2010 » June » 15 » The Purple Penguin

English Safari (Joe’s version)

June 15th, 2010 , 21:38

So we got in to the land rover, and were basically told a window each. We would be driving out to areas that people are not allowed to go – not even staff. The land rover would be a mobile hide almost. So we would be shooting out the windows, but get out at some spots later on. Not a massive amount of bird life; the best pictures to follow on flickr, when processed, but a vast variety of things to see and photograph, birds of course, hares, toads, grass snakes, newts, insects, damselflies, and dragonflies, and flowers including orchids.

We went for about two hours then stopped and had tea, another two to three hours then lunch and a final hour after lunch. A very enjoyable day taking pictures, with plenty of variety, for long lens, macro and wide.

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And finally, Slimbridge

June 15th, 2010 , 21:22

Up far too early, especially as I was up most of the night thinking ‘up early, must get a good night’s sleep’. Got everything ready and off to Slimbridge. Got there nearly half an hour early but better early than late! A few others turned up and finally a land rover pulled up, everyone jumped in and I took a nap in the car until the centre opened and I could go in.

I went to get a cup of tea and ran into the photography group having their tea! I was going to sit at a different table, but Joe said to join them. After tea we went our separate ways. Or so I thought. I headed out toward the kingfisher hide and when I get on that path, there’s Joe walking toward me! Told me there were no kingfishers, but there may be otters, so I carried on. And that was the last I saw him until the afternoon when the photography group was done!

On the way to the kingfisher hide there is a dragonfly pond. No dragonflies but there was a reed warbler nest and a couple of fledlings huddling nearby. Got to see the warbler mending the nest and lining it. Also saw a reed bunting and a couple of gold finches. Then headed on to the kingfisher hide. Sat there just watching what was going on. Then scanned the opposite bank and there was a little kingfisher. Just sitting on a branch. He even did a dive, grabbed somthing, beat it against his branch, then spat it out. A twig. Got to sit and watch him for a while before he flew off.

I walked over just about the entire area open and got into all the hides. Didn’t see loads of interest, but had a good time. Met up with Joe and, after dropping off our friend, we headed back to London. The traffic wasn’t too bad and we made good time back. Now to bed!