American Wigeon, Rutland Water

The main target today was the long staying American Wigeon. Upon arrival, we headed for Dunlin Hide which overlooks Lagoon IV. From the car park, it's a walk of about three-quarters of a mile. Good numbers of Wigeon were present but most were on the grass banks bordering the lagoon and at some distance from our location. After almost 2 hours of scanning, the American Wigeon appeared. Tucked in with a flock of its European cousins. Eventually, it drifted closer.

During the search for the Wigeon, I managed to add another year tick in the form of two Little Ringed Plovers which were found on the edge of one of the small islands.

American Wigeon

Rutland Water is famous for Ospreys and this year twenty-one individuals had been reported as present. A single male bird had taken up residence on the nesting platform on Lagoon IV. We watched it make several flights back and forth collecting sticks to add to the nest, hoping to entice a female to join him.