Slimbridge rarities

9 Nov - A successful afternoon at Slimbridge with 3 local rarities present - firstly, good views of a Purple Sandpiper (2) on the Rushy pen, usually a strictly coastal species and the 2nd I have seen at Slimbridge. Also on the Rushy Pen, the first few Bewick's Swans of the season (10-11). Next, the (American) drake Green-winged Teal was located with 3000 (!) Eurasian Teal from Zeiss hide - difficult to spot as the only difference is the verticl rather than horizontal white stripe on the flanks - while out on the Dumbles, White-fronted Geese and a single Brent Goose were feeding, and a Peregrine was disturbing the waders- Golden Plover, Lapwings (9) and Curlew. Finally, the Siberian Chiffchaff showed well in the sun around the willows at the decoy (12-14) - a pale bird with very pale underparts and strong head markings. I didn't hear the very distinctive song that led to it being first located a few days previously. Large numbers of winter wildfowl now present, including Teal (5-6), Wigeon, Shoveler (7-8) and Pintail (3-4). Photos JM.