Staying Local (14th December)

Not much time on my hands as there was a lecture mid-morning and I had to be back on campus by four so only had a brief wander around College Reservoir.  All the same, it still produced some ok birds, although it was an almost exact reflection on the turnout of the past week.  A Bittern was perched on some sallows on the west bank near the bench and the Black-necked Grebe popped up out of the water nearby.

 Bittern on the west bank

unusual Teal-like bird associated with Teal (right), note abnormally large bill and proportionately small head size (furthest bird to the left, facing right)

I had a reasonable look for the American/Eurasian Wigeon hybrid but without success.  Some gunshots from the southern end of the reservoir soon put all the Teal and Wigeon up into flight before they began circling around and eventually landing.  Interestingly, all the diving ducks felt safer on the water, including 4 Goldeneye, the Tufted Ducks, Pochard and Little Grebes.  4 Snipe also flew past down towards the marshy section of the reservoir and the neighbouring wood held 1 Chiffchaff.  Whilst unlocking my bike to head back, I am 95% sure I heard a Firecrest calling in the holly trees but unfortunately didn't have enough time to check it out.