WWT Slimbridge sightings 16 April 2006

Lunar Hornet Moths Sesia bembeciformis at WWT Slimbridge 16 April. Recently hatched out from reserve willows M.J.McGill. The bored out holes of this species are often discovered in willow coppice stumps around the reserve. They have been found inside the building before and mistaken for killer bees.




16 April 2006 I (Martin McGill) led a Birdwatch morning today (0730-0930) and then took a few WWT members out onto the river mid-morning. The following species were recorded. 8 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, Great-spotted Woodpecker (drumming), 2 Kingfisher (breeding pair were excellent), 25 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 30 Gadwall, 30 Shoveler, Sedge Warbler (singing), 12 Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwing, 52 (islandica) Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 1 male Wheatear, 3 single flyover Yellow Wagtails, 1 Sand Martin. About 8 Swallow are back on territory.

Over high tide we saw 1 White Wagtail, 76 Turnstone (possibly a record count), 20 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin, 1 Little Stint, 4 Whimbrel, 100 Curlew, 3 Grey Plover, 6 Black-tailed Godwit (one colour ringed), 2 Knot, 2 Little Egret, 5 Oystercatcher and 55 Shelduck. Most if not all of these were viewable from the Holden Tower.

The 100 Acre held the wintering Spotted Redshank (attaining breeding plumage), 3 Little Egret, 150 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 16 Redshank, 30 Lapwing and 30 Shoveler which were all viewable from the WWT platform along Green Lane (access from canal towpath).

Also the first returning House Martin was around Whitminster yesterday.