Baston Gravel Pit and Fen

Beautiful Mute Swam Cygnus olor

 Friday 20 August

With Jenny feeling much better and visiting her friend to nearby Langtoft I took the opportunity to visit both neighbouring Baston Gravel Pit and then on to Baston Fen nature reserve for a walk through the small copse and on along the river bank.  Local Magpies to see me off and then a resting Buzzard followed by Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Jackdaw and Collared Dove as I approached Baston Gravel Pit where another Carrion Crow was perched on the wires.

On the water on both sides of the water on Cross Road where it meets Baston Outgang Road a number of Greylag Geese and Mallard along with a healthy population of Lesser Black-backed and a few Herring Gulls.    No shortage of Mute Swans and soon started finding both Little and Great Crested Grebes.  Whilst a single Little Egret and a number of Moorhen were seen on the western side of the road, the eastern side produced more of the Greylag Geese, Lapwing and Coot.  Similarly, this was also where the Mute Swans were feeding and resting.

Greylag Geese Anser anser on the island on the western water

Above me a single Red Kite was quartering the adjacent fields and a couple of Barn Swallows were noted as, along with another visiting birder, we tracked the departure of a young Great Crested Grebe.  On this occasion, no sigh of any of the local Sand Martins.  However, I was informed about the long-staying Black-necked Grebe so back to view the western water and find the bird.

Distant record shot of the Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

Time to move on to Baston Fen Nature Reserve with still many Wood Pigeons and Carrion Crow still to be seen and start my walk along the bank of the Counter Drain. A pair of Mute Swan on the water itself and up ahead I watched a Marsh Harrier quartering the fen and putting up a number of Little Egrets.  

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

A ruin on the opposite side of the water held a small flock of Jackdaw and a couple of Linnet were feeding in a neighbouring shrub.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone with accompanying Wood Pigeons Columba palumbus

Making my way back along the raised embankment I recorded first a Wren followed by Goldfinch and Blackbird before reaching the car.  The drive back to Stamford produced both House Sparrow and Starling to give a final total of 25 species in about an hour.

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Swallow, Wren, Blackbird, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Linnet.

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Rutland Water

 Thursday 19 August

Just a few of the many Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Up with the lark and over to Rutland Water where by 6.30 I was checking out the approach fields and finding scores of Rook, dozens of Carrion Crow and the occasional Magpie.  Naturally, no shortage of Wood Pigeon and tremendous local movement of mainly Greylag Geese but also some Canada Geese. Approaching Egleton church a Pheasant in the field to my left and scores of Jackdaws in the tall trees next to the church itself.  Then I was greeted by the first Blackbird as I entered the car par at the Visitors Centre.  The one advantage of arriving so early in the morning is that you can usually be assured of no other people present and so birds feeding and undisturbed.

Checking out the Feeding Station it was lovely to find that, at last, the feeders have been filled and a little (very little!) management work undertaken.  As a result, Blackbirds feeding below and both Blue and Great Tits on the feeders along with both Dunnock and Robin.  Just a handful of Chaffinch but more will surely arrive as winter approaches.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

First stop the Redshank Hide overlooking Lagoon 2 to confirm both the local Sand Martins and a few Mallard.  Off to the right the first Mute Swans of the morning.  Straight on to the Osprey Hide at the far end but nothing new so time to cross over to Lagoon 4.  Walking up to the entrance to Sandpiper Hide a pair of Jay made their way along the hedge to my left; first for many a month.  Once ensconced in the hide, Moorhen close by along with more Mallard.  A large number of Back-headed Gulls and a few Common Tern fishing for their breakfast. Towards the back both Little and a Great White Egret whilst in between a small number of Teal.  Lapwing in smaller numbers were spread out across much of the lagoon.

Great White Egret Egretta alba

Moving on to the Dunlin Hide to check the birds at the western end of the water I soon added many Great Black-backed and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  It was now easier to see the many Coot and a good-sized flock of Canada Geese.  More Great Crested Grebe and even a couple of distant Egyptian Geese.  A Chiffchaff or two were calling as I departed and made my way back along the track to my next hide.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus with Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa to rear and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus in front.

Arriving at the Shoveler Hide overlooking Lagoon 3, having observed the feeding House Martins and Barn Swallows above me, there were very many Black-headed Gulls resting on the water along with Lapwing and Mallards.  A single Green Sandpiper to my near left was soon joined a by a further three and then I found the handful of Black-tailed Godwit.   Not just a single Snipe feeding below me but, after checking the whole area, a further ten were discovered. To the far side a Common Sandpiper and then the sudden arrival in the open water in front of the island (where had it been hiding for the past fifteen minutes?) a single Avocet.  It was whilst following the feeding rather than resting Common Tern that I noticed the reed disturbance away to my left and discovered the feeding Sedge Warbler and the newly-arrived lone Heron.  In the meantime, the single Little and pair of Great White Egrets remained at rest.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Next round the corner to the Buzzard Hide to see what might have been at the back of Lagoon 3 and discovered the scores of Tufted Duck along with more Mallard and Great Crested Grebes and a number of Gadwall.  In addition at least a score of Common Pochard on the water.  A second Heron was found and eventually I decided to take a short walk further on to the Crake Hide where even more of Mallard and Great Crested Grebe were settled on the sheltered water.  Above a handful of Common Tern undertaking their regular fishing activities.

Gadwall Anas strepera

Common Tern Sterna hirundo with Snipe in foreground

Returning towards the Smew Hide I heard the screaming and looked up to find a dozen or so Common Swift feeding relatively low above me.   Amongst them were the occasional Barn Swallow and a number of the, presumably, resident Sand Martin.  It was whilst waiting to enter the Smew Hide that I noticed all the activity in the bare tree to the right of the hide with adjoining tall, but rather open, leaf cover.  Having identified both Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff a Garden Warbler landed on the bare tree and no sooner departed that it was replaced by a Common Whitethroat.  Meanwhile, a couple of female Blackcap were feeding towards the bottom of the trees and those in the leafy trees seemed to be regularly exposed.  As if this "Smorgasbord" of a feast was not enough, a couple of Long-tailed Tits joined in the party and were soon in the company of both Blue and Great Tits.  I seemed to have stood watching for ages before eventually entering the hide and scanning the water.

Back to the Plover Hide overlooking the northern end of Lagoon 4 and immediately found a pair of Little Grebe on the water below me whilst hiding away at the far end a small number of Wigeon.  In amongst the resting Black-headed Gulls away to my left I found the only Starlings to be seen during the whole visit.  And so back to the Visitors Centre where I noticed the many Cormorant on the water in front and a final check on the Feeding Station before heading home taking the ant-circular ride past Lyndon.

A brief stop near the far end of Manton Bay gave me chance to record the resting Osprey on, possibly, its former nest and to the right on the muddy bank a single Redshank plus many more Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Tufted Duck and Coot.  In the distance more Cormorant and Mute Swans.

Distant record shot of Osprey Pandion haliaetus

The very brief stop at Lyndon Visitors Centre found a score or more Chaffinch on the feeders along with both Blue and Great Tits plus a couple of Goldfinch.  A trio of Dunnock were feeding at the edge of the small pond.  Finally, approaching Edith Weston, I slowed and then stopped as a Buzzard flew across the road and, for once, did not immediately fly away as I took a record shot through the windscreen and then got out, against the light, to take a few more photographs.  It was whilst taking the latter that I realised the "small blob" to the Buzzard's right was a pair of Greenfinch. The end of a very pleasant and successful three hours producing 58 species but no Collared Dove nor House Sparrow!

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Osprey, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Avocet, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Common Swift, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Dunnock, Robin,  Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Mallard and Little Egret but in the centre a "Cayuga Duck ."  Years since I last saw one of these Black Mallards (?Anas rubrites) with the distinctive white chest. My understanding that possibly a hybrid of Mallard and American Black Duck.  Always thought that ours were a hybrid of Mallard and domestic, white duck.

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RSPB Frampton Marsh, Boston

 Friday 13 August

Knot Calidris canutus

Was it because it was Friday the thirteenth that I arrived at RSPB Frampton Marsh reserve near Boston, Lincolnshire a few minutes before 6 o'clock this morning dressed in only shorts and a thin, lightweight, sleeveless  body warmer?  Whatever, there was no doubt about the cold coming off The Wash so just as well I also had a thin long-sleeved jumper in the car.  Dry and cloudy to start but at least it was calm until around 8 when the wind freshened and it turned into a real blustery day.  Nevertheless, I managed to get well over five hours on site and recorded some very special birds.

Driving to the site I managed to record all the local corvids except Jay and Raven and, on this occasion, manged 16 Magpie sightings before Spalding but then old one more before encountering the trio actually at the entrance to the reserve along with a Blackbird.  However, not a single Pheasant nor even a House Sparrow seen or during the rest of the day and old y a couple of Collared Doves compared with the scores of Wood Pigeon both on site and during the return journey from Stamford.  On the other hand, not that I can record it, I did come across a male Peacock strutting the verge outside Frampton church!

Early morning and the Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa are already assembled

First of all to the high bank overlooking the Saltmarsh leading up to the Wash itself.  There appeared to be little water in the pools on the neighbouring wet grassland but once on top of the bank I had soon recorded Mallard, Shoveler, Teal and Shelduck.  Teal numbers were starting to increase from my previous visits but Lapwing numbers were still on the low side.  Plenty of Black-tailed Godwits along with Moorhen, Cormorant, Avocet and scores of Black-headed Gulls.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Looking over the saltmarsh I was unable to find the long-staying pair of Pacific Golden Plover but did find both a Kestrel and Short-eared Owl.  Given that a Sparrowhawk had passed over my head as I walked to towards the high bank it looked like be a promising raptor morning.  A single Whimbrel was seen and also at least a handful of Little Egret.  Meanwhile, on the reserve side of the bank, a Common Sandpiper was found followed by both Greenshank and Snipe.  Little Grebes were very active and overhead the first Sand Martin and a large flock of Starling plus a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  naturally, there were also a number of Mute Swans plus both Canada and Greylag Geese.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Taking the car back to the main car park so that I could check the main pools near the Visitors Centre and visit the neighbouring hides I soon added both a large charm of Goldfinches, another Snipe, Pied Wagtail and a couple of Coot.  At the moment just the single Dunlin and the first Ruff of the morning as I made my way to the Reedbed Hide.  Here more Black-tailed Godwits and Mute Swans were found along with a Green Sandpiper.  Towards the 360 Hide lots of Sand Martins in the air along with a few Barn Swallows and a large feeding flock of Linnet.  Even a couple of Common Tern flew over.  Once onside the hide itself more Avocets to be seen and then, looking towards the distant East Hide, a line of 19 Spoonbill and just to the right the long-staying, breeding plumage Cattle Egret.  In addition, whilst observing the Cattle Egret I noticed the huddled "bird shape" atop a short reed and realised, especially as it took to the air, that it was a male Peregrine Falcon.

First rarity of the day: Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Back to the Visitors Centre where it was now obvious that the high tide had pushed up the waders to take shelter on the reserve and I was greeted by hundreds of both Black-tailed Godwits, Dunlin and Red Knot, though the last were to be seen nearer the end of my stay during my final walk.  In addition, as well as many Ringed Plovers we also had a number of Little Ringed Plovers and a few more Ruff, Common Redshank plus a single Spotted Redshank and Little Stint.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

Meeting a birder I had spoken when I first arrived, I was informed that the Pacific Golden Plover had been located so a walk back to the high banks and a hundred yards to the right finally revealed this long-staying visitors.  Not only the pair of Pacific Golden Plover but also a quartering Hobby. The possible icing on the cake might also have been the Sedge Warbler as I made my way back to the car.

Distant record shot of the visiting Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva

My last walk was a complete clockwise walk from the Visitors Centre to the East Hide and returning via the 360 Hide.  The large hedgerow to the north of the site produced the first Chiffchaff and then on the first large water surface heading towards the sea the only Great Crested Grebe of the morning.  Nearing the hide I could see the very large flock of Red Knot which also included a small number of Dunlin, Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit.

A few of the sleeping Knot Calidris canutus

Whilst at the East Hide I had good views of both the Red Knot and the resting Spoonbill but the Cattle Egret had long since departed to the marsh itself.  On a neighbouring island a trio of Oystercatcher and immediately below the Spoonbill a quartet of Spotted Redshank.  Finally, on the distant edge of the water in the north-east corner a Gadwall.

Most of the 19 Spoonbill but take a look at who else is in the picture

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Hobby, Peregrine Falcon, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Ruff, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Knot Calidris canutus a lot pf room here for the odd Dunlin Calidris alpina

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Potterick Carr Reserve, Doncaster

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Monday 9  August

Off before 8 this morning to drive north to Worksop, picking up Jackdaws before joining the nearby A1, to collect birding friend Chris Bell and then on to Potterick Carr reserve near Doncaster, arriving at exactly 9.30 as the gates were being opened and watched over by a passing family of Pheasants.  Once inside, noting both Blue and Great Tit at the feeding station, time for a coffee before spending the day walking the site in what might be termed an anti-clockwise figure-of-eight.  However, first a check of the small pool outside the Visitors Centre which produced Coot and Little Grebe whilst overhead passing Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a Common Tern.

Accompanied by the very many Wood Pigeon we set off through the wooded Loversall Carr recording numerous Chiffchaff, they were everywhere - all over the site, plus both Willow Warbler and a number of Blackcap.  A friendly Carrion Crow undergoing its moult seemed to favour the path in front of us and err long we were were checking the distant scrub land and picking up a pair of Magpie. Above a circling Buzzard.  Approaching East Scrape we had Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch and Robin but very little on the water, not helped by the local maintenance being carried out accompanied by loud music!

Many resting Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

West Scrape gave us our first decent look at the water where we found numerous Lapwing and Black-headed Gulls accompanied by a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls and probably a score of Common Starling.  Immediately in front of the hide a small number of Teal and a single Black-tailed Godwit.  At the very far right-hand corner a lone Green sandpiper.  It was from this hide that Chris found the Hobby which seemed to be quartering a section from the distant, old dead oak tree to the hides on our far left, probably Hawthorn Bank.  To complete the picture a handful of Mute Swans, two Heron and a Moorhen.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa with resting Teal Anas crecca

The Roger Mitchell Hide produced  rather lovely Spoonbill posing between a pair of Mute Swan with cygnets to the right and a Little Egret to the left.  A second Little Egret was away to our far left.  Resting in front a number of Cormorant on a small, sandy island with a lone Dunlin on the far left.  On the water itself, in addition to the expected Mallard, a single male Pochard along with a few Great Crested and Little Grebes

Very distant Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia between the adult Mute Swans Cygnus olor with their cygnets

On the north bound track overlooking lagoons 1 and 2, Hawthorn Bank and Duchess Hides produced numerous duck, mainly Mallard but also Tufted Duck, Teal, Pochard and a female Shoveler.  Also present Coot, Little Egret and both Great Crested and Little Grebe.  Using the scope we were also able to confirm the distant Snipe.  But just the one Mute Swan and no sign of the reported Garganey.  Very high above the water a few feeding House Martin and even a short appearance of a Marsh Harrier making its way westwards above threes to our left in addition to the pair of Buzzards.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Next it was back to the Visitors centre for a well-earned coffee then the return walk to Duchess Hide to concentrate on finding the elusive Garganey.  No chance and suddenly realised we had less than fifteen minutes to get back to the Visitors Centre before the 5pm closing time!  As so often happens, everything suddenly turned up at the end when you think you have finished birding for the day.  Approaching the VC I heard the alarm call of a Blackbird in the bushes below me to the left and on reaching the car park a Goldfinch atop a bust right next to the car.  Half-way back to Worksop a small number of Rooks and a Kestrel atop a pylon.  Then, arriving at Chris's home, we had Collared Doves on the roofs, a dozen House Sparrows in the bush at the edge of his property and, looking up (no doubt having already heard the screaming) Chris found a handful of Common Swift.  Suddenly the day's tally had jumped by a further five species, excluding the two actually seen at Potterick Carr.  A most enjoyable day in excellent, cheerful company.

Could this be a Red Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii?

Birds seen:

Mute Swan, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Hobby, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Swift, House Martin, Robin, Blackbird, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

Baston Gravl Pit to Willow Tree Fen

 Friday 6 August

Showers forecasted but the latest had stopped as I arrived in Langtoft to drop Jenny off at her friend's house then straight on to Baston gravel pits on Baston Outgang Road with both Blackbird and Wood Pigeon as I approached.  From here to the Lincolnshire Willow Tree Fen reserve the weather stayed fine, very part-sunny at times, until I eventually returned to Stamford.  On the other hand, mostly cloudy and quite windy.

Once parked up with the main waters either side of the road it was soon apparent that the main species were Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Coot and a good number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  Checking the eastern side first many Mallard and Tufted Duck along with a couple of Common Tern whilst above me numerous feeding Sand Martins.  The western pool also held Great Crested Grebe, Moorhen and a handful of Herring Gull.  Moving alongside the eastern water on Outgang Road itself I had a closer view of the resting Mute Swans which also revealed both Cormorant and many Lapwing.  Needless to say there was no shortage of Wood Pigeon both in this area and the drive onwards to Willow Tree Fen.

Mute Swans Cygnus olor with Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and Greylag Geese Anser anser

Approaching the Counter Drain Road on Black Drove one of the shallow pools held a Little Egret and once round the bend to follow the Counter Drain I soon recorded Collared Dove, Barn Swallow and House Martin as I passed through the hamlet of Tongue End.  Back in the countryside and a Goldfinch crossed the road in front of me and a score or more of Starlings on the nearby wires.

Arriving at the (closed) Willow Tree Fen reserve a handful of Magpie and a couple of Collared Dove as I then scoped the area which held the breeding Cranes last year.  (Not sure whether or not they returned this year but plenty of information re the bird on the locked gate.)  A Marsh Harrier was quartering the rear of the site and a couple of Kestrel hunting in the middle.  Off to the far right both a few Carrion Crow and a small flock of Rook,  However, on the recently rolled bales of straw at least eight Stock Dove.

So back to Baston and on to Stamford finding a score or more Jackdaw as I passed the farm at Barholm and then, not 500 metres before Uffington, a Great Spotted Woodpecker at the side of the road, presumably picking up grit.  Not to be outdone, within less than a minute a Red Kite drifting along on the right-hand side of the country lane.  All in all, not  bad result for an hour's birding with thirty species when the forecast suggested we would be in the middle of very heavy rainfall.

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Blackbird, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Goldfinch.

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

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!

Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information