Chris and I are keen shooters, so of course when Chris's cousin Stephen asked
us if we wanted to join him on a pigeon shoot, we jumped at the chance !
So on a very foggy, chilly English morning, we headed off full of anticipation.

Stephen's lovely black Labrador Retriever 'Marker' joined us on the hunt.
Marker was only just over 12 months old, but he proved to be a great
little worker and he was kept busy retrieving our birds.
I must admit, I didn't mind it one little bit when Marker
snuggled up beside me for a cuddle whilst waiting for the next shot -
my very own personal electric blanket !

Below are some photos of the shoot & Marker at work
and also one or two pics of Stephen & Chris after a geese shoot:

Pigeon Shoot

Marker doing a nice retrieve...

A few pigeons from the shoot...

Stephen, Di & Marker...

Stephen, Chris & Marker...

Chris & Stephen setting up the decoys...

Marker lending a hand with the decoys...

Isn't he a handsome fellow ?

Chris with Stephen & Marker...setting up the sights on a rifle...

Stephen, Chris & Marker with their quarry...

Chris, Stephen & Marker with a couple of geese...

Slimbridge Wetland Centre

We spent a lovely day at Slimbridge Wetland Centre. This centre is
situated on 50 acres overlooking the River Severn.
Chris's brother, Richard, accompanied us and it was interesting to
see many varieties of exotic, rare and endangered wetland birds.
My favourites were the flamingos - so pretty and colourful
and the beautiful, graceful swans.
Our niece Kelly, works at the Centre in the Human Resources section.
Below is a selection of photos of some of the many different birds to be seen: