Sunday, 20 January 2019

20th Jan - high cloud, almost still, 5C

Rutland Water; a visit here to catch up with Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes among other species.  Two each of these Grebes were in the north arm and showing well, sometimes together as a group.  In the area were good numbers of Great-crested and Little Grebes too. Over to the Old Hall area next.  Close in was a Tufted Duck flock and 2 Scaup were with them.  A Red-necked Grebe has been in this area al winter (I saw it in December), but I could not find it today.  A pair of Egyptian Geese were mating. Two Great Northern Divers were present, sometimes coming close to shore. Viewing the south arm III area I could see several Pintail and Red-crested Pochard with the other usual winter ducks.

I then popped to the centre (permit renewal) and checked the birds from here. A pair of Stonechat were busy feeding in the 'reeded' area, quite a few Goosander, several Curlew, Shelduck and other expected birds were on the lagoons.





On the way home I stopped off at a site where Short-eared Owls have been seen.  At exactly 1600h one flew in to the game crop field from the SSW and started to hunt, wonderful to watch.

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