Thirty two entered the coach at Guildford Spectrum, the number swelled by several of our friends from the Surrey Bird Club. The journey was uneventful but the foggy conditions on the M4 caused worry about the conditions we might find at the reserve. In the event the wet weather was not a major inhibition but the murky visibility did interfere with identification.
Some went their own way round the reserve but a dozen or so opted for a guided group. We started at the South Lake which was packed with Lapwings, Pochards and gulls. The more distant Avocets and Black-tailed Godwits hardly has a look in. W e moved to the Kingfisher hide and were soon viewing a distant flock of geese, most Canada but over thirty were Russian White-fronted Geese with their distinct white blazes on their faces. Another meadow was packed with Greylags while the feeders were abuzz with Chaffinches, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers perched nearby. The two other hides on the South Finger held less interest offering rather gloomy views of Teal, Wigeon and Shovelers.
Back past the central building we entered the Peng Observatory and were treated to views of some sixty Bewick’s Swans, several juveniles among them; such special birds it was a privilege to see them at such close quarters. Then we headed for the Estuary Tower. Close in on the Dumbles were the expected flocks of waterfowl. Earlier visitors has enjoyed views of two Little Stints feeding at the pool edge but the guided group sadly missed them. More distantly the flock of Barnacle Geese could just about be made out, the pointer to them being the white of the Ross’s Goose that has faithfully followed the Barnacles for several years. Common Cranes were a notable absentee until a pair flew over the Tower but did not land in view; later some trumpeting was heard but no more were sighted.
Visits to the hides overlooking the water meadow produced a host of waterfowl of the species already seen with the welcome addition of several Pintails Waders too were about in small numbers, mainly Redshank and Curlews. A Peregrine perched on a distant tree was identified with great difficulty and represented the sole raptor of the day. The walk concluded with well earned refreshment in the excellent cafe. A bird list was called on the return coach and our collective efforts produced an impressive 72 species.