17.2.08

I found out after I'd finished writing that I can only include 4 images, so I've put links to the other shots if anyones interested.

Had a really nice visit to the Slimbridge WWT reserve yesterday, it's been years since I last visited and it was very nice to get back there!

All the captive birds were looking very nice in their winter plumage, but they're not British so I'll have to forget about them for the moment. Among the exotic ducks and geese were loads of Moorhens, Coots, Rooks (which were nesting in the trees), Jackdaws and Black-headed Gulls. Among the normal Moorhens was one leucistic individual which looked very interesting!
Here's a shot of the Leucistic Moorhen


A lot of the ponds were covered in thick ice, and it was funny watching the Coots and Moorhens trying to walk across without slipping up!
Here's a Coot on ice!

And here's a link to a Moorhen trying the same thing.
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/pi...hp/photo/54108

From the hides there were lots of Teal, Wigeon, Pintail and Shoveler, as well as large but distant flocks of Slimbridge's 2 specialities, Bewick's Swans and White-fronted Geese.
Apparently these 2 species have been getting quite restless recently, and they're expected to migrate very soon!
Here's a shot of some distant White-fronted Geese

And here's the link to a (rubbish!) Bewick's Swan in flight.
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ar...hp/photo/54223

Also from these hides there were some Snipe, Redshank and Lapwings, and a Sparrowhawk flew past at one point.
Some people pointed out a Water Rail under the feeding stations along the path, it was strange seeing one so out in the open!
Even then I didn't manage to get too good a shot of it, as it was still moving around a lot!


From the furthest hide there were 4 overwintering Little Stints, and among the flock of White-fronted Geese and feral Barnacle Geese was one Tundra Bean Goose, a first for me!

I went to watch the warden feeding the wild birds in the late afternoon. There were good numbers of Pochard and Tufted Duck amongst the other ducks. As time went on quite a few Bewick's Swans flew into the lake, although numbers weren't as high as they would've been earlier in the winter. Also, large flocks of feral Greylag Geese were flying in as well as a lone Pink-footed Goose. The staff aren't completely sure whether it's a wild bird or not, but if it is then it'll be a new one for me! As the light was fading some fairly large Starling flocks flew over and a raptor which I think was a Pergrine glided across.