Smew at Stocker’s Lake - December 2022 © Dave Watson
A rare and attractive visitor, the Smew, which was last seen on the lake in early December, has recently returned. At time of writing sightings have been reported on the last three consecutive days - February 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
The Smew is a small, attractive, diving duck which is a rare winter visitor to the UK. In a normal year only between 100 and 200 birds are reported nationally and before December it had been several years since one was last recorded at the lake. So this is exciting news which is attracting a number of birdwatchers hoping for a glimpse.
A Smew was also reported daily in December between 4th and 9th. But then a very cold spell of weather led to the lake becoming completely frozen over and this forced many of our visiting wildfowl, including the Smew, to move on for a while..
Reports this month indicate that the bird, a drake, is present again but currently mobile around the lake and proving elusive at times. On different days he has been seen from the paths on both the north and south sides of the lake as well as from Shoveler Hide.
To keep up to date with latest news of sightings, not only of the Smew but also of other birds currently being seen at the reserve, please monitor our sightings page.