In addition to keeping an eye on Great Grey Shrike web reports within 'striking distance' of BBH, Lincoln, I've also watched out for Drake Smew (aka 'White Nun') reports. There has been an irregularly reported one at Barton/Far Ings but nothing else around in Lincs.
However, two drakes appeared on Pykett's Pond at Cotham, near Newark, Notts (just across the county border) on 24 December and one has been reported there on/off since, plus one has been appearing on Blott's Pit, Holme Pierrepont, near Nottingham also since 24 December. Both stakeouts are much closer to BBH than Barton, Lincs.
BirdGuides made up my mind for me this morning (Saturday) :
" 08.40 - Cotham, Notts : Drake Smew still on Pykett's Pond this morning."
I arrived at Pykett's Pond (in fact, a large lake) just after 12.00, following detailed location instructions from Lincs birders Terry and Eileen Corlett received a few days ago. From the Car Park behind a gate I followed a 'public' track going to the right of the Pond (in fact, I should have gone left
) and ended up walking right round the Pond before coming across the Smew within 100 yards or so of the Car Park 30 minutes later.
The bird showed very well at first, away from other waterfowl, and then started diving repeatedly. One couldn't help but admire the handsome bird in the limited sunshine that appeared. One female Goosander was also around. I was pleased to provide exact location details to arriving Notts birders Mark Stirling and Marie.
Blott's Pit (Holme Pierrepont, near Nottingham) is only 30 minutes' drive from Cotham and I arrived there c 1.30pm. I parked at the usual entrance almost opposite " Blott's Country Club" and made for the righthand side of the Pit to avoid having the sun in my eyes. It was a happy decision for within 10 minutes or so I had picked out the Drake Smew in the sheltered righthand bay where most of the waterfowl (mainly Wigeon, GC Grebe, Teal and Coot) had congregated. (= NW corner of the Pit).
Fortunately, the Smew wasn't diving; In fact, it stayed swimming around for 15 - 20 minutes before I noted its first dive. A kingfisher crossed the bay. The Smew was still showing well between dives when I left towards 2.30pm.
Over the years, I have had many dips when trying for drake Smew so today's luck in seeing TWO at different locations was a great way of finishing my 2011's birding trips.
Freddy
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