Latest sightings
Sightings for 30 December 2023
Highlights today included the followingOystercatcher on the Dumbles, the first returning 'Spring' migrant today, back to claim a territorySouth Lake350 Dunlin, 494 Black-tailed Godwits, 8Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall, 44Pochard, 19 Avocet, 147 Shoveler, 1000 Lap
30 December 2023
Sightings for 29 December
Highlights for today with selected counts where possible.Estuary TowerWhooper Swan pair visted the Bottom New Piece but moved to the Stall House Ground viewed from Estuary Tower. 15 Little and 3 Cattle Egret roosted on the Long Ground. 389 Curlew on the t
29 December 2023
Unseasonal Garganey and a Goosander
Estuary TowerTwo Dark-bellied Brent (adult and a juvenile) on the foreshore, Peregrine + 143 Pintail (Severn), 355 Curlew, 53 GBB Gull, 230 Wigeon on the scrape and 150 on the Severn over high tide.Rushy Hide/Peng ObservatoryAt least 81 Bewick's Swans at
28 December 2023
December Wetland Bird Survey Counts and latest update
Highlights for today Tuesday 19 December.Tack PieceA Grey Plover was among the Golden Plover flock at lunchtime, waders numbers built up rapidly after mid-morning, the Bewick's Swans moved here from other fields and the Rushy. 18 Russian White-fronted Gee
19 December 2023
Numbers building again after the cold spell
The cold weather of last week and weekend had dispersed many of the wintering birds but they are returning to the site. The deluge day on Monday has seen water levels rise rapidly which creates feeding opportunities. The Tack Piece has been a main focus f
5 December 2023
Latest Bewick's Swan count
Sunday 3 DecemberA dawn count of the Rushy revealed 73 Bewicks Swans, twelve cygnets with broods of 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1 and 1. They headed out to the fields between the overflow car park and canal to feed for the day. The feeding flock was only viewable from
3 December 2023
Frost and Fog
The Rushy is buzzing with more Bewicks Swans arrivals overnight.
2 December 2023
Ringed Plovers, a late autumn record
Over high tide this morning two Ringed Plover appeared on the foreshore, this is unusual for late November, it may well be the same two seen in early November and they have remained in the estuary, perhaps they might try to overwinter. The Dumbles was aga
27 November 2023
Juvenile Brent and Pink-footed Goose make friends.
A juvenile lone Brent Goose has teamed up with the Pink-footed Goose on the Tack PieceOther sightings as followsTack PieceTwo Little Stint among 800 Dunlin.Top New Piece from Zeiss HideA huge flock of 995 Black-tailed Godwit.
23 November 2023
The first Bewick's Swans of the 23/24 season arrive and a record count of Black-tailed Godwits
Bewick's Swans at lastLast Thursday 16 November was the latest ever arrival date for Bewick's Swans at WWT Slimbridge. A family party of four flew in around midday and settled for rest on the Tack Piece flood. The pair, well known to us are Maisie and Mai
20 November 2023
Windblown birds
We had very strong winds from early morning and it was gusting 40mph all day. A Dark-bellied Brent Goose was out on the foreshore with Canada Geese for company. A party of nine Kittiwake flew through NE over the high tide. Other sightings included the fol
13 November 2023
Whooper Swans remain but distant
The pair of adult Whooper Swans seen last Thursday are still about, today they were viewable for a time albeit distantly from the Estuary Tower. Looking NE along the seawall to the third field beyond the Tack Piece it was possible to see them on the fleet
12 November 2023
News for Thursday 9 November- Common Darters still on the wing
Another day with heavy showers but great birding.
9 November 2023
Wet Wednesday 8th November
Great wader watching after a wet night and morning.
8 November 2023
White-rumped Sandpiper again
Estuary TowerThe juvenile White-rumped Sandpiper again this afternoon with a Little Stint (two seen mid-morning) and Dunlin feeding in the saltmarsh pools also 30 Russian White-fronted Geese at the far South end of Dumbles and three at the scrape another
7 November 2023