Downbeat in an upbeat sort of day...

A lovely day in Slimbridge, wandering around the WWT and then a meal at The Patch with Bob and Sheila. Not a lot of photo opportunity, really... the Bewicks were visible from the tower as white dots on distant waterlogged fields, but they weren't close enough to shoot at.

Interestingly overheard a bit of presentation to other WWT staff about the massive reduction in bird numbers; apparently as much to do with overseas illegal hunting as it is bird 'flu. Also, climate shifts would appear to have persuaded some birds to migrate differently. In any case, bird numbers are down again.

Took this shot as the mute swan came in for a landing, and it's as much about the gorgeous colour of the background as it is the bird itself.