WWT Slimbridge sightings 25 and 26 November 2006

Above and below; the first-winter male Green-winged Teal on the Top New Piece marsh images by M.J.McGill

Male Kingfisher on the pool east of the Van de Bovenkamp Hide, WWT Slimbridge. This bird fishes here regularly. M.J.McGill

26 November 2006 A few new birds on site today. Wader and duck numbers are increasing further, the flooded fields still pulling in a great bird spectacle. An adult Dark-bellied Brent was with the Barnacle Geese on the Tack Piece where Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Dunlin, Golden Plover and Lapwing were also roosting.

The tristis Siberian type Chiffchaff was still showing very well with a bit of patience at the Barclay's Hide. At least four collybita Chiffchaff were also here along with a Cetti's Warbler. The 'Siberian' was heard calling by a number of different people today and was interpreted by all as distinctly different to Common Chiffchaff and as heard before when presented with tristis type birds. I will post some images taken by JSL yesterday with a few other comparison shots on tommorows diary entry.

After apparently no records in 2005 and 2006 a male Green-winged Teal was seen at the South Finger initially and then distantly on the Top New Piece to early afternoon at least. This species is normally annual at WWT Slimbridge. This individual does show a rather salmon-pink/buff vertical stripe. The Tundra Bean Goose was with 70 E. White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles today. At least three Common Darter were at the South Finger with one near the Barclay's hide. A pair were in tandem and ovipositing at the former site! At least three Red Admiral were also on the wing.

25 November 2006 The tristis type Chiffchaff (Siberian Chiffchaff) was at the Barclay's Hide with five Common Chiffchaff.