Rutland Water

My first proper birding trip of the year and it turned out to be a bit frenetic.  A lazy start meant arriving just before 11am didn't really give me enough time to do the place justice.

It is a fabulous reserve, the water body is vast so it can take a bit of time to get around.

The highlights of a productive day were a female Common Scoter off the dam.  There were numerous Goldeneye in this area and a single drake Goosander.

Heading off to Old Hall, the Red-necked Grebe was located a fair distance away but was distinctive by its shape and size.  A Turnstone flew low across the water.

The last stop was the main reserve centre at Egleton.  The light was fabulous and the views across the bay were perfect.  A group of Smew comprising a drake and five redhead serenely passed by the far edge of the lagoon as viewed from the Mallard hide.  The drakes are stunning birds.

Five Great Egret were in the area.  A minumum count of 17 Goosander were seen from here.  A male Sparrowhawk, and at least five Pintail were noted.

Moving onto Shoveler hide, a single Black-necked Grebe was associating with a raft of Great Crested Grebe.  A single female Scaup was also present.

Next time, I'll leave a bit earlier.