goldeneye. Two Swallow were also seen here today.