News
Whoopers Return !!
The change of wind direction yesterday was exactly what the Whooper Swans have been waiting for, with around 170 arriving on the Mere overnight, and over 300 present by late afternoon. Numbers of Pink-footed Geese also seem to have increased, but no accu
19 October 2016
An incredible journey with a Top Trumps twist
Prepare to go on an incredible journey this autumn and learn about the amazing migration of wetland animals... by playing Top Trumps. Yes, you heard right. As part of the incredible journeys activities this half term, you’re invited to play GIANT Top Tr
19 October 2016
Reserve Update Wednesday 19th October
Over forty Whooper Swans were present on the Folly Pond this morning, obviously having roosted there overnight. These birds have now dispersed around the reserve with some flying in to join the early morning feed. Hopefully they may stick around for t
19 October 2016
Today's sightings
Holden Tower A flock of 27 White-fronted Geese were on The Dumbles this morning with the Greylag and Canada flock. Also out on the floodwater were 500+ Wigeon, 50+ Golden Plover, 7 Ruff, 8 Dunlin, 10+ Shelduck, 80+ Pintail whilst a Peregrine and a Marsh
19 October 2016
Today's Sightings
Whooper swan - 156 at the main hide and Lyle hide, most of which will be recent arrivals. Plenty of swan activity today with small flocks coming in on Lady fen and the reserve from the arable fields. Bearded tit - 4 Nelson-Lyle hide Crane - 7 (Lyle Hide)
19 October 2016
Wildlife sightings for 19th October 2016
23 Barnacle Goose - circled low over site at 11:20 1 Kingfisher - sheltered lagoon 3 Snipe - main lake, wader scrape 2 Stonechat - grazing marsh 1 Peregrine - flew over main lake Additional sightings from yesterday: 3 Redpoll - wildside 1 Buzzar
19 October 2016
WWT research focus on birds behaving badly
Previously unrecorded ‘bad’ behaviour in flamingos has been spotted during a long-term research project at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire. For the first time, individuals in a flock of water birds have been observed purposely barging
18 October 2016
All about The Dumbles
Another big high tide and another morning with lots of action on The Dumbles with flocks of several species making the most of the fresh feeding opportunities whilst trying to evade the ever present Peregrine! Holden Tower One of the best p
18 October 2016
Reserve Update Tuesday 18th October
Neither the yellow-browed Warbler nor the Great Egret have been seen (or heard) this morning. The recent high tides have seen the Merse compartments flooded which is drawing the wildfowl. Another high tide is forecast for this afternoon which will make
18 October 2016
Today's sightings
Crane - 17 (Lyle hide) Great white egret - 1 (Lyle hide)White-fronted goose - 1 seen Marsh harrier Pochard Wigeon Teal Shoveler Gadwall Pintail Stonechat
18 October 2016
Wildlife sightings for 18th October 2016
3 Redpoll - wildside 1 Buzzard - flew low W 1 Kingfisher - wader scrape 4 Snipe - main lake, wader scrape 1 Stonechat - grazing marsh 2 Grey Wagtail - main lake 2 Peregrine - perched on hospital ledge 5 Chiffchaff - entrance lake, South route, wildside &n
18 October 2016
Wetland Bird Survey and big tides
At least 28 European White-fronted Geese were grazing near the Holden Tower today The Severn tides flooded over the Dumbles last night and again this morning, a repeat of the high tides again tomorrow. A full WeBS survey was made today, we counted 8,65
17 October 2016
25,500
Highest count of the autumn so far if Pink-footed Geese with 25500 in the roost this morning. Great time of year to pick out rarer geese among these flocks. No Whooper Swan influx as yet although this coming week should bring birds in.
17 October 2016
Teal numbers increasing
Little grebe sightings on Arun Riverlife Sunday Sightings from Mon 17 Oct Wetlands Discovery area: pochard (2), tufted duck (25), snipe (2), gray wagtail, shoveler, teal (2), wigeon,
17 October 2016
Recent Sightings
Pintail cr. Rob Werran British Steel Hide Lapwing 26 Shelduck 144 Wigeon 210 Pintail 12 Tufted Duck 27 Shoveler 1 Teal 6 Pochard 1 Greylag 127 Curlew 53 Black-tailed Godwit 66 Common Sandpiper 1 Curlew Sandpiper 1 Greenshank c40 Water Rail 1 Oyste
17 October 2016