sailing pit

predictably there have been no year list additions in the first nine days of February; the Smew has returned but without any Shags;

shown here is the sailing pit the largest of the clay pits and with most deep water; it has attracted a few divers and grebes over the years but it used to be quiet in the winter with sailing finishing in September until spring; now though windsurfing and sailing continue all year round and so disturbance is a major factor---the Red-throated Diver spends a lot of time on here but often flies off when chased by windsurfers; likewise the two Long-tailed Ducks do a lot of flying around when activity levels are high;

also shown here is the White-winged Black Tern which spent a lot of time during its stay on sailing pit in May 2005