New spot for waders

We know that the new Hempholme Meadows habitat has looked promising for some time but had yet to come into its own.  This morning Jeff Barker and Alan Walkington managed to get a first for the habitat in the form of a spotted redshank which is the first on Tophill for some time.  Alan's photo is on Flickr after which it had flown onto the river.  A quick look at 5pm tonight though revealed a fine sight - just a shame all the folk who have helped out volunteering couldn't be there to see the fruits of their labours this time!:

Spotted redshank on the right with two of three ruff which were present.  Also present was a black-tailed godwit:

And 10 greenshank which is perhaps the most at Tophill since D res was drained in 2007:


There is also a movement between Hempholme and other habitats at the reserve.  1 greenshank flew to Standingholme Ponds whereas the spotted redshank and ruff moved onto South Marsh East at 6pm.  There too have been good numbers of birds - 18 snipe today:

Roy Vincent also got some shots on Sunday:


When they were scared off by the sparrowhawk and a pair of herons:


2 green sandpipers and 2 common sands also on today:

Hopefully this run will continue the rest of summer.  Alan also had another untagged marsh harrier over North Marsh.

On O res we've also had two little gulls today:


Gull numbers are building substantially now:

Mostly black headed's and common gulls:

Although Martin has already had 3 mediterranean gulls go through D on Monday.  Thanks to Roy also for more odonata - blue tailed damselfies: