Trip reports

Nosterfield Gravel Pits

Thursday, 18 October 2007

At the news of black-necked grebe, it was all hands to the scopes - some of us in the comfort of the hide, with its sheepskin-covered seating, some of us outside behind the viewing screen.
Yes, there were black-necked grebe - two of them in fact - and we had really good sightings. There were also large numbers of golden plover and lapwing around, providing us with a splendid sight as they circled above. A good selection of ducks (ranging from shoveler to a lone ruff) was also present so we were kept busy and felt it was a good opening session.

We then moved on to the other hide on the reserve, where we added to the days list and discussed the merits of the local delicacy 'Rump Steak Parmos', no less.

We stayed on the Reserve until after lunch then de-camped to the Nosterfield Quarry site for a further hour or so before setting off for home at about 1.30 p.m.

The day's sightings, included wigeon, tufted duck, shoveller, teal, pochard, ruddy duck, little grebe, great crested grebe, black-necked grebe, golden plover, grey plover, dunlin, ruff, lapwing, curlew, sparrowhawk, kestrel and skylark. Add to this a number of more common birds (robin, blackbird etc.) and our total, according to Jim's list, was 31 in all.

An enjoyable day, with good company and plenty of bird species to see. Must do it again sometime.