Waders for all
We've got a great selection of waders across the reserve at present as birds arrive for the winter or stop of on their way elsewhere. Visit almost any hide and you stand a good chance of seeing a Green Sandpiper, but for your best chance try the Rushy Pen, Knott Hide or Robbie Garnett Hide. There were a total of 8 species of wader on view from the Zeiss Hide this morning, including a Spotted Redshank.
Zeiss Hide
Waders included 36 Redshank, 8 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Snipe, 6 Lapwing and singles of Green Sandpiper, Avocet and the Spotted Redshank. Two juvenile Whinchat were also seen along the water's edge, perched up looking for their next meal.
South Lake
The juvenile Black Tern continues to delight visitors and has taken to perching on the posts right in front of the hide giving great views. The South Lake is also a great place to see Black-tailed Godwit with over 120 present this morning. The Cranes have also been showing well all day, including the chick raised here at Slimbridge in 2015. Other birds seen included over 230 Lapwing, 4 Ruff, 6 Redshank, Kingfisher and lots of Teal, Shoveler and Tufted Duck.
Knott Hide
The hedgerows in front of the hide have been alive with warbler activity today with Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warbler all seen. On the pool there were 2 Green Sandpiper and a Wigeon.
South Finger
On this morning's hide round the volunteers found a juvenile Goshawk perched up on view in a tree along the South Finger walk, presumably the bird we've seen several times over the last few weeks. A Water Rail was also seen and a Cetti's Warbler was heard from the Kingfisher Hide.
Robbie Garnett Hide
The Tack Piece and pool was a little quieter than usual today with only 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Green Sandpiper present with the Teal. Three Cranes were out in the field, so don't forget the check more than just the water's edge!
Land Rover Safaris
Out on the Land Rover Safaris we've been enjoying stunning views of a Hobby hunting dragonflies. On the pools we're waiting for the last Common Tern chicks to fledge and we often seen Cranes in the fields. Find out more about how to join us on a Safari here.
