Slimbridge WWT Coach Trip (22 January 2023)
A clear, still but icy day kept the waders away but was excellent for winter wildfowl. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and it was good to see the generous spirit that everyone showed in making sure that the whole group saw as much as possible. 3 hours from Richmond to our destination, with a stop, and 2½ hours home was faster than I’d dared to hope and luckily the fog on the motorway did not follow us to Slimbridge. Thanks must go to our driver, Chris, for his usual calm and well organised journey.
Our day’s total of wild species was 74, not counting the 2 bullfinches seen at Membury Services (realising that Rooks hang around in service station car parks was also a first for some) and Red Kite spotted on route. In addition to this there were many more species of exotic wildfowl in the reserve’s collection for people to enjoy although I’m not going to add Chilean flamingo or South-African Pochard to the list as some people suggested on the tick sheet that was passed around the coach on our way home! The best wild birds spotted in amongst the collection were a Kingfisher taking advantage of an unfrozen pool to fish, wild Goldeneye flying in to land on the Eider’s pool, a Siskin hidden among a flock of Goldfinches in Alder trees and a Black- Headed Gull which many spotted paying close attention to passing visitors. It flew in from behind, pinched half a Marmite biscuit as I was about to bite it and, later on, someone removed a small white feather from my cheek!
Willow Hide was the first stop for many and rewarded us with 2 Water Rails feeding nervously with Moorhens under the feeders. Normally they are secretive being heard but not seen. Next stop, the roof terrace on Estuary Hide which overlooks the whole reserve and the Seven Estuary. The nearby pools were frozen, like many across the reserve, so were empty of their usual waders which move elsewhere in such conditions. A few Dunlin were seen whizzing past and a couple of people saw a Redshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit. We had our first beautifully camouflaged 7 Snipe of the day in the grass immediately beneath the hide but later on this increased to 50+, picked out in any wet but unfrozen grassy field; 20+ in places. There may not have been many waders but we did see Curlew on the fields and a flock of Linnets, Skylarks and a couple of Meadow Pipits on the pool margins. It was low tide throughout our visit and we could just about make out a huddled group of Pintail and Wigeon on a sand bar in the estuary plus a few Curlew, a Grey Heron (not a Peregrine!) and Greater and Lesser Black-backed Gulls but otherwise it was rather quiet. Besides, anything else which was out there was far too far away to identify.
It was good to see Cranes on our visit, especially when they were flying, including a more subdued plumaged juvenile staying close to its parents. At least 14 were seen from the top of Estuary Tower. A flock of Russian White-fronted Geese with Barnacle Geese, Canada Geese, Greylags and Bewick Swans were spotted in the distance but as we progressed across the reserve to Zeiss Hide then Kingfisher Hide everyone got better and better views.
Returning towards the Visitor’s Centre many people scanned the ducks from Rushy Hide and South Lake Discovery Hide for a juvenile male Greater Scaup that had been around recently but it wasn’t found. However, these hides were good places to eat our sandwiches and admire the ducks… if you didn’t retreat to the warmth of Kingfisher Kitchen. There were brilliant close views of the wildfowl and I was interested to find this list of birds posted on Twitter by the wardens. 22 January South Lake: 194 Teal, 260 Lapwing, 85 Mallard, 149 Black-headed and 18 Common Gull, 113 Greylag, 18 Cormorant, 8 Gadwall, 210 Shoveler, 49 Pochard, 75 Tufted Duck and 4 Bewick Swans.
After lunch many headed for Kingfisher Hide and were pleased to find a very close Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Song Thrush along the path. They were obviously used to people passing the bushes where they were feeding. Kingfisher Hide was a favourite with our group and had great views of the aforementioned geese and Bewick Swans plus Lapwings. 133 White-fronts were counted and hidden amongst them and the other varieties of geese was a Dark-bellied Brent Goose…how hard could a black goose be to point out to people? 15+ Snipe were close by and many tits etc visited the bird feeders in the hedge behind. The Brown Rat feeding and peering out of its hole beneath provided much amusement. A more careful scan of the field corner revealed half a dozen Golden Plover, originally mistaken for the Redwing which were also feeding in the area. Few raptors were about during the day but we did see 2 buzzards, one very pale, and a Kestrel from here. Those of us who stopped at Zeiss Hide also watched 2 Marsh Harriers quartering the hedgerows along the edge of the estuary.
Time was getting on by now so a quick hot drink was called for before heading for the 4pm Wild Bird Feeding Spectacular on Rushy Lake. From the comfort of the heated Peng Observatory, we listened to the warden’s commentary as he fed huge numbers of wintering wildfowl from his wheelbarrow. The birds knew what to expect and were gathering well before time although a quick whistle and the sight of the barrow drew them closer. Details of the Bewick Swan families were particularly interesting especially their lifelong pairing and the different beak patterns that distinguish one bird from another. Several adults with their juveniles were pointed out plus a bird nicknamed ‘Bendy’ who probably flew into power lines but, unlike many others, survived and seemed untroubled by his deformity. Amongst the feeding frenzy picking out the one male Mandarin was a good game. The reserve closed after this so it was time to head back to the coach and our journey home. What a perfect way to end our day at Slimbridge. Do go to our Group’s Facebook page to see lots of great photos and other people’s experiences of the day including Jerry’s photos of a Cetti’s Warbler.
Ailsa “Another great adventure!!…what a brilliant place to see so many of our feathered friends. I learnt so much – everyone is very generous with their knowledge.”
by Rebecca Dunne