January 31st 2024

The female Red-breasted Merganser has reappeared at the north end of the lake , found this morning feeding 100mts down from caravans. Also a single Oystercatcher  , 5 x Goosander and 5 x Snipe . At the south end past miniature railway 3 x Little Egret,  Kingfisher,  Gt S Woodpecker and Kestrel.

January 20th 2024

The lake is still frozen but in one of the pockets of unfrozen water a single Goldeneye amongst the Mallards and Coots. Plenty of Redwing and Fieldfare around , 7 Snipe along the edge on west side and several small flocks of Siskin. Two separate Great Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming this morning. 

Female Goldeneye 

January 19tth 2024

Overnight temperatures again down to minus 7 has completely frozen over the 2.5 mile lake . Just three very small pockets of unfrozen water. Holding quite a few wildfowl.  

Wigeon x 78

Teal x 38

Goosander x 7

Mallard x 97

Coot x 17 

Canada Geese  x 217

Snipe x 8

Little Egret x 1

38 species recorded in two hours.

Siskins's showing well at the feeders.

Wigeon and Teal.

January 18th 2024

Single Little Egret .

Late News

Yesterday Jan 17th

Brambling x 6 at house feeder in village.

January 15th 2024

Red-breasted Merganser female still frequenting the area opposite the scout hut. Also female Goldeneye,  2 x Goosander and 3 x Snipe.

Late News

Tawny Owl x 1 on 14th.

January 14th 2024

Just a quick visit this morning , I try not to visit at weekends as there are too many people around for my liking . Red-breasted Merganser was at north end  by caravan park, also female Goldeneye . 

For anyone visiting the bird it is at the north end commuting between the reedbed by the caravans and the scout hut which is about 800 yds down the old Railway line. Its usually on the far side which is the west bank. Occasionally it can be seen feeding just in front of the scout hut. Merganser's are rare inland especially at Rudyard as you can see from the records below.

Red-breasted Merganser past Records.

09/01/24 ......1 x female

04/05/22 ......1 x pair

04/04/95 ......1 x pair

14/11/87 ......1 x female

13/11/83 ......1 x female

January 13th 2024

Red-breasted Merganser still at the north end also 17 x Wigeon , 2 x Goosander  , fem Goldeneye,  Common  Gull and another rare visitor to Rudyard a Great Black Backed Gull.

Red Breasted Merganser. 

January 11th 2024

Red-breasted Merganser still at the north end along with 4 Whooper Swans.

January 10th 2024

Female Red-breasted Merganser still present opposite scout hut , also female Goldeneye eighteen Wigeon , 26 Siskin and a Great Black Backed Gull.

R B Merganser photo by Steve Gibson.

Mega 9th Jan 2024

A female Red-breasted Merganser at the north end today. Also 17 x Wigeon , 10 Goosander and a couple of Lesser Redpoll.