Glossy ibis flock arrives at Slimbridge.
Glossy ibis are very rare in the UK, usually just 1-2 turn up every 5 years, so staff at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) were astounded when 17 Glossy Ibis turned up on its reserve at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, on Friday 20th April – and they are showing no signs of wanting to move on.
News of the sighting at WWT Slimbridge has spread fast with hundreds of bird enthusiasts from all over the country flocking to the centre over the weekend to catch a glimpse of the birds.
Glossy Ibis are extremely rare in this country. After spending the winter in Africa, the birds migrate to Mediterranean climes such as Southern Spain and Greece to breed during Spring and Summer. Occasionally the odd one or two will stop off in the UK, but to have such a large flock here is almost unheard of. This sighting is the second largest recorded flock in the UK, only the third time the species has been seen in Gloucestershire, and a first for WWT Slimbridge. It is thought that a strong south easterly wind on Friday encouraged the flock to come to the UK.
Four days on and with the flock showing no signs of wanting to continue their journey to the Mediterranean, WWT staff are crossing their fingers that they may remain here and even start breeding for the first time in the UK. James Lees, WWT Slimbridge Reserve Warden, said: ‘The conditions here are perfect for the Glossy Ibis to stay at Slimbridge and breed if they want to. We were surprised when they flew in on Friday, and even more amazed that they are still here now, so it would be great if they took advantage of the ideal habitat we provide, and created the first breeding record for the species in the UK.’
Click here to read more about the WWT.
Glossy Ibis are extremely rare in this country. After spending the winter in Africa, the birds migrate to Mediterranean climes such as Southern Spain and Greece to breed during Spring and Summer. Occasionally the odd one or two will stop off in the UK, but to have such a large flock here is almost unheard of. This sighting is the second largest recorded flock in the UK, only the third time the species has been seen in Gloucestershire, and a first for WWT Slimbridge. It is thought that a strong south easterly wind on Friday encouraged the flock to come to the UK.
Four days on and with the flock showing no signs of wanting to continue their journey to the Mediterranean, WWT staff are crossing their fingers that they may remain here and even start breeding for the first time in the UK. James Lees, WWT Slimbridge Reserve Warden, said: ‘The conditions here are perfect for the Glossy Ibis to stay at Slimbridge and breed if they want to. We were surprised when they flew in on Friday, and even more amazed that they are still here now, so it would be great if they took advantage of the ideal habitat we provide, and created the first breeding record for the species in the UK.’
Click here to read more about the WWT.
