Derbys: Swarkstone Bridge: Sacred Ibis reported briefly.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Peregrine, Common Sandpiper, Lesser Whitethroat.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 2 Common Sandpipers, Redshank, 3 Common Terns.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 8 Green Sandpipers, 3 Common Sandpipers, 15 Curlew, 3 Oystercatcher, Water Rail, 2 Common Terns, 24 Shelduck, Pochard, 5 Teal, 5 Stock Doves, juv Yellow Wahtail, 6 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Hobby, 67 Common Terns, 8 Gadwall, juv Shelduck.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: Great Skua seen briefly yesterday at Tiln North.
Leics: Rutland Water: Little Stint on Lagoon IV, also 2 Whimbrel there, and a Turnstone from Goldeneye Hide.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Latest Sightings 30/07/2012
Derbys: Elton Common: 3 Quail calling in wheat fields along the footpath from the A5012 to Elton.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Drake Pochard, 2 Teal, Peregrine, Common Sandpiper, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The imm/fem Pied Flycatcher still present, also the Red-crested Pocgard, Pochard, 627 Coot, 70 Greylag Geese, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, Curlew, Common Tern, Hobby.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Little Grebe and 2 Linnets.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 2nd summer Little Gull, Redshank, 8 Common Sandpipers, 3 Green Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Yellow Wagtail, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Female Common Scoter in Tad Bay, 2 Yelllow-legged Gulls, Green Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 51 Common Terns, Arctic Tern, Osprey, juv Little Egret, 3 Crossbills in Stansley Wood.
Staffs: Burston-Aston: 50 Tree Sparrows, Green Sandpiper, 5 Yellowhammers, 8 Yellow Wagtails inc 3 juvs, 9 Skylark and 2 Stock Doves.
Staffs: Croxall GP's: 4 Little Egrets, 4 Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: Ringed Plover, 6 Common Sandpiper, 3 Grey Partridge, Shelduck, Little Owl.
Leics: Rutland Water: Turnstone on Lagoon 4, also Little Ringed Plover, 2 Garganey on Lagoon III and 5 Red-crested Pochards.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Drake Pochard, 2 Teal, Peregrine, Common Sandpiper, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The imm/fem Pied Flycatcher still present, also the Red-crested Pocgard, Pochard, 627 Coot, 70 Greylag Geese, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, Curlew, Common Tern, Hobby.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Little Grebe and 2 Linnets.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 2nd summer Little Gull, Redshank, 8 Common Sandpipers, 3 Green Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Yellow Wagtail, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Female Common Scoter in Tad Bay, 2 Yelllow-legged Gulls, Green Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 51 Common Terns, Arctic Tern, Osprey, juv Little Egret, 3 Crossbills in Stansley Wood.
Staffs: Burston-Aston: 50 Tree Sparrows, Green Sandpiper, 5 Yellowhammers, 8 Yellow Wagtails inc 3 juvs, 9 Skylark and 2 Stock Doves.
Staffs: Croxall GP's: 4 Little Egrets, 4 Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: Ringed Plover, 6 Common Sandpiper, 3 Grey Partridge, Shelduck, Little Owl.
Leics: Rutland Water: Turnstone on Lagoon 4, also Little Ringed Plover, 2 Garganey on Lagoon III and 5 Red-crested Pochards.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Latest Sightings 29/07/2012
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 2 Hobby. 44 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Green Sandpipers, Greenshank, Kingfisher, 90 Swift, Crossbill WNW.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 drake Pochards, 2 Teal, 67 Tufted Ducks, c50 Housemartins, c80 Bh Gulls flew SW.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Female/1st winter Pied Flycatcher in the hedge c.50 metres west of Chappell Hide, the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, Spotted Flycatcher, Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, 2 Redshank, immature Peregrine, 67 Greylag Geese, Common Tern.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Green Sandpipers, 11 Common Sandpipers, 13 Common Terns, 2 Hobby, 7 Egyptian Geese (inc 5 goslings), 2 Goosander, and a Med Gull this afternoon.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: Juv Marsh Harrier between corner of rough track and Sittles Farm at 15.55 but mobile, also 2 Common Sandpipers, Garden Warbler, family of Lesser Whitethroats, Common Tern, G.S.Woodpecker, 4 Tree Sparrows, 2 Little Owl, Peregrine.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: Juv Med Gull again from 15-55hrs to 16-40hrs when flew SW.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey in dead tree at Tad Bay, also 20 Crossbills in Stansley Wood, 2 Common Sandpipers, 25+ Common Terns, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, adult Med Gull.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard seen briefly at 12.00 and again at 13.22.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 drake Pochards, 2 Teal, 67 Tufted Ducks, c50 Housemartins, c80 Bh Gulls flew SW.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Female/1st winter Pied Flycatcher in the hedge c.50 metres west of Chappell Hide, the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, Spotted Flycatcher, Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, 2 Redshank, immature Peregrine, 67 Greylag Geese, Common Tern.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Green Sandpipers, 11 Common Sandpipers, 13 Common Terns, 2 Hobby, 7 Egyptian Geese (inc 5 goslings), 2 Goosander, and a Med Gull this afternoon.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: Juv Marsh Harrier between corner of rough track and Sittles Farm at 15.55 but mobile, also 2 Common Sandpipers, Garden Warbler, family of Lesser Whitethroats, Common Tern, G.S.Woodpecker, 4 Tree Sparrows, 2 Little Owl, Peregrine.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: Juv Med Gull again from 15-55hrs to 16-40hrs when flew SW.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey in dead tree at Tad Bay, also 20 Crossbills in Stansley Wood, 2 Common Sandpipers, 25+ Common Terns, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, adult Med Gull.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard seen briefly at 12.00 and again at 13.22.
Saturday, 28 July 2012
Latest Sightings 28/07/2012
Derbys: Willington GP's: 3 Greylag Geese, Hobby, 3 Snipe.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Greenshank, Green Sandpiper.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 drake Pochards, Peregrine, Common Sandpiper, 38 BH Gulls flew SW, Green Woodpecker, 224 Swifts flew SW.
Derbys: Buxton: 2 possible Common Cranes over yesterday evening.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 9 Crossbills over North at 05.50, also 2 Grasshopper Warblers at Waste Farm.
Staffs: Berryhill: 3 Redstarts, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 2 Little Owls, Peregrine, Golden Plover over.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 3 Dunlin, 9 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, immature Peregrine, Hobby, 3 Common Terns, 2 Raven, Teal, 2 Shoveler, 83 Mute Swans, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey again in dead tree in Tad Bay mid-afternoon.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Yellow-legged Gull, 6 Goosander, 10 Common Terns, 5 Green Sandpipers, 6 Common Sandpipers, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Egyptian Geese, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: Dunlin.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Yellow-legged Gull, Little Egret.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey still.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Greenshank, Green Sandpiper.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 drake Pochards, Peregrine, Common Sandpiper, 38 BH Gulls flew SW, Green Woodpecker, 224 Swifts flew SW.
Derbys: Buxton: 2 possible Common Cranes over yesterday evening.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 9 Crossbills over North at 05.50, also 2 Grasshopper Warblers at Waste Farm.
Staffs: Berryhill: 3 Redstarts, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 2 Little Owls, Peregrine, Golden Plover over.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 3 Dunlin, 9 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, immature Peregrine, Hobby, 3 Common Terns, 2 Raven, Teal, 2 Shoveler, 83 Mute Swans, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey again in dead tree in Tad Bay mid-afternoon.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Yellow-legged Gull, 6 Goosander, 10 Common Terns, 5 Green Sandpipers, 6 Common Sandpipers, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Egyptian Geese, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: Dunlin.
Notts: Attenborough NR: Yellow-legged Gull, Little Egret.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey still.
Latest Sightings 27/07/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: 4 Grey Heron, 9 Barnacle Geese, 18 Cormorants, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpipers, Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, Herring Gull, 43 LBB Gull, c350 Starling.
Derbys: Middle Peak Quarry: Raven, Little Owl, Buzzard, 2 Redstarts. 2 Meadow Pipits.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 drake Pochards, 2 Crossbills over Highoredish.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also juv Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Common Sandpipers, Redshank, 6 Common Tern.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Green Sandpipers, 3 Ringed Plover, 13 Curlew, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Common Terns, 24 Shelduck, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Yellow Wagtail.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): c12 Crossbills in Stansley Wood.
Staffs: Silverdale: Hobby over.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 5 Green Sandpipers, 5 Common Sandpipers, 6 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers, 9 Common terns, Yellow Wagtail.
Staffs: Trentham Gardens: 2 Juv Great Crested Grebes. juv Grey Heron, 3 Common Terns, 12 Bh Gull, 10 Greylag Geese, 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Swallows.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: Adult and juv Med Gulls from the viewpoint.
Leics: Rutland Water: Sandwich Tern on Lagoon IV from Sandpiper Hide, also 2 Ruddy Shelduck from the Goldeneye Hide, and a drake Scaup on Lagoon I at Egleton Nature Reserve late afternoon.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 20 Redshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, Green Sandpiper.
Notts: Netherfield Lagoons: Honey Buzzard soaring west of the lagoons 11:10-11:15 then flew northwest.
Notts: Gringley Carr: Quail male still audible from the pumping station today.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: 2 Ospreys still.
Derbys: Middle Peak Quarry: Raven, Little Owl, Buzzard, 2 Redstarts. 2 Meadow Pipits.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 drake Pochards, 2 Crossbills over Highoredish.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also juv Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Common Sandpipers, Redshank, 6 Common Tern.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Green Sandpipers, 3 Ringed Plover, 13 Curlew, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Common Terns, 24 Shelduck, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Yellow Wagtail.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): c12 Crossbills in Stansley Wood.
Staffs: Silverdale: Hobby over.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 5 Green Sandpipers, 5 Common Sandpipers, 6 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers, 9 Common terns, Yellow Wagtail.
Staffs: Trentham Gardens: 2 Juv Great Crested Grebes. juv Grey Heron, 3 Common Terns, 12 Bh Gull, 10 Greylag Geese, 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Swallows.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: Adult and juv Med Gulls from the viewpoint.
Leics: Rutland Water: Sandwich Tern on Lagoon IV from Sandpiper Hide, also 2 Ruddy Shelduck from the Goldeneye Hide, and a drake Scaup on Lagoon I at Egleton Nature Reserve late afternoon.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 20 Redshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, Green Sandpiper.
Notts: Netherfield Lagoons: Honey Buzzard soaring west of the lagoons 11:10-11:15 then flew northwest.
Notts: Gringley Carr: Quail male still audible from the pumping station today.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: 2 Ospreys still.
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Latest Sightings 26/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 4 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 2 juv Little Grebes, 11 Teal, female Gadwall with 5 young, female Tufted Duck with 3 young, 2 Hobbies, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 25 Lapwing, Oystercatcher, c20 Bh Gull, 2 Common Gulls, Common Tern, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, G.S.Woodpecker, also of note a Grass Snake.
Derbys: Ashbourne: Hawfinch flew over woodland this morning.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 drake Pochards.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Ruddy Shelduck from Goldeneye Hide, also Wood Sandpiper on Lagoon IV this evening, also Turnstone on Lagoon IV, Sanderling, Ruff and Greenshank.
Leics: Albert Village: 16 Yellow-legged Gulls on the tip.
Notts: Gringley Carr: Quail audible from the pumping station this evening.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: 2 Ospreys.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 47 Tufted Duck, Teal, Shoveler, juv Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Oystercatcher, 6 Common Terns.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Common Sandpiper, 8 Common Terns, 2 Gadwall, 14 Greylag Geese, 10 Little Grebe, 2 Spotted Flycatchers.
Derbys: Ashbourne: Hawfinch flew over woodland this morning.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 drake Pochards.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Ruddy Shelduck from Goldeneye Hide, also Wood Sandpiper on Lagoon IV this evening, also Turnstone on Lagoon IV, Sanderling, Ruff and Greenshank.
Leics: Albert Village: 16 Yellow-legged Gulls on the tip.
Notts: Gringley Carr: Quail audible from the pumping station this evening.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: 2 Ospreys.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 47 Tufted Duck, Teal, Shoveler, juv Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Oystercatcher, 6 Common Terns.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Common Sandpiper, 8 Common Terns, 2 Gadwall, 14 Greylag Geese, 10 Little Grebe, 2 Spotted Flycatchers.
Snake in the grass
I almost stood on this beauty this monring whilst having a walk around the reserve at Wyver Lane. Only my second one ever down there in 10 years. It seemed quite docile so I managed to get a few shots before it slithered off into the grass. The only things of note today bird wise were the 2 Hobbies as usual, a Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler and a couple of 1st summer Common Gulls that were brief visitors this afternoon.
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Latest Sightings 25/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 4 Cormorant, 4 Grey Herons, 2 juv Little Grebes, 59 Canada Geese, 32 Greylag Geese, 22 Coots, 6 Moorhens, 6 Teal, 72 Mallards, 4 Mandarin, female Gadwall with 5 young, female Tufted Duck with 3 young, 2 Hobbies, 2 Buzzards, c90 Lapwings, Oystercatcher, 9 Bh Gulls, Common Tern, 2 Green Woodpeckers.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 2 Little Egrets, 75 Tufted Ducks.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Immature Marsh Harrier arrived from the East at 10.00 and left NW at 10.10, also 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochards, Teal, Dunlin, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3 Common Terns, 3 Little Grebes, 27 Greylag Geese.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): 2 juv Black-necked Grebes in Tad Bay, also 4 Arctic Terns at Beech Tree Point.
Notts: Kilvington: Black-necked Grebe on East Lake, also Yellow-legged Gull.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 2 Little Egrets, 75 Tufted Ducks.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Immature Marsh Harrier arrived from the East at 10.00 and left NW at 10.10, also 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochards, Teal, Dunlin, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3 Common Terns, 3 Little Grebes, 27 Greylag Geese.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): 2 juv Black-necked Grebes in Tad Bay, also 4 Arctic Terns at Beech Tree Point.
Notts: Kilvington: Black-necked Grebe on East Lake, also Yellow-legged Gull.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Latest Sightings 24/07/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Pair of Little Grebes with young, 10+ Great Crested Grebe pairs with young, 9 Barnacle Geese, 5 Grey Heron, Shoveler, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Common Sandpipers, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Redstarts, 5 Common Terns, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 50+ LBB Gull, 2 Common Gulls, 15 Pied Wagtails, 4 Sand Martins, c300 Starlings.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 6 Teal, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redstarts, c350 LBB Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Yellow Wagtail flew NW, drake Pochard.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 3 Common Sandpiper, Redshank, 4 Common Terns, Little Grebe, Common Gull.
Staffs: Acton Trussell: Whinchat by the Bednall Road at 06.20 for its second day.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 2 Corn Buntings singing at 05.30.
Staffs: Berryhill: 2 Redstarts.
Staffs: Middleton: 4 Common Sandpipers.
Staffs: Keele: Possible Glossy Ibis over the observatory at 13.30.
Staffs: Lichfield: Osprey over SSW over Tamworth Road at 17.50.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: Adult Yellow-legged Gull below the viewpoint.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 6 Teal, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redstarts, c350 LBB Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Yellow Wagtail flew NW, drake Pochard.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 3 Common Sandpiper, Redshank, 4 Common Terns, Little Grebe, Common Gull.
Staffs: Acton Trussell: Whinchat by the Bednall Road at 06.20 for its second day.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 2 Corn Buntings singing at 05.30.
Staffs: Berryhill: 2 Redstarts.
Staffs: Middleton: 4 Common Sandpipers.
Staffs: Keele: Possible Glossy Ibis over the observatory at 13.30.
Staffs: Lichfield: Osprey over SSW over Tamworth Road at 17.50.
Staffs: Croxden Quarry: Adult Yellow-legged Gull below the viewpoint.
Monday, 23 July 2012
Latest Sightings 23/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Cormoarnts, 2 Grey Herons, 2 juv
Little Grebes, 44 Greylag Geese, 32 Canada Geese, 10 Teal, female
Gadwall with 5 young, female Tufted Duck with 3 young, 2 Hobbies, 2
Buzzards, Kestrel, 3 Oystercatchers, 35 Lapwing, c20 BH Gulls including
the juvenile off the raft which has now fledged, Common Tern, Green
Woodpecker, 6 Robin.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Common Sandpiper, 3 Common Terns, Teal, Pochard.
Staffs: Burston-Aston Marina: 36 Tree Sparrows, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Yellowhammers, 6 Sedge Warblers, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcaps, 7 Stock Doves.
Staffs: Comberford: 2 Yellowhammers, Spotted Flycatcher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Common Sandpiper, 3 Common Terns, Teal, Pochard.
Staffs: Burston-Aston Marina: 36 Tree Sparrows, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Yellowhammers, 6 Sedge Warblers, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcaps, 7 Stock Doves.
Staffs: Comberford: 2 Yellowhammers, Spotted Flycatcher.
Summer on the patch
A band I've liked for years but not played any of their stuff for ages is The Mountain Goats. So here's a couple of theirs.
First up is Woke up new. And the second is You or your memory.
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Latest Sightings 22/07/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Common Terns, 2 Reed Warblers.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Teal, Pintail, Pochard, 7 Common Gulls flew NW, 2 Ravens, Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: 6 Common Scoter.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 9 Crossbills over, Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 39 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 527 Coot, 16 Great Crested Grebe, 37 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 81 Mute Swan, 5 Common Terns, 4 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Turnstone on the dam.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: 30 Crossbills over the stepping stones.
Staffs: Croxden: Yellow-legged Gull.
Staffs: Rocester: JCB South Lake: Little Gull.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Turnstone, also a Marsh Harrier.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 Teal, Pintail, Pochard, 7 Common Gulls flew NW, 2 Ravens, Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: 6 Common Scoter.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 9 Crossbills over, Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 39 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 527 Coot, 16 Great Crested Grebe, 37 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 81 Mute Swan, 5 Common Terns, 4 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Turnstone on the dam.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: 30 Crossbills over the stepping stones.
Staffs: Croxden: Yellow-legged Gull.
Staffs: Rocester: JCB South Lake: Little Gull.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Turnstone, also a Marsh Harrier.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Honey Buzzard.
Some recent photos
Despite having a camera I'm guitly of often leaving it in my pocket. But lately I've been taking a few shots. They are never prize winners but here's a few of my latest efforts.
First off is a male Sparrowhawk which got itself trapped in the Wildlife Centre at Carsington Water last week. No doubt in pursuit of a bird. Part of me was hoping that I could pick it up and release it (obviously with my coat wrapped around my hands) but unfortunately it managed to fly out itself.
I posted last week about the Great Crested Grebes doing well at Carsington. In fact, since I posted a few more broods have been noted. This is just one of the young that was in front of one of the hides.
I went out into the back garden last week and found this wee fella. Don't see enough of these anymore.
And finally this Wren posed long enough for me to get this shot.
First off is a male Sparrowhawk which got itself trapped in the Wildlife Centre at Carsington Water last week. No doubt in pursuit of a bird. Part of me was hoping that I could pick it up and release it (obviously with my coat wrapped around my hands) but unfortunately it managed to fly out itself.
Hobbies
Several weeks ago I posted about a pair of Hobbies that were being seen not far from where I live. I've been watching them since May and I had high hopes that they could be attempting to breed. But after watching them for this long it would seem that they have either failed or didn't even try.
The weekend before last I managed to get good views of them both perched up. It was only then that I noticed only one was an adult...the other is a 1st summer. This photo isn't the best because of the distance but you can just make out that the adult is on the left and the 1st summer on the right.
Until last week I wasn't even sure that 1st summers were capable of breeding but now I've found out that they can. And more often than not when a pair consists of a 1st summer it is normally the female which is the younger bird. By now though they should really have very small young in the nest and as I'm seeing both birds out in the open for long periods I don't believe they have any as surely the young would not be left for so long at such a tender age.
So despite my disappointment I'm still getting a kick out of watching both birds on an alomost daily basis. Maybe next year they will come back and raise a family....here's hoping.
The weekend before last I managed to get good views of them both perched up. It was only then that I noticed only one was an adult...the other is a 1st summer. This photo isn't the best because of the distance but you can just make out that the adult is on the left and the 1st summer on the right.
So despite my disappointment I'm still getting a kick out of watching both birds on an alomost daily basis. Maybe next year they will come back and raise a family....here's hoping.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Latest Sightings 21/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 63 Greylag Geese, juv Little Grebe, 9 Teal, female Gadwall with 5 young, drake Tufted Duck and the female with 3 young, 2 Hobbies, Kestrel, Buzzard, 3 Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Common Tern, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Reed Buntings, 2 Whitethroats.
Derbys: Abbey Hill Flash : Little Grebe, 6 Grey Heron, 46 Greylag Geese, 20 Canada Geese, Muscovy Duck, 192 Bh Gulls, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Pied Wagtails.
Derbys: Great Northern Greenway, Breadsall: 4 Jays, Willow Tit.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Conservation Pit.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 fem/imm Shovelers, 2 drake Pochards, 56 Tufted Ducks, Pintail, 3 Common Sandpipers, 98 Bh Gulls flew S/SW, adult Common Gull flew S, Grey Partridge, 7 Raven, 11 Crossbills flew W at Highoredish (another flock heard but not seen), and 1 flew W over Carr Wood.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The Red-crested Pochard still present, also 2 female Pochard, Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat, 15+ Whitethroats, 2 Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher, 2 Common Terns. A ringing session this morning caught 14 Sedge Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 12 Blackcaps, 5 Garden Warblers, 5 Whitethroats, 10 Chiff Chaffs.
Staffs: Berryhill: Whinchat at Whitedoor/Palletstacks paddocks, also 3 Redstart (male and 2 juvs).
Staffs: Branston GP's: 8 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, 2 Raven, Oystercatcher.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 4 Green Sandpipers, 6 Common Sandpipers, Dunlin, 5 Curlew, Hobby, 8 Common Terns, 2 Goosander, 3 Sedge Warblers (1 juv), Lesser Whitethroat.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Red-crested Pochards on Lagoon IV.
Notts: Netherfield Lagoons: Sacred Ibis flew towards Gunthorpe.
Notts: Kilvington: Immature Little Gull on West Lake early evening.
Derbys: Abbey Hill Flash : Little Grebe, 6 Grey Heron, 46 Greylag Geese, 20 Canada Geese, Muscovy Duck, 192 Bh Gulls, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Pied Wagtails.
Derbys: Great Northern Greenway, Breadsall: 4 Jays, Willow Tit.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Conservation Pit.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 2 fem/imm Shovelers, 2 drake Pochards, 56 Tufted Ducks, Pintail, 3 Common Sandpipers, 98 Bh Gulls flew S/SW, adult Common Gull flew S, Grey Partridge, 7 Raven, 11 Crossbills flew W at Highoredish (another flock heard but not seen), and 1 flew W over Carr Wood.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The Red-crested Pochard still present, also 2 female Pochard, Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat, 15+ Whitethroats, 2 Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher, 2 Common Terns. A ringing session this morning caught 14 Sedge Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 12 Blackcaps, 5 Garden Warblers, 5 Whitethroats, 10 Chiff Chaffs.
Staffs: Berryhill: Whinchat at Whitedoor/Palletstacks paddocks, also 3 Redstart (male and 2 juvs).
Staffs: Branston GP's: 8 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, 2 Raven, Oystercatcher.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 4 Green Sandpipers, 6 Common Sandpipers, Dunlin, 5 Curlew, Hobby, 8 Common Terns, 2 Goosander, 3 Sedge Warblers (1 juv), Lesser Whitethroat.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Red-crested Pochards on Lagoon IV.
Notts: Netherfield Lagoons: Sacred Ibis flew towards Gunthorpe.
Notts: Kilvington: Immature Little Gull on West Lake early evening.
Friday, 20 July 2012
Latest Sightings 20/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 3 Mute Swans, 4 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, juv Little Grebe, 18 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 22 Canada Geese, 59 Greylag Geese, 41 Mallard, 4 Teal, female Gadwall with 5 young, drake Tufted Duck and the female with 3 young, 4 redhead Goosander, Hobby, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 2 Oystercatchers, 60 Lapwing, 6 BH Gulls including the chick, also 33 through, 2 Common Terns, 4 Pheasants, 2 Stock Doves, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Derbys: Carsington Water: 24 Common Scoter including 13 drakes, then flew high SW at 18.15, also 6 Common Terns, 7 Oystercatchers, Turnstone, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper and a Greenshank.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: 2 Common Scoters (1 drake) on the second finger pond left of the lane.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 1 drake Common Scoter, Sanderling, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Curlews flew North, 2 Crossbills flew East, Pintail, 2 Kingfishers.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): 2 adult Little Gulls flew north through Blithe Bay this morning. Also a Turnstone on the dam this evening.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatchers, 7 Common Terns (1 juv), 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warblers, 11 Greylag Geese, Spotted Flycatcher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Sanderling from Scott Hide, also 5 Crossbills flew west, 5 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Marsh Tit, the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Yellow-legged Gull, Greenshank, 3 Redshank, Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 19 Curlew, 6 Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, 90 LBB Gulls, 8 Common Terns, Green Woodpecker, 2 Stock Doves, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warblers.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: 2 Common Scoter on the A52 Pit early evening.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Sanderling on Lagoon IV today.
Derbys: Carsington Water: 24 Common Scoter including 13 drakes, then flew high SW at 18.15, also 6 Common Terns, 7 Oystercatchers, Turnstone, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper and a Greenshank.
Derbys: Long Eaton GP's: 2 Common Scoters (1 drake) on the second finger pond left of the lane.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 1 drake Common Scoter, Sanderling, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Curlews flew North, 2 Crossbills flew East, Pintail, 2 Kingfishers.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): 2 adult Little Gulls flew north through Blithe Bay this morning. Also a Turnstone on the dam this evening.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatchers, 7 Common Terns (1 juv), 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warblers, 11 Greylag Geese, Spotted Flycatcher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Sanderling from Scott Hide, also 5 Crossbills flew west, 5 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Marsh Tit, the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Yellow-legged Gull, Greenshank, 3 Redshank, Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 19 Curlew, 6 Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, 90 LBB Gulls, 8 Common Terns, Green Woodpecker, 2 Stock Doves, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warblers.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: 2 Common Scoter on the A52 Pit early evening.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Sanderling on Lagoon IV today.
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Latest Sightings 19/07/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: 9 Barnacle Geese, Grey Heron, 4 Common Scoter, 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Common Sandpipers, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 6 Common Terns, Arctic Tern. Late News of an Osprey yesterday.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 4 Common Sandpipers, pair of Common Terns on the new raft have 2 chicks, 14 Crossbills flew from Carr Wood towards Ogston Hall.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 2 Little Ringed Plover, juv Redstart.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 5 Common Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 2 Common Terns.
Staffs: Berryhill: 2 Redstarts.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey again in dead tree overlooking Tad Bay eating a trout, also a Spotted Flycatcher in Stansley Wood.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey in dead tree at the end of the lake this morning .
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 4 Common Sandpipers, pair of Common Terns on the new raft have 2 chicks, 14 Crossbills flew from Carr Wood towards Ogston Hall.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: 2 Little Ringed Plover, juv Redstart.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 5 Common Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 2 Common Terns.
Staffs: Berryhill: 2 Redstarts.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey again in dead tree overlooking Tad Bay eating a trout, also a Spotted Flycatcher in Stansley Wood.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Osprey in dead tree at the end of the lake this morning .
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Latest Sightings 18/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 3 Grey Heron, Cormorant, juv Little Grebe, 10 Teal, female Gadwall with 5 young, 2 drake Tufted Duck and the female with 3 young, 45 Greylag Geese, 3 Oystercatchers, 45 Lapwings, Hobby, 4 Buzzards, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 8+ Chiff Chaffs, 8+ Blackbirds, 6+ Robin, 12 LT Tits.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Drake Pochard, 5 Common Sandpipers, Tree Sparrow.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Juvenile Whinchat in the Whitedoor/Palletstacks paddock this morning.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Drake Pochard, 5 Common Sandpipers, Tree Sparrow.
Staffs: Berry Hill Fields: Juvenile Whinchat in the Whitedoor/Palletstacks paddock this morning.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Latest Sightings 17/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, juv Little Grebe, female Tufted Duck with 3 young, Peregrine, Hobby, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, 2 Oystercatchers, c15 Bh Gulls, 18 LBB Gulls through, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Warbler, 6+ Chiff Chaffs, 5+ Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Robin, 5 Blackbirds, juv Dunnock, 3 Pheasants.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 6 Common Sandpipers, 3 juvenile Common Terns now fledged from the Tern raft in Chapel Bay, 6 Crossbills flew West.
Leics: Rutland Water: 10 Yellow-legged Gulls on Lagoon IV this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 2 Oystercatchers, Common Tern, 81 Mute Swan and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Kingfisher, Barnacle Goose, 3 Teal.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: Whimbrel over this morning, also a Grasshopper Warbler reeling.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Osprey in dead tree in Tad Bay this morning, permit holders only.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 6 Common Sandpipers, 3 juvenile Common Terns now fledged from the Tern raft in Chapel Bay, 6 Crossbills flew West.
Leics: Rutland Water: 10 Yellow-legged Gulls on Lagoon IV this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 2 Oystercatchers, Common Tern, 81 Mute Swan and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Kingfisher, Barnacle Goose, 3 Teal.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: Whimbrel over this morning, also a Grasshopper Warbler reeling.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Osprey in dead tree in Tad Bay this morning, permit holders only.
Monday, 16 July 2012
Latest Sightings 16/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 7 Cormorant, Grey Heron, 9 Teal, 2 drake Tufted Ducks and the female with 3 young, 2 Hobby, 2 Buzzards, 2 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, Lapwing, c25 Bh Gulls, 12 LBB Gulls through, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Warbler, 13 LT Tits.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Raven, c50 Swifts.
Staffs Hanchurch Woods: Family group of Crossbills.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Osprey over the causeway this afternoon.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Barnacle Goose, juv Little Grebe, Garden Warbler, c55 Swifts.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Common Tern.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Raven, c50 Swifts.
Staffs Hanchurch Woods: Family group of Crossbills.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Osprey over the causeway this afternoon.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Barnacle Goose, juv Little Grebe, Garden Warbler, c55 Swifts.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Common Tern.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Latest Sightings 15/07/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: 13 Common Scoter from Sheepwash Hide.
Derbys: Staunton Harold Reservoir: 2 female Common Scoter, also a near adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Common Tern.
Derbys: Big Moor: 2 Grey Partridge, Snipe, Curlew, Wheatear.
Derbys: Ramsley Pools: 4 Stonechats.
Derbys: White Edge (SK 2676): 2 Kestrel, 5 Whinchat, Wheatear, Grasshopper Warbler.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Grashopper Warbler singing again briefly at Highoredish, also Tree Pipit, 2 Ravens and 3 Common Sandpipers.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also a juvenile Redstart, 6 Common Terns, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Buzzard, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Garden Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 6 Sedge Warblers, 3 Chiff Chaffs.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 3 presumed escaped juvenile Ruddy Shelduck, also a Barncle Geese, 14 Greylag Geese and a Pochard.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Greenshank, 3 Redshank, 4 Green Sandpipers, 7 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Oystercatchers, 6 Common Terns, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, juv Redstart, juv Yellow Wagtail, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir Causeway: 33 Common Tern, 8 Common Sandpipers, Curlew, Oystercatcher, 2 Spotted Fltcatchers, Osprey.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpipers, 18 Curlew, 3 Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, 5 Shelduck (21 ducklings), Raven, 2 Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Old River Dove: Common Tern, Yellow Wagtail, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroats, c70 Sand Martin, 6 Yellowhammers, Kingfisher.
Leics: Rutland Water: 1st summer Caspian Gull on Lagoon IV late afternoon.
Derbys: Staunton Harold Reservoir: 2 female Common Scoter, also a near adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Common Tern.
Derbys: Big Moor: 2 Grey Partridge, Snipe, Curlew, Wheatear.
Derbys: Ramsley Pools: 4 Stonechats.
Derbys: White Edge (SK 2676): 2 Kestrel, 5 Whinchat, Wheatear, Grasshopper Warbler.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Grashopper Warbler singing again briefly at Highoredish, also Tree Pipit, 2 Ravens and 3 Common Sandpipers.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also a juvenile Redstart, 6 Common Terns, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Buzzard, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Garden Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 6 Sedge Warblers, 3 Chiff Chaffs.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 3 presumed escaped juvenile Ruddy Shelduck, also a Barncle Geese, 14 Greylag Geese and a Pochard.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Greenshank, 3 Redshank, 4 Green Sandpipers, 7 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Oystercatchers, 6 Common Terns, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, juv Redstart, juv Yellow Wagtail, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir Causeway: 33 Common Tern, 8 Common Sandpipers, Curlew, Oystercatcher, 2 Spotted Fltcatchers, Osprey.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpipers, 18 Curlew, 3 Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, 5 Shelduck (21 ducklings), Raven, 2 Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Old River Dove: Common Tern, Yellow Wagtail, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroats, c70 Sand Martin, 6 Yellowhammers, Kingfisher.
Leics: Rutland Water: 1st summer Caspian Gull on Lagoon IV late afternoon.
Not all doom and gloom
Amidst all the reports of failed breeders mainly due to the inclement weather and the lack of food it's good to report that at least Great-crested Grebes are doing well...at least at Carsington they are anyway. The wet summer we are all experiencing has either washed out nests or left other birds with nowhere to nest due to high water levels. Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Redshank and Oystercatchers are just 4 species I suspect would be having a poor year. Of course, I can't speak for everywhere, and I suppose some areas will have 'gotten away with it' and had a normal year.
Add to that list the likes of Hirundines, Swifts and the much rarer Nightjar who rely on catching their prey in the air and it paints a pretty bleak picture. I've been looking for Nightjars at a normally very reliable site and we couldn't have picked a better night for it. Sunny, warm and still...yes there has been a few of them, but not a sniff. Whether birds like the Nightjar arrive on their territories and just like some species of Owls will not attempt to breed if their natural food source isn't readily available. I've read that Moth'ers aren't catching anywhere near what you would expect to be catching at this time of year. And that can't be good for the Nightjar.
I've heard about adult Swallows being found dead in the nest because of the lack of food. A Swift found dead here in Derbyshire was found to be very thin and under weight. I guess other birds will be having less or maybe smaller broods. I suspect that these are not one off cases and similar stories are being told the length and breadth of the UK.
The good thing with nature though is that it has a habit of bouncing back. It's no different to when we get harsh winters and some birds suffer, like Wrens, Goldcrests, Owls etc. A couple of mild winters later and things are back to normal. Next summer when hopefully we get a 'normal' summer the birds that have failed this year will breed as normal.
So, back to the Great-crested Grebes at Carsington. On Thursday I covered most of the site and I found at least 9 broods totalling 17 young. A much better return on recent years. Last year when the water levels were exceptionally low there was only 3 broods. The thing this year that's made the difference is not just the high water levels, but the fact the levels have stayed the same all spring. Most years they build their nests and then either the water rises washing the nests away or the water recedes leaving the nests high and dry.
So, not everything is going to have suffered this year. And the ones that have will come back even stronger next year.
Add to that list the likes of Hirundines, Swifts and the much rarer Nightjar who rely on catching their prey in the air and it paints a pretty bleak picture. I've been looking for Nightjars at a normally very reliable site and we couldn't have picked a better night for it. Sunny, warm and still...yes there has been a few of them, but not a sniff. Whether birds like the Nightjar arrive on their territories and just like some species of Owls will not attempt to breed if their natural food source isn't readily available. I've read that Moth'ers aren't catching anywhere near what you would expect to be catching at this time of year. And that can't be good for the Nightjar.
I've heard about adult Swallows being found dead in the nest because of the lack of food. A Swift found dead here in Derbyshire was found to be very thin and under weight. I guess other birds will be having less or maybe smaller broods. I suspect that these are not one off cases and similar stories are being told the length and breadth of the UK.
The good thing with nature though is that it has a habit of bouncing back. It's no different to when we get harsh winters and some birds suffer, like Wrens, Goldcrests, Owls etc. A couple of mild winters later and things are back to normal. Next summer when hopefully we get a 'normal' summer the birds that have failed this year will breed as normal.
So, back to the Great-crested Grebes at Carsington. On Thursday I covered most of the site and I found at least 9 broods totalling 17 young. A much better return on recent years. Last year when the water levels were exceptionally low there was only 3 broods. The thing this year that's made the difference is not just the high water levels, but the fact the levels have stayed the same all spring. Most years they build their nests and then either the water rises washing the nests away or the water recedes leaving the nests high and dry.
So, not everything is going to have suffered this year. And the ones that have will come back even stronger next year.
Saturday, 14 July 2012
Latest Sightings 14/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 5 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, juv Little Grebe, female Gadwall with 5 young, 2 drake Tufted Ducks and the female with 3 young, 2 Hobby, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, 5 Bh Gull inc 1 young, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10+ Chiff Chaff, Willow Warbler, 15 Long-tailed Tit, juv Goldcrest, 7+ Wrens, 6+ Blue Tits, 3 Stock Doves.
Derbys: Abbey Hill Flash: 8 Grey Herons, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Green Woodpecker, 2 Buzzards.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 1 Grasshopper Warbler singing briefly at Highoredish, also 6 Crossbills flew over West there and another flock heard over north car park, 2 Ravens, Meadow Pipit over south.
Leics: Rutland Water: Temminck's Stint still on Lagoon IV, also 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Sanderling, and a drake Scaup on Lagoon III and a Turnstone.
Leics: Shawell: 5 Yellow-legged Gulls on A5 Lagoons this afternoon.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only) The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 14 Black-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, 1 Pochard, 15 Tufted Ducks, 15 Gadwall, Teal, 3 Willow Warblers.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Common Terns.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Greenshank, 5 Green Sandpipers, Redshank, Peregrine.
Derbys: Abbey Hill Flash: 8 Grey Herons, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Green Woodpecker, 2 Buzzards.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 1 Grasshopper Warbler singing briefly at Highoredish, also 6 Crossbills flew over West there and another flock heard over north car park, 2 Ravens, Meadow Pipit over south.
Leics: Rutland Water: Temminck's Stint still on Lagoon IV, also 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Sanderling, and a drake Scaup on Lagoon III and a Turnstone.
Leics: Shawell: 5 Yellow-legged Gulls on A5 Lagoons this afternoon.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only) The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 14 Black-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, 1 Pochard, 15 Tufted Ducks, 15 Gadwall, Teal, 3 Willow Warblers.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Common Terns.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Greenshank, 5 Green Sandpipers, Redshank, Peregrine.
Friday, 13 July 2012
Latest Sightings 13/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 3 Cormorants, Grey Heron, juv Little Grebe, 5 Teal, 2 Mandarin, female Gadwall with 5 young, 4 drake Tufted Ducks and the female with 3 young, 2 Hobbies, Buzzard, 2 Oystercatchers, 5 BH Gull inc 1 young, Common Tern, Willow Warbler, 6+ Blackbirds.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Spotted Flycatchers still feeing young.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, Teal 43 BH Gulls, Lesser Whitethroat.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclispe drake Red-crested Pochard still, Pochard, Teal, 72 Mute Swans, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 3 Common Terns.
Staffs: Westport lake: Barnacle Goose, 14 Greylag Geese, 3 Reed Warbler young.
Leics: Rutland Water: Temminck's Stint again on Egleton NR wet meadows until 08:15 then flew off. Also a Wood Sandpiper flying around Lagoon IV.
Notts: Cotham Flash: Whinchat.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Spotted Flycatchers still feeing young.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, Teal 43 BH Gulls, Lesser Whitethroat.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclispe drake Red-crested Pochard still, Pochard, Teal, 72 Mute Swans, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 3 Common Terns.
Staffs: Westport lake: Barnacle Goose, 14 Greylag Geese, 3 Reed Warbler young.
Leics: Rutland Water: Temminck's Stint again on Egleton NR wet meadows until 08:15 then flew off. Also a Wood Sandpiper flying around Lagoon IV.
Notts: Cotham Flash: Whinchat.
Thursday, 12 July 2012
Latest Sightings 12/07/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Osprey this evening with a fish, 3 Grey Herons, 321 Canada Geese, 10 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 3 Gadwall, Teal, 3 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, 6+ Oystercatchers, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Green Woodpecker, Spotted Flycatchers still feeding young, 5 Whitethroats, 2 Raven, Linnet.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Mandarin, Common Sandpiper, several Crossbills (heard only).
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 3 Pochard, 9 Common Tern, Common Sandpiper, 3 Oystercatchers.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey caught a fish this afternoon.
Staffs: Berryhill: Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warblers with juvs, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, Reed Warblers, Whitethroats, Chiff Chaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps, Garden Warbler, c60 Linnet, c30 Reed Buntings, c70 Swift, c20 House Martins, Little Owl.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 6 Goosander, 3 Common Terns, 8 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Spotted Flycatchers.
Leics: Rutland Water: 5 Yellow-legged Gulls on Lagoon IV this morning, also 2 Greenshanks and a Green Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint on Wet Meadow this evening.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Mandarin, Common Sandpiper, several Crossbills (heard only).
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 3 Pochard, 9 Common Tern, Common Sandpiper, 3 Oystercatchers.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey caught a fish this afternoon.
Staffs: Berryhill: Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warblers with juvs, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, Reed Warblers, Whitethroats, Chiff Chaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps, Garden Warbler, c60 Linnet, c30 Reed Buntings, c70 Swift, c20 House Martins, Little Owl.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 6 Goosander, 3 Common Terns, 8 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Spotted Flycatchers.
Leics: Rutland Water: 5 Yellow-legged Gulls on Lagoon IV this morning, also 2 Greenshanks and a Green Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint on Wet Meadow this evening.
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Latest Sightings 11/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 3 Cormorants, 6 Teal, 39 Mallard, female Gadwall with 5 young, 3 drake Tufted Duck and the female with 3 young, 2 Peregrine, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 3 Oystercatchers, 14 Bh Gull, LBB Gull, c50 House Martin, Spotted Flycatcher, Green Woodpecker, Redstart, 5+ Chiff Chaff, 5+ Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroat, Greenfinch, 9 Goldfinch, 13 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Blackbird, Nuthatch.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Little Tern present briefly at 08.40, 2 Teal, 2 Common Sandpipers, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 7 Common Terns (6 adults and a 1st summer), 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank (adult and juv), 14 Greylag Geese, 93 Lapwing.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull on Sandy Pit, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 14 Curlew, 5 Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Little Egret, 22 Shelduck (17 juveniles), Common Tern, 33 LBB Gulls, Sedge Warbler, 7 Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Stock Doves, Tawny Owl.
Staffs: Highgate Common: Drake Common Scoter at Mere Farm Pool.
Leics: Rutland Water: Little Tern on Lagoon IV, also a Spotted Redshank, 2 Ruddy Shelduck from Deep Water Hide on at Lyndon NR.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Little Tern present briefly at 08.40, 2 Teal, 2 Common Sandpipers, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 7 Common Terns (6 adults and a 1st summer), 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank (adult and juv), 14 Greylag Geese, 93 Lapwing.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull on Sandy Pit, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 14 Curlew, 5 Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Little Egret, 22 Shelduck (17 juveniles), Common Tern, 33 LBB Gulls, Sedge Warbler, 7 Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Stock Doves, Tawny Owl.
Staffs: Highgate Common: Drake Common Scoter at Mere Farm Pool.
Leics: Rutland Water: Little Tern on Lagoon IV, also a Spotted Redshank, 2 Ruddy Shelduck from Deep Water Hide on at Lyndon NR.
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Latest Sightings 10/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 7 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, juvenile Little Grebe, female Gadwall with 5 young, 9 Tufted Duck including female with 3 young, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 5 Oystercatchers, juvenile G.S.Woodpecker, 20+ House Martins, 60 Swifts, 9 Wrens, 5 Chiff Chaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, Willow Warbler.
Derbys: Carsington Water: 3 Greylag Geese, 3 Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper, 2 Raven, 4 Buzzards, adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Derbys: Locko Park: 20 Crossbill.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Teal, 3 Mandarin, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Gulls, 2 Kingfisher, 4 Sand Martins, Lesser Whitethroat.
Leics Rutland Water: Spotted Redshank on Lagoon IV, also 4 Arctic Terns, Greenshank, Dunlin and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake eclipse Red-crested Pochard still, also 4 Teal, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, Shoveler.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 9 Curlew, 8 Green Sandpipers, Redshank, 5 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Oystercatchers, 21 Shelduck (15 juveniles), 5 LBB Gulls, Herring Gull, Green Woodpecker, Sedge Warbler, 70 Coots, 18 Great Crested Grebes.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: 1st summer Little Gull on the A52 Pit.
Derbys: Carsington Water: 3 Greylag Geese, 3 Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper, 2 Raven, 4 Buzzards, adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Derbys: Locko Park: 20 Crossbill.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Teal, 3 Mandarin, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Gulls, 2 Kingfisher, 4 Sand Martins, Lesser Whitethroat.
Leics Rutland Water: Spotted Redshank on Lagoon IV, also 4 Arctic Terns, Greenshank, Dunlin and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake eclipse Red-crested Pochard still, also 4 Teal, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, Shoveler.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 9 Curlew, 8 Green Sandpipers, Redshank, 5 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Oystercatchers, 21 Shelduck (15 juveniles), 5 LBB Gulls, Herring Gull, Green Woodpecker, Sedge Warbler, 70 Coots, 18 Great Crested Grebes.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: 1st summer Little Gull on the A52 Pit.
Monday, 9 July 2012
Latest Sightings 09/07/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Grey Heron, 10 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 11 Common Scoter, drake Pochard, Great Crested Grebe with 3 fresh young at Sheepwash, 6+ Oystercatchers, 5+ Redshank, 2 Kestrels, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Common Gull, 3 juvenile Redstarts, Spotted Flycatchers feeding young, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Reed Warblers.
Common Scoters at Carsington
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Common Scoter, 3 Common Sandpipers.
Derbys: Carr Vale NR: Black Tern.
Leics: Rutland Water: Spotted Redshank on Lagoon IV.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 15 Common Scoter, also a Green Sandpiper, 7 Common Sandpipers, 4 Oystercatchers, Common Tern.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey flew from Tad Bay to Blythe Bay, also c40 Crossbills, Spotted Flycatcher, Redshank, Oystercatcher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Spotted Flycatcher, eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 4 Teal, 5 Common Sandpipers, 2 Oystercatchers, Redshank, Hobby.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 3 Common Sandpipers, juvenile Little Grebe, Barnacle Goose.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Common Scoter, 3 Common Sandpipers.
Derbys: Carr Vale NR: Black Tern.
Leics: Rutland Water: Spotted Redshank on Lagoon IV.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 15 Common Scoter, also a Green Sandpiper, 7 Common Sandpipers, 4 Oystercatchers, Common Tern.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey flew from Tad Bay to Blythe Bay, also c40 Crossbills, Spotted Flycatcher, Redshank, Oystercatcher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Spotted Flycatcher, eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 4 Teal, 5 Common Sandpipers, 2 Oystercatchers, Redshank, Hobby.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 3 Common Sandpipers, juvenile Little Grebe, Barnacle Goose.
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Latest Sightings 08/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 8 Tufted Ducks including the female with 3 young, 3 drake Pochard, Buzzard, Kestrel.
Derbys: Abbey Hill Flash: 10 Grey Heron, Kingfisher, 33 Greylag Geese, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe.
Derbys: Breadsall Village: 2 Raven over.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female/juv Redstart Carr Pond, Ringed Plover flew NE, Little Ringed Plover flew N, Common Sandpiper, adult Common Gull, Kingfisher, 2 Siskin over, 3 Teal, 2 Mandarin, female Pintail (seems to be colour ringed so possibly an escape).
Derbys: Long Eaton: Second-summer Mediterranean Gull with Black-headed Gulls on St. Leonards Riding School flood.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Peregrine, 19 Common Terns, 5 Spotted Flycatchers including 3 juveniles.
Staffs: Croxden: 2 Spotted Flycatchers, Tree Pipit.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Drake Common Scoter still.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake Common Scoter, also the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 6 Common Sandpipers and 4 Common Terns.
Derbys: Abbey Hill Flash: 10 Grey Heron, Kingfisher, 33 Greylag Geese, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe.
Derbys: Breadsall Village: 2 Raven over.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female/juv Redstart Carr Pond, Ringed Plover flew NE, Little Ringed Plover flew N, Common Sandpiper, adult Common Gull, Kingfisher, 2 Siskin over, 3 Teal, 2 Mandarin, female Pintail (seems to be colour ringed so possibly an escape).
Derbys: Long Eaton: Second-summer Mediterranean Gull with Black-headed Gulls on St. Leonards Riding School flood.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Peregrine, 19 Common Terns, 5 Spotted Flycatchers including 3 juveniles.
Staffs: Croxden: 2 Spotted Flycatchers, Tree Pipit.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Drake Common Scoter still.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake Common Scoter, also the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 6 Common Sandpipers and 4 Common Terns.
Saturday, 7 July 2012
Latest Sightings 07/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants, Grey Heron, female Gadwall with 5 young, 4 drake Tufted Ducks and 2 female inc 1 with 3 young, 5 Kestrels, 5 Oystercatchers, Common Tern, juv G.S.Woodpecker, adult and 2 juv Whitethroats, 3 Stock Doves, 10 Magpie, Siskin.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 12 Teal, 2 Mandarin, 124 Canada Geese, 4 Common Sandpipers, Kingfisher, Crossbill flew NE.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Drake Common Scoter still, also 4 Common Term, 10 Common Sandpipers, 5 Green Sandpipers, Curlew, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Reed Warblers.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 8 Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher, 5 Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Shoveler, 29 Shelduck (6 adults and 23 young), 2 Green Woodpeckers.
Staffs: Branston Water Park: 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, 43 Greylag Geese, Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Hobby, Common Sandpiper, 3 Mandarin, 2 Common Terns, Spotted Flycatcher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 3 Teal, 14 Gadwall, 514 Coots, 3 Common Sandpipers, Curlew, 3 Redshank, Oystercatcher, 8 Common Tern flew through.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 2 Little Ringed Plove, Common Sandpiper, Barnacle Goose.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Eclipse drake Garganey on the A52 pit.
Leics: Shawell: 9 Yellow-legged Gulls on A5 lagoons.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 12 Teal, 2 Mandarin, 124 Canada Geese, 4 Common Sandpipers, Kingfisher, Crossbill flew NE.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Drake Common Scoter still, also 4 Common Term, 10 Common Sandpipers, 5 Green Sandpipers, Curlew, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Reed Warblers.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 8 Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher, 5 Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Shoveler, 29 Shelduck (6 adults and 23 young), 2 Green Woodpeckers.
Staffs: Branston Water Park: 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, 43 Greylag Geese, Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Hobby, Common Sandpiper, 3 Mandarin, 2 Common Terns, Spotted Flycatcher.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 3 Teal, 14 Gadwall, 514 Coots, 3 Common Sandpipers, Curlew, 3 Redshank, Oystercatcher, 8 Common Tern flew through.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 2 Little Ringed Plove, Common Sandpiper, Barnacle Goose.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Eclipse drake Garganey on the A52 pit.
Leics: Shawell: 9 Yellow-legged Gulls on A5 lagoons.
Friday, 6 July 2012
Latest Sightings 06/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, Cormorant, Grey Heron, juvenile Little Grebe, 6 Teal, female Gadwall with 5 young, 5 drake Tufted Ducks and the female with 3 young, 38 Mallard, 5 Oystercatchers, Common Sandpiper, c40 House Martins.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 7 Common Scoter (6 drakes and a female).
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 18 Common Scoter (17 drakes and a female), also 8 Shelduck flew North, female Pintail, 2 Teal and a juvenile Mandarin.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Little Terns over Lagoon IV at 14.45 heading east, also 2 Ruff, 2 Green Sandpipers and a Wood Sandpiper.
Leics: Frolesworth: Red-crested Pochard on Frolesworth Manor Lake this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The drake eclipse Red-crested Pochard still, also 4 Common Sandpipers and 3 Common Terns.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: 7 Common Scoter (6 drakes and a female).
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 18 Common Scoter (17 drakes and a female), also 8 Shelduck flew North, female Pintail, 2 Teal and a juvenile Mandarin.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Little Terns over Lagoon IV at 14.45 heading east, also 2 Ruff, 2 Green Sandpipers and a Wood Sandpiper.
Leics: Frolesworth: Red-crested Pochard on Frolesworth Manor Lake this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The drake eclipse Red-crested Pochard still, also 4 Common Sandpipers and 3 Common Terns.
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Latest Sightings 05/07/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: 11 Barnacle Geese including 6 young, 3 Greylag Geese, 4 Teal, 3 Common Sandpipers, adult Redshank with 2 young, pair of Spotted Flycatchers feeding young in a nest, 2 juvenile Goldcrests, 3 juvenile Whitethroats, Grey Wagtail, Yellow-legged Gull, c200 LBB Gulls, Common Gull.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Redshank, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, 2 Peregrine, c450 LBB Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 4 Teal, juvenile Mandarin, Common Sandpiper, pair of Oystercatchers with at least 1 young, Kingfisher.
Leics: Albert Village: 15 Yellow-legged Gulls commuting between the tip and Albert Village Lake.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Drake Common Scoter this evening, also 4 Common Terns, 9 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers and 2 Curlew.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Black-necked Grebe still on south side of main sailing lake this evening.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 5 Black-tailed Godwits were on the north shore until 09.45 when they flew south, the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 5 Pochard and 8 Common Sandpipers.
Staffs: Berryhill: adult and juvenile Redstart, 18 Whitethroats, 5 Chiff Chaffs, 6 Willow Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, Reed Warbler, Willow Tit.
Derbys: Middleton Moor: Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Redshank, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, 2 Peregrine, c450 LBB Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 4 Teal, juvenile Mandarin, Common Sandpiper, pair of Oystercatchers with at least 1 young, Kingfisher.
Leics: Albert Village: 15 Yellow-legged Gulls commuting between the tip and Albert Village Lake.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Drake Common Scoter this evening, also 4 Common Terns, 9 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers and 2 Curlew.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Black-necked Grebe still on south side of main sailing lake this evening.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 5 Black-tailed Godwits were on the north shore until 09.45 when they flew south, the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, 5 Pochard and 8 Common Sandpipers.
Staffs: Berryhill: adult and juvenile Redstart, 18 Whitethroats, 5 Chiff Chaffs, 6 Willow Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, Reed Warbler, Willow Tit.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Latest Sightings 04/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans. Cormorant, Grey Heron, 11 Canada Geese, c25 Greylag Geese, juvenile Little Grebe, 4 Teal, 35 Mallard, 6 drake Tufted Ducks and the female with 3 young, 2 Sparrowhawks, Buzzard, Kestrel, 6 Oystercatchers, 15 Lapwings, pair of Bh Gulls with 1 young on the raft, also 88 Bh Gulls South in 4 flocks of 19, 10, 29 & 30, Jay, Willow Warbler, Green Woodpecker.
Derbys: Abbey Hill Flash: 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Grey Heron, 56 Bh Gulls, 32 Stock Doves.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: 2 Common Terns, 4 Grey Heron, female Gadwall, 5 Great-crested Grebes, 2 Red-legged Partridges, female Tufted Duck with 6 young.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Adult Yellow-legged Gull, adult Herring Gull, female Pintail, 2 Common Sandpipers, 39 Lapwing, 3 Curlew flew South, 5 Kingfishers (a juvenile was trapped in the public hide and was caught and released).
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, Tufted Duck brood of 7, Gadwall brood of 6, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Redshank, 2 Common Terns, Hobby.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Black-necked Grebe still on the main sailing lake.
Leics: Rutland Water: Wood Sandpiper on Lagoon IV, immature Spoonbill in North Arm, 3 Ruff on Lagoon IV, also a Marsh Harrier over.
Derbys: Abbey Hill Flash: 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Grey Heron, 56 Bh Gulls, 32 Stock Doves.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: 2 Common Terns, 4 Grey Heron, female Gadwall, 5 Great-crested Grebes, 2 Red-legged Partridges, female Tufted Duck with 6 young.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Adult Yellow-legged Gull, adult Herring Gull, female Pintail, 2 Common Sandpipers, 39 Lapwing, 3 Curlew flew South, 5 Kingfishers (a juvenile was trapped in the public hide and was caught and released).
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): The eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard still, Tufted Duck brood of 7, Gadwall brood of 6, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Redshank, 2 Common Terns, Hobby.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Black-necked Grebe still on the main sailing lake.
Leics: Rutland Water: Wood Sandpiper on Lagoon IV, immature Spoonbill in North Arm, 3 Ruff on Lagoon IV, also a Marsh Harrier over.
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Latest Sightings 03/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, 5 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, juvenile Little Grebe, 2 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck inc the female with 3 young, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Common Terns, 15 Bh Gulls inc the pair with 1 young, Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcaps, 5 Chiff Chaffs, 9 Wrens, 4 Treecreepers, 3 Stock Doves, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, G.S. Woodpecker, 4 Goldfinch.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, female Teal, juvenile Mandarin, Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Black-necked Grebe on the main sailing lake near the A5.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Eclipse Drake red-crested Pochard still off Gazebo Bay, also a drake eclipse Wigeon, a brood of 10 Tufted Ducks, 6 Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Terns, immature Peregrine and a Raven.
Leics: Rutland Water: Immature Spoonbill still on wet meadows from Snipe Hide, also 2 Ruddy Shelducks, 9 Yellow-legged Gulls on Lagoon IV, and a Meditteranean Gull.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, female Teal, juvenile Mandarin, Common Sandpiper.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Black-necked Grebe on the main sailing lake near the A5.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Eclipse Drake red-crested Pochard still off Gazebo Bay, also a drake eclipse Wigeon, a brood of 10 Tufted Ducks, 6 Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Terns, immature Peregrine and a Raven.
Leics: Rutland Water: Immature Spoonbill still on wet meadows from Snipe Hide, also 2 Ruddy Shelducks, 9 Yellow-legged Gulls on Lagoon IV, and a Meditteranean Gull.
Monday, 2 July 2012
Latest Sightings 02/07/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, juvenile Little Grebe, 2 Teal, female Mandarin, female Gadwall with 5 young, 5 drake Tufted Duck and the female with 3 young, adult and juvenile Buzzard, Hobby, Kestrel, Common Tern, pair of Bh Gulls still with 1 young on the raft-also a 1st summer and 2 flighted juveniles, Collared Dove, family of 4+ Treecreepers on lane including at least 2 juveniles, 35+ Housemartins, Jay, 2 Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, 3+ Sedge Warblers.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 13 Black-tailed Godwits.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 121 Canada Geese, 26 Tufted Ducks, 3 Common Sandpipers.
Leics: Rutland Water: Spoonbill still from Snipe Hide.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 5 Common Pochards, 65 Mute Swans, 7 Common Sandpipers, 5 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank including 2 fledged juveniles, 1 Common Tern.
Derbys: Willington GP's: 13 Black-tailed Godwits.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, 121 Canada Geese, 26 Tufted Ducks, 3 Common Sandpipers.
Leics: Rutland Water: Spoonbill still from Snipe Hide.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake Red-crested Pochard still, also 5 Common Pochards, 65 Mute Swans, 7 Common Sandpipers, 5 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank including 2 fledged juveniles, 1 Common Tern.
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Spain win the Euros
No real surprise tonight as Spain thump Italy to win their 3rd major tournament in a row. The real surprise however was how the fuck Torres won the Golden Boot. Oh, and according to some pundits Spain are boring because they play something like 1-2-8. They then bore the shit out of their opposition by passing it around 258 times before scoring. If only England were that boring.
Talking of England. John Terry did his usual trick tonight. No, not the one where he shags one of his team mates' wifes...this one.....
In other football news. As the crisis at Rangers deepens and most of their players decide that Newco isn't for them, the new team bus for next season arrives.
And finally, the legend that is Messi has been spotted at Anfield today.
Talking of England. John Terry did his usual trick tonight. No, not the one where he shags one of his team mates' wifes...this one.....
In other football news. As the crisis at Rangers deepens and most of their players decide that Newco isn't for them, the new team bus for next season arrives.
And finally, the legend that is Messi has been spotted at Anfield today.
Latest Sightings 01/07/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Osprey with fish perched on telegraph pole in
Callow (by Fishtail Creek). Took off carrying fish, flew towards
Carsington Water then arced around and flew northeast.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Cuckoo.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, Teal, 133 Canada Geese, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Kingfishers, 600+ Swifts.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard, Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Terns, 2 Shelduck, 47 Tufted Duck, immature Peregrine.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: Little Egret present on The Void.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Osprey over this afternoon, near adult Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Common Tern, 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, 2 Raven.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey over at 15.20, also 3 Common Sandpipers and 8 Common Terns.
Staffs: Trent Washlands: Hobby, Common Tern, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, 12 Sand Martin, 5 House Martin, 8 Swallow, 2 Kingfisher.
Staffs: Old River Dove: 2 Yellow Wagtails, Garden Warbler, 80 Sand Martins, 4 Yellowhammers.
Leics: Rutland Water: Spoonbill on Lagoon IV at Egleton NR mid-afternoon.
Derbys: Willington GP's: Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Cuckoo.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Female Pintail, Teal, 133 Canada Geese, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Kingfishers, 600+ Swifts.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard, Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Terns, 2 Shelduck, 47 Tufted Duck, immature Peregrine.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: Little Egret present on The Void.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Osprey over this afternoon, near adult Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Common Tern, 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, 2 Raven.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): Osprey over at 15.20, also 3 Common Sandpipers and 8 Common Terns.
Staffs: Trent Washlands: Hobby, Common Tern, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, 12 Sand Martin, 5 House Martin, 8 Swallow, 2 Kingfisher.
Staffs: Old River Dove: 2 Yellow Wagtails, Garden Warbler, 80 Sand Martins, 4 Yellowhammers.
Leics: Rutland Water: Spoonbill on Lagoon IV at Egleton NR mid-afternoon.
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