After cancelling a trip planned for the day before (my fault), myself and @devilfish took a trip to three collections in the Southwest.
We started with a quick stop-off at the small, but well planted, Berkeley Butterfly House which didn't take up too much time - some butterflies here and there, and the odd quail (Devilfish can tell you what they were, as I haven't a clue) . Certainly worth the trip if you're passing by!
Next up was Slimbridge - having not visited since I was a child, it was nice to visit with someone who could tell me what I was looking at! Sadly, my knowledge of birds is limited, despite helping to write the recent RCP for Waterfowl and Pelecaniformes... I did get to see the Nene however, which are a personal favourite of mine, and of course the James' flamingo! After a spot of lunch, which I was kindly treated to (and a long ol' chat), we made our way to Wild Place Project to see Bear Wood.
Having not seen Bear Wood like myself, Devilfish seemed rather impressed, and was surprised by the scale of it (forgive me if I'm putting words into your mouth). The Zoo has received Giraffe since his last visit, so a lot would have changed for him! Otherwise, nothing to update on since my last visit a few weeks ago. As we still has much to talk about, it was decided that a drink was in order, so we headed to a local pub for a lovely little (over two hour) chinwag.
Overall, a great day, with fantastic company
I imagine he has just arrived home after his two hour drive back 
We started with a quick stop-off at the small, but well planted, Berkeley Butterfly House which didn't take up too much time - some butterflies here and there, and the odd quail (Devilfish can tell you what they were, as I haven't a clue) . Certainly worth the trip if you're passing by!
Next up was Slimbridge - having not visited since I was a child, it was nice to visit with someone who could tell me what I was looking at! Sadly, my knowledge of birds is limited, despite helping to write the recent RCP for Waterfowl and Pelecaniformes... I did get to see the Nene however, which are a personal favourite of mine, and of course the James' flamingo! After a spot of lunch, which I was kindly treated to (and a long ol' chat), we made our way to Wild Place Project to see Bear Wood.
Having not seen Bear Wood like myself, Devilfish seemed rather impressed, and was surprised by the scale of it (forgive me if I'm putting words into your mouth). The Zoo has received Giraffe since his last visit, so a lot would have changed for him! Otherwise, nothing to update on since my last visit a few weeks ago. As we still has much to talk about, it was decided that a drink was in order, so we headed to a local pub for a lovely little (over two hour) chinwag.
Overall, a great day, with fantastic company