News
Two Spoonbills
A foggy morning prevented us from seeing much to report but after it cleared a few species were noted.Two Spoonbills were on the Tack Piece through the afternoon.At least 12 Bewick's Swans remain on site, further departures of 28 last night.Two Whooper Sw
6 March 2024
First Sand Martins of 2024 on 4th March and 5 March sightings
Yesterday afternoon, at approx 1620hrs a trio of Sand Martins flew low through the Rushy heading NE, as is often the case they didn't stop and were seen a little later at Frampton on Severn where they went to roost. The crossover period as the first Sprin
5 March 2024
Late winter sunshine
A cold night led to much ice on the shallower ponds however it thawed rapidly, after yesterday mornings covering of snow it really highlighted that winter isn't yet quite done. Highlights today included the following.Top New Piece from Zeiss HideFifty Avo
3 March 2024
Climate change setback for our Kingfishers
The warm late winter weather triggered our earliest ever Kingfisher breeding activity with a pair excavating and seemingly on the verge of laying eggs, however the wet weather continued, with the now very familiar days and nights of torrential rain. The w
28 February 2024
Otter family at the South Finger again
We record regular 'Trailcam' footage of the resident Otter family as they use the reserve, the mother expertly guides the two cubs about the reserve to fish our wetland habitats. The most reliable area to find them is at the South Finger, they have shown
26 February 2024
Bewick's Swans count down to 65
Further departures of our wintering birds noted, including our Bewick's Swans, only 65 were on site today along with two Whooper Swans.Sightings today include the following.Tack PieceSingle Spotted Redshank, 38 Redshank and 12 Ruff along the scrape edge.
25 February 2024
Egret roost count
The increasing UK population of egrets is very welcome, a group of birds that are doing well. We've seen a rise in numbers of these beautiful birds and host firmly established winter roost site for them. The roost moves about the site so it can be tricky
21 February 2024
Further departures, very few Lapwing left
In just two short weeks we've seen our Lapwing flock drop from 2600+ to a few hundred, the Tack Piece is typically carpeted with them but we seem to be shifting to to last of the wintering birds and those that remain to breed on the reserve. It won't be t
19 February 2024
Large scale departures of waders and ducks
Since the end of January we have noticed peak counts dropping but this last week has seen a large scale reduction in Lapwing, Golden Plover, Teal and Pintail. The reserve is still very busy as we see return passage birds appearing to stopover, perhaps bes
18 February 2024
Soggy day birding, dry in the hides.
Definitely a day to spend using the hides, the weather wasn't too helpful today but the birds are enjoying it. Image of Pill Box Pool and the Long Ground Pool.Estuary TowerPink Footed Goose, Ross Goose, Snow Goose all on the Dumbles with Barnacle and Can
14 February 2024
Catch the Tide Part Two- Spoonbill
Catch the Tide Part TwoThe weather wasn't as kind as yesterday and the tide flooded over half of the Dumbles, it was still a good day to catch up with the wintering birds in the area as they all ended up here. Yay, Spoonbill!The first Spoonbill sighting o
13 February 2024
Catch the Tide Part One
Catch the TideWe were rewarded with a really good tide this morning, the surge came over and flooded the Dumbles, the birding was brilliant in the winter sunshine. Another chance tomorrow.Estuary Tower25+ Skylark, 3+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Goldfinch, Redwing, ju
12 February 2024
Feb WeBS
Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) Count for Sunday 11 February 202412 Cormorant, 13 Little Egret (missed the early roost), 2 Great Egret, 10 Cattle Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 7 Crane, 143 Mute Swan, 2 Whooper Swan (one on Tack Piece and one Rushy, latter remained all
11 February 2024
Water levels back up after the rains
The water levels have returned to peak height following some very heavy rainfall but is of course providing the perfect conditions for feeding wildfowl and waders. Estuary TowerThe juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Goose was on the Dumbles saltmarsh with the Ba
8 February 2024
Otters and Goshawk
The Otter family were again seen down at the South Finger today, the channel that we de-silted a couple of years back has been a popular fishing ground for them this winter. A male Goshawk was seen this morning from the South Finger hides, it's likely to
7 February 2024