+Doc Posted December 29, 2011 Report Share Posted December 29, 2011 Spent the day at Rutland Water, first time i've been and pretty impressed by the size of the place. The weather wasn't great and the waves on the lakes were building up keeping alot of the waders at bay, but saw a couple of new birds for me, they were two female Smews and about 6 Pintails which was great. Thats about 132 birds in about 9 months. Plenty there including Goldeneye, Teal, Goosanders and even a couple of Garganey. A walk through the woods showed a few Greater Spotted Woodpeckers and quite a few Kestrals. Oh and also a few Godwits and Sandpipers on the beach pond. Quite a nice day out despite the rain and wind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philjay Posted December 29, 2011 Report Share Posted December 29, 2011 I bet it was a bit breezy there Mick, I just went for a walk around the lanes and I was getting blown about. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Doc Posted December 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2011 It was very windy Phil, had to wrap up really warm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Ibbo Posted December 29, 2011 Report Share Posted December 29, 2011 I've had some great days down there 1st time we went we got there before the centre opened and left at about 8 in the evening Lots to see and plenty of hides Last time we went was when Prince William got married It was packed out but we got great views of the ospreys and I saw my 1st nightingale Going on a walk down the Erewash valley tomorrow (Friday) if anybody interested give me a shout Should be going to Frampton Marsh /freiston or Ouse washes next month Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Doc Posted December 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2011 Not this time Steve but one day I hope. Would love to see the ospreys, hope they are back next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glider Posted December 30, 2011 Report Share Posted December 30, 2011 Nice pub up the road towards Stamford, The Noel Arms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+RonC Posted December 30, 2011 Report Share Posted December 30, 2011 Like the 'Red Heads' but have you ever seen a male Smew? What a bird, I had to go to Holland to see mine, 172 for the year, and 351 life list!! Must have a 'birding' day out come Springtime?? +Doc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Doc Posted December 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2011 Wow Ron thats a good figure for the year. Never seen a male Smew but there was one reported in Titchwell at the beginning of the year but I wasn't at our caravan and missed it. Have heard they are very striking birds so really hope I see one soon. Like the idea of a birding meet as well. What kit do you use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+RonC Posted December 30, 2011 Report Share Posted December 30, 2011 (edited) Zeiss 10x40 BGAT's had them nearly 20 years! They cost me over £800 then!! I would'nt change them for anything! Also use a Kowa 60x 20-40 scope on a Slik tripod ( that's almost as old as the bins!) Newest 'lifer' this year was a Sabines Gull locally in September.Favourite bird is a Red Kite, of which we have a local pair this year, you? Looking forward to New Years Day, off to Gibralter Point birding, anybody interested?? Edited December 30, 2011 by Ron Clarke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Doc Posted December 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2011 Mines got to be Spoonbills and the Rough Legged Buzzard. Can't make New years day busy with family duties, have a great time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.