Thursday 13 August: Abberton Reservoir

 Another excursion to Abberton with Andy, arriving around 8AM. There was just time for a quick scan from the causeway before the heavens opened and poured out bucketfuls of heavy rain. Fortunately we were just yards from the car, so were able to shelter in comfort.

An interesting outcome of this downpour was the arrival of several hundred Cormorant, which landed on the water, their yellow heads all pointing in the same direction, and lit up in great splendour as the sun burst through to form a lovely rainbow, appearing to rise from the surface of the water. As the rain cleared they suddenly took off again en masse, disappearing as quickly and silently as they had arrived.

There were 23 Little Egrets roosting in the trees alongside the reservoir, and later in  the morning we encountered several Great Egrets from the other causeway. There were also Common Terns feeding over the Reservoir, but sadly no Black Terns. Andy was pleased to catch up with both Common and Green Sandpipers and we were able to compare the characteristics of the two birds through the scope.

The highlight of the morning was a Ruddy Shelduck, with vibrant sandstone chest and a white head indicating a female of the species. These birds are not generally found in this country, so it is possible it was an escaped bird. However, it was not ringed, and there appears to have been a small influx with birds reported from several locations around the country. We have previously seen some in Lesvos but this was a first for us in this country. Whatever it’s origins it was a beautiful bird and very obliging for photographs!