The Birdwatching Group paid a return visit to Hanningfield Reservoir on Thursday 10th January. A cold 2C but sunny morning. Moving on from the Discovery Centre we visited all three hides. A large number of birds on the water mainly Widgeon, Teal, Tufted Ducks and Cormorants. This was very different to our visit to Hanningfield in January 2024 when few birds were seen. They were at some distance from the first two hides but were identifiable although too far for photographing. They were closer on the foreshore near the third hide which made viewing easier with the Teal and Widgeon feeding amongst the ice.
A welcome return to the Centre for a warming drink and discussion on what we saw. Outside the viewing window the usual small birds were feeding, Sparrows, Blue and Great Tits. A squirrel had taken up residence on a bird table making the most of the available food.
Thanks to Jane for her recording of observed species and Fred for his help in preparing this post.
Great White Egret
Heron
Cormorant
Lapwing
Widgeon
Pochard
Tufted duck
Goldeneye
Mallard
Song Thrush
Magpie
Goosander
Black Headed Gull
Herring Gull
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Sparrow (tree or house?)
Wood pigeon
Coot
Teal
Robin
Jackdaw
Pied wagtail
A small gallery of images from our visit is shown below. (Photos provided by Fred, John and Sue).
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