Monday 9 October 2017

American Wigeon: Rutland Water, Leicestershire

Leaving at 5.30am this morning, with a plan to head Northward along the A1 and if the Scops Owl was found roosting we could continue up to Ryhope and view the bird.

Arriving at Rutland water nice and early, we headed off along the footpath towards Smew Hide. The hide looks out across Lagoon II, and the American Wigeon was quickly located feeding among a flock of Eurasian Wigeon.


American Wigeon




With no news on the Scops Owl, we decided to have a search for Willow Tits at a site we have had success with on previous occasions. On the walk down to the first hide, Brian and I heard a Willow Tit calling. Your best chance of seeing Willow tits here are when the feeders have been filled-up. While waiting we were entertained by a Kingfisher that landed on the posts at the water's edge. A Snipe emerged from the reeds and two Green Sandpipers dropped in.



The trees around the feeders are frequently used before the birds drop down to feed, plenty of birds were visiting. All the usual suspects were regularly seen including Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Chaffinch and a stunning male Bullfinch made a brief appearance.




It took an hour and a half, but eventually, we were finally rewarded with a visit from a Willow Tit!


Willow Tit

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