Monday 21st Feb 2011 - Upper Bittell Reservoir & Shenstone

This morning, (TS) and I decided to pop 10 miles down the road to Upper Bittell reservoir to see the ♂ Red-breasted Merganser that had turned up the previous evening. On arrival it was showing between the dam and the sailing club allowing for pretty good views of this good looking sawbill. Unfortunately I only managed to get a handful of crappy record shots due to the poor lighting and the birds constant diving for food. Also seen at Upper Bittell were good numbers of both Goosander and Great Crested Greebe, and a single Grey Wagtail was along the waters edge at the dam.

We then popped across to Lower Bittell where we saw 3 ♀ Goldeneye, yet more Goosander, a few Teal, Shoveller and Tufted Duck. (TS) was lucky enough to see 2 Kingfishers but I was busy gassing with a fellow birder and missed them completely...ah well.

Red-breasted Merganser (drake) - Upper Bittell:


On the way back from Bittell we quickly popped to Witch Lane where 24 Corn Buntings were still present. A nice patch of Snow Drops were in bloom along the verge so it was out with the camera! On returning to Captains Pool, 3 Shoveller (2 drake) and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were of note. The 2 Great Crested Grebes were displaying and doing that funny head dance thing that is always nice to see.

Snow Drops - Witch Lane: