7th December - light rain until mid day then brighter spells, light freshening SW 9C

As a wet front was moving east during the day I decided to head SW to Slimbridge WWT on the Severn estuary and jolly pleased I did too.  The weather was dry with nice sunny spells but a fresh wind was blowing in off the Severn.

The area was full of birds, thousands of Golden Plover and Lapwings and wildfowl and a variety of other waders.  The following photos set the scene.

White-fronted Geese, mostly European and 5 Greenland, Barnacle, Greylag and Canada were all present.  Bewick Swans were on the pastures and estuary.

Two Scaup (females) were present on one pool with many other duck species, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Teal, Wigeon and Pintail.

Unusually, a Grey Phalarope had been present a few days, but not seen today, until I found it along the edge of one of the meres, allowing others to get brief views.  This is the first there for about 9 years so a real scarcity.

Other waders included Snipe, Ruff, Redshank, two Little Stint and a flock of Black-tailed Godwits.

Up to 5 Cranes were spotted through the day, one pair were performing the dancing display.

Birds of prey were rather scarce today, but the ever present Peregrine Falcon(s) was present, one making a kill (probably a Golden plover) not too far from the Holden Tower hide. The Rooks were paying a lot of attention to the Peregrine whilst eating its prey, or were they waiting for any leftovers!

In all I saw 53 species, Slimbridge this time of year is an amazing place, if you have never visited I highly recommend it.