View from public footpathUTTOXETER QUARRY
Following on from the rather disappointing, if not quite shattering Apedale Country Park experience, visit to Chasewater, Fay and I decided to try our luck at what for us was new Staffordshire birding site, Uttoxeter Quarry. I’d come across this via Richard Powell’s “Local Birding for Local People.”
As all too often seems the case when we attempt to follow directions given within the pasges of Where to Watch Birds in the West Midlands, we became somewhat geographically disorientated. In the end, having gone round the island twice, we took the bull by the horns and simply drove into the nearby Works Office and asked. The two men in the office initially appeared rather reluctant, hesitant but when I pulled the old trick of pleading that we had come all the way from Brisbane, Queensland, they mellowed in attitude, pulled down a large map of the area from the wall and gave us directions on how to proceed. Further, the more dominant of the pair contacted someone on his mobile telephone and soon secured permission for us to park in a gateway [unmistakable by the concrete trough placed crosswise].
On leaving the office I noticed a large, colourful plan of what appeared to be an impressive wetlands setting. The men explained that this was the company’s exit proposal once the quarry ceased to function.
We couldn't stay long - yet another date with more of Fay's innumerable cousins- but the Gadwall was both a new Trip and Staffordshire List entrant. Thanks Richard!
TODAY’S TALLY:
| Common Wood Pigeon | Common Magpie |
| Lesser Black-backed Gull | Great Black-backed Gull |
| Mallard | Common Coot |
| Great Grested Grebe | Tufted Duck |
| Mute Swan | Carrion Crow |
| European Robin | Canada Goose |
| Pied Wagtail | Rook |
| Barn Swallow | Gadwall |
| Northern Lapwing | Greylag Goose |
| Barnacle Goose | Grey Heron |
Trip List: 92 Staffordshire List: 58
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