Our visit to LRWT’s Cossington Meadows reserve started off in bright sunshine as we made our way along by the River Soar where several Migrant Hawker were busy. In drought conditions that was no surprise the pools there were devoid of any water. However, several Pied Wagtail were enjoying the mud there. Not much further along the path we took shelter as a heavy shower passed by (pic below). Continuing we reached Hobley Lake where, despite a herd of cows obscuring our view, a Common Sandpiper (pic above) was spotted creeping along the shore. Behind us many Swallow were swooping low over the meadow. Making our way to Tern Pool for a coffee break we were rewarded with views of Little Egret, Great White Egret, Grey Heron, a Great Crested Grebe with two large chicks, Lapwing a plenty, Black-headed Gull, a solitary Lesser Black-backed Gull, Gadwall and a Ringed Plover. Moving on we disturbed a Green Woodpecker on the path and then just as we approached our cars a first raptor high in the sky was seen – a Buzzard. We stopped off at Buttercups Tea Rooms on our way home and enjoyed a bite to eat, a drink and viewing some animal friends! (pic below)
Bruce White
