Page 13 - Out Birding Feb 2025

Draycote Water 04/01/22025
For the first GBC event of 2025, the weather was very cold but the reservoir was calm and there were plenty of birds. There was a great group of 14 Midlands mem- bers so, a􏰀er a short walk in the woodland area where the highlight was a large flock of Redwing, and a perched Kestrel looking very fluffed up in the cold, we headed towards the reservoir.
There were plenty of both Li􏰁le & Great Crested Grebes, some Goosander and Goldeneye, and plenty of gulls of different species. Other birds were Raven, Stonechat, Buzzard, Li􏰁le Egret, Heron & Wren. The highlight was one juvenile Red-throated Diver found by Geoff and showing well. As people wandered back to the café in dribs and drabs it was Geoff & Nigel who spo􏰁ed the Ferruginous Duck and the rest of us missed it!
We had a great lunch in the café a􏰀er which some people le􏰀 to avoid the incom- ing snow and some walked along the dam in the opposite direc􏰂on to look for the other divers without luck. However, we added Pochard, Grey Wagtail, Common Gull, Chiffchaff & Wigeon to the list of 46 in all.
5 of us went back to the café to finish off the day with tea and cake (it was only to get warm!) so a good day out was had by all.
Caroline
LLanfairfechan Group 13