Latest sightings
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
Grebes display
Our two regular grebe species (Great Crested and Little are now in breeding plumage and establishing territories. The South Lake is the best place to see both as we have a pair and a spare of Great Crested Grebe present. The elaborate weed dance display h
4 April 2019
Another Black-tailed Godwit record count!
Boy, are we popular with Black-tailed Godwits this early Spring period, the reserve record has again been broken- 737 were logged during a twenty minute counting blitz this morning.Zeiss Hide 16 Avocet, at least 8 Knot, 2 Redshank, 8 Wigeon, Ruff and Sand
3 April 2019
Visible Migration (VisMig) including Osprey
VisMigThe morning was dominated by moving Sand Martins and Swallows with 100s of the former (perhaps 400) heading N and 50 of the latter. Smaller flocks stopped to feed over the lakes, reedbeds and flashes to the end of the day. A Wheatear was seen on the
31 March 2019
Come and see the Kinfishers NOW
Kingfisher HideAnother day packed with action from the Kingfishers, lots of nest building, passing of fish from the male and mating. Wont belong before they start to lay so get here as soon as you can.. Lots of Chiffchaffs singing, a couple of Cettis Warb
30 March 2019
Kingfishers Very Active
Kingfisher's being very active currently and other sightings from around the reserve.
29 March 2019
First Willow Warbler of the year
Late news for yesterday- White Stork flew over at 1405hrs!A noticeable increase in Chiffchaff with 20+ birds singing about the site, three singing Blackcap and the sweet sound of the first singing Willow Warbler of 2019. The latter bird has been in the he
26 March 2019
Goodbye White-fronted Geese?
The Eurasian (Russian) White fronted Goose flock has once again been very obliging and provided us with brilliant views for much of the weekend. A fairly clear night with a tail wind is forecast, will our birds take the decision to depart on their way bac
24 March 2019