Rutland Water advice please

Boddie · #1 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 06:27 PM

On thursday I am going to Rutland Water. Can anyone give me any pointers as to what to look out for. I will be staying in Stamford tomorrow night and intend to be there (at the reservoir) at sunrise on thursday.

Someone also mentioned Grafham is worth a look?

Oscar2006 · #2 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

On thursday I am going to Rutland Water. Can anyone give me any pointers as to what to look out for. I will be staying in Stamford tomorrow night and intend to be there (at the reservoir) at sunrise on thursday.

Someone also mentioned Grafham is worth a look?

You don't have time to do both!

Are you going for photography reasons or natural history?

From Stamford, go through Empingham village and turn left into Sykes' lane. This will give you an opportunity to "work" the dam and the area around the car park. Parking costs a quid unless you have a permit (I do but that won't help you unless you call and pick it up?)
You can then go to the North Arm (ring me for exact directions when you are about to set off) This is a quiet area near the reserve managers cottage and all the staff congregate there. (Park where it says private road and walk down past the cottage observing as you wander. Kites, Buzzards and when they return Ospreys are often seen here.

Then go to Egleton the reserve proper and have a bit of time at the bird feeder hide before paying to go on the reserve. You can buy a cheap paper map here that will show you where to go. Keep the direction of the sun in mind when you choose which way to go. I would head for lagoons II and III.

Once you've done that there is the other side of the reserve and the South arm. Ring me again for assistance if you need.

Hope that helps?

Boddie · #3 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 06:52 PM

Yep that is cool.

I know the area as I used to live in Oakham and I used to cycle round the reservoir every day without fail, as I worked at the cycle hire.

I was just not sure what there is to see at this time of year but your suggestions sound spot on.

Thanks Oscar

Oscar2006 · #4 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 06:53 PM

Just had a look at whats about today:
Bittern lagoon III
2 Whooper swans - Lag III
Possibly still up to 5 Great Northern Divers anywhere from the dam to the South arm!
Big cormorant like things, but not as black.

Boddie · #5 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 06:56 PM

Could quite fancy the bittern

almostnormal · #6 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 07:17 PM

i'd have a good look for the tree sparrows as well whilst you're there. you can't beat them, cracking little birdies. there's a good population at rutland water. but they tend to move about there, so i can't give you an exact place to look

Oscar2006 · #7 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 07:24 PM

There are a few Tree Sparrows around the feeders at the moment

Fourwings · #8 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 08:28 PM

Weather's not that good for Thursday pal (light rain)

Feel free to drop in if you're still in the area by lunchtime mate, just give me a bell.

eeyore · #9 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 08:34 PM

have the ospreys come back yet or is it still too early ?

btw i wouldnt bother with gratham for photography (tis good for pure bird watching and digi scoping but everything is too far out even for a 500mm lens) - you could check out little paxton instead

Oscar2006 · #10 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

Yep that is cool.

I know the area as I used to live in Oakham and I used to cycle round the reservoir every day without fail, as I worked at the cycle hire.

I was just not sure what there is to see at this time of year but your suggestions sound spot on.

Thanks Oscar

You lived in Oakham where they poked 'em?
Ha ha hah ha

so does my neice!
At least it wasn't Langham where they Hang 'em!