4th - 5th March 2026: Wood Land and Colemere

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 We had a brilliant couple of hours at Wood Lane nature reserve, spending most of our time between the two hides, finding a nice mix of species. Teal and Shelduck were upending in the water, and three Oystercatchers roosted on a muddy bank. A wader sat at the side of the pool, in poor light, but when it turned its head, the distinctive curved bill confirmed it was a Curlew. 

Moving round to the next hide, there were plenty of Black-headed Gulls and a striking Cormorant with beautiful breeding plumage. Foraging around the muddy edges a Green Sandpiper and probable Common Sandpiper were of interest.

Cormorant

The following day we headed after school run to Colemere where Goldeneye had been reported. Unfortunately the weather had turned against us, with the water swathed in gathering mist. However, we could just make out several drake Goldeneye swimming at the back of the pool. A more obliging, but less spectacular female was found much closer to the path, enabling a more satisfying tick for the younger birders! There were lots of gulls out on the lake, but the mist meant it was impossible to identify exactly which species were out there.

We finished with another quick visit to Wood Lane, where there were now two Curlew showing and Shoveler and Gadwall, but with the light fading fast we had to call it a day.

Goldeneye f

(Photos are illustrative and not taken today)

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