Latest sightings
Spoonbill and Black Tern
The Spoonbill that arrived yesterday afternoon is still present but very mobile, it has been seen on the Dumbles, Rushy, Middle Point and Top New Piece. A national influx of Black Terns today produced our first of the year, a breeding plumage adult spent
7 May 2019
Early May bank holiday notes
Rushy Hide Stoat along the lane (pictured), the second calendar year Mediterranean Gull was being rather boisterous with the Black-headed Gulls again. At least 14 Avocet on the lower pond. The pair of Oystercatcher were nest scraping on the isthmus.Tack P
6 May 2019
Wood Sandpiper new in
Zeiss Hide/Top New PiecePlenty of wader activity here today, ten male and eight female Lapwing present on the field and flood edge, at least three broods were foraging and one nest is still active. A smart newly arrived Wood Sandpiper proved popular on th
5 May 2019
Ruff on the rise
We've seen an increase in the number of Ruff in recent days with a small group of reeves (females) arriving on the reserve.
2 May 2019
Hobbies
At least three Hobby were seen feeding over the reserve today, the warm weather certainly offered them insects to hunt on the wing. Other raptors noted included a Marsh Harrier, Red Kite and a few Buzzards.Dumbles/Top New Piece from Zeiss Hide7 Cranes and
29 April 2019
A flush of godwits
We've seen our Black-tailed Godwit numbers drop over the last few days since the peak on Monday, but this afternoon another wave arrived this afternoon bringing us back up to over 600 birds!
19 April 2019
Look out for wagtails
The Reserve Team have been finishing off fencing for a new habitat corridor today that will run along the Tack Piece, and were treated to at least 6 Yellow Wagtails buzzing around with the cattle.
17 April 2019
The VIP godwit
It's the time of year when lots of birds are arriving or passing through the reserve on migration, including Black-tailed Godwits. Some of the birds are colour ringed, but this bird caught our eye and turns out to be a VIP!
16 April 2019
First Reed Warbler of the year
Another new arrival for the year with a Reed Warbler singing away in the reedbed below the Zeiss Hide this morning
15 April 2019
Great White Egrets
South LakeAvocets 16 busy feedingBlack Tailed Godwit a sleepy flock of 38.Shoveler 22 including some very close birdsPochard a single male on the lake.Great Crested Grebe a very handsome pair.Sand Martin around 20 over the lakeBlackcap and Willow Warbler
14 April 2019
Arctic Tern
Rushy Arctic Tern briefly over the pond at 10.00 heading towards South lake. Avocet 27 prospecting and a gang of 40 Black Tailed Godwit close to the hide. A 2nd summer Med Gull was with the Black Heads.Tack PieceGood views of 15 redshank and a scattering
13 April 2019
Visimig continues
Another day with birds visibly moving (vismig), the combination of drizzle, low cloud and NE breeze allowed us to witness bird migration. Meadow Pipits dominated the day with 100s passing through all day long. Seven late Redwings were also seen heading ov
9 April 2019
Amazing visible migration
From first light it was clear that a significant movement of birds was on, anyone with the time to watch from a decent vantage point would have logged a large number of birds at WWT Slimbridge today. A variety of species were noted by reserve team members
8 April 2019
Another Marsh Harrier
One rather plain looking 'cream crown' Marsh Harrier has been around for a few weeks has briefly been in the company of others that were passing through. A couple of other individuals have been seen but appear to be moving through or staying just for a da
7 April 2019
High Numbers of Black-tailed Godwit
At least seven hundred Black-tailed Godwit are on the reserve, a good day for "sea" watching on the river and other sightings from the reserve.
5 April 2019