Field trip reports

We had an unpromising start with rain which seldom let up throughout the walk. However 13 of us persevered during which time Gadwall, Sand Martin, and Common Tern put in an appearance on the sheltered side of the lake, taken to give us some protection from the elements. Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard and Swallows and House Martins seemed to be gathering for their long journey, but after an hour and a half, we admitted defeat in the face of torrential rain and made our way home. 18 species seen. (Thanks to Margaret for leading.) Margaret Swatton

Ten members met at Herriotts Bridge on a grey overcast morning for this walk around the various areas of the lake. At Herriott’s Bridge and Pool we observed Water Rail, a Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, and seven Ruff as well as Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, Shoveler and Tufted Duck. A Reed Warbler flew across the reed bed and a Wheatear was spotted by the bridge. Moving to Stratford Hide we saw a Greenshank feeding on the mud by the hide and a very large number of Great Crested Grebe. We walked around to Moreton Hide and noted four Common Tern, and a small flock of Ringed Plover. (No sign of any Pec Sand!) We then moved on to Heron’s Green Bay and Pool, which was the last stop and there saw Green Sandpiper, Little Egret, a Common Sandpiper, Common Snipe, two Little Stint and also a small number of Swallow and Sand Martin, 14 Little Grebe and a Grey Wagtail to finish off a good morning’s birding. Total number of species recorded for the morning was 36. Many thanks to Charles for leading and Richard Mielcareck for his help with an identification problem. Charles Stapleton