Maple Lodge Nature Reserve

A late afternoon visit began at the Rotunda Hide where a very obliging Water Rail fed among the reeds close to the hide. Out on the water four Common Teal fed in the shallows while overhead a single Red Kite passed by. From the Shell Hide two Little Grebe and an adult and juvenile Great Crested Grebe were noted before I headed off home. I bumped into one of our members during my visit who informed me of an Osprey that had been seen early afternoon at Broadwater Gravel Pit. Hopefully the bird will remain in the area and maybe visit the reserve. 

                                                            Water Rail Rallus aquaticus.