Centre reopens tomorrow
Unfortunately we received news late on Wednesday afternoon that the roadworks in Slimbridge village were leading to a full closure, thus leading to the Centre being closed today
Unfortunately we received news late on Wednesday afternoon that the roadworks in Slimbridge village need to close the road completely for resurfacing, so we made the difficult decision to close the Centre as access would have been very difficult for our visitors and emergency services access could not be guarenteed.
Disappointingly we were then notified this morning, Thursday 6th, that the road closure was being postponed. Sadly the news came too late for us to be able to reopen the same day, but our Centre will reopen tomorrow, Friday 7th May, as planned - and we have some great wildlife waiting for you!
Estuary Tower roof terrace
Offering panoramic views across the estuary, the roof terrace is a great way to check what is happening on the estuary before heading off down the Summer Walkway and to Middle Point. This morning a large flock of small waders was present on the mud, see below for details. Closer to the hide on the Dumbles was at least one of bird from our breeding pair of Curlew. We think they may have now started egg laying so we will be keeping a close eye on their progress.
Summer Walkway / Middle Point
The large flock of small waders included 485 Dunlin, 12 Sanderling, a Little Stint and 45 Ringed Plover. Nearby also on the mudflats were a single Bar-tailed Godwit and three Grey Plover. Two Whimbrel were seen flying north up the main river channel on the far river bank and a Turnstone was also seen along the banks of the main channel.
Two Grasshopper Warbler were reeling in the reedbeds at Middle Point. Please stick to the path and do not use tape lures to bring the birds in to view - with good fieldcraft and patience the birds will show. Several Reed Warblers were also in full song and a Cuckoo could be heard singing to the north.
Safari Trailer
A drake Garganey was on the Top New Piece this morning with a few Teal before moving to the Tack Piece, and could be seen from the Estuary Tower roof terrace. Also on the Top New Piece were 40 Avocet, a pair of Oystercatcher and 31 Black-tailed Godwit.
Rushy viewpoint
Three Little Ringed Plover have been seen today on the Rushy, the territorial pair and an interloper. Also here were 12 Avocet including three nests, a nesting pair of Oystercatcher and a Common Sandpiper.
Grounds
The family of Oystercatchers still have all three chicks on the grassy area next to the Visitor Centre. Look out for them but please do not approach and flushing the adults can leave the chicks vulnerable to predation by large gulls and corvids. Also on the pond next to the Visitor Centre was a hybrid Snow Goose - a different bird to the Ross's Goose seen a few days ago.
