WWT Slimbridge sightings 2 October 2006

Common Teal feeding frenzy, Top New Piece WWT Slimbridge 2 October 2006 M.J.McGill

MJM counted the whole reserve today with help from Steve Emery and turned up a total of 6378 wildfowl and a low 526 waders. The river and South Lake were quiet for waders again but the duck numbers are increasing rapidly. The torrential rain and setting of water levels have created flood conditions that the Teal are taking full advantage of. At least 1089 were present on this field/marsh.

Other species noted today include 30 Golden Plover, 32 Dunlin, 1 Sanderling, 3 Grey Plover, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 85 Black tailed Godwit (min count), 3 Spotted Redshank (South Lake), Greater Scaup, 3 White Wagtail, 1 Stonechat, 2 Whinchat, 1 Hobby, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Wheatear, 3, 4, 13 and 1 Swallow south through the day.

The Buff-breasted Sandpipers were not seen but a pair of Peregrine were on the Dumbles edge. Over my house at Whitminster at 1800 I noted over 100 Meadow Pipit heading SE.