New bus service launching this summer, with access to WWT Slimbridge. Find out more.

Close alert

Latest sightings

Raptor passage?

Raptor passage?

Passing over todayAt least 2 Red Kites and a female Marsh Harrier heading north west. A new immature Peregrine was spooking everything around the site. Keep your eyes on the skies tomorrow with more clear weather forecast.South LakeGreat birding here agai

21 March 2020

The Spoonbill is back

The Spoonbill is back

The Spoonbill has appeared again on the Dumbles, feeding in the floodwater channels

20 March 2020

More Sand Martin

More Sand Martin

At least 15 Sand Martin were whizzing around the South Lake this morning.

19 March 2020

100+ Avocets

100+ Avocets

The Top New Piece hosted 94 Avocet at one point this morning, it can be difficult to get a combined total as these birds move about the reserve, they visit nest sites and quarrel especially on a calm, sunny morning. At least 113 were counted within a 15 m

16 March 2020

Kingfisher disputes continue

Kingfisher disputes continue

Kingfisher HideTwo rather tired and soggy female Kingfishers continued to fight at the nest bank opposite the hide, the male simply watches on. Stabbing, jabbing, bill locking, tumbling down to the water and plenty of body language and calls. The Little G

15 March 2020

Drama at the nest bank?

Drama at the nest bank?

This morning two Kingfishers were seen fighting, locking beaks and dropping in to the reeds

14 March 2020

Iceland Gull

Iceland Gull

A near-adult Iceland Gull was flushed off the river this morning by the rising tide, eventually settling on the Dumbles for most of the morning.

13 March 2020

Another big tide

Another big tide

Another big tide filled the estuary again this morning, a little higher than yesterday's.

12 March 2020

Biggest tides of the year

Biggest tides of the year

High tide today was forecast to be around 10.7m, one of the biggest tides that we will see on the river​ this year and pretty much as big as the river gets.

11 March 2020

Chiffchaffs and Cetti's + the first Greylag Goose brood

Chiffchaffs and Cetti's + the first Greylag Goose brood

At least five Chiffchaff and 7 Cetti's Warbler were heard singing in various places on the reserve today, continuing with the Spring theme an early brood of three Greylag Geese were spotted in the Duck Decoy. It was the WeBS count today but the totals hav

8 March 2020

Whitefronts and Pinkfooted Geese

Whitefronts and Pinkfooted Geese

Kingfisher HideLots of activity from both Kingfishers around the nesting bank this morning. This is the best time to come and see these special birds as they pair up, display, pass fish to the female and excavate the burrow. usually active all day especia

7 March 2020

Paramotor problems

Paramotor problems

A paramotor caused widespread disturbance this morning across the reserve.

6 March 2020

Red Kite

Red Kite

A Red Kite was seen this afternoon, first drifting south over the Tack Piece before later heading north, as viewed from the Robbie Garnett Hide.

5 March 2020

Having a clear out

Having a clear out

After an obvious departure of Pochard another other duck in the last few days, numbers of individuals of wintering species are continuing to drop as spring continues to arrive.

4 March 2020

Pochard departures

Pochard departures

A clear spell over night has allowed further departure migration, we only had 24 Pochard left on site this morning. A few more Wigeon look to have gone too.Estuary Tower27 Dunlin, 2 Avocet, 2 Redshank, 160 Wigeon on the Dumbles scrape, 84 Barnacle Geese w

3 March 2020