Hi,
A Great White Egret first seen from the Domen Las Hide on the 21st takes the accolade of top sighting this week. The bird roamed widely across the reserve however seemed to favour the saltmarsh for foraging. With any luck the egret may prolong its stay into next week where visitors should look out for a bird similar in size to a Grey Heron.
The Saltmarsh Trail was particularly productive with 70+ Pintail (Domen Las Hide, 22nd), 400+ Wigeon (Domen Las Hide, 22nd), 2x Green Sandpiper (Marion Mawr Hide, 21st), 1x Whimbrel (Domen Las Hide, 22nd), 33x Lapwing (Saltings Hide, 25th), 1x Snipe (Saltings Hide, 24th) and 2x Kingfisher (Marion Mawr Hide, regular).
This Snipe was busy feeding in front of the Saltings Hide during the week.
The Barnacle Geese proved very photogenic from the Domen Las Hide.
Visitors to the reserve may have spotted Russell out in a tractor topping the wet grassland. Vegetation cutting is an essential part of preparing the land for next year’s wader breeding season, with species such as Lapwing preferring to nest in short swards of grass. Anyone who was in the Ynys Feurig Hide at the time of topping may have sighted four Red Kites circling above the Breakwater field or the Great White Egret who dropped in for a few minutes on the 25th.
Russell enjoyed good views of the Great White Egret whilst topping the wet grassland.
Butterfly numbers were lower than of late however the following species were still on the wing, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Small Copper. Odonata sightings included, Common Darter, Black Darter and Southern Hawker.
Black Darters can still be seen sunning themselves on the Wetland Trail Boardwalk (Many Thanks to Chris Goding for the photo).
Other interesting sightings this week included, 1x Pink-footed Goose (Breakwater Hide, 26th), 30+ Shelduck (Breakwater Hide, 26th), 8x Shoveler (Ynys Eidiol Screen, 25th), 1x Marsh Harrier (Saltmarsh, occasional), 2x Knot (Breakwater Hide, 25th), 1x Little Stint (Breakwater Hide, 25th), 15x Snipe (Ynys Feurig Hide, 24th), Spotted Flycatcher (25th) and 5+ Lesser Redpoll (Wetland Trail, daily).
Covert Coch looked stunning in the autumnal sunshine.
Cheers,
Adam