Rutland Water

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

 Wednesday 4 August

A most enjoyable day at Rutland Water with my birding friend, Chris Bell from Worksop.  Collecting Chris from Stamford railway station a few minutes after 8 we were checking out the fields adjacent to Burley Fishponds to the north of the site within half an hour and had soon recorded Rook, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and Magpie along with both Greylag and Canada Geese.  I usually expect to find between two and four Egyptian Geese at Rutland Water but on this occasion we started with a flock of thirteen and probably ended recording as many as twenty on the day, including a good number of well-grown youngsters.  Naturally, we had already observed numerous Wood Pigeon along with a couple of Rock Doves (Feral Pigeon).  But checking the skies above the distant Egleton church we also noted a small number of Common Swift and even a handful of House Martin.

Next it was of towards said Egleton and the car park at the Visitors Centre.  But, a prolonged stop in the connected lane gave Chris an opportunity to put his excellent hearing to good use and we soon had at least three Yellowhammers in the immediate vicinity with one handsome male singing "full belt" from the tree top immediately in front of us. And, as they say, once you start on an aria you do not stop until you have finished no matter what the audience might be thinking or doing!

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

Both Blackbird and Pheasant then, having paid our entrance fee at the Visitors Centre, it was up to the first floor viewing gallery with our respective coffees to check out Lagoon 1.  Certainly no shortage of resting Cormorant, Mallard and a couple of Mute Swan.  Coots to the left and right and two Great White Egret along with a trio of Little Egret.

Great White Egret Egretta alba with Little Egret Egretta garzetta

A short stop at the Redshank Hide overlooking Lagoon 2 produced the expected Sand Martins along with a pair of Barn Swallows plus a distant Marsh Harrier and the first Heron of the morning. Walking along the main path we stopped to listen to and then find both Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler closely followed by a Blackcap.  A handful of Goldfinch were working their way through the trees and a very vocal Wren introduced its presence.

Many Common Terns Sterna hirundo at rest

Then it was straight on to Lagoon 4 with a first stop at the Dunlin Hide to check the massed gulls at the western end of the water.  Mainly Black-headed with a good number of distant Great Black-backed Gulls along with the visiting Common Terns.  Amongst the resting ducks a trio of Oystercatchers followed by noting the single Gadwall feeding next to a Mute Swan, a small flock of Wigeon, perhaps the first of the expected winter arrivals, and a couple of Shoveler.  Once back to the Sandpiper Hide we also found Teal and both Common and Green Sandpipers. Many Lapwings plus more Little and Greta White Egrets were also seen not to mention the many Greylag and Canada Geese.

Newly-arrived Wigeon Anas penelope with lone Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

A single Dunlin was found whilst spending much time considering the larger plover, was it a Grey or Golden Plover?  Unusual to see a single Golden Plover but after much discussion and checking with "Collins" etc concluded that it was indeed a (probable) female Grey Plover.  Then exiting the hide to move round to the Plover Hide, we checked out above to see what had put the Lapwing flock in the air and found the marauding Sparrowhawk.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola in amongst the Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus

After visiting the Plover Hide to confirm the many Common Tern and Black-headed Gulls along with their respective young plus a family of Tufted Duck and, to the far end, a couple of Herring Gull in with the Great Black-backed Gulls, our final destination to the north of the reserve was the Shoveler Hide overlooking Lagoon 3.  Lots of Tufted Duck on the main water along with a couple of Shelduck and a few Great Crested Grebe.  However on the water in front of the nearby island, which held many Lapwing, Starlings, a couple of Black-tailed Godwit and the occasional Common Tern and Oystercatcher, a pair of Green Sandpiper working the edges and no less than four Great White and a similar number of Little Egret.  Still a little unsure about the juvenile Shelduck with its head stuck inside its wings as to whether or not it might even have been a (small) juvenile Egyptian Goose.

Just the one Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Just a few of the very many Lapwing Vanellus vanellus accompanying the Black-tailed Godwit

Returning to the Visitors centre to access the facilities and coffee machine we then proceeded southwards to the Harrier Hide overlooking South Arm III where we found a quartering Marsh Harrier, Herons and a couple of Reed Bunting. 

Very distant Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus seen above the Harrier Hide with Burley House in the background overlooking Rutland Water

Next followed the longish walk south to Heron Hide overlooking Heron Bay where we duly found more Cormorant, Mallard, Little Grebe and, after help from the family already in residence, the lone Osprey resting on a distant pole beyond the trees.  Finally came the long walk back to the car park noting both Kestrel and Greenfinch on the way and the eventual return to Stamford via the Lyndon Centre and drive along the southern and eastern sides of Rutland Water.  As previously stated, a  most enjoyable day's birding with a final tally of 57 species.

Distant view of the Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Swift, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Wren, Blackbird, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus

But is this a young Egyptian Goose; I think so?

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

A day in the life of a Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Stop sulking and eat your dinner!

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RSPB Frampton Marsh, Boston

 Saturday 31 July

Up and out of the house by  few minutes after 6 and arrived at the car park below the Wash bank at exactly 7 o'clock.  Not the expected rain but a dry, calm and cloudy start to the day with the Sun trying to force its way through and lighten up the day.  Indeed, by late morning the cloud was breaking and it turned pleasantly warm against all expectations.  Whilst I saw Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Starling, House Sparrow and the expected dozens of Wood Pigeon during the drive over RSPB Frampton Marsh on the outskirts of Boston, it was a pleasant change to record 16 Magpies during the journey and a further four whist at the reserve.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

No sooner settle on top of the bank on the Wash side of the marsh than it was most obvious that the pools were filling up but still some way to go before the winter rush of waders, ducks and geese arrive for the winter.  Lots of both Greylag and Canada Geese and in the pools no shortage of waders including many Ruff along with Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit, both Green and Common Sandpiper and, of course, very many Lapwing.  However, a little diligent searching also produced a Wood Sandpiper and a handful of Little Ringed Plover.  Judging by the number present, I assume that the Avocets have also had a successful breeding season.

Distant Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Whilst on top of the bank checking both the pools below and the salt marsh out towards the river and sea, in addition a few Black-headed Gulls and a quartet of Common Tern I also picked up a very distant, lone Short-eared Owl and more Avocet.  The sight of the single Wood Sandpiper below was most rewarding.

Apart from a very small number of Tufted Duck the only other ducks to be found were Mallard and a family of Shelduck.  A couple of Little Ringed Plover were running around below and one Black-tailed Godwit close to the lane had no intentions of moving away from his feeding spot in the shallow water.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

But to return to the start of the visit for a moment.  Not just the Collared Doves and a lone Pheasant as I approached the reserve entrance (a pair of Pheasants and their surviving five chicks were also seen on the way out), the bird of the day must surely have been the Green Woodpecker that rose from the side of the road as I approached Frampton C of E church and did its best to bury itself into the front of the car.  Fortunately, it missed and lived to "yaffle" another day!

Time to return to the main car park so that I could check out the main pool and visit both the Reedbed and 360 Hides.  Very little to see from the 360 Hide other than a few distant Avocet so on to the Reedbed Hide.  Approaching, it was lovely to see the resting Mute Swans on the edge of the first island and once inside more views of ducks and geese at the far side.  In addition to the many Greylag Geese and the occasional Canada Goose I also recorded a couple of Great Crested Grebe.  A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over the water in front of the hide and before leaving the hide I was able to find the seven Spoonbill on the far side which were no longer resting out of sight.  And as I left the hide to return to the Visitors Centre a pair of Barn Swallows flew past.

A few of the resting Mute Swans Cygnus olor

Approaching the Visitors Centre a small of charm of Goldfinch were foraging in the thistles alongside the path and once through the gate to view the water from the far side of the building I soon found very many more Greylag Geese, Mute Swans, Mallards and the resident Coots.  From here I also had a better view of the Spoonbill, albeit still a little distant and looking into the Sun. 

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

In front of me a Green Sandpiper was working the edges and a pair of Little Grebe were exploring the depths for their morning feed.  A short walk along the path away from the Visitors Centre brought me in touch with more Goldfinch and the arrival of a Great Tit.  Alas, the close appearance of the Sedge Warbler and its regular stops were all too short to enable a photograph.

So, just after a couple of hours and still no rain as yet time to head off back to Stamford.  However, first the short drive down the farm lane at the back of the reserve to check out the favoured habitat of Turtle Doves when present (but none today) and the artificial reservoir which produced the only Heron of the day. Back to the main exit road and the fields either side held about eighty feeding Rook compared with only about a score seen on the inward journey.  Just the one species on the return journey with maybe as many as thirty Jackdaw on the lawns near the Springfield Centre.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor with a few of the many Greylag Geese Anser anser

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, Green Woodpecker, Barn Swallow,  Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Distant Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

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Rutland Water

Male Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Thursday 29 July

Eventually forced myself out of be and still at Rutland Water by 7.30.  Unfortunately, the beautiful clear and sunny start was spoilt by the very strong, cold wind.  Not the least in that it also neutralised any help that I might have received from wearing my hearing aids!  On the other hand, all the local birds seen from the bedroom window were to put in an appearance on site so a final total of 42 species, given the time of year and very windy conditions, was a good reward for my two hours.

The fields approaching Egleton held the usual Wood Pigeons along with over an hundred Canada Geese plus Jackdaws and Carrion Crows.  Barn Swallow, Starling, Pied Wagtail and House Sparrow were also recorded before arriving at the car park.  Once again the Feeding Station was deserted and no evidence of neither the necessary management nor food in the feeders.  However, on exiting the screen both a Robin  and Blackbird were awaiting me outside.

A visit to the Redshank Hide produced the expected Sand Martins and Mallards and then straight on the  Sandpiper Hide overlooking Lagoon 4.  No waders other than Lapwings to be seen but still plenty of Mallards and Black-headed Gulls along with a Little Egret.  A couple of Mute Swans drifted by along with a feeding Teal.  Surprisingly not many Coot on show but many more Canada Geese and, right at the back, a couple of Egyptian Geese and then the arrival of eight Greylag Geese.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus

So on to the Shoveler Hide overlooking Lagoon 3.  At last the water level had dropped to reveal the small bar opposite the hide upon which a number of Common Tern, Black-headed Gulls and Mallards were resting.  Working the edges a Green Sandpiper and in the water a lone Oystercatcher. 

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

 Away to my far left, in the corner just beyond the duck trap, a Great White Egret was hiding in the reeds but eventually lifted its head up and out to reveal the solid yellow beak, so confirming identification.  Just in front both a number of Pochard and a Common Sandpiper was working its way along the edge of the water.

Pochard Aythya ferina surrounded by Tufted Ducks

Beyond the bar on the open water a good-sized flock of Tufted Duck along with a few Great Crested Grebe. Back on the bar I noticed a sleeping Common Tern as the Moorhen wandered along and on the right-hand edge a single Black-tailed Godwit.  In front of me in the reeds a Reed Warbler presented a short sighting in addition to the repeated calling.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

On to the Buzzard Hide  where I found a female Tufted Duck with half-dozen young including one riding her back.  Making my way back to Lagoon 4 I spent a while checking out the water from the Plover Hide in order to check the northern side of the water.  Lots of Lapwing and more Common Tern plus both Mallard and Tufted Duck on the water in front of me. Way over the far side on a sandbank I picked up a number of Great Black-backed and a few Herring Gulls.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus and single Common Tern Sterna hirundo

A very quick visit south of the Visitors Centre to the Mallard Hide simply confirmed the very large number of roosting Cormorant along with many duck and both Canada and Greylag Geese.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

The usual anti-clockwise drive round the water to check out Manton Bay which duly produced an Osprey and a Lesser Black-backed Gull along with many more Great Crested Grebes, before heading on to the Lyndon Visitors Centre.  Here the feeders were in use and my ten minute stay produced both Great and Blue Tits along with both Chaffinch and Goldfinch.  Not just a couple of Carrion Crows also visiting the feeders but also a Magpie.  And so back home in Stamford but not before noting the Red Kite drifting past the tree tops to my left as I left Edith Weston towards the dam.

Common Terns Sterna hirundo in flight

Juvenile Moorhen Gallinula chloropus passing Common Tern

Lapwing with Common Tern

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Osprey, Red Kite, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch.

female Fufted Duck and young hiding in the reeds

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Ashmore Green, near Thatcham, Berkshire

 Friday 23 July

Will it rain; Won't it rain?  Still bright, warm and sunny arriving at our son's new home in Ashmore Green, way out in the countryside, so what better way to watch the birds that sit down on an armchair, coffee at my side and simply look at the birds feeding on the feeders, not five metres away, through the extremely large open window.  A Nuthatch was already nibbling away and ere long both Goldfinches and Blue Tits.  Obviously a good breeding season as most of the second pair were juveniles of the year.  

The garden feeder with Blue Tit Parus caeruleus, Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis and Great Tit Parus major

Once settled, the above were regularly joined by a few Great Tits and the occasional Chaffinch.  The Great Spotted Woodpecker eventually returned and was more than happy to feed away as I took he photographs.  A Robin made an appearance followed by Great Tit and wandering Blackbird to forage amongst the spillage created by the above, as did a Wood Pigeon.  Finally a single Coal Tit which, of course, ignores my bird of the afternoon, a most handsome male Bullfinch.  Indeed, watching the Bullfinch depart the feeder to the nearby trees it was joined buy the female and, of course, noting the favoured landing area I was also able to get a few shots away from the feeders. 

Birds seen:

Wood Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin, Blackbird, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch.

Male Blackbird Turdus merula

Male Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Male Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs (right)

Female Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Male Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Adult Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis (left) with juveniles

Great Spotted Woodpeckers Dendrocopos major

Great Tit Parus major (left) with Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

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