Very unpromising weather greeted us this morning but still 12 of us went to Blashford Lakes and were given a warm welcome from the warden in charge of the centre. The lakes are now open every day and more paths are being opened. It has numerous hides and screens dotted around the lakes giving panoramic viewing platforms. Our first hide gave a taste of the many diverse wildlife to be seen with two roe deer running past along the water's edge. The weather rewarded us by becoming drier and even the sun attempted to shine. While discussing words Mike told us how he looked up the word beaker (jug)it is named that as it has a lip like a beak for pouring. It was a good morning enjoyed by all with 31 types of birds seen
From Mike
In the woodland hide we had very fleeting views of a Tree Creeper but much better views of a female Great Spotted Woodpecker around the feeders with two Nuthatches. Waterfowl were naturally dominant at such a site athough the drake Teal were largely still in 'eclipse' plumage. A few Gadwall foraged among the Coot but the light was not really good enough to see the drakes' finely vermiculated bodies. However, if we visit the lakes again on a bright day in January we should see vermiculations* galore on the flanks of various winter wildfowl. We also had a tantalising glimpse of a Great Egret cutting over the corner of Ivy Lake, flushing a Heron as it passed. ( I saw this bird briefly again a little later from a roadside screen on my way home )
Overall a pleasant morning that made us want to return, Mike.
* This rather odd word implies "worm-like" patterning which seems a quite inappropriate description of such delicate tracery when seen at close quarters. ( it also has connections in the world of pasta! Thank you Ann )
A melee of bird watchers
Spot the heron.
A spacious hide
There it is!
