I was down in Goldcliff on Wednesday morning, hoping to see something exotic that had been blown off course. I was disappointed in this regard however I did see something that I haven't seen down there before and that was a Water Rail. There were huge numbers of Lapwing, Wigeon, Shoveler and several Shelduck. I saw a Marsh Harrier heading towards Uskmouth just as I arrived but it didn't linger. There were some Redwings in the hedgerow and probably Fieldfare. Oh and there was a Little Egret amongst the sheep probably trying to mimic the Cattle Egrets seen here recently. Curlew, Blackwit and Pied Wagtails also present and the ubiquitous Canada Geese.
Black Tailed Godwit
Curlew
Teal
Teal and Water Rail
Shelduck
Lapwing
Wigeon
A good set John, it's been a while since I have been able to get down there although I would guess not alot of waders at the moment due high water and no mud. I can't remember anyone logging a Water Rail down there before.
That was a good spot John. Not something you would expect to see there.
Diolch yn fawr guys! Certainly surprised me - poor thing was a bit out of its depth with the rising waters. I've seen Snipe down there but never Water Rail. Just glad I was able to record it for the record!
Nice to see the photos John. Good shots of the Water Rail. It looks like the Wigeon and Teal are down Goldcliff and the Gadwall are on the main reserve.
Well spotted John, lovely to get record of the Rail. The male teal are looking splendid in their nuptial plumage.
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Regards, Hazel
Thanks Colin and Hazel!
Colin I've got to say that you're right about the Gadwall preferring Uskmouth - could be something to do with it being fresh water there and Goldcliff being fed by salt-water from the Bristol Channel.
The Teal is a very beautiful bird Hazel, the photos I took last Wednesday were at a distance but I was lucky enough to get some clearer ones in March. in the one hide in Goldcliff which is reasonably close to the water.
Lovely to see the lapwing and teal, good photos, I like the egret too, we passed a field the other day with three in, didn't have camera at the time, went back but they had gone.
Lot to learn
Cheers Gaynor! I never tire of the Egrets, i know they are no longer as exotic as they were a few years ago but they are still a stunning bird!