We are back (a bit)
Slimbridge Wild update.
Sorry for the long delay in updating Slimbridge wild but as you can imagine we have been adjusting to the restrictions brought on by the COVID19 pandemic. The centre is of course closed and the majority of Slimbridge staff have been furloughed under the government scheme and many others are working from home. The centre has a skeleton staff on-site to insure the wellbeing of our iving collection. Two reserve staff have been retained to assist with this. Our role will be to support the living collection through water control and maintenance of the perimeter fence and other physical structures to keep the collection safe. We also need to ensure that our tenant farmers are able to access the land to be able to continue farming here. This involves maintain and erecting fences and gateways with lots to do after a massive suit of wildlife habitat creation developments through 2019 involved replacing many fence lines. These will be full time jobs for us but of course we will still be surrounded by exciting wildlife. The intention is to update what's going on a couple of times a week so watch this space.
Winter Wildfowl
Most of the wintering wildfowl have now departed with small numbers of Teal, Pintail and Wigeon remaining. The White-fronted Goose flock were slow to leave with the last two departing just last night.
Kingfisher
In a quiet phase at the moment whilst they incubate there eggs at the South Finger. There is lots of activity around the grounds as well so looks like there is a second pair some where.
Cranes
Very slow to get started this year (some pairs have been on eggs for several weeks in the Somerset Levels) but some breeding behaviour is being seen lets hope the forecast warm weather over the next few days will get them in the mood.
Breeding Waders
Around 100 Avocet very vocal around the site but noe breeding yet. Lapwing are holding territories all over the Dumbles and the New Pieces from the Zeiss hide, the first birds are beginning to lay now.
Migrants
Waves of Chiffchaff and Blackcaps have passed through, odd flocks of Sand Martins and the first Swallow yesterday. Most excitingly an Osprey passed over the South Lake on the 1st and single Wheatears have been seen on a number of occasions.
