Derbys: Cromford: 1 Waxwing on Cromford Hill near Tor View Rise.
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: 1st winter drake Velvet Scoter still this morning; park by the church and walk c.400m along
road and take footpath to view through fence.
Staffs: Silverdale: Juvenile Iceland Gull still in field near Walley's Landfill Site this morning; also
2nd-winter Caspian Gull.
Leics: Loughborough: 22 Waxwings on Maxwell Drive this morning.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Latest Sightings 19/12/2012
Derbys: Cromford: 1 Hawfinch by the church late morning.
Derbys: Darley Dale: c20 Waxwings near Costcutter.
Derbys: Ticknall: c.40 Waxwings still at the Main Srtreet/High Street junction late morning but mobile.
Derbys: Hilton: 11 Waxwings at Mease/Foss Road roundabout this morning.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: Adult Caspian Gull in the roost.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 54 Greylag Geese, 4 Goldeneye, Water Rail.
Staffs: Adderley Green: Drake Common Scoter still showing well at Mossfield Pool early morning. Also a Jack Snipe flushed from poolside vegetation.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake Pintail, also a Yellow-legged Gull in the roost.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Scaup still, 5 Goosander, 21 Pochard.
Staffs: Silverdale Community CP: Juvenile Iceland Gull again on The Void late morning; also 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 2nd-winter Caspian Gull at The Void again this afternoon.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Great Northern Diver still on Welbeck Great Lake viewable from the road on south side near monumnet; do not enter the grounds.
Notts: Nottingham: c.50 Waxwings still at Wollaton Vale by the Total garage.
Notts: Nottingham: 30+ Waxwings in tree on junction of Queens Drive and Castle Bridge Road.
Notts: Nottingham: 1 Waxwing outside Pork Farms on Queen's Boulevard.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 2 female Velvet Scoters still on the north side this morning.
Leics: Rutland Water: Long-tailed Duck still off Hambleton in North Arm today; also female Red-breasted Merganser still off Old Hall.
Derbys: Darley Dale: c20 Waxwings near Costcutter.
Derbys: Ticknall: c.40 Waxwings still at the Main Srtreet/High Street junction late morning but mobile.
Derbys: Hilton: 11 Waxwings at Mease/Foss Road roundabout this morning.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: Adult Caspian Gull in the roost.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 54 Greylag Geese, 4 Goldeneye, Water Rail.
Staffs: Adderley Green: Drake Common Scoter still showing well at Mossfield Pool early morning. Also a Jack Snipe flushed from poolside vegetation.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake Pintail, also a Yellow-legged Gull in the roost.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Scaup still, 5 Goosander, 21 Pochard.
Staffs: Silverdale Community CP: Juvenile Iceland Gull again on The Void late morning; also 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 2nd-winter Caspian Gull at The Void again this afternoon.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Great Northern Diver still on Welbeck Great Lake viewable from the road on south side near monumnet; do not enter the grounds.
Notts: Nottingham: c.50 Waxwings still at Wollaton Vale by the Total garage.
Notts: Nottingham: 30+ Waxwings in tree on junction of Queens Drive and Castle Bridge Road.
Notts: Nottingham: 1 Waxwing outside Pork Farms on Queen's Boulevard.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 2 female Velvet Scoters still on the north side this morning.
Leics: Rutland Water: Long-tailed Duck still off Hambleton in North Arm today; also female Red-breasted Merganser still off Old Hall.
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Latest Sightings 18/12/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 3 Cormorants, Mute Swan, 23 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 38 Mandarin, 60 Mallards, 6 Tufted Duck, 16 Goosander, 16 Coots, 7 Moorhens, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 5 Snipe,157 BH Gulls, Common Gull, Green Woodpecker, G.S.Woodpecker, Little Owl, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 26 Fieldfare, 5 Reed Buntings.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Little Grebe, 100+ Canada Geese, 49 Greylag Geese, 12 Goldeneye, 140 Pochard, Redshank, 110 Lapwings, 2 Snipe, male Sparrowhawk caught a Pied Wagtail, Kestrel, Yellow-legged Gull.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 34 Greylag Geese, 2 Gadwall, 13 Pochards, Little Owl.
Derbys: Belper: 12 Waxwings near the fire station.
Derbys: Heanor: 5 Waxwings present for a short while in field behind Brookfield Way this afternoon.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 20 Waxwings by the bridge over the canal on Bridge Park this morning.
Derbys: Alvaston: c.40 Waxwings on Sevenlands Drive today.
Derbys: Chellaston: 25 Waxwings on Sutton Avenue this afternoon.
Staffs: Miles Green: 6 Waxwings by Heathcote Road at c.SJ801492 this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Cetti's Warbler, 11 Brambling, 18 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 82 Goldeneye, drake Pintail, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Scaup still.
Staffs: Newcastle-under-Lyme: 8 Waxwings in a private garden on Hilltop Avenue, Basford this morning.
Staffs: Silverdale Community CP: Juvenile Iceland Gull on The Void late afternoon, also 2 2nd-winter Caspian Gulls.
Staffs: Hanley: 8 Waxwings in the disused car park off Clough Street opposite Cars by John Munro today.
Staffs: Adderley Green: Drake Common Scoter still showing well at Mossfield Pool early morning.
Notts: Lenton: 50+Waxwings at Abbey Bridge this afternoon but mobile.
Notts: Girton Pit Complex: Drake Ferruginous Duck on Spalford Pit late morning but elusive; view only from the gate.
Notts: Nottingham: 3 Waxwings flew south over Nottingham Trent University this morning.
Leics: Rutland Water: Great Northern Diver off Barnsdale in North Arm this morning, female Long-tailed Duck in North Arm this morning. Black-necked Grebe west of the sailing club at Edith Weston this morning; beware of the construction works, also a Caspian Gull.
Leics: Frolesworth: Short-eared Owl at Frolesworth Manor Lake, on stubble on west side at dusk.
Leics: Albert Village: 2 adult Caspian Gulls.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: 2 drake Smew and a redhead still this morning.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Little Grebe, 100+ Canada Geese, 49 Greylag Geese, 12 Goldeneye, 140 Pochard, Redshank, 110 Lapwings, 2 Snipe, male Sparrowhawk caught a Pied Wagtail, Kestrel, Yellow-legged Gull.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 34 Greylag Geese, 2 Gadwall, 13 Pochards, Little Owl.
Derbys: Belper: 12 Waxwings near the fire station.
Derbys: Heanor: 5 Waxwings present for a short while in field behind Brookfield Way this afternoon.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 20 Waxwings by the bridge over the canal on Bridge Park this morning.
Derbys: Alvaston: c.40 Waxwings on Sevenlands Drive today.
Derbys: Chellaston: 25 Waxwings on Sutton Avenue this afternoon.
Staffs: Miles Green: 6 Waxwings by Heathcote Road at c.SJ801492 this morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Cetti's Warbler, 11 Brambling, 18 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 82 Goldeneye, drake Pintail, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Scaup still.
Staffs: Newcastle-under-Lyme: 8 Waxwings in a private garden on Hilltop Avenue, Basford this morning.
Staffs: Silverdale Community CP: Juvenile Iceland Gull on The Void late afternoon, also 2 2nd-winter Caspian Gulls.
Staffs: Hanley: 8 Waxwings in the disused car park off Clough Street opposite Cars by John Munro today.
Staffs: Adderley Green: Drake Common Scoter still showing well at Mossfield Pool early morning.
Notts: Lenton: 50+Waxwings at Abbey Bridge this afternoon but mobile.
Notts: Girton Pit Complex: Drake Ferruginous Duck on Spalford Pit late morning but elusive; view only from the gate.
Notts: Nottingham: 3 Waxwings flew south over Nottingham Trent University this morning.
Leics: Rutland Water: Great Northern Diver off Barnsdale in North Arm this morning, female Long-tailed Duck in North Arm this morning. Black-necked Grebe west of the sailing club at Edith Weston this morning; beware of the construction works, also a Caspian Gull.
Leics: Frolesworth: Short-eared Owl at Frolesworth Manor Lake, on stubble on west side at dusk.
Leics: Albert Village: 2 adult Caspian Gulls.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: 2 drake Smew and a redhead still this morning.
Monday, 17 December 2012
Latest Sightings 17/12/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still, also Slavonian Grebe.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 24 Greylag Geese, Gadwall, 13 Pochard, Water Rail, Kingfisher, c10 Bramblings in stubble opposite West Bank.
Derbys: Matlock: 7 Waxwings at Morledge:
Derbys: Bamford: Hawfinch at golf course.
Derbys: Leadmilll: 13 Mandarin, 100 Siskins.
Derbys: Stenson: 25 Waxwings at Stenson Fields near Stenson Road rail bridge.
Staffs: Adderley Green: Drake Common Scoter at Mossfield Pool early afternoon.
Staffs: Silverdale Community CP: 2nd-winter Caspian Gull at The Void today.
Staffs: Miles Green: 5 Waxwings in a bush by Heathcote Road at c.SJ801492 this morning.
Staffs: Silverdale: Juvenile Iceland Gull over the landfill site near the junction of Cemetery Road and Keele Road this afternoon.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Cetti's Warbler, Green Sandpiper, 40 Golden Plover over, drake Pintail, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Scaup still, Goosander, 26 Pochard, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Raven, 22 LBB Gulls, 7 Herring Gulls.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 2 Ruff, 12 Curlew, 511 Lapwings, 2 LBB Gulls, 5 Shelduck, 19 Pochard, 55 Wigeon, 29 Gadwall, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 2 Grey Herons, 4 Cormorants, 364 Lapwings, 33 Wigeon, 9 Tufted Ducks, 70 Golden Plover, 40 Skylarks, 15 Meadow Pipits, 4 Goldcrests, 2 singing Corn Buntings, several Yellowhammers, Brambling, 2 Little Owl, 30 Fieldfares, Merlin, 52 Mute Swans.
Staffs: Fradley junction to Orgreave: 92 Mute Swans.
Notts: Rufford CP: 2 Hawfinch showing well in the main car park this morning.
Notts: Clumber Park: 2 Hawfinch behind the chapel mid-morning.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Great Northern Diver on Welbeck Great Lake viewable from the road today; do not enter the grounds.
Leics: Kegworth: 110 Waxwings still by A6 c.1.5km south of Kegworth.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 2 Velvet Scoters still on the north side this afternoon.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 24 Greylag Geese, Gadwall, 13 Pochard, Water Rail, Kingfisher, c10 Bramblings in stubble opposite West Bank.
Derbys: Matlock: 7 Waxwings at Morledge:
Derbys: Bamford: Hawfinch at golf course.
Derbys: Leadmilll: 13 Mandarin, 100 Siskins.
Derbys: Stenson: 25 Waxwings at Stenson Fields near Stenson Road rail bridge.
Staffs: Adderley Green: Drake Common Scoter at Mossfield Pool early afternoon.
Staffs: Silverdale Community CP: 2nd-winter Caspian Gull at The Void today.
Staffs: Miles Green: 5 Waxwings in a bush by Heathcote Road at c.SJ801492 this morning.
Staffs: Silverdale: Juvenile Iceland Gull over the landfill site near the junction of Cemetery Road and Keele Road this afternoon.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Cetti's Warbler, Green Sandpiper, 40 Golden Plover over, drake Pintail, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Scaup still, Goosander, 26 Pochard, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Raven, 22 LBB Gulls, 7 Herring Gulls.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 2 Ruff, 12 Curlew, 511 Lapwings, 2 LBB Gulls, 5 Shelduck, 19 Pochard, 55 Wigeon, 29 Gadwall, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 2 Grey Herons, 4 Cormorants, 364 Lapwings, 33 Wigeon, 9 Tufted Ducks, 70 Golden Plover, 40 Skylarks, 15 Meadow Pipits, 4 Goldcrests, 2 singing Corn Buntings, several Yellowhammers, Brambling, 2 Little Owl, 30 Fieldfares, Merlin, 52 Mute Swans.
Staffs: Fradley junction to Orgreave: 92 Mute Swans.
Notts: Rufford CP: 2 Hawfinch showing well in the main car park this morning.
Notts: Clumber Park: 2 Hawfinch behind the chapel mid-morning.
Notts: Welbeck Watchpoint: Great Northern Diver on Welbeck Great Lake viewable from the road today; do not enter the grounds.
Leics: Kegworth: 110 Waxwings still by A6 c.1.5km south of Kegworth.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 2 Velvet Scoters still on the north side this afternoon.
Sunday, 16 December 2012
From Bittern to Barn Owl
Today I was out with Chris and for the second time in a week we tried for the Firecrest up at Poolsbrook CP..... and for the second time in a week we dipped. Firecrest has long been one of my bogey birds and it's about time I removed that monkey off my back. But I guess that I'll have to wait a little longer.
Nobody can say we didn't try though having put in over 3 hours on site. There was a report of it being present whilst we were there but It was one of those type of reports that sounded about as genuine as the time the Mrs thought she had a Turtle Dove in our garden in October.
Like I said before, we gave it a good go but all we got for our efforts were around 6 Chiff Chaffs. We were just thinking about leaving when we got chatting to another birder that we both knew. When his phone rang it was clear that it was from another birder on site that we had already passed and spoke to briefly. We presumed he had found the Firecrest. Alas no, he was watching a Red Kite instead. So no Firecrest but a more than adequate bonus. We couldn't see the Kite from where we was so we moved to a more elevated position to see the Kite drift through to the SW being shown the way by a Sparrowhawk.
We then left and discussed where to go next. We had a couple of hours to kill before doing the Wyver roost and decided to go to Williamthorpe Ponds NR. A place I had been to before and from memory we didn't get much so wasn't expecting great things today. There's a decent selection of Wildfowl there and there has been the odd rarity in the past.
We started counting Teal and Gadwall and as I scanned the reeds on the left of the pool I saw something quite big and upright just standing there. Through the naked eye I thought it was a Grey Heron but when I raised my bins I realised it was a BITTERN. Not any old Bittern, but my first Bittern in Derbyshire in all my 10 years of birding. I must have shouted to Chris although he was standing next to me 'BITTERN'!
Luckily It was out in the open so we both had good views. It wandered off into the reeds but I was really hoping it would come back out so I could get a few shots. Luckily it came back into view long enough for me to get some video footage never mind some photos.
After feeling quite smug we left and had a quick look at Ogston Res. There wasn't a deal there so we moved on to Wyver. Now, after the Red Kite and Bittern I didn't think the day could get any better. But I couldn't be more wrong. The roost was turning into any 'normal' Wyver roost. A few Mandarins and a few Goosander are now the norm.
We were standing near the gate as we've recently found that by sitting in the hide we were missing so much flying in, or off in the case of the Mandarins. The 15 Mandarins were a far cry from the 52 we had 12 days ago. We were just packing up to go and in fact Chris had just turned around to head to the car to change his footwear.
Then something whitish caught my eye flying near the waters edge. For a split second I thought it was just a white Mallard type flying into roost. I quickly realised that it wasn't a Duck but in fact a Barn Owl. This time I really did need to shout Chris and he joined me as it hunted around the main pool. I couldn't believe it. My first Bittern in Derbyshire earlier in the day and now a long overdue site tick Barn Owl. That one really had been a long time coming.
What a great end to what had already been a good day....and that was without the Firecrest.
Video of the Bittern. It took me a couple of seconds to focus, as you will see.
Nobody can say we didn't try though having put in over 3 hours on site. There was a report of it being present whilst we were there but It was one of those type of reports that sounded about as genuine as the time the Mrs thought she had a Turtle Dove in our garden in October.
Like I said before, we gave it a good go but all we got for our efforts were around 6 Chiff Chaffs. We were just thinking about leaving when we got chatting to another birder that we both knew. When his phone rang it was clear that it was from another birder on site that we had already passed and spoke to briefly. We presumed he had found the Firecrest. Alas no, he was watching a Red Kite instead. So no Firecrest but a more than adequate bonus. We couldn't see the Kite from where we was so we moved to a more elevated position to see the Kite drift through to the SW being shown the way by a Sparrowhawk.
We then left and discussed where to go next. We had a couple of hours to kill before doing the Wyver roost and decided to go to Williamthorpe Ponds NR. A place I had been to before and from memory we didn't get much so wasn't expecting great things today. There's a decent selection of Wildfowl there and there has been the odd rarity in the past.
We started counting Teal and Gadwall and as I scanned the reeds on the left of the pool I saw something quite big and upright just standing there. Through the naked eye I thought it was a Grey Heron but when I raised my bins I realised it was a BITTERN. Not any old Bittern, but my first Bittern in Derbyshire in all my 10 years of birding. I must have shouted to Chris although he was standing next to me 'BITTERN'!
Luckily It was out in the open so we both had good views. It wandered off into the reeds but I was really hoping it would come back out so I could get a few shots. Luckily it came back into view long enough for me to get some video footage never mind some photos.
After feeling quite smug we left and had a quick look at Ogston Res. There wasn't a deal there so we moved on to Wyver. Now, after the Red Kite and Bittern I didn't think the day could get any better. But I couldn't be more wrong. The roost was turning into any 'normal' Wyver roost. A few Mandarins and a few Goosander are now the norm.
We were standing near the gate as we've recently found that by sitting in the hide we were missing so much flying in, or off in the case of the Mandarins. The 15 Mandarins were a far cry from the 52 we had 12 days ago. We were just packing up to go and in fact Chris had just turned around to head to the car to change his footwear.
Then something whitish caught my eye flying near the waters edge. For a split second I thought it was just a white Mallard type flying into roost. I quickly realised that it wasn't a Duck but in fact a Barn Owl. This time I really did need to shout Chris and he joined me as it hunted around the main pool. I couldn't believe it. My first Bittern in Derbyshire earlier in the day and now a long overdue site tick Barn Owl. That one really had been a long time coming.
What a great end to what had already been a good day....and that was without the Firecrest.
Latest Sightings 16/12/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, 2 Cormorants, 31 Teal, 15 Mandarin, 72 Mallards, 3 Gadwall, 5 Wigeon, c50 Greylag Geese, 6 Tufted Ducks, Pochard, 13 Goosander, 2 Water Rails, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Barn Owl seen hunting around the main pool from 16.42hrs, 15 Long-tailed Tits, Grey Wagtail, 50 Starlings, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Derbys: Williamthorpe: Bittern showing to the left of the hide in the reeds, 37 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 33 Coots, Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes, Water Rail, 2 Snipe, 33 BH Gulls.
Derbys: Poolsbrook CP/Marsh: Firecrest still present this afternoon, also a Red Kite SW at 12.15, Water Rail, 6 Chiff Chaffs, c5 Goldcrests, 9 Bullfinch, Willow Tit, Sparrowhawk, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Green Woodpeckers, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Great Northern Diver (probably an adult) arrived from the NE, did a circuit of the reservoir and left WNW 10.50hrs -10.55hrs, 19 Greylags, 32 Cormorants, 2 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneye, redhead Goosander, Kingfisher, 31 Herring Gulls.
Derbys: South Wingfield: 3 Waxwings near to Taylor's Mill.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 15 Waxwings at Trent Meadows this afternoon.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: Adult Glaucous Gull again late afternoon; also adult Caspian Gull and 6 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A single Waxwing was in the hedge by the West Hide at 09.40 briefly before East, Cetti's Warbler showing well in front of Chappell Hide, 10 Brambling, 30 Siskins, drake Pintail, 87 Wigeon, 195 Teal, 18 Gadwall, 85 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 83 Pochard, 216 Tufted Ducks, 13 GC Grebes, 8 Mute Swans, 49 Greylag Geese, 158 Canada Geese, 335 Coots, 3 Kingfishers, 11 Cormorants.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Scaup, 8 Goosander, 25 Pochard, drake Goldeneye, 8 Herring Gulls, 2 GBB Gulls.
Staffs: Rugeley: c.160 Waxwings this morning; c.120 in the car park at Morrisons and c.40 by the railway bridge on the bypass.
Staffs: Silverdale Community CP: Possible adult Caspian Gull on The Void this morning. also a juvenile Iceland Gull again this afternoon; also 1st-winter Caspian Gull, 32 Herring Gulls, c420 LBB Gulls, 10 GBB Gulls, 20 Waxwings flew over The Void this afternoon.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Water Rail, Willow Tit, 701 Mallard, 106 Tufted Ducks, 3 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 18 Goosander, 64 Teal, 2 Pink-footed Geese, Green Sandpiper, 18 Snipe, 4 Raven.
Staffs: Shugborough Park: 3 Waxwings at Shugborough Hall this morning.
Staffs: Fradley: 20 Waxwings by NTN on Fradley Park South this afternoon.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Bittern in flight from the hide on Aqualate Mere again this morning.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: Great Northern Diver in flight from the hide on Aqualate Mere again this morning.
Notts: Calverton: 2 Hawfinch in beeches at Thorneywood Plantation behind the scout camp this morning but mobile.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: Redhead Smew still on Railway Pit.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: 2nd-winter Caspian Gull in A52 Pit roost along with 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull.
Notts: Rainworth: 20+ Waxwings just off South Avenue again this morning but mobile.
Notts: Chilwell: c.50 Waxwings still opposite the Corn Mill pub this morning.
Leics: Rutland Water: 3 redhead Smew from Shoveler Hide this afternoon; also 4 Red-crested Pochard.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 2 female Velvet Scoters still on the north side this morning.
Leics: Frolesworth: 7 Waxwings flew west over Frolesworth Manor Lake this morning.
Leics: Albert Village: Adult Glaucous Gull on the tip again this morning.
Leics: Kegworth: 175 Waxwings in central reservation at Whatton Lodge on A6.
Derbys: Williamthorpe: Bittern showing to the left of the hide in the reeds, 37 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 33 Coots, Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes, Water Rail, 2 Snipe, 33 BH Gulls.
Derbys: Poolsbrook CP/Marsh: Firecrest still present this afternoon, also a Red Kite SW at 12.15, Water Rail, 6 Chiff Chaffs, c5 Goldcrests, 9 Bullfinch, Willow Tit, Sparrowhawk, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Green Woodpeckers, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Great Northern Diver (probably an adult) arrived from the NE, did a circuit of the reservoir and left WNW 10.50hrs -10.55hrs, 19 Greylags, 32 Cormorants, 2 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneye, redhead Goosander, Kingfisher, 31 Herring Gulls.
Derbys: South Wingfield: 3 Waxwings near to Taylor's Mill.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 15 Waxwings at Trent Meadows this afternoon.
Derbys: Foremark Reservoir: Adult Glaucous Gull again late afternoon; also adult Caspian Gull and 6 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A single Waxwing was in the hedge by the West Hide at 09.40 briefly before East, Cetti's Warbler showing well in front of Chappell Hide, 10 Brambling, 30 Siskins, drake Pintail, 87 Wigeon, 195 Teal, 18 Gadwall, 85 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 83 Pochard, 216 Tufted Ducks, 13 GC Grebes, 8 Mute Swans, 49 Greylag Geese, 158 Canada Geese, 335 Coots, 3 Kingfishers, 11 Cormorants.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Scaup, 8 Goosander, 25 Pochard, drake Goldeneye, 8 Herring Gulls, 2 GBB Gulls.
Staffs: Rugeley: c.160 Waxwings this morning; c.120 in the car park at Morrisons and c.40 by the railway bridge on the bypass.
Staffs: Silverdale Community CP: Possible adult Caspian Gull on The Void this morning. also a juvenile Iceland Gull again this afternoon; also 1st-winter Caspian Gull, 32 Herring Gulls, c420 LBB Gulls, 10 GBB Gulls, 20 Waxwings flew over The Void this afternoon.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Water Rail, Willow Tit, 701 Mallard, 106 Tufted Ducks, 3 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 18 Goosander, 64 Teal, 2 Pink-footed Geese, Green Sandpiper, 18 Snipe, 4 Raven.
Staffs: Shugborough Park: 3 Waxwings at Shugborough Hall this morning.
Staffs: Fradley: 20 Waxwings by NTN on Fradley Park South this afternoon.
Staffs: Aqualate Park: Bittern in flight from the hide on Aqualate Mere again this morning.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: Great Northern Diver in flight from the hide on Aqualate Mere again this morning.
Notts: Calverton: 2 Hawfinch in beeches at Thorneywood Plantation behind the scout camp this morning but mobile.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: Redhead Smew still on Railway Pit.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: 2nd-winter Caspian Gull in A52 Pit roost along with 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull.
Notts: Rainworth: 20+ Waxwings just off South Avenue again this morning but mobile.
Notts: Chilwell: c.50 Waxwings still opposite the Corn Mill pub this morning.
Leics: Rutland Water: 3 redhead Smew from Shoveler Hide this afternoon; also 4 Red-crested Pochard.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 2 female Velvet Scoters still on the north side this morning.
Leics: Frolesworth: 7 Waxwings flew west over Frolesworth Manor Lake this morning.
Leics: Albert Village: Adult Glaucous Gull on the tip again this morning.
Leics: Kegworth: 175 Waxwings in central reservation at Whatton Lodge on A6.
Friday, 14 December 2012
Latest Sightings 14/12/2012
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Common Scoter, Grey Plover flew through south at 11.00hrs, 15 Pochards and an adult Glaucous Gull in the roost.
Staffs: Silverdale: Juvenile Iceland Gull again loafing in field opposite Walley's landfill on Cemetery Road mid-morning; also the 2nd-winter Caspian Gull this afternoon.
Staffs: Keele Bank: In the field opposite the landfill at the bottom of Keele Bank, 2nd winter Caspian Gull, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, also 1st winter Iceland Gull.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Report of a Velvet Scoter but no sign at 15.00hrs.
Notts: Nottingham: 15 Waxwings by the Magistrates Court on Carrington Street this morning.
Notts: Radcliffe on Trent: 12 Waxwings in a garden.
Leics: Loughborough: 17 Waxwings around Albert Promenade.
Staffs: Silverdale: Juvenile Iceland Gull again loafing in field opposite Walley's landfill on Cemetery Road mid-morning; also the 2nd-winter Caspian Gull this afternoon.
Staffs: Keele Bank: In the field opposite the landfill at the bottom of Keele Bank, 2nd winter Caspian Gull, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, also 1st winter Iceland Gull.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Report of a Velvet Scoter but no sign at 15.00hrs.
Notts: Nottingham: 15 Waxwings by the Magistrates Court on Carrington Street this morning.
Notts: Radcliffe on Trent: 12 Waxwings in a garden.
Leics: Loughborough: 17 Waxwings around Albert Promenade.
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Latest Sightings 13/12/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers, and the Slavonian Grebe still.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 18 Waxwings in a back garden on Lowerbrook Street this afternoon.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 6 Waxwings in the hedge next to Sandy Pit, 8 Snipe, 11 Curlew, Redshank, 11 GBB Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 4 LBB Gulls, 92 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 71 Gadwall, 29 Pochard, 5 GC Grebes, Shelduck, 2 Goldcrests, Bullfinch, 3 Reed Buntings, Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Dosthill NR: 19 Goldeneye flushed from the river, also 2 Little Egrets along the river, also a Cetti's Warbler singing in the northern area.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Woodcock, 15 Lesser Redpoll, 30 Siskins, drake Pintail, 420 Teal, 337 Mallards, adult Peregrine.
Staffs: Rugeley: 5 Waxwings at the Amazon Distribution Centre.
Staffs: Lichfield: c.30 Waxwings still on Eastern Avenue this afternoon.
Staffs: Burton upon Trent: 30 Waxwings at the Fitness First car park on Wetmore Road.
Staffs: Uttoxeter: 2 Waxwings near the bridge over the A50 by the A518.
Staffs: Great Haywood: 13 Waxwings at The Clifford Arms public house this morning.
Staffs: Silverdale: 1st-winter Iceland Gull again loafing in field opposite Walley's landfill at junction of Cemetery Road/Keele Road.
Staffs: Silverdale Community CP: 2nd-winter Caspian Gull this afternoon on The Void.
Notts: Nottingham: 43 Waxwings still on Radcliffe Street in The Meadows early morning NG2 2HB.
Notts: Stapleford: 100 Waxwings near the football pitch on Ilkeston Road.
Notts: West Bridgford: 30 Waxwings in open area beside Lings Bar Hospital mid-morning.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still.
Staffs: Barton GP's: Bittern flew west and appeared to land between Argos and rail line.
Leics: Albert Village: Adult Glaucous Gull on the tip.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: Adult Caspian Gull in roost (arrived 14:25) mid-afternoon.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 18 Waxwings in a back garden on Lowerbrook Street this afternoon.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 6 Waxwings in the hedge next to Sandy Pit, 8 Snipe, 11 Curlew, Redshank, 11 GBB Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 4 LBB Gulls, 92 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 71 Gadwall, 29 Pochard, 5 GC Grebes, Shelduck, 2 Goldcrests, Bullfinch, 3 Reed Buntings, Green Woodpecker.
Staffs: Dosthill NR: 19 Goldeneye flushed from the river, also 2 Little Egrets along the river, also a Cetti's Warbler singing in the northern area.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Woodcock, 15 Lesser Redpoll, 30 Siskins, drake Pintail, 420 Teal, 337 Mallards, adult Peregrine.
Staffs: Rugeley: 5 Waxwings at the Amazon Distribution Centre.
Staffs: Lichfield: c.30 Waxwings still on Eastern Avenue this afternoon.
Staffs: Burton upon Trent: 30 Waxwings at the Fitness First car park on Wetmore Road.
Staffs: Uttoxeter: 2 Waxwings near the bridge over the A50 by the A518.
Staffs: Great Haywood: 13 Waxwings at The Clifford Arms public house this morning.
Staffs: Silverdale: 1st-winter Iceland Gull again loafing in field opposite Walley's landfill at junction of Cemetery Road/Keele Road.
Staffs: Silverdale Community CP: 2nd-winter Caspian Gull this afternoon on The Void.
Notts: Nottingham: 43 Waxwings still on Radcliffe Street in The Meadows early morning NG2 2HB.
Notts: Stapleford: 100 Waxwings near the football pitch on Ilkeston Road.
Notts: West Bridgford: 30 Waxwings in open area beside Lings Bar Hospital mid-morning.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still.
Staffs: Barton GP's: Bittern flew west and appeared to land between Argos and rail line.
Leics: Albert Village: Adult Glaucous Gull on the tip.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: Adult Caspian Gull in roost (arrived 14:25) mid-afternoon.
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Latest Sightings 12/12/2012
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: 1st-winter drake Velvet Scoter still late morning; park by the church and walk c.400 along
road and take footpath to view through fence.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 100 Pink-footed Geese flew West and c80 flew NW a little later, 20 Tufted Ducks, 7 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, drake Goosander flew N.
Derbys: Aston-on-Trent: 4 Whooper Swans.
Notts: Nottingham: 18 Waxwings still at The Meadows on Radcliffe Street by Portland Leisure Centre this morning NG2 2HB: also 30 nearby on Arkwright Street.
Notts: Stapleford: 85 Waxwings on Ilkeston Road near the Rowan Avenue junction at 10:40.
Notts: East Leake: 25 Waxwings near school roundabout on west side of Gotham Road for 2nd day.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: 6 Short-eared Owls around Tiln North area and Hayton Common; also 3 Waxwings flew over.
Notts: Nottingham: 100+ Waxwings at Meadows Lane on city side of Trent Bridge.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Jack Snipe, Cetti's Warbler, 50 Siskins, 10 Lesser Redpolls, 6 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost, 16 GBB Gulls, 5000 LBB Gulls.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 56 Wigeon, 51 Pochard, 6 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, Snipe, 27 Golden Plover, 62 Lapwings, 43 Skylarks, Redshank, 20 House Sparrows, 91 Mute Swans.
Staffs: Yoxall: 6 Waxwings.
Staffs: Fazeley: 18 Waxwings in French Avenue, Mile Oak.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 1st winter Iceland Gull on The Void late morning.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still off the dam mid-afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: 3 redhead Smew on Lagoon III at Egleton NR.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): 30 Waxwings by Great Central Railway.
Leics: Melton Mowbray: 4 at junction of Heather Crescent/Edendale Road mid-morning.
Leics: Barrow upon Soar: 100 Waxwings at Lafarge works this afternoon.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 100 Pink-footed Geese flew West and c80 flew NW a little later, 20 Tufted Ducks, 7 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, drake Goosander flew N.
Derbys: Aston-on-Trent: 4 Whooper Swans.
Notts: Nottingham: 18 Waxwings still at The Meadows on Radcliffe Street by Portland Leisure Centre this morning NG2 2HB: also 30 nearby on Arkwright Street.
Notts: Stapleford: 85 Waxwings on Ilkeston Road near the Rowan Avenue junction at 10:40.
Notts: East Leake: 25 Waxwings near school roundabout on west side of Gotham Road for 2nd day.
Notts: Idle Valley NR: 6 Short-eared Owls around Tiln North area and Hayton Common; also 3 Waxwings flew over.
Notts: Nottingham: 100+ Waxwings at Meadows Lane on city side of Trent Bridge.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Jack Snipe, Cetti's Warbler, 50 Siskins, 10 Lesser Redpolls, 6 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost, 16 GBB Gulls, 5000 LBB Gulls.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 56 Wigeon, 51 Pochard, 6 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, Snipe, 27 Golden Plover, 62 Lapwings, 43 Skylarks, Redshank, 20 House Sparrows, 91 Mute Swans.
Staffs: Yoxall: 6 Waxwings.
Staffs: Fazeley: 18 Waxwings in French Avenue, Mile Oak.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 1st winter Iceland Gull on The Void late morning.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still off the dam mid-afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: 3 redhead Smew on Lagoon III at Egleton NR.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): 30 Waxwings by Great Central Railway.
Leics: Melton Mowbray: 4 at junction of Heather Crescent/Edendale Road mid-morning.
Leics: Barrow upon Soar: 100 Waxwings at Lafarge works this afternoon.
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Latest Sightings 11/12/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: Slavonian Grebe still from the Wildlife Centre, also Great Northern Diver.
Derbys: Cromford: 8 Waxwings at Bolehill.
Derbys: Poolsbrook CP: c150 Pink-footed Geese over, 2 Chiff Chaffs, 2 Sparrowhawks.
Derbys: Linton: 2 Waxwings on Main Street c.100m north of the Post Office before flying further into village this morning.
Derbys: Derwent Meadows: 400 BH Gulls.
Derbys: Thulston: 5 Grey Partridge.
Derbys: Mickleover: 350 Pink-footed Geese in 2 skeins WNW, also 25 Waxwings on Heron Way.
Derbys: Locko Park: 1500 Pink-footed Geese East in 8 skeins.
Derbys: Alfreton: 2 Waxwings.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 16 Waxwings flew West at 13.10hrs, 1st winter Caspian and a probable adult in the roost, also 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, Cetti's Warbler, 35 Meadow Pipits, drake Pintail, 388 Teal, 220 Mallard, 25 Gadwall, 25 GC Grebes, Dunlin, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 25 Siskins.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: Barn Owl successfully hunting at Waste Farm at 07.50hrs, 32 Fieldfares and 7 Redwings over, 1st-winter Caspian Gull on The Void again this afternoon; also probable Glaucous Gull reported and a juvenile Iceland Gull.
Staffs: Madeley: 6 Waxwings in trees before the railway bridge on Bower End Lane this morning.
Staffs: Croxall GP's: 100 Fieldfares, 60 Redwings, 66 Mallards, 57 Tufted Ducks, 279 Teal, 153 Pochards, 5 Cormorants, 3 GC Grebes, 2 Shoveler, Wigeon, 30 Lapwings, 4 Snipe, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Redshank, Little Egret.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 4 Grey Partridge, several Tree Sparrows, 70 Golden, Plover, 220 Lapwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 42 Skylarks, 3 Ruff, 3 Jays, 118 Mute Swans, 20 Fieldfares, 38 Redwings, 150 Starlings.
Staffs: Fradley Junction to Orgreave: 83 Mute Swans.
Pink-footed Geese movement today saw
Dimmingsdale - 670 over between 10 and 11:30 in five skeins all heading north-west.
Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent - 250 NW over at 10:45hrs.
Longport/Westport Lake - 250 NW at 11:20hrs.
Knypersley - 50 over W at 11:00hrs.
Adderley Green, Stoke-on-Trent - Three skeins flying W at 11:30hrs, totally c250.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 1st-winter Caspian Gull on The Void again this afternoon; also probable Glaucous Gull reported and a juvenile Iceland Gull.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter still on the main lake.
Notts: East Drayton: At least 4 Waxwings in a private garden off Low Street to 09:50 when they flew north.
Notts: Rufford CP: Hawfinch still showing on lime tree avenue.
Notts: Nottingham: 80 Waxwings outside Pork Farms on Queen's Road late afternoon.
Notts: Nottingham: 80 Waxwings at the junction of Meadows Way and Radcliffe Street this morning.
Notts: West Bridgford: 24 Waxwings by White House Nursery on Bridgeford Road this morning.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): 17+ Waxwings still by Great Central Railway this afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: Drake Ring-necked Duck at Burley Fishponds this morning; view only from the road. Also at least 1 redhead Smew on Lagoon 3.
Derbys: Cromford: 8 Waxwings at Bolehill.
Derbys: Poolsbrook CP: c150 Pink-footed Geese over, 2 Chiff Chaffs, 2 Sparrowhawks.
Derbys: Linton: 2 Waxwings on Main Street c.100m north of the Post Office before flying further into village this morning.
Derbys: Derwent Meadows: 400 BH Gulls.
Derbys: Thulston: 5 Grey Partridge.
Derbys: Mickleover: 350 Pink-footed Geese in 2 skeins WNW, also 25 Waxwings on Heron Way.
Derbys: Locko Park: 1500 Pink-footed Geese East in 8 skeins.
Derbys: Alfreton: 2 Waxwings.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 16 Waxwings flew West at 13.10hrs, 1st winter Caspian and a probable adult in the roost, also 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, Cetti's Warbler, 35 Meadow Pipits, drake Pintail, 388 Teal, 220 Mallard, 25 Gadwall, 25 GC Grebes, Dunlin, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 25 Siskins.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: Barn Owl successfully hunting at Waste Farm at 07.50hrs, 32 Fieldfares and 7 Redwings over, 1st-winter Caspian Gull on The Void again this afternoon; also probable Glaucous Gull reported and a juvenile Iceland Gull.
Staffs: Madeley: 6 Waxwings in trees before the railway bridge on Bower End Lane this morning.
Staffs: Croxall GP's: 100 Fieldfares, 60 Redwings, 66 Mallards, 57 Tufted Ducks, 279 Teal, 153 Pochards, 5 Cormorants, 3 GC Grebes, 2 Shoveler, Wigeon, 30 Lapwings, 4 Snipe, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Redshank, Little Egret.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 4 Grey Partridge, several Tree Sparrows, 70 Golden, Plover, 220 Lapwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 42 Skylarks, 3 Ruff, 3 Jays, 118 Mute Swans, 20 Fieldfares, 38 Redwings, 150 Starlings.
Staffs: Fradley Junction to Orgreave: 83 Mute Swans.
Pink-footed Geese movement today saw
Dimmingsdale - 670 over between 10 and 11:30 in five skeins all heading north-west.
Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent - 250 NW over at 10:45hrs.
Longport/Westport Lake - 250 NW at 11:20hrs.
Knypersley - 50 over W at 11:00hrs.
Adderley Green, Stoke-on-Trent - Three skeins flying W at 11:30hrs, totally c250.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 1st-winter Caspian Gull on The Void again this afternoon; also probable Glaucous Gull reported and a juvenile Iceland Gull.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter still on the main lake.
Notts: East Drayton: At least 4 Waxwings in a private garden off Low Street to 09:50 when they flew north.
Notts: Rufford CP: Hawfinch still showing on lime tree avenue.
Notts: Nottingham: 80 Waxwings outside Pork Farms on Queen's Road late afternoon.
Notts: Nottingham: 80 Waxwings at the junction of Meadows Way and Radcliffe Street this morning.
Notts: West Bridgford: 24 Waxwings by White House Nursery on Bridgeford Road this morning.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): 17+ Waxwings still by Great Central Railway this afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: Drake Ring-necked Duck at Burley Fishponds this morning; view only from the road. Also at least 1 redhead Smew on Lagoon 3.
Monday, 10 December 2012
Latest Sightings 10/12/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 55 Greylag Geese, 50 Canada Geese, 15+ Mandarin, 9 Goosander, 3 Cormorants, 15 Coots, 8 Moorhens, Buzzard, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail, 130 BH Gulls.
Derbys: Kedleston Park: 2 Little Grebes, 6 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Herons, 163 Canada Geese, 135 Greylag Geese, 90 Mallards, 12 Gadwall, 2 Teal, Mandarin, 3 Goosander, 13 Tufted Ducks, 57 Coots, 2 Buzzards, Common Gull, 64 BH Gulls, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher.
Derbys: Poolsbrook CP: Firecrest still on the alder-covered hill opposite the visitor centre; also 25 Waxwings briefly, 8+ Goldcrests, 2 Willow Tits, 4 Chiff Chaffs, Treecreeper, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Siskins, c400 Starlings.
Derbys: Wingerworth Lido: 4 Mute Swans, 21 Coots, Swan Goose, drake Gadwall, drake Pochard, 4 Tufted Ducks, 11 BH Gulls, Kingfisher.
Derbys: Walton Dam: 31 Canada Geese, Mute Swan, 52 Mallards, 2 Goosander, 2 Tufted Ducks, 8 Moorhens, Kingfisher.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Juv Peregrine, Water Rail on the West Bank south of the oak tree, 6 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 2 Short-eared Owls hunting at Waste Farm before sunrise, also a 1st winter Caspian Gull on The Void this afternoon.
Staffs: Waxwings: Longton - c70 at Loughborough Walk this morning.
Lichfield - 50 still in Eastern Avenue near Gilbert Rd this morning.
Trent Washlands - 26 seen today.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A Woodcock flew over the spill weir at 16.37hrs, male Brambling, 4 Lesser Redpoll, drake Pintail, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls roosted.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter still, also 16 Goosander and a Brambling.
Staffs: Trent Washlands: Goosander, 5 Shoveler, c20 Gadwall, c20 Wigeon, c25 Teal, 7 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebe, 6 Herring Gulls, GBB Gull, Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk, G.S.Woodpecker, 26 Waxwings, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Reed Buntings.
Staffs: Chasewater: Great Northern Diver still on The Swag.
Notts: Woolaton Park: Waxwing flew over today; also 4 Red-crested Pochard there.
Notts: Bilsthorpe: 25 Waxwings on Mickledale Lane today.
Notts: Edingley: 7 Waxwings today.
Notts: Clumber Park: 4 Hawfinch by the chapel this morning.
Notts: Chilwell: 70 Waxwings at the Corm Mill, also 50 Waxwings still outside Evans Halshaw c.SK514355.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): c.30 Waxwings by Quorn and Woodhouse Railway Station.
Leics: Loughborough: 230 Waxwings opposite Dishley Grange from layby on A6 SK510211.
Derbys: Kedleston Park: 2 Little Grebes, 6 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Herons, 163 Canada Geese, 135 Greylag Geese, 90 Mallards, 12 Gadwall, 2 Teal, Mandarin, 3 Goosander, 13 Tufted Ducks, 57 Coots, 2 Buzzards, Common Gull, 64 BH Gulls, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher.
Derbys: Poolsbrook CP: Firecrest still on the alder-covered hill opposite the visitor centre; also 25 Waxwings briefly, 8+ Goldcrests, 2 Willow Tits, 4 Chiff Chaffs, Treecreeper, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Siskins, c400 Starlings.
Derbys: Wingerworth Lido: 4 Mute Swans, 21 Coots, Swan Goose, drake Gadwall, drake Pochard, 4 Tufted Ducks, 11 BH Gulls, Kingfisher.
Derbys: Walton Dam: 31 Canada Geese, Mute Swan, 52 Mallards, 2 Goosander, 2 Tufted Ducks, 8 Moorhens, Kingfisher.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Juv Peregrine, Water Rail on the West Bank south of the oak tree, 6 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, Kingfisher.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 2 Short-eared Owls hunting at Waste Farm before sunrise, also a 1st winter Caspian Gull on The Void this afternoon.
Staffs: Waxwings: Longton - c70 at Loughborough Walk this morning.
Lichfield - 50 still in Eastern Avenue near Gilbert Rd this morning.
Trent Washlands - 26 seen today.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A Woodcock flew over the spill weir at 16.37hrs, male Brambling, 4 Lesser Redpoll, drake Pintail, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls roosted.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter still, also 16 Goosander and a Brambling.
Staffs: Trent Washlands: Goosander, 5 Shoveler, c20 Gadwall, c20 Wigeon, c25 Teal, 7 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebe, 6 Herring Gulls, GBB Gull, Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk, G.S.Woodpecker, 26 Waxwings, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Reed Buntings.
Staffs: Chasewater: Great Northern Diver still on The Swag.
Notts: Woolaton Park: Waxwing flew over today; also 4 Red-crested Pochard there.
Notts: Bilsthorpe: 25 Waxwings on Mickledale Lane today.
Notts: Edingley: 7 Waxwings today.
Notts: Clumber Park: 4 Hawfinch by the chapel this morning.
Notts: Chilwell: 70 Waxwings at the Corm Mill, also 50 Waxwings still outside Evans Halshaw c.SK514355.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): c.30 Waxwings by Quorn and Woodhouse Railway Station.
Leics: Loughborough: 230 Waxwings opposite Dishley Grange from layby on A6 SK510211.
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Latest Sightings 09/12/2012
Derbys: Darley Dale: c.40 Waxwings around Enthoven's factory mid-morning.
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: 1st-winter drake Velvet Scoter still this morning; park by the church and walk c.400 along road and take footpath to view through fence.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Dunlin, Redshank, 4 Waxwings briefly this morning.
Derbys: Belper: 3 Waxwings on Belper Lane near The Scotch's.
Derbys: Ashbourne: 36 Waxwings viewable from Belper Road.
Derbys: Chellaston: 40 Waxwings.
Derbys: 18 Cormorants, 8 Goosander.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 5 Shelduck, 7 Pochard, 15 Tufted Ducks, 3 Goldeneye, Dunlin through, 2 Ravens.
Derbys: Shipley CP: Small flock of Hawfinch still in high trees above lodge tea rooms late morning.
Derbys: Allestree: 30 Waxwings in trees at junction of Palm Court Island and Kings Croft.
Derbys: Baslow: 9 Waxwings in a garden briefly then flew north.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 90 Waxwings still on Fields Farm Way by Bosworth Way junction.
Derbys: Ilkeston: c.50 Waxwings in trees opposite 1st children's playground on Barling Drive.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Male Brambling, 12 Siskins, drake Pintail, 223 Teal, 93 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 70 Pochard.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 12 Curlew, 4 Shelduck, 50 GBB Gulls, 15 Herring Gulls, c100 LBB Gulls, c300 BH Gulls, c100 Teal.
Staffs: Stoke-on-Trent: 59 Waxwings by the Ashwood Pub, Longton.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Adult Caspian Gull in Tad Bay roost, also 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and 27 Goosander.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 5 Goosander, c200 LBB Gulls, 33 Herring Gulls, 2 GBB Gulls.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 26 Goosander, 30 Wigeon, 63 Teal, 3 Pochard, Snipe, Pink-footed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, GBB Gull, 2 Willow Tits, 2 Ravens.
Staffs: Chasewater: Great Northern Diver still on The Swag.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still present.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter still, also 13 Goosander, 2 Goldeneye, 42 Tufted Ducks, 10 Pochard, Yellow-legged Gull, 15 Siskins, and 6 Bullfinch.
Notts: Rufford CP: Hawfinch still, also a Waxwing over.
Notts: Clumber Park: Hawfinch in woods next to the chapel this afternoon but very mobile.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: 7 Bewick's Swans at Pit Top then flew off to west from Middle Lagoon; also 75 Waxwings flew over this morning.
Leics: Loughborough: 25 Waxwings by railway bridge on Terry Yardley Way mid-morning, also c100 in Sainsbury's car park early afternoon.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still this afternoon.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): c.30 Waxwings by the station on Woodhouse Road this afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: Female Hawfinch still in the car park at Egleton NR.
Leics: Earl Shilton: 24 Waxwings on Wilkinson Lane, Elmsthorpe.
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: 1st-winter drake Velvet Scoter still this morning; park by the church and walk c.400 along road and take footpath to view through fence.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Dunlin, Redshank, 4 Waxwings briefly this morning.
Derbys: Belper: 3 Waxwings on Belper Lane near The Scotch's.
Derbys: Ashbourne: 36 Waxwings viewable from Belper Road.
Derbys: Chellaston: 40 Waxwings.
Derbys: 18 Cormorants, 8 Goosander.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 5 Shelduck, 7 Pochard, 15 Tufted Ducks, 3 Goldeneye, Dunlin through, 2 Ravens.
Derbys: Shipley CP: Small flock of Hawfinch still in high trees above lodge tea rooms late morning.
Derbys: Allestree: 30 Waxwings in trees at junction of Palm Court Island and Kings Croft.
Derbys: Baslow: 9 Waxwings in a garden briefly then flew north.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 90 Waxwings still on Fields Farm Way by Bosworth Way junction.
Derbys: Ilkeston: c.50 Waxwings in trees opposite 1st children's playground on Barling Drive.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Male Brambling, 12 Siskins, drake Pintail, 223 Teal, 93 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 70 Pochard.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 12 Curlew, 4 Shelduck, 50 GBB Gulls, 15 Herring Gulls, c100 LBB Gulls, c300 BH Gulls, c100 Teal.
Staffs: Stoke-on-Trent: 59 Waxwings by the Ashwood Pub, Longton.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Adult Caspian Gull in Tad Bay roost, also 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and 27 Goosander.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 5 Goosander, c200 LBB Gulls, 33 Herring Gulls, 2 GBB Gulls.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: 26 Goosander, 30 Wigeon, 63 Teal, 3 Pochard, Snipe, Pink-footed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, GBB Gull, 2 Willow Tits, 2 Ravens.
Staffs: Chasewater: Great Northern Diver still on The Swag.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still present.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter still, also 13 Goosander, 2 Goldeneye, 42 Tufted Ducks, 10 Pochard, Yellow-legged Gull, 15 Siskins, and 6 Bullfinch.
Notts: Rufford CP: Hawfinch still, also a Waxwing over.
Notts: Clumber Park: Hawfinch in woods next to the chapel this afternoon but very mobile.
Notts: Newstead and Annesley CP: 7 Bewick's Swans at Pit Top then flew off to west from Middle Lagoon; also 75 Waxwings flew over this morning.
Leics: Loughborough: 25 Waxwings by railway bridge on Terry Yardley Way mid-morning, also c100 in Sainsbury's car park early afternoon.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still this afternoon.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): c.30 Waxwings by the station on Woodhouse Road this afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: Female Hawfinch still in the car park at Egleton NR.
Leics: Earl Shilton: 24 Waxwings on Wilkinson Lane, Elmsthorpe.
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Great Tits feeding young?
As daft as this may sound I swear I had Great Tits feeding young today, although I never actually saw any young. I wasn't planning on going down Wyver, but as I had done the November bird notes I had a couple of printed copies. One for outside the hide and one for inside. Without a car that means walking there and back which is around a 4 mile round trip.
I've just thought of a brilliant idea. As I'm walking all these miles just to go birding at my local patch I could do it for charity. If I can raise around £2'000 I promise to give some to charity. We've seen a car we want for £1'995 so If you have any idea what charity could benefit from a fiver then let me know.
Anyway, just up the lane from the hide is a nest box which I know has been used by Great Tits in the past. But obviously it's normally around Spring into Summer when it's occupied. However, today I had just left the hide to walk home when I noticed an adult Great Tit at the entrance to the nest box. Nothing unusual about that as I guess they might use it to roost in or maybe stash food. But as I approached and to my disbelief I thought I heard young calling from inside.
The adult flew away and it all went quiet. As not to disturb the birds (If they was feeding young) I moved to a safe distance and watched. Shortly after, an adult Great Tit returned to the box but this time I couldn't hear anything from inside. Now, was that because they were aware of my presence or had I imagined hearing young in the first place?
I really don't know to be honest but if there was young in there....and it's a very big if I imagine they wouldn't survive anyway because of the cold and the obvious lack of food.
I've just thought of a brilliant idea. As I'm walking all these miles just to go birding at my local patch I could do it for charity. If I can raise around £2'000 I promise to give some to charity. We've seen a car we want for £1'995 so If you have any idea what charity could benefit from a fiver then let me know.
Anyway, just up the lane from the hide is a nest box which I know has been used by Great Tits in the past. But obviously it's normally around Spring into Summer when it's occupied. However, today I had just left the hide to walk home when I noticed an adult Great Tit at the entrance to the nest box. Nothing unusual about that as I guess they might use it to roost in or maybe stash food. But as I approached and to my disbelief I thought I heard young calling from inside.
The adult flew away and it all went quiet. As not to disturb the birds (If they was feeding young) I moved to a safe distance and watched. Shortly after, an adult Great Tit returned to the box but this time I couldn't hear anything from inside. Now, was that because they were aware of my presence or had I imagined hearing young in the first place?
I really don't know to be honest but if there was young in there....and it's a very big if I imagine they wouldn't survive anyway because of the cold and the obvious lack of food.
Latest Sightings 08/12/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Mute Swan, Little Grebe, 60 Canada Geese, 42 Greylag Geese, 2 Water Rail, 18 Coots, 18 Teal, Mandarin, female Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, 168 Bh Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Chiff Chaff, 17 Long-tailed Tits, 9 Blackbirds, 2 Goldcrests.
Derbys: Carsington Water: At least 1 Great Northern Diver still, also the Slavonian Grebe and a Pink-footed Goose.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Nuthatch, 100 Starlings, Brambling.
Derbys: Leash Fen: 11 Grey Partridge.
Derbys: Freebirch: Little Owl.
Derbys: Rowsley: Little Egret.
Derbys: Ilkeston: 50 Waxwings on Barling Drive DE57 9JA.
Derbys: Darley Dale: 20+ Waxwings at Enthoven's Factory today.
Derbys: Staunton Harold Reservoir: Adult Caspian Gull again today.
Derbys: Barlborough: 6 Waxwings.
Derbys: Mickleover: 50+ Waxwings by St. Clares School, Rough Heanor Road till 11:00 only.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 50 Waxwings along Fields Farm Road by Tappers Harker pub NG10 1GR.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 200 Waxwings along Fields Farm Road at midday.
Notts: Barton in Fabis: 1 Waxwing at churchyard.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 62 Waxwings still along Barton Lane and on industrial estate.
Notts: Rainworth: 50+ Waxwings on South Avenue for second day.
Notts: Hockerton: 20 Waxwings by A617 opposite the Vine Tree.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A Great White Egret dropped in on the north shore at 09.38. It was only present for 7 minutes before flying off south east where it was relocated at Gailey Reservoirs 10 minutes later, a Knot through North at 13.00hrs, Dunlin, Cetti's Warbler, 1st winter Caspian Gull and 5 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost, 76 Goldeneye, 4 Raven and 4 Lesser Redpoll.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Great White Egret on island on fishing pool until 10.32 when it flew off east, adult Med Gull on Sailing Lake at 12.15hrs.
Staffs: Chasewater: Juvenile Great Northern Diver still on The Swag.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Barn Owl on roadside near the quarry last night at 19.30hrs, Whooper Swans, 23 Mute Swans, Jack Snipe, 22 Snipe, 47 Goosander, 52 Wigeon, 22 Teal.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 12 Curlew, 130 Lapwings, Peregrine, 2 Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, Jay, 5 Bullfinch, c100 Teal.
Staffs: Trent Washlands: 25 Wigeon, 30 Gadwall, 35 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Common Gull, 20 LBB Gull, 3 Fieldfares.
Staffs: Copmere: 2 Goosander, 8 Gadwall, Wigeon, Goldeneye, Raven.
Staffs: Rudyard Lake: 2 Goldeneye, 7 Goosander, Brambling, 14 Lesser Redpolls, 4 Willow Tits.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 5 Goosander, 3 Teal, 32 Coots, Jack Snipe, c400 LBB Gulls.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still, also 5 Goosander.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): 2 Caspian Gulls (adult and 2nd winter), also 3dr winter Yellow-legged Gull.
Staffs: Waxwings...
Cannock - one just north of Cannock at Huntington on Littleton estate at 08:00.
Rugeley -50x on Springsfield Rd opposite junction with Shugborough Rd at postcode WS15 2RA.
Cannock Chase- 65x east of Tackeroo Car park at 13:30.
Branston Water Park - c25 in trees.
Staffs: Huntington: Waxwing on the Littleton Green estate this morning.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter still, also 16 Goosander.
Leics: Coalville: 12 Waxwings late afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: Hawfinch still by toilet block in car park, 3 Waxwings at Whitwell.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): c.35 Waxwings still at station by Great Central Railway.
Leics: Loughborough: 50 Waxwings by Sainsbury's car park.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 2 female Velvet Scoters on west side viewable from lane on east side SK555145.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: Drake Ring-necked Duck still off east shore 750m south of Stoke Dry car park mid-afternoon.
Derbys: Carsington Water: At least 1 Great Northern Diver still, also the Slavonian Grebe and a Pink-footed Goose.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: Nuthatch, 100 Starlings, Brambling.
Derbys: Leash Fen: 11 Grey Partridge.
Derbys: Freebirch: Little Owl.
Derbys: Rowsley: Little Egret.
Derbys: Ilkeston: 50 Waxwings on Barling Drive DE57 9JA.
Derbys: Darley Dale: 20+ Waxwings at Enthoven's Factory today.
Derbys: Staunton Harold Reservoir: Adult Caspian Gull again today.
Derbys: Barlborough: 6 Waxwings.
Derbys: Mickleover: 50+ Waxwings by St. Clares School, Rough Heanor Road till 11:00 only.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 50 Waxwings along Fields Farm Road by Tappers Harker pub NG10 1GR.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 200 Waxwings along Fields Farm Road at midday.
Notts: Barton in Fabis: 1 Waxwing at churchyard.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 62 Waxwings still along Barton Lane and on industrial estate.
Notts: Rainworth: 50+ Waxwings on South Avenue for second day.
Notts: Hockerton: 20 Waxwings by A617 opposite the Vine Tree.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A Great White Egret dropped in on the north shore at 09.38. It was only present for 7 minutes before flying off south east where it was relocated at Gailey Reservoirs 10 minutes later, a Knot through North at 13.00hrs, Dunlin, Cetti's Warbler, 1st winter Caspian Gull and 5 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost, 76 Goldeneye, 4 Raven and 4 Lesser Redpoll.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Great White Egret on island on fishing pool until 10.32 when it flew off east, adult Med Gull on Sailing Lake at 12.15hrs.
Staffs: Chasewater: Juvenile Great Northern Diver still on The Swag.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Barn Owl on roadside near the quarry last night at 19.30hrs, Whooper Swans, 23 Mute Swans, Jack Snipe, 22 Snipe, 47 Goosander, 52 Wigeon, 22 Teal.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 12 Curlew, 130 Lapwings, Peregrine, 2 Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, Jay, 5 Bullfinch, c100 Teal.
Staffs: Trent Washlands: 25 Wigeon, 30 Gadwall, 35 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Common Gull, 20 LBB Gull, 3 Fieldfares.
Staffs: Copmere: 2 Goosander, 8 Gadwall, Wigeon, Goldeneye, Raven.
Staffs: Rudyard Lake: 2 Goldeneye, 7 Goosander, Brambling, 14 Lesser Redpolls, 4 Willow Tits.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 5 Goosander, 3 Teal, 32 Coots, Jack Snipe, c400 LBB Gulls.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still, also 5 Goosander.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir (permit only): 2 Caspian Gulls (adult and 2nd winter), also 3dr winter Yellow-legged Gull.
Staffs: Waxwings...
Cannock - one just north of Cannock at Huntington on Littleton estate at 08:00.
Rugeley -50x on Springsfield Rd opposite junction with Shugborough Rd at postcode WS15 2RA.
Cannock Chase- 65x east of Tackeroo Car park at 13:30.
Branston Water Park - c25 in trees.
Burton - 43x at junction of Hillfield Lane and Moor Furlong until 14.20 at least.
Lichfield - c20 at Eastern Ave, corner of Gilbert Rd, opposite Lichfield FC.
Lichfield - c20 at Eastern Ave, corner of Gilbert Rd, opposite Lichfield FC.
Staffs: Huntington: Waxwing on the Littleton Green estate this morning.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter still, also 16 Goosander.
Leics: Coalville: 12 Waxwings late afternoon.
Leics: Rutland Water: Hawfinch still by toilet block in car park, 3 Waxwings at Whitwell.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): c.35 Waxwings still at station by Great Central Railway.
Leics: Loughborough: 50 Waxwings by Sainsbury's car park.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 2 female Velvet Scoters on west side viewable from lane on east side SK555145.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: Drake Ring-necked Duck still off east shore 750m south of Stoke Dry car park mid-afternoon.
Friday, 7 December 2012
Latest Sightings 07/12/2012
Derbys: Belper: 35+ Waxwings on Harrier Road near to Nailers Way late afternoon.
Derbys: Hardwick Hall NT: 3 Waxwings in gardens.
Derbys: Ilkeston: 150 Waxwings on Barling Drive DE7 9JA.
Derbys: Long Eaton: c.100 Waxwings in trees along Fields Farm Road.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 1 Waxwing briefly then flew off, 3 Pochards, 3 Goldeneye.
Derbys: Clowne: 16 Waxwings at Sacred Heart Church then flew off late morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 15 Waxwings were feeding in the hedgerow just before the West End Hide at 14.40hrs, drake Goosander, drake Goosander and a Raven.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Permit holders only. Non permit holders view from watery Lane or the causeway or visit WMBC website as to how to obtain a permit.
Staffs: Lichfield: 45 to 50 Waxwings still on Eastern Avenue, opposite Lichfield City Football Club.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter still this morning, 9 Goosander and a drake Goldeneye.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 1st winter Caspian Gull on The Void this afternoon, 4 Goosander on the lake.
Notts: Gamston, West Bridgford: c.30 Waxwings in the trees near the Community Hall, near Morrisons.
Leics: Rutland Water: Hawfinch still in Egleton NR car park in trees by toilet block in the carousel SK876072.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still.
Leics: Loughborough: 200 Waxwings still opposite Dishley Grange from layby on A6 SK510211.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): 120 Waxwings in hawthorns by station mid-afternoon. .
Leics: Dishey Pool: 33 Waxwings at c.SK524209.
Leics: Hinckley: 25 Waxwings+ opposite McDonald's, outside TNT Offices early afternoon.
Leics: Stone Stanton: 40 Waxwings by school on Station Road.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: No sign of drake Ring-necked Duck from western shore by dusk but two drake and a redhead Smew still from hide.
Derbys: Hardwick Hall NT: 3 Waxwings in gardens.
Derbys: Ilkeston: 150 Waxwings on Barling Drive DE7 9JA.
Derbys: Long Eaton: c.100 Waxwings in trees along Fields Farm Road.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 1 Waxwing briefly then flew off, 3 Pochards, 3 Goldeneye.
Derbys: Clowne: 16 Waxwings at Sacred Heart Church then flew off late morning.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 15 Waxwings were feeding in the hedgerow just before the West End Hide at 14.40hrs, drake Goosander, drake Goosander and a Raven.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: Permit holders only. Non permit holders view from watery Lane or the causeway or visit WMBC website as to how to obtain a permit.
Staffs: Lichfield: 45 to 50 Waxwings still on Eastern Avenue, opposite Lichfield City Football Club.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter still this morning, 9 Goosander and a drake Goldeneye.
Staffs: Silverdale CP: 1st winter Caspian Gull on The Void this afternoon, 4 Goosander on the lake.
Notts: Gamston, West Bridgford: c.30 Waxwings in the trees near the Community Hall, near Morrisons.
Leics: Rutland Water: Hawfinch still in Egleton NR car park in trees by toilet block in the carousel SK876072.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still.
Leics: Loughborough: 200 Waxwings still opposite Dishley Grange from layby on A6 SK510211.
Leics: Quorn (Quorndon): 120 Waxwings in hawthorns by station mid-afternoon. .
Leics: Dishey Pool: 33 Waxwings at c.SK524209.
Leics: Hinckley: 25 Waxwings+ opposite McDonald's, outside TNT Offices early afternoon.
Leics: Stone Stanton: 40 Waxwings by school on Station Road.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: No sign of drake Ring-necked Duck from western shore by dusk but two drake and a redhead Smew still from hide.
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Effing Freezing!
I must admit that I don't mind birding in Winter. If it gets too cold then I just try and keep moving. But what does piss me off is having a local patch consisting of small pools which quite easily freezes over when the temperatures plummet. Having been down there until dusk last night and seeing no ice it shows how cold it must have been overnight as when I arrived this morning the majority of the water was iced over.
That meant for obvious reasons there was jack shit on the pools apart from a dozen Coots and 3 Moorhens. The Bh Gulls were sticking it out though and sitting on the ice. I just hope that they didn't literally stick to the ice.
The best thing to do was count the small birds up and down the lane so that's exactly what I did. Nothing of note but plenty of common stuff.
The highlight of the day was making a few new friends. Maggie, Matrix, Okey, Freddie and Gypsy. 4 rescue Horses/Ponies and a donkey are now grazing the old tip field. Which reminds me, I must put some carrots in my bag for my next visit.
I almost forgot about this stunning photo I took of the Velvet Scoter up at Steetley Quarry: If any top quality glossy magazine wants to use this photo for their front cover then it doesn't come cheap.
Spotted this ringed BHG at Poolsbrook yesterday. The photo would have been better if it hadn't turned its head slightly. For anybody interested it's a BTO ringed bird.
And here's a few icy pics from down Wyver Lane: In the first you can see a small almost horseshoe shape of open water. The other 2 are just ice and some hardy BH Gulls.
That meant for obvious reasons there was jack shit on the pools apart from a dozen Coots and 3 Moorhens. The Bh Gulls were sticking it out though and sitting on the ice. I just hope that they didn't literally stick to the ice.
The best thing to do was count the small birds up and down the lane so that's exactly what I did. Nothing of note but plenty of common stuff.
The highlight of the day was making a few new friends. Maggie, Matrix, Okey, Freddie and Gypsy. 4 rescue Horses/Ponies and a donkey are now grazing the old tip field. Which reminds me, I must put some carrots in my bag for my next visit.
I almost forgot about this stunning photo I took of the Velvet Scoter up at Steetley Quarry: If any top quality glossy magazine wants to use this photo for their front cover then it doesn't come cheap.
And here's a few icy pics from down Wyver Lane: In the first you can see a small almost horseshoe shape of open water. The other 2 are just ice and some hardy BH Gulls.
Latest Sightings 06/12/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Cormorant, Little Grebe, 150 Canada Geese, 80 Greylag Geese, 13 Coots, 5 Moorhens, Water Rail, 29 Teal, 7 Mandarin, 2 Goosander, Buzzard, Kestrel, 68 BH Gulls, 5 LBB Gulls, Little Owl, 2 Stock Doves, 2 G.S.Woodpeckers, Green Woodpecker, 4 Dunnocks, Song Thrush, 21 Blackbirds, several Redwing and Fieldfares, 9 Wrens, 4 Great Tits, 22 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Blue Tits, 6 Robins, Greenfinch, 2 Bullfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Treecreeper, 2 Reed Buntings.
Derbys: Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers still, also the Slavonian Grebe, 167 Mallards, 115 Teal, 2 Redshank, 150 Jackdaw.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: c75 Pink-footed Geese flew NW at 11.00hrs, 21 Greylag Geese, 5 Goldeneye.
Derbys: Belper: 30+ Waxwings near Tesco on Harrier Way.
Derbys: Ilkeston: 100+ Waxwings at White Lion Square; also 50 at the Duke Street/Awsworth Road junction and 20 at the Cavendish Road/Lower Stanton Road junction.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 65 Waxwings on Field Farm Road.
Derbys: Darley Dale: 30+ Waxwings near Costcutter.
Derbys: Sawley: 30 Waxwings at junction of Wilne Road and Repton Road.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter, 9 Goosander, drake Goldeneye, 4th winter Yellow-legged Gull.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake Pintail, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 13 Siskin.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: 2 female type Scaup in Mickledale Bay.
Staffs: Chasewater: Juvenile Great Northern Diver still on The Swag.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Great Grey Shrike seen briefly opposite Cannock Chase visitor centre on Rugeley to Penkridge Road this morning.
Staffs: Newcastle-under Lyme: 12 Waxwings between Nirvana Restaurant and roundabout at 14.30hrs.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 12 Curlew, Litte Egret, Water Rail, 31 Pochard, 69 Wigeon, 57 Gadwall, c250 Teal, 3 GC Grebes, 6 Little Grebes, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Green Woodpecker, c1500 Wood Pigeons, c150 Lapwings.
Notts: Rufford CP: 2 Hawfinch by the main car park.
Notts: Netherfield Lagoons: Lapland Bunting flew over mid-morning; also 74 Pink-footed Geese northwest at 10:20.
Notts: Southwell: 5 Waxwings at Reg Taylor's garden centre today as viewed from the lower car park.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 150 Waxwings along Barton Lane near the reserve car park.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 2 Velvet Scoters (1st-winter drake and female) still off the dam this morning.
Leics: Loughborough: 250+ Waxwings still in trees at the Dishley Grange layby on the A6 just north of Loughborough.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Black-necked Grebes in South Arm III; also Bittern on Lagoon III and female Common Scoter in the North Arm, Great Northern Diver off Whitwell; also 7 Caspian Gulls, 2 Scaup, Bearded Tit.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: 2 drake Smew from the hide, also drake Ring-necked Duck still from the east shore.
Derbys: Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers still, also the Slavonian Grebe, 167 Mallards, 115 Teal, 2 Redshank, 150 Jackdaw.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: c75 Pink-footed Geese flew NW at 11.00hrs, 21 Greylag Geese, 5 Goldeneye.
Derbys: Belper: 30+ Waxwings near Tesco on Harrier Way.
Derbys: Ilkeston: 100+ Waxwings at White Lion Square; also 50 at the Duke Street/Awsworth Road junction and 20 at the Cavendish Road/Lower Stanton Road junction.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 65 Waxwings on Field Farm Road.
Derbys: Darley Dale: 30+ Waxwings near Costcutter.
Derbys: Sawley: 30 Waxwings at junction of Wilne Road and Repton Road.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter, 9 Goosander, drake Goldeneye, 4th winter Yellow-legged Gull.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake Pintail, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 13 Siskin.
Staffs: Blithfield Reservoir: 2 female type Scaup in Mickledale Bay.
Staffs: Chasewater: Juvenile Great Northern Diver still on The Swag.
Staffs: Cannock Chase: Great Grey Shrike seen briefly opposite Cannock Chase visitor centre on Rugeley to Penkridge Road this morning.
Staffs: Newcastle-under Lyme: 12 Waxwings between Nirvana Restaurant and roundabout at 14.30hrs.
Staffs: Branston GP's: 12 Curlew, Litte Egret, Water Rail, 31 Pochard, 69 Wigeon, 57 Gadwall, c250 Teal, 3 GC Grebes, 6 Little Grebes, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Green Woodpecker, c1500 Wood Pigeons, c150 Lapwings.
Notts: Rufford CP: 2 Hawfinch by the main car park.
Notts: Netherfield Lagoons: Lapland Bunting flew over mid-morning; also 74 Pink-footed Geese northwest at 10:20.
Notts: Southwell: 5 Waxwings at Reg Taylor's garden centre today as viewed from the lower car park.
Notts: Attenborough NR: 150 Waxwings along Barton Lane near the reserve car park.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 2 Velvet Scoters (1st-winter drake and female) still off the dam this morning.
Leics: Loughborough: 250+ Waxwings still in trees at the Dishley Grange layby on the A6 just north of Loughborough.
Leics: Rutland Water: 2 Black-necked Grebes in South Arm III; also Bittern on Lagoon III and female Common Scoter in the North Arm, Great Northern Diver off Whitwell; also 7 Caspian Gulls, 2 Scaup, Bearded Tit.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: 2 drake Smew from the hide, also drake Ring-necked Duck still from the east shore.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Xmas spirit
Here's a couple of brilliant pics. The first is how the Nativity looks in 2012. The 2nd I think is fucking genius and something I would consider doing if somebody on our close decides to ensure that the national grid is close to breaking point.
Latest Sightings 05/12/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 2 Grey Herons, 4 Cormorants, Little Grebe, 180 Canada Geese, 70 Teal, 52 Mandarin over at dusk (site record), Pochard, 4 Tufted Ducks, 14 Goosander, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 3 Snipe, 13 Blackbirds, 9 Great Tits, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Robins, 2 Treecreepers, Goldcrest.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Slavonian Grebe, Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, Raven.
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: 1st winter Velvet Scoter still present. Access from the east bound A619 to Worksop about 2 miles east of Whitwell. Take the left turn signposted Shireoaks and Thorpe. Park by the church and walk c400 yards and then take the public footpath to the right and walk for around 10 minutes to view the pit through the green wire fence.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Kingfisher, Raven.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 60 Waxwings at Parklands Junior School. Also 20 outside Aldi mid-afternoon.
Derbys: Staveley: 5 Waxwings behind the housing office off High Street at 09.30.
Derbys: Staveley: 28+ Waxwings in the housing office car park off High Street mid-afternoon.
Derbys: Ilkeston: 20 Waxwings in gardens at the end of Duke Street though mobile.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2nd winter Caspian Gull and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost, drake Pintail, Jack Snipe.
Staffs: Lichfield: 40-50 Waxwings still off Eastern Avenue at the end of Gilbert Road though mobile.
Staffs: Stafford: 8 Waxwings on Cornwall Drive, c.50m from Baswich Lane.
Staffs: Stafford: 3 Waxwings in trees at Coton Fields at 11.30.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still, also 2 Mandarin, 2 G.S.Woodpeckers, 12 Teal, 22 Tufted Ducks and 3 Snipe.
Staffs: Newcastle-under Lyme: 2 Waxwings in Waterhayes village.
Staffs: Chasewater: Juvenile Great Northern Diver still on The Swag.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter, 5 Goosander, 3 Goldeneye, 12 Pochard.
Notts: Rufford CP: Hawfinch in limes by the main car park.
Notts: Cotham Flash: Adult Med Gull at Cotham Tip mid-afternoon.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: Adult Iceland Gull in roost on Railway Pit this evening; also 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull.
Notts: Gedling: Short-eared Owl still this afternoon at Pit Top.
Leics: Stoney Stanton: 14 Waxwings still by the school car park on Station Road.
Leics: Loughborough: 150+ Waxwings in trees at the Dishley Grange layby on the A6 just north of Loughborough.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: Drake Ring-necked Duck still, also 2 drake Smew at the dam end SP854955.
Leics: Keyworth: 9 Waxwings in the health centre car park.
Leics: Rutland Water: Hawfinch still in Egleton NR car park.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still.
Leics: Melton Mowbray: Waxwing on Norfolk Drive.
Leics: Albert Village: Adult and 3rd-winter Caspian Gull at Village Lake and Landfill Site; also 4 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Slavonian Grebe, Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, Raven.
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: 1st winter Velvet Scoter still present. Access from the east bound A619 to Worksop about 2 miles east of Whitwell. Take the left turn signposted Shireoaks and Thorpe. Park by the church and walk c400 yards and then take the public footpath to the right and walk for around 10 minutes to view the pit through the green wire fence.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: Kingfisher, Raven.
Derbys: Long Eaton: 60 Waxwings at Parklands Junior School. Also 20 outside Aldi mid-afternoon.
Derbys: Staveley: 5 Waxwings behind the housing office off High Street at 09.30.
Derbys: Staveley: 28+ Waxwings in the housing office car park off High Street mid-afternoon.
Derbys: Ilkeston: 20 Waxwings in gardens at the end of Duke Street though mobile.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): 2nd winter Caspian Gull and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost, drake Pintail, Jack Snipe.
Staffs: Lichfield: 40-50 Waxwings still off Eastern Avenue at the end of Gilbert Road though mobile.
Staffs: Stafford: 8 Waxwings on Cornwall Drive, c.50m from Baswich Lane.
Staffs: Stafford: 3 Waxwings in trees at Coton Fields at 11.30.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still, also 2 Mandarin, 2 G.S.Woodpeckers, 12 Teal, 22 Tufted Ducks and 3 Snipe.
Staffs: Newcastle-under Lyme: 2 Waxwings in Waterhayes village.
Staffs: Chasewater: Juvenile Great Northern Diver still on The Swag.
Staffs: Westport Lake: Female Common Scoter, 5 Goosander, 3 Goldeneye, 12 Pochard.
Notts: Rufford CP: Hawfinch in limes by the main car park.
Notts: Cotham Flash: Adult Med Gull at Cotham Tip mid-afternoon.
Notts: Hoveringham GP's: Adult Iceland Gull in roost on Railway Pit this evening; also 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull.
Notts: Gedling: Short-eared Owl still this afternoon at Pit Top.
Leics: Stoney Stanton: 14 Waxwings still by the school car park on Station Road.
Leics: Loughborough: 150+ Waxwings in trees at the Dishley Grange layby on the A6 just north of Loughborough.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: Drake Ring-necked Duck still, also 2 drake Smew at the dam end SP854955.
Leics: Keyworth: 9 Waxwings in the health centre car park.
Leics: Rutland Water: Hawfinch still in Egleton NR car park.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still.
Leics: Melton Mowbray: Waxwing on Norfolk Drive.
Leics: Albert Village: Adult and 3rd-winter Caspian Gull at Village Lake and Landfill Site; also 4 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Latest Sightings 04/12/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers, Slavonian Grebe, 121 Canada Geese, Pink-footed Goose, 4 Barnacle Geese, 18 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 49 Wigeon, 9 Goldeneye, 164 Pochard, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 2 Redshank, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, 44 Common Gulls, Kingfisher, Chiff Chaff, Meadow Pipit, c15 Goldfinch, 3 Bullfinch.
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Grey Heron, Cormorant, 157 Canada Geese, 75 Greylag Geese, 17 Coots, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 61 Mallards, 48 Mandarin over at dusk (site record), 36 Teal, 6 Tufted Ducks, 16 Goosander, 8 Snipe, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, 23 Fieldfares.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 20 Greylag Geese, Wigeon, 2 Kingfishers, Brambling coming to the feeders by the hides.
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: Velvet Scoter still present. For arrangements see previous posts.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake Pintail.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still.
Staffs: Lichfield: 31 Waxwings on Eastern Avenue at the end of Gilbert Road at 09.55.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Merlin over south pit, 4 Little Egret, 4 GBB Gulls, 12 Curlew, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 37 Pochard, 42 Wigeon, 32 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, c200 Teal, 2 GC Grebes, 5 Little Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 3 Jays, c700 Wood Pigeons, 2 Buzzards.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: c300 Golden Plovers and c200 Lapwings in field opposite National Memorial Arboretum.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still, also a female Common Scoter.
Leics: Rutland Water: Hawfinch still in Egleton car park. Also a Bittern and 3 Smew on Lagoon 3.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: Long-tailed Duck.
Waxwings in Leics:
Shepshed: 100+ at junction of Fairway Road and Trueway Drive for third day.
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Grey Heron, Cormorant, 157 Canada Geese, 75 Greylag Geese, 17 Coots, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 61 Mallards, 48 Mandarin over at dusk (site record), 36 Teal, 6 Tufted Ducks, 16 Goosander, 8 Snipe, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, 23 Fieldfares.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 20 Greylag Geese, Wigeon, 2 Kingfishers, Brambling coming to the feeders by the hides.
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: Velvet Scoter still present. For arrangements see previous posts.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Drake Pintail.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still.
Staffs: Lichfield: 31 Waxwings on Eastern Avenue at the end of Gilbert Road at 09.55.
Staffs: Branston GP's: Merlin over south pit, 4 Little Egret, 4 GBB Gulls, 12 Curlew, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 37 Pochard, 42 Wigeon, 32 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, c200 Teal, 2 GC Grebes, 5 Little Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 3 Jays, c700 Wood Pigeons, 2 Buzzards.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: c300 Golden Plovers and c200 Lapwings in field opposite National Memorial Arboretum.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still, also a female Common Scoter.
Leics: Rutland Water: Hawfinch still in Egleton car park. Also a Bittern and 3 Smew on Lagoon 3.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: Long-tailed Duck.
Waxwings in Leics:
Shepshed: 100+ at junction of Fairway Road and Trueway Drive for third day.
Loughborough: 38 in Park Road this afternoon, but mobile.
Leicester: 30 in Dunster Street, off Hinckley Road.
Groby: 22 in Glebe Road near Elizabeth Woodville primary school.
Morcott: 14 at SK921010, early afternoon.
Stoney Stanton: 19 still in Station Road by the school.
Whetstone: 5 in Springwell Lane this morning.
Enderby: 3 at the Police HQ.
Monday, 3 December 2012
Latest Sightings 03/12/2012
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: 1st winter Velvet Scoter still present today. For directions and info scroll down to yesterday's sightings.
Derbys: Hilton: c20 Waxwings on The Mease/ Foss Road roundabout.
Staffs: Lichfield: 13 Waxwings on Cappers Lane near Terry Turner Autos.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Jack Snipe, Chiff Chaff, 180 Golden Plover through, drake Pintail, 2 Little Grebe, and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls roosted.
Staffs: Lichfield: 30 Waxwings at Eastern Way/Gilbert Road at 12.30.
Staffs: Burton: 10 Waxwings in Clarence Street this morning.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 3 Goldeneye, 48 Tufted Ducks, 11 Pochard, 2 Herring Gulls.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still present off the dam.
Derbys: Hilton: c20 Waxwings on The Mease/ Foss Road roundabout.
Staffs: Lichfield: 13 Waxwings on Cappers Lane near Terry Turner Autos.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Jack Snipe, Chiff Chaff, 180 Golden Plover through, drake Pintail, 2 Little Grebe, and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls roosted.
Staffs: Lichfield: 30 Waxwings at Eastern Way/Gilbert Road at 12.30.
Staffs: Burton: 10 Waxwings in Clarence Street this morning.
Staffs: Westport Lake: 3 Goldeneye, 48 Tufted Ducks, 11 Pochard, 2 Herring Gulls.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver still.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still present off the dam.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
What are the chances?
There can't be many birders who have seen Velvet Scoters on the same day, in the midlands, and at different locations. Chris was doing his local patch this morning whilst I was on my usual Sunday parental duties.
But at around 11.30 Chris picked me up and we discussed where we could go birding for the afternoon. Wyver was out of the question due to the pools being iced over. Carsington was also out of the question as it was nice weather, and it was the weekend which for Carsington means lots of twats to piss us off.
Chris then mentioned the Velvet Scoters down at Swithland Res in Leics. Having only ever seen Velvets at sea the chance of seeing some inland was too tempting so off we went.
On the way down I remember us discussing , why can't a/or some Velvet Scoters turn up in Derbyshire. Hmmm, why indeed. We made our way south and was in touching distance of Swithland when I received a call from mutual birding friend of ours.
When Mark rings he only normally rings about a decent bird in Derbyshire. When I heard the words 'Velvet Scoter' I couldn't fucking believe it and thought somehow Mark knew where we was and where we were going and It was a wind up. It wasn't a wind up and there was indeed a Velvet Scoter in Derbyshire....just. The first record in Derbys for 10 years and it turns up on the very day we bugger off to see some Velvets in Leics.
We'd gone all that way so It would be daft not to still go and look at the Velvets in Leics, but I couldn't help but think about one in 'our own' County....and I'm sure Chris was the thinking the same, in fact I know he was.
The Scoter although near the Notts border near Worksop was still doable in just over an hour. So we set off from Leics put some fuel in and bombed it up the M1. From a conservation point of view all these bloody roads cutting through our countryside are a fucking eyesore. But a big thank you to the person who's idea it was to put the M1 there.
Luckily Chris had been there before so knew how to get there. We arrived at just after 3 to find only 3 more birders there. I know where the term 'twitcher' comes from now as we were both a bit twitchy as we approached the spot. Everything was ok though, the bird was there showing quite well despite having to view through a 10ft high fence that wouldn't look out of place around Strangeways.
Talking of Strangeways, just before we left there was a few of the local chavvy hooligans loitering with probable intent. Luckily a couple of local security types moved them on else Chris's new motor could have had less windows than it had when we arrived.
I think this post deserves a couple of songs. As we saw a few Velvet Scoters in what was quite a sweet day, what better than Sweet Jane by the Velvet Underground. And as I mentioned Strangeways then a little bit of The Smiths wouldn't go amiss.
But at around 11.30 Chris picked me up and we discussed where we could go birding for the afternoon. Wyver was out of the question due to the pools being iced over. Carsington was also out of the question as it was nice weather, and it was the weekend which for Carsington means lots of twats to piss us off.
Chris then mentioned the Velvet Scoters down at Swithland Res in Leics. Having only ever seen Velvets at sea the chance of seeing some inland was too tempting so off we went.
On the way down I remember us discussing , why can't a/or some Velvet Scoters turn up in Derbyshire. Hmmm, why indeed. We made our way south and was in touching distance of Swithland when I received a call from mutual birding friend of ours.
When Mark rings he only normally rings about a decent bird in Derbyshire. When I heard the words 'Velvet Scoter' I couldn't fucking believe it and thought somehow Mark knew where we was and where we were going and It was a wind up. It wasn't a wind up and there was indeed a Velvet Scoter in Derbyshire....just. The first record in Derbys for 10 years and it turns up on the very day we bugger off to see some Velvets in Leics.
We'd gone all that way so It would be daft not to still go and look at the Velvets in Leics, but I couldn't help but think about one in 'our own' County....and I'm sure Chris was the thinking the same, in fact I know he was.
The Scoter although near the Notts border near Worksop was still doable in just over an hour. So we set off from Leics put some fuel in and bombed it up the M1. From a conservation point of view all these bloody roads cutting through our countryside are a fucking eyesore. But a big thank you to the person who's idea it was to put the M1 there.
Luckily Chris had been there before so knew how to get there. We arrived at just after 3 to find only 3 more birders there. I know where the term 'twitcher' comes from now as we were both a bit twitchy as we approached the spot. Everything was ok though, the bird was there showing quite well despite having to view through a 10ft high fence that wouldn't look out of place around Strangeways.
Talking of Strangeways, just before we left there was a few of the local chavvy hooligans loitering with probable intent. Luckily a couple of local security types moved them on else Chris's new motor could have had less windows than it had when we arrived.
I think this post deserves a couple of songs. As we saw a few Velvet Scoters in what was quite a sweet day, what better than Sweet Jane by the Velvet Underground. And as I mentioned Strangeways then a little bit of The Smiths wouldn't go amiss.
Latest Sightings 02/12/2012
Derbys: Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers still, and the Slavonian Grebe still at the Wildlife Centre, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Redshank and a Dunlin.
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Grey Heron, c90 Canada Geese, c40 Greylag Geese, 12 Teal, 2 Shoveler.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: 9 Cormorants, 36 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Herons, 14 Pochards, 27 Teal, 119 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 109 Tufted Ducks, 2 Water Rails, Redshank, 6 Snipe, 6 Skylark, Buzzard, c40 Lapwing, 14 Pied Wags.
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: A 1st winter Velvet Scoter was found here this morning on the Deep Water Pit. Being just inside the Derbyshire border it is the first record since 2002 when one was at Barrow GP's. Please be aware that the pit is completely private and only watch from behind the green wire fence. Access from the east bound A619 to Worksop about 2 miles East of Whitwell, then take a left turn marked Thorpe and Shireoaks. Park almost immediately by the church and walk down the road to Shireoaks for 400 yards and then take the obvious footpath to the right and walk around 10 minute to view the pit.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 11 Pochards, 2 Goosanders, Water Rail, Kingfisher, 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull in the roost, also a probable hybrid Caspian Gull type.
Derbys: Hilton GP's: 4 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Mute Swans, 50 Mallards, 10 Tufted Ducks, 9 Teal, Kingfisher, 2 Willow Tits.
Derbys: Codnor Park Res: 2 Water Rails, Snipe.
Derbys: Freebirch: 40 Lapwings, Green Woodpecker, 30 Fieldfare, 40 Linnets.
Derbys: Derwent Meadows DWT: Grey Heron, 3 Mute Swans, 14 Goosander, 100 BH Gulls, 34 Waxwings by the new road bridge over the River Derwent.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 9 Goosander, 2 Goldeneye, Water Rail, Woodcock, 19 Meadow Pipit, 3 Goldcrests.
Derbys: Allestree: 12 Waxwings flew over Kedleston Road this morning.
Derbys: Whittington Moor: 2 Waxwings by The Victoria Club.
Derbys: Chesterfield: 30 Waxwings around Sheffield Road.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A sub adult Caspian Gull and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost, Cetti's Warbler, female Scaup, drake Pintail, 153 Teal, 220 Tufted Duck, 79 Pochard, 23 Great Crested Grebes.
Staffs: Chasewater: 2nd winter Iceland Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult Med Gull.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Pink-footed Goose, 302 Greylag Geese, 89 Canada Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, 49 Wigeon, 24 Teal, Shoveler, 522 Mallards, 21 Goosander, 70 Tufted Ducks, 2 Pochard, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpipers, Chiff Chaff.
Staffs: Trent Washlands: Adult Yellow-legged Gull, Chiff Chaff.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 105 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 28 Pochards, 22 Tufted Ducks, 300 Lapwings, 150 Golden Plovers, 9 Grey Partridge, 110 Mute Swans, 2 Tree Sparrows, Redshank, Merlin, 11 Skylarks, Green Woodpecker, 10 Mallards, 6 Shoveler.
Staffs: Lichfield: 14 Waxwings on Eastern Avenue opposite Charter Automotive, also 53 at the junction of Brownsfield Road and Eastern Avenue.
Notts: Chilwell: c200 Waxwings around Lidl and the Texaco garage.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Juvenile Great Northern Diver still off the point today.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: Drake Ring-necked Duck still.
Leics: Rutland Water: Long-tailed Duck and female Common Scoter in North Arm, also female 2 Scaup at Fishponds.
Leics: Shepshed: 100 Waxwings at the junction of Fairway Road and Trueway Drive.
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: Grey Heron, c90 Canada Geese, c40 Greylag Geese, 12 Teal, 2 Shoveler.
Derbys: Barrow GP's: 9 Cormorants, 36 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Herons, 14 Pochards, 27 Teal, 119 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 109 Tufted Ducks, 2 Water Rails, Redshank, 6 Snipe, 6 Skylark, Buzzard, c40 Lapwing, 14 Pied Wags.
Derbys: Steetley Quarry: A 1st winter Velvet Scoter was found here this morning on the Deep Water Pit. Being just inside the Derbyshire border it is the first record since 2002 when one was at Barrow GP's. Please be aware that the pit is completely private and only watch from behind the green wire fence. Access from the east bound A619 to Worksop about 2 miles East of Whitwell, then take a left turn marked Thorpe and Shireoaks. Park almost immediately by the church and walk down the road to Shireoaks for 400 yards and then take the obvious footpath to the right and walk around 10 minute to view the pit.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 11 Pochards, 2 Goosanders, Water Rail, Kingfisher, 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull in the roost, also a probable hybrid Caspian Gull type.
Derbys: Hilton GP's: 4 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Mute Swans, 50 Mallards, 10 Tufted Ducks, 9 Teal, Kingfisher, 2 Willow Tits.
Derbys: Codnor Park Res: 2 Water Rails, Snipe.
Derbys: Freebirch: 40 Lapwings, Green Woodpecker, 30 Fieldfare, 40 Linnets.
Derbys: Derwent Meadows DWT: Grey Heron, 3 Mute Swans, 14 Goosander, 100 BH Gulls, 34 Waxwings by the new road bridge over the River Derwent.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 9 Goosander, 2 Goldeneye, Water Rail, Woodcock, 19 Meadow Pipit, 3 Goldcrests.
Derbys: Allestree: 12 Waxwings flew over Kedleston Road this morning.
Derbys: Whittington Moor: 2 Waxwings by The Victoria Club.
Derbys: Chesterfield: 30 Waxwings around Sheffield Road.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): A sub adult Caspian Gull and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost, Cetti's Warbler, female Scaup, drake Pintail, 153 Teal, 220 Tufted Duck, 79 Pochard, 23 Great Crested Grebes.
Staffs: Chasewater: 2nd winter Iceland Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult Med Gull.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Pink-footed Goose, 302 Greylag Geese, 89 Canada Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, 49 Wigeon, 24 Teal, Shoveler, 522 Mallards, 21 Goosander, 70 Tufted Ducks, 2 Pochard, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpipers, Chiff Chaff.
Staffs: Trent Washlands: Adult Yellow-legged Gull, Chiff Chaff.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 105 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 28 Pochards, 22 Tufted Ducks, 300 Lapwings, 150 Golden Plovers, 9 Grey Partridge, 110 Mute Swans, 2 Tree Sparrows, Redshank, Merlin, 11 Skylarks, Green Woodpecker, 10 Mallards, 6 Shoveler.
Staffs: Lichfield: 14 Waxwings on Eastern Avenue opposite Charter Automotive, also 53 at the junction of Brownsfield Road and Eastern Avenue.
Notts: Chilwell: c200 Waxwings around Lidl and the Texaco garage.
Staffs: Tittesworth Reservoir: Juvenile Great Northern Diver still off the point today.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters still.
Leics: Eyebrook Reservoir: Drake Ring-necked Duck still.
Leics: Rutland Water: Long-tailed Duck and female Common Scoter in North Arm, also female 2 Scaup at Fishponds.
Leics: Shepshed: 100 Waxwings at the junction of Fairway Road and Trueway Drive.
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Latest Sightings 01/12/2012
Derbys: Wyver Lane NR: 22 Teal, 16 Mallards, 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 4 Tufted Ducks, female Pochard, 165 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag Geese, 2 Water Rails, 10 Moorhens, 13 Coots, 460 Bh Gulls, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 13 Redwing, 7 Fieldfare, Snipe, Green Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, 19 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Reed Buntings.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still.
Derbys: Bolsover: 19 Waxwings at junction of New Station Road and Castle Lane.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 120 Tufted Ducks, Caspian Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Derbys: New Mills: Merlin over golf course.
Derbys: Leadmill Bridge: 10 Goosanders.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 Goosanders, 2 Ravens, Kingfisher, several Bramblings with Chaffinches around feeders in fishermen's car park.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Caspian Gull in the roost, Chiff Chaff, 45 Siskins, 2 Kingfishers, drake Pintail, 65 Wigeon, 65 Pochard, 210 Tufted Ducks, 240 Greylag Geese.
Staffs: Dosthill: 60 Waxwings still, also Ferruginous Duck SW of Dosthill on Dosthill Lake at 13.55hrs.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, 9 Goosander, GBB Gull.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 500 Golden Plover, 337 Lapwings, 2 Redshank, 117 Mute Swans.
Staffs: Brookleys Lake: 122 Mandarin.
Staffs: Chasewater: Juvenile Great Northern Diver still on The Swag, also adult Iceland Gull and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Staffs: Tittesowrth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver today, also 4 Shelduck, 45 Wigeon and 4 Pochard.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Adult Med Gull on the main sailing lake at 11.30.
Staffs: Stafford: 6 Waxwings in Ash Tree on Cornwall Drive 75m up from junction of Baswich Lane.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Water Pipit on the A52 Pit.
Notts: Cotham Landfill: Juvenile Glaucous Gull.
Notts: Clumber Park: A Hawfinch by the chapel.
Notts: Radcliffe-on-Trent: 11 Waxwings by the school.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters today.
Leics: Rutland Water: Hawfinch this morning in car park, also Long-tailed Duck.
Derbys: Carsington Water: Great Northern Diver still.
Derbys: Bolsover: 19 Waxwings at junction of New Station Road and Castle Lane.
Derbys: Drakelow NR: 120 Tufted Ducks, Caspian Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Derbys: New Mills: Merlin over golf course.
Derbys: Leadmill Bridge: 10 Goosanders.
Derbys: Ogston Reservoir: 3 Goosanders, 2 Ravens, Kingfisher, several Bramblings with Chaffinches around feeders in fishermen's car park.
Staffs: Belvide Reservoir (permit only): Caspian Gull in the roost, Chiff Chaff, 45 Siskins, 2 Kingfishers, drake Pintail, 65 Wigeon, 65 Pochard, 210 Tufted Ducks, 240 Greylag Geese.
Staffs: Dosthill: 60 Waxwings still, also Ferruginous Duck SW of Dosthill on Dosthill Lake at 13.55hrs.
Staffs: Uttoxeter Quarry: Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, 9 Goosander, GBB Gull.
Staffs: Whitemoor Haye: 500 Golden Plover, 337 Lapwings, 2 Redshank, 117 Mute Swans.
Staffs: Brookleys Lake: 122 Mandarin.
Staffs: Chasewater: Juvenile Great Northern Diver still on The Swag, also adult Iceland Gull and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Staffs: Tittesowrth Reservoir: Great Northern Diver today, also 4 Shelduck, 45 Wigeon and 4 Pochard.
Staffs: Gailey Reservoirs: Adult Med Gull on the main sailing lake at 11.30.
Staffs: Stafford: 6 Waxwings in Ash Tree on Cornwall Drive 75m up from junction of Baswich Lane.
Notts: Holme Pierrepont: Water Pipit on the A52 Pit.
Notts: Cotham Landfill: Juvenile Glaucous Gull.
Notts: Clumber Park: A Hawfinch by the chapel.
Notts: Radcliffe-on-Trent: 11 Waxwings by the school.
Leics: Swithland Reservoir: 3 Velvet Scoters today.
Leics: Rutland Water: Hawfinch this morning in car park, also Long-tailed Duck.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)