I’ve been meaning to plug Chasewater Wildlife Group again here for a while now; it’s been a while since I mentioned them last, and along with the excellent Chas Mason’s Clayhanger Marsh Log, their site is essential reading. It’s easy to forget with all the hubbub over the dam repairs going on, that there is still a wealth of wildlife to be seen at this highly important country park.

A clearly pleased with itself Tawny Owl, on 22nd August 2010, by Neil Stych.

There are all the usual sights one expects from the lake – huge roosts of gulls, rare and otherwise, a variety of geese, ducks and waterfowl, and an ever-changing cast of supporting parts including herons, dippers and waders. With the water draining away and vast expanses of mud and exposed bed, at times the site has taken on the character more usually associated with an estuary. On top of this, there are stunning field specimens around like Neil Stych’s wonderful Tawny Owl, photographed on the north heath on the 22nd August 2010.

Reed Bunting on 6th January 2010, photo by Neil Stych

The beauty of the Chasewater Wildlife Group site is that you don’t actually have to be up with the birds to catch sight of rarities, as photos and spotting records are posted daily in the diary. Together with sighting records, you’ll find loads of information about things to see and do, the history of this fantastic park and discussions about it’s past, present and future. Their page on the history of the notorious red deer population is fascinating.

Red Deer stag, 20th December 2009 by Neil Stych.

I wholly support the Chasewater Wildlife Group, and if you care about the wildlife and management of this hidden gem, please do go and take a look. You won’t regret it.

Willow Tit, 15th November 2009 by Neil Stych.

I thank the Chasewater Wildlife Group for allowing me to reproduce their excellent photos here. Cheers, lads…