Tucklesholme Nature Reserve

Tucklesholme Nature Reserve is a relatively new reserve. The former gravel pit was acquired by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and first opened in 2019. The area has already proved productive for birds with both Correlimos Pectoral and Correlimos de Temminck being found shortly after it's opening. BE AWARE with the River Trent running alongside the reserve the site is prone to flooding following periods of prolonged rain.

(*1) (press STAR on map). From the car park take the footpath on the Left the open areas, trees and hedges here have Zorzal Alirrojo and Zorzal Real in Winter. Pico Picapinos are also regular here, with Mosquitero Común and the occasional Mosquitero Musical especially in Spring.

Continue along this path to a viewing screen (*2) overlooking the largest lake, depending on season Cerceta Común are regular here with Ánade azulón, Silbón Europeo, Ánade friso, Cuchara Común and Gallineta Común, sometimes in smaller numbers. Passage birds, sometimes staying for longer periods, include Andarríos Chico, Chorlitejo Grande, Chorlitejo Chico, Correlimos Común and Aguja Colinegra are regular especially in Autumn when water levels drop. More common are Ostrero Euroasiático, Archibebe Común and Avefría Europea.

Continue on the footpath that runs near the railway line (*3), the smaller lakes here have Carricerín Común and Carricero Común. Gallineta Común and Zampullín Común are regularly seen and Cetia Ruiseñor (more often heard than seen of course) can also be found here.

(*4). Look for Busardo ratonero overhead, Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental are occasionally seen and later in the year Garceta Grande seem to favour this end of the reserve.

(*5). Trees and bushes around here have Pardillo Común sometimes in quite large numbers, on passage Curruca Zarcera, Tarabilla común and Tarabilla Norteña can be expected, in more open areas Alondra Común and Cernícalo vulgar are regularly seen and in the morning and evenings Lechuza Común are occasionally seen hunting.

On the way back to the car park (*6) check the large lake one last time, Serreta Grande and Porrón Osculado can sometimes be seen. Along with the resident Somormujo Lavanco, Zampullín Común, Porrón Moñudo and Focha Común . Andarríos Grande, Agachadiza común, Agachadiza Chica are regularly seen mostly later in the year. Both Gaviota Cana and Charrán Común are occasional visitors in Spring.