Curlew flock by Dave Williams

Waders are starting to move north in greater numbers this week. The WeBS high tide count and general sightings recorded high counts of 95 Dunlin, 13 Ringed Plover, 30 Knot, 18 Black-tailed Godwits, 117 Curlew, 25 Oystercatcher, 200+ Lapwing, 12 Snipe and 56 Redshank.

High waterfowl counts include 26 Wigeon, 86 Teal, 4 Goldeneye, 13 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Pochard, 7 Tufted Duck, Shoveler and 12 Gadwall. 3 Greylag Geese dropped in for half and hour on the 14th.

Raptors include a female Merlin, Female Sparrowhawk and a Peregrine.

Water Rails have been calling more frequently this week from the boardwalk. 

5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were in the roost on the 10th.

2 Chough flew over on the 12th heading towards Colwyn Bay.

There have been small flocks of Redwing flying over. A lone Fieldfare was present on the 9th.

After an absence for 8 days, a Firecrest turned up by the bridge pond on the evening of the 14th. 2 Goldcrests have also been about.

A Rock Pipit was on the estuary on the 9th, whilst 7 Meadow Pipits were on the reserve. A Skylark flew over on the 12th.

2 Lesser Redpolls were in the wildlife garden with the Siskin flock on the 13/14th.

Our reserve year list stands at 77 species!