Black-winged Kite
Yesterday evening, a Black-winged Kite was spotted in fields just north of the reserve by a local birder/patch watcher, fortunately the bird remained in the area although it is ranging widely. This first record for the county of Gloucestershire and WWT Slimbridge reserve was located again this morning, initially just to the north, and once again ventured south and was seen over the reserve, either hovering over fields or resting atop hedges or on dead tree limbs. It has been seen at various places from Frampton on Severn to Cambridge and WWT Slimbridge.
This morning (21 August) it was viewable from the seawall at the Shepherds Hut hide near Middle Point until mid-morning, no further sightings by 1630hrs. This species is often crepuscular and shows in the mornings and afternoons/evenings. The Shepherds Hut Hide offers a higher vantage point which meant that it could be located when resting on tall trees or when hovering high over fields, although it was often distant. It was also seen from Estuary Tower. Other sightings have been noted from the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal towpath, this is also an elevated position and useful for scanning over the fields in gaps and gateways, although it will be a long walk to check the whole area to Splatt Bridge.
Additional car parking is available at Shepherds Patch, Slimbridge at 51.735145 , -2.3936100. From here walk along the canal towpath north, just in case you arrive early and wanted to search. The kite has been seen from Cambridge Arms Bridge and Splatt Bridge, both of these places have no or extremely limited parking with very narrow lanes and few places to turn. View from the Severn Way (canal towpath) only and do not try to access across the fields or climb over gates, there are no footpaths across the private farmland areas.
Early entry for to Middle Point and the Estuary Tower for WWT members only is from 0815hrs, please have your membership card available, non-members from 0930hrs via admissions up the ramp.
Free parking for members and visitors to WWT in our car park.
Good luck.
