WWT Slimbridge and local sightings 1-2 April 2007

2 April 2007 A flock of 18 Black-tailed Godwit were on South Lake along with 3 Redshank, the former birds may have been the same as was seen in the 100 Acre this afternoon. At least 3 Little Stint were among the c30 Dunlin and the Spotted Redshank (belly now turning black) was with 9 Redshank in the floods. A constant stream of migrants were on the move today, I saw a single and three Lesser Redpoll plus many Meadow Pipits, Herring Gulls and Sand Martins also on the move. At Berkeley Power station (Bob Radford) a similar picture was obvious but with the added attraction of Osprey heading north (around eight have been seen in Glos this week, four today scattered between the Water Park, Severn and New Fancy View). Two Swallow and 2 Wheatear were also noted here with a few Ringed Plover seen on the river. Also a Marsh Harrier was reported from the Splatt Bridge area yesterday evening. No sign of Wilson's Phalarope in the 100 Acre. I also had a first-summer Mediterranean Gull at Frampton on Severn, Townfield Lake.

1 April 2007 I was at the Cup Final at the Millenium stadium (Bristol Rovers v Doncaster Rovers 2-3 AET) along with a few other Gloucestershire birders so no birding today but a Greenshank was in the 100 Acre (as ever view from the WWT platform or Green Lane gateway). I did get a few calls asking about a Wilson's Phalarope at the 100 Acre but knew nothing about it.