BROOKVALE LAKE
A quick stop-off point with easy birding
This former drinking water reservoir offers an easy walk with a reasonable selection of winter ducks. It’s easily reached from Spaghetti Junction ( honestly!), if you are travelling along the M6 and fancy a break. Although surrounded by houses, the lake can boast a few surprises. The county’s first and only record of Ring-necked Duck, a superb drake, turned up here in 2001 and was present for two days. A Firecrest has also been recorded, along with passage Black and Arctic Terns over the years.
PETE HACKETT
WHERE TO WATCH
1 After parking along George Road scan the more open water for gulls – Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed are sometimes joined by Common Gulls. Great Crested Grebes are ever present, while several Little Grebes stick close to the lake edges. Good numbers of Tufted Duck, Mallard and Coot throng the water, being joined on occasion by Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon, Gadwall, Pochard and Goosander. Garganey have been seen a couple of times in spring.
2 The island is notable for its Cormorant population, which is more or less resident and they may have attempted to breed, although at times over the years they have not proved popular with the local fishermen and have been discouraged. Mandarins turn up from time to time, so it is well worth scanning under the many willows. Grey Herons are also present and Little Egrets have also been seen. Look for the flash of blue of a Kingfisher.
3 The north-west end brook is worth checking for Grey Wagtail, Song Thrush, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Ringnecked Parakeets are expanding in the region and overfly from time to time. The large sculpture at the end of the lake is known as The Dove of Peace.