The site is split into two, so first port of call was the Flashes, a series of saline pools with low islands bordered by reedbeds, sedge and willows. The place was wader heaven with loads of breeding Avocets (24 adults and 26 juvs) and Black-headed Gulls (over 100 nests, plenty with juvs). Also on the lagoons 4 LRPs, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings, 6 Shelducks, Tufted Ducks, Grey Heron, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Moorhen and Coot. The bushes and reeds held Reed and Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting and Water Rail.
A short drive north brought us to the second part of the reserve, Moors Pools, comprising two shallow lakes, the larger one with raft-nesting Black-headed Gulls and a few Common Terns, plus LRP, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, feral geese and swans, Shelduck, Tufted Ducks and Kingfisher. The feeders by the hide attracted Greater pecker and a cracking male Bullfinch among the common tits and finches, while the air above the lake was thick with Swifts and hirundines. The smaller pool bordered by marshes, reedbed, sallow scrub and a wood attracted the expected warblers, including a Cetti`s, plus flight views of a Bittern. Also, bumped into a couple of birders who`d stayed at Plovers this spring.
A very impressive site, just a pity there aren't a few more like it around the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment