Ouse Washes - 3 July 2013

After rain overnight, a cloudy morning with occasional bursts of sunshine and a light south-westerly breeze. Walked from Welches Dam to the railway bridge.

The return passage of waders very evident this morning. 143 Black-tailed Godwits comprised 29 race limosa including 6 juveniles the rest were adult islandica; an adult Spotted Redshank and 2 Wood Sandpipers were in full breeding dress; 31 Ruff and a single Reeve were on the pool nearest the railway bridge; 4 Greenshanks flew north. 
Breeding waders were much in evidence including 5 Little Ringed Plovers, 14 Avocets with 9+ young, at least 43 juvenile Redshank were counted a couple of Snipe were still drumming. 

Garganey ducklings had increased to 6; c. 30 Teal; 21 Little Egrets; 6 Common Terns and just including 1 juvenile were fishing along the Delph; c. 60 Common Swifts flew through SW.

Black-tailed Godwits - Ouse Washes - July 2013