Derbys: Over Haddon: Quail singing at Mandale Farm this morning.
Derbys: Belper: Red Kite.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, Teal, 2 Common Sandpipers, Kingfisher, c200 Housemartins.
Leics: Rutland Water: 1st summer Little Gull on Lagoon IV, also a Bittern on Lagoon III and a Marsh Harrier through.
Staffs: Berryhill: Juvenile Redstart.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: Little Egret on The Void this morning.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Hobby.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 76 Tufted Duck, Pochard, 3 Teal, Shelduck, 3 Common Terns, 3 Oystercatchers.
Saturday, 30 June 2012
Latest Sightings 29/06/2012
Derbys: High Peak Trail near Harboro Rocks: 3 Redstart.
Derbys: Longdale: 8+ Wheatear.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 Teal and 2 Common Sandpipers.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Drake Scaup on Windsurfing Pit.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Curlew, over, 13 Greylag Geese, Little Ringed Plover, 4 Reed Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Common Tern.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Stonechat, Tree Pipit, Linnet, Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Curlew, 7 Ringed Plover, Redshank, 8 Shelduck, 7 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 3 Sedge Warbler, Green Woodpecker, 17 LBB Gull, 35 Mute Swan, Stock Dove.
Staffs: Berryhill: 2 Little Owl, Tawny Owl, juvenile Peregrine, 5 Stock Dove, 2 Curlew.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Hobby, Shelduck.
Derbys: Longdale: 8+ Wheatear.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 Teal and 2 Common Sandpipers.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Drake Scaup on Windsurfing Pit.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Curlew, over, 13 Greylag Geese, Little Ringed Plover, 4 Reed Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Common Tern.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Stonechat, Tree Pipit, Linnet, Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Curlew, 7 Ringed Plover, Redshank, 8 Shelduck, 7 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 3 Sedge Warbler, Green Woodpecker, 17 LBB Gull, 35 Mute Swan, Stock Dove.
Staffs: Berryhill: 2 Little Owl, Tawny Owl, juvenile Peregrine, 5 Stock Dove, 2 Curlew.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Hobby, Shelduck.
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Latest Sightings 28/06/2012
Derbys: 2 Mute Swans, Juvenile Little Grebe, 3 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Teal, female Gadwall still with 5 young, 2 drake Tufted Duck and the female still with 3 young, 3 Oystercatchers, 7 BH Gulls including 1 young, 2 Buzzards.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Drake Common Scoter on Pylon Pit early morning.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 2 Teal, 2 Mandarin, 121 Canada Geese, 37 Tufted Ducks, 4+ Little Grebes, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Kingfishers.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Drake Common Scoter on Pylon Pit early morning.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 2 Teal, 2 Mandarin, 121 Canada Geese, 37 Tufted Ducks, 4+ Little Grebes, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Kingfishers.
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Latest Sightings 27/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Teal, female Gadwall with 5 young, 2 drake Tufted Ducks and the female still with 3 young, 5 Oystercatchers, 3 Buzzards, Kestrel, pair of Bh Gulls still with 1 young, also c70 through, Common Tern, Green Woodpecker, 2 Pied Wagtails.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 5 Mandarin, 2 Teal, 2 Common Sandpipers, Siskin.
Derbys: Woodhead: Woodhead Reservoir: 13 Common Scoter on Woodhead Reservoir late afternoon; viewed from Transpennine Trail.
Staffs: Trentham Gardens: 8 Common Terns, 9 Mandarin, 2 Kingfishers and a Peregrine.
Staffs: Trent Washlands: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Garden Warblers, 12 Sand Martins, 10 House Martins, 7 Swift, Green Woodpecker, 2 Kingfisher.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Teal, 3 Pochard, 2 Reed Warblers, 6 Common Terns.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir(permit only): Hobby, 6 Common Terns, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 6 Teal.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 5 Mandarin, 2 Teal, 2 Common Sandpipers, Siskin.
Derbys: Woodhead: Woodhead Reservoir: 13 Common Scoter on Woodhead Reservoir late afternoon; viewed from Transpennine Trail.
Staffs: Trentham Gardens: 8 Common Terns, 9 Mandarin, 2 Kingfishers and a Peregrine.
Staffs: Trent Washlands: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Garden Warblers, 12 Sand Martins, 10 House Martins, 7 Swift, Green Woodpecker, 2 Kingfisher.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Teal, 3 Pochard, 2 Reed Warblers, 6 Common Terns.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir(permit only): Hobby, 6 Common Terns, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 6 Teal.
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Latest Sightings 26/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, Cormorant, 3 Teal, female Gadwall with 5 young, 2 drake Tufted Duck and the female with 3 young, 6 Oystercatchers, female Peregrine, 3 Buzzards, Kestrel, Black-headed Gulls with 1 young on Tern raft (first breeding record for Wyver), Green Woodpecker, Jay, pair of Sedge Warblers feeding young.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Drake Wigeon, female Pintail, 2 Mandarin, 32 Tufted Duck, Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 7 Teal, 2 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, drake Pochard, 6 Common Terns, 3 Oystercatchers.
Leics: Rutland Water: 6 Yellow-legged Gulls at the dam and Lagoon IV this morning.
Leics: Horninghold: Quail singing by Horninghold Lane this afternoon at c.SP803965.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 2 drake Scaup on Clifton Pit, also Yellow-legged Gull on Tween Pond.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Drake Wigeon, female Pintail, 2 Mandarin, 32 Tufted Duck, Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 7 Teal, 2 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, drake Pochard, 6 Common Terns, 3 Oystercatchers.
Leics: Rutland Water: 6 Yellow-legged Gulls at the dam and Lagoon IV this morning.
Leics: Horninghold: Quail singing by Horninghold Lane this afternoon at c.SP803965.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 2 drake Scaup on Clifton Pit, also Yellow-legged Gull on Tween Pond.
Monday, 25 June 2012
Latest Sightings 25/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 28 Canada Geese including 24 young, 3 Teal, female Gadwall with 5 young, 2 drake Tufted Duck and the female with 3 young, 2 Peregrines, 4 Buzzards, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Common Tern, Green Woodpecker, Jay, c30 Swift.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Mandarin, drake Teal, 114 Canada Geese, 5 Common Terns + 3 chicks.
Notts: Attenborugh NR: 2 drake Scaup on Clifton Pit late afternoon, also a Yellow-legged Gull.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Hobby, 6 Common Terns, 4 Redshank, 4 Shoveler.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Barnacle Goose, 12 Greylag Geese, Siskin, 5 Blackcap, 4 Reed Warblers, Willow Warbler.
Leics: Rutland Water: 3 Red-crested Pochards in North Arm, also an adult Yellow-legged Gull on Lagoon 4.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Mandarin, drake Teal, 114 Canada Geese, 5 Common Terns + 3 chicks.
Notts: Attenborugh NR: 2 drake Scaup on Clifton Pit late afternoon, also a Yellow-legged Gull.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Hobby, 6 Common Terns, 4 Redshank, 4 Shoveler.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Barnacle Goose, 12 Greylag Geese, Siskin, 5 Blackcap, 4 Reed Warblers, Willow Warbler.
Leics: Rutland Water: 3 Red-crested Pochards in North Arm, also an adult Yellow-legged Gull on Lagoon 4.
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Latest Sightings 24/06/2012
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 2 female Mandarin and 3 drake Teal.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 16 Common Terns flew through this morning, Common Sandpiper, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Teal, 31 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 58 Mallard, 61 Tufted Duck, 385 Coots, 18 Great-crested Grebes, 32 Canada Geese, 69 Mute Swans and a Hobby.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Green Sandpiper through this morning.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 31 Mute Swans, 3 Common Tern, 10 Redshank, 11 Shelduck, 2 Ringed Plovers, 3 Oystercatchers, Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 4 Common Tern, 3 Redshank, Oystercatcher, Little Owl, Shoveler, Hobby.
Staffs: Aqualate Mere: Marsh Harrier still.
Staffs: Tatenhill: Quail singing intermittently in an open national forest plantation.
Notts: Budby: 2 Quail singing at pumping station, also an Osprey flew east this morning.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard over feeding station this afternoon.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 16 Common Terns flew through this morning, Common Sandpiper, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Teal, 31 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 58 Mallard, 61 Tufted Duck, 385 Coots, 18 Great-crested Grebes, 32 Canada Geese, 69 Mute Swans and a Hobby.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Green Sandpiper through this morning.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 31 Mute Swans, 3 Common Tern, 10 Redshank, 11 Shelduck, 2 Ringed Plovers, 3 Oystercatchers, Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 4 Common Tern, 3 Redshank, Oystercatcher, Little Owl, Shoveler, Hobby.
Staffs: Aqualate Mere: Marsh Harrier still.
Staffs: Tatenhill: Quail singing intermittently in an open national forest plantation.
Notts: Budby: 2 Quail singing at pumping station, also an Osprey flew east this morning.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard over feeding station this afternoon.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Latest Sightings 23/06/2012
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: 4 Red-crested Pochards on Conservation Pits.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: c600 Swifts, female Mandarin.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 6 hour migration watch: 406 Swifts SW, 121 House Martins SW, 50 Sand Martins SW, Hobby SW and one NW.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 2 Teal and 4 'commic' Terns.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Marsh Harrier still.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 3 Common Tern, 4 Redshank, Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrows, Little Owl.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): 17 Common Terns.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 9 Common Terns, Ringed Plover, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Common Sandpiper, 4 Redshank, 5 Common Tern, 2 Shelduck.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: 2 Ospreys.
Notts: Budby: Quail singing from field opposite pumping station yesterday.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: c600 Swifts, female Mandarin.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 6 hour migration watch: 406 Swifts SW, 121 House Martins SW, 50 Sand Martins SW, Hobby SW and one NW.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 2 Teal and 4 'commic' Terns.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Marsh Harrier still.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 3 Common Tern, 4 Redshank, Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrows, Little Owl.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): 17 Common Terns.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 9 Common Terns, Ringed Plover, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Common Sandpiper, 4 Redshank, 5 Common Tern, 2 Shelduck.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: 2 Ospreys.
Notts: Budby: Quail singing from field opposite pumping station yesterday.
Friday, 22 June 2012
Latest Sightings 22/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, Cormorant, Grey Heron, pair of Canadas with 8 young, drake Teal, drake Gadwall and a female with 5 young, 2 drake Tufted Ducks and a female with 4 young, Oystercatcher, 5 BH Gull, 5+ Chiff Chaff, Green Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Buzzard, c20 Swift.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, drake Teal, 1 aythya hybrid, female Mandarin.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A Red Kite flew south at 11.15, a family party of up to 6 Raven were around the west end, Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank plus 3 chicks.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, drake Teal, 1 aythya hybrid, female Mandarin.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A Red Kite flew south at 11.15, a family party of up to 6 Raven were around the west end, Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank plus 3 chicks.
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Latest Sightings 21/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, drake Teal, drake Gadwall and the female with 6 young, 2 drake Tufted Duck and the female with 4 young, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Reed Warbler.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 2 drake Teal, 38 Tufted Ducks, 1 aythya hybrid, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Dunlin flew through early afternoon, pair of Redshank with 3 well grown young, a brood of 11 Gadwall chicks, 3 GC Grebe chicks, 11 Teal, 2 Shelduck, 42 Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler.
Staffs: Westport Lakes: Barnacle Goose, 14 Greylag Geese, 3 Reed Warblers.
Warks: Middleton Lakes: Drake Red-crested Pochard and 10 Black-tailed Godwits.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 2 drake Teal, 38 Tufted Ducks, 1 aythya hybrid, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Dunlin flew through early afternoon, pair of Redshank with 3 well grown young, a brood of 11 Gadwall chicks, 3 GC Grebe chicks, 11 Teal, 2 Shelduck, 42 Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler.
Staffs: Westport Lakes: Barnacle Goose, 14 Greylag Geese, 3 Reed Warblers.
Warks: Middleton Lakes: Drake Red-crested Pochard and 10 Black-tailed Godwits.
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Latest Sightings 20/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 3 Moorhen broods of 1/2 and 3, drake Teal, drake Gadwall and a female with 6 young, 3 drake Tufted Duck and 2 female including one still with 5 young, 20 Lapwings, 5 Buzzards, Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawks, 7 Bh Gulls, Green Woodpecker, 2 Reed Warblers.
Derbys: Shardlow (SK4330): 2 Oystercatchers.
Derbys: Padley Gorge (SK2579): 2 Tawny Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redstart, Wood Warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher, Nuthatch.
Derbys: Burbage Edge (SK0273): Stonechat, Ring Ouzel.
Derbys: Kinder Reservoir (SK0588): Cormorant, 2 Buzzards, 2 Common Sandpiper, Redstart.
Derbys: Carsington Water: 169 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag Geese, 12 Mute Swans, Common Tern.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer Little Gull this afternoon.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Osprey present between 11.40 and 11.50 then flew NW, also 4 Raven and 33 Tufted Ducks.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard and Osprey again.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Little Egrets, 4 Pochard, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, Hobby, 2 Shelduck, 6 Common Terns.
Staffs: Knypersley Reservoir: 3 Crossbills south over road dam early morning, also a Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Trentham Gardens: 6 Common Terns, 9 Mandarins including 3 chicks.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 9 Common Tern, Redshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers.
Staffs: Berryhill: 22 Whitethroats, 7 Willow Warblers, 6 Sedge Warblers, 6 Chiff Chaffs, 4 Blackcaps and a Grasshopper Warbler.
Staffs: Dimmingsdale: 3 Blackcaps, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Treecreepers, Nuthatch, Grey Wagtail, 2 Jays, 2 Buzzards, Grey Heron, 6 Swifts.
Derbys: Shardlow (SK4330): 2 Oystercatchers.
Derbys: Padley Gorge (SK2579): 2 Tawny Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redstart, Wood Warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher, Nuthatch.
Derbys: Burbage Edge (SK0273): Stonechat, Ring Ouzel.
Derbys: Kinder Reservoir (SK0588): Cormorant, 2 Buzzards, 2 Common Sandpiper, Redstart.
Derbys: Carsington Water: 169 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag Geese, 12 Mute Swans, Common Tern.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer Little Gull this afternoon.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Osprey present between 11.40 and 11.50 then flew NW, also 4 Raven and 33 Tufted Ducks.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard and Osprey again.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Little Egrets, 4 Pochard, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, Hobby, 2 Shelduck, 6 Common Terns.
Staffs: Knypersley Reservoir: 3 Crossbills south over road dam early morning, also a Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Trentham Gardens: 6 Common Terns, 9 Mandarins including 3 chicks.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 9 Common Tern, Redshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers.
Staffs: Berryhill: 22 Whitethroats, 7 Willow Warblers, 6 Sedge Warblers, 6 Chiff Chaffs, 4 Blackcaps and a Grasshopper Warbler.
Staffs: Dimmingsdale: 3 Blackcaps, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Treecreepers, Nuthatch, Grey Wagtail, 2 Jays, 2 Buzzards, Grey Heron, 6 Swifts.
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Latest Sightings 19/06/2012
Derbs: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Gadwall, 3 drake Tufted Ducks and a female still with 5 young, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Hobby, 4 Bh Gull, Green Woodpecker, 8 Wrens, 2 Reed Warblers, Garden Warbler, 11 Reed Buntings, Pied Wagtail, Song Thrush, 11 Starlings.
Derbys: Raynesway (SK3834): Little Egret.
Derbys: Kedleston Park: 5 Oystercatchers.
Derbys: Kedleston (SK3041): Cuckoo.
Derbys: Ashbourne: Red Kite over at 18.05.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mandarin, 6 Common Terns.
Leics: Rutland Water: 11 Crossbills over.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard again, also Osprey.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Redshank and at least 2 chicks, 7 Common Terns.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: 2 Wood Warblers, Redstart, Tree Pipit, 5 Raven.
Staffs: Barlaston Downs: 4 Buzzards, 4 Yellowhammers, Blackcap, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Curlew, 2 Jay, 10 Swift.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 3 Common Tern, 5 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Grey Partridge, Little Owl, Chiff Chaff and Blackcap.
Derbys: Raynesway (SK3834): Little Egret.
Derbys: Kedleston Park: 5 Oystercatchers.
Derbys: Kedleston (SK3041): Cuckoo.
Derbys: Ashbourne: Red Kite over at 18.05.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mandarin, 6 Common Terns.
Leics: Rutland Water: 11 Crossbills over.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard again, also Osprey.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Redshank and at least 2 chicks, 7 Common Terns.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: 2 Wood Warblers, Redstart, Tree Pipit, 5 Raven.
Staffs: Barlaston Downs: 4 Buzzards, 4 Yellowhammers, Blackcap, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Curlew, 2 Jay, 10 Swift.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 3 Common Tern, 5 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Grey Partridge, Little Owl, Chiff Chaff and Blackcap.
Monday, 18 June 2012
Latest Sightings 18/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Little Grebes, Teal, female Gadwall with 6 young, female Tufted Duck with 5 young, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 4 Oystercatchers, 4 BH Gulls, 2 Common Terns, Redstart, Reed Warbler, Green Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer Little Gull.
Derbys: 46 Tufted Ducks, Redshank.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Wood Sandpiper on the north shore at the west end this evening. Also 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 70 Lapwing, Hobby, 4 Common Terns, 2 Shelduck, 3 Teal.
Staffs: Alvecote Pools: Short-eared Owl from Shuttington Bridge.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Drake Scaup on Clifton Pit.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Drake Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer Little Gull.
Derbys: 46 Tufted Ducks, Redshank.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Wood Sandpiper on the north shore at the west end this evening. Also 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 70 Lapwing, Hobby, 4 Common Terns, 2 Shelduck, 3 Teal.
Staffs: Alvecote Pools: Short-eared Owl from Shuttington Bridge.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Drake Scaup on Clifton Pit.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Drake Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape.
Little Bittern
It looks like we were dead lucky with the Little Bittern yesterday. I knew Chris was interested in going when I was talking to him on Friday, and yesterday we decided to go for it. But it would seem that the last time it showed well was for the first 10 minutes after our arrival yesterday afternoon....and that's it.
We arrived on site at around 15.30 and there it was right next to a football and plastic bottle. We watched it for a short while when It flew and landed deep inside a large willow tree. And for the next couple of hours apart from an eye and a couple of feathers we never really saw it again. We fared better than some though who arrived after us and didn't get a sniff. And today there hasn't been any sign of it. Whilst we were waiting to see if the bird showed we had to make do with a few flyover Ring-necked Parakeets which are megas here in Derbyshire, but common down that way.
As the fallout over the Netherlands' failure to pick up a single point during the Euros continues officials are still trying to trace where Robin van Persies only shot of the tournament went. In other news: German fans not content with throwing bottles at opposing players and fans turn their attentions to rare bird that turns up in England.
We knew that the bird wasn't going to show again so we went back to the car with plans to go back down the M40 and look at some Red Kites. It all sounded good until Chris attempted to start the car. Now I don't claim to be mechanically minded but I know that when a car doesn't start it aint good news. To be fair though, Chris even said what he thought it was...something to with the fuel pump. I did try and give it a bit of a push but it weren't having any of it. Luckily, Chris is a member of the RAC and within about 20 minutes of ringing up they were there. It was indeed to do with the fuel pump and a quick whack with some tool to the fuel pump from the RAC man and we was away again.
So we set off towards the M40 for the Red Kites. At first it was a little disappointing with only a few birds seen. We did a bit of a detour though into some village and got a few more including 3 perched together in a tree.
We arrived on site at around 15.30 and there it was right next to a football and plastic bottle. We watched it for a short while when It flew and landed deep inside a large willow tree. And for the next couple of hours apart from an eye and a couple of feathers we never really saw it again. We fared better than some though who arrived after us and didn't get a sniff. And today there hasn't been any sign of it. Whilst we were waiting to see if the bird showed we had to make do with a few flyover Ring-necked Parakeets which are megas here in Derbyshire, but common down that way.
We knew that the bird wasn't going to show again so we went back to the car with plans to go back down the M40 and look at some Red Kites. It all sounded good until Chris attempted to start the car. Now I don't claim to be mechanically minded but I know that when a car doesn't start it aint good news. To be fair though, Chris even said what he thought it was...something to with the fuel pump. I did try and give it a bit of a push but it weren't having any of it. Luckily, Chris is a member of the RAC and within about 20 minutes of ringing up they were there. It was indeed to do with the fuel pump and a quick whack with some tool to the fuel pump from the RAC man and we was away again.
So we set off towards the M40 for the Red Kites. At first it was a little disappointing with only a few birds seen. We did a bit of a detour though into some village and got a few more including 3 perched together in a tree.
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Latest Sightings 17/06/2012
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 2 Mandarin, Hobby, Crossbill.
Derbys: Staunton Harold: 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Linnets.
Derbys: Hay Wood (SK2577): 2 Wood Warblers.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 115 Canada Geese, c500 Swifts.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Drake Long-tailed Duck still present on Neatholme Scrape.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard this afternoon.
Notts: Gringley Carr: Quail singing this afternoon, also a Marsh Harrier.
Leics: Rutland Water: 6 Sanderling on Lagoon IV.
Staffs: Berry Hill: 6 Crossbill over, also Hobby and Peregrine.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull, 5 Common Terns, Raven.
Staffs: Rolleston (River Dove): 7 Yellow Wagtail, Common Tern, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 80 Sand Martin, 20 House Martin, 30 Swift, 12 Yellowhammers, 15 Reed Buntings, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Aqualate Mere: Marsh Harrier still, also Cuckoo.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Little Ringed Plover and 5 Common Terns.
Derbys: Staunton Harold: 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Linnets.
Derbys: Hay Wood (SK2577): 2 Wood Warblers.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 115 Canada Geese, c500 Swifts.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Drake Long-tailed Duck still present on Neatholme Scrape.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard this afternoon.
Notts: Gringley Carr: Quail singing this afternoon, also a Marsh Harrier.
Leics: Rutland Water: 6 Sanderling on Lagoon IV.
Staffs: Berry Hill: 6 Crossbill over, also Hobby and Peregrine.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull, 5 Common Terns, Raven.
Staffs: Rolleston (River Dove): 7 Yellow Wagtail, Common Tern, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 80 Sand Martin, 20 House Martin, 30 Swift, 12 Yellowhammers, 15 Reed Buntings, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Aqualate Mere: Marsh Harrier still, also Cuckoo.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Little Ringed Plover and 5 Common Terns.
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Latest Sightings 16/06/2012
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: 2 Common Cranes flew over at 09.45, also 2 Red-crested Pochards, 5 Little Grebes and 119 Mute Swans.
Derbys: Wilne Lane Floods: 2 Redshank.
Derbys: St Chads Water: 6 Common Terns and 2 chicks.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Little Grebes, Mandarin, 500+ Swifts.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Drake Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape.
Notts: Holme Pirrepont: 2 Common Cranes flew over the A52 Pit at 09.22.
Notts: Beeston: 2 Common Cranes flew over at 09.39.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey mid-afternoon.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Female Marsh Harrier over the mere reedbed mid-morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Teal.
Staffs: Silverdale: Female Red-backed Shrike southeast of Alsagers Bank and south of the B5367, southwest along Silverdale track on barbed wire fence across field this afternoon.
Leics: Diseworth: 2 Common Cranes flew SSW over the A42 at 10:20.
Derbys: Wilne Lane Floods: 2 Redshank.
Derbys: St Chads Water: 6 Common Terns and 2 chicks.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Little Grebes, Mandarin, 500+ Swifts.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Drake Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape.
Notts: Holme Pirrepont: 2 Common Cranes flew over the A52 Pit at 09.22.
Notts: Beeston: 2 Common Cranes flew over at 09.39.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey mid-afternoon.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Female Marsh Harrier over the mere reedbed mid-morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Teal.
Staffs: Silverdale: Female Red-backed Shrike southeast of Alsagers Bank and south of the B5367, southwest along Silverdale track on barbed wire fence across field this afternoon.
Leics: Diseworth: 2 Common Cranes flew SSW over the A42 at 10:20.
Friday, 15 June 2012
Latest Sightings 15/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 4 Cormorants, Barnacle Goose, 44 Canada Geese, 25 Greylag Geese goslings, 21 Coots including broods of 1/1/3 and 4, Teal, drake Gadwall and a female with 7 young, 4 Tufted Ducks, 4 Buzzards, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, 3 BH Gull, LBB Gull, 47 Swift, Reed Warbler, Jay, 11 Crossbills over south at 11.35.
Leics: Rutland Water: Drake Common Scoter off the Dam, also a Turnstone on Lagoon IV, Yellow-legged Gull and 8 Tundra Ringed Plovers.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Drake Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape as viewed from the southern screen.
Leics: Rutland Water: Drake Common Scoter off the Dam, also a Turnstone on Lagoon IV, Yellow-legged Gull and 8 Tundra Ringed Plovers.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Drake Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape as viewed from the southern screen.
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Latest Sightings 14/06/2012
Derbys: Willington GP's: 2 Common Cranes over east 10.10-10.15.
Derbys: Middleton near Wirksworth: Quail singing in rough grassland, near Limestone Way, above Bonsall Dale, in an area of disused lead mines.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Mandarin, Gadwall, 46 Tufted Duck and a Cuckoo.
Derbys: Trent Meadows (SK5032): Red Kite.
Derbys: Chellaston: 2 Common Cranes heading east at 10.45.
Derbys: Ambaston: 2 Common Cranes high towards Elvaston/Borrowash at 11.05.
Notts: Bulwell: Probable Marsh Warbler at the fishing ponds in Bulwell Hall Park this morning.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Male Honey Buzzard, also an Osprey at 09.50.
Notts: Hucknall: 2 Common Cranes over northeast at 12.00.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Quail singing in a cereal feld by South Carr Farm mid-afternoon, also 2 Common Cranes flew over early afternoon, the drake Long-tailed Duck still and 10 Red-crested Pochards
Leics: Albert Village: 5 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Curlew, Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Common Terns, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Rudyard Lake: 2 Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Terns, 4 Blackcaps.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Barnacle Goose, Hobby.
Derbys: Middleton near Wirksworth: Quail singing in rough grassland, near Limestone Way, above Bonsall Dale, in an area of disused lead mines.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Mandarin, Gadwall, 46 Tufted Duck and a Cuckoo.
Derbys: Trent Meadows (SK5032): Red Kite.
Derbys: Chellaston: 2 Common Cranes heading east at 10.45.
Derbys: Ambaston: 2 Common Cranes high towards Elvaston/Borrowash at 11.05.
Notts: Bulwell: Probable Marsh Warbler at the fishing ponds in Bulwell Hall Park this morning.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Male Honey Buzzard, also an Osprey at 09.50.
Notts: Hucknall: 2 Common Cranes over northeast at 12.00.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Quail singing in a cereal feld by South Carr Farm mid-afternoon, also 2 Common Cranes flew over early afternoon, the drake Long-tailed Duck still and 10 Red-crested Pochards
Leics: Albert Village: 5 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Curlew, Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Common Terns, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Rudyard Lake: 2 Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Terns, 4 Blackcaps.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Barnacle Goose, Hobby.
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Latest Sightings 13/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, drake Gadwall, 33 Mallard, 3 Oystercatchers, Barnacle Goose, 14 Coot, 31 Canada Geese.
Derbys: Bradley Dam: 15 Mandarin including broods of 1 and 2, 4 Tufted Duck, also 2 Black Swans at nearny Bradley Church Pond.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, 2 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck.
Derbys: Swarkestone Lake: Osprey over at 13.30.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: An Osprey present between 09.52 and 10.15 when it flew south west, also Gadwall, 3 Teal, 104 Canada Geese, 36 Tufted Duck, Curlew, c200 Swifts, c250 House Martins.
Derbys: Padley Gorge: 2 Curlew, 2 Cuckoo, 4 Tawny Owl, 2 Redstart, 6 Stonechat, 4 Pied Flycatcher.
Derbys: Pride Park: 50 Swift.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 2 Dunlin, 140 LBB Gulls, Herring Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Wheatear.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey again.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape, also a Spotted Redshank on Chainbridge Scrape until midday.
Leics: Watermead CP: 2 Yellow-legged Gulls in horse field north of the south car park at Alderton Close.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Dunlin, 7 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Common Terns, 2 Shelduck, Pochard, 48 Tufted Duck, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Hanchurch Woods: 85 Crossbills and 2 Cuckoo.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Cuckoo, Willow Tit, 2 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 105 Mute Swans, 15 Cormorants.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiff Chaff, Barnacle Goose, 11 Greylag Geese.
Staffs: Apedale/Silverdale CP: Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Common Sandpiper, Grey Heron, 2 Bullfinch, 25 Skylark.
Derbys: Bradley Dam: 15 Mandarin including broods of 1 and 2, 4 Tufted Duck, also 2 Black Swans at nearny Bradley Church Pond.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, 2 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck.
Derbys: Swarkestone Lake: Osprey over at 13.30.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: An Osprey present between 09.52 and 10.15 when it flew south west, also Gadwall, 3 Teal, 104 Canada Geese, 36 Tufted Duck, Curlew, c200 Swifts, c250 House Martins.
Derbys: Padley Gorge: 2 Curlew, 2 Cuckoo, 4 Tawny Owl, 2 Redstart, 6 Stonechat, 4 Pied Flycatcher.
Derbys: Pride Park: 50 Swift.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 2 Dunlin, 140 LBB Gulls, Herring Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Wheatear.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey again.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape, also a Spotted Redshank on Chainbridge Scrape until midday.
Leics: Watermead CP: 2 Yellow-legged Gulls in horse field north of the south car park at Alderton Close.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Dunlin, 7 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Common Terns, 2 Shelduck, Pochard, 48 Tufted Duck, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Hanchurch Woods: 85 Crossbills and 2 Cuckoo.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Cuckoo, Willow Tit, 2 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 105 Mute Swans, 15 Cormorants.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiff Chaff, Barnacle Goose, 11 Greylag Geese.
Staffs: Apedale/Silverdale CP: Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Common Sandpiper, Grey Heron, 2 Bullfinch, 25 Skylark.
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Latest Sightings 12/06/2012
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Leucistic Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Shelduck, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Mandarin, Peregrine, Curlew.
Derbys: Norwood: Osprey flew southeast over the allotments mid morning.
Derbys: Barbrook Reservoir: Quail singing in field on the northeast side this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Avocet this morning, also 5 Dunlin, 5 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover and 3 Teal.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Drake Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey again today.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Mandarin, Peregrine, Curlew.
Derbys: Norwood: Osprey flew southeast over the allotments mid morning.
Derbys: Barbrook Reservoir: Quail singing in field on the northeast side this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2 Avocet this morning, also 5 Dunlin, 5 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover and 3 Teal.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Drake Long-tailed Duck still on Neatholme Scrape.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey again today.
Latest Sightings 11/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Grey Heron, Cormorant, 3 Mute Swans, Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 6+ Oystercatcher, Buzzard, Kestrel, 2 Reed Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 8+ Reed Buntings.
Derbys: Willington GP's: The Red-footed Falcon found dead this morning. 2 Hobbies present.
Derbys: Highoredish (SK3559): Treecreeper, 20 Crossbills, 2 Yellowhawmmer.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Little Egrets flew north at 08.40, Gadwall, 1st summer Common Gull through, 4 Reed Warblers.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 5 Dunlin, Little Ringed Plover, 325 Coots.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 7 Sedge Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, Reed Warbler.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Long-tailed Duck on Neatholme Scrape.
Derbys: Willington GP's: The Red-footed Falcon found dead this morning. 2 Hobbies present.
Derbys: Highoredish (SK3559): Treecreeper, 20 Crossbills, 2 Yellowhawmmer.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Little Egrets flew north at 08.40, Gadwall, 1st summer Common Gull through, 4 Reed Warblers.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 5 Dunlin, Little Ringed Plover, 325 Coots.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: 7 Sedge Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, Reed Warbler.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Long-tailed Duck on Neatholme Scrape.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Latest Sightings 10/06/2012
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 8 Mute Swans, 96 Canada Geese, 3 Little Grebes, 2 Redshank, also 3 Crossbills and a Siskin at Highoredish.
Derbys: Willington GP's: The 1st summer Red-footed Falcon still present.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 3 Teal, 9 Tufted Ducks, Dunlin, 118 Lesser-black Backed Gulls.
Derbys: Shillito Wood: Cuckoo.
Derbys: Bradford Dale: 4 Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, Kingfisher, 3 Dipper.
Derbys: Gratton Dale: 3 Buzzard, 7 Redstart, 9 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Immature female Marsh Harrier flew south at 09.30, also a Hobby, 5 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Pochard and 3 Common Terns.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: Gadwall, 3 Redshank, 2 Grey Partridge, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Corn Buntings and a Yellow Wagtail.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 20 Greylag Geese, Barnacle Goose.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: 2 Honey Buzzards together but distant, also several Common Buzzards, Red Kite and Hobby.
Leics: Rutland Water: Sanderling on Lagoon IV, also 6 Dunlin and 9 Tundra Ringed Plovers, and a Black Tern on Lagoon III this afternoon.
Derbys: Willington GP's: The 1st summer Red-footed Falcon still present.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 3 Teal, 9 Tufted Ducks, Dunlin, 118 Lesser-black Backed Gulls.
Derbys: Shillito Wood: Cuckoo.
Derbys: Bradford Dale: 4 Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard, Kingfisher, 3 Dipper.
Derbys: Gratton Dale: 3 Buzzard, 7 Redstart, 9 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Immature female Marsh Harrier flew south at 09.30, also a Hobby, 5 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Pochard and 3 Common Terns.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: Gadwall, 3 Redshank, 2 Grey Partridge, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Corn Buntings and a Yellow Wagtail.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 20 Greylag Geese, Barnacle Goose.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: 2 Honey Buzzards together but distant, also several Common Buzzards, Red Kite and Hobby.
Leics: Rutland Water: Sanderling on Lagoon IV, also 6 Dunlin and 9 Tundra Ringed Plovers, and a Black Tern on Lagoon III this afternoon.
Saturday, 9 June 2012
Latest Sightings 09/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 3 Mute Swans, 50 Canada Geese, Grey Heron, Cormorant, female Gadwall with 9 young (first breeding record for Wyver), 4 Tufted Duck, 6 Oystercatchers, 4 Buzzards, 2 Hobby, Kestrel, Reed Warbler, c60 House Martins.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer male Red-footed Falcon still in the dead tree mid-afternoon; take public footpath from B5008 southwest along River Trent for c.1.5km to view beyond the wood.
Derbys: Ticknall: 50 Common Crossbills in Robin Wood.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank chicks, 90 Canada Geese inc 29 goslings, 18 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 60 Gadwall and 2 Hobby.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: 3 Sanderling still from the viewpoint this morning, also 2 Dunlin and 4 Little Ringed Plover.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Red Kite over south at 11.30.
Staffs: Rolleston on Dove: 3 Yellow Wagtails, Lesser Whitethroat, 30 Swift, 2 Kiingfisher, and 5 Yellowhammers.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 8 Reed Warbler inc 3 fledglings, 3 Sedge Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, Garden Warbler, 50 Swift, 50 Sand Martin, Grey Wagtail, 2 Dunlin and a Whimbrel.
Staffs: Branston Water Park: Commonn Tern, Reed Warbler.
Sttafs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 2 Arctic Terns flew through this morning (adult and a 1st summer), 9 Common Terns, 9 Oystercatchers, Common Sandpiper, 2 Curlew, 4 Yellow Wagtails, Hobby.
Leics: Rutland Water: Short-eared Owl this morning.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Drake Ring-necked Duck at the west end of A52 Pit this morning; no public access. Park in layby c.800m east of A52 Gamston roundabout and walk west to view only from the gate.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer male Red-footed Falcon still in the dead tree mid-afternoon; take public footpath from B5008 southwest along River Trent for c.1.5km to view beyond the wood.
Derbys: Ticknall: 50 Common Crossbills in Robin Wood.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank chicks, 90 Canada Geese inc 29 goslings, 18 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 60 Gadwall and 2 Hobby.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: 3 Sanderling still from the viewpoint this morning, also 2 Dunlin and 4 Little Ringed Plover.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Red Kite over south at 11.30.
Staffs: Rolleston on Dove: 3 Yellow Wagtails, Lesser Whitethroat, 30 Swift, 2 Kiingfisher, and 5 Yellowhammers.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 8 Reed Warbler inc 3 fledglings, 3 Sedge Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, Garden Warbler, 50 Swift, 50 Sand Martin, Grey Wagtail, 2 Dunlin and a Whimbrel.
Staffs: Branston Water Park: Commonn Tern, Reed Warbler.
Sttafs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 2 Arctic Terns flew through this morning (adult and a 1st summer), 9 Common Terns, 9 Oystercatchers, Common Sandpiper, 2 Curlew, 4 Yellow Wagtails, Hobby.
Leics: Rutland Water: Short-eared Owl this morning.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Drake Ring-necked Duck at the west end of A52 Pit this morning; no public access. Park in layby c.800m east of A52 Gamston roundabout and walk west to view only from the gate.
Friday, 8 June 2012
Latest Sightings 08/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 3 Mute Swans, 96 Canada Geese, 35 Greylag Geese
including 27 young, 2 Tufted Ducks, 3 female Goosander, Hobby, Buzzard,
Kestrel, 5 Oystercatchers, Reed Warbler.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer male Red-footed Falcon still today. Take public footpath from B5008 southwest along River Trent for c.1.5km to view beyond the wood.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Cormorant, 2 Oystercatchers, 8 Dunlin, 110 Black-headed Gulls, 105 LBB Gull, Herring Gull, Wheatear.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Grey Partridge, c500 House Martins, c150 Swift, c100 Swallows.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 2 Common Terns, Little Ringed Plover, Sedge Warbler.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: 3 Sanderling from the viewpoint this evening.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 35 Shelduck, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A Red Kite was seen around 14.00. 3 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank. 57 Swift were trapped and ringed.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer male Red-footed Falcon still today. Take public footpath from B5008 southwest along River Trent for c.1.5km to view beyond the wood.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Cormorant, 2 Oystercatchers, 8 Dunlin, 110 Black-headed Gulls, 105 LBB Gull, Herring Gull, Wheatear.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Grey Partridge, c500 House Martins, c150 Swift, c100 Swallows.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 2 Common Terns, Little Ringed Plover, Sedge Warbler.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: 3 Sanderling from the viewpoint this evening.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 35 Shelduck, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A Red Kite was seen around 14.00. 3 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank. 57 Swift were trapped and ringed.
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Latest Sightings 07/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 3 Grey Heron, Cormorant, 65 Canada Geese, 24 Greylag Geese, 5 Tufted Duck, female Mandarin, 7 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwing, 2 Hobby, Buzzard, 7 BH Gull, Lesser Whitethroat.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st-summer male Red-footed Falcon still over the River Trent late morning; from Willington, take Willington Road south, cross the bride and follow the footpath for c.1 mile along the River Trent to view beyond the wood.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Little Grebe, Teal, c400 Swallows, c400 House Martins.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Little Ringed Plover, 3 Reed Warbler, c150 House Martins, 2 Garden Warbler.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Red Kite, Hobby, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Tern, 4 Teal.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st-summer male Red-footed Falcon still over the River Trent late morning; from Willington, take Willington Road south, cross the bride and follow the footpath for c.1 mile along the River Trent to view beyond the wood.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Little Grebe, Teal, c400 Swallows, c400 House Martins.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Little Ringed Plover, 3 Reed Warbler, c150 House Martins, 2 Garden Warbler.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Red Kite, Hobby, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Tern, 4 Teal.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Latest Sightings 06/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Grey Herons, 55 Canada Geese, 32 Greylag
Geese, 2 Tufted Duck, Gadwall, 2 Hobby, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk,
Kestrel, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, Common Tern, 2 Jay, Green
Woodpecker, 10 House Martin.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer male Red-footed Falcon still. Take public footpath from B5008 southwest along River Trent for c.1.5km to view beyond the wood. It can also occasionally be seen from platform 5 at the gravel pits. Also 2 Water Rails.
Derbys: Errwood Reservoir (SK1075): Cuckoo.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Juvenile Pochard, c150 Swifts.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 3 Redshank, 31 Shelduck, 20 Sand Martin, Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Yellow Wagtail.
Staffs: Berryhill: 9 Sedge Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 39 Whitethroat, 7 Blackcaps, 3 Grasshopper Warblers, 30 Reed Bunting and a Hobby.
Staffs: Chasewater: Dunlin, Buzzard, 40 House Martins.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer male Red-footed Falcon still. Take public footpath from B5008 southwest along River Trent for c.1.5km to view beyond the wood. It can also occasionally be seen from platform 5 at the gravel pits. Also 2 Water Rails.
Derbys: Errwood Reservoir (SK1075): Cuckoo.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Juvenile Pochard, c150 Swifts.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 3 Redshank, 31 Shelduck, 20 Sand Martin, Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Yellow Wagtail.
Staffs: Berryhill: 9 Sedge Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 39 Whitethroat, 7 Blackcaps, 3 Grasshopper Warblers, 30 Reed Bunting and a Hobby.
Staffs: Chasewater: Dunlin, Buzzard, 40 House Martins.
Wyver Hobbies
I must admit to getting a little excited about the regularity of the
Hobby sightings down on my patch. Throughout the latter part of May I
had several single bird sightings and assumed they were birds just
passing through.....they still could've been I suppose. However, on
Monday of last week (28th) I had 2 together and that started a run in
which whenever I visited Wyver I was seeing Hobby and saw 2 together on
two more occasions including today.
It's not just the fact that I'm seeing 2 birds together. These 2, and I presume it is the same 2, have been displaying and calling quite vociferously. I've been watching them closely and there's definitely been a lot of interaction between them.
Yesterday, both birds were over a small bit of woodland, again doing lots of calling and they kept disappearing behind the wood. From the viewing mound I couldn't see if they were flying into or behind the wood.
This morning I went to have a look and could hear birds calling from within a small piece of woodland. And although not 100% I'm sure they were the call of the Hobby. I stood there for a while until a bird shot out of the tree I was watching and disappeared away from me. I only got a fleeting glimpse but again I'm sure it was a Hobby.
Everything went quiet for a while so I made my way back down to the viewing mound. Within minutes I had the 2 birds over the riverside trees hawking insects. I must have watched them for over half an hour feeding, interacting, and calling to each other. A real pleasure watching these enigmatic birds
I've often waxed lyrical about the Hobby and some will already know that the Hobby is probably my favourite bird. So i'll be chuffed to bits if something was to happen down Wyver. Early days yet but the signs are good. Watch this space.
It's not just the fact that I'm seeing 2 birds together. These 2, and I presume it is the same 2, have been displaying and calling quite vociferously. I've been watching them closely and there's definitely been a lot of interaction between them.
Yesterday, both birds were over a small bit of woodland, again doing lots of calling and they kept disappearing behind the wood. From the viewing mound I couldn't see if they were flying into or behind the wood.
This morning I went to have a look and could hear birds calling from within a small piece of woodland. And although not 100% I'm sure they were the call of the Hobby. I stood there for a while until a bird shot out of the tree I was watching and disappeared away from me. I only got a fleeting glimpse but again I'm sure it was a Hobby.
Everything went quiet for a while so I made my way back down to the viewing mound. Within minutes I had the 2 birds over the riverside trees hawking insects. I must have watched them for over half an hour feeding, interacting, and calling to each other. A real pleasure watching these enigmatic birds
I've often waxed lyrical about the Hobby and some will already know that the Hobby is probably my favourite bird. So i'll be chuffed to bits if something was to happen down Wyver. Early days yet but the signs are good. Watch this space.
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Latest Sightings 05/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Osprey over this morning, Grey Heron, Cormorant, 38 Greylag Geese, 42 Canada Geese, 2 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Oystercatchers, 3 Buzzards, 3 Hobby, 2 Kestrel, 3 Stock Doves, Green Woodpecker, Lesser Whitethroat.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st-summer male Red-footed Falcon still in the dead trees under the pylons; take Willington Road south, cross the bridge and then follow the footpath southwest for c.1 mile along the River Trent past the wood to view.
Derbsy: Padley Gorge: 2 Pied Flycatchers.
Derbys: Calke Park (SK3622): Red Kite.
Derbsy: Ogston Reservoir: 3 Common Terns, c100 Swift, c350 House Martins, c200 Swallows.
Derbys: Chellaston (SK3730): A report of 15 Crossbills over.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey again.
Notts: Pleasleyhill: Quail, two males singing near Penniment Bungalow Farm along Penniment Lane this morning.
Staffs: Doxey Marshes: Osprey drifted towards to the M6 this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Greenshank through at 14.00, also Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, pair of Oystercatchers with 2 young, 2 Shelduck and a Cuckoo.
Staffs: Blackbrook: Quail singing at Hungersheath Farm at c.SJ763385 and audible from farm shop car park this afternoon; do not enter fields.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Osprey today, also 2 Black Swans.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Greenshank, 9 Ringed Plover, 5 Redshank, Oystercatcher, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, Garden Warbler, 2 Common Terns, 36 Shelduck.
Leics: Rutland Water: A Wood Sandpiper flew over Lagoon IV; also 8 Crossbills over this morning.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st-summer male Red-footed Falcon still in the dead trees under the pylons; take Willington Road south, cross the bridge and then follow the footpath southwest for c.1 mile along the River Trent past the wood to view.
Derbsy: Padley Gorge: 2 Pied Flycatchers.
Derbys: Calke Park (SK3622): Red Kite.
Derbsy: Ogston Reservoir: 3 Common Terns, c100 Swift, c350 House Martins, c200 Swallows.
Derbys: Chellaston (SK3730): A report of 15 Crossbills over.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey again.
Notts: Pleasleyhill: Quail, two males singing near Penniment Bungalow Farm along Penniment Lane this morning.
Staffs: Doxey Marshes: Osprey drifted towards to the M6 this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Greenshank through at 14.00, also Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, pair of Oystercatchers with 2 young, 2 Shelduck and a Cuckoo.
Staffs: Blackbrook: Quail singing at Hungersheath Farm at c.SJ763385 and audible from farm shop car park this afternoon; do not enter fields.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Osprey today, also 2 Black Swans.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Greenshank, 9 Ringed Plover, 5 Redshank, Oystercatcher, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, Garden Warbler, 2 Common Terns, 36 Shelduck.
Leics: Rutland Water: A Wood Sandpiper flew over Lagoon IV; also 8 Crossbills over this morning.
Monday, 4 June 2012
Latest Sightings 04/06/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Black Tern this on bouy from Paul Stanley Hide.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer male Red-footed Falcon first found on the private fishing pit this morning. Eventually throughout the day the bird showed well from platform 5 hawking insects and sometimes perching up. It can also be seen from the public footpath that runs alongside the river near Repton. Also present: Osprey through at 12.00, 70 Mute Swans, 5 Greylag Geese, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Common Tern, 3 Gadwall, Redshank, 2 Hobby, 2 Cetti's Warbler, Cuckoo.
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Common Terns, 58 Canada Geese, 50 Greylag Geese, 11 BH Gulls.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Red Kite, Greenshank, 99 LBB Gull, Herring Gull, 4 Redstart.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 4 Mandarin, 2 Grey Partridge, 4 Common Tern and 2 Curlew.
Derbys: Avenue Washlands: Grasshopper Warbler.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: 41 Mute Swans including 8 young, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Egyptian Geese, 26 Tufted Duck, 5 Greylag Geese, 26 Tufted Duck, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Yellowhammer.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Sanderling this morning, also a Quail singing.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 7 Blackcap, 8 Whitethroat, 4 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 5 Chiff Chaff, Common Tern, 31 Shelduck, Redshank, Ringed Plover and 2 Raven.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 3 Dunlin, 4 Redshank chicks and an Oystercatcher chick.
Staffs: Rolleston on Dove: Osprey over Old Dove late morning, also 2 Yellow Wagtail, Cuckoo, Common Tern, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, 7 Yellowhammer, c30 Swift, c30 Sand Martin, 10 House Martin.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: 2 Honey Buzzards and an Osprey.
Leics: Rutland Water: 3 Sanderling still on Lagoon IV.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 1st summer male Red-footed Falcon first found on the private fishing pit this morning. Eventually throughout the day the bird showed well from platform 5 hawking insects and sometimes perching up. It can also be seen from the public footpath that runs alongside the river near Repton. Also present: Osprey through at 12.00, 70 Mute Swans, 5 Greylag Geese, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Common Tern, 3 Gadwall, Redshank, 2 Hobby, 2 Cetti's Warbler, Cuckoo.
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Common Terns, 58 Canada Geese, 50 Greylag Geese, 11 BH Gulls.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Red Kite, Greenshank, 99 LBB Gull, Herring Gull, 4 Redstart.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 4 Mandarin, 2 Grey Partridge, 4 Common Tern and 2 Curlew.
Derbys: Avenue Washlands: Grasshopper Warbler.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: 41 Mute Swans including 8 young, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Egyptian Geese, 26 Tufted Duck, 5 Greylag Geese, 26 Tufted Duck, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Yellowhammer.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Sanderling this morning, also a Quail singing.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 7 Blackcap, 8 Whitethroat, 4 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 5 Chiff Chaff, Common Tern, 31 Shelduck, Redshank, Ringed Plover and 2 Raven.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 3 Dunlin, 4 Redshank chicks and an Oystercatcher chick.
Staffs: Rolleston on Dove: Osprey over Old Dove late morning, also 2 Yellow Wagtail, Cuckoo, Common Tern, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, 7 Yellowhammer, c30 Swift, c30 Sand Martin, 10 House Martin.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: 2 Honey Buzzards and an Osprey.
Leics: Rutland Water: 3 Sanderling still on Lagoon IV.
Red-footed Falcon photo
I would love to take credit for this stunning photo of this Red-footed Falcon that graced Willington today. But the credit must go to Richard Pittam who very kindly allowed me to use it on my blog. If this photo has whetted your appetite for more top class images then click here to view Richard's website.What a stunning bird. Many thanks, Richard.
Quality birding
I must admit that the past couple of days have been 2 of my better birding days. Even the persistent rain of yesterday couldn't even dampen my spirits. It all started yesterday morning when Chris sent me a text to see if I fancied heading up to Yorkshire for the Roller. Chris had already seen the bird last Tuesday when it was at Spurn before re-locating to Aldbrough just outside Hull.
Roller is one of those birds that when skipping through the Collins I would always look at and think...hmm what a cracker, but I'll probably never see one. But that all changed yesterday. We left Derbyshire in the pouring rain and arrived at the Roller site...still in the rain. The rain didn't put us or the bird off though as we watched it for roughly an hour. What a stonking bird! These aren't the best shots but they'll do for me.
Chris then mentioned going to Blacktoft for the Marsh Warbler. So it was back on the road and off to Blacktoft. Just over an hour later we were there but by this time the rain was coming down even heavier so the bird wasn't singing or showing. There was a designated spot where you could stand and watch but together with the rain and a couple of idiots who wouldn't shut up we decided to retreat to the hides.
We didn't get anything you wouldn't expect to see but 2 Marsh Harriers, 33+ Avocets, 6+ Yellow Wags, 2 Ringed Plovers and a Little Ringed Plover were good enough. By the time we had done all the hides the rain had eased off and the idiots had pissed off so we again tried for the Marsh Warbler. We stood there for a while and saw and heard nothing and was about to leave when it suddenly burst into song and briefly showed.
Then over the next half hour or so it sang and showed a bit more. I could hear a bit of mimicry in its song...Nightingale, Blue Tit, Blackbird. Whilst watching it a single Whimbrel flew over.
So a satisfactory day came to a close and we made our way home with both Roller and Marsh Warbler added to my list.
This morning I was again out with Chris and we started at Wyver. We weren't there long but I managed to get a few decent shots of one of the Common Terns.
Whilst we were there, there was a couple of messages about a Red-footed Falcon down at Willington and a Honey Buzzard at nearby Repton. We had planned to head off to North Derbyshire after Wood Warbler but these two reports tempted us down to South Derbyshire instead.
We tried for the Honey Buzzard first but soon after our arrival word got around that the bird in question was just a Common Buzzard. Unfortunately for the assembled few that was watching from the bridge the word that was going round was true and it was in fact just a Common Buzzard. I know the birder in question and I also know that he's a good birder. He knows he made a mistake today and was big enough to admit his mistake later in the day. Many other birders I know would not have admitted they were wrong and full credit must go to him for that.
We opted against going for the Red-footed Falcon as the latest message was that there was no further sign. So we went down Barrow GP's where to be honest it was a little disappointing. A couple of LRP's, 3 'Gypo' Geese and 7 Brown Hares was the best. We were just about to leave when we heard the Red-footed Falcon was showing again.
So we went down to Willington and immediately as we got out of the car we had a Hobby. We made our way to platform 5 to find about 25 birders who hadn't seen it for a while. We were contemplating walking round to the river to see if it was there when all of a sudden it appeared about 100 yards away. We then watched it and a Hobby both hawking insects over the trees.
The 2 previous Red-footed Falcons that I had seen were both females and although smart birds were nothing compared to this stunning 1st summer male. We watched it on and off for about an hour before It was time to go.
So a cracking end to what had been a cracking couple of days birding.
Roller is one of those birds that when skipping through the Collins I would always look at and think...hmm what a cracker, but I'll probably never see one. But that all changed yesterday. We left Derbyshire in the pouring rain and arrived at the Roller site...still in the rain. The rain didn't put us or the bird off though as we watched it for roughly an hour. What a stonking bird! These aren't the best shots but they'll do for me.
Chris then mentioned going to Blacktoft for the Marsh Warbler. So it was back on the road and off to Blacktoft. Just over an hour later we were there but by this time the rain was coming down even heavier so the bird wasn't singing or showing. There was a designated spot where you could stand and watch but together with the rain and a couple of idiots who wouldn't shut up we decided to retreat to the hides.
We didn't get anything you wouldn't expect to see but 2 Marsh Harriers, 33+ Avocets, 6+ Yellow Wags, 2 Ringed Plovers and a Little Ringed Plover were good enough. By the time we had done all the hides the rain had eased off and the idiots had pissed off so we again tried for the Marsh Warbler. We stood there for a while and saw and heard nothing and was about to leave when it suddenly burst into song and briefly showed.
Then over the next half hour or so it sang and showed a bit more. I could hear a bit of mimicry in its song...Nightingale, Blue Tit, Blackbird. Whilst watching it a single Whimbrel flew over.
So a satisfactory day came to a close and we made our way home with both Roller and Marsh Warbler added to my list.
This morning I was again out with Chris and we started at Wyver. We weren't there long but I managed to get a few decent shots of one of the Common Terns.
Whilst we were there, there was a couple of messages about a Red-footed Falcon down at Willington and a Honey Buzzard at nearby Repton. We had planned to head off to North Derbyshire after Wood Warbler but these two reports tempted us down to South Derbyshire instead.
We tried for the Honey Buzzard first but soon after our arrival word got around that the bird in question was just a Common Buzzard. Unfortunately for the assembled few that was watching from the bridge the word that was going round was true and it was in fact just a Common Buzzard. I know the birder in question and I also know that he's a good birder. He knows he made a mistake today and was big enough to admit his mistake later in the day. Many other birders I know would not have admitted they were wrong and full credit must go to him for that.
We opted against going for the Red-footed Falcon as the latest message was that there was no further sign. So we went down Barrow GP's where to be honest it was a little disappointing. A couple of LRP's, 3 'Gypo' Geese and 7 Brown Hares was the best. We were just about to leave when we heard the Red-footed Falcon was showing again.
So we went down to Willington and immediately as we got out of the car we had a Hobby. We made our way to platform 5 to find about 25 birders who hadn't seen it for a while. We were contemplating walking round to the river to see if it was there when all of a sudden it appeared about 100 yards away. We then watched it and a Hobby both hawking insects over the trees.
The 2 previous Red-footed Falcons that I had seen were both females and although smart birds were nothing compared to this stunning 1st summer male. We watched it on and off for about an hour before It was time to go.
So a cracking end to what had been a cracking couple of days birding.
Latest Sightings 03/06/2012
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Dunlin, Yellow Wagtail, c350 Swallows, c350 House Martins.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 8 Tufted Duck, 36 Lesser Black-blacked Gulls, Common Tern.
Notts: Kilvington: 8 Sanderling on West Lake mid-morning, also 7 Dunlin and 5 Tundra Ringed Plover.
Leics: Rutland Water: 3 Sanderling on Lagoon IV.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 12 Common Terns and 4 Dunlin.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, 7 Oystercatchers, 7 Common Terns and 10 Yellow Wagtails.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Hobby.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 8 Tufted Duck, 36 Lesser Black-blacked Gulls, Common Tern.
Notts: Kilvington: 8 Sanderling on West Lake mid-morning, also 7 Dunlin and 5 Tundra Ringed Plover.
Leics: Rutland Water: 3 Sanderling on Lagoon IV.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 12 Common Terns and 4 Dunlin.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, 7 Oystercatchers, 7 Common Terns and 10 Yellow Wagtails.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Hobby.
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Latest Sightings 02/06/2012
Derbys: Willington GP's: A Great White Egret here in the afternoon, 2 Sandwich Terns mid-morning and a Cuckoo.
Derbys: Astwith: Quail singing in stubble field off Branch Lane today.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Cuckoo, 4 Common Terns, c100 Swifts, Curlew, 17 Crossbills at Highoredish, also a Tree Pipit singing at Highoredish.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 7 Sanderling flew through this morning, also a Ringed Plover through, 5 Dunlin, Arctic Tern, 6 Common Terns, Cuckoo, 5 Shelduck, 3 Teal, 5 Shoveler.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry; Sanderling this morning, also Redshank, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 9 Oystercatchers, 12 Yellow Wagtails.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: Chiff Chaff, 2 Redshank, 2 Common Terns, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Partrisge and Blackcap.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 3 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, Common Tern, Cuckoo, Yellow Wagtail, 4 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Yellowhammers, c300 Swifts, 46 Shelduck inc 6 young.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: 8 Sanderling on the causeway this morning.
Notts: Pleasleyhill: Quail singing near Penniment Bungalow Farm along Penniment Lane today.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Sanderling on Lagoon IV, also 11 Turnstone through the North Arm.
Derbys: Astwith: Quail singing in stubble field off Branch Lane today.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Cuckoo, 4 Common Terns, c100 Swifts, Curlew, 17 Crossbills at Highoredish, also a Tree Pipit singing at Highoredish.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 7 Sanderling flew through this morning, also a Ringed Plover through, 5 Dunlin, Arctic Tern, 6 Common Terns, Cuckoo, 5 Shelduck, 3 Teal, 5 Shoveler.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry; Sanderling this morning, also Redshank, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 9 Oystercatchers, 12 Yellow Wagtails.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: Chiff Chaff, 2 Redshank, 2 Common Terns, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Partrisge and Blackcap.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 3 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, Common Tern, Cuckoo, Yellow Wagtail, 4 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Yellowhammers, c300 Swifts, 46 Shelduck inc 6 young.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: 8 Sanderling on the causeway this morning.
Notts: Pleasleyhill: Quail singing near Penniment Bungalow Farm along Penniment Lane today.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Sanderling on Lagoon IV, also 11 Turnstone through the North Arm.
Butterfly numbers continue to fall.
Butterfly numbers in the UK countryside fell by almost a quarter last
summer, according to a new scientific study. The Wider Countryside
Butterfly Survey (WCBS) revealed that butterflies suffered a
disappointing 2011 compared to 2010, with recorders seeing 22% fewer
butterflies on average. Last year's record-breaking cold summer and the
ongoing deterioration of suitable butterfly habitat across the
countryside are seen as causes for the fall in numbers.
Garden favourite the Small Tortoiseshell was one of the species badly affected, with less than one seen per kilometre walked on average in the countryside. Such low numbers are a cause for concern given that less than a decade ago the butterfly was likely to be seen in almost every garden and flowery place through the summer months. The drop in Small Tortoiseshell sightings from the WCBS mirrors an alarming and ongoing decline for this once ubiquitous species. This is the first time that a comprehensive survey has shown how few are now found across the countryside as a whole.
The WCBS involves counting butterflies in more than 700 randomly generated 1-km squares across the UK countryside. The scheme helps assess the health of butterfly populations across the wider countryside, rather than in specially managed hotspots such as nature reserves. Last year, recorders saw on average 47 butterflies from seven species per survey made during July and August. This represents a 22% reduction in numbers from 2010 and an alarming 41% reduction from 2009, when recorders saw an average of 80 butterflies and eight species. There were 43 visits where recorders saw no butterflies at all — double the 2010 figure.
The Common Blue also struggled in 2011; the butterfly was present in only one third of squares, compared to over half in 2010. The Wall declined in distribution for the third consecutive year; this once common species is now largely absent from central England. The Meadow Brown was the most widespread and abundant species, being found in more than 80% of squares. WCBS co-ordinator Dr Zoë Randle said: "The new survey is proving vital in getting better information on how our common butterflies are faring across the countryside as a whole. The gloomy results show we need to step up efforts to rebuild a better countryside for butterflies."
Kate Risely, Breeding Bird Survey Organiser at the BTO, added: "It is important to carefully monitor the numbers of our wider countryside butterfly species in order to detect potential threats to their populations. Results from the upcoming 2012 survey and in years to come will show whether these declines are sustained. We're very pleased that bird surveyors can contribute to butterfly recording, highlighting the value of dedicated naturalists in our society."
The WCBS is run by Butterfly Conservation, the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) as part of the United Kingdom Butterfly Monitoring scheme (UKBMS).
Garden favourite the Small Tortoiseshell was one of the species badly affected, with less than one seen per kilometre walked on average in the countryside. Such low numbers are a cause for concern given that less than a decade ago the butterfly was likely to be seen in almost every garden and flowery place through the summer months. The drop in Small Tortoiseshell sightings from the WCBS mirrors an alarming and ongoing decline for this once ubiquitous species. This is the first time that a comprehensive survey has shown how few are now found across the countryside as a whole.
The WCBS involves counting butterflies in more than 700 randomly generated 1-km squares across the UK countryside. The scheme helps assess the health of butterfly populations across the wider countryside, rather than in specially managed hotspots such as nature reserves. Last year, recorders saw on average 47 butterflies from seven species per survey made during July and August. This represents a 22% reduction in numbers from 2010 and an alarming 41% reduction from 2009, when recorders saw an average of 80 butterflies and eight species. There were 43 visits where recorders saw no butterflies at all — double the 2010 figure.
The Common Blue also struggled in 2011; the butterfly was present in only one third of squares, compared to over half in 2010. The Wall declined in distribution for the third consecutive year; this once common species is now largely absent from central England. The Meadow Brown was the most widespread and abundant species, being found in more than 80% of squares. WCBS co-ordinator Dr Zoë Randle said: "The new survey is proving vital in getting better information on how our common butterflies are faring across the countryside as a whole. The gloomy results show we need to step up efforts to rebuild a better countryside for butterflies."
Kate Risely, Breeding Bird Survey Organiser at the BTO, added: "It is important to carefully monitor the numbers of our wider countryside butterfly species in order to detect potential threats to their populations. Results from the upcoming 2012 survey and in years to come will show whether these declines are sustained. We're very pleased that bird surveyors can contribute to butterfly recording, highlighting the value of dedicated naturalists in our society."
The WCBS is run by Butterfly Conservation, the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) as part of the United Kingdom Butterfly Monitoring scheme (UKBMS).
Friday, 1 June 2012
Beeley Moor fire (update)
The fire on Beeley Moor last weekend was a bit bigger than I had first thought. The area the fire covered was at least 150 metres wide. The area affected is the part known as the triangle and around half of this area has been lost. Unfortunately at least one Stonechat nest is known to have succumbed. Hopefully they will try again as Stonechats can have several broods in a year. A spokesman said that a discarded cigarette may have been the cause.
Right then, just before I hit the pillows I'm going to post this song by Carter USM. Over the past few weeks I've been sick to death of having the fucking jubilee rammed down my throat every time I either switch on the TV, pick up the paper or surf the internet. I'm not anti royal and I guess the royal family do bring in a lot of money for the economy. But I can honestly say I do not give a shit about it.
Stuff The Jubilee by Carter USM
I'm not an anarchistbut I know a man who is
He composed this masterpiece
about the nouveau stinking riche
Of cabbages and future kings
and marriage guidance councelings
Of geriatrics losing hope
in Stephen Patrick's overcoat
Excuse my rudery
but stuff the jubilee!
It's the last tango at the palace
Christopher goes down on Alice
A make-up girl from Selfridges
unaccustomed to such privelages
Selected for the purposes
of His Majesty's secret services
The kind of secret services
usually confined to circuses
Excuse my rudery
but stuff the jubilee!
Princess A to Princess Bea
and all their work for charity
Every royal lion's head
on every boiled and frying egg
And every sodding polo team
in Hello bloody magazine
And if you feel this story lacks
the royal seal on candle wax
Reel to reels of scuzzy facts
of dodgy deal and income tax
String me up from Traitor's Gate
stick my head upon a stake
And if you feel this story sucks
that's probably becauae I made it up
I didn't really hitch a lift
to Windsor Castle bearing gifts
And I can prove it wasn't me
I was on a stage in Germany
I've always loved the Queenie Mum
her daughters and her daughter's sons
From Princess A to Princess Bea
And all the Royal Family
Stuff the jubilee!
Latest Sightings 01/06/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 3 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, Cormorant, 90 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 7 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Terns, Moorhens with 4 young.
Derbys: Callow Bank (SK2582): Stonechat and a Whinchat.
Derbys: Millstone Edge (SK2480): Wood Warbler.
Derbys: Hall Dale (SK2863): 2 Redstart, 8 Blackcap, Wood Warbler, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, Raven.
Derbys: Hayfield (SK0386): Peregrine, Dipper, 2 Spotted Flycatchers.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Osprey between 15.40 and 15.50 when it flew south east, also Cuckoo, c100 Swifts, c250 House Martins and a Curlew.
Notts: Mansfield: Quail still singing near Penniment Bungalow Farm along Penniment Lane.
Leics: Rutland Water: Curlew Sandpiper on Lagoon IV, also 12 Tundra Ringed Plovers.
Leics: Wing: Honey Buzzard reported.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): An Osprey flew in at 15.20 from the west and then flew south, also 7 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 2 Little Rined Plover and 64 Gadwall.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Turtle Dove singing beyond the hide.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 13 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 5 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, 27 Shelduck, 6 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: 2 Cuckoo.
Derbys: Callow Bank (SK2582): Stonechat and a Whinchat.
Derbys: Millstone Edge (SK2480): Wood Warbler.
Derbys: Hall Dale (SK2863): 2 Redstart, 8 Blackcap, Wood Warbler, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, Raven.
Derbys: Hayfield (SK0386): Peregrine, Dipper, 2 Spotted Flycatchers.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Osprey between 15.40 and 15.50 when it flew south east, also Cuckoo, c100 Swifts, c250 House Martins and a Curlew.
Notts: Mansfield: Quail still singing near Penniment Bungalow Farm along Penniment Lane.
Leics: Rutland Water: Curlew Sandpiper on Lagoon IV, also 12 Tundra Ringed Plovers.
Leics: Wing: Honey Buzzard reported.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): An Osprey flew in at 15.20 from the west and then flew south, also 7 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 2 Little Rined Plover and 64 Gadwall.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Turtle Dove singing beyond the hide.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 13 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 5 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, 27 Shelduck, 6 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: 2 Cuckoo.
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