Draycote Water

Draycote Water this afternoon was sunny, bitingly cold but pleasant and begged me to be part of it. Having recently suffered illness, it was my intention to have a gentle walk to the valve tower and back. In the carpark, I met up with Dave Hutton who had been photographing Redwings and we set off in search of a reported Sanderling.

On the shoreline, just in front of the windsurfing area, I spotted a Dunlin and next to it was the Sanderling. The Sanderling was nervous and soon took to flight in the direction of the north shore. The Dunlin was more obliging and provided some excellent photographic opportunities. Continuing to the valve tower, another two Dunlin were spotted by the inlet and comment was made on the increasing numbers of Goosanders present. The drake Smew was observed near the valve tower but took some persuading in coming close, but offered a record shot of my first one of the winter. On return to the windsurfing area, the Sanderling had returned and provided some excellent photographic opportunities. Also of note were two Muntjac Deer below Hensborough Bank.

A list of species seen can be found at the end of this post.


Dunlin

Smew

Sanderling

(More images can be found on my website - see link opposite)

Todays Sightings:

Great Crested Grebe; Dabchick; Cormorant; Mute Swan; Canada Goose; Wigeon; Mallard; Gadwall; Teal; POchard; Tufted Duck; Goosander; Smew; Goldeneye; Buzzard; Sparrowhawk; Kestrel; Coot; Moorhen; Sanderling; Dunlin; Lapwing; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull; GBB Gull; LBB Gull; Wood Pigeon; Pied Wagtail; Dunnock; Wren; Robin; Blackbird; Redwing; Fieldfare; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Starling; Magpie; Rook; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; Chaffinch; Bullfinch; Yellowhammer.