There was a bit of a buzz around Slimbridge when we arrived as there had been a Black-winged Kite seen in the area in the previous two days. This sighting is what twitchers refer to as a Mega – it was only the second one seen in Britain. Passing through the reserve we met the wardens and some volunteer who had been looking for it, but to no avail. However, just in case, we started our birding by heading out towards the Middle Point on the Summer Walkway. I don’t believe any of our previous outings had taken us there, but it was a very pleasant walk in the sun and a chance to get to near the estuary mudbanks as the tide receded. We stopped off to look at the Rushy Pen to see good views of waders, before walking out beside the estuary wall. The early sun went behind the clouds reducing the heat haze, so we could get good, if distant views of flocks of Ringed Plover, Curlew and Dunlin with a lone unexpected Knot. A Spotted Redshank was in a pool just by the Estuary Tower and Cranes could be seen out on the Dumbles.
We moved on to the Zeiss hide for views across Top New Piece. Three Spoonbills were asleep on an island but frustratingly, seldom raised their heads so we could see their extraordinary bills. It was from here that we saw the Tundra Bean Goose (of unknown origin) that was alone but near Greylags for a good comparison. South lake provided views of a flock of Black-tailed Godwits and a lone Avocet as well as a few diving ducks, before we set off for home to miss the bank holiday traffic.
