November 2013 Slimbridge Icon comes alive

I have often looked over this Slimbridge icon from the Rushy Hide, but it becomes alive when these majestic cranes enter the view.

Common Cranes

November 2013 Siberian Chiffchaff Slimbridge WWT

Enjoyed the morning at Slimbridge and spent some time trying to photograph a rarity the Siberian Chiffchaff.  It's great when there are a few people of like minds all trying to get the shot.

Siberian Chiffchaff

Siberian Chiffchaff

Siberian Chiffchaff

November 2013 at Slimbridge WWT UK

It has been very rainy with poor lighting lately.  "Sunny Intervals" that will do.  Trip to Slimbridge early morning to see what's around.  Excited to see Common Cranes in the entrance fields: what would I have given for that only a few years ago.  Got close to a really colourful lapwing and also a heron perched surveying where to go fishing next.

Heron

Lapwing

October 2013 Juvenile Little Grebe

In to Autumn you can often see some of the juvenile birds from the year doing there best to survive.  This Little Grebe is obviously making out ok.  They have a lot to learn to survive their first year but watching this one he has certainly got the hang of fishing, regularly surfacing with a fish.

September 2013 2nd Year wild Common Crane at Slimbridge WWT

A second year wild Common Crane (No Rings on Legs) has now been around Slimbridge Wetland for the last few days.  Previously the cranes seen have been those released as part of the Great Crane Project.  Its really nice to have a truly wild one around.

Wild 2nd year Common Crane

September 2013 Pink Flamingo's southern Spain

Pink Flamingo's Odiel Salt Marsh southern Spain.

Pink Flamingo's southern Spain

September 2013 Azure-Winged Magpie southern Spain

Spent a week all inclusive at Punta Umbria in southern Spain but still managed to get the camera out on a few occasions. The Azure-Winged Magpie was a real treat.

Azure-Winged Magpie

Azure-Winged Magpie