There is something rather special about arriving at WWT Slimbridge before everyone else. On this particular visit, I was the first birder walking around the visitors car park waiting for the side door ( for members only) to open at 8.15 am sharp.Muck of the morning when not in the shelter of a hide would be spent under an overcast sky and the sort of fine, persistent drizzle that seems determined to soak into everything. With high tide not due until around midday, things were generally quiet on the bird front, but there was still some very enjoyable birding to be had. Greenshank At the Rushy Hide, two Greenshanks were showing well, but the real highlight for me was the Common Snipe. Several birds were preening at the waters edge close enough to give superb views and, despite the dull light and drizzle, some excellent photographic opportunities.  Common Snipe The photographs I came away with of the Snipe are probably my personal favourites from the morning. They are such beautifully...