Latest sightings
Numbers building again after the cold spell
The cold weather of last week and weekend had dispersed many of the wintering birds but they are returning to the site. The deluge day on Monday has seen water levels rise rapidly which creates feeding opportunities. The Tack Piece has been a main focus f
5 December 2023
Latest Bewick's Swan count
Sunday 3 DecemberA dawn count of the Rushy revealed 73 Bewicks Swans, twelve cygnets with broods of 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1 and 1. They headed out to the fields between the overflow car park and canal to feed for the day. The feeding flock was only viewable from
3 December 2023
Frost and Fog
The Rushy is buzzing with more Bewicks Swans arrivals overnight.
2 December 2023
Ringed Plovers, a late autumn record
Over high tide this morning two Ringed Plover appeared on the foreshore, this is unusual for late November, it may well be the same two seen in early November and they have remained in the estuary, perhaps they might try to overwinter. The Dumbles was aga
27 November 2023
Juvenile Brent and Pink-footed Goose make friends.
A juvenile lone Brent Goose has teamed up with the Pink-footed Goose on the Tack PieceOther sightings as followsTack PieceTwo Little Stint among 800 Dunlin.Top New Piece from Zeiss HideA huge flock of 995 Black-tailed Godwit.
23 November 2023
The first Bewick's Swans of the 23/24 season arrive and a record count of Black-tailed Godwits
Bewick's Swans at lastLast Thursday 16 November was the latest ever arrival date for Bewick's Swans at WWT Slimbridge. A family party of four flew in around midday and settled for rest on the Tack Piece flood. The pair, well known to us are Maisie and Mai
20 November 2023
Windblown birds
We had very strong winds from early morning and it was gusting 40mph all day. A Dark-bellied Brent Goose was out on the foreshore with Canada Geese for company. A party of nine Kittiwake flew through NE over the high tide. Other sightings included the fol
13 November 2023
Whooper Swans remain but distant
The pair of adult Whooper Swans seen last Thursday are still about, today they were viewable for a time albeit distantly from the Estuary Tower. Looking NE along the seawall to the third field beyond the Tack Piece it was possible to see them on the fleet
12 November 2023
News for Thursday 9 November- Common Darters still on the wing
Another day with heavy showers but great birding.
9 November 2023
Wet Wednesday 8th November
Great wader watching after a wet night and morning.
8 November 2023
White-rumped Sandpiper again
Estuary TowerThe juvenile White-rumped Sandpiper again this afternoon with a Little Stint (two seen mid-morning) and Dunlin feeding in the saltmarsh pools also 30 Russian White-fronted Geese at the far South end of Dumbles and three at the scrape another
7 November 2023
6 November 2023 sightings- White-rumped Sandpiper
A second White-rumped Sandpiper for the year!
6 November 2023
Sightings for the last few days
Thursday 19 OctoberTack Piece350 Wigeon, 200 Teal and 10 Pintail with more birds arriving for the day. Rushy HideFour Spotted Redshank, 13 Pintail, 2 Pochard, 5 Redshank, 16 Snipe + Teal, Mallard and Tufted Ducks South Lake20 Pochard, Great Crested Grebe,
19 October 2023
Farewell to Scott
On 13 October we said goodbye to Reserve Warden, Scott Petrek, as he moves on to pastures new.
17 October 2023
American Golden Plover and Barred Warbler still
The Barred Warbler was still present today, seen in the bushes below the Estuary Tower early morning before relocating to the hedge along the East side of the Pill Box Pool, it was seen from Willow and Knott hides this afternoon. A juvenile American Golde
15 October 2023