Slimbridge Wetland Centre
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Step into autumn’s most spectacular show, full of awe-inspiring nature, uplifting moments and sensational seasonal beauty.
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Biggest Slimbridge family on record!
Everton (left), Rovers (right) and their big brood (J S Lees) The largest Bewick’s swan family ever recorded at Slimbridge has flown in! We thought we were seeing double when Slimbridge regular Everton brought his n
18 December 2012
'Swanfall' continues with cold weather
The freezing weather and snow has accompanied the arrival of 117 new Bewick's swans over the last week alone! Today, 132 wild swans (including 26 cygnets) were recorded on the Slimbridge reserve, and while temperatures remain cold, more will be on their w
6 December 2012
'Swanfall' and a Riddle!
The swans came flooding in to Slimbridge last night under a full moon and clear skies as temperatures dipped to a chilly -2.4°C. Our first ‘swanfall’ of the season saw 38 new birds arrive increasing the count to 86! This means that nearly 60 swans ha
30 November 2012
More swans arrive in cold weather
As the winds swung to the north-east, the swans came! Over the past couple of days, we have seen the back of the mild and wet weather. The north-easterly winds and clear night skies illuminated by a full moon, have created very good conditions for migrati
29 November 2012
Slimbridge - 'The Avian Serengeti'!
‘Floods and wind batter parts of the UK’...'Floods and gales bring misery to the UK’... These were just a few of the familiar headlines you may have seen this week. Up to 44 mm of rain fell within hours and south-westerly gusts of up to 70 miles per
23 November 2012
The swans are late and yes it’s the weathers fault!
Since the first Bewick’s swans flew into Britain last month we were expecting hundreds to be hot on their heels. But things are working out rather differently this autumn... So far, only 21 swans have reached Slimbridge which falls far below the average
16 November 2012
A promising year for the Bewick's?
Mild temperatures and westerly winds have stemmed the flow of Bewick’s to Britain in recent days with only small groups venturing across the North Sea from the continent. However, slowly but surely the swans are edging closer. The 2,300 birds that dropp
13 November 2012
First family arrives at Slimbridge!
The first Bewick’s swan family of the season has flown into Slimbridge for the winter! There was great excitement as old favourites Lucius and Aoki appeared at the morning feed with a healthy cygnet in tow. Lucius (C. Bu
5 November 2012
Hello Humbugs!
The first Bewick’s swan jumped ahead of the rest and arrived at Slimbridge over the weekend! It was written on the cards – Friday evening saw perfect conditions for migration with light north-easterly breezes, great visibility and clear skies. North-e
29 October 2012
The swans are coming!
One of nature’s greatest spectacles and feats of endurance is now underway as thousands of small yet hardy Bewick’s swans escape the freezing Russian arctic winter and make their way to warmer havens in northwest Europe. After leaving Russia in Septem
22 October 2012
A fond farewell!
We waved a final farewell to the Bewick’s swans this week as the last few left on spring migration back to arctic Russia, symbolically ending the British winter. And what a winter it has been! Familiar faces, unusual associations and of course, the usua
15 March 2012
Mass migration underway!
Over the weekend, the count at Slimbridge dropped from 120 swans to just 56 recorded today, with many making the most of the clear skies and south-westerly winds on Saturday evening to start their spring migration. Swans o
5 March 2012
Bewick's start migration!
Last night saw the first mass departure from Slimbridge as large numbers of Bewick’s started their spring migration. The count dropped from 160 birds to 118 (including 31 cygnets) overnight. Swans in flight (G. Hann)
27 February 2012
Swans prepare for the off!
It has been challenging keeping track of the Bewick’s over the last few days! After counting just 165 at the morning feed on Swan Lake at the end of last week, we wondered whether some had left on spring migration....until a tip off led swan spotter Ste
23 February 2012
Signs of pre-migratory behaviour
As the days become noticeably longer, the swans at Slimbridge are showing strong signs that they are about to embark on their spring migration back to arctic Russia. (G. Hann) Their days are now spent stretching their
16 February 2012