Grey Phalarope at Roadford Lake

Over the past few weeks Roadford Lake, near Launceston has played host to a rare avian visitor, a Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius).

Presumably blown off course during the recent high winds the bird has been happily sheltering and foraging around various inlets on the Western side of the reservoir.

According to the RSPB these Arctic-breeding waders spend a large proportion of their lives out at sea, many miles from land. Birds that turn up in the UK, largely around the coast but occasionally at wetlands inland, have been blown off-course by bad weather having had little or no interaction with humans.

This particular individual seemed very unconcerned with the presence of the many birdwatchers and photographers that came specifically to view this welcome visitor. Roadford Warden Paul Lott spent some time with local photographer, Adrian Davey, watching this enchanting bird pluck insects from the surface of the lake and invertebrates from the waters edge.

Paul said: "I was amazed at how close it came, perhaps 3 metres from us and seemed totally unfazed by our presence. It was an absolute pleasure to watch this bird's behaviour and I was reliably told that you will be lucky to have a more intimate encounter with this species."

More for information about the bird life at Roadford or about the conservation activities which take place please contact Paul Lott by emailing plott@swlakestrust.org.uk