A Few More Birds from Slimbridge

A few more birds seen on our RPS trip to Slimbridge. The light was very dull so not a great deal of 'life' in the photos but great to see up to 10 Cranes all together down on the banks of the Severn and flying. They have had a very successful year breeding-wise here. Lots of passage migrants on South Lake including Black-tailed Godwits and also parties of Avocets and Lapwings stirring up the mud. The ducks are in eclipse still but recognisable Shovellers looking as grumpy as usual and Teal.

 

Slimbridge 3

Last set of images from Slimbridge in the afternoon as the light improved. Pleased to catch a Pied wagtail with fly in mouth - they entertained for most of the time. Lots of pairing going on among the Avocets and the Oystercatchers were mating. Even found a Redpoll among the Goldfinches and Siskin in the Alder cones

Slimbridge Visit 2

We spent our morning at Slimbridge in the hide overlooking South Lake and watched a flock of Black-tailed Godwits, Geese, Ducks and newly arrived Swallows and Sand Martins

Kingfishers Perform Well at Slimbridge

We visited Slimbridge on Friday on the way to Somerset and spent a long while watching their pair of Kingfishers. The male brought the female a fish at regular intervals and after consuming it they both bathed and preened. Unfortunately for photographers they are at a distance, the light was abysmal and the windows of the hide have been locked to prevent disturbance - a sensible measure! Also enjoyed the Bewick Swan, flamingos and various duck species.

Kingfishers at Slimbridge

 Called in at Slimbridge on the way back from Somerset and was delighted to see Kingfishers there again from the Hide. Apparently, they started to nest in the bank and then deserted. From their behaviour, they have a nest elsewhere. In the first series, the kingfisher caught and then dropped a fish. In the second series a fish was caught then knocked on the head before turning it to present head first at the nest burrow.

Slimbridge 2

 A few more images from the trip to Slimbridge - Black-tailed Godwit flock, three Cranes coming into land, two fighting Rooks, a very cold Pigeon, an aggressive Herring Gull and a muddy Water Rail.