Monday, 30 April 2012
Going away
I'll be away until friday so there wont be any updates until then. Unfortunately, although I can access the blog from my phone it doesn't allow me to update. Happy Birding, Cheers.
Latest Sightings 30/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: 2 Black Terns off Stones Island at 10.00.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: 16 Arctic Terns on windsurfing pit, also a Black Tern.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: Bar-tailed Godwit on Railwy Pit this morning.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 3 Ring Ouzels (1 male), also 68 Wheatear, 3 Redstarts and 5 Yellow Wagtails.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: 16 Arctic Terns on windsurfing pit, also a Black Tern.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: Bar-tailed Godwit on Railwy Pit this morning.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 3 Ring Ouzels (1 male), also 68 Wheatear, 3 Redstarts and 5 Yellow Wagtails.
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Latest Sightings 29/04/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: MALE RING OUZEL ( first record for Wyver) 2 Mute Swans, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Gadwall, drake Wigeon, female
Mallard with 7 young, drake Mandarin, 17 Tufted Duck, 2 female
Goosander, 3 Oystercatchers, Swift.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 2 female Goldeneye, 2 adult Kittiwakes through, Arctic Tern through at 06.50.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mandarin, 5 Gadwall, 4 Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail, Wheatear.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: Black Tern, 6 Common Terns, Brambling, Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtail and 5 Wigeon.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Drake Green-winged Teal still in Tad Bay from the hide, permit holders only. Also 9 Arctic Terns between Beech Tree point and causeway.
Staffs: Iverley: Male Ring Ouzel in hors paddock along bridleway southy of Iverley Park Farmhouse.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still from the canal towpath.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 4 Arctic Terns on Coneries Pit, also a Hobby hunting Swallows.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey mid-afternoon around the great lake.
Leics: Rutland Water: Little Tern still today, also 2 Grey Plovers and a Bar-tailed Godwit.
Warks: Draycote Water: Great Skua late afternoon then flew west, also a Kittiwake this morning.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 2 female Goldeneye, 2 adult Kittiwakes through, Arctic Tern through at 06.50.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mandarin, 5 Gadwall, 4 Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail, Wheatear.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: Black Tern, 6 Common Terns, Brambling, Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtail and 5 Wigeon.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Drake Green-winged Teal still in Tad Bay from the hide, permit holders only. Also 9 Arctic Terns between Beech Tree point and causeway.
Staffs: Iverley: Male Ring Ouzel in hors paddock along bridleway southy of Iverley Park Farmhouse.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still from the canal towpath.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 4 Arctic Terns on Coneries Pit, also a Hobby hunting Swallows.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey mid-afternoon around the great lake.
Leics: Rutland Water: Little Tern still today, also 2 Grey Plovers and a Bar-tailed Godwit.
Warks: Draycote Water: Great Skua late afternoon then flew west, also a Kittiwake this morning.
Ring Ouzel at Wyver
That's something that I've always wanted to type. The bit that I didn't want to type is this 'I never saw it'. I'd been to Wyver with Chris for an hour this afternoon and as hours go at Wyver it wasn't too bad. 2 Little Grebes, 17 Tufties, 3 Oycs and a Swift. But with constant rain we were confined to the hide. And with the cold starting to set in due to our 3 hour stint at Carsi an hour was all we could cope with so we retreated to the warmth of our respective homes.
So this evening with the mrs busy ironing our clothes for the holiday and me keeping myself busy watching the snooker I received a text from a mate 'male Ring Ouzel at Wyver'. I said to the mrs 'stop the ironing'. I think she thought I was going to take over. Fat chance love, you're taking me down Wyver. With a patch tick in the offing and in fact a first for Wyver I just had to give it a go. I got down there to find Dan standing by his car who give me the full sp. 'Male Rouzel near hide then flew towards the Redstarts field'.
I took a walk up but with the light fading I didn't think my chances were good. And that's just how it turned out. Not a sniff! Bugger!. Ring Ouzel has long been one of my predictions for Wyver and I'm in fact surprised there has never been one until now. Nice find, Dan and bugger again.
So this evening with the mrs busy ironing our clothes for the holiday and me keeping myself busy watching the snooker I received a text from a mate 'male Ring Ouzel at Wyver'. I said to the mrs 'stop the ironing'. I think she thought I was going to take over. Fat chance love, you're taking me down Wyver. With a patch tick in the offing and in fact a first for Wyver I just had to give it a go. I got down there to find Dan standing by his car who give me the full sp. 'Male Rouzel near hide then flew towards the Redstarts field'.
I took a walk up but with the light fading I didn't think my chances were good. And that's just how it turned out. Not a sniff! Bugger!. Ring Ouzel has long been one of my predictions for Wyver and I'm in fact surprised there has never been one until now. Nice find, Dan and bugger again.
Saturday, 28 April 2012
Latest Sightings 28/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 5 Swift, 500 Swallow.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Gadwall, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail, 2 Redstart, 16 Wheatear.
Derbys: Locko Park (SK4038): Barn Owl, 5 Wheatear.
Derbys: Shirebrook: (SK5267): Cuckoo, Swift.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Hobby, Peregrine, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, 40 Swift, 120 Swallow, 2 Wheatear.
Derbys: Pride Park Sanctuary: Male Ring Ouzel this morning, also 12 Wheatear.
Derbys: Shardlow: Adult and 2 1st winter Little Gulls on flood near Cavendish Bridge.
Derbys: Ambaston GP's: 16 Wheatear, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Shelduck.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: 2 Oystercacthers, 2 Yellow Wagtails and a Common Tern.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 Common Scoter (2 drakes), Garden Warbler, Wheatear, c20 Swifts, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, 5 Mandarin, 2 Common Sandpipers.
Derbys: Derwent Meadows NR: Female Pied Flycatcher near the new road bridge mid-afternoon.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 28 Wheatear (new site record) presumed mostly Greenland race.
Derbys: Combs Res (SK0379): 7 Barnacle Geese.
Derbys: Stenson (SK3230): 4 Wheatear.
Derbys: Carr Vale NR: 2 Arctic Terns through this morning.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: 2 Common Terns, 2 Little Grebe, 63 Mute Swans, 4 Wheatear.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Whimbrel mid-morning before flying Northeast, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Redshank, Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Wheatear, 14 Yellow Wagtails, Garden Warbler, Hobby and 5 Common Terns.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: 3 Arctic Terns this morning.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 3 Little Gulls, also Arctic Tern and a White Wagtail.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still showing well from Rickerscote Avenue.
Staffs: Black Bank: Ring Ouzel in bushes by trig point then flew northwest early morning.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Pied Flycatcher by Ted Heath rock.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Drake Green-winged Teal still in Tad Bay, as viewed from minor road to Newton Hurst, also 4 Arctic Terns off causeway. 2 Common Scoter off Water Lane.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 6 Ring Ouzels, also a male Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart and 83 Wheatear.
Staffs: Alrewas GP's: Osprey over junction pit at 10.05.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: 2 Avocets on islands at Railway Pit mid-afternoon.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Black Tern on Coneries Pond, also c30 Common Terns, Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel through, 3 Ruff on Clifton Pit, and 3 Wheatear.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the A52 Pit mid-morning, also an Arctic Tern.
Leics: Rutland Water: Bar-tailed Godwit at Old Hall, also Whimbrel. Drake Garganey on Lagoon I. Little Tern in North Arm late afternoon.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Gadwall, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail, 2 Redstart, 16 Wheatear.
Derbys: Locko Park (SK4038): Barn Owl, 5 Wheatear.
Derbys: Shirebrook: (SK5267): Cuckoo, Swift.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Hobby, Peregrine, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, 40 Swift, 120 Swallow, 2 Wheatear.
Derbys: Pride Park Sanctuary: Male Ring Ouzel this morning, also 12 Wheatear.
Derbys: Shardlow: Adult and 2 1st winter Little Gulls on flood near Cavendish Bridge.
Derbys: Ambaston GP's: 16 Wheatear, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Shelduck.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: 2 Oystercacthers, 2 Yellow Wagtails and a Common Tern.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 Common Scoter (2 drakes), Garden Warbler, Wheatear, c20 Swifts, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, 5 Mandarin, 2 Common Sandpipers.
Derbys: Derwent Meadows NR: Female Pied Flycatcher near the new road bridge mid-afternoon.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 28 Wheatear (new site record) presumed mostly Greenland race.
Derbys: Combs Res (SK0379): 7 Barnacle Geese.
Derbys: Stenson (SK3230): 4 Wheatear.
Derbys: Carr Vale NR: 2 Arctic Terns through this morning.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: 2 Common Terns, 2 Little Grebe, 63 Mute Swans, 4 Wheatear.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Whimbrel mid-morning before flying Northeast, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Redshank, Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Wheatear, 14 Yellow Wagtails, Garden Warbler, Hobby and 5 Common Terns.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: 3 Arctic Terns this morning.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 3 Little Gulls, also Arctic Tern and a White Wagtail.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still showing well from Rickerscote Avenue.
Staffs: Black Bank: Ring Ouzel in bushes by trig point then flew northwest early morning.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Pied Flycatcher by Ted Heath rock.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Drake Green-winged Teal still in Tad Bay, as viewed from minor road to Newton Hurst, also 4 Arctic Terns off causeway. 2 Common Scoter off Water Lane.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 6 Ring Ouzels, also a male Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart and 83 Wheatear.
Staffs: Alrewas GP's: Osprey over junction pit at 10.05.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: 2 Avocets on islands at Railway Pit mid-afternoon.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Black Tern on Coneries Pond, also c30 Common Terns, Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel through, 3 Ruff on Clifton Pit, and 3 Wheatear.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the A52 Pit mid-morning, also an Arctic Tern.
Leics: Rutland Water: Bar-tailed Godwit at Old Hall, also Whimbrel. Drake Garganey on Lagoon I. Little Tern in North Arm late afternoon.
Terned out nice again
Sorry, shit joke I know but that's the best I could think of. On Wednesday at Carsington the weather was like it was over most of the UK, very wet and very miserable. But I also knew that there was the potential for some very good passage. Despite the rain and the risk of drowning I even decided to walk from Millfields to Sheepwash which is roughly a 45 minute walk. I was the only daft bugger to be out in the cold walking so if there was any poor washed out and wind swept migrants it would be me that found them. Unfortunately there was nothing to be found so all I got for my efforts was a thoroughly good soaking. But in true English spirit I soldiered on.
On the way around to Sheepwash I stopped off in Lane End Hide. A quick cuppa and a scan over the water revealed 2 Black Terns, but no Arctics.....yet. I walked to Sheepwash and found a couple of other birders who was also watching the Black Terns. I had just missed a drake Red-breasted Merganser by a few minutes.
For the first couple of hours there was hardly anything worth seeing.....except the Black Terns of course. And I even contemplated calling it a day, as despite my coat and trousers being waterproof, my boots weren't and the rain had soaked through to my socks. It would have been more apt wearing a wetsuit. Will have to have a word with the rangers about getting a fire put in the hide.
I checked Bird Guides and noticed that there was a lot of Arctic Terns and Little Gulls about. Surely there's some out there heading towards Carsington. Just after 12.50 almost from out of nowhere a flock of around 60 Arctic Terns dropped in, superb. I scanned through them and picked out a couple of Little Gulls. I then found 6 Little Gulls including several adults and 1st summers. Despite the now heavy rain the Gulls and Terns were obviously feeding on insects hatching off the water. It was almost like seawatching with the birds dodging the waves and getting nowhere fast. The weather at times was quite vicious but the birds kept piling in.
I continued watching them for a while when there was a break in the weather and everything shipped out. Then the next band of heavy rain descended, and with it more Terns and Little Gulls. This time around 40 Arctics and 7 Little Gulls. This was turning out to be a cracking day and all thoughts of my soaking wet feet was quickly forgotten.
Again a brief interlude in the weather and the birds buggered off. And finally another flock of 20+ Arctics flew in and out making a grand total of over 130 Arctics and 13 Little Gulls. So a truly shit day weather wise but a truly great one birding wise. The End
P.S click on the coloured links for some top tunes. There's quite a varied selection so some for all.
On the way around to Sheepwash I stopped off in Lane End Hide. A quick cuppa and a scan over the water revealed 2 Black Terns, but no Arctics.....yet. I walked to Sheepwash and found a couple of other birders who was also watching the Black Terns. I had just missed a drake Red-breasted Merganser by a few minutes.
For the first couple of hours there was hardly anything worth seeing.....except the Black Terns of course. And I even contemplated calling it a day, as despite my coat and trousers being waterproof, my boots weren't and the rain had soaked through to my socks. It would have been more apt wearing a wetsuit. Will have to have a word with the rangers about getting a fire put in the hide.
I checked Bird Guides and noticed that there was a lot of Arctic Terns and Little Gulls about. Surely there's some out there heading towards Carsington. Just after 12.50 almost from out of nowhere a flock of around 60 Arctic Terns dropped in, superb. I scanned through them and picked out a couple of Little Gulls. I then found 6 Little Gulls including several adults and 1st summers. Despite the now heavy rain the Gulls and Terns were obviously feeding on insects hatching off the water. It was almost like seawatching with the birds dodging the waves and getting nowhere fast. The weather at times was quite vicious but the birds kept piling in.
I continued watching them for a while when there was a break in the weather and everything shipped out. Then the next band of heavy rain descended, and with it more Terns and Little Gulls. This time around 40 Arctics and 7 Little Gulls. This was turning out to be a cracking day and all thoughts of my soaking wet feet was quickly forgotten.
Again a brief interlude in the weather and the birds buggered off. And finally another flock of 20+ Arctics flew in and out making a grand total of over 130 Arctics and 13 Little Gulls. So a truly shit day weather wise but a truly great one birding wise. The End
P.S click on the coloured links for some top tunes. There's quite a varied selection so some for all.
Friday, 27 April 2012
Latest Sightings 27/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 female Goldeneye, Hobby, 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 3 Whimbrel, 6 Curlew, 2 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers, 4 Arctic Terns, Yellow Wagtail, c500 Swallows, 17 Swift.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Arctic Tern, c20 Swift, 2 Wheatears, c800 Swallow, c70 Sand Martins, c50 House Martins, Common Sandpiper, 5 Gadwall, 3 White Wagtails, 71 Tufted Duck, 2 Mandarin.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Sanderling, Gadwall, Greenshank, Dunlin.
Derbys: Mapperley: (SK4343): 2 Wheatear.
Derbys: Pride Park Sanctuary: White Wagtail, 9 Wheatear.
Derbys: Locko Park (SK4038): 12 Wheatear.
Leics: Rutland Water: Turnstone on Lagoon IV, also Sanderling, 20 Dunlin and a Whooper Swan. 2 Black Terns in South Arm III. 4 female Common Scoters in North Arm.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Black Tern on posts on Coneries Pond mid -afternoon, also Arctic Tern from Delta Hide.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: Ring Ouzel at Bentinck Void.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Whimbrel, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers, 9 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 5 Redshank, Common Tern 4 Yellow Wagtails, 250 Swift.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Drake Green-winged Teal still in Tad Bay.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Whimbrel over.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Female Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Redstart and 71 Wheatear.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Whimbrel flew west this evening.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Arctic Tern, c20 Swift, 2 Wheatears, c800 Swallow, c70 Sand Martins, c50 House Martins, Common Sandpiper, 5 Gadwall, 3 White Wagtails, 71 Tufted Duck, 2 Mandarin.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Sanderling, Gadwall, Greenshank, Dunlin.
Derbys: Mapperley: (SK4343): 2 Wheatear.
Derbys: Pride Park Sanctuary: White Wagtail, 9 Wheatear.
Derbys: Locko Park (SK4038): 12 Wheatear.
Leics: Rutland Water: Turnstone on Lagoon IV, also Sanderling, 20 Dunlin and a Whooper Swan. 2 Black Terns in South Arm III. 4 female Common Scoters in North Arm.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Black Tern on posts on Coneries Pond mid -afternoon, also Arctic Tern from Delta Hide.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: Ring Ouzel at Bentinck Void.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Whimbrel, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers, 9 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 5 Redshank, Common Tern 4 Yellow Wagtails, 250 Swift.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Drake Green-winged Teal still in Tad Bay.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Whimbrel over.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Female Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Redstart and 71 Wheatear.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Whimbrel flew west this evening.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Latest Sightings 26/04/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Grey Heron, Cormorant, 6 Pheasants, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 3 Mandarin, Wigeon, 2 Goosander, 10 Tufted Duck, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, Redstart, c30 Swallows, Linnet.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Osprey this morning from Sheepwash car park, Great Northern Diver still and a Whimbrel over.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Black Tern this morning, Cuckoo, Whimbrel, Lesser Whitethroat.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: Kittiwake this morning.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Peregrine, 9 Buzzard, 3 Oystercatchers, Common Sandpiper, 8 Swift, Cuckoo, Yellow Wagtail, 9 Wheatear, 5 Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiff Chaff.
Derbys: Kedleston Park: 3 Swift.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Blue-headed Wagtail near the windsurfing pit this evening.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 4 Swift, drake Shoveler, pair of Pochards, 3 Mandarin 4 Gadwall, Dunlin, Yellow Wagtail, 3 White Wagtails.
Leics: Rutland Water: Little Tern and a Sanderling on Lagoon IV, Greenshank and Bar-tailed Godwit in North Arm I, Whimbrel and Short-eared Owl, 2 Whimbrel in South Arm III.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Hobby, Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Redshank, 7 Oystercatchers, 8 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warblers, Arctic Tern, 5 Common Tern, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, Wheatear and 50+ Swift.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Sanderling this morning, also 5 White Wagtails and 6 Yellow Wagtails.
Staffs: Branston Water Park: European White- fronted Goose.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Osprey flew east at 06.25.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Little Tern north of causeway, Osprey over at 13.00.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: 3 Black Terns on Neatholme Scrape, also 3 Little Gulls at 11.00 and 3 Arctic Terns.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Osprey this morning from Sheepwash car park, Great Northern Diver still and a Whimbrel over.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Black Tern this morning, Cuckoo, Whimbrel, Lesser Whitethroat.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: Kittiwake this morning.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Peregrine, 9 Buzzard, 3 Oystercatchers, Common Sandpiper, 8 Swift, Cuckoo, Yellow Wagtail, 9 Wheatear, 5 Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiff Chaff.
Derbys: Kedleston Park: 3 Swift.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Blue-headed Wagtail near the windsurfing pit this evening.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 4 Swift, drake Shoveler, pair of Pochards, 3 Mandarin 4 Gadwall, Dunlin, Yellow Wagtail, 3 White Wagtails.
Leics: Rutland Water: Little Tern and a Sanderling on Lagoon IV, Greenshank and Bar-tailed Godwit in North Arm I, Whimbrel and Short-eared Owl, 2 Whimbrel in South Arm III.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Hobby, Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Redshank, 7 Oystercatchers, 8 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warblers, Arctic Tern, 5 Common Tern, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, Wheatear and 50+ Swift.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Sanderling this morning, also 5 White Wagtails and 6 Yellow Wagtails.
Staffs: Branston Water Park: European White- fronted Goose.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Osprey flew east at 06.25.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Little Tern north of causeway, Osprey over at 13.00.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: 3 Black Terns on Neatholme Scrape, also 3 Little Gulls at 11.00 and 3 Arctic Terns.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Latest Sightings 25/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Adult Great Northern Diver, 13 Little Gulls, 130+ Arctic Tern, 2 Black Terns, 2 Common Tern, c500 Swallows and a Swift.
Derbys: Willington GP's 1st summer Little Gull.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Little Tern until 17.00, 79 Arctic Terns through, 4 Common Terns, 2 Gadwall, Snipe and 2 White Wagtails.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Probable Whiskered Tern on windsurfing pit early evening, Little Tern on Pylon Pit, 3 Black Terns, 20+ Arctic Terns, Little Gull and 3 Ruff.
Derbys: Church Wilne Reservoir (permit only): 2 Arctic Terns on waterski pit.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: 20 Little Gulls, also 20+ Arctic Terns on A52 Pit.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 12 Arctic Terns before flying north, also 5 Ruff and 2 Little Gulls.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: 3 Little Gulls and 170 Arctic Terns through.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 4 Little Gulls and 22 Arctic Terns.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 8 Little Gulls, 62 Arctic Terns, 6 Common Tern, 20 Swift, 4 Sedge Warblers, 3 Whitethroat and 3 Yellow Wagtail.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Black Tern at Aqualate Mere, also 20 Arctic Terns and 15 Little Gulls.
Staffs: Tamworth: Black Tern on snowdome lake.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 2 Bar-tailed Godwits.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 2 Black Terns and an Arctic Tern.
Warks: Earlswood Lakes: 18 Arctic Terns.
Warks: Draycote Water 6 Little Gulls and 130 Arctic Terns.
Warks: Shustoke Reservoir: Black Tern, Arctic Tern and a Little Gull.
Leics: Rutland Water: 1st winter Caspian Gull, also 4 Little Gulls and an Arctic Tern.
Derbys: Willington GP's 1st summer Little Gull.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Little Tern until 17.00, 79 Arctic Terns through, 4 Common Terns, 2 Gadwall, Snipe and 2 White Wagtails.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Probable Whiskered Tern on windsurfing pit early evening, Little Tern on Pylon Pit, 3 Black Terns, 20+ Arctic Terns, Little Gull and 3 Ruff.
Derbys: Church Wilne Reservoir (permit only): 2 Arctic Terns on waterski pit.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: 20 Little Gulls, also 20+ Arctic Terns on A52 Pit.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 12 Arctic Terns before flying north, also 5 Ruff and 2 Little Gulls.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: 3 Little Gulls and 170 Arctic Terns through.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 4 Little Gulls and 22 Arctic Terns.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 8 Little Gulls, 62 Arctic Terns, 6 Common Tern, 20 Swift, 4 Sedge Warblers, 3 Whitethroat and 3 Yellow Wagtail.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Black Tern at Aqualate Mere, also 20 Arctic Terns and 15 Little Gulls.
Staffs: Tamworth: Black Tern on snowdome lake.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 2 Bar-tailed Godwits.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 2 Black Terns and an Arctic Tern.
Warks: Earlswood Lakes: 18 Arctic Terns.
Warks: Draycote Water 6 Little Gulls and 130 Arctic Terns.
Warks: Shustoke Reservoir: Black Tern, Arctic Tern and a Little Gull.
Leics: Rutland Water: 1st winter Caspian Gull, also 4 Little Gulls and an Arctic Tern.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Latest Sightings 24/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Yellow Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Curlew and a Swift.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Black-tailed Godwit from Platform 4.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: 3 Ruff on Conservation Pit.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Cuckoo, 2 Mandarin, 2 Kingfisher, Yellow Wagtail and 3 White Wagtails.
Derbys: Padley Gorge: Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Redstart and 4 Pied Flycatcher.
Derbys: Locko Parke (SK4038): Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and 3 Wheatear.
Derbys: Harland Edge: Hobby.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: At least 27 Arctic Terns on Railway Pit late afternoon.
Notts: Clifton: Male Ring Ouzel still showing well on the hill northeast of the wood at Branshill, Clifton Grove.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 6 Arctic Terns on the main pond.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (pemit only): Common Tern, 2 Whitethroats, male Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 6 Swift, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, Common Sandpiper, 5 Oystercatchers, 60 Gadwall, 38 Teal, 5 Wigeon and 2 Goldeneye.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Stone Curlew around the mast this morning though mobile, no further sign at 09.00.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Drake Green-winged Teal under willows in Blithe Bay at 17.03 (permit only).
Staffs: Essington Quarry Pool: Male Ring Ouzel by entrance gate on main road this evening. Then 2 flew towards the paddocks.
Leics: Rutland Water: 70 Arctic Terns in South Arm III. Bar-tailed Godwit in North Arm, also 1 at Lagoon IV, and a Whooper Swan.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: 12+ Arctic Tern at inflow end mid-morning.
Leics: Cropston Reservoir: 60+ Arctic Terns late morning.
Warks: Earslwood Lakes: 8 Arctic Terns through this morning.
Northants: Thrapston GP's: 115 Arctic Terns on the MNSC town lake late morning.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Black-tailed Godwit from Platform 4.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: 3 Ruff on Conservation Pit.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Cuckoo, 2 Mandarin, 2 Kingfisher, Yellow Wagtail and 3 White Wagtails.
Derbys: Padley Gorge: Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Redstart and 4 Pied Flycatcher.
Derbys: Locko Parke (SK4038): Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and 3 Wheatear.
Derbys: Harland Edge: Hobby.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: At least 27 Arctic Terns on Railway Pit late afternoon.
Notts: Clifton: Male Ring Ouzel still showing well on the hill northeast of the wood at Branshill, Clifton Grove.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 6 Arctic Terns on the main pond.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (pemit only): Common Tern, 2 Whitethroats, male Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 6 Swift, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, Common Sandpiper, 5 Oystercatchers, 60 Gadwall, 38 Teal, 5 Wigeon and 2 Goldeneye.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Stone Curlew around the mast this morning though mobile, no further sign at 09.00.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Drake Green-winged Teal under willows in Blithe Bay at 17.03 (permit only).
Staffs: Essington Quarry Pool: Male Ring Ouzel by entrance gate on main road this evening. Then 2 flew towards the paddocks.
Leics: Rutland Water: 70 Arctic Terns in South Arm III. Bar-tailed Godwit in North Arm, also 1 at Lagoon IV, and a Whooper Swan.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: 12+ Arctic Tern at inflow end mid-morning.
Leics: Cropston Reservoir: 60+ Arctic Terns late morning.
Warks: Earslwood Lakes: 8 Arctic Terns through this morning.
Northants: Thrapston GP's: 115 Arctic Terns on the MNSC town lake late morning.
Monday, 23 April 2012
Latest Sightings 23/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 2 Little Gulls, Arctic Tern, drake Gadwall, Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel, 3 Buzzards, Kestrel, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets, Pied Flycatcher, c200 Swallows, Garden Warbler.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Terns, 4 Arctic Terns, 11 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 5 House Martins and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Derbys: Morley: Red Kite.
Derbys: Derby SF (SK3834) Cetti's Warbler.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Little Egrets landed briefly in front of the hides, then continued north between 10.57 and 11.02, 5 Whimbrel flew North West, Jack Snipe still present, 2 Shelduck, 10 drake Goosanders flew North, 2 Mandarin, 3 Gadwall, 5 White Wagtails and 3 Yellow Wagtails.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still c.1km south of the A34, Radford Bridge viewable from the canal towpath this afternoon.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: Whitethoat, Garden Warbler, Dunlin, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Redshank, 2 Goldeneye, 5 Wigeon and 2 Pochard.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: Arctic Tern.
Notts: Collingham Pits: 9 Black-tailed Godwits on the silt pond mid morning, also a Common Sandpiper.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Osprey at Chainbridge Pit this afternoon.
Notts: Cotham Flash: Short-eared Owl.
Notts: Clifton: Male Ring Ouzel still at Branshill, Clifton Grove.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: Black-tailed Godwit by the sailing lake.
Leics: Rutland Water: 4 Whimbrel at Old Hall.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Terns, 4 Arctic Terns, 11 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 5 House Martins and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Derbys: Morley: Red Kite.
Derbys: Derby SF (SK3834) Cetti's Warbler.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Little Egrets landed briefly in front of the hides, then continued north between 10.57 and 11.02, 5 Whimbrel flew North West, Jack Snipe still present, 2 Shelduck, 10 drake Goosanders flew North, 2 Mandarin, 3 Gadwall, 5 White Wagtails and 3 Yellow Wagtails.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still c.1km south of the A34, Radford Bridge viewable from the canal towpath this afternoon.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir: Whitethoat, Garden Warbler, Dunlin, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Redshank, 2 Goldeneye, 5 Wigeon and 2 Pochard.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: Arctic Tern.
Notts: Collingham Pits: 9 Black-tailed Godwits on the silt pond mid morning, also a Common Sandpiper.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Osprey at Chainbridge Pit this afternoon.
Notts: Cotham Flash: Short-eared Owl.
Notts: Clifton: Male Ring Ouzel still at Branshill, Clifton Grove.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: Black-tailed Godwit by the sailing lake.
Leics: Rutland Water: 4 Whimbrel at Old Hall.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Latest Sightings 22/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Pied Flycatcher singing at Penn Carr. Also Lapwing with 4 chicks at the Wildlife Centre.
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Shelduck, 2 Goosander, 3 Redstarts (2 male and 1 female), Raven, Oystercatcher and a Brambling.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Common Sandpiper, 2 White Wagtails and 3 Redstart.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Buzzard, Common Tern, Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warblers, 4 Blackcap and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Derbys: Avenue Washlands NR: Grasshopper Warbler at SK399668.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: White Wagtail.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Jack Snipe from the public hide, male Wheatear, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Sedge Warblers, 5 Yellow Wagtails, c8 White Wagtails, 2 Common Sandpipers, 8 Mandarin and 3 Gadwall.
Derbys: Carr Vale NR: Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Owl and an Arctic Tern.
Derbys: Arkwight Town (SK4271): Whitethroat, Goldcrest, 2 Shoveler and 23 Golden Plover.
Derbys: Fairholmes (SK1789: Wood Warbler.
Notts: Clifton: Male Ring Ouzel still at Branshill, Clifton Grove, also a Redstart.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Arctic Tern, also a Common Tern, Grasshopper Warbler, Whimbrel, male Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtails, Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 5 Oystercacthers, 4 Common Sandpipers.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel still.
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Shelduck, 2 Goosander, 3 Redstarts (2 male and 1 female), Raven, Oystercatcher and a Brambling.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Common Sandpiper, 2 White Wagtails and 3 Redstart.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Buzzard, Common Tern, Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warblers, 4 Blackcap and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Derbys: Avenue Washlands NR: Grasshopper Warbler at SK399668.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: White Wagtail.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Jack Snipe from the public hide, male Wheatear, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Sedge Warblers, 5 Yellow Wagtails, c8 White Wagtails, 2 Common Sandpipers, 8 Mandarin and 3 Gadwall.
Derbys: Carr Vale NR: Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Owl and an Arctic Tern.
Derbys: Arkwight Town (SK4271): Whitethroat, Goldcrest, 2 Shoveler and 23 Golden Plover.
Derbys: Fairholmes (SK1789: Wood Warbler.
Notts: Clifton: Male Ring Ouzel still at Branshill, Clifton Grove, also a Redstart.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Arctic Tern, also a Common Tern, Grasshopper Warbler, Whimbrel, male Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtails, Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 5 Oystercacthers, 4 Common Sandpipers.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel still.
Saturday, 21 April 2012
Latest Sightings 21/04/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, 3 Mute Swans, 28 Greylag Geese, 2 Mandarin, Wigeon, Mallard with 9 young, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Redstarts, Green Woodpecker, 3 Stock Doves, Raven.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still present.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 9 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Red Grouse, White Wagtail, 7 Wheatear, 100 Fieldfare and 15 Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull again in the roost.
Derbys: Aston on Trent GP's (no general access): 2 Little Egrets, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Shelduck, Yellow Wagtail.
Derbys: Barrow GP's (viewed from the river path to Ingelby): 2 Shelduck, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, Snipe, Yellow Wagtail, 10+ Pied Wagtails, c30 Linnet and a male Wheatear.
Derbys: Errwood Reservoir (SK0175): Common Sandpiper.
Derbys: Goyt Valley (SK0176): Woodcock and 2 Tree Pipits.
Derbys: Axe Edge Moor (SK0169): 2 Ring Ouzel.
Derbys: Coombs Dale (SK2274): Ring Ouzel.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Ruff circled the main pit then flew towards the River Trent at 07.40.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Whitethroats, male Wheatear, c10 White Wagtails, Yellow Wagtail, 8 Mandarin, 2 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Common Sandpipers.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Ruff this morning, also Grasshopper Warbler singing, and 20 Common Terns.
Notts: Eakring Flash: White Wagtail nearby at Penny Pasture NWT, also a Redstart.
Notts: Clifton: Male Ring Ouzel still at Branshill, Clifton Grove.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: At least 2 White Wagtails, also a Whimbrel.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Arctic Tern on the A52 Pit this afternoon, also 2 Whimbrel flew Northeast this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A fem/imm Marsh Harrier flew southeast this morning at 06.55, Also a Sanderling at the west end, a Greenshank dropped in at 15.25, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Common Sandpipers, male Wheatear, 3+ Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail, 36 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 5 Shelduck, 3 Goldeneye and 2 Pochard.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel still in horse paddock near pond; also 2 Redstart and 8 Wheatear.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still from the canal towpath south of Meadow Bridge today.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still present.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 9 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Red Grouse, White Wagtail, 7 Wheatear, 100 Fieldfare and 15 Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull again in the roost.
Derbys: Aston on Trent GP's (no general access): 2 Little Egrets, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Shelduck, Yellow Wagtail.
Derbys: Barrow GP's (viewed from the river path to Ingelby): 2 Shelduck, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, Snipe, Yellow Wagtail, 10+ Pied Wagtails, c30 Linnet and a male Wheatear.
Derbys: Errwood Reservoir (SK0175): Common Sandpiper.
Derbys: Goyt Valley (SK0176): Woodcock and 2 Tree Pipits.
Derbys: Axe Edge Moor (SK0169): 2 Ring Ouzel.
Derbys: Coombs Dale (SK2274): Ring Ouzel.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Ruff circled the main pit then flew towards the River Trent at 07.40.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Whitethroats, male Wheatear, c10 White Wagtails, Yellow Wagtail, 8 Mandarin, 2 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Common Sandpipers.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Ruff this morning, also Grasshopper Warbler singing, and 20 Common Terns.
Notts: Eakring Flash: White Wagtail nearby at Penny Pasture NWT, also a Redstart.
Notts: Clifton: Male Ring Ouzel still at Branshill, Clifton Grove.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: At least 2 White Wagtails, also a Whimbrel.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Arctic Tern on the A52 Pit this afternoon, also 2 Whimbrel flew Northeast this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A fem/imm Marsh Harrier flew southeast this morning at 06.55, Also a Sanderling at the west end, a Greenshank dropped in at 15.25, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Common Sandpipers, male Wheatear, 3+ Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail, 36 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 5 Shelduck, 3 Goldeneye and 2 Pochard.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel still in horse paddock near pond; also 2 Redstart and 8 Wheatear.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still from the canal towpath south of Meadow Bridge today.
Magpie versus Bat
I couldn't quite believe what I had witnessed last whilst at Carsington Water. I'd had a steady day, Great Northern Diver, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, 2 LRP and a Yellow Wagtail being the stand out birds.
I was standing on the causeway to Stones Island for the last hour where is often the best place to be for stuff dropping in before dusk.
Apart from the above mentioned Yellow Wagtail and lots of Swallows there wasn't much happening. I was looking towards the Dam Wall when I noticed a Bat flying around. This was surprising in itself as it was cold, breezy, spitting with rain and obviously still light.
Now I'll be the first to admit that I know nothing about Bats, but I do know that surely it shouldn't be out when it was, and surely there can't be much food for it out there. It was flying over the water which got me thinking it could be a Daubenton's and it was brown in colour too, but that would just be a guess.
I watched it for a short while when it attracted the attention of a Black-headed Gull and a Magpie. They chased it around for a few seconds until the Magpie plucked the Bat out of the air several feet above the water and c15ft off shore.
The Magpie then flew onto dry land where it pecked the Bat several times, flew a few more yards, pecked it again and then disappeared into the undergrowth with it.
I have seen a Magpie before catch a LBJ in mid-air, and once catch and kill an adult Blackbird. But to catch a Bat, mid-air, and above water left be totally gobsmacked. I know Magpies like all Corvids are opportunists but I don't know whether this sort of behaviour has been documented before. It probably has, but I doubt I'll ever see the like again.
I was standing on the causeway to Stones Island for the last hour where is often the best place to be for stuff dropping in before dusk.
Apart from the above mentioned Yellow Wagtail and lots of Swallows there wasn't much happening. I was looking towards the Dam Wall when I noticed a Bat flying around. This was surprising in itself as it was cold, breezy, spitting with rain and obviously still light.
Now I'll be the first to admit that I know nothing about Bats, but I do know that surely it shouldn't be out when it was, and surely there can't be much food for it out there. It was flying over the water which got me thinking it could be a Daubenton's and it was brown in colour too, but that would just be a guess.
I watched it for a short while when it attracted the attention of a Black-headed Gull and a Magpie. They chased it around for a few seconds until the Magpie plucked the Bat out of the air several feet above the water and c15ft off shore.
The Magpie then flew onto dry land where it pecked the Bat several times, flew a few more yards, pecked it again and then disappeared into the undergrowth with it.
I have seen a Magpie before catch a LBJ in mid-air, and once catch and kill an adult Blackbird. But to catch a Bat, mid-air, and above water left be totally gobsmacked. I know Magpies like all Corvids are opportunists but I don't know whether this sort of behaviour has been documented before. It probably has, but I doubt I'll ever see the like again.
Friday, 20 April 2012
Latest Sightings 20/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Buzzards, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 50+ Swallow, 33 Blackcap, 26 Willow Warblers, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Ring Ouzel, 10 Buzzards, 2 Oystercacthers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 11 Meadow Pipits, 9 Wheatear, 3 Reed Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiff Chaff.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Whitethroat, c20 White Wagtails, female Wheatear, 2 Common Sandpipers, 7 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, Kingfisher.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull still in the roost.
Leics: Rutland Water: 4 Little Gulls on Lagoon 111, also 24 Black-tailed Godwits still on Lagoon 1. Also Bar-tailed Godwit in North Arm 1.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel, also 3 Common Redstarts.
Staffs: Stoke-on-Trent: Ring Ouzel, one behind old Woodland Stores at Bagnall Bank at Light Oaks this morning.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 4 Arctic Terns today.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: 2 Arctic Terns at Bellmoor Lake.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Ring Ouzel, 10 Buzzards, 2 Oystercacthers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 11 Meadow Pipits, 9 Wheatear, 3 Reed Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiff Chaff.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Whitethroat, c20 White Wagtails, female Wheatear, 2 Common Sandpipers, 7 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, Kingfisher.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull still in the roost.
Leics: Rutland Water: 4 Little Gulls on Lagoon 111, also 24 Black-tailed Godwits still on Lagoon 1. Also Bar-tailed Godwit in North Arm 1.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel, also 3 Common Redstarts.
Staffs: Stoke-on-Trent: Ring Ouzel, one behind old Woodland Stores at Bagnall Bank at Light Oaks this morning.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 4 Arctic Terns today.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: 2 Arctic Terns at Bellmoor Lake.
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Latest Sightings 19/04/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Cormorants, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Wigeon, 4 Mandarin, 2 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, Goosander, Buzzard, Sparrowahwk, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwing, 2 Pied Wags, Grey Wagtail, 2 Mute Swans, c50 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 3 Sand Martin, 3 Pheasants, 2 Jay, Willow Warbler, Chiff Chaff and Blackcap.
Derbys: Adult Great Northern Diver nearing full summer plumage, also 9 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Arctic Tern, also an Avocet through.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Arctic Terns flew west at 09.15, Common Tern. 4 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Curlew, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 6 White Wagtails, c350 Swallows, c100 Sand Martins, c20 House Martins.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Common Crane over, also an Osprey.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 3 Arctic Terns on Coneris Pond late afternoon , also a 1st winter Little Gull.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel c250 metres south east of the viewpoint.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 2 White Wagtails.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Arctic Tern around the sailing lake.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still present from the canal towpath south of Meadow Bridge.
West Mids: Clayhanger Marsh: 2 Black-winged Stilts at the north end of swag mid-afternoon. Park on Ryders Hall Lane and follow footpath northeast.
Leics: Rutland Water: 88 Black-tailed Godwits and a Bar-tailed Godwit on Lagoon 1.
Leics; Eyebrook Reservoir: 2 Arctic Terns.
Derbys: Adult Great Northern Diver nearing full summer plumage, also 9 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Arctic Tern, also an Avocet through.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Arctic Terns flew west at 09.15, Common Tern. 4 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Curlew, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 6 White Wagtails, c350 Swallows, c100 Sand Martins, c20 House Martins.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Common Crane over, also an Osprey.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 3 Arctic Terns on Coneris Pond late afternoon , also a 1st winter Little Gull.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel c250 metres south east of the viewpoint.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 2 White Wagtails.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Arctic Tern around the sailing lake.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still present from the canal towpath south of Meadow Bridge.
West Mids: Clayhanger Marsh: 2 Black-winged Stilts at the north end of swag mid-afternoon. Park on Ryders Hall Lane and follow footpath northeast.
Leics: Rutland Water: 88 Black-tailed Godwits and a Bar-tailed Godwit on Lagoon 1.
Leics; Eyebrook Reservoir: 2 Arctic Terns.
Raining Terns
Yesterday up at Carsington Water the weather was as miserable as I've known it for a long time. But, knowing the time of year and the conditions can often drop stuff in we were quite optimistic. Before the weather really set in we took a stroll around Stones Island and saw 2 White Wagtails for our efforts. We then received a text from another birder who was already in the hide that an Arctic Tern had just flown straight through. We made our way to the hide to be told that there was at least 7 more Terns but quite distant.
We set our scopes up and through the rain and mist there was the 7 Terns. We watched them for a while and eventually we all came to the same conclusion that they were Arctics. Something because of distance we wouldn't have been able to say a few years ago. But now with a few more years experience behind us separating Arctic Tern from Common Tern is now a lot easier, even at distance. Some Terns will however always go down as 'Comics' simply because 100% identification is not possible. There's a good write up here on separating both Arctic and Common Terns. It might seem a lot to take in but if you was to take on board just a few of the differing features then it will certainly help in deciding whether you are watching Arctic or Common Tern.
Throughout the next few hours 7 Terns became 11, then 15, then 21 until there was 28 Arctic Terns. An adult Little Gull also joined the feeding frenzy. This delightful diminutive little Gull was a joy to watch with its almost Tern like habits. Eventually during a brief interlude from the rain 7 of the Terns flew North leaving 21 and the Gull.
By this time the cold had well and truly beaten us so we retreated to the warmth and comfort of the heated Wildlife Centre. After getting the feeling back in my hands and feet we decided to take a walk onto Stones Island. The rain had eased off for a while but the walk around Stones only produced 4 Little Ringed Plovers. Big black clouds were again descending so we legged it for cover.
Clive and Keith who I was with decided that they had had enough and left. After another brief dry spell I walked onto Stones alone and immediately heard a Yellow Wagtail and watched as it dropped in amongst the stones and weeds. I rang Clive who I know wouldn't even be at the car yet and both he and Keith came trudging back to see what was their first Yellow Wag of the year. Satisfied with their year tick they again left me to battle the elements.
I then met up with another birder and despite seeing a White Wagtail and the Yellow Wag again the elements were against us so yet again we retreated to cover. Where we had to stick it out for the duration due to torrential downpours. In the distance we could still see the Little Gull but the Terns had long left us.
Yellow Wagtail
We set our scopes up and through the rain and mist there was the 7 Terns. We watched them for a while and eventually we all came to the same conclusion that they were Arctics. Something because of distance we wouldn't have been able to say a few years ago. But now with a few more years experience behind us separating Arctic Tern from Common Tern is now a lot easier, even at distance. Some Terns will however always go down as 'Comics' simply because 100% identification is not possible. There's a good write up here on separating both Arctic and Common Terns. It might seem a lot to take in but if you was to take on board just a few of the differing features then it will certainly help in deciding whether you are watching Arctic or Common Tern.
Throughout the next few hours 7 Terns became 11, then 15, then 21 until there was 28 Arctic Terns. An adult Little Gull also joined the feeding frenzy. This delightful diminutive little Gull was a joy to watch with its almost Tern like habits. Eventually during a brief interlude from the rain 7 of the Terns flew North leaving 21 and the Gull.
By this time the cold had well and truly beaten us so we retreated to the warmth and comfort of the heated Wildlife Centre. After getting the feeling back in my hands and feet we decided to take a walk onto Stones Island. The rain had eased off for a while but the walk around Stones only produced 4 Little Ringed Plovers. Big black clouds were again descending so we legged it for cover.
Clive and Keith who I was with decided that they had had enough and left. After another brief dry spell I walked onto Stones alone and immediately heard a Yellow Wagtail and watched as it dropped in amongst the stones and weeds. I rang Clive who I know wouldn't even be at the car yet and both he and Keith came trudging back to see what was their first Yellow Wag of the year. Satisfied with their year tick they again left me to battle the elements.
I then met up with another birder and despite seeing a White Wagtail and the Yellow Wag again the elements were against us so yet again we retreated to cover. Where we had to stick it out for the duration due to torrential downpours. In the distance we could still see the Little Gull but the Terns had long left us.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Latest Sightings 18/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 4 Little Ringed Plover, adult Little Gull, 28 Arctic Terns, 2 Goldeneye, 150+ Swallow, c100 Sand Martin, 2 White Wagtails, Yellow Wagtail.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull in the roost.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: A male Firecrest in the North Car Park, also gets in the small valley on the other side of the road. 2 Shelduck, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Redshank, 2 White Wagtails, Sedge Warbler and a Cape Shelduck.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 6 Shelduck, 9 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 3 Arctic Tern, 15 Wheatear, Tufted/Pochard hybrid.
Derbys: Poolsbrook CP: Arctic Tern this morning.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: 2 Arctic Terns on the mere.
Staffs: Drayton Bassett Pits: Adult Little Gull and 2 Ruff.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Black Tern, also 4 Arctic Tern, 3 Common Terns, Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warbler, 150 Swallow, 70 House Martins, 30 Sand Martins, 4 Pochard, 5 Wigeon, 2 Peregrine, 2 Curlew, 2 Little Ringed Plovers and 5 Oystercatchers.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Pied Flycatcher in reeds at the corner of Barn Farm Bay mid-afternoon. Also 17 Arctic Terns.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 80 Arctic Terns on Coneries Pond, also 1st winter Little Gull.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: 3 Arctic Tern on Neatholme Scrape, also 3 Ruff.
Notts: Clifton: Ring Ouzel still at Branshill this evening.
Leics: Rutland Water: Arctic Tern on Lagoon 1V, also 8 Avocet and 4 Ruff.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull in the roost.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: A male Firecrest in the North Car Park, also gets in the small valley on the other side of the road. 2 Shelduck, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Redshank, 2 White Wagtails, Sedge Warbler and a Cape Shelduck.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 6 Shelduck, 9 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 3 Arctic Tern, 15 Wheatear, Tufted/Pochard hybrid.
Derbys: Poolsbrook CP: Arctic Tern this morning.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: 2 Arctic Terns on the mere.
Staffs: Drayton Bassett Pits: Adult Little Gull and 2 Ruff.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Black Tern, also 4 Arctic Tern, 3 Common Terns, Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warbler, 150 Swallow, 70 House Martins, 30 Sand Martins, 4 Pochard, 5 Wigeon, 2 Peregrine, 2 Curlew, 2 Little Ringed Plovers and 5 Oystercatchers.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Pied Flycatcher in reeds at the corner of Barn Farm Bay mid-afternoon. Also 17 Arctic Terns.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 80 Arctic Terns on Coneries Pond, also 1st winter Little Gull.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: 3 Arctic Tern on Neatholme Scrape, also 3 Ruff.
Notts: Clifton: Ring Ouzel still at Branshill this evening.
Leics: Rutland Water: Arctic Tern on Lagoon 1V, also 8 Avocet and 4 Ruff.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Latest Sightings 17/04/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Little Egret briefly this morning before flying south, Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, Mute Swan, c20 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, drake Wigeon, 2 Buzzards, female Sparrowahwk, 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Pied Wagtails, c20 Swallows, c10 Sand Martins, c10 House Martins, 2 Redstarts, 2 Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaff, Blackcap, 2 Stock Doves, Green Woodpecker, Great Spot Woodpecker and several Reed Buntings.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still, also 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Curlew, 2 Buzzard, Raven, 2 White Wagtails and an esacped male Cape Shelduck.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Arctic Tern on Conservation Pit this morning before flying off.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull in the roost again.
Derbys: Curbar Edge (SK2575): 16 Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Hathersage (SK2381): 6 Wheatear.
Derbys: Freebirch (SK3073) 150 Fieldfare.
Derbys: Calver (SK2874) 12 Mandarin.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 7 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, 4 White Wagtails and a Sedge Warbler.
Leics: Rutland Water: 6 Little Gulls in North Arm, also a Ring Ouzel west of the sailing club, 8 Arctic Terns from Lapwing Hide and a Whimbrel.
Leics: Cropston Reservoir: 3 adult Little Gulls.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 9 Shelduck, 5 Wigeon, Water Rail, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatchers, 6 Snipe, 3 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and a Brambling.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: 2 Common Scoter off Beech Tree Point today.
Staffs: Essington Quarry Pool: 4 Brent Geese flew north west at 18.05.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 1st winter Little Gull, also 5 Ruff.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel c250 metres north of pallet stacks.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 1st winter Little Gull on Clifton Pit.
Notts: Kilvington: Avocet and Little Gull on West Lake this morning.
Notts: Clifton: 2 male and 1 female Ring Ouzel at Branshill, Clifton Grove this evening.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still, also 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Curlew, 2 Buzzard, Raven, 2 White Wagtails and an esacped male Cape Shelduck.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Arctic Tern on Conservation Pit this morning before flying off.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull in the roost again.
Derbys: Curbar Edge (SK2575): 16 Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Hathersage (SK2381): 6 Wheatear.
Derbys: Freebirch (SK3073) 150 Fieldfare.
Derbys: Calver (SK2874) 12 Mandarin.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 7 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, 4 White Wagtails and a Sedge Warbler.
Leics: Rutland Water: 6 Little Gulls in North Arm, also a Ring Ouzel west of the sailing club, 8 Arctic Terns from Lapwing Hide and a Whimbrel.
Leics: Cropston Reservoir: 3 adult Little Gulls.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 9 Shelduck, 5 Wigeon, Water Rail, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatchers, 6 Snipe, 3 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and a Brambling.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: 2 Common Scoter off Beech Tree Point today.
Staffs: Essington Quarry Pool: 4 Brent Geese flew north west at 18.05.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 1st winter Little Gull, also 5 Ruff.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel c250 metres north of pallet stacks.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 1st winter Little Gull on Clifton Pit.
Notts: Kilvington: Avocet and Little Gull on West Lake this morning.
Notts: Clifton: 2 male and 1 female Ring Ouzel at Branshill, Clifton Grove this evening.
An Egret brightens the day
Back down on the patch today on what was a relatively dry though cool day. Luckily, most of the rain that was forecast fell overnight so instead of my expected sheltering in the hide I was able to get down the lane and up near the woods where the Redstarts were on Saturday.
I gave the pools a good look first to make sure nothing new had come in overnight....and it hadn't. Just 2 Little Grebe, 2 Shelduck and 2 Gadwall of note. Also a couple of Willow Warblers singing nearby together with a Chiff Chaff.
I then took a walk up near the woods where on Saturday I found at least 3 Redstarts. Coincidentally, they first appeared on the same date last year. On the way up I passed a Blackcap but little else. Before I reached the second gate I could hear a male singing with another male singing nearby. They were playing a bit hard to get today and only brief views were attained of 2 definite males but no sign of a 3rd bird which was there at the weekend.
Whilst I was up there I could hear the very vocal Oystercatchers kicking off down near the main pool. The resident pair which now have a semblance of a nest on the island were seeing of a second pair and all 4 were flying around making a right racket. Eventually the invading pair realising they were mot welcome and disappeared North.
I made my way down to the viewing mound where it was fairly quiet apart from 3 Pied Wags and small numbers of Hirundines. Then just before 11.00 I spotted a large white bird flying in from the North East. I knew it wasn't a Gull and thought Egret or even White Stork as there seems to be one or two lingering not too far away. As it got nearer I could see it was a Little Egret and it flew in and dropped in onto the island. Much to the annoyance of the Oystercatchers who chased it around to the other side of the island.
I scrambled in my pocket to get my camera for a record shot, that's all it would have been at the distance I was. Bugger, it wouldn't switch on. I then realised that yesterday It was very low on power and needed charging, but I forgot to do it. I then looked up to see the Egret disappearing south so probably wouldn't have got a shot anyway.
So another decent bird on my patch, albeit briefly.
I gave the pools a good look first to make sure nothing new had come in overnight....and it hadn't. Just 2 Little Grebe, 2 Shelduck and 2 Gadwall of note. Also a couple of Willow Warblers singing nearby together with a Chiff Chaff.
I then took a walk up near the woods where on Saturday I found at least 3 Redstarts. Coincidentally, they first appeared on the same date last year. On the way up I passed a Blackcap but little else. Before I reached the second gate I could hear a male singing with another male singing nearby. They were playing a bit hard to get today and only brief views were attained of 2 definite males but no sign of a 3rd bird which was there at the weekend.
Whilst I was up there I could hear the very vocal Oystercatchers kicking off down near the main pool. The resident pair which now have a semblance of a nest on the island were seeing of a second pair and all 4 were flying around making a right racket. Eventually the invading pair realising they were mot welcome and disappeared North.
I made my way down to the viewing mound where it was fairly quiet apart from 3 Pied Wags and small numbers of Hirundines. Then just before 11.00 I spotted a large white bird flying in from the North East. I knew it wasn't a Gull and thought Egret or even White Stork as there seems to be one or two lingering not too far away. As it got nearer I could see it was a Little Egret and it flew in and dropped in onto the island. Much to the annoyance of the Oystercatchers who chased it around to the other side of the island.
I scrambled in my pocket to get my camera for a record shot, that's all it would have been at the distance I was. Bugger, it wouldn't switch on. I then realised that yesterday It was very low on power and needed charging, but I forgot to do it. I then looked up to see the Egret disappearing south so probably wouldn't have got a shot anyway.
So another decent bird on my patch, albeit briefly.
Monday, 16 April 2012
Ltest Sightings 16/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Adult Great Northern Diver, Grey Heron, 20+ Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Goose, female Mallards with 2 & 7 young, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, numerous Redshank and Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, female Redstart, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 White Wagtails, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 50+ Swallow, 49 Chiff Chaff, 33 Blackcaps, 21 Willow Warbler, Siskin, 4 Linnet and a Raven.
Derbys: Belper: Red Kite over Crich Lane.
Derbys: Pride Park Sanctuary: Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, 3 Goosander, 2 Kestrel, 20 Sand Martin.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 3 Reed Warbler.
Derbys: Padley Gorge (SK2579): 2 Pied Flycatchers and a Redstart.
Derbys: Erewash Meadows NR (SK4449): Buzzard, Kingfisher, 15 Swallow, 60 Fieldfare.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Male Redstart between car park and members hide, 107 Common Gulls (104 flew NNE in one flock), Sedge Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, 5 White Wagtails, 5 Mandarin.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Short-eared Owls over Lagoon 1. Also Spotted Redshank in South Arm and a Whimbrel.
Leics: Timberwood Hill: 3 Ring Ouzels.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Osprey flew through mid morning, also Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 8 Willow Warbler, Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 White Wagtails, 18 Shelduck, 22 Goldeneye, 5 Wigeon, 3 Pochard and a Brambling.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still viewable from the canal towpath today, park at Meadow Ridge and walk south SJ939216 .
Notts: Attenborough NR: Male Common Redstart from Tower Hide.
Derbys: Belper: Red Kite over Crich Lane.
Derbys: Pride Park Sanctuary: Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, 3 Goosander, 2 Kestrel, 20 Sand Martin.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 3 Reed Warbler.
Derbys: Padley Gorge (SK2579): 2 Pied Flycatchers and a Redstart.
Derbys: Erewash Meadows NR (SK4449): Buzzard, Kingfisher, 15 Swallow, 60 Fieldfare.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Male Redstart between car park and members hide, 107 Common Gulls (104 flew NNE in one flock), Sedge Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, 5 White Wagtails, 5 Mandarin.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Short-eared Owls over Lagoon 1. Also Spotted Redshank in South Arm and a Whimbrel.
Leics: Timberwood Hill: 3 Ring Ouzels.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Osprey flew through mid morning, also Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 8 Willow Warbler, Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 White Wagtails, 18 Shelduck, 22 Goldeneye, 5 Wigeon, 3 Pochard and a Brambling.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still viewable from the canal towpath today, park at Meadow Ridge and walk south SJ939216 .
Notts: Attenborough NR: Male Common Redstart from Tower Hide.
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Latest Sightings 15/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 2 Shelduck, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear, 30 Sand Martin and a female Redstart.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Sedge Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 7 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Mute Swans, c180 Sand Martin, c200 Swallows and c25 House Martins.
Derbys: Harboro Rocks near Carsington Pasture, north of Carsington Water: 5+ Wheatear, 2 Redstarts and c50 Fieldfare.
Derbys: Hayfield (SK0386): 6 Grey Wagtail, Green Woodpecker, Swallow, Dipper, 2 Redstart, Wheatear, Blackcap and 7 Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 6 Shelduck, 12 Wheatear, 250 Fieldfare, and 3 Willow Warblers.
Derbys: Monsal Dale: Redstart.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 7 Goosander, 10 Buzzards, 8 Swallow, 10 Wheatear (most, if not all showing characteristics of Greenland Race), 16 Blackcap, 10 Willow Warbler and 11 Chiff Chaffs.
Derbys: Monks Dale: (SK1374): Redstart and 2 Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Wormhill (SK1274): 2 Redstart.
Derbys: Ticknall (SK3523): 4 Little Owls.
Derbys: Barrow Gravel Pits (please view from the river path to Ingleby): Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Water Rail, 2 Gadwall, 7 Teal, 7 Buzzard, 2 Shelduck.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Oystercatchers, 7 Curlew, 2 Goosander, 5 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 11 Teal, 100 Sand Martins, 2 Swallow, Wheatear, Sedge Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 5 Chiff Chaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 5 Wigeon, 4 Shelduck, 19 Goldeneye, 11 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, Swift, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear, 2 Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler and a Brambling.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still present viewable from canal towpath. Park at Meadow Ridge and walk south SJ939216.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Pied Flycatcher at Stepping Stone, also a male Ring Ouzel briefly before flying towards Brocton Coppice, also 2 Cuckoos in Oldacre Valley.
Notts: Budby Common: Male Ring Ouzel in large grass field south of crosstracks mid-morning.
Notts: Budby: Osprey flew over the pumping station to west.
Leics: Rutland Water: Ring Ouzel in sailing club bay this morning.
Leics: Frolesworth: Male Common Redstart at Hill Farm, also Yellow Wagtail, please view from footpath.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Sedge Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 7 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Mute Swans, c180 Sand Martin, c200 Swallows and c25 House Martins.
Derbys: Harboro Rocks near Carsington Pasture, north of Carsington Water: 5+ Wheatear, 2 Redstarts and c50 Fieldfare.
Derbys: Hayfield (SK0386): 6 Grey Wagtail, Green Woodpecker, Swallow, Dipper, 2 Redstart, Wheatear, Blackcap and 7 Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 6 Shelduck, 12 Wheatear, 250 Fieldfare, and 3 Willow Warblers.
Derbys: Monsal Dale: Redstart.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 7 Goosander, 10 Buzzards, 8 Swallow, 10 Wheatear (most, if not all showing characteristics of Greenland Race), 16 Blackcap, 10 Willow Warbler and 11 Chiff Chaffs.
Derbys: Monks Dale: (SK1374): Redstart and 2 Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Wormhill (SK1274): 2 Redstart.
Derbys: Ticknall (SK3523): 4 Little Owls.
Derbys: Barrow Gravel Pits (please view from the river path to Ingleby): Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Water Rail, 2 Gadwall, 7 Teal, 7 Buzzard, 2 Shelduck.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Oystercatchers, 7 Curlew, 2 Goosander, 5 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 11 Teal, 100 Sand Martins, 2 Swallow, Wheatear, Sedge Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 5 Chiff Chaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 5 Wigeon, 4 Shelduck, 19 Goldeneye, 11 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, Swift, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear, 2 Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler and a Brambling.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still present viewable from canal towpath. Park at Meadow Ridge and walk south SJ939216.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Pied Flycatcher at Stepping Stone, also a male Ring Ouzel briefly before flying towards Brocton Coppice, also 2 Cuckoos in Oldacre Valley.
Notts: Budby Common: Male Ring Ouzel in large grass field south of crosstracks mid-morning.
Notts: Budby: Osprey flew over the pumping station to west.
Leics: Rutland Water: Ring Ouzel in sailing club bay this morning.
Leics: Frolesworth: Male Common Redstart at Hill Farm, also Yellow Wagtail, please view from footpath.
The joys of local patching
I have in the past wrote several blog posts about the pros and cons of local patching. And this post is written in the wake of the Pallid Harrier that was found at Belvide Res in Staffs yesterday afternoon and is just reward for those dedicated few who watch Belvide regularly. For those at Belvide yesterday who witnessed the Pallid Harrier fly through I'm sure will tell you that seeing such a bird on your local patch is far more satisfying than say travelling many a mile to see one.
Most birders outside Derbyshire have probably never even heard of my patch Wyver Lane. It's a smallish reserve managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT) and consists a couple of pools, reeds, marshes.
I've been going down there for about 10 years and will make several visits every week.
The thing with Wyver and I'll be the first to admit that it's not the most exciting of reserves, and there are other spots in Derbyshire that are arguably better. But better in what way?? It's all about personal choice. It doesn't compare with the likes of Willington, Carsington, Ogston, Drakelow and dare I say Carr Vale which is a similar sort of reserve but pulls in some quality birds maybe as a result of lying next to the M1 and being on a migratory path.
Wyver Lane in its entire history has only produced 177 species of which I have seen 137 of them. Whereas the other places I mentioned have over 200 species. There are a few birders within the county who at the mention of Wyver Lane will often pull a face and mutter things like 'oh, that shit hole', or 'it's crap, there's never anything there apart from Mallards and Coots'. Yes it's bloody hard going down there for the majority of the time, but with a little patience the rewards can be good. And yes, now and again something good does turn up! In fact, in my eyes they are the worst kind of birder. The sort that sits at home on their ass, will slag off your patch for being shit, then turn up when a goodie turns up. Last year's Avocets when around 20 birders came down being a prime example.
Over the years Wyver has had all 5 species of Grebe, Bittern, Great White Egret, Common Crane, Pec Sands, Ring-billed Gull to name just a few. And over the past 18 months or so there has been 5 Avocets which is my personal highlight, Jack Snipe, breeding Redstarts (which arrived back yesterday), Yellow Wags, numerous Red Kites, Marsh Harrier, Sandwich Terns, Osprey, Cuckoo, Crossbills, Spotted Flycatcher, Bewick's Swans, and a couple of good visible migration days which include 540 Meadow Pipits on one particular day and 101 Skylark another. I could go on but I think you get the picture.
So in birding terms I think it's us dedicated 'local patchers' that keeps the UK birding scene ticking. If it wasn't for us then the majority of birds would not even be found in the first place.
Most birders outside Derbyshire have probably never even heard of my patch Wyver Lane. It's a smallish reserve managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT) and consists a couple of pools, reeds, marshes.
I've been going down there for about 10 years and will make several visits every week.
The thing with Wyver and I'll be the first to admit that it's not the most exciting of reserves, and there are other spots in Derbyshire that are arguably better. But better in what way?? It's all about personal choice. It doesn't compare with the likes of Willington, Carsington, Ogston, Drakelow and dare I say Carr Vale which is a similar sort of reserve but pulls in some quality birds maybe as a result of lying next to the M1 and being on a migratory path.
Wyver Lane in its entire history has only produced 177 species of which I have seen 137 of them. Whereas the other places I mentioned have over 200 species. There are a few birders within the county who at the mention of Wyver Lane will often pull a face and mutter things like 'oh, that shit hole', or 'it's crap, there's never anything there apart from Mallards and Coots'. Yes it's bloody hard going down there for the majority of the time, but with a little patience the rewards can be good. And yes, now and again something good does turn up! In fact, in my eyes they are the worst kind of birder. The sort that sits at home on their ass, will slag off your patch for being shit, then turn up when a goodie turns up. Last year's Avocets when around 20 birders came down being a prime example.
Over the years Wyver has had all 5 species of Grebe, Bittern, Great White Egret, Common Crane, Pec Sands, Ring-billed Gull to name just a few. And over the past 18 months or so there has been 5 Avocets which is my personal highlight, Jack Snipe, breeding Redstarts (which arrived back yesterday), Yellow Wags, numerous Red Kites, Marsh Harrier, Sandwich Terns, Osprey, Cuckoo, Crossbills, Spotted Flycatcher, Bewick's Swans, and a couple of good visible migration days which include 540 Meadow Pipits on one particular day and 101 Skylark another. I could go on but I think you get the picture.
So in birding terms I think it's us dedicated 'local patchers' that keeps the UK birding scene ticking. If it wasn't for us then the majority of birds would not even be found in the first place.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Latest Sightings 14/04/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane DWT: 3 Common Redstarts including at least 2 singing males near Wyver Woods in fields behind the hide. Little Grebe, 20 Coot, 2 Shelduck, Wigeon, Mandarin, Peregrine, Kestrel, Buzzard, 2 Oystercatchers, 6 BH Gull, 12 Swallow, 6 Sand Martin, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaff and a Blackcap.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Adult Great Northern Diver still, also 2 Yellow Wagtails, c30 Fieldfare and 20+ Willow Warblers.
Derbys: Harboro Rocks, near Carsington Pastures North of Carsington Water: 15+ Wheatear.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 2 Shelduck, 5 Wheatear, 230 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Swift, Whitethroat, Little Egret, 2 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 2 Goosander, 2 Redshank, Common Sandpiper and 4 Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull again in the roost.
Derbys: Ladybower: Red-breasted Merganser at c.SK188864.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Sedge Warbler, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 6 White Wagtails, Common Sandpiper, 7 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, Mute Swan, c90 Sand Martins, c70 Swallows, c25 House Martins.
Staffs: Codsall: Lesser Whitethroat along Port Lane.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Juvenile Pallid Harrier flew West at 14.30, also a Common Swift, Reed Warbler, male Redstart and 2 Wheatear.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 5 Common Redstart.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still viewable from the canal towpath.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Male Marsh Harrier flew through A52 Pit at 08.30.
Notts: Barton in Fabis: Female Ring Ouzel viewable from north side of River Trent this morning.
Leics: Rutland Water: Dark-bellied Brent Goose on Lagoon I this afternoon.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Adult Great Northern Diver still, also 2 Yellow Wagtails, c30 Fieldfare and 20+ Willow Warblers.
Derbys: Harboro Rocks, near Carsington Pastures North of Carsington Water: 15+ Wheatear.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 2 Shelduck, 5 Wheatear, 230 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Swift, Whitethroat, Little Egret, 2 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 2 Goosander, 2 Redshank, Common Sandpiper and 4 Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull again in the roost.
Derbys: Ladybower: Red-breasted Merganser at c.SK188864.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Sedge Warbler, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 6 White Wagtails, Common Sandpiper, 7 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, Mute Swan, c90 Sand Martins, c70 Swallows, c25 House Martins.
Staffs: Codsall: Lesser Whitethroat along Port Lane.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Juvenile Pallid Harrier flew West at 14.30, also a Common Swift, Reed Warbler, male Redstart and 2 Wheatear.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 5 Common Redstart.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still viewable from the canal towpath.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Male Marsh Harrier flew through A52 Pit at 08.30.
Notts: Barton in Fabis: Female Ring Ouzel viewable from north side of River Trent this morning.
Leics: Rutland Water: Dark-bellied Brent Goose on Lagoon I this afternoon.
Thayer's Gull
Whether it is or whether it isn't a Thayer's is something that I will leave to the powers that be to decide. What I do know, is that on Wednesday I went up to North Lincolnshire with Chris to take a look at it. Lucky we did really as it's seems to have done a bunk and has not been seen since. Granted, it's not the most attractive bird I will ever see but with it being a potential first for Britain then it was definitely worth the 90 minute drive.
Larus enthusiasts the length and breadth of the country have been quietly debating what, if any, boxes it ticks. It certainly was a very dark looking individual and distinctive looking bird. With my very limited knowledge on Iceland Gulls and their cousins, if this bird isn't a Thayer's then I'd like to know what it could be. Anyway, by the time the relevant authorities reach their conclusion I will probably be too old to care or even remember seeing the bird in the first place.
On a lighter note I managed to see Carsington's Great Northern Diver at close quarters yesterday morning enabling me to get some half decent digi-scoped shots. As you can see, it's now coming into breeding plumage. I've also managed to get myself a few more year ticks over the past week or so. Willow Warbler, Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail, House Martin, and today down Wyver Lane a few Redstarts. I first heard a Redstart calling when I was standing on the viewing mound. So I took a walk up and found at least 3 birds including 2 singing males.
Larus enthusiasts the length and breadth of the country have been quietly debating what, if any, boxes it ticks. It certainly was a very dark looking individual and distinctive looking bird. With my very limited knowledge on Iceland Gulls and their cousins, if this bird isn't a Thayer's then I'd like to know what it could be. Anyway, by the time the relevant authorities reach their conclusion I will probably be too old to care or even remember seeing the bird in the first place.
On a lighter note I managed to see Carsington's Great Northern Diver at close quarters yesterday morning enabling me to get some half decent digi-scoped shots. As you can see, it's now coming into breeding plumage. I've also managed to get myself a few more year ticks over the past week or so. Willow Warbler, Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail, House Martin, and today down Wyver Lane a few Redstarts. I first heard a Redstart calling when I was standing on the viewing mound. So I took a walk up and found at least 3 birds including 2 singing males.
Friday, 13 April 2012
Latest Sightings 13/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 22 Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Goose, Mallard with 12 young, female Goldeneye, 2 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Wheatear, 2 Skylark, 2 White Wagtails, 43 Chiff Chaff, 31 Blackcap, c150 Swallows and 2 Raven.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, 2 Wheatear and a Sedge Warbler.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Whimbrel present 07.45-08.33 then flew NW, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 4 White Wagtails, 9 Mandarin, Gadwall and a Curlew.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull in the roost.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: (viewed from the river path to Ingleby): Green Sandpiper, 79 Tufted Duck, 16 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 2 Buzzard, 2 Red-legged Partridges and c25 Linnets.
Leics: Rutland Water: Black-winged Stilt on Lagoon IV from Dunlin Hide. Also 3 Kittiwakes from the dam.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A male Common Redstart below the dam, Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtails, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers and 3 Redshank.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still present viewable from canal towpath, park at Meadow Ridge and walk south SJ939216
Staffs: Marshes Hill NR: Ring Ouzel.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Male Marsh Harrier through. Also adult Little Gull on Conerie's Pond.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, 2 Wheatear and a Sedge Warbler.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Whimbrel present 07.45-08.33 then flew NW, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 4 White Wagtails, 9 Mandarin, Gadwall and a Curlew.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull in the roost.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: (viewed from the river path to Ingleby): Green Sandpiper, 79 Tufted Duck, 16 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 2 Buzzard, 2 Red-legged Partridges and c25 Linnets.
Leics: Rutland Water: Black-winged Stilt on Lagoon IV from Dunlin Hide. Also 3 Kittiwakes from the dam.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A male Common Redstart below the dam, Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtails, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers and 3 Redshank.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still present viewable from canal towpath, park at Meadow Ridge and walk south SJ939216
Staffs: Marshes Hill NR: Ring Ouzel.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Male Marsh Harrier through. Also adult Little Gull on Conerie's Pond.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Latest Sightings 12/04/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 3 Cormorants, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, 20 Greylag Geese, 23 Coot, drake Mandarin, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, Wigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, 4 Lapwing, 5 Stock Doves, 20+ Swallow, 5 Sand Martins, 5 House Martins and a Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Dronfield Woodhouse: 3 Common Cranes over this morning.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still, also 6 Black-tailed Godwits.
Derbys: Pleasley Pit CP: White Stork over North.
Derbys: Avenue Washlands NR: Grasshopper Warbler late afternoon.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Osprey present distantly SW of the reservoir at 12.00, 2 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Oystercatchers, Common Sandpiper and a White Wagtail.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Tundra-bean Goose from the second viewing screen on Chainbridge Scrape.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Short-eared Owls at Egleton NR this morning.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Grasshopper Warbler, a Common Redstart, a Ring Ouzel over and a Short-eared Owl.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still viewable from canal towpath.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, male Wheatear, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Redshank, 5 Oystercatchers, 9 Snipe, 8 Shelduck, 52 Teal, 4 Wigeon and 14 Goldeneye.
Derbys: Dronfield Woodhouse: 3 Common Cranes over this morning.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still, also 6 Black-tailed Godwits.
Derbys: Pleasley Pit CP: White Stork over North.
Derbys: Avenue Washlands NR: Grasshopper Warbler late afternoon.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Osprey present distantly SW of the reservoir at 12.00, 2 Mandarin, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Oystercatchers, Common Sandpiper and a White Wagtail.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Tundra-bean Goose from the second viewing screen on Chainbridge Scrape.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Short-eared Owls at Egleton NR this morning.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Grasshopper Warbler, a Common Redstart, a Ring Ouzel over and a Short-eared Owl.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still viewable from canal towpath.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, male Wheatear, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Redshank, 5 Oystercatchers, 9 Snipe, 8 Shelduck, 52 Teal, 4 Wigeon and 14 Goldeneye.
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Latest Sightings 11/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 15 Barnacle Geese, Greylag Goose, 2 Shelduck, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, Osprey, Peregrine, 6 Redshank, Curlew, 110 BH Gulls, 90 Common Gull, 26 LBB Gulls, c40 Sand Martin, 13 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 5 White Wagtails.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Red Kite.
Derbys: Locko Park: 107 Golden Plover.
Derbys: Burbage: Redstart.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mandarin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Little Owls, 3 White Wagtails, 4 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing flew WNW.
Derbys: Darley Dale: Osprey flew North.
Derbys: Shottle: 2 Wheatear.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: 2 Ring Ouzels flew northwest at Annesley Pit Top this morning, also Yellow Wagtail.
Notts: Clifton: Female Ring Ouzel still viewed from Burrows Farm this evening.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still in cattle fields mid afternoon though distant.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 3 Sanderling on the main pit.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Red Kite.
Derbys: Locko Park: 107 Golden Plover.
Derbys: Burbage: Redstart.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mandarin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Little Owls, 3 White Wagtails, 4 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing flew WNW.
Derbys: Darley Dale: Osprey flew North.
Derbys: Shottle: 2 Wheatear.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: 2 Ring Ouzels flew northwest at Annesley Pit Top this morning, also Yellow Wagtail.
Notts: Clifton: Female Ring Ouzel still viewed from Burrows Farm this evening.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still in cattle fields mid afternoon though distant.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 3 Sanderling on the main pit.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Latest Sightings 10/04/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Little Grebe, Cormorant, 14 Coot, 38 Canada Geese, 32 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Oystercatchers, 5 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 4 Swallow, 2 House Martin, Sand Martin and a Meadow Pipit.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Osprey caught a fish and flew North this morning. Then another sighting between 17.00 and 17.25 Also a Sacred Ibis flew southwest from Carsington Pasture towards Knockerdown Inn late morning, 4 White Wagtails, Little Ringed Plover and a Curlew.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Osprey between 14.58 and 15.08 took a fish and flew north, 2 Common Sandpipers, Redshank, 2 Mandarin, 8 Goldeneye, Peregrine, c60 Swallows, c20 Sand Martin, c15 House Martin, Whimbrel over, 7 White Wagtails and a male Wheatear.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Wheatear.
Derbys: Cutthroat Bridge: 4 Crossbills.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still present in cattle field though distant.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Sandwich Tern briefly then flew North.
Staffs: Kingsley: Osprey flew northwest late afternoon.
Notts: Clifton: Ring Ouzel at Branshill, Clifton Grove.
Leics: Rutland Water: Female Scaup from Fieldfare Hide. Also 10 White Wagtails in Dickenson's Bay.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Osprey caught a fish and flew North this morning. Then another sighting between 17.00 and 17.25 Also a Sacred Ibis flew southwest from Carsington Pasture towards Knockerdown Inn late morning, 4 White Wagtails, Little Ringed Plover and a Curlew.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Osprey between 14.58 and 15.08 took a fish and flew north, 2 Common Sandpipers, Redshank, 2 Mandarin, 8 Goldeneye, Peregrine, c60 Swallows, c20 Sand Martin, c15 House Martin, Whimbrel over, 7 White Wagtails and a male Wheatear.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Wheatear.
Derbys: Cutthroat Bridge: 4 Crossbills.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still present in cattle field though distant.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Sandwich Tern briefly then flew North.
Staffs: Kingsley: Osprey flew northwest late afternoon.
Notts: Clifton: Ring Ouzel at Branshill, Clifton Grove.
Leics: Rutland Water: Female Scaup from Fieldfare Hide. Also 10 White Wagtails in Dickenson's Bay.
Monday, 9 April 2012
Latest Sightings 09/04/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 3 Cormorants, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Little Grebe, 7 Moorhen, 3 Mandarin, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzards, 2 Oystercatchers, 11 Swallow, 5 Sand Martins, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Chiff Chaff.
Derbys: Carsington Water: 2 White Wagtails, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Willow Warbler, 2 Swallow and 2 House Martin.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 4 Goldeneye, 4 Snipe, c50 Swallows, c20 House Martins, c15 Sand Martins, c25 Meadow Pipits, 2 White Wagtails and 51 Linnets.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still in cattle fields though distant.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 6 Common Scoter on the north side, also Black-necked Grebe.
Derbys: Carsington Water: 2 White Wagtails, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Willow Warbler, 2 Swallow and 2 House Martin.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 3rd winter Iceland Gull.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 4 Goldeneye, 4 Snipe, c50 Swallows, c20 House Martins, c15 Sand Martins, c25 Meadow Pipits, 2 White Wagtails and 51 Linnets.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still in cattle fields though distant.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 6 Common Scoter on the north side, also Black-necked Grebe.
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Latest Sightings 08/04/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: 2, possibly 3 Ospreys today.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Shelduck, 3 Mandarin, 36 Teal, 46 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard x Tufted Duck hybrid, 6 Goldeneye, 3 Snipe, Redshank, 2 White Wagtails, 15 Chiff Chaff, 3 Blackcaps and 4 Willow Warblers.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 11 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiff Chaff.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 2 Shelduck, 2 Grey Partridge, 200 Fieldfare.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Buzzard, Kestrel, Sand Martin, Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 4 Chiff Chaff and 2 Cetti's Warbler.
Notts: Budby: Male Hen Harrier flew north past pumping station early morning.
Notts: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still this morning, viewable from canal towpath, also drake Garganey.
Notts: Nottingham: 10 Waxwings in tree at nursing home at junction of Hucknall and Perry Roads this evening c.SK566432
Notts: Mansfield: White Stork in field at pig farm between B6139 and A617 early afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: Female Long-tailed Duck still in North Arm also 6 Avocet on Lagoon IV and drake Garganey from Mallard Hide.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe still at the North End, also Kittiwake.
Staffs: Uttoxeter: Drake Common Scoter at Uttoxeter Quarry.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel still around paddock c200 metres southeast of the viewpoint.
Staffs: Blithfied Reservoir: Drake Garganey in Tad Bay. Als a Sanderling on causeway this evening.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Shelduck, 3 Mandarin, 36 Teal, 46 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard x Tufted Duck hybrid, 6 Goldeneye, 3 Snipe, Redshank, 2 White Wagtails, 15 Chiff Chaff, 3 Blackcaps and 4 Willow Warblers.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 11 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiff Chaff.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 2 Shelduck, 2 Grey Partridge, 200 Fieldfare.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Buzzard, Kestrel, Sand Martin, Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 4 Chiff Chaff and 2 Cetti's Warbler.
Notts: Budby: Male Hen Harrier flew north past pumping station early morning.
Notts: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still this morning, viewable from canal towpath, also drake Garganey.
Notts: Nottingham: 10 Waxwings in tree at nursing home at junction of Hucknall and Perry Roads this evening c.SK566432
Notts: Mansfield: White Stork in field at pig farm between B6139 and A617 early afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: Female Long-tailed Duck still in North Arm also 6 Avocet on Lagoon IV and drake Garganey from Mallard Hide.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe still at the North End, also Kittiwake.
Staffs: Uttoxeter: Drake Common Scoter at Uttoxeter Quarry.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel still around paddock c200 metres southeast of the viewpoint.
Staffs: Blithfied Reservoir: Drake Garganey in Tad Bay. Als a Sanderling on causeway this evening.
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Latest Sightings 07/04/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Little Grebes, Red-legged Partridge, 2 Mandarin, 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 5 Tufted Duck, Goosander, 2 Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Pheasants, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwing, 21 BH Gull, 23 Canada Geese, 18 Sand Martin, 4 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 2 Pied Wagtails 2 Chiff Chaffs, Green Woodpecker and G.S.Woodpecker.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Osprey this morning, also the Great Northern Diver still, 3 Common Scoter, 21 Swallows, 17 House Martin, 4 Sand Martin and a Wheatear.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mandarin, Wigeon, 34 Tufted Duck, 8 Goldeneye, Redshank, c30 Sand Martins, c40 Swallows, c12 House Martins and a male Wheatear.
Derbyshire: Dove Valley Lakes: Osprey north.
Notts: Kneesall: Osprey flew northeast over village early morning.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 2 Male Ring Ouzels in paddock this morning.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still, viewable from canal towpath.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Osprey this morning, also the Great Northern Diver still, 3 Common Scoter, 21 Swallows, 17 House Martin, 4 Sand Martin and a Wheatear.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mandarin, Wigeon, 34 Tufted Duck, 8 Goldeneye, Redshank, c30 Sand Martins, c40 Swallows, c12 House Martins and a male Wheatear.
Derbyshire: Dove Valley Lakes: Osprey north.
Notts: Kneesall: Osprey flew northeast over village early morning.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 2 Male Ring Ouzels in paddock this morning.
Staffs: Radford Meadows SWT: Common Crane still, viewable from canal towpath.
Friday, 6 April 2012
Latest Sightings 06/04/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: The Osprey that roosted overnight was last seen at 06.50 this morning. Great Northern Diver, 19 Barnacle Geese, 2 Grey Herons, 8 Buzzards, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Ruff, Curlew, Little Ringed Plover, 12+ Oystercatchers, 6+ Redshank, 3 Swallow, Grey Wagtail, 34 Chiff Chaff, 9 Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler, Wheatear, 21 Meadow Pipit, 2 Skylark, 3 Raven and 12 Linnet.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Male Wheatear, 2 Shelduck, 2 Mandarin, 35 Tufted Duck, c30 Sand Martins, c40 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 53 Meadow Pipits flew NW.
Staffs: Stafford: Common Crane still at Radford Meadows SWT. Distant but showing well opposite boat club, view only from canal towpath, also pair of Garganey.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel still in the paddock.
Staffs: Bednall: Black Redstart still around disused farm machinery near farm entrance on Cock Lane.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 9 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Redshank, female Wheatear.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank still on the West Lake.
Notts: Eakring Flash: Jack Snipe.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Yellow Wagtail, also 3 Ruff.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: Adult Kittiwake on north side.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Male Wheatear, 2 Shelduck, 2 Mandarin, 35 Tufted Duck, c30 Sand Martins, c40 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 53 Meadow Pipits flew NW.
Staffs: Stafford: Common Crane still at Radford Meadows SWT. Distant but showing well opposite boat club, view only from canal towpath, also pair of Garganey.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Male Ring Ouzel still in the paddock.
Staffs: Bednall: Black Redstart still around disused farm machinery near farm entrance on Cock Lane.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 9 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Redshank, female Wheatear.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank still on the West Lake.
Notts: Eakring Flash: Jack Snipe.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Yellow Wagtail, also 3 Ruff.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: Adult Kittiwake on north side.
Thursday, 5 April 2012
Latest Sightings 05/04/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Osprey seen with a fish at 16.20. Then seen again near dusk going to roost near Lane End hide. Also the Great Northern Diver still, 2 Ruff, Willow Warbler, 19 Barnacle Geese and a Swallow.
Derbyshire: Drakelow NR (permit only): Drake Garganey.
Derbyshire: Findern Lake: 2 Swallows.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 6 Snipe, c10 Sand Martins, c15 Swallows and 6+ Willow Warblers.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank still on West Lake mid morning, also a Grey Plover.
Notts: Netherfield Lagoons: Black Redstart on fence at the North end of Slurry Lagoon early afternoon.
Notts: Kingsmill Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe still.
Notts: Cotham Flash: Presumed escaped Sacred Ibis in flooded field near flash.
Leics: Albert Village: 3rd Winter Iceland Gull at the landfill site.
Leics: Rutland Water: Whimbrel in the North Arm, also Short-eared Owl by Lagoon I.
Warks: Draycote Water: Report of 4 Black-necked Grebes.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 7 Shelduck, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatchers, 40 Sand Martin, 4 House Martins, 5 Swallows and 2 Willow Warblers.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Ring Ouzel in Lapland Bunting Paddock this afternoon.
Staffs: Stafford: Common Crane at Radford Meadows NR, distant but showing well opposite boat club this evening. View only from canal towpath, Also a pair of Garganey.
Derbyshire: Drakelow NR (permit only): Drake Garganey.
Derbyshire: Findern Lake: 2 Swallows.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 6 Snipe, c10 Sand Martins, c15 Swallows and 6+ Willow Warblers.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank still on West Lake mid morning, also a Grey Plover.
Notts: Netherfield Lagoons: Black Redstart on fence at the North end of Slurry Lagoon early afternoon.
Notts: Kingsmill Reservoir: Black-necked Grebe still.
Notts: Cotham Flash: Presumed escaped Sacred Ibis in flooded field near flash.
Leics: Albert Village: 3rd Winter Iceland Gull at the landfill site.
Leics: Rutland Water: Whimbrel in the North Arm, also Short-eared Owl by Lagoon I.
Warks: Draycote Water: Report of 4 Black-necked Grebes.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 7 Shelduck, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatchers, 40 Sand Martin, 4 House Martins, 5 Swallows and 2 Willow Warblers.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Ring Ouzel in Lapland Bunting Paddock this afternoon.
Staffs: Stafford: Common Crane at Radford Meadows NR, distant but showing well opposite boat club this evening. View only from canal towpath, Also a pair of Garganey.
Latest Sightings 04/04/2012
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: 9 Curlew, 12 Snipe, c15 Sand Martins, c10 Swallow, c20 Meadow Pipits and 2 Skylark.
Derbyshire: Hathersage (SK2381): 13 Brambling.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (Permit Only): 64 Goldeneye, 5 Shelduck, 2 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 30 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 2 House Martin.
Derbyshire: Hathersage (SK2381): 13 Brambling.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (Permit Only): 64 Goldeneye, 5 Shelduck, 2 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 30 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 2 House Martin.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Latest Sightings 03/04/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorants, 5 Mandarin, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, Shoveler, 2 Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, 4 Lapwing, 2 Peregrine, 2 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin and Raven.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Osprey from 09.35-10.15 before flying North, drake Red-breasted Merganser off Lane End Hide, 2 Ruff and a Willow Warbler.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Mandarin, 2 Wigeon, 31 Teal, 6 Goldeneye, Curlew, c40 Sand Martins, 15+ Swallows, 5 House Martins and 2 Willow Warblers.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: A ringed Sacred Ibis on A52 pit.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank still in the northwest corner of the West Lake.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Tree Pipit and 7 Wheatears.
Staffs: Hales: Drake Green-winged Teal still on pond by Coal Brook at c.SJ711332; also Tundra Bean Goose, park at church at Hales and walk southwest, please only view from public footpaths.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Osprey flew NNE at 12.30 and another one east at 12.45.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Bittern on Conservation Pool, viewable from the causeway.
Leics: Rutland Water: Long-tailed Duck still in North Arm, nearby 3 Wheatears on North Luffenham golf course.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Osprey from 09.35-10.15 before flying North, drake Red-breasted Merganser off Lane End Hide, 2 Ruff and a Willow Warbler.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: Mandarin, 2 Wigeon, 31 Teal, 6 Goldeneye, Curlew, c40 Sand Martins, 15+ Swallows, 5 House Martins and 2 Willow Warblers.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: A ringed Sacred Ibis on A52 pit.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank still in the northwest corner of the West Lake.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Tree Pipit and 7 Wheatears.
Staffs: Hales: Drake Green-winged Teal still on pond by Coal Brook at c.SJ711332; also Tundra Bean Goose, park at church at Hales and walk southwest, please only view from public footpaths.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Osprey flew NNE at 12.30 and another one east at 12.45.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Bittern on Conservation Pool, viewable from the causeway.
Leics: Rutland Water: Long-tailed Duck still in North Arm, nearby 3 Wheatears on North Luffenham golf course.
Monday, 2 April 2012
Latest Sightings 02/04/2012
Derbyshire: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Herons, Cormorant, Little Grebe, 2 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 3 Mandarin, 2 Shoveler, 12 Teal, 10 Buzzard, 2 Peregrine, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Lapwing, 23 Bh Gulls, Skylark, 2 Swallows, 5 Sand Martins, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Chiff Chaff, Blackcap, 10 Magpie, Raven and 4+ Reed Buntings.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 2 Greylag Geese, Shoveler, Curlew, 2 Ruff, Little Ringed Plover, 22 Chiff Chaff, Wheatear, Skylark, Grey Wagtail, 30 Pied Wagtail, Linnet, 35 Meadow Pipit and Raven.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: An Osprey from 10.25-10.36 caught a fish and left ENE, 2 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 6 Goldeneye, 6 Snipe, 3 adult Common Gulls flew North, Kingfisher, 5+ Sand Martins, 12+ Swallows and 6+ House Martins.
Derbyshire: Arnfield Reservoir: Osprey flew Northeast, also 3 Ring Ouzels.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Osprey over Blithe Bay mid-afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: Redhead Smew near Hambleton, also Osprey over.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: Osprey flew Northwest at 08.30.
Notts: Kilvimgton: Spotted Redshank still in Northwest corner of West lake.
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, 2 Greylag Geese, Shoveler, Curlew, 2 Ruff, Little Ringed Plover, 22 Chiff Chaff, Wheatear, Skylark, Grey Wagtail, 30 Pied Wagtail, Linnet, 35 Meadow Pipit and Raven.
Derbyshire: Ogston Reservoir: An Osprey from 10.25-10.36 caught a fish and left ENE, 2 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 6 Goldeneye, 6 Snipe, 3 adult Common Gulls flew North, Kingfisher, 5+ Sand Martins, 12+ Swallows and 6+ House Martins.
Derbyshire: Arnfield Reservoir: Osprey flew Northeast, also 3 Ring Ouzels.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Osprey over Blithe Bay mid-afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: Redhead Smew near Hambleton, also Osprey over.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: Osprey flew Northwest at 08.30.
Notts: Kilvimgton: Spotted Redshank still in Northwest corner of West lake.
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Latest Sightings 01/04/2012
Derbyshire: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still, 2 Curlew, also 2 Ruff on Stones Island and 3 Sand Martins.
Derbyshire: Buxton: Osprey flew North East over Axe Edge at 11.25.
Derbyshire: Stanage Edge: Peregrine, 11 Red Grouse, 5 Golden Plover, 4 Curlew, Wheatear and 6 Ring Ouzels.
Derbyshire: Middleton Moor: 4 Shelduck, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, 2 Wheatear.
Derbyshire: Barbrook Reservoir: Great Grey Shrike in hawthorn near Shepherd's House towards Owler Bar.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank still in northwest corner of West Lake.
Notts: Dunham Pools: Drake Garganey on small pool mid morning.
Staffs: Doxey Marshes: 2 Water Pipits still.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Tree Pipit at Beechtree point early morning.
Staffs: Hales: Drake Green -winged Teal still on pond by Coal Brook at c.SJ711332; park at church at Hales and walk southwest, please only view from public footpaths.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Ospreys in Manton Bay.
Derbyshire: Buxton: Osprey flew North East over Axe Edge at 11.25.
Derbyshire: Stanage Edge: Peregrine, 11 Red Grouse, 5 Golden Plover, 4 Curlew, Wheatear and 6 Ring Ouzels.
Derbyshire: Middleton Moor: 4 Shelduck, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, 2 Wheatear.
Derbyshire: Barbrook Reservoir: Great Grey Shrike in hawthorn near Shepherd's House towards Owler Bar.
Notts: Kilvington: Spotted Redshank still in northwest corner of West Lake.
Notts: Dunham Pools: Drake Garganey on small pool mid morning.
Staffs: Doxey Marshes: 2 Water Pipits still.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Tree Pipit at Beechtree point early morning.
Staffs: Hales: Drake Green -winged Teal still on pond by Coal Brook at c.SJ711332; park at church at Hales and walk southwest, please only view from public footpaths.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Ospreys in Manton Bay.
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