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 Ψαραετός 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 Χιονογλάρονο passing through.
Tad Bay and Blithe Bay at the shallow north end of the reservoir are favoured by migrating waders such as Λευκοσκαλίδρα, Κοκκινοσκαλίδρα and Χαλικοκυλιστής, though they can show up by the causeway as well. In the surrounding woodland, farmland and reedbeds, many other species can be seen, including (Κοινός) Φοινίκουρος, Καμπίσια Πέρδικα, Χρυσοτσίχλονο and (Ευρωπαϊκό) Ψευταηδόνι. 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 Χιονοφυλλοσκόπος, Bonaparte's Gull, Αμερικάνικη Σαρσέλα, (Ξανθός) Κρυπτοτσικνιάς, Μουστακογλάρονο and Χιονάδα.
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.