SADDINGTON RESERVOIR
Make your own discoveries at this secluded spot
This canal-feeder reservoir, tucked away in the rolling countryside between Leicester and Market Harborough, is probably rather under-watched compared to larger and better-known sites such as Pitsford Reservoir, Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland Water, and Stanford Reservoir. Its great attraction is that it’s quiet, so you can find your own birds, and relatively quick and easy to cover.
WHERE TO WATCH 1
Walk up the steps from the parking spots, and you’ve got a good view over most of the lake. Common waterbirds such as Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Moorhen are a given, with Great Crested and Little Grebes also likely. In winter, expect plenty of Wigeon, a few Teal, and good numbers of Goosanders are pretty regular (Red-breasted Merganser has also been recorded). Bewick’s Swan has also dropped in, plus Great Northern Diver. Ospreys are fairly regular in spring and summer.
2
Walk along the lane, checking the hedgerows for the commoner tits and finches, and the commoner warblers such as Chiffchaff and Blackcap in spring and summer. Bullfinches are often present. Overhead, expect to see Kestrel, Buzzard and the odd Red Kite, plus possible Sparrowhawk. The fields to the east of the road sometimes have geese grazing them – Canadas predominate, but double-check in winter.
3
The shallower, reedier parts of the reservoir are worth checking for Grey Heron and egrets, plus loafing gulls, Lapwings, and occasional drop-in waders such as Wood Sandpiper.
4
A footpath leads down through a boggy area along the stream. In winter, expect Snipe and possible Jack Snipe, plus roving passerine flocks, especially Redwing and Fieldfare. Linnets are sometimes present in good numbers too.