"Staines Reservoirs and Moor for wintering wildfowl and waders"

[Deb London]

Well that would be the title that I imagine in my head.

Some of you guys go birding at Staines on a regular basis. I was there this weekend and had a great time at the reservoirs, but was a bit out of my depth (pun intended ). I was also told I was missing out on the moor and given vague direction, but wasn't keen setting off on my own, for various reasons.

I decided to look for a guided walk, but can only find a summer one. Are there ever any guided walks there in winter? Happy to wait until next winter or beyond, but just wondered if that was something that was ever organised. LNHS or RSPB maybe.

Much ass grassy ass.

[david156]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Well that would be the title that I imagine in my head.

Some of you guys go birding at Staines on a regular basis. I was there this weekend and had a great time at the reservoirs, but was a bit out of my depth (pun intended ). I was also told I was missing out on the moor and given vague direction, but wasn't keen setting off on my own, for various reasons.

I decided to look for a guided walk, but can only find a summer one. Are there ever any guided walks there in winter? Happy to wait until next winter or beyond, but just wondered if that was something that was ever organised. LNHS or RSPB maybe.

Much ass grassy ass.

With the number of wabbers that go there, someone could always organise a WAB meet there at the best time of the year

[Deb London]

Yes, surprised we are not falling over each other David. Maybe we are. Just look for the small, female numpty without the scope and with her hat on inside out (oops - can't take her anywhere ).

[david156]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Yes, surprised we are not falling over each other David. Maybe we are. Just look for the small, female numpty without the scope and with her hat on inside out (oops - can't take her anywhere ).

You'd fit right in up here in Norfolk. Something to do with the breeding here!

[RoyW]

I would be surprised if there were never winter walks looking at the birds on the reservoir and the 'moor'. It would depend on finding a volunteer to lead the walk though.

Personally I very rarely visit the area (wrong side of town!). I tend to be a very sedentary London Birder!

[Deb London]

Originally Posted by RoyW

I would be surprised if there were never winter walks looking at the birds on the reservoir and the 'moor'. It would depend on finding a volunteer to lead the walk though.

Personally I very rarely visit the area (wrong side of town!). I tend to be a very sedentary London Birder!

Yes, so do I. But when I got there to be told that there was a certain diver, it suddenly felt like I was "On Golden Pond" (if anyone remembers the film). It was wonderful. Very memorable. Suddenly "my" reservoir was very tame in comparison.

May this kind of enthusiasm stay with me forever.

Still, I missed the Smew, so am hoping I get out North East next weekend (nudge-nudge).

PS I have a theory about reservoirs like this. Why are they so popular in winter? Well I wondered. There is very little in terms of reed beds and the like for nesting (and very few rafts) so the stocks of fish and other food can maybe build up over the warmer months with less territorial behaviour. Then, when certain species of bird are looking for somewhere to winter, they find an abundant and undisturbed (and largely uncolonised) habitat. No idea if this is the case though.

[htcdude]

Have sent you PM

Nige

[Adam Cheeseman]

Good to see North Basin level is dropping. Been a few years since they drained a basin so fingers crossed they are draining it again in time for spring migration. For those who haven't been up there when one or the other have been drained, it is like a magnet for all the waders and waterfowl for miles around. Amazing site. It's a bit like being at an estuary.

For those visiting Staines/Stanwell Moors, it's best to park in Hithermoor Road and follow the concrete path along the north side of King George VI Res boundary fence and then turn right through a kissing gate along a narrow grassy track across Stanwell Moor, which then goes over a little bridge onto Staines Moor. Altenatively, park in the lay-by on the A30 and walk down the bank.

Cheers,

Adam

[little_auk11]

Count me in!! I visited this site for the first time last Monday and got some great birds for my year list. Very friendly people there too - i was most grateful of other birders assistance in spotting some individuals.

[pressld2]

I've never been - wrong side of London for me too - but I'd love to visit if someone wants to organise a meet there. Only please wait until I've got my camera back!

Dave P.