By hook or by crook, 11 members turned up at the meeting point to view the Ospreys on the nest in Manton Bay. We welcomed a new lady member, Jack Dennison, to the group.

And then it was off to the North Arm to view the part of the reserve not visible from the visitor centre. During the journey Red Kite was seen by most quartering the meadows. Here we were able to record Shelduck, a good selection of duck including lingering Goldeneye,  and a few Common Gulls amongst the gaggle of Black Headed Gulls. Returning to the cars we met Tim Appleton, the guru of Rutland Water. Such is Tim’s enthusiasm for the reserve and meeting people he invited us into his back garden to view the Mandarin Duck, loafing under the trees on the far side of the water.

Lunch was taken at the Birdwatching Centre at Egleton after which we viewed lagoon 1 from the Centre balcony. Lagoons 2 and 4 to the North East of the centre were then explored via REDSHANK, GREBE and SANDPIPER hides. Returning to the Centre, and then South, lagoon 1 and the Wet Meadow were explored from MALLARD and SNIPE hides. Highlights from lagoon 2 included waders Redshank, Dunlin, Oystercatcher and a single Ruff. A White Wagtail competed for space with a Pied Wagtail which allowed for us to observe the differences between the species. Lagoon 4 held 4 Avocets and a few Redshank. From lagoon 1, 3 distant Great White Egrets stood on a fence.  The day was rounded off nicely by 4 Sand Martin flying over the Wet Meadow, which also held the yellow-beaked Great White Egret and the smaller Little Egret with a thin black beak and yellow feet.

Throughout the day singing Chiff Chaffs were everywhere, whilst only a snatch of song from the Blackcap was heard on just 2 occasions. Walking between GREBE and REDSHANK hides, we were fortunate to locate a pair of Tree Creepers actively seeking insects from the tree trunks.  Whilst most of the group were preoccupied, Phil caught a glimpse of a Redstart, perhaps the find of the day.

Bee-flies were abundant but the insect of the day must be the Oil Beetle found in Tim Appleton’s garden by David. That’s not to forget the emergence of butterflies, the warm sun bringing out several Peacock, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Large White and Comma beauties.

A cloudless Spring day, enjoyed by David & Veronica, Sarah & Tim, Glynne & Carol, Liz, Richard, Phil, Jack and Tony.

 

Tony Wardell