A very special guest

A very special guest has been present at Swithland reservoir from Saturday October 16.

A delightful juvenile Glossy Ibis has pitched up at the reservoir. The bird has been enchanting birdwatchers with often very close views from the dam as it probes the shallow water for insects and frogs. With its downcurved bill and iridescent brown and green plumage the bird has a prehistoric look about it, as if it belongs in a different era of time. Primarily a bird of Southern Europe, our visitor has invariably been blown off course. The bird is feeding avidly, and may well hang around for a considerable length of time.

Swithland reservoir is no stranger to rare birds, the most famous of which occurred on April 17 1999. For on this date in time a Crag Martin was found with a flock of Sand Martins by that great ornithologist, Mr Steve Lister. Word spread on the grapevine and Kinchley Lane was soon rammed with up to 500 cars, creating chaotic scenes at the beauty spot. Sky News even turned up with their cameras to interview Steve. Unfortunately, the bird didn’t hang around very long and was gone by the end of the day.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my respect for Steve. This man is undoubtedly one of the best birders out there. Steve, a fellow Loughborough man, and former county recorder of birds for Leicestershire, has accrued tremendous knowledge of birds. He is held in very high regard by the birding community.

Another rarity at the reservoir in more recent times was the appearance of a juvenile Black-throated Diver over the Christmas period of 2013. I remember seeing the bird on the Boxing Day. It showed to within 50 yards of the dam at times. Divers or Loons as they are often known as are compelling viewing. Clumsy and ungainly on land they are the total opposite on the water. On the surface they prowl with rigorous intent, underwater they ruthlessly seek out their prey. The Black-throated Diver breeds in Scotland, the adult bird in full summer plumage is a joy to behold with its intricate black and white markings.

A bird that is present at the reservoir all year is the amazing Peregrine Falcon. They breed at the nearby quarry and can often be seen perched on the tall Oak tree adjacent to the water. This stunning raptor is a stupendous flier which is revered for its infamous ‘stoop’. Speeds of over 200 mph have been recorded as the bird dives downward from a tremendous height to take out a Pigeon or even a large Goose.

Swithland reservoir is a peaceful sanctuary for the jaded. Its character is soothing to the soul.

Richard Carl Nielsen, Loughborough