Highest tide of current cycle today (12.4 metres) meant that Curlews from the foreshore were likely to come in to the lagoons to have their colour rings read. At very first light, none were roosting on the first lagoon (as sometimes happens). At the height of the tide at 09h46 only 17 came in to the island on the seaward lagoon, all showing their legs, but (sadly!) none were ringed. They were flushed by a Peregrine after a short time and no more came in. This is about the fourth big high tide in a row, when no Curlews have come in to roost. Suggests Goldcliff in winter is not an easy place to read curlew colour rings – Peterstone or St Brides seem better! Nevertheless, I would be grateful for any records or photos of colour-ringed Curlews, if anyone manages to find any!
Other birds noted: 50+ Shelducks, 40 Wigeon, 15 Gadwalls, 300 Teal, 100 Shovelers, 2 male Pintail, 1 female Marsh Harrier hunting, 1 Peregrine, 105 Lapwings, 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Cetti’s Warbler singing. (roosting on first lagoon at first light).
