29/01/14 Mandarin at Weirwood Reservoir

Wednesday 29th January 2014
Weirwood Reservoir

Another awful day weather wise so I headed for the protection of a bird hide.  Weirwood Reservoir suited me fine and I wasn't to be disappointed.  I targeted Mandarin and/or Kingfisher and/or Bullfinch.  

A friend (BJ) from the Ashdown Birdgroup arrived and I benefited from his local knowledge and advice in relation to these species.  He said that I was unlikely to see Kingfisher as they were mainly on the rivers while the water levels were high and tended to use the reservoir when the water levels dropped.  He showed me which tress to look for the Bullfinches as they rarely visited the feeders.

After a short wait, two pairs of Mandarin emerged from the stream opposite to the left of the hide just where AJ had predicted .  For a good 15 minutes we were privileged to admire the magnificent plumage, particularly of the two males - truly breathtaking, even in such drab conditions.  

Male and female Mandarins
Library picture only

As predicted, they eventually flew to our side and settled at the estuary of the stream by Pintail Bank.

Today's species list:
Mandarin
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Pheasant
Blue Tit
Marsh Tit
Coal Tit
Great Tit
Chaffinch
Cormorant   (10)
Black-headed Gull
Fieldfare
Redwing
Great-spotted Woodpecker
Long-tailed Tit
Dunnock
Moorhen
Coot
Canada Goose
Lapwing   (20)
Woodpigeon
Pochard
Grey Heron

Addition to 2014 UK Year Bird List:
Mandarin   (140)