Location : Carsington Water, North and West shore
Date : 8th January 2023 - 08:30 start with 12:30 finish
Attendees : Clare, Katie, Tina & Lynne
Species seen & heard - 41
After meeting at 08:30 we quickly headed off along the west shore to start our hunt for the Great Northern Diver.
We saw some common passerines such as Blue Tit, Chaffinch, and some wonderful Tree Sparrows on the feeders by the car park. On the water was Teal, Mallard and Carrion Crow. A large flock of around 45-50 small birds were flying around the treetops, but we could only see them in silhouette, and they weren’t making any sound. But we could make out a slight fork in the tail, so Siskin was a possibility.
A small flock of Long-tailed Tits were moving through the undergrowth and Treecreeper and Great Tit were moving with them.
Redwing could be heard but were tricky to see, we found a couple and then got better views of the large flock of small birds to confirm they were indeed Siskin.
At the next stop we looked out to water again. This time we observed Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall and Goldeneye. Still no GND.
After hearing a Buzzard behind some trees, we moved on and headed for the west shore and the walk along the wall. Great Northern Diver was nowhere to be seen, there were good numbers of Great Crested Grebe all over the reservoir which was great to see.
Redshank and Lapwing were seen near the yacht club with Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail too.
It began to rain so we headed for the hide on stone island to shelter. Canada Goose and Greylag showed themselves, we also saw Goldcrest, Bullfinch and Kestrel before heading back to the cars.
Just as everyone was taking off their muddy boots, I spotted a large bird of prey and instantly thought it could be the Buzzard we missed earlier. As it turned and cleared the cover of the trees, it was a stunning Red Kite. It slowly drifted in front so all could get a good view.
We didn’t find the Great Northern Diver, but with 41 species and a Red Kite Flyby, we all felt it was a good day. Great location, very good company & wonderful birds, what could be better?
Full list of birds from today’s walk:
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Wigeon
Gadwall
Teal
Mallard
Tufted Duck
Goldeneye
Pheasant
Cormorant
Great Crested Grebe
Red Kite
Buzzard (heard Only)
Kestrel
Moorhen
Lapwing
Redshank
Black-headed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Woodpigeon
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Goldcrest
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Treecreeper
Wren
Blackbird
Redwing
Robin
Dunnock
House Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Ped Wagtail
Meadow Pipit
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Siskin
Bullfinch
End