Out on the reserve today
Icelandic black-tailed godwits are now passing through the reserve on their way up to their breeding grounds. As they come into their brick-orange plumage ready for the breeding season it is quite a sight to see them all grouped tightly on the spits of land. Anytime a bird of prey comes over the reserve it is wonderful to see them take flight and shimmer in the sky on a sunny day. It is worth scanning through the flocks if you have a scope, to look out for coloured leg rings and flags, as these birds are part of a study.
Black-tailed godwit - 300
Ruff - 30
Dunlin - 25
Redshank
Goldeneye - 2 (males)
Pintail
Teal
Wigeon
Shoveler
Whooper swans and cygnets in front of the main hide, Bewick's swans have been flying in and out of the reserve further away from the hide in smaller groups prior to migrating.
