Trip reports

By Coach to a Carr - Field trip to Potteric Carr, 15th January 2012

MJ Fisher

Thursday, 19 January 2012

A smaller group than in recent months arrived to join the already waiting (and warm) coach to Potteric Carr, to a greeting from regular driver Ian, who had returned after missing the last few trips. A cold, crisp atmosphere held out the promise of a good day, with frost on the trees and mist hanging attractively over the water meadows of the Trent valley as we headed up the A38.

Arriving at our destination, we were pleased to find that, once again, our visit had coincided with our friends from the Wolverhampton Local Group who had beaten us there by a few minutes. We were less pleased to realise that the many lakes that make up the Reserve were largely frozen, reducing the wildfowl present; to make matters worse, the brightness from early in the day gradually changed to more overcast conditions, with poor light for observation and photography, and still very cold. Undeterred, the numerous paths around the reserve and its fourteen hides were soon thronging with midlands birders, anxious to seek out the rarities that had been on site in the previous days. Unfortunately, success eluded all the rarity hunters, but a good spread of both water and woodland birds were recorded, with a total of over 50 species joining the list circulating the coach on the homeward journey. For many, the excellent café provided a welcome warm and high quality refreshments before embarking on a walk around another part of the extensive area; nearby the bird feeding station was well occupied by reed buntings, tits, greater spotted woodpeckers and pheasants, to name but a few of what were there, while the interesting set of rail and river bridges brought the reward of a kingfisher to many in the party.

Those of us with an interest in transport added to the pleasure of the day by spending time in the hide overlooking a large, partly frozen lake with assorted ducks and gulls, including common gulls, which also has the unique advantage of having the east coast main line immediately in front of the hide; indeed, on the fencing the edges the railway, a small group of long-tailed tits added further to the enjoyment.

While possibly the conditions reduced the total of bird species seen and certainly failed to achieve the superb views of bittern and water rail of our last trip, the variety and extent of the reserve was impressive and another return visit, possibly in a future spring, has already been discussed. Thanks as ever to Martin W for organising the trip, Ian for driving us and to the staff and volunteers of Potteric Carr for their welcome and efforts with the birds and environment of this large site.