Kings Norton Nature Reserve (1 Viewer)

[keithr]

Pair Goosanders still around and a Little Egret low in tree on right....flew off as soon as it spotted me.

 

[Rob_S]

A pair of Goosander on Meercroft at the moment....and a mysterious Duck !!....probably a hybrid.

Your mysterious duck looks *very* much like the mysterious duck I saw at Rowheath back in September:

http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=3619095&postcount=4

Shoveler/Mandarin hybrid? Female? White front and the white stripe behind the eye? Bill looks a bit Shoveler-ish too.

 

[keithr]

Your mysterious duck looks *very* much like the mysterious duck I saw at Rowheath back in September:

http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=3619095&postcount=4

Shoveler/Mandarin hybrid? Female? White front and the white stripe behind the eye? Bill looks a bit Shoveler-ish too.

Thanks Rob....thats the one.......I had suspicions a Mandarin was in there somewhere......It kept wanting to join in with the mallards but was always on the edge of their games....

 

[zomerset]

After my shock at Bittell I tried the River Rea, Wychall Lane and straight away a Kingfisher flew out from under the bridge. I was on a role.
Then at Merecroft a female Goosander.
Great!

 

[Rob_S]

Goosander (1M 1F) at Merecroft Pool this morning, Water Rail calling, and the mysterious hybrid duck again.
A couple of small flocks of Redwing.

Jackrabbit had seen the Water Rail, and a Little Grebe, earlier.

 

[JackRabbit]

Goosander (1M 1F) at Merecroft Pool this morning, Water Rail calling, and the mysterious hybrid duck again.
A couple of small flocks of Redwing.

Jackrabbit had seen the Water Rail, and a Little Grebe, earlier.

Good to see you again Rob. I also had the Kingfisher on the railings by Wychall Reservoir earlier, plus about 10 Teal on the old reservoir itself.

Later on, I did see 15 Goosander feeding on the model boating lake by Bournville Lane police station. Quite a lot for such a small pool. In previous years, these birds have moved around a lot locally so hopefully we should get some more at Merecroft soon.

Cheers

Stu

 

[Rob_S]

Later on, I did see 15 Goosander feeding on the model boating lake by Bournville Lane police station. Quite a lot for such a small pool. In previous years, these birds have moved around a lot locally so hopefully we should get some more at Merecroft soon.

Wow, that is a big group for that pool.

Good to see you too.

 

[keithr]

Just blows my socks off that they go on the boating pool.

One day I might cop the King on the rails...but won't hold my breath.

 

[zomerset]

Just blows my socks off that they go on the boating pool.

One day I might cop the King on the rails...but won't hold my breath.

I thought it was worth an early morning run to take a look;
Five Goosander on the Bournville Valley parkway boating pond this morning. 3 female, 2 male. Which was great to see. Plus an electric boat with its lights on.
The endorphins had really kicked in so I kept running along the Bourn, Bournville.
I had a feeling I would find something and sure enough there was a Kingfisher on the Bourn before the road bridge. Great again!
The Goosander had gone when I came back.
Still on a high I checked out Manor Farm Park, no Goosander but a surprise Kingfisher on the brook. Great!
There were two Grey Wagtails along the Woodbrooke.

 

[zomerset]

I could just see a Kingfisher on the River Rea looking down from the Wychall Lane bridge.
Then Merecroft Pool, a Male Goosander and a Little Egret. I think that's the first time I've seen one there. Great!

 

[keithr]

MEERCROFT. ....

8 Teal
Little Egret...was on submerged branches on right but just flew onto island trees and then shoreline.

 

[Rob_S]

Nothing of note on Merecroft Pool this afternoon, 1.30pm

Wychall Reservoir - 30+ Teal and a single Little Egret

 

[JackRabbit]

Just one male Goosander on Merecroft Pool this morning, which promptly flew off north. Also a male Pochard which are unusual here and the Water Rail & Little Grebe both put in an appearance.

Another 2 Water Rail were heard at Wychall Reservoir and still at least 30 Teal down there.

 

[keithr]

Where do you get to see/count the Teal please.....I can hardly see any clear water....lol...mind you with the trees bare its a bit better.

 

[JackRabbit]

Where do you get to see/count the Teal please.....I can hardly see any clear water....lol...mind you with the trees bare its a bit better.

Hi Keith - I saw them from the main path, feeding amongst the vegetation at the furthest end of the main marshy area. They can be difficult to see as it is a bit overgrown down there. Good luck.

 

[Rob_S]

The Teal were clearly visible from the main path on Friday, all in the same area under a bush approx 20ft from the path.

 

[keithr]

MEERCROFT.....almost entirely frozen...just a small area right of where people feed the ducks open...Mallards and 2 Swans keeping it open....BUT it's s good chance to see a Male Pochard and a Little Grebe close in...

 

[keithr]

Also the Hybrid Mallard male was getting frisky keeping other males on their toes - and they were all flying around the pool and plunging into the clear bit - keeping it clear.
Had my 1st Redwing of the year...I know its late.....by the Wychall Road Rea bridge.

 

[zomerset]

MEERCROFT.....almost entirely frozen...just a small area right of where people feed the ducks open...Mallards and 2 Swans keeping it open....BUT it's s good chance to see a Male Pochard and a Little Grebe close in...

Great Photo's Keith!

 

[JackRabbit]

Just one male Goosander on Merecroft today, plus male Shoveler, the Little Grebe and a Green Woodpecker.

A Kingfisher was seen zooming downriver by Popes Lane, two Water Rails in the marsh, two Reed Buntings & a Buzzard in the area beyond the fallen gate. Also two Muntjac over there.