It's carry on birding at Covenham Reservoir despite proximity to avian flu outbreak

 

Detail of the map indicating location of Covenham Reservoir 

A POPULAR site in Lincolnshire remains open for birders despite being close to a poultry farm where bird flu was identified on December 29.

At this time of year, Covenham Reservoir, between Cleethorpes and Louth, is home to at least seven duck species, with the chance of great northern diver and rarer grebes.

However, it is within a 3km avian flu control zone restricting access to certain 'premises' that lie within it.

The poultry farm has not been identified but is believed to be at Fulstow.

It seems that the reservoir is not deemed a 'premises' by Defra, so no limitations have been placed on access.

Anglian Water, which operates the reservoir, today stated: "There are no current access restrictions at Covenham Reservoir.

"However, we do, though, ask that if members of the public do see a dead or dying bird that they do not touch it and report it to us."

Meanwhile, it is understood that the birds at the poultry farm have now all been humanely culled.

                                                         

Not many birds when this snap was taken

But, before long, two pintail float into view