A trip to Whisby Nature Reserve near Lincoln today. The original purpose of the visit was to try to see the starling murmuration but having spoken to the warden who told me that it had never really got going this winter, we dcided to go earlier for a general explore. In the event we spent most of the day there anyway. We began with a walk around Grebe Lake, returning to the visitor center and cafe for some lunch. For the afternoon excursion we crossed the railway to the northern end of the reserve and visited the large Willow Lake.
Close to the reserve center is Thorpe Lake from which came a cacophany of noise: it is a black-headed gull nesting colony. There were other species around, though, and I was pleased to see and photograph both goldeneye and a great crested grebe which gave spectacular views. There were good numbers of tufted duck on Grebe Lake and I was pleased to see pochard. On the far side of the lake I came across two roe deer; beautiful.
Despite getting slightly lost in the afternoon, we eventually reached the expansive Willow Lake. Although largly distant, there were good numbers of birds, in particular great crested grebes paired up and busily displaying.
On the way back to the car we sat on a bench overlooking Grebe Lake for a rest. Scanning the lake I spotted an oystercatcher and whilst I was watching it a kingfisher flashed across my view; wonderful. Even better it sped back across the lake and perched in a hawthorn hedge. A fitting end to a good visit.
The day was not yet over, however, as we went into Lincoln for a wander around the top of Steep Hill. The light was superb and the cathedral looked amazing. We went for an Italian at our favoured restaurant: Gino's. and before setting out for home I went and took some twilight images of the catherdral.
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