Kempton Nature Reserve (8 November 2025)

Twenty of us gathered for a walk at this disused reservoir now a nature reserve. 

We made the circular walk stopping at each of the three hides. It is always peaceful here and we enjoyed the autumn colours and some interesting fungi.  From the hides we were able to identify the ducks that were present. These included a number of Shoveler looking very smart in their beautiful plumage, along with Gadwall and our smallest duck, the Teal.  Although the water was quite low there were also diving duck, both Pochard and Tufted Duck, and a solitary Great Crested Grebe too. We stopped at the feeders in the reed beds which generally attract Reed Buntings but we had no luck with them, though some saw one elsewhere. In general, smaller birds were difficult to find though tit parties included Long Tailed. Some saw a Chiffchaff and we all heard the elusive Cetti’s Warbler, while a Great Spotted Woodpecker afforded reasonable views. Sadly, a distant raptor remained unidentified. 

by Diana Housley

Species: Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Common Gull, Coot, Cormorant, Dunnock, Feral Pigeon, Gadwall, Great Crested Grebe, Great Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, Jackdaw, Jay, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Pochard, Reed Bunting, Ring-necked Parakeet, Robin, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon.