New bus service launching this summer, with access to WWT Slimbridge. Find out more.
Painted Ladies
The invasion of Painted Lady butterflies continues to be evident across the reserve, not least in the car park this morning
The invasion of Painted Lady butterflies continues to be evident across the reserve, not least in the car park this morning. The migratory species is present in good numbers so you stand a good chance encountering several on the wing anywhere on your visit. Also starting to emerge are Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Marbled Whites and Ringlets along with a few Red Admirals.
South Lake
A pair of Little-ringed Plover were on the wader scrape this morning along with a third bird loitering nearby. Also on the wader scrape were 54 Black-tailed Godwit, a single Redshank, two moulting male Ruff, a Green Sandpiper, a pair of Oystercatcher and two Mediterranean Gulls. The deep lake held 86 Gadwall, an eclipse drake Pochard and 4 Cormorant.
Zeiss Hide
A total of 74 Avocet and at least 8 chicks were on the Top New Piece this morning along with a nice selection of other waders including 141 Black-tailed Godwit, 65 Redshank, a moulting male Ruff, 8 Dunlin and a juvenile Ringed Plover. A Grey Heron was stalking the reeds in front of the Van de Bovenkamp Hide. Also of note were 73 Teal and 17 Shoveler. Over the fence on the Bottom New Piece were three Green Sandpiper and a Redshank.
Rushy Hide
The lower pond held 11 adult Avocet plus 10 chicks this morning along with a Little-ringed Plover. On the upper pond islands were 4 Redshank and 3 Green Sandpiper. At least 2 Oystercatcher chicks could be seen stretching their wings jumping up and down on the causeway trying to get airborne for their first flight.
