It was a little bit late but it was the first chance I've had to carry out my BTO WeBS count at Nythe Pool, and in some ways I'm glad it was, as I probably wouldn't have come across what smelt diesel in the water course. From the pool and 200 metres upstream of the Dorcan stream to the sub-station, there was definitely a discharge of some type of fuel in the water. The stream is quite high after recent rains and it's possible it is high water mixing with fuel residue thrown onto the bank. However whatever it was, it was pretty strong and the surface water was a typical rainbow colour when oils sit on the surface. The good news is both the Fire Service and Environment Agency are looking into it. Hopefully by Monday it will all be clear.
The discolouration on the water surface is very evident by the Electric Board's Sub-station and the smell of what to me smelt like diesel was very strong.
Further downstream Nythe Pool receives the pollutants from upstream
It does make you wonder how these little back waters survive.
On a happier note I managed one more species than did on my last WeBS count, with a very busy Grey Heron that was patrolling most of the pool, along with the resident pair of Moorhens.
A Grey Heron patrolling the reedbeds at Nythe Pool
Further along Dorcan stream I carried along to Shaftesbury pool and came across a lot of
Mallard, a few
Tufted Duck and just over 20
Canada Geese. Along the banks there were a few
Moorhen, a pair of
Coot, the resident
Swans (that know a meal when they see one) and several
Black-headed Gulls.
A female Tufted Duck on the pool at Shaftesbury Avenue
Coming through, there's no stopping this
Mute Swan and his mate as the offer of free food is on hand from a passer by. Notice the
ducks all lining up behind, they weren't far behind the Swans.
Having circumnavigated Shaftesbury Avenue pool and heard a Kingfisher a little further upstream towards Coate Water, I headed back to Nythe pool, where the Grey Heron had moved up to the waterfall. Also here were a few Goldcrests, Blue Tits and Great Tits. There were also two or three Blackbirds feeding on the Hawthorns and every walk should finish with a Robin watching you leave.
Later the Grey Heron turned up by the waterfall just as the sun came out.
Motionless and very patient, the Grey Heron waits for an unsuspecting prey.
One of a few Blackbirds seen on my walk today
And one of the overwintering Robin keeps a watchful eye on me as I leave the pool.
Birds Recorded: 1
Grey Heron, 2
Mute Swan, 20+
Canada Goose, 40+
Mallard, 6
Tufted Duck, 7
Moorhen, 4
Coot, 12+
Black-headed Gulls,
Wood Pigeon, 1
Kingfisher,
Pied Wagtail,
Grey Wagtail,
Dunnock,
Robin,
Blackbird, 1
Mistle Thrush,
Goldcrest,
Long-tailed Tit,
Great Tit,
Blue Tit,
Wren,
Magpie,
Rook,
Carrion Crow,
Starling,
House Sparrow,
Chaffinch and
Goldfinch.
