ALBERT VILLAGE LAKE
Waterbirds and gulls at a former opencast mine
One of a number of former opencast mining sites in what is now the heart of the National Forest, Albert Village Lake is well used but probably underwatched. While most of its resident birds are relatively unexceptional, it has attracted scarcer gulls in the past, and its position close to the Trent Valley means that all sorts of things can turn up during migration periods.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
The path from the car park goes through relatively newlyplanted woodland – look for Siskins and redpolls here in autumn and winter, as well as mixed flocks of the commoner finches, plus Great, Blue, Coal and Long-tailed Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Nuthatch.
2
Check the more open areas for Fieldfare and Redwing in winter, and species such as Wheatear, Whinchat and Ring Ouzel on passage. Stonechats are also sometimes present, and Kestrel and Buzzard are likely at all times. Short-eared and Barn Owls are possible in winter.
3
The lake itself holds the bulk of the interest – check the gulls carefully, as Mediterraneans have appeared regularly, and the likes of Kittiwake, Yellow-legged, Caspian, Glaucous and Iceland have all been recorded. Wigeon and Pochard are usually present in good numbers in winter, and Great Crested and Little Grebes year-round. Common Terns arrive in spring, with Black Terns sometimes passing through. The shores rarely attract many waders, other than Oystercatcher and Lapwing on the island, and Common Sandpipers on passage, but the likes of Black-necked Grebe have been recorded on passage.