So I ended up with a window of opportunity on Sunday morning which, finally, enabled a run to Ripley Farm Reservoir for the fortunately long-staying Killdeer.
An easy journey down, apart from incessant 50mph on the M27 (nothing's changed there then), easy parking in the nearby lay-by and a five minute cycle down the farm track to the reservoir found just two birders present. Handily one had a JWT-style Swarowski and picked up the bird roosting with Lapwings in a gully on the far side-sir, i am indebted to you for the look in the scope of revelation. Later, the bird fluffed itself a bit displaying a beautiful orange rump of the colour only nature can produce, lush.
As the gloomy day brightened decent views were had but photography was a bit difficult due to distance-not sure what type of camera you would need but I don't have one, see below...
Also present, six Egyptian Geese, Teal, Mallards, a flyover White-tailed Eagle and some pigs opposite. Respect to the farmer for not getting arsey about the birders, chapeau.
Didn't bother with the Grackle on the way back but did pop into the Hayling Island oysterbeds but there wasn't a lot happening other than a Goldeneye and a few Great Northern Divers, no sign of the SCaup for me but it was low water so I could have easily missed it.
Glad I went, a decent morning out.
Killdeer:
