WWT Slimbridge sightings 3 December 2006

3 December 2006 The undoubted highlight was the discovery of a Yellow-browed Warbler at the Barclay's Hide. This eastern gem should brighten the bushes up and give the Siberian Chiffchaff some company which was also seen today. See the additional posting for details and images. The Tack Piece was outstanding today with thousands of wildfowl and waders. Little Stint, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ruff, 15 Redshank, 250 Curlew, 1000 Golden Plover and 2000 Lapwing all joined the wildfowl. The E.White-fronts were on the river sands during the afternoon. A female Merlin was along the foreshore.

A Leach's Petrel lingered off Fretherne shore from 3.00-4.20pm and we manged to glimpse it a couple of times from the reserve. The strong gales also pushed 2 Great Skua and 3 Kittiwake into the reserve recording area. The skuas were lingering, feeding on carrion and flushing all of the gulls with at least one remaining to 4.00pm.

1 December 2006 A Goshawk was reported over the centre but I have no further details.