southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Slimbridge Winter Spectacle Wednesday 10 February 2010

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		Today Ann has brought us to the Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge .
		But before we can see the birds we walk - passing breakfast time on the farm .
		As we head up the road - crossing the canal ..
		Fields .
		Stiles .
		And bridges .
		Wrapped up warmly on a bright brisk day .
		We follow the River Cam .
		Before crossing it into Nebrow Hill where we keep to the public footpath .
		The rest of the area being given over to shooting .
		A pause for coffee .
		While everyone catches up .
		Flasks of coffee and bananas seem to be the order of the day .
		Just landed from outer space? No a bird feeder ..
		We cross a field recently cultivated .
		The farmer planting his broad beans by hand .
		The sailing club on one of Frampton's lakes .
		We get mixed up with some horses .
		But Mike facilitates our escape by lowering a slip rail .
		Our route takes us across the green in Frampton .
		Past the village pond .
		And church .
		To the canal at Splatt Bridge .
		Where we take in the view along the canal .
		Before walking back along the towpath .
		To Slimbridge .
		After lunch we have a tour of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust .
Swapping jokes with the geese .
Admiring a mandarin duck .
I'm a famous Bewick Swan - profile .
Or head on ,
I think this one is a ruddy duck .
And that's a crane growing out of the tree .
Then putting on a show for us .
A right show off .
But he doesn't impress the ducks .
And eventually walks off with his friend .
I fancy it's getting a little otter! .
And there is a right crowd of birds there .
With more on the mud flats .
A last look at the flamingos .
Before we say goodbye to our guide and go our separate ways. Some make a day of it by going to the heated hide to see the wild bird feed at 4:00. .
Photos and captions thanks to Richard

As you can see, we thoroughly enjoy getting to know the South Cotswolds. We try to keep fit and succeed in having a good old chat. If you are interested in coming with us, see our Led Walks Programme and ring the leader if you have any questions about a particular walk. After two or three walks we hope you will then want to join the group as part of the Ramblers.