Notebook from Rudyard: December 11th

Drake Goldeneye at the dam end amongst the sailing boats , also 8 Goosanders.

Goldeneye (drake).

Rudyard Lake Staffordshire

Rudyard Lake lies on the edge of the North Staffordshire moors and covers some 168 acres and is over 2.5 miles long . It is owened by the Canal & river Trust built in 1799 as a canal feeder . The area is abundant in wildlife and due to Rudyard still feeding the canal systems the water levels do vary , and many wading and migrating birds can be seen on the mud flats at the northern end. Rudyard holds a very impressive list of bird species with 186 recorded to date.

Lake Ranger 07718 808881

Post Code ST13 8XB

SJ9458

Calendar

Resident
G C Grebe , Grey Heron , Mute Swan , Canada Geese , Mallard , Mandarin ,Sparrowhawk , Kestrel , Kingfisher , Grey Wagtail , Gt S Woodpeckers , Raven , Buzzard .

April/June
Oystercatcher , L R Plover , Ringed Plover , Dunlin , Curlew , Common Sandpiper , Common Tern , Redstart , Pied and Spotted Flycatcher , Chiffchaff , Willow Warbler , Blackcap , Garden Warbler .

July/Sept
Passage Species.Osprey , Whimbrel , Redshank , Greenshank , Green Sandpiper , Little Stint , Curlew Sandpiper , Black-tailed Godwit , Wood Sandpiper , Arctic Tern , Black Tern , Yellow Wagtail .

Oct/March
Whooper Swan , Pink-footed Goose , Shelduck , Wigeon , Teal , Gadwall , Pintail , Shoveler , Pochard , Goldeneye , Goosander , Water Rail , Woodcock , Snipe , Willow Tit ,Brambling , Siskin ,Lesser Redpoll and occasionally a rare Sea Duck.

Rare / Scarce Bird Sightings