April 2017 Avocets once so rare, now colonising Gloucestershire, UK

When I as young in my old bird books I used to read how a few Avocets had turned up in 1947 and started to breed on Havergate Island, that was flooded as part of the war defences.  They seemed so exotic and rare and I only dreamed of ever seeing them.  Later I travelled to RSPB Minsmere to see them.  Now I still find it amazing that they are now seen regularly and breed at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.  I will never ever take them for granted and they are so welcome.

Beautiful Avocet