My year list kick started today with first days birding for 2014 at Eyebrook Reservoir & Rutland Water in Leicestershire. These two sites are superb for a good variety of birds and being very convenient as they are close to home. A good selection of birds were on view this morning – at Eyebrook – best bird was a North American Ring-necked Duck, a female; 2 Ruddy Shelduck, 1 drake Smew; 2 Red Kite were the main highlights. Many Teal, Widgeon and Gadwall here and also a Little Owl in a nearby regular spot. At Rutland Water – Black-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver off the dam, also here a Black Redstart. Off the north arm – 3 Long-tailed Duck, 3 Goosander, 4 Black-necked Grebe. Huge numbers of Teal and Wigeon, many Goldeneye, a Curlew and several Redshank helped to kick start my 2014 Year List.
Ring-necked Duck, female – Eyebrook Reservoir, Leicestershire – 5th January 2014 – Tony Davison©
Good day out I see.