Shag Doubt

 I was out with Shozzer again today and we began at Wakerley Wood where the aim was to see some Crossbills. Our walk produced at least two birds calling as they flew over the path to the west of the car park. Perhaps the same two passed over again as they headed back in the direction from which the originals came. Both Siskins and Redpolls were also recorded on our walk as well as several Marsh Tits and a hooting Tawny Owl. In the pale sunshine a female Common Darter and a Red Admiral were seen before we left.

Common Darter and Red Admiral

Next on the agenda was Blatherwyke Lake which was pretty quiet, a Great White Egret and two Mandarins were the pick of a modest bunch. Having finished here we opted to head into King's Cliffe for a half time pint in the ever reliable Cross Keys. Once the interlude was over we decided to head over to Rutland Water's dam where two juvenile Shags had been reported at the southern end.

GWE, Turnstone and Goosander

Rutland was predictably busy with people enjoying the early autumn sunshine but there were still birds to be found. Plenty of Cormorants were present in the area but I couldn't claim with absolute certainty that we saw either of the Shags. A bird on the dam was the most promising candidate but closer investigation revealed it to be a Cormorant. Our trip despite the lack of Shags was far from a waste of time however as we found some decent birds Three Ruff and a Dunlin were on the southern shore close to the dam though they were disturbed quite frequently by walkers. On the dam itself a female Goosander was associating with the Mallards but the best bird was a Turnstone. Eventually we got some pretty close views of it as we walked along the dam, it's always nice to see this species inland. Having strolled half way along the dam already we decided it would be rude not to complete the walk and see the Grey Phalarope which is still at the northern end. Great views were once again to be had and we also saw an adult Yellow-legged Gull before heading back to the car. It had been a tiring day but the results had justified the effort.

Grey Phalarope