Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Mandarin, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, Swallow, 2 Chiff Chaff and 3+ Reed Bunting.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: 2 Ruff.
Derbyshire: Willington GP's: Little Egret, Mandarin, Great Black-backed Gull, 5 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin and 7 Chiff Chaff.
Derbyshire: Pride Park: 25 Sand Martin.
Derbyshire: Newton Solney: 30 Mute Swans, Mandarin, 23 Tufted Duck, 4 Goosander, Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Stock Dove, 9 Sand Martin, 3 Housemartin, Chiff Chaff.
Derbyshire: Middleton Moor: Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, 40 Meadow Pipit, 235 Fieldfare, Raven.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Wigeon, 4 Mandarin, 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 10 Sand Martins, 3 Swallows and 2 House Martins.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank still on theWest Lake.
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Friday, 30 March 2012
Latest Sightings 30/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, Cormorant, Little Grebe, 30 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Oystercatchers, 5+ Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, Raven.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 2 Greylag Geese, Swallow, 5 Buzzard, 2 Raven and Little Ringed Plover.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Wigeon, 49 Tufted Duck, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 4+ Blackcaps and a Willow Warbler.
Notts: Kilvington Lake: Spotted Redshank still on the West Lake.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Jack Snipe in Blithe Bay, also a Swallow (permit only).
Staffs: Hales: Drake Green Winged Teal on pond by Coal Brook at c.SJ711332 park at church at hales and walk southwest to Coal Brook, please view only from footpaths.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 10 Sand Martin, 4 Blackcap, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, Curlew, 4 Oystercatchers, 29 Snipe, 13 Shelduck, 18 Wigeon. 127 Fieldfare flew north.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 2 Greylag Geese, Swallow, 5 Buzzard, 2 Raven and Little Ringed Plover.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Wigeon, 49 Tufted Duck, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 4+ Blackcaps and a Willow Warbler.
Notts: Kilvington Lake: Spotted Redshank still on the West Lake.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Jack Snipe in Blithe Bay, also a Swallow (permit only).
Staffs: Hales: Drake Green Winged Teal on pond by Coal Brook at c.SJ711332 park at church at hales and walk southwest to Coal Brook, please view only from footpaths.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 10 Sand Martin, 4 Blackcap, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, Curlew, 4 Oystercatchers, 29 Snipe, 13 Shelduck, 18 Wigeon. 127 Fieldfare flew north.
A few migrants
Slowly but surely some Spring migrants are starting to trickle in here in Derbyshire, although not in any great numbers. Myself and several other birders have all but come to the same conclusion that due to the high pressure we are experiencing a lot of migrants are going straight through to their breeding grounds. I recall a similar thing this time last year. Although it wasn't as warm as it has been this year we were still seeing very little in the way of migrants due to high pressure.
Something else I recall from last year was a Derbyshire ringer commenting that where normally they would be catching and ringing good numbers of Meadow Pipits, they were in fact catching very few, because....yes you've guessed it, they were more than likely flying at height straight to their breeding grounds.
I got off to a good start this year with Sand Martins, with 15 at one reserve on March 15th and then 8 somewhere else later that day. But only 2 more since. I've had 2 Swallows in the past week. Got my first Blackcap of the year on Wednesday, in fact I had 6. And Chiff Chaffs now seem to be everywhere though I guess a lot of the last 2 species could be over wintering birds.
Wheatear seem a bit thin on the ground too. Had 2 the week before last but none since. The highlight so far is without doubt the Osprey that I had down my local patch yesterday. The last record down Wyver was also mine back in 2009 and was then my first Osprey in the county. I have now had well into double figures sightings in Derbyshire since then. A brief visit to Carsington today gave us our first Little Ringed Plover of the year.
So I await the next flurry of migrants with much anticipation.
Something else I recall from last year was a Derbyshire ringer commenting that where normally they would be catching and ringing good numbers of Meadow Pipits, they were in fact catching very few, because....yes you've guessed it, they were more than likely flying at height straight to their breeding grounds.
I got off to a good start this year with Sand Martins, with 15 at one reserve on March 15th and then 8 somewhere else later that day. But only 2 more since. I've had 2 Swallows in the past week. Got my first Blackcap of the year on Wednesday, in fact I had 6. And Chiff Chaffs now seem to be everywhere though I guess a lot of the last 2 species could be over wintering birds.
Wheatear seem a bit thin on the ground too. Had 2 the week before last but none since. The highlight so far is without doubt the Osprey that I had down my local patch yesterday. The last record down Wyver was also mine back in 2009 and was then my first Osprey in the county. I have now had well into double figures sightings in Derbyshire since then. A brief visit to Carsington today gave us our first Little Ringed Plover of the year.
So I await the next flurry of migrants with much anticipation.
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Latest Sightings 29/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: OSPREY flew North at 11.15. Also 2 Mute Swans, Little Grebe, 29 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 15 Teal, 6 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, 3 Chiff Chaff, Blackcap and 3 Reed Buntings.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: OSPREY present 10.20-10.25, caught a fish and flew NE, also 3 Crossbills, Mandarin, 2 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 3 Oystercatchers and a Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Highgate Common: OSPREY over flew North.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank on West Lake.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: OSPREY present 10.20-10.25, caught a fish and flew NE, also 3 Crossbills, Mandarin, 2 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 3 Oystercatchers and a Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Highgate Common: OSPREY over flew North.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank on West Lake.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Latest Sightings 28/03/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 2 Grey Heron, 19 Barnacle Geese, 4 Shoveler, Goldeneye, 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 8 Redshank, 4 Ruff, 7 Meadow Pipits, 16 Chiff Chaff, 6 Blackcaps and 2 Raven.
Derbyshire: Cromford: Report of a Common Crane over early morning.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 4 Mandarin, 2 Wigeon, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Snipe, Green Woodpecker and a Blackcap.
Derbyshire: Shuttlewood: SK4672: White Stork in field for 20 mins.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: 4 Little Gull on Tiln North New Restoration late afternoon. 5 on Neatholme Scrape later in the day.
Leics: Rutland Water: Spotted Redshank still on Lagonn IV.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Scaup still today.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, Curlew, 5 Oystercatchers, 13 Shelduck, 20 Shoveler, 14 Chiff Chaff and 2 Blackcap.
Derbyshire: Cromford: Report of a Common Crane over early morning.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 4 Mandarin, 2 Wigeon, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Snipe, Green Woodpecker and a Blackcap.
Derbyshire: Shuttlewood: SK4672: White Stork in field for 20 mins.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: 4 Little Gull on Tiln North New Restoration late afternoon. 5 on Neatholme Scrape later in the day.
Leics: Rutland Water: Spotted Redshank still on Lagonn IV.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Scaup still today.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, Curlew, 5 Oystercatchers, 13 Shelduck, 20 Shoveler, 14 Chiff Chaff and 2 Blackcap.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Latest Sightings 27/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: Cormorant, 2 Mute Swans, 38 Greylag Geese, c30 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 3 Mandarin, 2 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 12 Teal, 2 Goosanders, Little Grebe, 2 Oystercatchers, Swallow and 32 Fieldfare.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Shelduck, Black-tailed Godwit and a Blackcap.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 26 Greylag Geese, 2 Mandarin, 15 Teal, 38 Tufted Duck, 7 Goldeneye, 3 Oystercatchers, 7 Snipe, Curlew, Blackcap and 19+ Chiff Chaffs.
Dovedale: Report of a Rough-legged Buzzard.
White Stork: Late yesterday afternoon-26th Mar-it flew over Clowne/Barlborough and re-appeared this morning-27th Mar-circling over Carr Vale DWT Reserve at 11.42 a.m. At 12.25.p.m. it was seen circling over the car park at Pleasley Pit Country Park. It is thought to be the same bird that was over Bellmoor (Idle Valley NR) near Retford last Friday 23rd March.
Leics: Cropston Reservoir: 3 Little Gulls this morning, also 4 Mandarin.
Leics: Plungar: Great Grey Shrike still between the Barkestone and Plungar turns off Long Lane this morning
SK785337
Leics: Rutland Water: Spotted Redshank on Lagoon IV, also Short-eared Owl from Harrier Hide.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Shelduck, Black-tailed Godwit and a Blackcap.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 26 Greylag Geese, 2 Mandarin, 15 Teal, 38 Tufted Duck, 7 Goldeneye, 3 Oystercatchers, 7 Snipe, Curlew, Blackcap and 19+ Chiff Chaffs.
Dovedale: Report of a Rough-legged Buzzard.
White Stork: Late yesterday afternoon-26th Mar-it flew over Clowne/Barlborough and re-appeared this morning-27th Mar-circling over Carr Vale DWT Reserve at 11.42 a.m. At 12.25.p.m. it was seen circling over the car park at Pleasley Pit Country Park. It is thought to be the same bird that was over Bellmoor (Idle Valley NR) near Retford last Friday 23rd March.
Leics: Cropston Reservoir: 3 Little Gulls this morning, also 4 Mandarin.
Leics: Plungar: Great Grey Shrike still between the Barkestone and Plungar turns off Long Lane this morning
SK785337
Leics: Rutland Water: Spotted Redshank on Lagoon IV, also Short-eared Owl from Harrier Hide.
Monday, 26 March 2012
Latest Sightings 26/03/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 5 Shoveler, Black-tailed Godwit at Sheepwash.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Mute Swan, 17 Greylag Geese, 2 Wigeon, drake Shoveler, 7 Goldeneye, female Pochard, Peregrine, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Blackcap and a Swallow.
Derbyshire: Shuttlewood: White Stork in fields 08.00 to 10.00 then flew WNW.
Derbyshire: Carr Vale NR: White Stork flew south, earlier it flew over Netherthorpe at 11.20.
Staffs: Chasewater: Male Ring Ouzel at Norton Bog, no sign pm.
Sttaafs: Doxey Marshes: Water Pipit still near the willows interpretation board, also Ruff stll on scrape.
Leics: Rutland Water: Short-eared Owl at Lagoon I, also Little Ringed Plover.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Mute Swan, 17 Greylag Geese, 2 Wigeon, drake Shoveler, 7 Goldeneye, female Pochard, Peregrine, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Blackcap and a Swallow.
Derbyshire: Shuttlewood: White Stork in fields 08.00 to 10.00 then flew WNW.
Derbyshire: Carr Vale NR: White Stork flew south, earlier it flew over Netherthorpe at 11.20.
Staffs: Chasewater: Male Ring Ouzel at Norton Bog, no sign pm.
Sttaafs: Doxey Marshes: Water Pipit still near the willows interpretation board, also Ruff stll on scrape.
Leics: Rutland Water: Short-eared Owl at Lagoon I, also Little Ringed Plover.
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Latest Sightings 25/03/2012
Derbyshire: Langley Mill: Common Crane drifting low and north, as seen from Cromford Road and may have landed in Erewash Meadows NR.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: White Stork circling the reservoir from 13.03 to at least 14.45 (the first Ogston record), also Rock Pipit, Blackcap, Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, Housemartin, Raven, 3 Peregrines, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers and 2 Ringed Plovers.
Derbyshire: Drakelow NR: 2 Shelduck, 26 Shoveler, 5 Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, 13 Chiff Chaffs, Nuthatch, 3 Treecreepers and a Blackcap.
Derbyshire: Big Moor (SK2776): Buzzard, 8 Lapwing, 14 Curlew, 26 Meadow Pipits, 2 Stonechat, Great Grey Shrike, 5 Linnet and 11 Reed Bunting.
Derbyshire: Freebirch (SK3073): 18 Golden Plover.
Derbyshire: Allestree: 2 Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, OSPREY, Kingfisher and 2 Green Woodpeckers.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor Triangle: 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Stonechat and Raven.
Derbyshire: Willington GP's: 7 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, Goosander, 3 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chiff Chaff, 3 Bullfinch, 10+ Reed Buntings.
Notts: Kingsmill Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe still.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: Male Ring Ouzel at Annesley Pit Top by middle lagoon, also a drake Red-crested Pochard on bottom lagoon.
Notts: Gedling Pit Top: Rough-legged Buzzard at Gedling Pit Top.
Leics: Rutland Water: Caspian Gull in the north arm this afternoon, also a Whooper Swan.
Leics: Plungar: Great Grey Shrike still between the Barkestone and Plungar turns off Long Lane SK785337
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Spotted Redshank at the western end.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Drake Scaup still on the fishing lake.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Whinchat reported by the shooting butts.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: White Stork circling the reservoir from 13.03 to at least 14.45 (the first Ogston record), also Rock Pipit, Blackcap, Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, Housemartin, Raven, 3 Peregrines, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers and 2 Ringed Plovers.
Derbyshire: Drakelow NR: 2 Shelduck, 26 Shoveler, 5 Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, 13 Chiff Chaffs, Nuthatch, 3 Treecreepers and a Blackcap.
Derbyshire: Big Moor (SK2776): Buzzard, 8 Lapwing, 14 Curlew, 26 Meadow Pipits, 2 Stonechat, Great Grey Shrike, 5 Linnet and 11 Reed Bunting.
Derbyshire: Freebirch (SK3073): 18 Golden Plover.
Derbyshire: Allestree: 2 Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, OSPREY, Kingfisher and 2 Green Woodpeckers.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor Triangle: 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Stonechat and Raven.
Derbyshire: Willington GP's: 7 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, Goosander, 3 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chiff Chaff, 3 Bullfinch, 10+ Reed Buntings.
Notts: Kingsmill Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe still.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: Male Ring Ouzel at Annesley Pit Top by middle lagoon, also a drake Red-crested Pochard on bottom lagoon.
Notts: Gedling Pit Top: Rough-legged Buzzard at Gedling Pit Top.
Leics: Rutland Water: Caspian Gull in the north arm this afternoon, also a Whooper Swan.
Leics: Plungar: Great Grey Shrike still between the Barkestone and Plungar turns off Long Lane SK785337
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Spotted Redshank at the western end.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Drake Scaup still on the fishing lake.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Whinchat reported by the shooting butts.
Latest Sightings 24/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 4 Cormorants, 3 Mute Swan, 7 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, Pochard, 3 Goosander, 4 Buzzards, 2 Oystercatchers, 143 BH Gull, LBB Gull, Common Gull, 3 Chiff Chaff, Pied Wagtail, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 9 Magpie, Swallow, Sand Martin, Skylark, Lesser Redpoll and a Raven.
Derbyshire: Cromford: Swallow.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: 6 Whooper Swans briefly this evening, also 16 Chiff Chaff, 6 Linnets, 23 Pied Wagtails and 16 Meadow Pipits.
Derbyshire: Loscoe Dam: 6 Whooper Swans.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 9 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 15 Golden Plover and 2 Sand Martins.
Derbyshire: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull in the roost again.
Notts: East Leake: Tundra Bean Goose at East Leake gravel pits this afternoon.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Drake Scaup still on fishing lake.
Staffs: Doxey Marshes: Short-eared Owl at midday but flew off high, also a Ruff.
Leics: Rutland Water: Female Long-tailed Duck still, also Scaup and 2 Short-eared Owls.
Derbyshire: Cromford: Swallow.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: 6 Whooper Swans briefly this evening, also 16 Chiff Chaff, 6 Linnets, 23 Pied Wagtails and 16 Meadow Pipits.
Derbyshire: Loscoe Dam: 6 Whooper Swans.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 9 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 15 Golden Plover and 2 Sand Martins.
Derbyshire: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull in the roost again.
Notts: East Leake: Tundra Bean Goose at East Leake gravel pits this afternoon.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Drake Scaup still on fishing lake.
Staffs: Doxey Marshes: Short-eared Owl at midday but flew off high, also a Ruff.
Leics: Rutland Water: Female Long-tailed Duck still, also Scaup and 2 Short-eared Owls.
Friday, 23 March 2012
Latest Sightings 23/03/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 2 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 11 Cormorant, 2 Pintail, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Pheasant, c10 Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, 20+ Meadow Pipit, 19 Chiff Chaff, 2 Buzzards, 8 Redwing, 2 Raven and 4 Reed Buntings.
Derbyshire: Barrow GP's: 2 Shelduck, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers and 3 Green Sandpipers.
Derbyshire: Willington GP's: 20 Shoveler, 6 Shelduck, 6 Goosander, 4 Oystercatchers, Redshank, Green Woodpecker, Short-eared Owl, also an adult Little Gull until 12.30 only.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 11 Goldeneye, female Pochard, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 15 Golden Plover flew NW, c110 Bh Gulls flew N, Green Woodpecker, Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, House Martin and a Crossbill.
Derbyshire: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull again in the roost.
Notts: Kingsmill Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe still, also Jack Snipe on sailing club marsh.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Adult Whooper Swan on the A52 pit this evening.
Staffs: Branston GP's: European White-fronted Goose still, 2 Avocets, 11 Ruff and 9 Green Sandpipers.
Leics: Rutland Water: Female Long-tailed Duck still in South Arm III.
Derbyshire: Barrow GP's: 2 Shelduck, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers and 3 Green Sandpipers.
Derbyshire: Willington GP's: 20 Shoveler, 6 Shelduck, 6 Goosander, 4 Oystercatchers, Redshank, Green Woodpecker, Short-eared Owl, also an adult Little Gull until 12.30 only.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 11 Goldeneye, female Pochard, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 15 Golden Plover flew NW, c110 Bh Gulls flew N, Green Woodpecker, Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, House Martin and a Crossbill.
Derbyshire: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull again in the roost.
Notts: Kingsmill Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe still, also Jack Snipe on sailing club marsh.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Adult Whooper Swan on the A52 pit this evening.
Staffs: Branston GP's: European White-fronted Goose still, 2 Avocets, 11 Ruff and 9 Green Sandpipers.
Leics: Rutland Water: Female Long-tailed Duck still in South Arm III.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
LatestSightings 22/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: Mute Swan, Grey Heron, 73 Greylag Geese, 60 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 3 Mandarin, 4 Tufted Duck, Pochard, 7 Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, Peregrine, 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 2 Chiff Chaff, 4 Pied Wagtails, 70 Fieldfare, 2 Raven. Also 3 Pipistrelle Bats and a Daubenton's Bat.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Common Scoter morning only, 2 Wigeon, Gadwall, 41 Tufted Duck, 10 Goldeneye, 6 Buzzards, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Curlew, c10 Meadow Pipit, Sand Martin and House Martin.
Derbyshire: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull in the roost.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Red Kite over.
Notts: Atteneborough NR: Bittern from Dragonfly pond.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 2 Avocets mid morning, also European White-fronted Goose still and 11 Ruff.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Drake Scaup still from Sailing Club this morning.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Common Scoter morning only, 2 Wigeon, Gadwall, 41 Tufted Duck, 10 Goldeneye, 6 Buzzards, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Curlew, c10 Meadow Pipit, Sand Martin and House Martin.
Derbyshire: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull in the roost.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Red Kite over.
Notts: Atteneborough NR: Bittern from Dragonfly pond.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 2 Avocets mid morning, also European White-fronted Goose still and 11 Ruff.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Drake Scaup still from Sailing Club this morning.
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Latest Sightings 21/03/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still, also 2 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, Red-legged Partridge, 2 Red Kites drifted South at 17.05, 4 Curlew, 24 Meadow Pipits, and 2 Sand Martins.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry, also 2 Stonechat.
Derbyshire: Cromford: At least 3 Hawfinch this morning though mobile, also 2 Dipper and 2 Grey Wagtail on river.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Drake Common Scoter, Mute Swan, 14 Greylag Geese, 2 Wigeon, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, Redshank and 4+ Chiff Chaff.
Leics: Plungar: Great Grey Shrike in rough field on the west side of Long Lane c800 metres north of the Plungar turn.
Notts: Kingsmill Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe still.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: Jack Snipe.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Drake Scaup still on the fishing lake.
Staffs: Black Bank: Black Redstart reported at the end of High Lane near trig point.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry, also 2 Stonechat.
Derbyshire: Cromford: At least 3 Hawfinch this morning though mobile, also 2 Dipper and 2 Grey Wagtail on river.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Drake Common Scoter, Mute Swan, 14 Greylag Geese, 2 Wigeon, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, Redshank and 4+ Chiff Chaff.
Leics: Plungar: Great Grey Shrike in rough field on the west side of Long Lane c800 metres north of the Plungar turn.
Notts: Kingsmill Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe still.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: Jack Snipe.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Drake Scaup still on the fishing lake.
Staffs: Black Bank: Black Redstart reported at the end of High Lane near trig point.
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Video Nasty
Upon my arrival down Wyver this morning I could see one half of the pair of Shelduck on the main pool. On closer inspection I could see it was the male. I was waiting for the female to appear when a pair of Shelduck flew in and immediately showed their disdain at the other bird. The lone bird was obviously an intruder and not one half of the pair. Both males then started scrapping whilst the female looked on. I managed to grab around 30 seconds of footage of the ensuing fight that would put Audley Harrison to shame.
Oystercatchers have also increased to 3 birds though feelings towards the intruding bird was slightly more amiable than the Shelducks. Something else that came in 3 was Sand Martin. 3 flew straight through mid-morning and is Wyver's first record this year and 5 days later than last year.
Latest Sightings 20/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 8 Cormorants, 60 Greylag Geese, 52 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 3 Mandarin, 4 Shoveler, 5 Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goosander, 3 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 3 Oystercatchers, 76 BH Gulls, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Pied Wagtail, Green Woodpecker, 3 Reed Buntings, Raven.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 2 Hawfinch.
Derbyshire: Leash Fen: Red Kite.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Red Kite drifted SW between 12.36 and 12.45, also 9 Wigeon, 2 Mandarin, 13 Buzzards, Peregrine, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Snipe, Redshank, Green Woodpecker and 8+ Chiff Chaffs.
Notts: Kingsmill Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: Green Sandpiper on the north shore, also 1 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 5 Curlew, 5 Oystercatchers, 18 Snipe, 8 Shelduck, 7 Shoveler and 7 Chiff Chaff.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 2 Hawfinch.
Derbyshire: Leash Fen: Red Kite.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Red Kite drifted SW between 12.36 and 12.45, also 9 Wigeon, 2 Mandarin, 13 Buzzards, Peregrine, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Snipe, Redshank, Green Woodpecker and 8+ Chiff Chaffs.
Notts: Kingsmill Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: Green Sandpiper on the north shore, also 1 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 5 Curlew, 5 Oystercatchers, 18 Snipe, 8 Shelduck, 7 Shoveler and 7 Chiff Chaff.
Monday, 19 March 2012
Latest Sightings 19/03/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 20 Barnacle Geese, Greylag Goose, 2 Pintail, Shelduck, 4 Goldeneye, c12 Oystercatchers, 13 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 11 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Skylark, 2 Wheatear, 6 Chiff Chaff, 325 Common Gull, 125 LBB Gull, Herring Gull, Raven.
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Shelduck and 4 Shoveler.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 4 Hawfinch this morning, also 2 Dipper and a Peregrine.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 4 Greaylag Geese, 21 Canada Geese, 2 Mandarin, 4 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 27 Mallards, 22 Tufted Duck, 9 Goldeneye, 9 Buzzards, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 30 Coots, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Snipe, Redshank, 2 Curlew, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, 2 Ravens, 2 Redwing and 4+ Chiff Chaff.
Derbyshire: Ramsley Reservoir/Leash Fen: Great Grey Shrike.
Notts: Kilvington: Purple Sandpiper still.
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Shelduck and 4 Shoveler.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 4 Hawfinch this morning, also 2 Dipper and a Peregrine.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 4 Greaylag Geese, 21 Canada Geese, 2 Mandarin, 4 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 27 Mallards, 22 Tufted Duck, 9 Goldeneye, 9 Buzzards, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 30 Coots, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Snipe, Redshank, 2 Curlew, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, 2 Ravens, 2 Redwing and 4+ Chiff Chaff.
Derbyshire: Ramsley Reservoir/Leash Fen: Great Grey Shrike.
Notts: Kilvington: Purple Sandpiper still.
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Latest Sightings 18/03/2012
Derbyshire: Cromford: 3+ Hawfinch this morning.
Derbyshire: Willington GP's: 4 Kittiwake in the morning, then just 1 in the afternoon until c15.00hrs. Also 6 Shelduck, 20 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 19 Goosander, 11 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Water Rail, 8 Sand Martin, and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Derbyshire: Drakelow NR (permit only): 23 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 101 Tufted Duck, 2 Shelduck, 3 Pochard, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 15 Sand Martin, 3 Buzzard.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Red Kite drifted SW between 11.50 and 12.00, 4 Wigeon, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4+ Snipe, Redshank, Curlew, 5+ Chiff Chaffs and c15 Lesser Redpolls.
Derbyshire: Pleasley Colliery: 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, Woodcock, 2 Redshank, Wheatear.
Notts: Kilvington: Purple Sandpiper.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Knot, Black-tailed Godiwt, Little Egret, Jack Snipe and 6 Red-crested Pochard.
Derbyshire: Willington GP's: 4 Kittiwake in the morning, then just 1 in the afternoon until c15.00hrs. Also 6 Shelduck, 20 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 19 Goosander, 11 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Water Rail, 8 Sand Martin, and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Derbyshire: Drakelow NR (permit only): 23 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 101 Tufted Duck, 2 Shelduck, 3 Pochard, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 15 Sand Martin, 3 Buzzard.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Red Kite drifted SW between 11.50 and 12.00, 4 Wigeon, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4+ Snipe, Redshank, Curlew, 5+ Chiff Chaffs and c15 Lesser Redpolls.
Derbyshire: Pleasley Colliery: 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, Woodcock, 2 Redshank, Wheatear.
Notts: Kilvington: Purple Sandpiper.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Knot, Black-tailed Godiwt, Little Egret, Jack Snipe and 6 Red-crested Pochard.
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Latest Sightings 17/03/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Northern Wheatear at Millfields this morning. Also Great Northern Diver, a pair of Garganey flushed early morning and no further sign, 8 Curlew, Pintail, 22 Meadow Pipit and 4 Chiff Chaff.
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Grey Heron, 43 Greylag Geese, 19 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 3 Mandarin, Shelduck, 7 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, Pochard, 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, 15 lapwing, Curlew heard, 35 Fieldfare, Chiff Chaff, 4 Jay, 2 Raven.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry.
Derbyshire: Barrow GP's: Viewed from the path by river to Ingelby: Redhead Smew, 10 Goldeneye, 45 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 47 Lapwing and 2 Dunlin.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 5 Wigeon, 31 Teal, 10 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, 14 Buzzards, male Peregrine, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, 4 Snipe including 1 faroeensis, 3 Curlew, Redshank, Green Woodpecker, Sand Martin, 2 Dipper on the River Amber, c20 Redwing and 3 Chiff Chaffs.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 2 Ring Ouzel.
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Grey Heron, 43 Greylag Geese, 19 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 3 Mandarin, Shelduck, 7 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, Pochard, 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, 15 lapwing, Curlew heard, 35 Fieldfare, Chiff Chaff, 4 Jay, 2 Raven.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry.
Derbyshire: Barrow GP's: Viewed from the path by river to Ingelby: Redhead Smew, 10 Goldeneye, 45 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 47 Lapwing and 2 Dunlin.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 5 Wigeon, 31 Teal, 10 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, 14 Buzzards, male Peregrine, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, 4 Snipe including 1 faroeensis, 3 Curlew, Redshank, Green Woodpecker, Sand Martin, 2 Dipper on the River Amber, c20 Redwing and 3 Chiff Chaffs.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 2 Ring Ouzel.
Friday, 16 March 2012
Latest Sightings 16/03/2011
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver off Lane End hide, also 2 Chiff Chaff.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 16 Greylag Geese, 4 Wigeon, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 3 Curlew, Green Woodpecker and 2 Chiff Chaffs.
Derbyshire: Foremark Reservoir: Adult Med Gull in the roost.
Derbyshire: Drakelow NR: Wheatear.
Derbyshire: Shardlow: 8 Sand Martin.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 16 Greylag Geese, 4 Wigeon, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 3 Curlew, Green Woodpecker and 2 Chiff Chaffs.
Derbyshire: Foremark Reservoir: Adult Med Gull in the roost.
Derbyshire: Drakelow NR: Wheatear.
Derbyshire: Shardlow: 8 Sand Martin.
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Charity Bike Ride
Derbyshire birder Martin Roome will be getting on his bike in late May all in the name of charity. With fellow Derbyshire birder Keith 'Dipper' Lyon as support, Martin plans to cycle from Lands End to John o Groats in aid of Cancer Research UK. Here's a LINK to Martin's fundraising page. They will cover well over 1000 miles and also plan to see over 200 bird species on their journey. Please donate generously for this great cause.
Latest Sightings 15/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 5 Cormorant, Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swans, 36 Canada Geese, 20 Greylag Geese, 5 Shoveler, 17 Wigeon, 2 Mandarin, 2 Gadwall, Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 11 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatchers, 72 BH Gull, Chiff Chaff.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry.
Derbyshire: Cromford: Up to 10 Hawfinch in and around rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Spondon: White Wagtail reported.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Drake Scaup on main sailing lake viewable from sailing club.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Black Redstart by the entrance to farm on Cock Lane, Bednall.
Leics: Albert Village: 2 adult Med Gulls at the tip today.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry.
Derbyshire: Cromford: Up to 10 Hawfinch in and around rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Spondon: White Wagtail reported.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Drake Scaup on main sailing lake viewable from sailing club.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Black Redstart by the entrance to farm on Cock Lane, Bednall.
Leics: Albert Village: 2 adult Med Gulls at the tip today.
Latest Sightings 14/03.2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 23 Barnacle Geese, 2 Greylag Geese,5 Goldeney, 4 Gadwall, 10+ Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 4 Curlew, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 210 Common Gull, 51 LBB Gull, 4 GBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 17 Meadow Pipit, 3 Reed Bunting and 3 Lesser Redpoll.
Derbyshire: Cromford: At least 6 Hawfinch around churchyard and rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Green Woodpecker and a singing Chiff Chaff.
Leics: Rutland Water: Avocet from Lapwing Hide.
Notts: Clfton: Bittern on Holme Pit at Clifton Grove.
Derbyshire: Cromford: At least 6 Hawfinch around churchyard and rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Green Woodpecker and a singing Chiff Chaff.
Leics: Rutland Water: Avocet from Lapwing Hide.
Notts: Clfton: Bittern on Holme Pit at Clifton Grove.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Latest Sightings 13/03/2012
Derbyshire: Cromford: At least 4 Hawfinch in rugby club car park this morning.
Monday, 12 March 2012
Latest Sightings 12/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 5 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 15 Coot, 17 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 2 Mandarin, 5 Tufted Duck, Pochard, 12 Buzzard, Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, c200 Fieldfare over.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 5 Hawfinch this morning.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 20 Barnacle Geese, 4 Shelduck, drake Shoveler, 400 Common Gulls, 2000 Black-headed Gulls, 40 LBB Gulls and 3 GBB Gulls.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2nd winter Glaucous Gull still off the west bank.
Staffs: Bednall: Black Redstart still on disused farm machinery on the right hand side of Cock Lane morning only.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Black Redstart still showing well on the path c100m west of the sailing club early afternoon.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 5 Hawfinch this morning.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 20 Barnacle Geese, 4 Shelduck, drake Shoveler, 400 Common Gulls, 2000 Black-headed Gulls, 40 LBB Gulls and 3 GBB Gulls.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2nd winter Glaucous Gull still off the west bank.
Staffs: Bednall: Black Redstart still on disused farm machinery on the right hand side of Cock Lane morning only.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Black Redstart still showing well on the path c100m west of the sailing club early afternoon.
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Latest Sightings 11/03/2012
Derbyshire: Cromford: 15 Hawfinch reported this morning.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2nd Winter Glaucous Gull again off the west bank mid-morning. Also a Rock Pipit over, 2 Mute Swans, 10 Greylag Geese, 3 Mandarin, 10 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Redshank and 2 Green Woodpeckers.
Derbyshire: East Moor (SK2970) Red Kite over Highwayman Pub.
Derbyshire: Erewash Meadows NR: 2 Garganey this morning.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Bittern on Dragonfly Pond.
Notts: Gedling: 2 Rough-legged Buzzard at Gedling Pit Top, best viewable from Netherfield Lagoons.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Black Redstart near Teddesley Estate along Cock Lane at SJ954170
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2nd Winter Glaucous Gull again off the west bank mid-morning. Also a Rock Pipit over, 2 Mute Swans, 10 Greylag Geese, 3 Mandarin, 10 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Redshank and 2 Green Woodpeckers.
Derbyshire: East Moor (SK2970) Red Kite over Highwayman Pub.
Derbyshire: Erewash Meadows NR: 2 Garganey this morning.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Bittern on Dragonfly Pond.
Notts: Gedling: 2 Rough-legged Buzzard at Gedling Pit Top, best viewable from Netherfield Lagoons.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Black Redstart near Teddesley Estate along Cock Lane at SJ954170
Interesting Redpoll sp
Last Sunday morning up at Carsington Water we found this individual to the left of Lane End Hide. It was Chris who first commented on how pale it looked and thought it looked good for Mealy Redpoll (Carduelis Flammea), and not Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis Cabaret). It was on its own which I thought in itself was odd and it did appear to have several pro Mealy features. Having never knowingly seen Mealy Redpoll I thought I would take a few shots and see what others think. I have read several papers since and if I'm looking at certain features correctly then it shows both pro Lesser and Mealy traits. The few I have showed it to say it does look ok for Mealy but the lack of white rump bothers me. Anyway, I'll put some photos up and if anybody wants to comment then feel free to do so. Oh, by the way the photos aren't the best.
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Latest Sightings 10/03/2012
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry. Also 100+ Brambling on Bent Lane near Bumper Castle Farm.
Derbyshire: Cromford: At least 5 around rugby club car park and Willersley Castle.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: The 2nd winter Glaucous Gull in the roost from 17.35 hrs. This bird was ringed on 3/8/2011 on the Ugie Estuary, Peterhead, Grampian, Scotland, and has also been seen at Bolden Flats, Durham on 23/12/2011, Seaton Carew on 15/01/2012 and in the Cotham area of Notts for several weeks from 18/2/2012. Also today 2 Mute Swans, 9 Greylag Geese, 3 Mandarin, 9 Goldeneye, Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, Redshank, 2 Curlews, 2 Barn Owls, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Kingfishers and 2 Grey Wagtails.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 1st winter European White-fronted Goose still, also the Knot.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: 1st winter drake Scaup still.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Grey Plover late afternoon.
Derbyshire: Cromford: At least 5 around rugby club car park and Willersley Castle.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: The 2nd winter Glaucous Gull in the roost from 17.35 hrs. This bird was ringed on 3/8/2011 on the Ugie Estuary, Peterhead, Grampian, Scotland, and has also been seen at Bolden Flats, Durham on 23/12/2011, Seaton Carew on 15/01/2012 and in the Cotham area of Notts for several weeks from 18/2/2012. Also today 2 Mute Swans, 9 Greylag Geese, 3 Mandarin, 9 Goldeneye, Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, Redshank, 2 Curlews, 2 Barn Owls, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Kingfishers and 2 Grey Wagtails.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 1st winter European White-fronted Goose still, also the Knot.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: 1st winter drake Scaup still.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Grey Plover late afternoon.
Glauc at last
This has been a few years in the waiting but I finally bagged myself a Glaucous Gull yesterday. Before that though I had my fourth Red Kite sighting in 13 days. My first down Wyver on Feb 25th, then down Wyver on March 6th, one on Beeley Moor on March 8th and another sighting down Wyver yesterday March 9th. The three down Wyver could be the same bird that is lingering though.
Chris picked me up at just after 6 yesterday morning with the intention of doing a pre roost visit to Wyver to see what had been there overnight before they buggered off. Unfortunately by the time we got down there it was already quite light so the roost was non existent. We counted everything on the main pool and made our way to the viewing mound. There had been 5 Pink-footed Geese knocking about for the past week or so which Chris was keen to catch up with as it would be a site tick for him. I was scoping the far northern boundary of the reserve when in the dip I could see the heads of several Geese including the Pinkies. Chris couldn't quite see them so we walked down the lane to view them. When we got down there, there was 7 and not 5 Pinkies, site tick number 1 for Chris.
We made our way back to the mound and after a short while we started to talk about my previous Red Kite sightings. I clearly remember looking at the time which was 10.15 and said that this time on Tuesday I had just finished watching a Red Kite drift down the valley. I looked up and there it was, my 4th Red Kite in under a fortnight and another site tick for Chris. I managed to get in touch with a mate who I had been speaking to only minutes before who was roughly over where the Kite was flying. Luckily he got onto it and at one point flew right over him. We all watched it for about 25 minutes until it disappeared over to the east.
Whilst down Wyver we were discussing where to go next. Chris checked his pager and saw that there was a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull at Ogston. So that was that, our next destination was sorted. A quick stop at The Gourmet Wagon for some much needed breakfast and off we went.
We arrived in the west bank car park with a few familiar faces present. Luckily the Gull was still there, Unluckily it was over 100 yards away and in the land of nod. I did manage to get a couple of photos including one of it awake when a Peregrine flew through. Surprisingly the Glaucous was a tick for me. Maybe unsurprisingly considering I do most of my birding at Wyver and Carsington and Glaucs are as rare as rocking horse shit. In fact the last Glauc down Wyver was in 1976.
A visit to Middleton Moor was fairly uneventful, though a Short-eared Owl on the way back was a good end to a good day.
2nd Winter Glaucous Gull
Chris picked me up at just after 6 yesterday morning with the intention of doing a pre roost visit to Wyver to see what had been there overnight before they buggered off. Unfortunately by the time we got down there it was already quite light so the roost was non existent. We counted everything on the main pool and made our way to the viewing mound. There had been 5 Pink-footed Geese knocking about for the past week or so which Chris was keen to catch up with as it would be a site tick for him. I was scoping the far northern boundary of the reserve when in the dip I could see the heads of several Geese including the Pinkies. Chris couldn't quite see them so we walked down the lane to view them. When we got down there, there was 7 and not 5 Pinkies, site tick number 1 for Chris.
We made our way back to the mound and after a short while we started to talk about my previous Red Kite sightings. I clearly remember looking at the time which was 10.15 and said that this time on Tuesday I had just finished watching a Red Kite drift down the valley. I looked up and there it was, my 4th Red Kite in under a fortnight and another site tick for Chris. I managed to get in touch with a mate who I had been speaking to only minutes before who was roughly over where the Kite was flying. Luckily he got onto it and at one point flew right over him. We all watched it for about 25 minutes until it disappeared over to the east.
Whilst down Wyver we were discussing where to go next. Chris checked his pager and saw that there was a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull at Ogston. So that was that, our next destination was sorted. A quick stop at The Gourmet Wagon for some much needed breakfast and off we went.
We arrived in the west bank car park with a few familiar faces present. Luckily the Gull was still there, Unluckily it was over 100 yards away and in the land of nod. I did manage to get a couple of photos including one of it awake when a Peregrine flew through. Surprisingly the Glaucous was a tick for me. Maybe unsurprisingly considering I do most of my birding at Wyver and Carsington and Glaucs are as rare as rocking horse shit. In fact the last Glauc down Wyver was in 1976.
A visit to Middleton Moor was fairly uneventful, though a Short-eared Owl on the way back was a good end to a good day.
Friday, 9 March 2012
Latest Sightings 09/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 6 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 51 Canada Geese, 58 Greylag Geese, 7 Pink-footed Geese, 12 Coots, 16 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 2 Mandarin, 2 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 3 Tufted Duck, Goosander, Goldeneye, RED KITE, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 110 BH Gull, Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, c20 Fieldfare, 3 Stock Dove and 2 Reed Bunting.
Derbsyhire: Ogston Reservoir: 2nd winter Glaucous Gull, also 11 Herring Gull, c25 GBB Gull, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 9 Buzzard, Peregrine, Kestrel, 39 Cormorants, 9 Greylag Geese.
Derbsyhire: Middleton Moor: 3 Shelduck, 8 Tufted Duck, 12 Teal, 10 Curlew, 6 Golden Plover, Dunlin, 69 Lapwing, 112 Lesser-Black-backed Gull, 89 Bh Gull, 8 Common Gull.
Derbyshire: Cromford: At least 4 Hawfinch in the rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Poolsbrook CP: Juvenile Glaucous Gull mid-afternoon.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2nd winter Caspian Gull in the roost only, also the 1st winter drake Scaup.
Staffs: Newcastle-under-Lyme: Osprey over Basford at 16.30.
Staffs: Branston GP's: European White-fronted Goose still, also 4 Ruff and a Knot.
Notts: Budby: 3 Tundra Bean Geese again by the pumping station.
Derbsyhire: Ogston Reservoir: 2nd winter Glaucous Gull, also 11 Herring Gull, c25 GBB Gull, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 9 Buzzard, Peregrine, Kestrel, 39 Cormorants, 9 Greylag Geese.
Derbsyhire: Middleton Moor: 3 Shelduck, 8 Tufted Duck, 12 Teal, 10 Curlew, 6 Golden Plover, Dunlin, 69 Lapwing, 112 Lesser-Black-backed Gull, 89 Bh Gull, 8 Common Gull.
Derbyshire: Cromford: At least 4 Hawfinch in the rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Poolsbrook CP: Juvenile Glaucous Gull mid-afternoon.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2nd winter Caspian Gull in the roost only, also the 1st winter drake Scaup.
Staffs: Newcastle-under-Lyme: Osprey over Basford at 16.30.
Staffs: Branston GP's: European White-fronted Goose still, also 4 Ruff and a Knot.
Notts: Budby: 3 Tundra Bean Geese again by the pumping station.
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Latest Sightings 08/03/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 23 Cormorants, 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Grey Heron, Shelduck, 23 Curlew, 10 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 19 Meadow Pipit, 2 Raven.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 8 Hawfinch in rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry, also Red Kite over.
Derbyshire: Leash Fen: Stonechat.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mute Swans, 5 Greylag Geese, 1 Wigeon, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Curlew, Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Northern Wheatear today.
Staffs: Drayton Bassett Pits: No sign of Green winged Teal, but 2 Avocets this morning.
Staffs: Kinver Edge: 4 Common Crossbills coming to puddle on the Staffordshire Way just south of the hill fort.
Staffs: Branston GP's: European White-fronted Goose still, also 4 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Green Sandpipers.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: 2nd winter Caspian Gull roosted, also 1st winter drake Scaup and a Green Sandpiper.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Juvenile Glaucous Gull flew over chainbridge viewpoint mid morning, then in fields near Daneshill early afternoon.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 8 Hawfinch in rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry, also Red Kite over.
Derbyshire: Leash Fen: Stonechat.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mute Swans, 5 Greylag Geese, 1 Wigeon, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Curlew, Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Northern Wheatear today.
Staffs: Drayton Bassett Pits: No sign of Green winged Teal, but 2 Avocets this morning.
Staffs: Kinver Edge: 4 Common Crossbills coming to puddle on the Staffordshire Way just south of the hill fort.
Staffs: Branston GP's: European White-fronted Goose still, also 4 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Green Sandpipers.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: 2nd winter Caspian Gull roosted, also 1st winter drake Scaup and a Green Sandpiper.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Juvenile Glaucous Gull flew over chainbridge viewpoint mid morning, then in fields near Daneshill early afternoon.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Latest Sightings 07/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, Shelduck, 8 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, Goldeneye, Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 2 Buzzard, G.S.Woodpecker and 11 Magpie.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 4 Hawfinch in rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry SK281663
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Adult summer Med Gull from Sheepwash Hide (a.m only), also 15 Curlew.
Derbyshire: Drakelow NR: Little Ringed Plover over.
Derbyshire: Poolsbrook CP: Glaucous Gull.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Greylag Geese, Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, Curlew, 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull, 16 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls including the colour ringed Dutch bird. Green Woodpecker,
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Adult Kittiwake this afternoon, also the 1st winter drake Scaup still and a Sand Martin.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Female Smew still.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 4 Hawfinch in rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry SK281663
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Adult summer Med Gull from Sheepwash Hide (a.m only), also 15 Curlew.
Derbyshire: Drakelow NR: Little Ringed Plover over.
Derbyshire: Poolsbrook CP: Glaucous Gull.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Greylag Geese, Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, Curlew, 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull, 16 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls including the colour ringed Dutch bird. Green Woodpecker,
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Adult Kittiwake this afternoon, also the 1st winter drake Scaup still and a Sand Martin.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Female Smew still.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Latest Sightings 06/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, 5 Pink-footed Geese, 17 Coot, 16 Wigeon, 6 Mandarin, 2 Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, 4 Tufted Duck, RED KITE mid morning before heading south, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, c350 BH Gull, Oystercatcher, Raven and Green Woodpecker.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: The Great Northern Diver off the Dam Wall, 2 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 3 Buzzard.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 3 Hawfinch in rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mute Swans, 11 Greylag Geese, 41 Canada Geese, 7 Mandarin, 3 Wigeon, 39 Malard, 30 Coot, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Snipe, Green Woodpecker, and 5 Skylark over.
Notts: Collingham Pits: 2 adult Kittiwakes on South Pit best viewed from the road.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Bittern still on Clifton Pond from from Kingfisher Hide, also 5 Red-crested Pochard still.
Notts: Besthorpe NWT: Adult Kittiwake on Mons Pool early evening.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): First winter drake Scaup still, also a Sand Martin.
Staffs: Branston GP's: European White-fronted Goose still today.
Staffs: Dosthill NR: Bittern flew north this evening.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: The Great Northern Diver off the Dam Wall, 2 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 3 Buzzard.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 3 Hawfinch in rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mute Swans, 11 Greylag Geese, 41 Canada Geese, 7 Mandarin, 3 Wigeon, 39 Malard, 30 Coot, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Snipe, Green Woodpecker, and 5 Skylark over.
Notts: Collingham Pits: 2 adult Kittiwakes on South Pit best viewed from the road.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Bittern still on Clifton Pond from from Kingfisher Hide, also 5 Red-crested Pochard still.
Notts: Besthorpe NWT: Adult Kittiwake on Mons Pool early evening.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): First winter drake Scaup still, also a Sand Martin.
Staffs: Branston GP's: European White-fronted Goose still today.
Staffs: Dosthill NR: Bittern flew north this evening.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Latest Sightings 05/03/2012
Derbyshire: Matlock: A Red Kite.
Derbyshire: Derby: The Peregrines seen mating on the Cathedral.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 47 Teal, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew, Green Woodpecker.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry.
Derbyshire: Cromford: Just 1 Hawfinch today on the ground in rugby club car park.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Probable sub adult Caspian Gull on Clifton Pond this afternoon.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Drake and redhead Smew still on Blotts Pit.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 1st winter drake Scaup still, also 2nd summer Med Gull and a Stonechat.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Iceland Gull at Aqualate Mere this afternoon.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Black Redstart still at the outfall (permit only).
Derbyshire: Derby: The Peregrines seen mating on the Cathedral.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 47 Teal, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew, Green Woodpecker.
Derbyshire: Beeley Moor: Great Grey Shrike still at Wragg's Quarry.
Derbyshire: Cromford: Just 1 Hawfinch today on the ground in rugby club car park.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Probable sub adult Caspian Gull on Clifton Pond this afternoon.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Drake and redhead Smew still on Blotts Pit.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 1st winter drake Scaup still, also 2nd summer Med Gull and a Stonechat.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Iceland Gull at Aqualate Mere this afternoon.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Black Redstart still at the outfall (permit only).
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Latest Sightings 04/03/2012
Derbyshire: Cromford: 5 Hawfinch still under beech tree in rugby club car park this morning.
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 50+ Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 16 Wigeon, Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 3 Mandarin, 3 Pochard, Goldeneye, 9 Goosander, Oystercatcher, 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 500 BH Gulls, Stonechat, Kingfisher, 2 Raven.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 108 Canada Geese, 21 Barnacle Geese, 8 Goldeneye, 8 Oystercatchers, 7 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 30 Linnet, Raven.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 3 Mandarin, 48 Cormorants, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 10 Snipe, Redshank, Kingfisher, 2 Nordic Jackdaws. A colour ringed Lesser Black-backed Gull present today had been ringed in Texel Netherlands on May 25th 2009.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Drake Scaup.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: 1st winter drake Scaup still.
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 50+ Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 16 Wigeon, Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 3 Mandarin, 3 Pochard, Goldeneye, 9 Goosander, Oystercatcher, 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 500 BH Gulls, Stonechat, Kingfisher, 2 Raven.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 108 Canada Geese, 21 Barnacle Geese, 8 Goldeneye, 8 Oystercatchers, 7 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 30 Linnet, Raven.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 3 Mandarin, 48 Cormorants, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 10 Snipe, Redshank, Kingfisher, 2 Nordic Jackdaws. A colour ringed Lesser Black-backed Gull present today had been ringed in Texel Netherlands on May 25th 2009.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Drake Scaup.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: 1st winter drake Scaup still.
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Latest Sightings 03/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 30 Canada Geese, 24 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Mandarin, 19 Wigeon, 3 Pochard, Goldeneye, Goosander, 8 Lapwing, Oystercatcher, 110 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 5 LBB Gull, 12 Coot, 20 Fieldfare, 9 Starling, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Siskin, Greenfinch, 2 Jay, Raven, 3 Reed Buntings.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 10 Hawfinch under beech tree in rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 6 Greylag Geese, 3 Mandarin, 35 Teal, 24 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 7 Goldeneye, 29 Coots, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 23 Snipe, Grey Wagtail and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Derbyshire: Duckmanton: 4 Mealy Redpoll today.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Rock Pipit still on A52 pit, also a Sand Martin. Pair of Smew still on Blotts Pit. Also a juvenile Glaucous Gull on A52 pit to 17.24 when it flew East.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Bittern flew from reed area near hide at Clifton Pond, also redhead Smew on mian pond and 6 Red-crested Pochards on reserve.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: 1st winter drake Scaup still, also a Ruff.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 1st winter European White-fronted Goose still present, also a Knot and 3 Ruff.
Staffs: Cop Mere: Drake Red-breasted Merganser, also a Red-crested Pochard.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 10 Hawfinch under beech tree in rugby club car park.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 6 Greylag Geese, 3 Mandarin, 35 Teal, 24 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 7 Goldeneye, 29 Coots, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 23 Snipe, Grey Wagtail and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Derbyshire: Duckmanton: 4 Mealy Redpoll today.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Rock Pipit still on A52 pit, also a Sand Martin. Pair of Smew still on Blotts Pit. Also a juvenile Glaucous Gull on A52 pit to 17.24 when it flew East.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Bittern flew from reed area near hide at Clifton Pond, also redhead Smew on mian pond and 6 Red-crested Pochards on reserve.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: 1st winter drake Scaup still, also a Ruff.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 1st winter European White-fronted Goose still present, also a Knot and 3 Ruff.
Staffs: Cop Mere: Drake Red-breasted Merganser, also a Red-crested Pochard.
Latest Sightings 02/03/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Adult Great Northern Diver still present.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 5 Hawfinch this morning.
Derbyshire: Foremark Reservoir: 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 6 Pochards, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Curlew, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Kingfishers and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Notts: Clumber Park: 13 Whooper Swans on the lake mid-morning.
Notts: Holme Pierrpont: Drake and redhead Smew on Blotts Pit, also a Rock Pipit on the A52 pit.
Derbyshire: Cromford: 5 Hawfinch this morning.
Derbyshire: Foremark Reservoir: 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 6 Pochards, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, Curlew, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Kingfishers and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Notts: Clumber Park: 13 Whooper Swans on the lake mid-morning.
Notts: Holme Pierrpont: Drake and redhead Smew on Blotts Pit, also a Rock Pipit on the A52 pit.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Latest Sightings 01/03/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 5 Pink-footed Geese, 20 Wigeon, Gadwall, 15 Teal, Shelduck, Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, 3 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 3 Skylark, 5 Reed Bunting and 2 Raven.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver near Dam Wall.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, and a Curlew flew NW.
Leics: Blackbrook Reservoir: Bean Goose viewable from the bridge at the inflow.
Leics: Albert Village: Adult Iceland Gull over the lake then flew back to the tip.
Staffs: Drayton Bassett Pits: Avocet on the North Pit.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlew and 4 Shelduck.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver near Dam Wall.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, and a Curlew flew NW.
Leics: Blackbrook Reservoir: Bean Goose viewable from the bridge at the inflow.
Leics: Albert Village: Adult Iceland Gull over the lake then flew back to the tip.
Staffs: Drayton Bassett Pits: Avocet on the North Pit.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlew and 4 Shelduck.
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