RSPB Group

by Paul Grimmett

ON September 17, the 19-strong group visited Tittesworth reservoir in Staffordshire. This was a new venue for us. At first sight it looked very disappointing, as the water levels were very low. We did see a flock of 100 plus lapwings. As we looked over the reservoir we thought we had found a tern, but as it approached we could see that it was a gull. This was nice to see as it was on return migration.

We walked around the reservoir where we were lucky to find a spotted flycatcher in the wooded area. The best was still to come however. At the halfway point we looked back up the reservoir and there, to our amazement, was an osprey flying towards us. It settled in a tree and, as we approached, we had really close views. We were to gain even better views later on for as we neared the centre, it flew over our heads.

In total, 42 species of bird were seen but the osprey was definitely the bird of the day.

Our next outdoor meeting is a visit to Anderton Nature Reserve on Wednesday, October 19 and our next indoor meeting is on Friday, October 21 at St Matthew's Primary School, Stretton.

Further details from Paul Grimmett on 268770.