Slimbridge (Part 1)

I spent an enjoyable day at the Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Gloucestershire, and the weather was pleasant after a chilly start.  To maximise my time, I was on the step when they opened (09h30).

My first port of call was the Rushy Hide on the 'wild side'.  Unfortunately, the migratory Bewick's Swans had still not arrived from Siberia.

Black-headed Gull

Greylag Goose

This was a stand-off between the Coot and the Greylag.  The latter eventually moved.

 

Mute Swan

Herring Gull

Grey Heron

There were Cranes out on the fields nearer the R. Severn, but they were too far away for photography.

It had been a long morning without much physical activity and the sun was starting to shine outside.  I decided on an early lunch and replaced a big, long lens (read 'very heavy') with something more portable.

The remaining images were taken around the reserve where the 'collections' are.  Some wild birds do join them from time to time – for food, probably!

Moorhen

This image was the result of a pleasing compromise.  The bird was very trusting and came very close.  So soon after my lunch, the ground seemed a long way down for me to go in pursuit of a decent point-of-view.  I went across to the wood-topped surround of a little pond and sat on it.  The Moorhen hopped up onto the other end and together we manouevred to get this.  Who says that these birds don't understand the game.

Jackdaw

Common Eider

A bashful Bewick's Swan (a resident)

The same bird later

Goldeneye ♀

Goldeneye ♂

Barnacle Goose

Trying to tell me something?

I thought at first that this next one was a female Smew ...

Smew

... but, not being an ornithologist, I sought help.  My attention was directed towards the solitary white/grey feather on the right shoulder area.  It could well be that this bird is a juvenile male  starting to grow his characteristic plumage (that even I can identify!).

Trumpeter Swan

Hooded Merganser ♂

Hooded Merganser ♀

 

American Wigeon

(more from Slimbridge next time)