Sightings - Slimbridge
Midweek update
With a wet and windy week the reserve team have been occupied with fallen trees, we had to shut the Kingfisher Hide to make them safe. The Bottom New Piece has become rather quiet over the last week. the grass has been grazed out and most birds are feedin
11 December 2019
Out of place Turnstone
The most notable sighting today was a Turnstone on the Tack Piece, not only an unusual place for it to be it was somewhat out of season for us, it is an uncommon passage migrant with occasional flocks, this one obviously wanted some company. Other highlig
8 December 2019
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
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!
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
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
There are lots of waders around today with a bumper count of Dunlin
29 November 2019
Today's sightings
All 25 Bewick's Swans were on the Rushy this morning ready for the feed.
28 November 2019
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'
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
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
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
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
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
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