Eyebrook Reservoir

Wednesday 27 January

With the promised rain not materialising, the gusty wind falling back to a breeze and my planned chores completed, I popped over to relatively nearby Eyebrook Reservoir on the Rutland/Leicestershire border for an hour or so this afternoon and managed to find 30 species, including many ducks along with three waders.

Greylag Goose Anser anser

On arriving the light was not good and the sun was trying to illuminate the water but low and on the opposite bank so yet another problem.  Despite the small waves there were a good number of Mallards, Pochards and Gadwall on the water along with scores of Greylag Geese, albeit the last were making their way ashore on the nearer bank.  The odd Crow and a hovering Kestrel plus a number of Wood Pigeons and Blackbirds also helped set the scene.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Driving to the road bridge over the inlet stream I had both Blue and Great Tits feeding on the seed hoppers whilst on the lake side a single Mute Swan, there were many others on the main water, Heron and my first Little Egret since returning were busy feeding in the company of a score of more resting Teal and a couple of Moorhen.

Hundreds of Lapwing Vanellus vanellus present with numerous Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

On round to the back to get a better view of the large roosting Lapwing flock from the roadside screen where the flock also included a small number of Dunlin and a couple of score or more of Golden Plover.  The Common Starlings were very flighty and moved off as I approached.  meanwhile, overhead, a couple of beautiful Red Kites got closer and closer giving great views in the dwindling light.  Continuing on to the second roadside "hide" and I found yet more lapwing along with a score of Cormorants, a handful of Golden Plover and a small number of Coots.  Whilst there were a number of Black-headed Gulls flying over the water, it was surprising to find a single Great Black-backed Gull roosting with the Cormorants.  A second Pheasant dashed across the road and my only finch of the day was a rather lovely male Bullfinch that decided the hedge on the other side of the road was more appetising.

Red Kite Milvus milvus overhead in the dimming light

The final ducks of the day were a handful of both Shelduck and Tufted Duck and as I made my way round the reservoir I also added a flock of Rooks and a Magpie on the way home.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Teal Anas crecca

 
Birds seen:
Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Crow, Rook, Starling, Bullfinch.

 

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

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