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Birding and Nature Group – Lyndon Reserve, June 2019
Humid, overcast, calm and dry: These were the weather conditions, as 14 members of the Stamford U3A Birding and Nature Group, assembled inside the Visitor Centre, at the Lyndon Nature Reserve, Rutland Water, on Monday morning, 24 June 2019. From here, the group made their way west, on the trail towards their quarry: the nesting Osprey family!
On the way, passing the Deep Water, and the Tufted Duck hides, they were accompanied by the songs of Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Blackcap, Dunnock, and numerous Wrens; belting out their loud melodies.
The entourage eventually arrived at Waderscrape Hide, and spent time in the hide enjoying views of Coot, Great Crested Grebe; and listening to the rasping songs of Sedge Warblers. Last stop of the journey was the ultimate destination: The new double Decker, Shallow Water Hide. The upper deck was the favourite, and time was well spent, observing the nesting Ospreys (four young seen popping their heads above the nest rim). The adult pair seen flying around, and settling on the nest, and occasionally perched in a nearby tree. On the fence-line, a pair of Common Terns provided great interest, as they engaged in ‘food passes’, with accompanying excited trilling calls. Adult and fledgling Pied Wagtails were on the fence also. The final treat was a Great Crested Grebe on its nest, brooding the eggs: the nest was situated just below the Hide, which provided superb opportunities for the photographers.
The group made their way back, via the farmland track, and the convoy headed to ‘The Horse and Jockey’ in Manton, for a well- deserved pub lunch.
Philip Rudkin
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