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Description
Staunton Harold Reservoir is one of those reservoirs where you can just do a quick 1 hour visit, to a full days birdwatching. A car is essential for this large site due to multiple start points and because some birds may be at distance a telescope is also essential.
(*1) (press STAR on map), the large car park (fee payable) near the reservoir dam (NOTE it is no longer permissible to walk on top of the dam - Police will be called if you do so) is one of the best places to see Pilfink, along with Bokfink, Stillits, Blåmeis, Kjøttmeis, Svartmeis and Spettmeis. On the water expect to see Toppdykker, Dvergdykker, Sothøne, Sivhøne, Storskarv. Stokkand, Toppand, Brunnakke and Krikkand can sometimes be seen here but they sometimes favour quieter parts of the reservoir.
(*2), Ticknall Arm, Gråtrost and Rødvingetrost can be found in trees and grass areas near footpaths and car park (free) here. On the water Krikkand and Brunnakke favour this area, in recent times a Islom was found here as well.
(*3), Calke Car Park (free) Area. Another place to see Pilfink, with Gulspurv, Svartmeis, Blåmeis, Kjøttmeis, Bokfink and Stillits. On the shoreline is a bird hide (facing North), a walk further West takes you over a boardwalk, look out overhead for Musvåk, Spurvehauk and Tårnfalk in this area.
(*4), Dimminsdale Area. Walk to the bridge from the nearby car park (free), from the bridge parapet look for Toppand, Krikkand and Brunnakke often gather here, look through flocks carefully a Ringand was seen here recently. Also Gråhegre and Silkehegre are often seen in this area.
Details
Access
South of the City of Derby the Derby Southern Bypass runs East to West. Leave this road at Junction 3 onto Bonnie Prince Roundabout, take exit signed Swadlincote/Melbourne A514, continue on A514. The road eventually becomes B587 in Stanton By Bridge, continue on B587, at next junction turn Left signed Coleorton/Ashby/Staunton Harold Reservoir. At next junction turn Right signed Coleorton/Ashby/Staunton Harold Reservoir, continue and turn Right at Staunton Harold Reservoir (brown sign) into Calke Road. This road leads to large National Trust Car Park (fee payable).