Well with Christmas beckoning around the corner, it`s going to be good to get out and about a bit today to clear the head from the past week, get the boots on, and check out what`s out there for the people on the walk today.
It`s been mild so far, no hint of a frost yet, but who knows what`s ahead. The Bewick swans have been later arriving at Slimbridge due to the mild weather, but the influxes of some birds may indicate a very cold winter ahead for Europe and Scandinavia. I had the odd sighting of a pair of Shovelor mating outside of the Peter Scott hide, a Common Darter resting on the timber of the foot bridge to the Heron`s Wing hide, and Water Rail quite vocal down past the reedbeds at the Welsh Water hide (normally get more vocal mid winter leading up to Spring). So I think some of our nature is a bit confused at the moment.
With the recent storms, and more gales forecast for today, there`s a chance of something unusual turning up, you just have to be at the right place at the right time. For example, when I was checking the Reserve prior to last month`s `Walk with the warden`, a passing Short Eared Owl was reported on the salt marsh from the British Steel hide, being in the opposite side of the whole site from where I was (very frustrating!). But it`s going to be blustery all day today, so we`ll see what happens.
Next weekend is the WWT Llanelli Christmas Craft fair weekend, so a good chance to check that out plus the Shop too. As for me, i`ll probably be outdoors somewhere.
Today`s walk starts at 11.30am. Be weatherproof and have good footwear, as it`s still sweeping down as I type this.
See you later.