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Blithfield Reservoir

Staffordshire  >  United Kingdom

This large reservoir in south Staffordshire is a popular stopover site for migrating Gjóður.

Added* by Jalal Khan
Most recent update 23 júlí 2022
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Description

Blithfield Reservoir is an 800-acre expanse of water near Rugeley in south Staffordshire. The size of the lake attracts a lot of waders, waterfowl and terns during migration and in winter. It's also known for being one of the best sites in the West Midlands, if not the best, for spotting Gjóður on migration. They can be seen during spring and autumn passage but they're more likely to stop over on the way back down from their breeding sites - the best time to see them is in July and August. They're best watched from the causeway as they move around the reservoir. Spring is the best time to see Kría passing through.

Tad Bay and Blithe Bay at the shallow north end of the reservoir are favoured by migrating waders such as Sanderla, Rauðbrystingur and Tildra, though they can show up by the causeway as well. In the surrounding woodland, farmland and reedbeds, many other species can be seen, including Garðaskotta, Akurhæna, Gultittlingur and Blæsöngvari. However, please note that access to the shoreline and woodland is only open to members of the West Midland Bird Club. Non-members can access the car parks, causeway and dam.

Some of the more outstanding records for this site include Norðsöngvari, Trjámáfur, Bláönd, Relluhegri, Skeggþerna and Fjallalævirki.

Details

Access

The B5013 is the road going through the middle of the reservoir. It can be accessed via the A51 through Rugeley or the A50/A518 through Uttoxeter. There are public car parks at either end of the causeway. Click on a P on the map to get directions.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Lake , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration , Spring migration

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road , Narrow trail , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Car , Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

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