WWT Slimbridge sightings 30 September and 1 October 2006

The Buff-breasted Sandpipers on the Dumbles WWT Slimbridge, 1 October 2006 M.J.McGill and a view from Middle Point at 1620.

1 October 2006 Whilst the South Lake was nearly devoid of waders, only 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Lapwing at 0745 this morning (lots of duck), the estuary showed more promise. The Buff-breasted Sandpipers survived the torrential rain and lightning although one went missing for a bit today. Also from the Dumbles while on BBSand duty I saw 241 Shelduck, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 106 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Golden Plover (22 seen off Middle Point) 22+ Ringed Plover, 50 Dunlin, 1 Knot, 3 Little Stint, 2 Wheatear, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull and an adult winter Mediterranean Gull. The latter gull and a Spotted Redshank were off Middle Point.

I also saw a Garganey in the 50 Acre with 300 Teal, in the 100 Acre were 4 Stonechats (3 males), 2 Whinchat and 8 Swallow on the Dumbles and 3 downriver from the 100 Acre.

Up to 20 Pintail were in the Rushy.

30 September 2006 Dave Paynter discovered two first-winter Greater Scaup on the reserve today.