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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 Lónamáfur is annual. Wildfowl numbers can be variable. In recent years flocks of Kanadagæs and Grágæs have taken to grazing the surrounding pasture and resting on the reservoir. Helsingi, Heiðagæs and Nílarönd have all been seen associating with these commoner species. Rarer ducks that are worth checking for include Hvinönd, Duggönd, Hvítönd and Gulönd. Alder trees are found at both inflows and these regularly have small flocks of Barrfinka and Birkifinka. Finch flocks have been increasing in recent years as stubble is often left until the spring. Although mainly Bókfinka, Gultittlingur and occasional Fjallafinka are also seen.
Spring passage can produce some variety. Lindastelkur are regular on the dam, and the pasture along the east bank is worth checking for Gulerla, Steindepill and Mánaþröstur. Two tern rafts were installed by LROS and Sílaþerna has bred. Both Kría and Kolþerna are seen on passage. Dvergmáfur and Rita can occasionally be encountered. In summer the common warblers breed, although Sefsöngvari, Síkjasöngvari and Engisöngvari are now less frequent. Straumerla is a regular breeder and family groups can be seen in the spillway. Common raptors such as Músvákur, Sparrhaukur and Turnfálki can give great views, and Gunnfálki, Svölugleða and Gjóður 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 Bjúgnefja, Dvergsnípa, Spói and Rauðbrystingur in recent years. Autumnal storms can deliver surprises, and Sjósvala, Súla and Tígulþerna have been recorded. Keldusvín is often encountered at the Markfield inflow and the single Dílarella record was in this area.
With past records of Rindilþvari, Gráheiðir, Ránþerna and Tríll, Thornton has produced some good county rarities. More recently Jarpönd, Nátthegri, Hávella, Kúhegri and Flatnefur have been added. Grey-headed Wagtail, a Leicestershire first and Rósafinka, a Leicestershire and Rutland first, have also been recorded.
Details
Access
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.