A short trip to Slimbridge

We went to Slimbridge Wildlife and Wetlands centre this afternoon to get a breath of air and to watch the birds.  The sun was shining when we arrived but it wasn't long before the clouds rolled up the Bristol Channel and over the Severn estuary.

We ascended the tower to see the circular observatory which allows a complete panoramic view around the site's ponds and across to the meadows beside the river Severn.  But I felt cut-off from the hundreds of birds so we returned to ground level and went exploring.    We didn't go far, staying near to the ponds by the main centre where there were many varieties of swans, ducks, geese and the gulls and pigeons which attend for the free food.

I have put a collection of pictures of many of the birds, including some avocets, ruffs and redshanks which we found in a small enclosed site.  But I particularly liked all the flamingos which we found in three separate locations with their very odd shapes, varied pink, white and even black feathers, and their loud vocal calls.  You can see some of the other birds on this Flickr gallery.