New bus service launching this summer, with access to WWT Slimbridge. Find out more.
The duckling factory
The reserve is filling up with ducklings of several species in what is looking like a great breeding season
The reserve is filling up with ducklings of several species in what is looking like a great breeding season. Broods of Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard, Tufted Duck and Shelduck can be seen with ease from many of our hides.
Our Wild Safaris are back! Join us to explore the wider reserve and head off towards the estuary. This morning's tour featured loads of dragonflies in the new ponds including Scarce Chaser, Brown Hawker and Emperor. Out on the estuary were a pair of Cranes, several hundred Curlew and Shelduck and a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling nearby. There are also clouds of butterflies on the wildflowers along the seawall. Our safaris run daily during school holidays (weather and ground conditions permitting), just book your place on arrival at admissions.
Zeiss Hide
The Top New Piece continues to be one of the most productive areas for ducks this year with at least five broods of Gadwall present this morning, all creched together with a brood of Tufted Duck. Look for them towards the Van de Bovenkamp Hide. Out on the main scrape towards the seawall are several broods of Mallard, two broods of Shelduck and a nearly fledged brood of Shoveler.
Waders this morning from the Zeiss Hide included a roost of 76 Avocet, pushed off the river at high tide but soon returned here as the water dropped again. Also counted were two Black-tailed Godwit, three Redshank plus chicks, 59 Dunlin and a Green Sandpiper. A Little Grebe and two Grey Heron were also noted.
Decoy Hide
Two eclipse drake Mandarin were roosting on dead branches. One was later seen on the Rushy.
Rushy Hide
A Spotted Redshank was on the lower pond this morning along with two Black-tailed Godwit, three adult Avocet with seven juveniles, four Green Sandpiper, two broods of Gadwall and two broods of Shelduck. A Great Egret dropped in briefly.
South Lake
A second Spotted Redshank was roosting here with the flock of 197 Black-tailed Godwit. Also on the wader scrape were two Avocet, 67 Redshank, five male Ruff and three juvenile Little Ringed Plover. A pair of Common Tern were perched over the deep lake.
Summer Walkway / Middle Point
Two reeling Grasshopper Warblers were heard this morning from the Shepherd's Hut. At high tide there were 17 Dunlin, three Ringed Plover and five Oystercatcher on the Dumbles edge.
