WWT Slimbridge sightings 19 November 2006

19 November 2006 The Tack Piece has finally flooded and is attracting wildfowl and waders. At least four Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 252 Curlew, 200 Lapwing and 2 Redshank have joined the Wigeon and Teal. Three collybitta Chiffchaff were noted on site today with a Cetti's Warbler showing from the Death Hide along with a Green Woodpecker. The 2 continental Greylag were on the Bottom New Piece and the Tundra Bean and 62 European White-fronted Geese were on the Warth/Dumbles. A Little Stint was seen on the Dumbles with 1500 Dunlin and 1600 Golden Plover in flight only. Perhaps the surprise of the day was a Migrant Hawker on the wing at the Martin Smith Hide pool combined with an unseasonal Pipistrelle Bat in the Holden Tower.
The Top New Piece is also providing a great attraction to the Wigeon flock in particular. The South Lake had 4 Black-tailed Godwit but was disturbed by the collapsing Sand Martin bank. The Rushy had 159 Pintail, the Ferruginous x Pochard, 280 Pochard and 12 Bewick's Swans as it's highlights.