Rare bird spotted at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

The rare bird can be best spotted from Slimbridge’s Shepherd’s Hut, which is located on the banks of the Severn estuary.

Patient visitors have been travelling far and wide for a sighting of the rare bird which will occasionally pop into view. 

Senior Reserve Warden, Martin McGill said: “Despite being a superb songster and sporting bedazzling plumage, this individual hasn’t, as yet, found a mate.

"We are once again crossing our fingers in hope that a female might be passing through and hear his song.

"The white-spotted subspecies typically breeds on the near continent so this bird could be the harbinger of a northward range expansion, a response to a warming climate.”

The bluethroat is a beautiful relative of the robin and sings intermittently from the reedbeds and new growth vegetation.

The song drifts across from the estuary shore and visitors can hear it from the seawall bank.

WWT Slimbridge have a Shepherd’s Hut hide in place that offers shelter and an opportunity to hear his song on a windy day. 

WWT have advised that the bluethroat can show at any time of day but before midday visitors are more likely to catch a glimpse of the rarity.