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From Rockstars to Kingfishers | Birding Slimbridge with Clifton Cameras

Rock 'n Roll Birder TV

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Alright?!

Join me and Clifton Cameras at Slimbridge Wetland Centre as we test birding gear, search for Kingfishers and Cranes, and explore one of the UK’s best wildlife destinations!

I get hands-on with the impressive Opticron IS binoculars, test out some gear in the field, and spend time watching some stunning wildlife including Common Cranes, Kingfishers, Reed Warblers and more around the reserve. I’ve also got my Pulsar Wildlife Orni XG35 with me to see what it can pick up around the wetlands.

Along the way, I reflect on my journey through photography, music and working with rockstars — and how all of that somehow led me right here… birding at Slimbridge.

If you’re looking for your next bit of camera or birding gear, definitely check out Clifton Cameras — they’ve got an amazing range of cameras, optics and accessories.

📍 Location: WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire
📸 Gear Used:

Sony A1
Sony 400-800mm
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Pulsar Wildlife Orni XG35
Opticron IS Binoculars
3 Legged Thing - Ridley Tripod and AirHed Cine CC
Delkin Devices - Cards

You can use my affiliate link for the AirHead Cine CC here!
https://3leggedthing.com/en-uk/produc...

What was your favourite bird from the episode? Let me know in the comments! Have you been to Clifton Cameras?!

Thanks SO much for watching! Please subscribe and check out my other birding adventures.

Matt ✌️

20 Comments

@rocknrollbirdertv Creator 4 months ago Pinned

Massive thanks to Clifton Cameras for the invite and gear to test out! What’s your dream birding setup? And which bird stole the show?! Kingfisher or Cranes? 🐦👇

@clifton-cameras 4 months ago

Such an amazing first trip out together, thanks Matt. Cant wait to see what we find on the next one 😁

@MHarenArt 4 months ago

Another uplifting, interesting, fun video. Thanks for sharing.

@stuartbailey4423 4 months ago

My perfect day! A trip to Clifton Cameras and then drop down to Slimbridge for the rest of the day. Banging!!!

@StephenBrooks-e9m 4 months ago

This is such a wonderful video Mat. I’ve often wondered about your history. Thanks for sharing some great information

@mikephelpswildlifephotography 3 months ago

Ahh mate loved this! So well filmed and put together buddy! Can’t wait to get back out with you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@TaylorBuckley-dz8co 4 months ago

Yess ! Matt ! I love slimbrige so much! Haha ive neen waiting for another slimbrige vid!

@sbishop6450 4 months ago

These beautiful videos are so uplifting. ❤ Hubby uses Clifton camera equipment but he’s more interested in stars and the moon. Thank you for all your efforts in making these for us on YouTube. SallyB 🦉

@yadnhoj 4 months ago

Another lovely video. Great you’re explaining differences with songs and calls which beginners naturally find challenging 👍. Plus enjoying, like me, the excitement of showing nature to people and sharing the experience.

@nigelsluman3642 4 months ago

Great stuff as usual 👍

@hyeonkyoo 4 months ago

The combination of the camera and birdwatching gear is truly excellent! Especially the Opticron IS binoculars with image stabilization — they seem like such a desirable item. Thanks to you, this has been a huge help in choosing equipment!

@shirleycarter2451 4 months ago

Great to see inside the store, Toby often talks about it.
Looking forward to seeing you at World Bird Fair this July 🎉❤

@charissatroup5611 4 months ago

I am so envious of the hides you have in the different sanctuaries you go to. They are not a thing in my Ontario (Canada) conservation areas, and provincial parks. There are a few dotted around, but not as many as there could be. Thanks for sharing your day.

@johnlowe7097 4 months ago

Great video Matt Slimbridge is just up the road from me, last week I was walking through Berkeley and two Cranes were flying overhead absolutely stunning, keep up your excellent work 👏👏👏😍

@gerrywatkins846 4 months ago (edited)

Love your videos Matt and i an lucky Slimbridge is only a 45 minute drive away for me can’t wait to bump into you and personally thank you for sharing your knowledge as well as doing great interesting videos another reason is i see the places you go to and it helps me decide were to go so thank you Matt

@ralphwinter6421 4 months ago

Wonderful vid...

@rubenmontero4813 4 months ago

Love the Kingfisher footage, such beautiful birds. We have 10 species of Kingfishers in Australia, my favorites are the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher (a stunning bird) and the Azure Kingfisher 😊

@Dean_The_Birder 4 months ago

I'd love to go into that shop with an unlimited budget!
It was really interesting seeing what you done before the channel and of course all the great bird footage 🤟

@tonycritcher3419 4 months ago

What a great day! I do need to invest in a thermal imager, especially for this time of year with all the vegetation! I will give you another BIG thumbs up Matt which should put me on Santas 'Nice' list! The colours of the kingfishers were stunning, not bad coming from an oldie that remembers the monocromic days, so am partial to things like Gadwall, Blackcap and of course a splash of Avocets. The music in your videos is always soothing and never intrusive. Always a pleasure watching your videos!

@SprackArt 4 months ago

A really absorbing video, Matt. Really enjoyed it! I think the kingfisher would be my equal second favourite bird along with the mandarin. Brilliant little birds! I must get to Slimbridge again sometime … and perhaps drop into Clifton Cameras too! (But don 't tell Mum as it will make her nervous! 😂