Tuesday 06 December – Slimbridge

The morning was grey and misty but noticeably milder than of late. Eighteen of us set off initially heading towards the Holden Tower. We stopped off at two hides overlooking the Tack Piece where we saw five Common Crane, a largish flock of Canada Geese and good numbers of Lapwings and Rooks. The ponds (which were predominantly free of ice) were mainly occupied by Teal although a single Snipe was seen by some. A group of Pintail flew low in front of us. Chaffinch and Jackdaw were amongst the birds around the busy feeders. A Water Rail was initially heard and then clearly seen and a Buzzard was perched low nearby. Long-tailed Tits, Shelduck and a Great Black-backed Gull were added to the list together with a large flock of Barnacle Geese. Robins cropped up everywhere throughout the morning. After coffee we moved to the Zeiss Tower where there were more Teal, Shelduck and Lapwings, Shoveler, six Dunlin on the edge of one pond and a good view of another Water Rail. Whilst walking between hides a small group of Bewick’s Swans flew over. We then moved towards the Kingfisher Hide where there were ten Gadwall and a Little Grebe. The small hide en route, however, provided perhaps the highlight of the morning when after much patience we saw a Bittern emerge into a gap in the reeds, fish in bill. A Treecreeper, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Stonechat and Bullfinch also featured in the total of 54 wild birds recorded. Thanks to Nick for leading and for keeping a comprehensive list of sightings. John Lees