Blashford 9 November

The weather was mostly cloudy and mild. Highlights were Yellow-legged Gull, Goosander, Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck and Green Sandpiper.

Firstly we went to Ivy North Hide, just to check that the Bittern hadn’t yet returned for the winter – and we were correct! There was the usual on Ivy Lake –Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe and Coot. Next, the Woodland Hide, which was a little quieter than it usually is in winter. We just saw Nuthatch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a single male Siskin. We then walked back towards the entrance and took the path between Ivy Lake and Rockford Lake. Good views of Gadwall, a Green Woodpecker and displaying Teal were nice.
After a packed lunch on the benches behind the centre we went over to the north side of the road. From the Tern Hide there were lots of ducks visible. Mostly Coot, Tufted Duck and Mallard, but with some Ruddy Duck, Pochard, Shoveler and Wigeon. As we walked up to Goosander Hide a couple of Grey Wagtail flew over. 4 female Goosander and a couple of Yellow-legged Gull were on view with the ducks and Wendy found a close up male Goldeneye. Lastly we went up to Lapwing Hide. A couple of Green Sandpiper were feeding on the shore outside the hide with 2 Grey Wagtail and we had better views of the Ruddy Duck and a female Goldeneye. The Lesser Black-backed Gulls started to come in to roost and we saw Herring Gulls and Black-headed Gulls among them, but nothing more exciting. On the path side near the hide we found a few Shaggy Ink-cap fungi.
Simon Curson