So today Ruth and went for a trip to Slimbridge, more specifically the “Wetlands and Wildfowl Trust” and a visit to the birds. A reasonable risk during these times of “Omicron”, as we were outdoors most of the time. Additional to this it wasn’t just the humans that were having to contend with a Pandemic. Avian Flu (H5N1) is rife in the wild bird population, especially the Bewick’s Swans, which are normally down in the reserve after flying down from Siberia. Restrictions were in place as a result with no contact with the birds allowed.
Anyway a good day out, with the warmest weather for the 1st of January, something like 14 degrees. Plenty of walking done. Not so many collection birds to see, and not a “Nene” in sight. I somehow suspect they are all under cover to protect then against the Flu. Out on the reserve there were literally thousands of wild birds. From the new look out tower and with the Binoculars we could see some White Fronted Geese, some Canadian Geese, Shellduck, a couple of Cranes, and in the distance, several hundred “something”. Those with the £2000 scopes knew exactly what they were but my little Bushnells were not going reveal the truth.
A number of the enclosed park attractions were closed due to social distancing reasons but there were still plenty of things to see. In addition, a stack load of fresh air to be had.
