Latest sightings
Water birds
The snowfall overnight was nearly all gone this morning at Slimbridge, but the surrounding hills still had a dusting of white adding to the scenery. On the reserve the rain and snow have pushed water levels up to their highest so far this winter, and th
27 December 2017
Boxing Day birds
Its a glorious morning across the reserve with thousands of birds to enjoy, many of which you'll see above you as the Peregrine has been very active this morning and unsettling the ducks and waders. During the 8am Rushy feed, a Peregrine bolted across t
26 December 2017
Warm, wet and wonderfull
Zeiss Hide and South Finger The south end of the reserve is getting close to its best with huge flocks of waders and wildfowl all over the flooded fields. Barnacle Goose 180 Red Breasted Goose 1 ( close to Kingfisher hide) Greylag 4 Teal 490 Wigeon 200 P
23 December 2017
Fog-less
Local forecasts suggested dense fog for this morning but we ended up having a very calm, clear sunny day. Above: Greylag Goose Rushy Hide and Peng Observatory 65+ Bewick's Swans at the morning feed, 73 are on site. Tack Piece 350 Teal and 200 Wigeon m
19 December 2017
Monday news
Rushy Hide and Peng Observatory Highlights today included a Whooper Swan that dropped in with the 60+ Bewick's Swans and 2 Little Stint. Some of the Bewick's Swan headed to the Ox Piece to feed for the day, this is the field just NE of the Tack Piece. Ta
18 December 2017
Today's sightings
Rushy Hide and Peng Observatory Two Little Stints reported, one present at 0815am + 120 Dunlin, 200+ Lapwing, 50+ Bewick's Swan (70+ now on site or in the area) and 1000+ duck including Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Shelduck and Teal. Tack Piece
17 December 2017
More Bewick's Swans
Rushy A nice clear night resulting in several new Bewicks on the pond this morning, at least 72 around the site including 4 wild birds among the Mute and 10 captive Bewick's on swan lake. Pochard, Tufted and Pintail gathering here in the frosty conditions
16 December 2017
Floods and Sunshine
The whole reserve is looking stunning again in the sunshine. Rushy Yet another increase of Bewick's Swan at least 69 overnight. Pochard, Pintail and Teal looking great and a Little Stint was with 4 Dunlin on the central island Holden Walkway What a differ
15 December 2017
Thursday update
Kingfisher Hide Very busy with birds, 4 Bewick's Swans, 40+ E. White-fronted Geese, 200 Golden Plover, 22 Ruff + flocks of Lapwing, Dunlin and Wigeon. Zeiss Hide 750+ Teal, 400 Wigeon and 8 Snipe among the birds present on the flood and flashes. A Water R
14 December 2017
Coldest night of the winter
Above- European White-fronted Geese over the Severn The cold night (-4) caused most of our wetlands to freeze, only the Rushy Pen and South Lake remained open partly due to the large numbers of birds moving about. A few other spots with a water flow rema
12 December 2017
Snow
Robin and male House Sparrow from the Willow Hide Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory 40+ Bewick's Swans, Little Stint, 252 Teal, 80 Pintail, 247 Mallard, 137 Shelduck, 257 Tufted Duck, 82 Pochard, 2 Mute Swan and 55 Greylag. Tack Piece 800 Wigeon, 2 Bewick's Sw
10 December 2017
Beautiful Frosty Morning
A kingfisher was being watched perched above the ditch on the approach to the center, this is a regular spot at the moment so always worth a check and a great way to start your day. Rushy Some new Bewicks Swans yesterday, 42 overnight. Lots of ice around
9 December 2017
Overnight rain
Some extra puddle flooding appeared after a night of heavy rain, the Bottom New Piece was very busy with birdlife. Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory Little Stint on the top pond islands, (no counts) Bewick's Swans early morning and late afternoon to roost. Mart
7 December 2017
Today's sightings
South Lake Hides Waders on the scrape included 115 Black-tailed Godwit, 423 Dunlin, 680 Lapwing, 3 Redshank and 5 Golden Plover. An Oystercatcher and 2 Snipe were on the causeway. A total of 22 Pochard were on the deep lake with 12 Shoveler. A Buzza
6 December 2017
Tuesday sightings
White-fronted Geese Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory 39 Bewick's Swan + 1500 ducks (Mallard, Pintail, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Teal) and geese (Canada and Greylag). Tack Piece 300 Wigeon, 47 E. White-fronted Geese among the Canad/Greylag Goose flock + a Barnacle
5 December 2017