Ringstone Reservoir (am) / Ogden Golf Course Area (pm)

Ringstone:

We had to visit Soyland this morning and we took the opportunity to call at Ringstone Reservoir 'on our way home'.

Great to chat with Phil D. scoping from his van there.

Gale force winds were making spotting stuff difficult the water looking like the sea, choppy, with a lovely blue colour.

The wind was worst along the east side wall but surprisingly calm(ish) down the south side.

The reservoir remains very full which seems to have had a detrimental effect on the birds seen here (by me anyway).

Birds:

A Great Crested Grebe was on the waves at the north east end bobbing about.

Another Great Crested Grebe was over by the west side.

A pr.Tufted Duck, a few Mallard, a Moorhen and 2 Black Headed Gulls overhead was about all.

Ogden Golf Course Area:

Sue dropped me at Rocks Rd, Ogden on her way out this aft.

Showers were blown along by a strong wind as I walked along the main path by the golf maintenance buildings.

Afterwards I had a look across Ogden Water from the promenade as I was scanning a whacking cloud-buster of a shower said hello, making sure I was properly wet through.

As the rain abated, Sue phoned to see if I want a lift home.

A very welcome phone call.

Birds:

The strong wind would have deterred the 'fence line' birds but I did ok ish.

2 Juv. Stonechat were a pleasing sight, but very flighty.

Meadow Pipit.

Loads of Woodpigeon.

Dunnock.

Lovely to hear and see lots of Linnets calling and dashing about.

A long (distant not time) scan from the promenade revealed:-

c10 Black Headed Gull.

c20 Lesser Black Backed Gull.

1 Herring Gull.

Great Crested Grebe.

Cormorant.

Sun shining again now …. drip....drip...drip.

Still a really enjoyable day today.

Ringstone:

Ogden: