Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, 11 January 2023

Bewick Swans flying at Slimbridge © Richard Bottle

Six of us met at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, on this blustery, wet day. Our attention was immediately taken by large flocks of Lapwings, Golden Plover and other wading birds, wheeling overhead. This spectacle, was a recurrent feature throughout our time here, as the birds took to the air to avoid predation. We were later to see a pair of Peregrine Falcons hunting and giving chase. A Buzzard was also seen over Tack Piece.

To take advantage of high tide, when the birds move closer to hides, we headed first to Estuary Tower which over looks the Severn foreshore and “Tack Piece,” a field just inside the sea wall. Some Cranes could be seen in the distance, along with a large flock of Curlews on the foreshore. Prominent among the wildfowl here were large flocks of Barnacle, Canada and Greylag Geese, Shelducks, Wigeon and Teal. In with these, a few Pintail, Gadwall, White Fronted Geese, Bewick Swans, a Snow Goose and a Ross’s Goose. Wader species included Dunlin, Redshank, Black tailed Godwits, Ruff, Golden Plover and Lapwings.

We took a sandwich lunch at Peng Observatory which overlooks Rushy Pen. On the way there we viewed a Water Rail near bird feeders, from Willow Hide. A Sparrowhawk flashed over Rushy Pen as we were enjoying close views of Bewick Swans from the Observatory. Following a couple of poor breeding years, it was good to see so many Bewick cygnets. Apparently 21 per cent of the Bewick Swans returning this year were young birds.

After lunch we headed to the freshwater South Lake. A sizeable Avocet flock was feeding in shallow water, while in deeper water an immature male Greater Scaup was swimming along with Pochard, Tufted and Shoveler Ducks.

So in spite of the weather, we all had a great day birdwatching from the shelter of Slimbridge hides.

Phillip Delve