Slimbridge news
A pictorial treat from the aviaries.
I just had to post this photo... I am never satisfied with my pictures of Hooded Merganser, and just as I pressed the button on this one; the Bufflehead popped up out of the water. Despite the chill, most eclipse plumage species are just getting in a bit
4 November 2011
The excitement builds ...
There’s a certain air of anticipation around the centre this morning – almost like the calm before the storm, but with a heavy chunk of excitement! Yesterday was a hive of activity on site, with cables laid, lights rigged, sets built and, when darknes
4 November 2011
Eric! Down developments and filter feeding...
This gorgeous snap shot shows just how much the chicks are maturing in advance of the winter. Their post hatch down is now being pushed out by the emerging secondary down. This soft grey layer is sumptuously soft, ever so unctuous, and I just love sinkin
1 November 2011
Wild stars of Autumnwatch swoop into Slimbridge
Like many big stars they kept us waiting but this morning the first Bewick’s swans touched down at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. The much-loved swans return each year after spending the summer in Arctic Russia. They are due to play a major role in the
28 October 2011
Eric! Look at them grow!
The Erics just won't stop growing! At 600g plus, they are now on four feeds a day of 60g each. Best of all, they are now feeding free-standing. No longer do we need to prise open that beak; they squeal excitedly, desperately trying to get that elusive rub
24 October 2011
Eric! A trip to the beach
Well, not quite the beach... The three babes are now getting on for 500g, and spend much of their time clamouring for more food. Their distinct personalities are showing through well. Number 1 is (to me) perfection! (She) is ever so statuesque, graceful
20 October 2011
Autumnwatch comes to Slimbridge!
Autumnwatch will be tracking the very best of wildlife action from Slimbridge Wetland Centre in November. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire, Slimbridge is one of Europe’s finest wetlands and boasts some wonder
7 October 2011
Eric!! The flamingo take over
As you may already have seen in the paper or on the news, we are hand-rearing 3 Chilean Flamingo chicks! After a wet patch in mid August, several of the female Chileans were a little late in settling down to lay their eggs. Whether it was because the pare
5 October 2011
Staff handrear baby flamingos hatched too late to be loved
A Chilean flamingo chick Three flamingo babies are being handreared by workers at an attraction in Gloucestershire after they hatched out of season. The Chilean flamingo eggs hatched a month later than the norm leadin
5 October 2011
Some last minute specials!
The birds are trying as hard as they can to keep the season going. From a late clutch of Abyssinian blue-winged geese delivered courtesy of Rosemary Sharp, to a late clutch of African white-backs in our breeding aviaries. I just love both species. The Ab
1 October 2011
Treasure trove of rarities is a delight for twitchers
I’ve got my eye on you! Birdwatchers line up their telescopes to view the birds out on the Reserve Rare birds lured a flock of birdwatchers to a nature reserve in Gloucestershire over the weekend. A buff-breasted sa
28 September 2011
The European eider
"Ow-woo!" Common Eider are so adorable... They are so big and fluffy with their chocolate brown down and so distinctive with that miniature replica of their adult beak that there is no mistaking them. Even as ducklings they emit that wonderful "ooh ooh" n
14 September 2011
Weather-beaten seabirds rescued off banks of the Severn
James lees about to release the Manx shearwaters by Mike Youdale Wardens at a nature reserve in Gloucestershire are keeping watch for injured seabirds after a number have been blown off course by the stormy weather. S
13 September 2011
Freckled ducks!
My current favourites (I know it changes!) are these wonderful Freckled duck. Foiled last year by the bizarre, dedicated and intrepid efforts of a broody Maccoa, Mrs. Freck finally got to incubate her own eggs! In 2010 her previous clutch was rolled pain
10 September 2011
Slimbridge named top British reserve
It’s official, we’re Britain’s finest nature reserve! Slimbridge Wetland Centre has been voted the top nature reserve in Britain. Staff at the centre in Gloucestershire are celebrating after it was picked by Countryfile magazine readers from a shor
2 September 2011