Sightings - Slimbridge
Yellow-browed Warbler
Staff member (James Robinson) heard and spotted a Yellow-browed Warbler whilst out on a lunchtime walk, the bird has been favouring the trees on the mound at the Otter Enclosure and adjacent to the flamingo house. Other birds noted in the same area inc
7 January 2019
Wild Winter Weekend Day 2
Rushy Hide Just under 100 Bewick's Swans were present at dawn plus the usual gathering of Greylag and Canada Geese, Pintail, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Shelduck, Coot and Moorhen. The lower pond holding Teal and Lapwing. Martin Smith Hide Good views a
6 January 2019
Wild Winter Saturday
The drake Goldeneye is still present but no sign yet of the female. The drake has occasionally disappeared from the South Lake, but we've refound him on the Big Pen next to the Visitor Centre, so keep an eye open as your cross the boardwalk. Martin Smi
5 January 2019
A chilly Friday
A pair of Goldeneye arrived on the deep lake of the South Lake mid-morning and were a nice treat. The species is less than annual on the reserve, with adult males even scarcer. Otherwise it was a rather cold start with many of the shallower waterbodie
4 January 2019
Goshawk again
Holden Tower The Dark-bellied Brent Goose was among Canada Geese on south end of the Dumbles (near Royal Drift) until flushed by a walker with dogs. The two Peregrines were also initially present. Tack Piece The Wigeon and Teal flock are keeping faithful
3 January 2019
Goshawk flyby
Overview A busy day for birds and people. Huge flocks of Wigeon, Lapwing and Golden Plover dominated from most hides With Curlew, Dunlin, Redshank and at least 21 Ruff among them. At least 11 Cranes on site and the usual pair of Peregrine and several buz
1 January 2019
End of the year
Rushy Hide 98 Bewick's Swans present at the roost before moving out to the Tack Piece for the day. Martin Smith Hide At least three Snipe and two Water Rail skulking in or near cover. Lot's of wildfowl are moving out to this pool for the day, it offers re
31 December 2018
Peregrine battles
Three Peregrine Falcons were again battling it out over the reserve and grounds this morning. Our winter resident pair have had to chase off this individual or other intruders a number of times this winter. They are highly vocal and acrobatic when these b
30 December 2018
Lots of Shovelers
South Lake An impressive 184 Shoveler here this morning and a good selection of waders with Black Tailed Godwit 52, Ruff 17, Dunlin 45 the single oystercatcher and a handfull of Snipe. Most impressive though was around 700 very noisy and flighty Lapwings
29 December 2018
Singing stormcocks
A calm morning with a hint of Spring in the air with a few singing Mistle Thrush around the reserve. Also known as a 'stormcock', they are one of the first to start claiming their territory for the breeding season ahead. Despite not even making it to
27 December 2018
Boxing Day birding
The Bewick's Swans were again at 92 birds this morning, including all four families with cygnets. Another adult dropped in shortly after the feed, a male known as Shoon (pictured) who has been visiting for around 8 years. South Lake At least 27 Pochard
26 December 2018
Christmas Eve sightings
Rushy Hide At least 81 Bewick's Swans present at dawn, good numbers of duck also present but the Pochard and Tufted Duck have been rather nervous, many moving to the South Lake and Long Ground Pool. Two Redshank and 10 Snipe present with large congregati
24 December 2018
Todays Sightings 22nd December
Rushy Bewick's Swan 90 overnight Teal 70 Lapwing 400 looking great in flight Snipe 1 along left edge of lower pool. Redshank 1 Grey Wagtail 1 close views in front of hide. Martin Smith Pools Some great close up birding here, the Jack Snipe was showing wel
22 December 2018
Today's sightings
Robbie Garnett Hide 81 Pintail, 17 Redshank, 21 Curlew, 66 Golden Plover, 4 Shoveler, 600+ Lapwing. . Holden Tower Water Rail in copse, Mistle Thrush by Pillbox, 2 Peregrine sat on cross fence. . South Lake Hides 51 Shoveler, 150+ Teal all roosting near
20 December 2018
Which way first?
Recent visitors to the reserve have probably asked themselves the same question when they arrive - 'which way first?'. The Tack Piece is currently playing host to 3000+ birds, increasing further when the Golden Plover flock drop in. Meanwhile at the o
19 December 2018