05/12/2014. In Workington with family. Bittern, Whooper Swans and Goosanders

Friday 5th December 2014
Soddy Gap, Linskeldfield Tarn and Siddick Pond
With Brian and Kenny



Tried to get in day's birding after a family funeral yesterday.  Unfortunately the weather forecast was wrong and the rain arrived in the morning, soon after we got going and it only improved late afternoon, contrary to predictions.

• At Soddy Gap we managed to enjoy the large numbers of Goosander on show - a bird that is more common here than in Sussex.  There must have been 25+ present with the majority being males.  The drake Goldeneye was also prominent.  There can be few sites more spectacular than Soddy Gap with Grizedale Pike and Grasmoor forming the backdrop.

• After getting drenched we relocated to the safety of the hide at Linskeldfield Tarn where the most interesting species was, again, the Goosander.  The scenery here too was spectacular with Skiddaw and Ullock Pike forming the backdrop this time.
• 
  After a welcome break and a hot meal at Joan's,  Brian and I went to Siddick Pond just before dusk to catch the Bittern roost.  True to form, the bird showed in the reed bed and we managed to get a couple of close views of it flying and walking in the area directly in front of us.  Earlier I had chance to detour to a point closer to the hide to see a family group of 5 Whooper Swans as they enjoyed the late afternoon sunshine.

• We went up by car and enjoyed the Red Kites showing on the M40 south of Oxford.  The count was 19 for the northbound journey and just 4 for the return leg as it was getting late and most birds had gone to roost.

Today's species list:
Whooper Swan
Goosander
Bittern
Coot
Moorhen
Grey Heron
Blackbird
Reed Bunting
Dunnock
Tufted Duck   (10)
Robin
Bullfinch
Chaffinch
Teal
Mute Swan
Buzzard
Kestrel
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Goldeneye   (20)
Shoveler
Pheasant
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Black-headed Gull
Jay
Lapwing
Mallard
Starling Pied Wagtail   (30)
Woodpigeon