WWT Slimbridge sightings 17 December 2006

17 December 2006 An increase all round with just under 20,000 ducks, geese swans and waders on the reserve last Monday (11th). Bewick's Swans have increased to around 80 on site and over 130 individuals recorded so far. European White-fronted Geese numbered 214 with the Tundra Bean Goose still among them. A belated record of 6 Greenland White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles on 15th. A Little Owl, Kingfisher and 60 Fieldfare were noted on a walk out to the estuary this afternoon with 20,000+ gulls roosting on the sands. Large numbers of waders were on the mudflats and sandbanks. The freshwater waders remain on site with 15 Ruff, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Spotted Redshank, 3 Little Stint, 25 Redshank and 350 Curlew showing on the Tack Piece daily. The Starling roost is increasing and becoming a spectacular display at dusk, the grounds are the best place to watch it unfold. A couple of Woodcock flew over the car park at dusk.

The Islay trip report is online, see trip reports section in the diaries.