February 17th

Oystercatcher north end on far bank , also two Willow Tit. M Stubbs.

February 13th

Still good numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare in surrounding fields along with a few Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush . Kingfisher again seen at north end along with three Willow Tit , two Nuthatch and a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Redwing.

February 12th

Cold frosty with temperature's just hovering above freezing . 67 x Fieldfare , 18 X Lesser Redpoll , 12 X Siskin , 2 x Water Rail , 8 X Goosander , 31 X Teal , 12 X Wigeon , 16 X Great Crested Grebe's , and Little Egret . With a supporting cast of 3 X Willow Tit , 5 x Coot , Little Grebe , Sparrowhawk , Buzzard , Mistle Thrush , Redwing , Coal Tit and Nuthatch. Species so far this year 60.

Tuesday 27th March North Staffs RSPB walk.

North Staffs RSPB Tuesday 27th March Bins and Boots Walk - Rudyard Lake 2018 Location: Old Station Car Park, Rudyard. OS Ref: SJ 955578 From Leek take the A523 Macclesfield Road. After 1.5 miles turn left onto the B5331 and after passing under the old railway bridge, turn sharp left up the slope to the car park (free at present but charges may apply). There are no toilets in the car park, but facilities are available at the Dam Head. Latitude/longitude: 53.117954,-2.06771 (Google map) This is a guided walk organised by the North Staffs Group and open to any bird watchers or nature watchers. We will explore the wetland areas below the dam along the feeder and around the River Churnet looking for winter migrants as well as the usual woodland and farmland birds. Kingfishers are also often spotted in this area. There is always a chance of seeing goldeneye, wigeon and other ducks on the reservoir itself. Leader - Ian Woodward Time: 10.00 am Price: Free Telephone: 01782 618152 E-mail: sgeoff31@gmail.com

February 10th

Around fifty eight Teal and twenty six Wigeon are around the north end with fourteen Goosanders and nineteen Great Crested Grebe are seen regular at the dam end. Only twelve Tufted Ducks are on the reservoir which seems a small number compared with other local waters . There are two Kingfishers around with one seen at each end of the reservoir , and a couple of Water Rail and Grey Wagtails noted south of the dam. A small flock of Lesser Redpolls along with half a dozen Siskin frequent the alders just south west of the miniature railway station.

Feb 7th

Mark Stubbs had Snipe , Greylag Goose , Siskin , Greenfinch and Great Crested Grebe .

February 5th

Little Egret perched in tree south of dam , also 15 × Lesser Redpoll , a single Greylag Goose three Teal couple of Nuthatch , two Grey Wagtails and a Treecreeper. Fourteen Goosander dam end and three Willow Tit at north end.

Little Egret.

Grey Heron.