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Descrizione
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 Gabbiano corallino is annual. Wildfowl numbers can be variable. In recent years flocks of Oca canadese and Oca selvatica have taken to grazing the surrounding pasture and resting on the reservoir. Oca facciabianca, Oca zamperosee and Oca egiziana have all been seen associating with these commoner species. Rarer ducks that are worth checking for include Quattrocchi, Moretta grigia, Pesciaiola and Smergo maggiore. Alder trees are found at both inflows and these regularly have small flocks of Lucherino and Organetto minore. Finch flocks have been increasing in recent years as stubble is often left until the spring. Although mainly Fringuello, Zigolo giallo and occasional Peppola are also seen.
Spring passage can produce some variety. Piro piro piccolo are regular on the dam, and the pasture along the east bank is worth checking for Cutrettola, Culbianco and Merlo dal collare. Two tern rafts were installed by LROS and Sterna comune has bred. Both Sterna codalunga and Mignattino comune are seen on passage. Gabbianello and Gabbiano tridattilo can occasionally be encountered. In summer the common warblers breed, although Cannaiola, Forapaglie comune and Forapaglie macchiettato are now less frequent. Ballerina gialla is a regular breeder and family groups can be seen in the spillway. Common raptors such as Poiana, Sparviere and Gheppio can give great views, and Lodolaio, Nibbio reale and Falco pescatore 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 Avocetta, Frullino, Chiurlo piccolo and Piovanello maggiore in recent years. Autumnal storms can deliver surprises, and Uccello delle tempeste codaforcuta, Sula and Mignattino alibianche have been recorded. Porciglione is often encountered at the Markfield inflow and the single Voltolino record was in this area.
With past records of Tarabusino, Albanella minore, Sterna maggiore and Occhione, Thornton has produced some good county rarities. More recently Moretta tabaccata, Nitticora, Moretta codona, Airone guardabuoi and Spatola have been added. Grey-headed Wagtail, a Leicestershire first and Ciuffolotto scarlatto, a Leicestershire and Rutland first, have also been recorded.
Dettagli
Accesso
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.