Bugling Bewick's

I guess it could be said that the Bewick's Swan is really Slimbridge's speciality, the wetland reserve gives a great opportunity to see these majestic wandering Tundra Swans very close up, an opportunity that you probably wouldn't get elsewhere in the Wilds of the UK.

When we were at Slimbridge during the middle of November there were only 13 Bewick's arrivals, the early visitors from there near Arctic breeding grounds. Having just looked on the Slimbridge sightings for yesterday there are now a mere 140 Bewick's arrivals.

The conditions were pretty much perfect which helped beautifully contrast the snowy white of the swan against the deep blue of the water. So a quite enjoyable day was had!

http://www.facebook.com/MartinClayPhotography Up to date pictures and sightings, prior to me getting around to writing these blog posts, I would be more than grateful for any 'Likes' or Comments on my FB Photography Page too so feel free to comment or criticise about anything.

Perfect Pintail

A fortnight or so ago, I had a spare Sunday, and Sister in tow I decided on a winter visit to Slimbridge. With a dry day forecast we awoke to a crisp clear morning, a quick defrost of the car and on our way. The 80 or so miles to Gloucestershire. Arriving just after 9.30am we headed straight for the Rushy, I was hoping for some nice photographs, so with the Sun behind the hides we decided to go the opposite direction of the publicised route. 

I am glad we did as stepping into the Rushy Hide, the water and birds positively glowed in the early morning light. The water as still as a lilly pond and a deep blue colour, one that brilliant reflected the many ducks that swam and preened on it.

The stars of the show for me on this visit, were the first birds I encountered. The Rushy was holding a lot of freshly arrived wintering Pintail, around a hundred or so milled around on the still water or adjoined muddy edges. Its only really in this gorgeous early morning winter sunlight that I realised what a truly gorgeous Duck the Pintail is, in my eyes its sleek form oozes sophistication and Elegance, and although muted Browns and Greys a very Eye catching species right down to the point of its namesake the Pinned tail feathers.

I shall leave you with a selection of Pintail shots from this encounter, and here is to hoping they find their way to an area of water local to me throughout the winter.

http://www.facebook.com/MartinClayPhotography Up to date pictures and sightings, prior to me getting around to writing these blog posts, I would be more than grateful for any 'Likes' or Comments on my FB Photography Page too so feel free to comment or criticise about anything.