WWT Slimbridge sightings 28 to 30 July 2006

Adult winter Spotted Redshank on South Lake 30 July 2006 M.J.McGill

One has been present for a number of weeks with the Redshank flock and is likely to be the regular wintering bird.

30 July 2006 A 2006 record count of 30 Green Sandpiper today.

The estuary was quiet with a number of Yellow-legged Gulls, 6 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, 350 Curlew and 8 Oystercatcher.

South Lake gave excellent views of the wader flock although this was due to a water problem. A flock of 152 Black-tailed Godwit were present along with 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Spotted Redshank, 40 Redshank, 100 Lapwing, 2 Green Sanpiper and a pair of Ruff. The godwits were counted morning and afternoon by two different birders, thanks guys. The Tack Piece held 2 Little-ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 10 Green Sandpiper and 10 Teal. The back pond of the Rushy had 5 Green Sandpiper. The Top New Piece had 11 Green Sandpiper, up to 3 Little-ringed Plover (two from the Tack Piece at times) and 8 Snipe. A further two Green Sandpiper were in the 50 Acre. An adult Peregrine was hunting the Dumbles in the morning. 23 Barnacle and 114 Canada Geese were on site.

29 July 2006 A party of 12 Snipe were in the Top New Piece with 3 Little-ringed Plover. 5 Ringed Plover were on the river. 2 Common Sandpiper on the Tack Piece. A Dunlin was on the South Lake with the other waders.

I had 2 Migrant Hawkers around my garden in Whitminster today.

28 July 2006 The highlight was a flock of 11 Whimbrel with the Curlew flock and 2 Little-ringed Plover on the Tack Piece. 2 Willow Warbler were at the Holden Tower. A flock of 149 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 4 Dunlin, 49 Redshank and 2 Ruff on South Lake.