WWT Slimbridge/local sightings 29 March 2006

Image 1 First-winter Little Gull 29 March 2006 M.J.McGILL.

I went to see the first Little Gull of the year after work at Frampton Townfield Lake. At WWT today a number of migrants had arrived. On the Dumbles at least 28 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Stint, 20 Dunlin, 10 Oystercatcher and two immature and one adult Peregrine. A flock of 18 Black-tailed Godwit were on the Top New Piece, A Little Egret at each end of the reserve (South Finger/50 Acre). Three male Wheatear were at Middle Point and the first reserve record of Coal Tit in 2006. The 100 Acre was quieter for migrants with 30 Sand Martin, 1 Kingfisher and the Spotted Redshank with 15 Redshank. Further Sand Martin action was noted over the carpark 4 at 0730, 18 over 50 Acre, 25 at the Holden Tower between 0730 and 0900. The first-summer male Greater Scaup was on the European enclosure pond. At least 17 Chiffchaff were noted around the site, the two Kingfishers are showing well at South Finger and winter finches were noted with 1 Brambling over, 1 Siskin hanging around the Decoy with 3 Lesser Redpoll.

Image 2 The same as above. It is a shame it was overcast, the pink tinge to the breast was just visible in the scope. A few Swallows and large numbers of Sand Martin were hawking over the lake.