WWT Slimbridge sightings 18 April 2006

18 April 2006 The clear nights have given more wildfowl the chance to depart. Lesser numbers of all duck species were present today. The male Greater Scaup was on the Long Ground Pool. At least eight Ruddy Duck arrived as migrants. We did not get out to the tide at lunch but single Common Sandpipers at South Lake and 100 Acre (plus one canal and 4 at Frampton Townfield Lake) were new. A flock of 60 Black-tailed Godwit were also on SL. At 1520 a pair of Avocet were seen to fly in at the same site (a first for the lake). They certainly looked the part and were feeding very well. Later a Whimbrel joined the godwits for a bit.

Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake 18 April 2006 M.J.McGill

One of the Avocet pair on South Lake 18 April 2006 M.J.McGill.

Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake 18 April 2006 M.J.McGill

Around the centre more House Martins were seen today with a larger flock of Swallow during the afternoon rain showers. Only one Yellow Wagtail was seen to fly over today. On the way home I called in to Frampton where a single Swift was hawking with the hirundines.