Trip reports

Rutland Water Field Trip - 8th October

Sunday, 5 November 2006

Fine weather and good light gave us excellent views of a good selection of birds: Wigeon, Gadwall, Pintail and many hundreds of Tufted Duck; although it was early for many waders we did see Curlew, Ruff, Snipe, Little Stint, Lapwings, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Black- and Bar Tailed Godwits, Greenshank and excellent views of Green Sandpiper.

The highlight of the day for those lucky of us to be in the right place at the right time was a fantastic overhead flying display by a Hobby busy catching dragonflies and eating them on the wing. We could even see bits of insect drifting down as inedible body parts were picked off and cast aside. Occasionally it woud perch for a couple of minutes in a nearby tree giving wonderful views and opportunities for photographs -highlight of the trip, and for some the birding highlight of the year!

We have a number of field visits throughout the year, travelling by minibus to a wide variety of birding sites. If you would like to join us, then please contact us, either by e-mailing lichfieldrspb@hotmail.co.uk or by 'phoning our Group Leader, Ray Jennett on 01543 252547.