LEICESTERSHIRE CROPSTON RESERVOIR
Gulls, grebes and possible passage birds at a scenic spot
Located next to Bradgate Park, a beauty spot hugely popular with walkers, cyclists and families, Cropston Reservoir hasn’t always received the same coverage as other local bodies of water; but it can attract excellent birds, especially on passage, and is easily watched. Bradgate deserves its own site guide (and that’s just what you’ll get later in the year), but you’ll need to go into it anyway to get best views of the whole reservoir.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
There’s a pull-in on the dam, for up to three cars, from where you can view much of the water – expect Great Crested Grebes, Tufted Ducks, Cormorants, commoner ducks, and occasional scarcities in winter – Red-necked Grebe was one this winter. Check the railings of the outlet tower for gulls, and terns in season, and in early May, look for Black Terns hawking insects out over the water. 2
The outflow area is worth checking for Pied and Grey Wagtails, and the occasional passage Common Sandpiper – look carefully along the dam for these species, too. Just beyond the outflow, a small beach is sometimes exposed – check it for waders, although Grey Herons and Little Egrets are more likely. 3
The little patch of woodland on the other side of the road usually harbours the likes of Chiffchaff and Blackcap in spring, but also check the tops of the conifers for the likes of Crossbill.
4
Bradgate Park gets very busy, but on an early morning visit in spring, check for Wheatear, while Redstarts also pass through. Look overhead for Buzzard and for Raven.
5 The viewing screen at the café overlooks an area favoured by herons and egrets, and where low water levels sometimes expose enough mud to attract passage waders, such as Greenshank, godwits, Lapwings and others.