The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Dean Nicholson found a juv Great Northern Diver this afternoon on Apex Pit, one of the North Hykeham Pits complex. It was showing very well to around 100 yards at times and favoured the western end of this large waterbody.

This is only the second GND for the Whisby/N Hykeham Pits Recording Area. The first was back in January 1995 on the Whisby side at Thorpe Lake.

Regards

Grahame with Dean Nicholson and Andy Sims

January 1995. Was it really fifteen years ago. It seems just like yesterday

Still present noon Friday 12th. Found near the island near the boat club. Last seen heading towards the western (bypass) end of the lake. Diving extensively.

Nick

Encouraged by a 'Birdguides' report that the juv. GN Diver was still showing yesterday on the Apex GPs at North Hykeham (only 5 miles down the road from BBH ), I tracked the bird down this afternoon (MON) at the extreme WEST end of the Pits.
It showed very well during my visit from 3.45 - 5.00pm, generally in the area between two large floating yellow drums. It did a lot of preening and wing flapping which showed its white chin, neck and underparts well. A cracking bird and thanks due to Dean N. for locating it.

Regards,

Freddy

Hi

I'm still getting to know Lincs birding sites, can anyone enlighten me as to which one of the many pits at North Hykeham is the Apex one. Is it the one with the sailing club on?

Thanks

David

There are probably easier ways to get there but simply put Apex pit when travelling north to south down the Lincoln bypass is the last pit major pit (behind the small water skiing facility) on your left before you reach the Pennells Garden Centre Roundabout

Safest way to get there is to park at Whisby NR (£1 fee) and make your way to the railway line - follow the path along the railway line towards the bypass - pass under the bypass bridge and turn right a couple of hundred yards after the bridge - follow the path running adjacent to the bypass - cross a bridge across a dike and Apex pit is the large lake in front of you - good luck

Hi David,
.......and it is the Pit with the (Hykeham ) Sailing Club on. The two large floating yellow drums I mentioned in my post are at the extreme western end of the Pit, about 200m or so before reaching the Sailing Club when approaching from Whisby NR.

Regards,

Freddy

Thanks Chaps, I'll probably park at the Sailing Club. I know the lake well having sailed every inch of it.

Regards

David

Hi David,
I think you will find that there is now a locked gate at the entrance( behind the"Fox and Hounds") to the Sailing Club with only club members having a key/combination numbers .......no problem if you are still a member, of course.

Regards,

Freddy

Thanks Freddy, I have a key.

David

Heartening news from 'Birdguides' :

"Great-northern Diver - Apex GPs, LINCS. 15.00 today (Thursday 18 March)
.....showing well in front of the Sailing Club this afternoon."

Regards,

Freddy