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Description
The attraction of this route is that it takes the visitor through several areas of varying habitats. These include mixed woodland, permanent pasture and arable farmland. The reservoir has two small inflow streams and these areas have willows and reed fringe banks. The main body of the reservoir is always worth checking, as is the rocky dam. Thornton Reservoir is a trout fishery, with both bank fishing and boat anglers. The season runs from February to November and this obviously causes some disturbance. The reservoir has also become very popular with walkers, dog walkers, joggers and cyclists. All these activities can impact on the birding experience and likely busy times are best avoided.
A short visit can be productive as most of the reservoir is viewable from the main car park. Common species of water birds can be seen, including geese, duck, and grebes. A longer visit, involving a walk around the reservoir can present a wide range of farm and woodland species. This makes Thornton a suitable site for the novice.
In winter with less disturbance from anglers a small gull roost can develop. All of the five common gull species can be seen and Mouette mélanocéphale is annual. Wildfowl numbers can be variable. In recent years flocks of Bernache du Canada and Oie cendrée have taken to grazing the surrounding pasture and resting on the reservoir. Bernache nonnette, Oie à bec court and Ouette d'Égypte have all been seen associating with these commoner species. Rarer ducks that are worth checking for include Garrot à oeil d'or, Fuligule milouinan, Harle piette and Harle bièvre. Alder trees are found at both inflows and these regularly have small flocks of Tarin des aulnes and Sizerin cabaret. Finch flocks have been increasing in recent years as stubble is often left until the spring. Although mainly Pinson des arbres, Bruant jaune and occasional Pinson du Nord are also seen.
Spring passage can produce some variety. Chevalier guignette are regular on the dam, and the pasture along the east bank is worth checking for Bergeronnette printanière, Traquet motteux and Merle à plastron. Two tern rafts were installed by LROS and Sterne pierregarin has bred. Both Sterne arctique and Guifette noire are seen on passage. Mouette pygmée and Mouette tridactyle can occasionally be encountered. In summer the common warblers breed, although Rousserolle effarvatte, Phragmite des joncs and Locustelle tachetée are now less frequent. Bergeronnette des ruisseaux is a regular breeder and family groups can be seen in the spillway. Common raptors such as Buse variable, Épervier d'Europe and Faucon crécerelle can give great views, and Faucon hobereau, Milan royal and Balbuzard pêcheur are now more regular.
Unless water levels are low there is little wader passage at Thornton. However, the dam is always worth checking and has yielded Avocette élégante, Bécassine sourde, Courlis corlieu and Bécasseau maubèche in recent years. Autumnal storms can deliver surprises, and Océanite culblanc, Fou de Bassan and Guifette leucoptère have been recorded. Râle d'eau is often encountered at the Markfield inflow and the single Marouette ponctuée record was in this area.
With past records of Blongios nain, Busard cendré, Sterne caspienne and Oedicnème criard, Thornton has produced some good county rarities. More recently Fuligule nyroca, Bihoreau gris, Harelde boréale, Héron garde-boeufs and Spatule blanche have been added. Grey-headed Wagtail, a Leicestershire first and Roselin cramoisi, a Leicestershire and Rutland first, have also been recorded.
Détails
Accès
Thornton Reservoir lies to the east of the village of Thornton. The main car park is located at SK470074. A gravel path allows visitors to walk around the reservoir, a distance of 2.7 miles. Click on the P in the map to get directions.