Rubbishy record shots were the order of the day today as Alan Shorrock and I set out in damp and drizzly conditions to sample the delights that Eyebrook Reservoir had to offer. Happily the weather did gradually improve and we enjoyed quite a productive session.
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| Goldeneyes and Smew. |
Water levels at the res are low at the moment and this seems to have attracted very high numbers of Teal which have been drawn to the extensive muddy margins. Another species no doubt attracted to the same muddy goodness was Dunlin, Alan found a flock of at least twenty six at the sharp end where a small flock of Lapwing were also present. In fact most of the interesting birds were seen at the northern end, very few birds were noted between the island and the dam.
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| Pintails and duck dormitory. |
Best bird of the day was a redhead Smew that Alan picked out from Hollyoaks, while I was trying to get some record shots he found a Chiffchaff feeding in the hedgerow next to the farm access road. Very good numbers of Goldeyes were present today and we witnessed plenty of displaying as the birds responded to the mild conditions. Half a dozen Pintail added a touch of understated elegance with Shoveller and Wigeon adding colour.
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| Wigeon and Stonechat. |
Time was limited to a morning visit only but we did find a female Stonechat near the Stoke Dry car park before we left. A brief stop on the way home gave us the chance to see two Peregrines at one of their favoured spots. Alan then dropped me off at Crucible Road for another crack at the reported Black Redstart. Unfortunately I couldn't find the bird but at least conditions were much nicer than on my last visit with no traffic, no disturbance and the sun shining. I'm not too sure that I'll be popping back unless the bird is reported again though, even sun can't make this place attractive!
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| Peregrines. |
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