WWT Slimbridge and local sightings 14 and 15 April 2007

Male Northern Wheatear at Middle Point, M.J.McGill
Sandwich Terns off Middle Point

15 April 2007 I had a good day for gulls with an adult and second-summer Mediterranean Gull over (heard first) and eventually in the 100 Acre. A third bird was calling high up with the feeding Black-headed Gulls. The Temminck's Stint and 6-7 Little Stint were in the 100 Acre along with 12 Dunlin, Spotted Redshank and a male Garganey. I saw 2 Whimbrel along the foreshore this morning with another in the 100 Acre at 1645. Other highlights were 6 Black-tailed Godwit on South Lake, our breeding Swallows back on territory, 3 male Wheatear at Middle Point, 2 adult Little Gulls and a first winter/summer Mediterranean Gull off Middle Point at 1350. Three Sandwich Terns were also present here at 1630. Other bird reported included the Green Sandpiper, 8+ Willow Warbler and 8 Little Egret. We saw 5 Brown Hares on the 1100 safari. The Marbled Duck was still at Frampton on Severn.

14 April 2007 James reported a male Garganey, 1st summer Little Gull, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat amongst the other species. I had 3 House Martins over my Whitminster garden.