Sightings - Slimbridge
Departures have begun
We've seen some large scale departures of our wintering bird flocks but also further arrivals of species that breed here (Avocet and Oystercatcher). Passage birds that stop over on their way through such as Black-tailed Godwit are also increasing. Rushy H
18 February 2019
February WeBS Count
The warm late winter weather and drying conditions have encouraged the first large scale migration departures. There was quite a difference in bird numbers compared to last weekend with some very low counts of certain species (like Teal). Behaviour indica
17 February 2019
Sparrowhawk chaos
Zeiss HideHundreds of Lapwing, Golden Plover and Dunlin being chased around by a crazy female Sparrowhawk. Also 2 Peregrines around so lots of disturbance. Just a single crane and one Little Egret, 92 Teal and 295 Wigeon were mobbing the Sparrowhawk. Thre
16 February 2019
A few more Avocets
As daytime temperatures peak in their mid-teens there have still been some cold nights with some ice around this morning, but we've still seen a few more Avocets arrive on the reserve
15 February 2019
Spring is coming
There are increasing signs of Spring around the reserve with more Oystercatcher and Avocet arriving, blossom and snowdrops flowering and even the first brood of Mallard ducklings of the year!
13 February 2019
Shelducks begin displaying in groups
We've reached that 'pre-spring' period when groups of Shelduck gather to display together. Listen for the subtle (and not so subtle) sounds that they produce when in courtship. The females have a rather harsh growl and the males peep softly. Rushy Hide110
12 February 2019
Lapwing count
A minimum count of 4472 Lapwing on the hide rounds this morning. At one point the South Lake delivered that rare event, a settled flock! The noise generated by 3022 Lapwing roosting on the wader scrape was pretty impressive. Rushy Hide105 Bewick' Swans, 1
11 February 2019
Another increase in Dunlin
1738 Dunlin were counted mid-morning today, we suspect that we may actually have an even higher number. The Bottom New Piece was attracted a flock of 1483 over the high tide period. The wet end to last week and further rain has created perfect conditions
10 February 2019
Exstensive floods at last
Lots of rain over the past 48 hours have created lots of flooding around the reserve and the birds have responded well with increased numbers. A really great time to visit.
9 February 2019
Biggest Dunlin count of the winter, so far
Wetter field conditions, a high tide and strong winds on the estuary have all combined to push and encourage lots of Dunlin onto the fields and scrape to roost giving us our highest count of the winter so far.
7 February 2019
Amazing what a little rain can do
Just a little rain overnight and the fields looking really great. Amazing how quickly large numbers of waders return after a cold spell.
6 February 2019
Thawing out
The milder air has rapidly thawed the reserve overnight, the birds wasted no time in returning to ice free floods and fields. Rushy Hide93 Shelduck present at dawn with 100+ Bewick's Swans and 100+ Pintail also present. Martin Smith HideNo sign of the Jac
4 February 2019
Coldest night of the winter and a Glossy Ibis
As was expected following the coldest night of the winter, bird movements about the reserve were fairly predictable. Large numbers of wildfowl continued to congregate at the Rushy and South Lake (deep lake) where open water could be found.One surprise was
3 February 2019
Snow is falling
We've had a few inches of snow overnight turning the reserve into a real winter landscape
1 February 2019
Coldest night of the season
Temperatures dropped well below freezing last night with local weather stations recording a low of -7oC leaving much of the reserve locked in ice and just a few patches of open water remaining for our wildfowl away from the river.
31 January 2019