A spotlight on wetland wildlife - November 2020

Our latest reserve roundup is here. Birds that have migrated to our wetlands are settling in for the winter as the temperatures drop.

We’re back with another reserve roundup and the final throws of the autumnal dice in November are done. Birds that have migrated to our wetlands are settling in for the winter as the temperatures drop. They’re here to keep well-fed and to enjoy the relatively mild weather.

In what’s been a strange year for many, being able to find a constant in the natural world is a great consolation, so it was a relief when the first Bewick’s swans arrived earlier this month, a little later than usual.

There are now around 50 birds on site.

Big numbers of migratory birds were also present at Martin Mere.

Whilst birds at Caerlaverock seemed a little more relaxed…

Of course, winter isn’t just about large numbers of wintering birds – winter wetlands can be quiet and relaxing. Caerlaverock have been taking some time to reflect...

...While things at Steart have been getting a little frosty!

It’s brilliant to see elegant waders like curlew feeding up so well:

Meanwhile Welney have attracted a scarcer, larger, glossier version – the glossy ibis!

Another wader spectacle seen were the flocks of knot at Castle Espie:

Of course with so many bird species around, this supports our predators. The Slimbridge team were privileged to see a peregrine on a hunt:

And a sparrowhawk paid a visit to our London wetland centre:

We don’t often see mammals in our roundup as they are so elusive, but they are there, honest! The team at Llanelli managed to get some intimate footage of the seldom seen otter:

Stay tuned for a video-update from a few of our sites in December. In the meantime, be sure to keep up-to-date with wildlife news on all centre social media channels or come and see it for yourself by booking a visit.

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