We were in Gloucestershire for much of the period with short visits back to Romsey and over to the Isle of Wight at New Year. I made two short visits to Slimbridge on 23rd December and 4th January. I spent much of my time in the hides along the eastern side of the reserve overlooking Tack Piece and northwards across towards the River Severn. There were huge numbers of Lapwing, Golden Plover and Wigeon on Tack Piece forming quite a wildlife spectacle. Highlights were two Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, 22 Ruff, 12 Common Crane, 103 Bewick's Swan, 85 Barnacle Goose, 112 White-fronted Goose and, a good record for Slimbridge, a single adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Common Teal were in full display on the Rushy Pen - Slimbridge WWT
Some lovely views of Pintail were had, nice to see the finely vermiculated plumage up close - Slimbridge WWT
Pintail - Slimbridge WWT
Pintail - Slimbridge WWT
Pintail - Slimbridge WWT
Dunlin - Slimbridge WWT
Bewick's Swan - Slimbridge WWT
Bewick's Swan - Slimbridge WWT
Bewick's Swan - Slimbridge WWT
Bewick's Swan - Slimbridge WWT
Lapwing - Slimbridge WWT
Common Snipe - Slimbridge WWT
Pochard - Slimbridge WWT
Common Crane - Slimbridge WWT
Wigeon - Slimbridge WWT
Shoveler - Slimbridge WWT
Smew displaying in one of the collections - Slimbridge WWT
