This is the second time I've been to Rutland Water. The Environment Agency have really done well here.
Last time I came at the end of August, I took some photos, but this one of two ospreys is pretty good for me.
Today, I tried to avoid ospreys (didn't see any in fact) and instead explored some of the reserve. In fact I barely scratched the surface.
Weather mainly overcast and dry, about 15 C. Wind slight.
Wigeon Hide
Great Crested Grebe – about 20, some with juveniles. Little Grebe about 10. Black Headed Gull several hundred. These and many others put up by a boat with two men fishing – thanks guys!
Pintail – 2 seen, may have been more. About 20 pied wagtails. Heron about 10. Shoveller – Teal – Mallard all present in numbers. Tufted duck, some in full plumage now. Egyptian Goose – two, with approx 8 goslings.
Walking to Lax Hill – lots of activity in the hedgerows. Mainly tits –various blue, coal and longtailed. Must spend more time at Lax Hill another time.
Robin Hide
What a little gem this is! Small rotten pool, bulrushes around the edges, all overlooked by sloes, hawthorns and other wild berries. A couple of nut feeding stations. While the whole view is a bit claustrophobic, you can get really close to the birds. Tried to take some digiscope pictures, but difficult in the circumstances. Did manage to get a nuthatch although spoiled by out of focus foliage in foreground.
Blue tits, coal tits, great tits, greenfinches, chaffinches, all visiting bushes and feeders. Also noted spotted flycatcher (may be two or the same one twice) who was feeding but never in the same place long enough for a photo. Heard chiffchaff but this was in the wood behind and above the hide. Also present bullfinch, lesser whitethroat, wren. Moorhen skulking in the margin.
Will definitely come back to this hide.
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