Latest sightings
Cold spell continues
The cold weather this week continues with even colder night time temperatures yet to come, all shallow water areas have been frozen in the mornings but thawing by the afternoon, some numbers are down as they disperse over a wide area to feed or move to op
15 January 2024
Highest count of Bewick's Swan and Russian White-fronted Geese so far this winter
Bewick's Swan newsHighest flock count of the winter so far with 114 Bewick's Swans and 2 Whoopers Swans feeding in the fields NE of the car park this afternoon, visible from the Sloane Severn View Observation Tower at the visitor centre. Van de Bovenkamp
11 January 2024
Sightings for 8 January- highest Bewick's Swan count for the winter
Sightings of the long staying (wintering) birds have continued although the weather is now changing, a few dryer days have seen those floods drop a little with cold weather now with us, the forecast is for a dry, cold spell which may move a few more birds
8 January 2024
Highlights of 2023
2023 wildlife review for WWT Slimbridge Reserve firsts * January We reached our peak count of 114 Bewick’s Swans on 20th, 127 Russian White-fronted Geese, 667 Black-tailed Godwit on 15th was notable, up to five different Goldeneye noted with the Sout
3 January 2024
Sightings for 2 and 3 January 2023- Otters
Otters againThe female with two young was feeding in the South Finger Filtration beds and the South Finger Extension ditch, the were sighted from the viewing screen and Kingfisher Hide. Top New Piece1183 Teal, 140 Shoveler, 9 Pintail, c120 Wigeon, Cetti's
3 January 2024
New Years Day 2023 list
New Year Day List for WWT Slimbridge83 species recorded today Mute SwanBewick’s SwanWhooper SwanRussian White-fronted GooseGreylagCanada GooseBarnacle GooseDark-bellied Brent GooseShelduckMallardGadwallPintailShovelerWigeonTealPochardTufted DuckGoldene
1 January 2024
Sightings for 30 December 2023
Highlights today included the followingOystercatcher on the Dumbles, the first returning 'Spring' migrant today, back to claim a territorySouth Lake350 Dunlin, 494 Black-tailed Godwits, 8Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall, 44Pochard, 19 Avocet, 147 Shoveler, 1000 Lap
30 December 2023
Sightings for 29 December
Highlights for today with selected counts where possible.Estuary TowerWhooper Swan pair visted the Bottom New Piece but moved to the Stall House Ground viewed from Estuary Tower. 15 Little and 3 Cattle Egret roosted on the Long Ground. 389 Curlew on the t
29 December 2023
Unseasonal Garganey and a Goosander
Estuary TowerTwo Dark-bellied Brent (adult and a juvenile) on the foreshore, Peregrine + 143 Pintail (Severn), 355 Curlew, 53 GBB Gull, 230 Wigeon on the scrape and 150 on the Severn over high tide.Rushy Hide/Peng ObservatoryAt least 81 Bewick's Swans at
28 December 2023
December Wetland Bird Survey Counts and latest update
Highlights for today Tuesday 19 December.Tack PieceA Grey Plover was among the Golden Plover flock at lunchtime, waders numbers built up rapidly after mid-morning, the Bewick's Swans moved here from other fields and the Rushy. 18 Russian White-fronted Gee
19 December 2023
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