Over the winter we get to see many unusual species of wildfowl turning up at large inland watercourses. In the last week or so some of the most attractive are to be found in the large unfrozen places like Draycote, Rutland and Grafham waters for example.
My top tip for the festive season is to make a trip to a large water and pay careful attention to the open areas of water. Some of the most spectacular species you could encounter include the smew, great northern diver and black-necked grebes.
Some RSPB reserves that might be worth a visit include Ynys Hir, Loch of Strathbeg, and Fen Drayton lakes, all of which have great opportunities to witness wintering wildfowl.
I will certainly be trying to spot some of these species over the Christmas period, good luck to anyone else who is also braving the cold!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
Hi Ian
What you have mentioned is something we are considering doing depending on the weather now. Grafham and Rutland are a couple of our favourite patches. We have popped in at Paxton Pits here and there too.
Not been to Draycot yet. Not been to Fen Drayton lakes yet - shame on me. One place we are considering a walk around Castle Mill Sluice for a walkabout - good for sightings of waterbird.
There is supposed to be more snow in the new year time, and in our area of Bedford next Wednesday. I really hope that we get a chance to have a couple of days birding somewhere.
Your useful tips about what to see sounds good and entices us to go out (with thermals attached LOL)
Will keep you informed here {thumbs up}
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Ian H said: Over the winter we get to see many unusual species of wildfowl turning up at large inland watercourses. In the last week or so some of the most attractive are to be found in the large unfrozen places like Draycote, Rutland and Grafham waters for example. My top tip for the festive season is to make a trip to a large water and pay careful attention to the open areas of water. Some of the most spectacular species you could encounter include the smew, great northern diver and black-necked grebes. Some RSPB reserves that might be worth a visit include Ynys Hir, Loch of Strathbeg, and Fen Drayton lakes, all of which have great opportunities to witness wintering wildfowl. I will certainly be trying to spot some of these species over the Christmas period, good luck to anyone else who is also braving the cold!
Just thought i would share this record shot taken over Christmas of a drake smew at Draycote water with you all! Lovely bird milling around with a number of goldeneye!
Wow! Brilliant photo Ian. What a handsome fellow he is. Thanks for sharing him.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Thank you for sharing your picture of a Smew - super photography.
They are such attractive birds and Dave my OH is all too keen to be able to see one in the future,