Tag: White spotted bluethroat

  • 13th June 2025 – WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire

    13th June 2025 – WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire

    We made our second trip to Slimbridge to try to see the white-spotted bluethroat which has returned to the Severn Estuary for the fifth year running. Normally, the white-spotted subspecies typically breeds on the near continent but this is perhaps a sign that with climate change it is extending its range further north. Sadly, however, this male has so far failed to find a mate. Our luck was in and, after not too long a wait, it made an appearance. Ironically it appeared on a notice board warning not to linger and, showing its discipline, soon moved off. It continued to show well in the reeds.

    You would think that singing like this its song would carry both the Bristol and English Channel

    White spotted bluethroat

    White spotted bluethroat

    White spotted bluethroat

    White spotted bluethroat

    There was plenty else to see on the walk out to the Severn Estuary.

    Bee orchids

    Meadow brown

    Large skipper butterfly
    Painted lady butterfly

    The marbled white escaped my camera

    I imagine a hybrid goose

    A snow goose or a Ross’s goose

    Pied avocet (or simply avocet as we call them in the UK)

    Black-headed gulls

    Great egret
    Great egret

    Great egret

    A shelduck duckling

    More shelduck ducklings

    Scarce chase

    Scarce chaser

    A rather shy robin