☀Tuesday 25th January... A day out at Rutland Water, meeting up with Pete Worthy, Trevor Griffiths and Alan Boddington from the Brandon Team.
Yet another glorious frosty start to the day we began at the fisherman's car park, which overlooks the North Arm shortly after 9am. A flat calm water produced the usual wildfowl, a pair of Goldeneye at close range. Out towards the centre but at distance two Black-necked Grebes. While here I was certain I'd heard a Common Sandpiper fly over but unfortunately the bird was not located.
Green-winged Teal ~ Great find by Pete!
We decided that better views of the Grebes could be obtained by driving around to Dickinson's Bay on the opposite bank. We did relocate the Black-necked Grebes at Dickinson's but still unfortunately at distance and while here a single Slavonian Grebe and a bonus Green-winged Teal, the latter superbly found by Pete fast asleep on the shoreline alongside a group of Eurasians! While here a Red Kite drifted to the west, one of three seen today.
One of a total of five Great Egrets seen today!
On to the 'cottage road' for more views across the North Arm, with (3) Great Egrets, (2) Little Egrets, (2) Barnacle Goose and (2) Common Buzzard additions to the day list.
Water Rail ~ Enjoying the pleasant sunshine!
On to the main reserve next, a pair of Stonechat viewable from inside the centre. Lagoon 3 was productive with two more Great Egrets (5 for the day) and a Water Rail, which came out for a brief sunbathe. A Bittern was located within the far reedbed and occasionally offered half decent views, before two flights, the latter of the bird disappearing deep into the reed. I did manage a very impromptu video which I've posted below!
Two final stops of the day, firstly South Arm 3: Here an amazing count of (22) Red-crested Pochard and despite the sun causing real problems (3) Smew, which included two drakes. Finally across to Lagoon 4 the best here excellent views of a pair of Peregrine Falcon's, perched up on the Osprey tower! A top birding day which also included: Sparrowhawk and Kestrel on the day list!
