WWT Slimbridge sightings 15 and 16 May 2007

Great Skua panicking the waders on the edge of the Dumbles image M.J.McGill

Whimbrel on the seawall image M.J.McGill

16 May 2007 The Great Skua was scaring 20 Curlew, 250 Dunlin, 1 Sanderling and 8+ Ringed Plover on the Dumbles, a Whimbrel fed on the seawall and Common Whitethroat was holding territory in the car park field hedge. A pair of Oystercatcher have laid 2 eggs in the Big Pen (adjacent to building) and can be viewed on the WWT website camera. A pair of Common Tern were on the South Lake.

15 May 2007 Highlight of the day for me was escorting and birding with Sir David Attenborough and a BBC crew, the Grasshopper Warbler was reeling until Midday at least and was showing in the open giving great views to our guest and all birders present. At least 3 Sand Martin, a male Wheatear and Common Whitethroat were on site with large numbers of Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Sanderling and a Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit on the estuary. Adult and immature Peregrine were on the Dumbles.