New bus service launching this summer, with access to WWT Slimbridge. Find out more.
The Bluethroat has closed its songbook for 2023
White-spotted Bluethroat
This magnificent bird has been much appreciated by 1000s of visiting birders through the Spring and Summer, it sang from 27 April to 6 July becoming easier to see and hear during the latter part of the song season. Once again it appears that this bird has gone to ground and given up on holding a territory, it's not impossible that it might be seen again during the late summer but unlikely, it can be a very secretive species, perhaps it will show again in September prior to migration.
Black-winged Stilt
The elegant and outrageous wader is still with us today, it tends to favour the Rushy and Tack Piece at the moment.
South Lake
Four male Ruff (now a minimum of six on site!), Spotted Redshank, 25 Redshank, 10 Black-tailed Godiwt, adult breeding plumage Mediterranean Gull, two Little Grebe, a few Pochard and 52 Lapwing among the many birds present. The last of the juvenile Black-headed Gulls are fledging (pictured) and are quite distinctive in their fresh plumage.
Middle Point
Small parties of 9 (close) and 5 (distant) Dunlin, five colour ringed/satellite tagged Curlew among the resting flock, 2 Great and 5 Little Egrets, 2 Avocet, 3 Black-tailed Godwit on the mud with Black-headed Gulls, Oystercatchers and Shelducks.
A notable sighting yesterday was a juvenile Rock Pipit (probably the first July reserve record), very likely to be dispersal from the scarce local breeding pair at Berkeley/Sharpness.
Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory
Male Black-winged Stilt on top pond islands, 2 Spotted Redshank, 5 Redshank, Green Sandpiper and two male Ruff on the lower pond.
