Two Sanderling, 11 Dunlin and 7 Ringed Plovers were roosting on the rising tide this evening. Four Curlew were feeding with 30 Oystercatcher in the main estuary along with c45 Black-headed Gulls. We have another c35 Black-headed Gulls feeding on the reserve in front of Curlew hide. Most of the Black-headed Gulls are 2nd year birds and this number is unusual for us in early June.
The drake Gadwall is still with us as is the drake Tufted Duck. Adult Shelduck haven't started leaving us to go to moulting grounds, still c40 and at least 5 broods of Shelducklings.
We suspect the pond on Cardigan Island has dried up, parties of Barnacle Geese are making constant sorties to the stream outfall by the Boat Builders and returning to the island. No survey on Cardigan Island this year, but 40 nests were found last year.
