Digbert Doobrey
Well-known member
The best view of a Water Rail I've had was at the LWC - in one of the pond-dipping ponds in cold weather. I was there first thing. I see them at Brent Reservoir reasonably regularly. Any time of day. If you are ever at Wanstead Park, then I can give you the exact spot where at least one was seen regularly last year, though not sure if it's there. But it was near the road. As well as reeds, they seem to like muddy banks under low branches.
Only ever seen Woodcock twice. I was told to walk the paths of Epping Forest before the dog walkers were out - which is very early. Didn't see them there mind you. But I agree with the principle, early walks or in places where no one's been that day have worked or me. Pure luck. Unless you know a roding spot that is.
Thanks for that. Trouble is Brent Reservoir, Wanstead Park and Epping forest are all outside my 'zone' rules.
I'll just have to concentrate on Hampstead Heath until I get over to Barnes and, as Shaw Taylor used to say, "keep em peeled".