News

Sunshine and showers

Sunshine and showers

A predominantely sunny day with a few showers passing through but some great birding to be had.

6 December 2019

Bill patterns don't lie

Bill patterns don't lie

An initial count of 65 Bewick's Swans this morning with some birds heading out to the fields early before the 8am feed. A quick recount and check of some bill patterns reveals that we actually have 68 birds on the reserve today, so a few new arrivals!

4 December 2019

Swan fall!

Swan fall!

An arrival of Bewick's Swans, known as a 'swan fall' occurred overnight with a jump in numbers to at least 47 on site, possibly more. Our first families appeared with a brood of 2 and 3 present on the Rushy at 5pm. It was very obvious that more had arrive

1 December 2019

Cold but sunny morning

Cold but sunny morning

South LakeLots of duck on the lake, a flock of 45 Tufted Duck, 55 Shoveler, 14 Pochard and 220 Teal. A cold bunched up flock of waders. Lapwing 400, Knot 130, and 145 Black Tailed Godwits. A lone GBB Gull was looking very menacing.Kingfisher hideThe Bott

30 November 2019

Big count of Dunlin

Big count of Dunlin

There are lots of waders around today with a bumper count of Dunlin

29 November 2019

Today's sightings

Today's sightings

All 25 Bewick's Swans were on the Rushy this morning ready for the feed.

28 November 2019

Tuesday roundup

Tuesday roundup

Estuary Tower48 Great Black-backed Gull, Curlew (89 foreshore and 23 Dumbles), Grey Plover (foreshore), 56 Shelduck on the Dumbles, 350 Wigeon and 30 Pintail on the Severn, 4 Cormorant upriver, 1 down which joined a roosting bird on the spartina island,

26 November 2019

The Tack Piece is 'waking up'

The Tack Piece is 'waking up'

Totals of 890 Wigeon and 1635 Lapwing counted today!Tack PieceA busier scene on the flood and fleets, certainly attracting the waders with 122 Curlew, 21 Ruff, 40 Redshank, 750 Lapwing and Golden Plover beginning to drop in by 0900. 150 Wigeon formed the

25 November 2019

Bitterns again

Bitterns again

The Zeiss Hide continued to offer great Bittern watching today, a little patience rewarded those that have allowed the time to watch them out in the open or managed to spot them in their favourite habitat. It can be hard to see them when they are deep in

24 November 2019

Bittern Bonanza Continues

Bittern Bonanza Continues

Zeiss HideOne Bittern seen well, at least 2 birds over the past few days and quite possibly 3. Looks like this is the time to see this elusive species. Heron, Cettis, Water Rail and Snipe all seen whilst looking for the Bittern. Over 400 Lapwing dominate

23 November 2019

Bitterns on show again

Bitterns on show again

The wet weather hasn't put off the Bitterns from showing well again from the Zeiss Hide, with at least 2 birds seen before lunchtime.

22 November 2019

Busy Bitterns

Busy Bitterns

BitternsThe Top New Piece was place to be with two Bitterns showing well for prolonged periods, sightings were made between 1045am-1.30pm and again at 3pm when one bird walked the length of the fleet from Van de Bovenkamp Hide to the Zeiss Hide. Bottom Ne

19 November 2019

Further arrival of Bewick's Swans

Further arrival of Bewick's Swans

The Bewick's Swan flock increased from 11 over night to 17, the birds headed out to the Tack Piece initially and then on to the Dumbles and estuary. All of them, flew in after just after 4pm in perfect sunset conditions, four were rather nervous and went

18 November 2019

November WeBS Count

November WeBS Count

It was the monthly WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) today, totals and highlights follow.Mute Swan- 109Bewick's Swan- 11 on the Rushy at dawn, moved the the Dumbles to feed for the day.Russian White-fronted Geese- 33 in the Bottom New PieceGreenland White-fronte

17 November 2019

It's a wet one

It's a wet one

It's been a busy and wet morning with events on the reserve, and plenty of birds to see.

14 November 2019