I remember going to Slimbridge when I was a child and not being terribly impressed; how we change as we get old! Now I always enjoy a trip here and love the duality of it: the serious birdwatching opportunities from the excellent hides and the close-up opportunities of seeing wildfowl from all around the world in the pens. I also love seeing how much children enjoy being there.

We had less than two hours on a very cold morning but had lots to see and it was lots of fun. The best from the hides were common cranes looking to prepare a nest, avocets everywhere, my first sight of ducklings this year and some coot (or cute) chicks.

Common crane

Avocets

First ducklings of the year

Coot chicks

In the pens, despite the cold, the black-winged stilts were showing that spring is on the way.

Black-winged stilts

Redshank

Knot

Knot

Great close-up views of waders: redshank, knot and avocets

There are still Bewick swans to be seen.

And some of my favourites:

Goldeneye

Eider

Female smew

Male smew

Pochard

And lots of fun for children:

Click below for gallery of today’s photos: