On a chilly but clear morning, 11 enthusiasts gathered at the Notts Wildlife Trust, Idle valley reserve centre for a search around Belmoor lake, a distance of approximately 2 miles.

It soon became obvious that the mating season had yet to start in earnest,with few birds singing. Just 2 Great Tits were seen as we walked through the wooded area towards the lake. It being a bright, sunny day, looking into the sun at the island birds was not easy. Moorhen and Coot plus Black-Headed Gull were the only confirmed IDs. Once they had taken off, it was evident that a flock of some 40 Lapwing were also present. They were most skittish, taking off and returning on several occasions, but we were unable to establish what was causing this activity.

Once the sun was at our backs, the southern end of the lake was most productive. Several Goosander were joined by Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Wigeon, Gadwall and a single Shelduck. Cormorant, Lesser Black Baked Gulls and a single Herring Gull loafed on the island. The hedgerows concealed Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Long-Tailed Tits, Great Tits and Blue Tits. As we came to the end of our walk a Common Buzzard glided across the open fields, the only raptor seen on the day. 

Not a high number of birds about, but a total of 34 species seen on the day.

A cool day,  enjoyed by David & Veronica, Sarah, Ivan & Carole, Liz,  Richard, Chris, Phil, David and Tony.

 

Tony Wardell