10 members attended the meeting starting at Gouthwaite Reservoir viewing area. The weather was overcast with occasional sunny periods. The water level was high which reduced the muddy areas favoured by waders. One Black-tailed Godwit in summer plumage was seen in front of the viewing area, a bird considered unusual for this site. Greylags, Canada Geese, Cormorants, Shelducks, Tufted Duck and 24 Teal were found on the water. Lapwings, Oystercatchers, two Redshanks, a Common Sandpiper and a Snipe were other waders seen. Numerous Sand Martins were over the water with Swallows and two Common Swifts. Two Curlews were in the field at the rear of the car park with a Kestrel overhead.
At the far side of the reservoir there were three male Goosanders and one female, two Great-crested Grebes and a female Goldeneye. Even further away a Red Grouse was seen on the moor hill top. Passerines included Goldfinches, one Reed Bunting, Chaffinch and Willow Warbler.
We then drove up to the Scar House Lane and stopped at the Fire Station to check the river from the bridge. Two Grey Wagtails were on the riverside rocks. Great Tits, Blue Tits, a Blackcap, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs were in the trees. Two Song Thrushes were feeding in the field with a Buzzard over head being mobbed by a crow. The hoped for Dipper wasn’t found, possibly because the water level was very low.
Further up the lane we stopped at the tunnel. A pair of Pied Flycatchers were seen exchanging incubation duties at the nest box. Willow Warblers, a Blackcap, Blue Tits and Chaffinches were in the trees. Jackdaws and Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew past up the valley.
At the Scar House car park we had our lunch and scanned the hill side. Three Wheatears were seen but we could not see any Ring Ouzels. Jackdaws and a Red Kite flew along the ridge top. In the car park we saw Meadow Pipits and a Pheasant which were new birds for the day. Chaffinches, Goldfinch and Robins were in the bushes with two Willow Warblers singing.
Crossing over the reservoir dam we searched again for the Ring Ouzels. Three were seen in flight along the hill top. Eventually a pair were seen on the grass up the hill. Several Wheatears were seen and a nest on the hill side was spotted by one member when a bird entered it. One pale coloured Red Kite was seen being mobbed by a crow. Meadow Pipits were on the footpath and fence line and Lapwings with a chick were in the field. Another Red Grouse was also seen.
During the meeting we saw 54 species and finished the meeting at 3.30.
Thank you to all who attended and made it a successful day.
Mike Smithson
