A dozen Nature group members visited Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre on Sunday. We were promised a fine sunny day but were greeted with cloud and intermittent drizzle. We made the best of the conditions and, by early afternoon, the light improved and finally the sunshine arrived as it was time to leave. The Rooks and Jackdaws were actively collecting nesting materials (Rook, Geoff Hughes; Jackdaw, Ann Miles)
It was great to see and hear the first spring visitors, Swallows, Sand Martins, Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers and Blackcap. (Chiffchaff, Sand Martin, Ann Miles)
The highlight for most were the two pairs of Kingfishers that we saw and, in some cases, photographed. Here are shots by Greg Lovett , Geoff Hughes and Duncan Locke
Many of us spent the afternoon at South Lake watching the interactions of large flocks of Black-tailed Godwits, Avocets, Geese and various Ducks. Greylag Geese (Dave Barrett), Mating Oystercatchers (Ann Miles). A Pied Wagtail was flying up and catching insects giving another challenge for our photography (Greg Lovett)
For more events to attend go to Nature (rps.org)
Below: Black-tailed Godwits by Ann Miles
