Summary

Although planning for the reservoir got underway in the 1960’s it wasn’t opened until 1992 (by the Queen). Water is pumped into it from the Derwent during the winter months and the level was low for our visit. We parked at the Sheepwash car park and had two groups of six members set off from there, with the second lingering longer at the car park. The list above is a compilation of what the two groups saw.

It was encouraging to have a good number of members turn out. There was a bit of drizzle when we arrived and more towards the end of our visit but for most of the time it was dry with just a brief glimpse of the sun. Lapwing were active over the reservoir and foreshore as we assembled and there was a group of Lesser Black-backed Gulls further out on the water. In one creek we had good views of a flock of 20 or more Goldfinch and towards the end of our stay a flock of Redwing came in and were twittering away in the trees. Some members saw a Willow Tit at the bird table down towards Lane End Hide.

Members participating: 12

Bird list (41 species seen and/or heard)