Yet again an early start to ensure we could get into Slimbridge through the 'magic gate' at 8.15. A frosty and very sunny start to the day saw a few of us waiting for the gate to be unlocked.
First call was the 'Rushy' where several birds Bewicks, Tufted, Pintail, Mallard, Greylags etc were bathing and preening at the start of their day.
On to the 'Tack Piece' hides where a few birds were gathered. A good number of Redshank but no spotted and several Ruff. Golden Plover, Black tailed Godwits, Lapwings and Dunlin took to the air a couple of times as a massive flock. I'm sure that the restless Lapwings set things off!
At the willow hide we had a fantastic view of 2 Water Rails on the ice. They were trying to pick up the fallen seed from the feeders but they were thwarted by the rats.
Our first visit to the Holden Tower and there wasn't a single bird to be seen. Our return visit would prove more rewarding.
South Hide lake on one side was completely frozen though a flock of BlackWits arrived to the ice. On the unfrozen side were plenty of Pochard, Tufted, Shelduck, Teal and a pair of Oystercatchers on the island. We watched these whilst enjoying a coffee in the comfort of this hide.
Strolling through the grounds our next stop would be the Kingfisher hide. In the tree area we caught a glimpse of a Treecreeper that stopped just long enough for a shot. Love watching these birds scurry up trees.
At the Kingfisher hide Great and Blue Tits, Chaffinch were busy at the feeders. On the lake a Little Grebe caught a fish and was chased off by a pair of Gadwall. In the field were Golden Plover, Wigeon and Redshank plus a couple of Cranes flew over.
After lunch in the comfortable and warm Peng Observatory we returned to the Holden Tower visiting all the hides along the way. Plenty of birds now on the Tack Piece including family groups of Bewicks. (The Bewicks Swans are featured in a separate blog) and a large group of White fronted Geese.
From the tower the Barnacle Geese flock provided pretty close viewing and at long last we saw the Red breasted Goose.
Another brilliant day at Slimbridge, already looking forward to returning in the Spring.
Song Thrush
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