Result at Rutland Water

Alan Shorrock and I took the relatively short journey over to Rutland Water today and it turned out to be a pretty decent day. While sunshine was at a premium good birds were not and we managed to see nearly all the stuff that we wanted to.

Shags.

Beginning at the dam a couple of Shags were seen briefly and at some distance but happily we scored some closer views a little later on. Both birds were diving frequently and provided some of my best inland views of this predominantly marine species. Close by to where the Shags were seen we found the Snow Bunting that has been present here for quite a while. An amazingly confiding bird albeit with a bit of a limp it showed down to several feet as it fed in the short grass on either side of the path. Unperturbed by a veritable procession of cyclists, joggers and walkers we were treated to some excellent views. Leaving the bunting to feed we caught up with another Shag, possibly a third and different bird to the others which if anything showed better than they had. Among the other birds seen from here was a female Goosander and plenty of Goldeneyes.

Goldeneye, Goosander and Snow Bunting.

From here we walked along to Normanton church where we looked for the duo of Great Northern Divers that have been reported but despite our efforts couldn't find them. A stop at Burley Fishponds was much more successful however. Two Great White Egrets were seen, one distantly and a much closer bird that was flushed from near the brick hide. An additional four Goosanders were seen from here too, all brownheads. A scan of the reservoir revealed a brace of Slavonian and a couple of Black-necked Grebes, at one point all four shared one scope view - excellent. Although much too far for even a duff record shot they showed pretty clearly through the scopes. A Redshank was also seen here as well as many Lapwings.

Distant duo, Red-necked Grebe and Great White Egret.

News that the reported Red-necked Grebe was showing from Old Hall set us off in that direction as the chance to see all five of the UK's regular grebes in one place was too good to miss. After a bit of searching we found the grebe feeding fairly close to the shore and we spent about quarter of an hour watching it. A few dodgy record shots were taken before the bird swam out of view. We made another attempt to see the divers from here but once again failed to find them, you can't win them all but then again who cares as long as you win some of them!

Teal, Wigeon and another view of the Snow Bunting.