Slimbridge Wetland Centre Prepares For Late Influx Of Wintering Birds

SLIMBRIDGE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: A crane stands in world wetlands area at the WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre on January 16, 2012 in Stroud, England. Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) in Gloucestershire are expecting the recent cold snap to bring a late influx of wintering birds onto its reserves encouraged by the drop of temperatures to complete the last leg of their migration over to the UK. The unseasonable weather has led to lower numbers of swans, geese and ducks, arriving at the sanctuary because they have managed to remain further north thanks to the mild weather conditions throughout western Europe. It has also led to large flocks of waders choosing to stay in bigger numbers than in the recent colder winters (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)