Dropping in on the lagoons

 

Black-tailed Godwits drop into Monks from the skies.

Arriving at Goldcliff Lagoons just after dawn yesterday, the reserve greeted me with one of those calm, quietly atmospheric mornings that seem perfect for wetland watching. Although the sky was cloaked in cloud, the air was beautifully clear, the kind of soft light that flattens the harsh contrasts and gives the lagoons a gentle, almost silvery tone.

Early spring is always an interesting time here. Winter visitors linger while the first hints of migration begin to ripple through the estuary.

Black-tailed Godwits and a single Dunlin.

One of the morning’s highlights unfolded on Monks Lagoon.

Out of nowhere, a flock of around 80 Black-tailed Godwit swept in, their long wings flashing pale and dark as they wheeled overhead before dropping down onto the lagoon. Watching them descend together is always a joy — legs dangling, wings braking at the last moment before the entire flock splashed down in unison.

I was fortunate enough to be well-positioned and managed to capture several close photographs of the landing sequence. Moments like this really show off the elegance of these birds — long bills, long legs and that striking black-and-white wing pattern which flashes brilliantly in flight.

The Godwit Flock will grow in number now over the next couple of months, and they will moult into their summer plumage.

The Godwits took to the air because of some unseen threat. However, I did identify the protagonist on one occasion - a female Kestrel.

Over on Priors Lagoon, the ever-elegant Pied Avocet were providing their usual charm.

I counted 11 birds on the lagoon itself, while out on the foreshore, the rising tide had gathered around 100 Avocets floating together. Seeing these birds resting on the water always feels slightly unusual — we tend to picture them sweeping their upturned bills through the shallows — but the incoming tide often pushes them off the mud and into rafts just offshore.

Even at a distance, they remain unmistakable: bold black-and-white plumage, slender blue-grey legs, and that beautifully curved bill.

Avocets dropping into Priors Lagoon.

Another lovely moment came when a group of Greater White-fronted Goose lifted and flew across the reserve.

These geese are always a treat to see here during the winter months, and catching them in flight gave a chance to photograph their distinctive shapes and wingbeats against the muted morning sky. Even at a distance, their compact build and purposeful flight make them instantly recognisable.

White-Fronted Geese dropping at the back of the reserve near Becs Lagoon.

Unfortunatley I ducked out on the Spotted Redshank that has been hanging around, so it will have to wait until my next visit.

A Morning Well Spent

Despite the cloud cover, the clear air made for a very enjoyable session and some rewarding photographic opportunities. The lagoons were alive with birds, and the arrival of the godwits alone made the early start worthwhile.

Days like this are a reminder of why the Severn Estuary wetlands are such important refuges for wintering and migrating birds. Every visit offers something slightly different, and sometimes, if you arrive just at the right moment, nature puts on a rather special show.