The Biggest Twitch.............................................................David Tomlinson

Based on some pre-visit research, the group moved to the reservoir’s south shore and the Lyndon Reserve where both American Wigeon and Red-necked Grebe had been reported in the previous few days. Entering the reserve by the visitor centre the group’s attention was immediately occupied by a very busy feeding station. Spending time here was rewarded with great views of Tree Sparrows, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and, especially welcome, Bullfinch. Continuing on along the path to the hides added Treecreeper, Kestrel and several more Bullfinches as well views over the water of a female Scaup. Arriving at the Wader Hide, we quickly merged with others in the hide and after a short while the drake American Wigeon was found amongst a large number of Eurasian Wigeon. With the two species side by side, the differences became apparent and several identification features could be recorded for future use (hopefully in Suffolk!) Large numbers of wildfowl were present and careful scanning revealed the day’s first Redcrested Pochard, Pochard, Shelduck and several more Smew. A pair of Slavonian Grebes again fell to a lone observer but there was no luck with the Red-necked Grebe. After a move to the Deep Water hide and some frantic scanning the Red-necked Grebe finally revealed itself within a group of Great Crested Grebes. Several of us took a few seconds to scratch our heads as we had scrutinised this gathering of grebes long and hard and not seen the Red-necked, maybe it had simply just popped up...? With our target birds seen and studied the decision was made to head to the Bird Watching Centre at Egleton and have our lunch there.

After lunch, and with several more Tree Sparrows seen around the car park, the group headed out for the Lapwing Hide. The walk there took us into the lagoon complex and through some woodland. Unfortunately, a recently present Redpoll flock was neither seen nor heard as we passed through the woods at the rear of Redshank Hide. Arriving at the Lapwing Hide the group quickly set about finding a reported trio of Slavonian Grebes. After a short time the three grebes were located at distance and then followed as they swam and dived together, regularly surfacing a good distance from where they had last been seen. More Smew, including four handsome drakes were found and at least two male Red-crested Pochards were seen.

A rare spectacle

A large gathering of Common Coot was noted. Normally Coots are of little interest to us birders unless, of course, you’re looking for an American one! However this was different. The sheer volume of birds, approaching 600, was truly remarkable and grabbed the group’s attention. Then, just as our interest was drifting, the Coot rose as one and, in perfect synchronisation, part paddled and part flew towards the far reservoir bank –like a black duvet being lifted from a mattress!

After this superb sight the group moved to the nearby Shoveler Hide. This revealed more ducks, a pair of Egyptian Geese and a lone Kingfisher expertly located by one member as it perched a good distance away, close to the reedbed. With the daylight slowly fading we headed back to the centre car park, calling finally at the gates overlooking Lagoon 1. Here we found numerous Goosanders, including a number of stunning apricot breasted drakes. A gathering of Golden Plover and Lapwings was noted and a lone Redshank took the wader count to three.

Almost 70 species

Whilst packing kit away and munching on the last contents of our packed lunches the group agreed that it had been a good day with some excellent birds seen. Reflecting on the trip, the American Wigeon had added a tick to a number of member’s bird lists and nearly 70