Sightings - Slimbridge
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
Grebes display
Our two regular grebe species (Great Crested and Little are now in breeding plumage and establishing territories. The South Lake is the best place to see both as we have a pair and a spare of Great Crested Grebe present. The elaborate weed dance display h
4 April 2019
Another Black-tailed Godwit record count!
Boy, are we popular with Black-tailed Godwits this early Spring period, the reserve record has again been broken- 737 were logged during a twenty minute counting blitz this morning.Zeiss Hide 16 Avocet, at least 8 Knot, 2 Redshank, 8 Wigeon, Ruff and Sand
3 April 2019
Visible Migration (VisMig) including Osprey
VisMigThe morning was dominated by moving Sand Martins and Swallows with 100s of the former (perhaps 400) heading N and 50 of the latter. Smaller flocks stopped to feed over the lakes, reedbeds and flashes to the end of the day. A Wheatear was seen on the
31 March 2019
Come and see the Kinfishers NOW
Kingfisher HideAnother day packed with action from the Kingfishers, lots of nest building, passing of fish from the male and mating. Wont belong before they start to lay so get here as soon as you can.. Lots of Chiffchaffs singing, a couple of Cettis Warb
30 March 2019
Kingfishers Very Active
Kingfisher's being very active currently and other sightings from around the reserve.
29 March 2019
First Willow Warbler of the year
Late news for yesterday- White Stork flew over at 1405hrs!A noticeable increase in Chiffchaff with 20+ birds singing about the site, three singing Blackcap and the sweet sound of the first singing Willow Warbler of 2019. The latter bird has been in the he
26 March 2019
Goodbye White-fronted Geese?
The Eurasian (Russian) White fronted Goose flock has once again been very obliging and provided us with brilliant views for much of the weekend. A fairly clear night with a tail wind is forecast, will our birds take the decision to depart on their way bac
24 March 2019
Holden Towers last high tide
Holden TowerFive hours of great birding to say goodbye to the Holden Tower this morning.Built in 1956 the Holden Tower was decades ahead of its times, the first screened approach, the first mega hide the first chance for large numbers of ordinary members
23 March 2019
A busy few days
New in this morning were three Garganey on the South Lake before flying off and relocating on the Tack Piece. The biggest tide of the year covered the Dumbles and reached the seawall and bought a Great Skua back up the river
22 March 2019
Godwits moving on?
This morning's count of Black-tailed Godwits came to 471, the change in weather may have allowed onward migration, some of our 'mega flock' may have opted to go take on the next stage.Some of the highlights from the hide round this morning included...Rush
19 March 2019
Shovelers on South Lake
South Lake hosted at least 106 Shoveler this morning, many males had begun to display, the wind has dropped making it easier to have a greater impact on a potential partner. The sounds and splashing forms an important part of the display.The wader scrape
18 March 2019
Record Black-tailed Godwit count
The South Lake Black-tailed Godwit flock has been increasing steadily since last week. The wader scrape has been the favoured roost site for this elegant wader and today was no exception. 549 were counted at rest this morning with a further 24 on the Tack
17 March 2019
Yet another storm
Yet another storm is rolling through the UK, this time it's Hannah bringing the wind and rain
16 March 2019
Still windy
You can't have failed to notice the wind and rain this week, and whilst it has not blown anything unusual in yet we have seen our Black-tailed Godwit flock increase in size and colour! We're also seeing a number of Mediterranean Gulls this week.
15 March 2019