Visiting Slimbridge

We never have very long, but in a few enjoyable hours you can see a lot.

Ducks suddenly seem more attractive when they’re walking so near to you that you can see the details of the feathers, and the variety is spectacular.

One time there was a kingfisher sitting on a branch a few feet away entertaining the group that had gathered to watch while spellbound, astonished. Flew off when a camera clicked I think. After we’d strolled around about most of the site (no sign of it from the Kingfisher Hide), and were returning for the car park, there it was again (this time no audience) at the same spot. Quite a photo opportunity!

This recent visit we were delighted by avocets (such elegant movement, and beautiful in shape and dress) and ruffs (knew nothing of them, but apparently it was quite something to see the male with his summer ‘ruff’) and redshank walking around close to us at a platform at a secluded little lake.
Also an unexpected thrill was to see reed warblers walking around at the base of the reeds, again quite close to the path, just across a little ‘dragonfly pond’.

But the most special thing, that which thrilled and excited me so, was seeing for the first time in my life, a bee orchid, and so clearly. Someone had written on the hide’s blackboard that one was visible from the left hand windows. Looking through each one, in the end saw a slightly unusual stalk a little way off one. Binoculars were tethered close by (I’m not very adept at their use) and as it came into clearer focus I realised that is was so, there was the ‘bee’ part on the flower, and there was a real bee popping in past its ‘image’! Flowers don’t run away as you look, and look again, share the news and photos are taken!
Oh, and there was a patch of my old favourite, Ragged Robin, growing elsewhere, too.