After a nice journey, chatting about birding, we found a place to park and started walking up the path to the causeway.
A few Magpies were on the fences and amongst the sheep as we made our way round the bend and into view of the absolutely mammoth south basin. Last time, I was extremely surprised at how big they were, and even though I was expecting it this time, it still seemed much larger than expected.
The water levels were lower this time, meaning the birds were all slightly further away, but not too much. A very large group of ducks, mainly Tufted Ducks, also held some Pochard, Mallard, and Wigeon. Black-headed Gulls and a Common Gull were also visible.
A small shape out in the middle of the basin looked very grebe-like. Indeed, this was the first Black-necked Grebe of the day.
The sun was, annoyingly, directly behind the south basin, so photographing things was virtually impossible, but it put very good light on the north basin, so it evened things out.
Before long, another Black-necked Grebe was visible, much closer, on the north basin. It showed brilliantly at times before swimming off.
We continued walking along, seeing another two Black-necked Grebes further out, and plenty more Tufted Ducks and Coots.
Another birder said he had had the Great Northern Diver on the north basin, and lo and behold, there they were. You might rightly question my use of the plural "they" in that sentence, as there had been only one. But there wasn't just one, not two but three on the northern side of the north basin. Really, such cool birds.
I continued scanning through all the ducks on the north basin, when I was called over to have a look at some ducks on the south basin- Goldeneye. They were very far out and into the sun, but through binoculars, the views weren't too bad. The males were doing their display, throwing their heads back and splashing. Very comical.
A very cropped shot.
With the lighting so bad and the birds so far away, we decided to continue on.
A Great Crested Grebe was relatively close to the bank, along with another Black-necked Grebe. Two of the Great Northern Divers were much closer.
Things were going great. The Black-necked Grebes were showing well, the Great Northern Divers had been seen well, and we had picked up Goldeneye. Year list up to 203... incredible. Common Goldeneye is a species abundant in the UK, found all over the coasts. Still, a very cool bird and one I really needed for the year list.
With no sign of anything new around, I set down to try and photograph the Black-necked Grebe that was nearby. It was constantly diving, which made it difficult, but I got some decent shots.
A Red Kite flew around, and distantly a Buzzard was sat on a perch
Some Pied Wagtails, which had been present all around all day with some Meadow Pipits, finally perched for a photo.
After a while more looking around, with nothing else turning up, we decided there wasn't much point us staying at the reservoirs, and came to an agreement of going to Staines Moore.
A very nice time at Staines Moore produced some Ring-necked Parakeets, which are brilliant birds if a bit contreversial, plenty of Black-headed Gulls, Stonechats, Robins, Linnets, Little Egrets Black-headed Gulls, Dunnocks, a Cetti's Warbler and a Kestrel.
A very pretty place and one I want to visit again. Sadly, time was up, and we had to head home.
A really enjoyable trip, with some really, really great species seen. I'm still very happy with the Goldeneye. There isn't much about at the moment. I was hoping the Black Guillemot at Southsea would stay, but it seemed to drop in. The Red-necked Grebe at Weston is a possibility, but seems very erratic and unpredictable. It's a great start to December, only three (four now) days in and already a new bird. Who knows what the rest of the month will hold? There is definitely not a lack of possibilities. I need to get some sleep now, I'm going to have a look tomorrow to see if there are any possibilities for Saturday. The weather looks threatening, but could hold off.... hopefully.
Hope everyone has had a good day and enjoyed some great birds, good night!
