Sightings - Slimbridge
Mist and murk
Not a very pleasant morning weather wise, although the sun is trying to poke through so it may yet improve. A single Whooper Swan dropped in to the Rushy just after 7am to join the four Bewick's Swans, but all are still keeping to the lower pond and avo
15 November 2017
Whooper flock
Whooper Swans We were rather surprised to see a flock of 11 Whooper Swan on the reserve this morning, they were initially seen on the Top New Piece where they may have roosted overnight. A flock of 11 were seen in South Wales yesterday, they may be the sa
14 November 2017
A few more Bewick's Swans
A cold night night meant that many shallow water areas froze, it was a quiet hide round but picked up later with the thaw. Rushy Hide Three more Bewick's Swans appeared, regulars Risa and Riso (pictured together) and another rather nervous yearling . Tr
13 November 2017
North wind
Rushy Hide/Peng Observatory The yearling (2016 hatched) Bewick's Swan spent the day on the lake, the strong, cold N wind encouraged some species to stay for the day, Shelduck were noticeable by their numbers as it must've been uncomfortable on the Severn
12 November 2017
Cattle Egret
Two cattle Egret again to the north of the road just as you pass over the canal. South Lake All the Godwits were in here first thing but a very nervous South Lake this morning and most of the waders left after several big flushes leaving just 6 Redshank,
11 November 2017
More Whitefronts
Zeiss Hide Wader and duck numbers are still increasing as the weather cools off. Keep an eye out for flocks of Wigeon grazing on the pasture outside the hide. Dunlin - 280 with the opportunity to pick out the semi-palmated sandpiper amongst the flocks. Ru
10 November 2017
Head for the Zeiss Hide
Another cracking morning weather wise, and plenty of birds around for a great day out too. Our single Bewick's Swan was still on the Rushy this morning, but could do with a few companions to help it deal with the upset Mute Swan pair who don't like to s
9 November 2017
First Bewick's Swan
Its been a gorgeous sunny day, a marked contrast to yesterday's rain. But unfortunately it is the rain we need, ideally in small doses on and off to top up the winter flood levels across the reserve to provide the ideal winter refuge for thousands of du
8 November 2017
A few more White-fronts
Three Whooper Swans flew over heading South at dawn, the two Cattle Egret were in the roadside fields among the cattle herds. Tack Piece Some new European (Russian) White-fronted Geese arrived today taking the total to nine, the newcomers were given a fr
7 November 2017
Whoopers
Rushy Hide Two Whooper Swans at dawn, they flew out to the estuary for a while over high tide before settling on the Tack Piece for the day. Tack Piece Four E. White-fronted Geese, 60 Greylag Geese, 20 Shoveler, 200 Wigeon, 300 Teal and 24 Curlew. Holden
6 November 2017
Today's sightings
South Lake Two Cattle Egret roosting (see image above) in the sheltered NW part of the deep lake this afternoon. Also 233 Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, 4 Redshank and 8 Snipe on the wader scrape. A few Pochard and 45 Shoveler were present on the
5 November 2017
One Yank not two
There was early access to the Zeiss Hide this morning to search for a possible Bairds Sandpiper that was reported yesterday, unfortunately no show so far but as a consolation there were OK but distant view of what is probably a Semi Palmated Sandpiper ins
4 November 2017
A busy week
Its been a busy week on the reserve with work in many areas now complete for winter. All we need now are some easterly winds to bring the birds across from Europe! . Rushy Hide Duck numbers continue to build with now at least 74 Pochard, 70 Shelduck and
3 November 2017
Lots of passerines
Rushy Hide 2+ Snipe in the cut reeds, 30+ each of Pintail and Pochard among the gathering duck flocks as well as a few duck hybrids including the Pochard x Ring-necked Duck, Red-crested Pochard x Pintail and Pochard x Ferruginous. Tack Piece 250 Wigeo
31 October 2017
Frosty morning
Tack Piece Two Russian White-fronted Geese, 100+ Wigeon, 300+ Teal and 30 Curlew. Knott Hide Again parties of Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbird feeding on the berries, a pair of Bullfinch, a single Mistle Thrush and a Cetti's Warbler. South Lake Early m
30 October 2017