Our first stop was Arcot Pond, which is a site we usually very rarely visit. As we approached the pond, 42-45 Fieldfares flew past. The pond itself was quiet, but water levels looked good for birds. There was plenty of mud for visiting waders or wandering Water Rails and lots of water for visiting wildfowl. We deffo plan to keep any eye on this site this autumn/winter.
Arcot Pond
Next we made the short journey to Big Waters. We always find a visit to Big Waters a rewarding experience and the hides are always so comfortable and relaxing. The pond was alive with the activity of ducks today. These included 440+ Wigeon, 20+ Gadwall and 45+ Teal. Also present were up to 4 Little Grebes, 2 Great crested Grebes (including one still in summer plumage) and up to 6 Canada Geese. There were also four Cormorants sitting in the trees on the island in front of the 1st hide. We didn’t see any Herons today. In the log there were reports of Whooper Swan.
The feeding station was unusually quiet today; however there were lots of berries etc. around and the temperatures are still unseasonably higher. We didn’t see any Woodpeckers or Coal Tits today. Birds present included Blue and Great Tits, Dunnock, Robin, Moorhen and the ever-present Tree Sparrows.
We were very lucky to experience great views of an Otter. This was swimming at the back of the pond, across from the 2nd hide. Also nearby was a large hawker dragonfly, which frequently flew past the hide.
Adriana and Paul Buskin