It is fairly uncommon for Goosander to roost overnight at Watergrove. On 21st December 10 Goosander were present at 16:35 hrs, increasing to 18 on 23rd at 16:20 hrs. Today when the mist finally lifted there were 32 on the reservoir at 15:15 hrs, increasing to 35 by 16:20 hrs. This is the highest count here since Dec 1997. These birds are almost certainly from the Ashworth Moor Roost, where only 40 were present this evening, compared to the usual Dec figure of 70 to 80. This prolonged spell of high pressure with no wind has meant the windsurfers have been unable to get out onto Watergrove.
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The Watergrove Skyline (January 2010) - before desecration.