Attenborough NR, Notts

Thursday saw us meet up with our good friends Wendy & Tim at Attenborough NR. After a spot of lunch in the visitor centre we went for a walk around the reserve on what was a cold and mostly very dull (weather wise!) day. The birding was far from dull, not many species seen but some quality close ups starting with some Egyptian Geese:

and Great Crested Grebe:

There was quite a variety of ducks around the reserve, Shelduck, Shoveler,

Pochard, Wigeon, Tufted Duck,

Goldeneye, Mallard, Gadwall,

Teal and a solitary female Mandarin

Plenty of Cormorants were about

The smaller birds were very difficult to find, Tina had a glimpse of a Kingfisher, some female Reed Bunting put in a distant appearance,

keeping the Little Egret company,

The only other bird that gave me a decent photo opportunity was a Long-tailed Tit

I had hoped we would see some winter thrushes but sadly none put in an appearance, hopefully we will see plenty in Norfolk in a couple of weeks time, plus here's hoping that the Waxwings and Shorelarks that are there at the moment hang around for us! Fingers crossed.

Attenborough is a great reserve and well worth a visit if you are in that neck of the woods (I would avoid weekends though as it can get busy)