Search for wetland birds in the Stour Valley
The Grove and Stodmarsh sections of the Stour River Valley have been much manipulated by mankind down the centuries; from medieval monks who used the valley for grazing horses, to the 20th Century coal mining industry. The resulting landscape is a mosaic of lakes, ditches, fen, reedbeds and wet meadows. The area has an enviable track record for rarities; typically, Spotted Crake, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis and Penduline Tit.
WHERE TO WATCH 1 freshwater passage waders including Green, Common and Wood Sandpipers, Little Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, and Whimbrel, plus Garganey, Shoveler, Teal and Gadwall, Wigeon and the occasional Shelduck. At dusk scan for hunting Barn Owl and roosting Starlings, thrushes, buntings and harriers. Nearby Feast’s Hide overlooks a shallow lagoon surrounded by reeds and is suitable for photographing dabbling ducks, grebes, Snipe, Water Rail, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. 2
Various hides overlook grazing meadows good for Meadow Pipit, Sky Lark, Yellow and Pied Wagtail, Little and Great White Egrets, Teal, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Lapwing and Redshank. Check over lakes and meres for hirundines, Swift and Hobby and scrub for warblers, chats and finches.
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The deep lake in front of Tower Hide supports diving ducks, grebes, gulls, Cormorant and passing Black and Common Terns, while Marsh Harrier and Bittern are often noted. Marginal reedbeds attract Reed, Sedge and Cetti’s Warblers, Bearded Tit and Reed Bunting.
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From the Lampen Wall footpath check the river for Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Little Egret, Grey Heron and Water Rail. Trees and bushes along the way can harbour passage Cuckoo, Turtle Dove, warblers and flycatchers, plus resident tits, finches and buntings.
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE The wetlands are superb for a variety of dragonflies and look for Water Vole and Otter from the Lampen Wall.
AUTUMN TARGET SPECIES
● Hobby
● Marsh Harrier
● Passage sandpipers and ‘shanks’
● Black Tern
● Turtle Dove
● Cuckoo
● Yellow Wagtail
● Whinchat
● Passage hirundines, warblers and finches
WINTER
● Goldeneye
● Bittern
● Wild swans and geese
● Hen Harrier
● Short-eared Owl
● Water Pipit
● Bearded Tit
SPRING/SUMMER
● Incoming migrants, including a chance of Garganey, Osprey and Nightingale