New bus service launching this summer, with access to WWT Slimbridge. Find out more.
Reopening roundup
The reserve reopened to visitors on Wednesday 10th June with a nice selection of birds on offer.
Wednesday 10th June
Highlights included a single Knot with the Black-tailed Godwit flock on the Zeiss Hide over high tide. The Crane family continued to do well with both chicks seen in the Bottom New Piece, viewed from the Zeiss Hide too. The South Lake is the main action for our breeding Avocets at present with 51 adults present along with chicks of various ages. Still only a couple of Green Sandpiper on the reserve at present, mainly on the Rushy and Pillbox Pool, the latter viewed from Estuary Tower or Knott Hide.
Thursday 11th June
A Ruddy Shelduck was on the Tack Piece, viewed from Robbie Garnett Hide, but later turned up on the South Lake. The wader scrape at the South Lake continues to be busy with breeding Avocet, and also breeding here are a pair of Oystercatcher with two well grown chicks, and a pair of Little-ringed Plover - look for them sat in the nesting cage from the Discovery Hide. Sadly the pair at the south of the wader scrape have lost their chicks in the last few days. As you approach the Discovery Hide look out for the Bee Orchids on the edge of the path.
Friday 12th June
At least two male Cuckoo have been singing all week, one from the Decoy Wood and another in the South Finger - listen out for him as you head to the Kingfisher Hide. A pale-crowned Marsh Harrier was with prey on the Dumbles, later dropping in over the seawall to the Top New Piece and taking a Moorhen chick. Viewed from the Zeiss Hide this area also has a large number of post-breeding Avocet with 76 present on the morning rounds. Also here are our non-breeding Black-tailed Godwit flock with 60 birds present today.
