Abberton Reservoir and KGV Reservoir

 4th March

Brain and I visited KGV Reservoir, where we walked the eastern side of both basins. The south basin was very quiet, but scanning both sides of the causeway produced two new additions to the site list. On the south side, we found a Redshank, and on the north side, Brian found a Golden Plover resting on the bank. The weather conditions were poor, with a thick mist covering much of the reservoir. I tried to get a shot through the scope, but could only manage the one below.

Golden Plover

The walk along the eastern side of the north basin was more productive. The male Scaup was soon found among a raft of Tufted Ducks, then a drake Smew was seen close to the eastern bank, and finally a Slavonian Grebe was found nearby.

Smew

Slavonian Grebe

Scaup

9th March

On the 9th, Brian drove Dad and I to Abberton Reservoir, hoping to see the returning Canvasback. We parked at Billets Farm car park and walked to the viewing screen. The reservoir was covered in a thick blanket of fog, making anything at range impossible to see. We waited, hoping the fog would clear, and at times it did, allowing us brief windows to scope the Pochard raft that was now visible. Eventually, the perseverance paid off, and the Canvasback was spotted. Once found, it was surprisingly easy to relocate each time it dived and reappeared.

A Ring-necked Duck had been reported the previous day, but we failed to locate it, even after lengthy scans from Billets, Wigborough Bay, Abberton Church, and both causeways.

17th March

Another visit to the KGV Reservoir this morning, trying to connect with the two Common Sandpipers reported the previous day. We walked a complete circuit of both basins without finding the sandpipers, but Brian did find our first Wheatear of the year along the path at the northern end. The male Smew was found in the River Lea channel behind the paddock, and two Ravens were seen. The Slavonian Grebe and Scaup, however, were not found on this visit.