Latest sightings
Garganey and Cranes
Zeiss HideLots of activity from the lapwing. At least one family has hatched of, still 3 incubating birds and lots of chasing of Corvids. Odd pairs of Shoveler prospecting into the fields. Black Tailed Godwit looking great in summer plumage 2018 heer and
26 April 2019
Change in the weather
Some much needed rain is forecast for today and subsequent days, hopefully enough to top up the drying scrapes.Some highlights for today followGrounds/Duck DecoyCuckoo singing todaySouth LakeThe adult breeding plumage Little Gull continues to give brillia
24 April 2019
Migrant arrivals and Lapwing hatch young
MigrationA flock of 45 Bar-tailed Godwit arrived over high tide and dropped in with the Curlew, another group of 8 were seen nearby. Three each of Sanderling and Dunlin also made a brief appearance on the Severn. One Whimbrel accompanied the 16 Curlew on
22 April 2019
Little-ringed Plovers nest scraping
Little-ringed Plovers have bred on the reserve in the past but not for a very long time, we have improved many of the wetland areas to try to entice them back in recent years with particular focus on the Rushy Pen and the South Lake. During the last coupl
21 April 2019
Little Gull
South Lakequiet here except for a stunning adult Little Gull with just a blush of pink. Otherwise just 2 Avocet a common sandpiper and the Great and Little Grebes were on the lake. An osprey was reported heading north around 11.00RushySo busy with several
20 April 2019
A flush of godwits
We've seen our Black-tailed Godwit numbers drop over the last few days since the peak on Monday, but this afternoon another wave arrived this afternoon bringing us back up to over 600 birds!
19 April 2019
Look out for wagtails
The Reserve Team have been finishing off fencing for a new habitat corridor today that will run along the Tack Piece, and were treated to at least 6 Yellow Wagtails buzzing around with the cattle.
17 April 2019
The VIP godwit
It's the time of year when lots of birds are arriving or passing through the reserve on migration, including Black-tailed Godwits. Some of the birds are colour ringed, but this bird caught our eye and turns out to be a VIP!
16 April 2019
First Reed Warbler of the year
Another new arrival for the year with a Reed Warbler singing away in the reedbed below the Zeiss Hide this morning
15 April 2019
Great White Egrets
South LakeAvocets 16 busy feedingBlack Tailed Godwit a sleepy flock of 38.Shoveler 22 including some very close birdsPochard a single male on the lake.Great Crested Grebe a very handsome pair.Sand Martin around 20 over the lakeBlackcap and Willow Warbler
14 April 2019
Arctic Tern
Rushy Arctic Tern briefly over the pond at 10.00 heading towards South lake. Avocet 27 prospecting and a gang of 40 Black Tailed Godwit close to the hide. A 2nd summer Med Gull was with the Black Heads.Tack PieceGood views of 15 redshank and a scattering
13 April 2019
Visimig continues
Another day with birds visibly moving (vismig), the combination of drizzle, low cloud and NE breeze allowed us to witness bird migration. Meadow Pipits dominated the day with 100s passing through all day long. Seven late Redwings were also seen heading ov
9 April 2019
Amazing visible migration
From first light it was clear that a significant movement of birds was on, anyone with the time to watch from a decent vantage point would have logged a large number of birds at WWT Slimbridge today. A variety of species were noted by reserve team members
8 April 2019
Another Marsh Harrier
One rather plain looking 'cream crown' Marsh Harrier has been around for a few weeks has briefly been in the company of others that were passing through. A couple of other individuals have been seen but appear to be moving through or staying just for a da
7 April 2019
High Numbers of Black-tailed Godwit
At least seven hundred Black-tailed Godwit are on the reserve, a good day for "sea" watching on the river and other sightings from the reserve.
5 April 2019