Lee Valley, Bittern

The weather forecast again today was not encouraging, and with that in mind we stayed local and began with a wander through Epping Forest. Strawberry Hill Pond had four Mandarin Ducks roosting on it but more unusual was the presence of a single Tufted Duck. In between the rain showers, we managed to add Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, and Great Spotted Woodpecker to the year list.

Reports of the Bittern showing well at Lee Valley in recent days and the fact that we would be out of the rain was all that we needed to visit. As we entered the hide the Bittern was seen walking across one of the channels, it soon emerged from the reeds and gave superb views. 

We spent a couple of hours in the hide and along with the Bittern we also added a Yellow-legged Gull to the year list. Water rail has been almost guaranteed from the hide in recent years, but today there was no sight nor sound of any while we were on site.

January 5th

This afternoon dad and I made another visit to KGV Reservoir. On the west side of the south basin, We saw a Black Redstart perched on the boundary fence, it soon took flight, heading over the navigation channel and landing on a factory roof. A Scan of the north basin from the causeway failed to locate either of the two target birds so we continued walking, and scanning as we went. The Great Northern Diver was soon found along the eastern edge, spending much of its time asleep. A small flock of redwing was another addition to the year list. There was still no sign of the Slavonian Grebe, but a scan from the far western corner eventually located the target. It was found among a group of six Goosanders.