Woolston Eyes : 3rd July 2015

 Woolston Eyes : 3rd July 2015

The year seemed to be rushing past so we took the opportunity of another fine day to visit the Woolston Eyes reserve to get our annual dose of Black-necked Grebes and, of course, a “year tick”. In this we were not disappointed and we also got a single Ruddy Duck, not a first for the year but a pleasant bird anyone and one we have come to expect to see from the last hide on our round trip of the site

We had hoped to see some waders but were rather diappointed in this respect. However we did get large numbers of Gadwall (who apparently Collect at this site to moult) and an odd Pochard. We got Kestrel and Buzzard and on the feeders a pair of Bullfinch but just the one Greenfinch which seemed unusual considering that it is normally heaving with them. I also got a Blackcap and Chiffchaff and Long-tailed Tit. I saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker retreat into the distance and there were calling Reed Warblers. Not perhaps a fantastic haul but a lovely day and, of course, we have to see the three Grebes, Great Crested, Little and Black-necked, in the one place. We got lovely views of one of the Great Crested Grebes off-loading two chicks from off her back so she could have a wash. It is these little things that can make a quiet day into a really enjoyable one.

Bird Sightings : Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve