Moor Green Lakes

Moor Green Lakes 23/11/11

Members of the group soon filled the small car park at Moor Green and were greeted by a Nuthatch, Great Tit and Robin on the nearby feeder. The morning mist lifted quite quickly to bathe us in sunshine for the rest of the walk, which was a pleasant surprise for mid November. Looking across Colebrook Lake North, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Mute Swan and Goosander were seen and from the hide, Grey Heron, Shoveler, Coot and Pochard were added to the list. Taking the path to the right towards the new workings, crossing the ‘bridge’ over a moving conveyor belt carrying gravel and earth, we continued for a further 250 metres in the hope of spotting the Great Grey Shrike alluded to by Brian Clews in his recent talk at our last Indoor Meeting. Success! It was seen in typical pose at the very top of a dead tree branch allowing us to get great views through the scopes and for the photographers, some hopefully good images. After spending some time watching the Shrike flit from one favourite perch to another we decided it was time to stroll to the far hide, adding Siskin, Redpoll, Mistle and Song Thrush, Skylark and Green Woodpecker to the list. The Kingfisher eluded us this time, but from the hide the male Goosander could be seen on Grove Island along with a Great Crested Grebe and some caught a glimpse of a Buzzard over the far trees, plus 2 Jays perched in trees with the last golden leaves of Autumn.

The return walk yielded good views of Siskin along the riverbank trees and a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the feeders next to Colebrook Lake South. Everyone enjoyed the morning’s birding and some departed to find lunch in a nearby Garden Centre.

Thanks to Brian Reeve for leading the Group.

Click here for list of birds seen