Staines Reservoir (27th August)

The clouded sky at the start of the day began to become more overcast throughout our first visit to Staines Reservoir.  The day started well with strong westerly winds passing over the reservoir following a storm in the previous night.  My brother and I were both hoping for a sea blown rarity eg. a Skua but unfortunately no luck.  Soon after arriving we scanned the northern part of Staines Reservoir which produced 1 Turnstone and 2 possible Ruff (unfortunately too distant for certain ID and only seen in flight).  The ridge between King George VI and Staines Reservoir produced 1 Buzzard mobbed by at least 2 Kestrels.  On the northern bank of Staines R. regular Ring-necked Parakeets flew over, 2 Hobbies and later in the afternoon a Red Fox skulked along the bank.  The causeway was also attractive to the local Pied Wagtails and 1 Yellow Wagtail.  Strong showers in the afternoon brought in c.50 Lapwing that landed on the tern rafts to accompany the 100's of Common Terns already hunting over the reservoir.  The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the almost full summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe that stayed faithful to the small stretch of water infront of the white hospital on the southern part of Staines Reservoir, preferring to dive and fish during sunny weather or rest and preen during showers.