Trip reports
Trip to Carsington Water
Sunday, 25 January 2009
On the evening of the 24th of January, the day prior to our trip to Carsington, much gloom and doom was spreading about the prospects for the next day. Reports of foul weather and few reports of birds on site added to the trepidation, especially as the last trip was spoilt by heavy snow; how wrong we were!
After a 1 hour coach journey we arrived at the impressive visitor centre at
9-15, on a bright but cool morning. Unfortunately we were too early for a breakfast but content that the weather was good.
Passing the heated hide on a journey around the 8 mile circuit, lots of small birds were evident with Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch and Willow Tit been seen and photographed.
On the way to the hides lots of common species were observed but the thoughts of the Great Northern divers drove us on and from the first hide Little Grebes were easily seen, with plenty of diving ducks and gulls. Reports of a female Scaup were not satisfactorily confirmed but lots of Wigeon and Tufted ducks were seen. Eventually distant views were had of at least 2 Great Northern divers were made, but closer to the opposite bank.
Most of the group only made half the journey as far as Carsington village but at this point both Buzzard and Raven were seen; a short journey over metalled roads before joining the reservoir path restored views over the water.
Siskins were in most of the Alder trees along with parties of tits.. At about half-way around a small party of redpolls entertained with very close views as they were able to be watched and photographed from a high level path. At a point about three-quarters of the way around the GN divers came into view quite close to the bank , 2 birds, close enough to photograph, swam along the shore.
The weather continued cold but sunny and as we only faced a short journey most people were very content to return to the coach with a satisfied smile and ruddy complexions!
It just goes to show how uncertain a field trip can be, if we had known on Saturday what a good day was on offer, it would have made for a better nights sleep! You can never guess what a trip will bring.
RO
'A trip in January can always be a bit of a gamble: short days and inclement weather can cause travel and birding problems.
However Sunday January 25th saw the weather relatively bright but with a cold wind and so a good day was in prospect.
The coach arrived at the reservoir about 9.30am and birds were immediately in view. There were good numbers of Lapwings and a few Redshanks on the shoreline. Close scrutiny of the reservoir saw 3 Great Northern Divers in view and a Yellow-legged gull on one of the islands near the visitor centre. A walk along the dam wall saw 2 Ravens calling and displaying over a wood-an early sign of spring.
Other birds seen around the site included Lesser Redpoll, Siskins, a female Scaup, distant Buzzards and a Peregrine.
All in all it was a good day out and most people felt they had enjoyed a full day in the field.
DK