Fishers Green Bittern Watchpoint

Lee Valley Park/Fisher’s Green   25^th February 2012   

7 of us met in the Fisher’s Green car park and set off across the bridge to view the first lake. A quick scan revealed male Smew, Common Gulls, Pochard, Shoveler, Wigeon, Tufted Ducks, Great Crested Grebe and Mute Swan. We moved into the Bittern Hide and almost immediately spotted 2 Water Rail quite close in, one of whom was pecking at a female Teal telling it in no uncertain terms to move away! We were joined by 2 more of our group who had inadvertently been on a tour of Waltham Forest (!) and we all enjoyed very close up views of Reed Buntings on a feeder just outside the hide. Sadly the Bitterns did not put in an appearance for us, but further along the path, from behind the trees, a Peregrine Falcon flew across, too far up to photograph, but a Sparrowhawk obliged, coming in from the opposite direction. Moving on, several Siskin could be seen in a group of alder trees, together with Blue Tit and Goldfinches.

Across the river, Cetti’s Warbler could be heard calling and 2 people were fortunate enough to spot a Bittern in flight low across the reeds. Continuing along the path to the Grebe Hide, Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard and then seen, plus further distant views of Smew and Goldeneye. A brief sit down in the Grebe Hide was most welcome but the bird life had decided it was siesta time. On the return trail, Buzzards could be seen overhead and a flock of Long Tailed Tits kept us company back to the car park.

9 hungry birders then retired to the café to enjoy lunch in the sun.

Click here for a map (TL377032).

Click here for information about Fishers Green.

Click here for list of birds seen and/or heard