7th May 2026 – WWT Slimbridge

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We could see a pocket of fine weather this morning and headed for our “safe place” at Slimbridge on the Severn Estuary.

We weren’t expecting much activity as not much has been reported here recently – serious birders are probably down on the estuary looking for migrants. However, there was plenty to keep us happy with lots of birds nest-building or, in the case of the geese and coots, looking after their new offspring.

Greylag geese and goslings

Greylag geese goslings

Canada goose with goslings

Coots and their young receiving lots of attention – not a bad thing with so many gulls around

Avocets with black-headed gull behind

Avocet

Common shelduck causing a rumpus

Black-headed gull with nesting material

Mallards flying in synchronisation

Avocet in flight

I just can’t resist a robin

We also saw a pair of common kingfishers fetching food for their young but it was challenging photographing them as we were in a hide behind glass and at some distance. Still a treat all the same.

Common kingfisher flying in front of tufted ducks

Common kingfisher in front of yellow flags

Common kingfisher close to its nest

Common kingfisher in flight

The centre has built a new area for school groups to have their packed lunches and the new planting has been very successful and particularly attractive at this time of the year.