Slimbridge & Guiting Power

Tuesday 18th August 2009
The highlight of a visit to Slimbridge WWT was the close views of Black-tailed Godwits on (above and below) the Tack Piece, from Robbie Garnet hide, and on South Lake, with 19 at each location. A Green Sandpiper was also on the Tack Piece as were 1-2 Yellow Wagtails. The tide was out at Middle Point so most things were a long way off, including a Peregrine, a Little Egret and two adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Below: a Shoveler on South Lake
Back in the garden, a Common Darter was seen briefly. As well as the hoverflies, a couple of Mint Moths Pyrausta aurata can usually be seen on - you've guessed it - the Mint (below).
Monday 17th August 2009
On a walk around Guiting Power and Naunton with Linda we came across three Whinchats, four Wheatears and two Whitethroats north of Grange Hill Farm. Also a juvenile Little Grebe at Barton.

In the garden, one of my favourite hoverflies Myathropa florea was feeding on the Mint (below).

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