Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

Thursday and today, Friday 20th, were two clear days where I could visit the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge. Yesterday saw heavy rain, but I did see some of the usual geese and ducks and through the rain I saw two Peregrines argue over a post. This is a regular feature as seen from the Holden Tower. It was not a good day for birding and the weather for today was very good.
The Holden Tower gave me close views of Cranes and by the end of the day the total for these birds was seventeen. The Geese grazed close by with Canada, Greylag, Barnacle and Pink Footed easily seen. The Red-breasted Goose had been seen again grazing with the Barnacles, but it was not in view until later. Late in the afternoon from the Zeiss Hide it was spotted and it was not easy to see. However I had good views of it even though it seemed to be closer to the ground than other Geese. It is an attractive bird and a first for me. At the same time Cranes were still in view and a Yellow Legged Gull was seen although there was a discussion as to whether this was a hybrid or not. Anyway another English first for me. Also from this hide a Cetti’s Warbler called frequently and a Water Rail squealed twice.
This is an amazing place to visit and although some birds are distant there are many that can be viewed much closer.
I did not see many small birds, but there is much movement as different species have been seen passing through. There was a flock of Linnets flying in the edge of the estuary. The species list is posted on their website.
From discussion it was said that ‘farmland birds’ numbers are poor and some of this decline can be attributed to pheasant rearing for the shooting industry. This provides a heavy concentration of one species in an area to the detriment of other wildlife including snakes, slow worms and lizards.
However it is places like the wetland centres and wildlife trusts that provide good news through their endeavors.