Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 4 Greylag Geese, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 2 Skylark, 2 Chiff Chaff singing, 15 Meadow Pipits, 200 Redwing East.
Carr Vale NR: 2 Ospreys SSE, 10 Snipe.
Clay Cross: Red Kite east.
Kelstedge: Red Kite.
Middleton Moor: Red Kite.
Drakelow NR: 2 Little Egrets. 2 Shelduck, female Pintail, 4 Goosander, Peregrine, 3 Buzzards, 95 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plovers, Woodcock, 2 Oystercatchers, Caspian Gull, 31 GBB Gulls, 4 Chiff Chaffs, 2 Ravens.
Ogston Reservoir: Male Stonechat present briefly in front of the main members hide, Rock Pipit present but mobile, 2 Mandarins, 4 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 80 Tufted Ducks, 10 Goldeneye, Water Rail, 2 Oystercatchers, 90 Fieldfares through, c20 Redwings through, Chiff Chaff.
Sunday, 31 March 2013
Saturday, 30 March 2013
Latest Sightings 30/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: 3 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 70 Canada Geese, 55 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 20+ Teal, 3 Tufted Ducks, Pochard, 2 Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, 6 Buzzards, 3 Oystercatchers, 100+ BH Gulls.
Carsington Water: Great White Egret flew ESE at 07.50hrs, 4 Great Northern Divers, 6 Whooper Swans, Pintail, 6 Buzzards, Barn Owl.
Ogston Reservoir: Little Ringed Plover, 4 Gadwall, Water Rail, 2 Chiff Chaffs, 22 Meadow Pipits. 3rd winter Iceland Gull this evening.
Barrow GP's: 9 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Shelduck, 60 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 3 Pintail.
Derwent Meadows DWT: Little Ringed Plover.
Drakelow NR: Mandarin, 50 Shoveler, 9 Goosander.
Carsington Water: Great White Egret flew ESE at 07.50hrs, 4 Great Northern Divers, 6 Whooper Swans, Pintail, 6 Buzzards, Barn Owl.
Ogston Reservoir: Little Ringed Plover, 4 Gadwall, Water Rail, 2 Chiff Chaffs, 22 Meadow Pipits. 3rd winter Iceland Gull this evening.
Barrow GP's: 9 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Shelduck, 60 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 3 Pintail.
Derwent Meadows DWT: Little Ringed Plover.
Drakelow NR: Mandarin, 50 Shoveler, 9 Goosander.
Friday, 29 March 2013
Latest Sightings 29/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Bittern still present and showing well in channel to the right of the main pool. 5 Cormorants, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, 50+ Greylag Geese, 70 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Mandarin, 10 Wigeon, 41 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 4 Goosander, 4 Buzzards, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 19 Coots, 12 Moorhens, 2 Oystercatchers, 132 BH Gulls, 76 Common Gulls, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, 30+ Meadow Pipits on the old tip field left of the viewing mound, Skylark over, Kingfisher, 8 Starlings, Treecreeper, 2 Stock Doves, Chiff Chaff, Song Thrush, Jay, Lesser Redpoll, 3 Reed Bunting, possible Crossbill over South.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, Peregrine, Chiff Chaff.
Ogston Reservoir: 2 Iceland Gulls (2nd winter and 3rd winter) early morning before leaving the roost, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Mandarin, 2 Gadwall, 4 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlew through, 2+ Chiff Chaffs, 1 Crossbill flew SW.
Rowsley: At least one Osprey 10:15-11:30 c.SK255665.
Arnfield Reservoir: Osprey NE.
Mickleover: 20 Waxwings on Downham Close.
Combs Res: 10 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 197 Canada Geese.
Drakelow NR: 2 Great Crested Grebes, 24 Shoveler, 8 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, 50 Snipe, 40 GBB Gulls, Chiff Chaff.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, Peregrine, Chiff Chaff.
Ogston Reservoir: 2 Iceland Gulls (2nd winter and 3rd winter) early morning before leaving the roost, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Mandarin, 2 Gadwall, 4 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlew through, 2+ Chiff Chaffs, 1 Crossbill flew SW.
Rowsley: At least one Osprey 10:15-11:30 c.SK255665.
Arnfield Reservoir: Osprey NE.
Mickleover: 20 Waxwings on Downham Close.
Combs Res: 10 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 197 Canada Geese.
Drakelow NR: 2 Great Crested Grebes, 24 Shoveler, 8 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, 50 Snipe, 40 GBB Gulls, Chiff Chaff.
Thursday, 28 March 2013
Latest Sightings 28/03/2013
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 6 Cormorants, 46 Great Crested Grebes, Grey Heron, 59 Canada Geese, Greylag Goose, 23 Wigeon, 14 Teal, drake Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Pochard, 70 Tufted Ducks, 13 Goldeneye, Buzzard, 8+ Oystercatchers, 40 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 3+ adult Kittiwakes, Rock Pipit, 4 Skylarks, Grey Wagtail, 14 Blackbirds, 3 Fieldfares, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Ravens.
Poolsbrook CP: Iceland Gull again, also adult Med Gull.
Ogston Reservoir: 3 adult Kittiwakes flew through SW at 12.10hrs, 2 Mandarin, 2 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 10 Goldeneye, Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew through, 25 Skylarks through. In the roost tonight were 2 Iceland Gulls (2nd winter and 3rd winter), adult Med Gull and a 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull. Also 5 Curlews roosted.
Poolsbrook CP: Iceland Gull again, also adult Med Gull.
Ogston Reservoir: 3 adult Kittiwakes flew through SW at 12.10hrs, 2 Mandarin, 2 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 10 Goldeneye, Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew through, 25 Skylarks through. In the roost tonight were 2 Iceland Gulls (2nd winter and 3rd winter), adult Med Gull and a 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull. Also 5 Curlews roosted.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
A trip to Iceland
Believe It or not I had never seen an Iceland Gull until yesterday. I've seen one of its North American cousins, a Thayers Gull, but never a bog standard Iceland Gull. Mainly because the places I generally go birding are Wyver Lane and Carsington Water. Not exactly a hotbed for Icelands, or any large white winger come to think of it. Wyver used to get them when part of the reserve was a tip but that closed in the 70's. And the Gull roost at Carsington doesn't get many white wingers either.
Anyway, I met Clive at Carsington yesterday for a days birding. The day got off to a good start there with 3 Great Northern Divers, 9 Whooper Swans and 2 adult Kittiwakes. Mid morning I checked my phone and noticed that there was a 3rd winter Iceland Gull up at Poolsbrook CP. I mentioned it to Clive who said 'do you fancy it'? This surprised me as Clive's normally as tight as a ducks arse so I said yes before he could change his mind.
Clive got his revenge though when I slipped and landed on my bollox whilst climbing over a fence. We had to climb the fence to avoid the deep snow on the path down to the hide. With a few tears in my eye we made our way up to Poolsbrook. It was all too easy as we got out the car and there it was around 50 yards away. Our first Iceland Gull. We've waited years to see one and to be honest it didn't really do a lot for us. So we headed back to Carsington but not before nearly having a run in with some local chavs who we're pretty sure were contemplating doing us in and nicking our gear.
A few shots of the Whoopers at Carsington. And one of the Iceland Gull which I'll be surprised if one of the best selling birding mags doesn't use for its next front cover.
And while I'm here here's a couple of shots of the Spoonbill I saw up at Carr Vale on Sunday.
.JPG)
Oh yeah, and as Clive found it hilarious when I squashed my balls on the fence here's one for him. When I arrived down Wyver the other day I opened the shutter to find that the snow had blown and blocked half of the window and was obscuring around half my view. I was about to clear it when I realised that the snow was actually acting as a barrier from the strong and cold east wind. So despite around half my vision blocked I left the snow there. The only problem though was if somebody who is vertically challenged came into the hide they wouldn't be able to see over the snow. Someone like Clive for example. Then I had a eureka moment. I'll poke two holes in the snow just in case he comes in so he can see through. Brilliant.
Anyway, I met Clive at Carsington yesterday for a days birding. The day got off to a good start there with 3 Great Northern Divers, 9 Whooper Swans and 2 adult Kittiwakes. Mid morning I checked my phone and noticed that there was a 3rd winter Iceland Gull up at Poolsbrook CP. I mentioned it to Clive who said 'do you fancy it'? This surprised me as Clive's normally as tight as a ducks arse so I said yes before he could change his mind.
Clive got his revenge though when I slipped and landed on my bollox whilst climbing over a fence. We had to climb the fence to avoid the deep snow on the path down to the hide. With a few tears in my eye we made our way up to Poolsbrook. It was all too easy as we got out the car and there it was around 50 yards away. Our first Iceland Gull. We've waited years to see one and to be honest it didn't really do a lot for us. So we headed back to Carsington but not before nearly having a run in with some local chavs who we're pretty sure were contemplating doing us in and nicking our gear.
A few shots of the Whoopers at Carsington. And one of the Iceland Gull which I'll be surprised if one of the best selling birding mags doesn't use for its next front cover.
And while I'm here here's a couple of shots of the Spoonbill I saw up at Carr Vale on Sunday.
.JPG)
Oh yeah, and as Clive found it hilarious when I squashed my balls on the fence here's one for him. When I arrived down Wyver the other day I opened the shutter to find that the snow had blown and blocked half of the window and was obscuring around half my view. I was about to clear it when I realised that the snow was actually acting as a barrier from the strong and cold east wind. So despite around half my vision blocked I left the snow there. The only problem though was if somebody who is vertically challenged came into the hide they wouldn't be able to see over the snow. Someone like Clive for example. Then I had a eureka moment. I'll poke two holes in the snow just in case he comes in so he can see through. Brilliant.
Latest Sightings 27/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: 3 Cormorants, Mute Swan, Grey Heron, 45 Canada Geese, c50 Greylag Geese, 28 Teal, 2 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 4 Mandarin, Pochard, 3 Goosanders, 12 Coots, 12 Moorhens, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Snipe, 61 BH Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Stock Doves, GS.Woodpecker, Treecreeper, 3 Reed Buntings.
Barrow GP's: Either the public pit or viewed from the river at Ingleby: 68 Mute Swans, Whooper Swan, 3 Grey Herons, 10 Cormorants, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 61 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 2 Snipe, Jack Snipe, Barn Owl, Kestrel, 3 Buzzards, 11 Skylarks over, c20 Fieldfares, c80 Redwings, Green Woodpecker.
St Chad's Water: 2 Great Crested Grebes, 37 Tufted Ducks, drake Pochard, 70 BH Gulls, Common Gull.
Ambaston GP's: Viewed only from public rights of way: 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Little Grebes, Grey Heron, 11 Tufted Ducks, drake Pochard, 12 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 4 Teal, Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plover.
Ogston Res: 7 adult Kittiwakes flew East at 07.50hrs, Woodcock showing well on the West Bank, 2 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 7 Snipe, Chiff Chaff.
Pools Brook CP: 3rd winter Iceland Gull present again.
Carr Vale NR: 2 Garganey again from the viewing mound SK459701.
Barrow GP's: Either the public pit or viewed from the river at Ingleby: 68 Mute Swans, Whooper Swan, 3 Grey Herons, 10 Cormorants, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 61 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 2 Snipe, Jack Snipe, Barn Owl, Kestrel, 3 Buzzards, 11 Skylarks over, c20 Fieldfares, c80 Redwings, Green Woodpecker.
St Chad's Water: 2 Great Crested Grebes, 37 Tufted Ducks, drake Pochard, 70 BH Gulls, Common Gull.
Ambaston GP's: Viewed only from public rights of way: 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Little Grebes, Grey Heron, 11 Tufted Ducks, drake Pochard, 12 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 4 Teal, Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plover.
Ogston Res: 7 adult Kittiwakes flew East at 07.50hrs, Woodcock showing well on the West Bank, 2 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 7 Snipe, Chiff Chaff.
Pools Brook CP: 3rd winter Iceland Gull present again.
Carr Vale NR: 2 Garganey again from the viewing mound SK459701.
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Latest Sightings 26/03/2013
Carsington Water: 3 Great Northern Divers, 9 Whooper Swans present all day then eventually flew North at 17.02hrs, 6 Cormorants, 70 Canada Geese, 20 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 2 Pochard, 6 Goldeneye, 9+ Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 41 Curlews into roost, Buzzard, Kestrel, 2 adult Kittiwakes through this morning, Meadow Pipit.
Ogston Reservoir: 21 Whooper Swans through Northwest this morning, 86 Canada Geese, 2 Mandarin, 2 Wigeon, Gadwall, 29 Teal, 43 Tufted Ducks, 3 Pochards, 24 Mallards, 22 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Water Rails, Chiff Chaff. Adult Yellow-legged Gull in the roost.
Poolsbrook CP: 3rd winter Iceland Gull, 700+ BH Gulls.
Carr Vale NR: 2 Garganey from the viewing mound.
Ogston Reservoir: 21 Whooper Swans through Northwest this morning, 86 Canada Geese, 2 Mandarin, 2 Wigeon, Gadwall, 29 Teal, 43 Tufted Ducks, 3 Pochards, 24 Mallards, 22 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Water Rails, Chiff Chaff. Adult Yellow-legged Gull in the roost.
Poolsbrook CP: 3rd winter Iceland Gull, 700+ BH Gulls.
Carr Vale NR: 2 Garganey from the viewing mound.
Monday, 25 March 2013
Latest Sightings 25/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: 4 Cormorants, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, 54 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 33 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 2 Mandarin, Wigeon, female Pochard, 6 Goosanders, 14 Coots, 10 Moorhens, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 92 BH Gulls, 6 Meadow Pipits, Grey Wagtail, 3 Stock Doves, Mistle Thrush, 8 Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Jay, Reed Bunting.
Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers, 5 Goldeneye, 5 Buzzards, 2 Peregrines, Kestrel.
Poolsbrook CP: 2nd winter Iceland Gull present until 11.30hrs at least.
Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers, 5 Goldeneye, 5 Buzzards, 2 Peregrines, Kestrel.
Poolsbrook CP: 2nd winter Iceland Gull present until 11.30hrs at least.
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Latest Sightings 24/03/2013
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers still, 77 Canada Geese, 39 Wigeon, 8 Goldeneye, 10+ Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 8 Snipe, 56 Curlew, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Barn Owl, Kingfisher.
Carr Vale NR: Spoonbill, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Mute Swans, 28 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 38 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 15 Snipe, 2 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 84 Lapwings, Buzzard, c100 GBB Gulls, 24 Herring Gulls, 340 BH Gulls, Willow Tit, 7 Reed Buntings.
Williamthorpe NR: Grey Heron, Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes, Water Rail, 31 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Ducks, 6 Snipe, 31 Lapwings, 135 BH Gulls, 3 Pied Wagtails, Grey Wagtail.
Ogston Reservoir: Adult Med Gull in the roost along with 2 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gulls. Also a Barn Owl hunting over the West Bank car park at dusk.
Drakelow NR: Marsh Harrier.
Tibshelf: Gannet over low NE at 12.55hrs.
Chapel-en-le-Frith: 20 Waxwings.
Erewash Meadows DWT South Marsh: 3 Shelduck, 6 Snipe, Barn Owl.
Carr Vale NR: Spoonbill, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Mute Swans, 28 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 38 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 15 Snipe, 2 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 84 Lapwings, Buzzard, c100 GBB Gulls, 24 Herring Gulls, 340 BH Gulls, Willow Tit, 7 Reed Buntings.
Williamthorpe NR: Grey Heron, Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes, Water Rail, 31 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Ducks, 6 Snipe, 31 Lapwings, 135 BH Gulls, 3 Pied Wagtails, Grey Wagtail.
Ogston Reservoir: Adult Med Gull in the roost along with 2 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gulls. Also a Barn Owl hunting over the West Bank car park at dusk.
Drakelow NR: Marsh Harrier.
Tibshelf: Gannet over low NE at 12.55hrs.
Chapel-en-le-Frith: 20 Waxwings.
Erewash Meadows DWT South Marsh: 3 Shelduck, 6 Snipe, Barn Owl.
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Latest Sightings 23/03/2013
Carr Vale NR: Spoonbill still present.
Butterley Reservoir: Gannet reported.
Chapel-en-le-Frith: 6 Waxwings.
Butterley Reservoir: Gannet reported.
Chapel-en-le-Frith: 6 Waxwings.
A Ruddy disgrace!
The unnecessary slaughter of 1000's of Ruddy Ducks in the UK is always going to be an emotive subject. My own personal view is that this barbaric act should never have been done in the first place.
The Ruddy Duck has its origins in the US and was brought over here in 1948 by Sir Peter Scott. 3 pairs were introduced to Slimbridge in Gloucestershire and the rest, as they say, is history. A member of the family 'stiff tailed ducks' so called for their short upright tails, the male is a handsome beast in breeding plumage....chestnut brown, black head, white cheeks and a bright blue bill. The female as in most species of duck is a little less colourful.
But a cull of these small ducks was started in 1999 after Spanish conservationists complained that these birds were threatening the future of their own White-headed Ducks due to interbreeding. So DEFRA sprung into action and sent out armies of sharp shooters to tour the country massacring 1000's of them. In the late 1990's there were c7'000 Ruddy Ducks in the UK but, roll on to 2013 and numbers are probably less than 50.
The government have already spent over £5m on the slaughter with more money set to be used to find the remaining fugitives. Which works out at around £900 per bird that the UK tax payer has had to foot. The way this cruel act is carried out is like this. A team of around 7 marksmen go out in boats at a cost of around £7000 per cull. The birds dive to escape but the shooters circle the birds, get them more and more exhausted and then kill them.
Other European countries have abandoned their efforts on killing the birds due to logistical and financial reasons. So there are 100's of Ruddy Ducks on the continent which will not be killed so they will continue to breed. And no doubt increase in numbers and will more than likely spread out to other parts of Europe....maybe the UK and Spain!. And so we'll start the process all over again.
I'm of the same thinking as Lee Evans who was quoted as saying 'there's never been any proof, anyway, that the British population has ever interbred with the Spanish Ducks'.
My view is that, if the Spanish have such an issue with Ruddy Ducks over there then YOU control the Ruddy Ducks over there.
Surprise surprise the jokers at the RSPB favour the cull.
A spokesman for the RSPB, which is favour of the culling of the ruddy duck, said: "The white headed duck is one of the most endangered in Europe and the threat to it from the ruddy duck remains. We need to get to a position where there is no longer a threat. Otherwise, in 20 years' time we could risk being in the same situation because we failed to see it through to the best conclusion."
I take you back to this paragraph: 'there's never been any proof, anyway, that the British population has ever interbred with the Spanish Ducks'.
Just one of the many reasons that I and many others I know will never part with our money and join the RSPB.
The Ruddy Duck has its origins in the US and was brought over here in 1948 by Sir Peter Scott. 3 pairs were introduced to Slimbridge in Gloucestershire and the rest, as they say, is history. A member of the family 'stiff tailed ducks' so called for their short upright tails, the male is a handsome beast in breeding plumage....chestnut brown, black head, white cheeks and a bright blue bill. The female as in most species of duck is a little less colourful.
But a cull of these small ducks was started in 1999 after Spanish conservationists complained that these birds were threatening the future of their own White-headed Ducks due to interbreeding. So DEFRA sprung into action and sent out armies of sharp shooters to tour the country massacring 1000's of them. In the late 1990's there were c7'000 Ruddy Ducks in the UK but, roll on to 2013 and numbers are probably less than 50.
The government have already spent over £5m on the slaughter with more money set to be used to find the remaining fugitives. Which works out at around £900 per bird that the UK tax payer has had to foot. The way this cruel act is carried out is like this. A team of around 7 marksmen go out in boats at a cost of around £7000 per cull. The birds dive to escape but the shooters circle the birds, get them more and more exhausted and then kill them.
Other European countries have abandoned their efforts on killing the birds due to logistical and financial reasons. So there are 100's of Ruddy Ducks on the continent which will not be killed so they will continue to breed. And no doubt increase in numbers and will more than likely spread out to other parts of Europe....maybe the UK and Spain!. And so we'll start the process all over again.
I'm of the same thinking as Lee Evans who was quoted as saying 'there's never been any proof, anyway, that the British population has ever interbred with the Spanish Ducks'.
My view is that, if the Spanish have such an issue with Ruddy Ducks over there then YOU control the Ruddy Ducks over there.
Surprise surprise the jokers at the RSPB favour the cull.
A spokesman for the RSPB, which is favour of the culling of the ruddy duck, said: "The white headed duck is one of the most endangered in Europe and the threat to it from the ruddy duck remains. We need to get to a position where there is no longer a threat. Otherwise, in 20 years' time we could risk being in the same situation because we failed to see it through to the best conclusion."
I take you back to this paragraph: 'there's never been any proof, anyway, that the British population has ever interbred with the Spanish Ducks'.
Just one of the many reasons that I and many others I know will never part with our money and join the RSPB.
Friday, 22 March 2013
Latest Sightings 22/03/2013
Carr Vale NR: Spoonbill still present.
Ogston Reservoir: 6 Gadwall, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, a Thrush flock on the roadside verge on the West Bank held 31 Song Thrushes, 15 Redwings, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 8 Blackbirds, later an adult Med Gull in the roost.
Ogston Reservoir: 6 Gadwall, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, a Thrush flock on the roadside verge on the West Bank held 31 Song Thrushes, 15 Redwings, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 8 Blackbirds, later an adult Med Gull in the roost.
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Latest Sightings 21/03/2013
Unconfirmed report off a juvenile White-tailed Eagle in field off Kedleston Road, Quarndon this afternoon. If anybody has any info on this then please let me know.
Wyver Lane NR: 3 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 70 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 43 Wigeon, 3 Mandarin, 22 Teal, 4 Pochard, 8 Tufted Ducks, 4 Goosanders, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 19 Coots, 15 Moorhens, 2 Oystercatchers, 187 BH Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 2 Grey Wagtails, Pied Wagtail, 4 Stock Doves, Meadow Pipit, 15 Siskins, 4 Reed Buntings.
Carsington Water: 3 Great Northern Divers, Whooper Swan.
Carr Vale NR: Spoonbill.
Ogston Reservoir: Fem/Imm Merlin flew N at 11.30hrs, 30 Grey Herons, 6 Gadwall, 2 Oystercatchers, Raven.
Hope: 35 Whooper Swans.
Froggatt: 37 Whooper Swans: Probably the same herd as Hope.
Wyver Lane NR: 3 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 70 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 43 Wigeon, 3 Mandarin, 22 Teal, 4 Pochard, 8 Tufted Ducks, 4 Goosanders, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 19 Coots, 15 Moorhens, 2 Oystercatchers, 187 BH Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 2 Grey Wagtails, Pied Wagtail, 4 Stock Doves, Meadow Pipit, 15 Siskins, 4 Reed Buntings.
Carsington Water: 3 Great Northern Divers, Whooper Swan.
Carr Vale NR: Spoonbill.
Ogston Reservoir: Fem/Imm Merlin flew N at 11.30hrs, 30 Grey Herons, 6 Gadwall, 2 Oystercatchers, Raven.
Hope: 35 Whooper Swans.
Froggatt: 37 Whooper Swans: Probably the same herd as Hope.
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Latest Sightings 20/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Little Egret present in front of the hide this morning, 2 Shelduck.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 26 Barnacle Geese, 51 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, Whooper Swan, 17 Wigeon, drake Gadwall, 12 Goldeneye, Kestrel, Buzzard, 2 Peregrines, Dunlin, 10+ Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, Kingfisher, male Stonechat, 17 Redwings, Chiff Chaff, 2 Ravens.
Staunton Harold Reservoir: 2 adult Kittiwakes this morning.
Ogston Reservoir: Adult Kittiwake present with Black-headed Gulls for about an hour late morning then flew N, and another 2 present before flying N at 12.45hrs, 7 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Chiff Chaff. Adult Iceland Gull in the roost.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 26 Barnacle Geese, 51 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, Whooper Swan, 17 Wigeon, drake Gadwall, 12 Goldeneye, Kestrel, Buzzard, 2 Peregrines, Dunlin, 10+ Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, Kingfisher, male Stonechat, 17 Redwings, Chiff Chaff, 2 Ravens.
Staunton Harold Reservoir: 2 adult Kittiwakes this morning.
Ogston Reservoir: Adult Kittiwake present with Black-headed Gulls for about an hour late morning then flew N, and another 2 present before flying N at 12.45hrs, 7 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Chiff Chaff. Adult Iceland Gull in the roost.
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Latest Sightings 19/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: 5 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 25 Greylag Geese, 3 Mandarin, 33 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 31 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 7 Tufted Ducks, 9 Goosanders, 20 Coots, 15 Moorhens, 2 Kestrels, Buzzard, 2 Oystercatchers, 7 Lapwings, 3 Stock Doves, Pied Wagtail, 5 Fieldfares, 9 Starlings, 3 Reed Buntings.
Ogston Reservoir: 2nd winter Iceland Gull until 06.40hrs then flew NE, 26 Greylag Geese, 2 Mandarins, 6 Gadwall, 52 Tufted Ducks, 8 Pochards, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew flew SE, Chiff Chaff. The Iceland Gull again in the roost this evening, also an adult Med Gull.
Cromford: Hawfinch.
Ogston Reservoir: 2nd winter Iceland Gull until 06.40hrs then flew NE, 26 Greylag Geese, 2 Mandarins, 6 Gadwall, 52 Tufted Ducks, 8 Pochards, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew flew SE, Chiff Chaff. The Iceland Gull again in the roost this evening, also an adult Med Gull.
Cromford: Hawfinch.
Monday, 18 March 2013
Latest Sightings 18/03/2013
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, Whooper Swan, 26 Barnacle Geese, 40 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, female Pintail, 42 Wigeon, drake Gadwall, 18 Teal, 14 Goldeneye, 4 Goosanders, 5 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 16 Snipe, 21 Curlew, 8+ Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank,
4 Herring Gulls, Grey Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipits, 120 Starlings, 6 Reed Buntings, Raven.
Cromford: 5 Hawfinch.
Butterley Res: 2 Whooper Swans, 16 Wigeon, 2 Buzzards.
Chapel-en-le-Frith: 40 Waxwings.
Carr Vale NR: 2 Kittiwakes.
Ogston Res: 29 Greylag Geese including 1 leucistic individual, 4 Gadwall, 2 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew through, 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher.
Allestree Park: 2 Shelduck briefly, 7 Tufted Ducks, 2 Great Crested Grebes, Meadow Pipit over.
South Wood: 2 Marsh Tits, 3 Treecreepers, 6 Goldcrests, Chiff Chaff, 3 Buzzards.
4 Herring Gulls, Grey Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipits, 120 Starlings, 6 Reed Buntings, Raven.
Cromford: 5 Hawfinch.
Butterley Res: 2 Whooper Swans, 16 Wigeon, 2 Buzzards.
Chapel-en-le-Frith: 40 Waxwings.
Carr Vale NR: 2 Kittiwakes.
Ogston Res: 29 Greylag Geese including 1 leucistic individual, 4 Gadwall, 2 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew through, 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher.
Allestree Park: 2 Shelduck briefly, 7 Tufted Ducks, 2 Great Crested Grebes, Meadow Pipit over.
South Wood: 2 Marsh Tits, 3 Treecreepers, 6 Goldcrests, Chiff Chaff, 3 Buzzards.
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Latest Sightings 17/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Bittern still, 2 Shelduck, 6 Pochard, 2 Oystercatchers.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, Whooper Swan, 3 Shelduck, 4 Redshank, 9+ Meadow Pipit, 4+ Skylarks, 3 Chiff Chaffs.
Cromford: 2 Hawfinch today.
Ogston Reservoir: No sign of the Lesser Scaup today, 4 Gadwall, drake Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid, 2 Oystercatchers, Redshank, Curlew, c15 Snipe, Kingfisher, Chiff Chaff.
Fields between Repton and Willington: 3 Little Egrets, 2 Oystercatchers, 7 Mute Swans, 65 Canada Geese, Grey Heron.
Newton Solney-Trent/Dove: Little Egret, Grey Heron, 25 Mute Swans.
Barrow on Trent GP's: Either viewed from the public pit or from the river at Ingleby: 132 Mute Swans, 5 Whooper Swans, 3 Grey Herons, Green Sandpiper, 8 Goldeneye, 5 Gadwall, Shelduck, 4 Goosander, 3 Chiff Chaffs in song, 11 Common Gulls and 2 Buzzards.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, Whooper Swan, 3 Shelduck, 4 Redshank, 9+ Meadow Pipit, 4+ Skylarks, 3 Chiff Chaffs.
Cromford: 2 Hawfinch today.
Ogston Reservoir: No sign of the Lesser Scaup today, 4 Gadwall, drake Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid, 2 Oystercatchers, Redshank, Curlew, c15 Snipe, Kingfisher, Chiff Chaff.
Fields between Repton and Willington: 3 Little Egrets, 2 Oystercatchers, 7 Mute Swans, 65 Canada Geese, Grey Heron.
Newton Solney-Trent/Dove: Little Egret, Grey Heron, 25 Mute Swans.
Barrow on Trent GP's: Either viewed from the public pit or from the river at Ingleby: 132 Mute Swans, 5 Whooper Swans, 3 Grey Herons, Green Sandpiper, 8 Goldeneye, 5 Gadwall, Shelduck, 4 Goosander, 3 Chiff Chaffs in song, 11 Common Gulls and 2 Buzzards.
Saturday, 16 March 2013
Lesser Scaup (a county first)
It's not often a first for the county turns up these days so when one does I naturally want to be there and see it. I was down my local patch this morning when I received a phone call of a probable Lesser Scaup at Ogston. It was 99% confirmed but the finders wanted to see the wings first before committing. Fair enough I suppose with a potential first for Derbyshire. A true Lesser Scaup will show white secondaries fading into grey in the primaries. Whereas the much commoner Greater Scaup would show all white throughout its secondaries and primaries.
Eventually the bird flapped and duly showed what everybody had hoped for. So the news was released to the masses. Prior to this I had already phoned several people to let them know and was wondering how to get there. Chris was an option but I couldn't get hold of him. Although it was his day off he had gone in for a bit of overtime so he can pay for all his Gourmets he keeps eating.
Luckily for me we had taken delivery of a new (ish) car last night after 4 months without wheels. So I rang the mrs and asked her if she fancied a drive up to Ogston. Actually it was more like 'come and pick me up as we're going to Ogston'.
Anyway, to cut a short story even longer I arrived at Ogston to see some familiar faces and the bird sitting on the water around 100 yards away. I watched it for a while and fired off a few record shots for posterity. I didn't think it would be a good idea to keep the mrs waiting in the car too long as I don't know when I'll need taking to the next twitch.
Eventually the bird flapped and duly showed what everybody had hoped for. So the news was released to the masses. Prior to this I had already phoned several people to let them know and was wondering how to get there. Chris was an option but I couldn't get hold of him. Although it was his day off he had gone in for a bit of overtime so he can pay for all his Gourmets he keeps eating.
Luckily for me we had taken delivery of a new (ish) car last night after 4 months without wheels. So I rang the mrs and asked her if she fancied a drive up to Ogston. Actually it was more like 'come and pick me up as we're going to Ogston'.
Anyway, to cut a short story even longer I arrived at Ogston to see some familiar faces and the bird sitting on the water around 100 yards away. I watched it for a while and fired off a few record shots for posterity. I didn't think it would be a good idea to keep the mrs waiting in the car too long as I don't know when I'll need taking to the next twitch.
Latest Sightings 16/03/2013
Ogston Reservoir: 1st winter drake Lesser Scaup showing well in Chapel Bay. This is the first record of this species in the county.
Wyver Lane NR: Cormorant, 18 Greylag Geese, 42 Canada Geese, 3 Mandarin, 4 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, Tufted Duck, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 25 Lapwings, 2 Buzzards, 55 BH Gulls, 3 Reed Buntings.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, Whooper Swan, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 17 Curlew, 8 Snipe, 2 Chiff Chaffs in song.
Belper: Red Kite over.
Chapel-en-le-Frith: 13 Waxwings.
Gladwin's Mark: 4 Curlews.
Cromford: 4 Hawfinch.
Sawley: 13 Waxwings in hawthorn tree from public footpath to right of 627 Tamworth Road.
Wyver Lane NR: Cormorant, 18 Greylag Geese, 42 Canada Geese, 3 Mandarin, 4 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, Tufted Duck, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 25 Lapwings, 2 Buzzards, 55 BH Gulls, 3 Reed Buntings.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, Whooper Swan, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 17 Curlew, 8 Snipe, 2 Chiff Chaffs in song.
Belper: Red Kite over.
Chapel-en-le-Frith: 13 Waxwings.
Gladwin's Mark: 4 Curlews.
Cromford: 4 Hawfinch.
Sawley: 13 Waxwings in hawthorn tree from public footpath to right of 627 Tamworth Road.
Friday, 15 March 2013
Latest Sightings 15/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Bittern still, 2 Shelduck, 32 Teal, 21 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Ducks, 4 Pochard, Goosander, 17 Coots, 12 Moorhens, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Buzzards, 77 BH Gulls.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, 6 Pintail, 90 Tufted Ducks, 4 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 29 Curlews, 7 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 71 Lapwings, adult Kittiwake, 4 Skylarks, 3 Meadow Pipits, 9 Reed Buntings.
Ogston Reservoir: A Red Kite arrived from the NE and left to the west between 11.49hrs and 11.53hrs, 2 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 2 Oystercatchers, Brambling, adult Kittiwake and an adult Med Gull in the roost.
Derby: 12 Waxwings at Eastgate.
North Wingfield: Red Kite SE.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, 6 Pintail, 90 Tufted Ducks, 4 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 29 Curlews, 7 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 71 Lapwings, adult Kittiwake, 4 Skylarks, 3 Meadow Pipits, 9 Reed Buntings.
Ogston Reservoir: A Red Kite arrived from the NE and left to the west between 11.49hrs and 11.53hrs, 2 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 2 Oystercatchers, Brambling, adult Kittiwake and an adult Med Gull in the roost.
Derby: 12 Waxwings at Eastgate.
North Wingfield: Red Kite SE.
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Latest Sightings 14/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: No sign of Bittern today, 5 Cormorants, Mute Swan, 90 Greylag Geese, 2 Grey Herons, 55 Teal, 14 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 8 Mandarin, Pochard, 11 Goosanders, Water Rail, 17 Coots, 17 Moorhens, Red Kite through at 09.45hrs, 4 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel, Peregrine, 40 Lapwings, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Snipe, 120 BH Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, 2 Stock Doves, Green Woodpecker, 3 G.S.Woodpeckers, 9 Goldfinches, 4 Jays, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Reed Buntings.
Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers.
Ogston Reservoir: Adult Kittiwake seen briefly in the roost at 07.00hrs, 2 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 48 Teal, 20 Pochards, drake Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid, 49 Tufted Ducks, Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers 2nd w Yellow-legged Gull.
Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers.
Ogston Reservoir: Adult Kittiwake seen briefly in the roost at 07.00hrs, 2 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 48 Teal, 20 Pochards, drake Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid, 49 Tufted Ducks, Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers 2nd w Yellow-legged Gull.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Latest Sightings 13/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Bittern showing well opposite the hide early to mid afternoon, 2 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, 3 Cormorants, 70 Greylag Geese, 30+ Canada Geese, 16 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 6 Gadwall, 49 Teal, 5 Mandarin, Pochard, 11 Tufted Ducks, 14 Goosanders, 3 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel, Water Rail, 17 Coots, 13 Moorhens, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings, 4 Snipe, 185 BH Gulls, 7 Common Gulls, Stock Dove, Meadow Pipit, 5 Redwings, Jay, GS Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, 3 Ravens, 2 Reed Buntings.
Willington GP's: 28 Whooper Swans, Little Egret, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 3 Oystercatchers, 305 BH Gulls, 2 Stonechats, 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Ogston Reservoir: 9 Gadwall, drake Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid, Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 3 Kingfishers.
Drakelow NR: 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 30 GBB Gulls.
Hilton: 10 Waxwings.
Willington GP's: 28 Whooper Swans, Little Egret, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 3 Oystercatchers, 305 BH Gulls, 2 Stonechats, 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Ogston Reservoir: 9 Gadwall, drake Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid, Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 3 Kingfishers.
Drakelow NR: 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 30 GBB Gulls.
Hilton: 10 Waxwings.
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Latest Sightings 12/03/2013
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 24 Barnacle Geese, 43 Wigeon, 16 Goldeneye, Whooper Swan at Millfields, Red Kite through north early morning, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 9 Curlew, 8 Oystercatchers, Redshank, c80 Lapwings, adult Kittiwake, 900+ Common Gulls, Barn Owl, Stock Dove, Stonechat, 7 Redwings, Goldcrest, 4 Greenfinches, Lesser Redpoll, 3 Ravens.
Cromford: 6 Hawfinch.
Mickleover: c20 Waxwings at the junction on Western Road and Chevin Avenue.
Long Eaton GP's: 29 Whooper Swans on Pylon Pit mid-morning.
Ogston Reservoir: 2 Oystercatchers, 33 Stock Doves, c20 Fieldfares.
Carr Vale NR: 29 Whooper Swans, 5 Kittiwakes, 2 Shelduck, Wigeon, 2 Oystercatchers, 100 GBB Gulls, 2 Willow Tits, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings.
Avenue Washlands: 2 Stonechats, 31 Yellowhammers.
Cromford: 6 Hawfinch.
Mickleover: c20 Waxwings at the junction on Western Road and Chevin Avenue.
Long Eaton GP's: 29 Whooper Swans on Pylon Pit mid-morning.
Ogston Reservoir: 2 Oystercatchers, 33 Stock Doves, c20 Fieldfares.
Carr Vale NR: 29 Whooper Swans, 5 Kittiwakes, 2 Shelduck, Wigeon, 2 Oystercatchers, 100 GBB Gulls, 2 Willow Tits, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings.
Avenue Washlands: 2 Stonechats, 31 Yellowhammers.
Monday, 11 March 2013
Whoopers and Blizzards
Today got off to cracking and unexpected start. I rarely go to Belper River Gardens but this morning I had to do the WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) for there and Wyver. It should really have been done yesterday but Sundays are often difficult and that's without in being Mothers Day.
The River Gardens is a pretty desperate place at the best of times so luckily the WeBS only takes around 15 minutes. I had just finished counting the mega 27 Mallards, 3 Coots and 5 Moorhens and was on my way out when I heard Whooper Swans calling from overhead. I looked up through the trees and saw around 20 birds heading over. I legged it to clearing for a better look and realised there were two herds (flocks to me and you). I counted them up and got 46, easily my largest herd of Whoopers. Twas a magnificent sight.
There were other herds of Whoopers across the county today but none bigger than the 81 at Mapperley Res, Shipley CP which is a county record.
Slightly annoying is the fact I still need Whoopers for Wyver and if I was down there I might, just might have seen them, albeit distantly. I made my way to Wyver as the weather worsened. It really was shockingly cold down there. The weather app on my phone said -3 but feels like -16 and it certainly felt like it. As I approached the main pool I was taken aback at how many Common Gulls there were. Double figure counts are rare but I counted 78! Easily a site record and just like the Whooper Swan, clear movement. I intended to stick it out for most of the day but blizzard after blizzard helped me change my mind so I retreated to the warmth of the house.
The River Gardens is a pretty desperate place at the best of times so luckily the WeBS only takes around 15 minutes. I had just finished counting the mega 27 Mallards, 3 Coots and 5 Moorhens and was on my way out when I heard Whooper Swans calling from overhead. I looked up through the trees and saw around 20 birds heading over. I legged it to clearing for a better look and realised there were two herds (flocks to me and you). I counted them up and got 46, easily my largest herd of Whoopers. Twas a magnificent sight.
There were other herds of Whoopers across the county today but none bigger than the 81 at Mapperley Res, Shipley CP which is a county record.
Slightly annoying is the fact I still need Whoopers for Wyver and if I was down there I might, just might have seen them, albeit distantly. I made my way to Wyver as the weather worsened. It really was shockingly cold down there. The weather app on my phone said -3 but feels like -16 and it certainly felt like it. As I approached the main pool I was taken aback at how many Common Gulls there were. Double figure counts are rare but I counted 78! Easily a site record and just like the Whooper Swan, clear movement. I intended to stick it out for most of the day but blizzard after blizzard helped me change my mind so I retreated to the warmth of the house.
Latest Sightings 11/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Mute Swan, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Cormorants, 70 Greylag Geese, 34 Canada Geese, 5 Gadwall, 17 Wigeon, 11 Teal, drake Mandarin, 4 Pochard, 4 Tufted Ducks, 8 Moorhens, 16 Coots, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Snipe, 78 Common Gulls (site record), 2 LBB Gulls, 2 Ravens, Reed Bunting.
Belper River Gardens: 46 Whooper Swans over at 08.20hrs, 300 Bh Gulls.
Shipley CP: 81 Whooper Swans on Mapperley Res today.
Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers, adult Kittiwake, 2 Redshank.
Long Eaton GP's: 14 Whooper Swans on Conservation Pit briefly then flew east.
Ogston Reservoir: 29 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, drake Tufted x Pochard hybrid, 321 Common Gulls through NE, 33 Stock Doves, c40 Fieldfares, c20 Redwings.
Barlborough: 44 Waxwings on Limekiln Way this afternoon.
Belper River Gardens: 46 Whooper Swans over at 08.20hrs, 300 Bh Gulls.
Shipley CP: 81 Whooper Swans on Mapperley Res today.
Carsington Water: 2 Great Northern Divers, adult Kittiwake, 2 Redshank.
Long Eaton GP's: 14 Whooper Swans on Conservation Pit briefly then flew east.
Ogston Reservoir: 29 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, drake Tufted x Pochard hybrid, 321 Common Gulls through NE, 33 Stock Doves, c40 Fieldfares, c20 Redwings.
Barlborough: 44 Waxwings on Limekiln Way this afternoon.
Sunday, 10 March 2013
Latest Sightings 10/03/2013
Carsington Water: Adult Kittiwake this morning.
Pools Brook CP: 4 adult Kittiwakes.
Staunton Harold Reservoir: Kittiwake off the dam mid afternoon.
Cromford: 20 Hawfinch in yew downstream of road bridge.
Ogston Reservoir: 4 Wigeon, Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid, 6 Goldeneye, Redshank, 23 Snipe, 4 Curlews flew east, 48 Common Gulls flew north in one flock, 2 Ravens, 24 Skylarks flew north in one flock and 3 flew east.
Mickleover: 15 Waxwings.
Erewash Meadows DWT South Marsh: 36 Greylag Geese, 4 Mandarin, 30 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 4 Goosander.
Drakelow NR: 2 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, 11 Shoveler, 11 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, Water Rail, 2 Oystercatchers, 261 Lapwings, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Kingfisher.
Allestree: 24 Waxwings opposite 71 Blenheim Drive early morning.
Pools Brook CP: 4 adult Kittiwakes.
Staunton Harold Reservoir: Kittiwake off the dam mid afternoon.
Cromford: 20 Hawfinch in yew downstream of road bridge.
Ogston Reservoir: 4 Wigeon, Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid, 6 Goldeneye, Redshank, 23 Snipe, 4 Curlews flew east, 48 Common Gulls flew north in one flock, 2 Ravens, 24 Skylarks flew north in one flock and 3 flew east.
Mickleover: 15 Waxwings.
Erewash Meadows DWT South Marsh: 36 Greylag Geese, 4 Mandarin, 30 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 4 Goosander.
Drakelow NR: 2 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, 11 Shoveler, 11 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, Water Rail, 2 Oystercatchers, 261 Lapwings, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Kingfisher.
Allestree: 24 Waxwings opposite 71 Blenheim Drive early morning.
Latest Sightings 09/03/2013
Cromford: 18 Hawfinch downstream of the bridge today.
Long Eaton GP's: 8 Little Grebes, Little Egret, 2 Red-crested Pochards, Green Sandpiper, 44 Linnets.
Hilton GP's: Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Cormorants, 2 Pochard, 3 Teal, Kestrel, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Tawny Owl, 2 Willow Tits.
Linacre Res: 4 Cormorants, 5 Goosanders, Little Owl.
Ogston Reservoir: An adult Little Gull from 10.55hrs to 11.07hrs then flew east, another adult (or possibly the same) present from 11.25hrs to 11.30hrs then circled high and left NE, an adult Kittiwake for most of the afternoon was joined by a second adult in the roost, also a 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull in the roost. Also today 1 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, drake Mandarin, 2 Oystercatchers, Dunlin flew through, 2 Curlews through, 2 Ravens and 4 Kingfishers.
Upper Loads: 2 Red Grouse, Skylark, Raven, 2 Reed Buntings.
Drakelow NR: 109 Cormorants, Little Egret, Fieldfare.
Long Eaton GP's: 8 Little Grebes, Little Egret, 2 Red-crested Pochards, Green Sandpiper, 44 Linnets.
Hilton GP's: Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Cormorants, 2 Pochard, 3 Teal, Kestrel, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Tawny Owl, 2 Willow Tits.
Linacre Res: 4 Cormorants, 5 Goosanders, Little Owl.
Ogston Reservoir: An adult Little Gull from 10.55hrs to 11.07hrs then flew east, another adult (or possibly the same) present from 11.25hrs to 11.30hrs then circled high and left NE, an adult Kittiwake for most of the afternoon was joined by a second adult in the roost, also a 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull in the roost. Also today 1 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, drake Mandarin, 2 Oystercatchers, Dunlin flew through, 2 Curlews through, 2 Ravens and 4 Kingfishers.
Upper Loads: 2 Red Grouse, Skylark, Raven, 2 Reed Buntings.
Drakelow NR: 109 Cormorants, Little Egret, Fieldfare.
Friday, 8 March 2013
Latest Sightings 08/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Bittern seen twice in flight across the main pool mid-morning, 3 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 45 Greylag Geese, 19 Canada Geese, 53 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 2 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Water Rail, 19 Coots, 13 Moorhens, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Snipe, 90 BH Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, LBB Gull, 2 Mistle Thrush, Treecreeper, Jay, 7 Magpies, 2 Reed Buntings.
Carr Vale NR: Adult Little Gull until 11.35hrs when it flew north.
Carr Vale NR: Adult Little Gull until 11.35hrs when it flew north.
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Latest Sightings 07/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: 2 Cormorants, 130 Greylag Geese, 78 Canada Geese, 47 Wigeon, 42 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 33 Mallards, 4 Pochards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 11 Goosanders, 13 Moorhens, 16 Coots, 2 Oystercatchers, 7 Snipe, Reed Bunting.
Carsington Water: 3 Great Northern Divers, 3 Curlews, Shelduck.
Cromford: 15 Hawfinch downstream of the road bridge near the church early afternoon.
Ilkeston: 70 Waxwings on Prince Street mid-afternoon DE7 9QQ.
Ogston Reservoir: 1 Shelduck briefly then flew NW, Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, Peregrine, Water Rail, 2 Oystercatchers, Ringed Plover flew NNW, 2 Curlews through, adult Med Gull with BH Gulls commuting between reservoir and nearby fields.
Darley Abbey/Abbey Hill Flash: 88 Canada Geese, 65 Mallards, 6 Tufted Ducks, 2 Oystercatchers, 14 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Meadow Pipits, Green Woodpecker, GS Woodpecker, Buzzard.
Long Eaton GP's: 3 Grey Herons, 3 Little Grebes, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 23 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 15 Goldeneye, 2 Red-crested Pochards, 89 Tufted Ducks, 4 Goosanders, 10 Lapwings, 112 Coots.
Trent Meadows: 3 Snipe, 8 Meadow Pipits, Buzzard.
Church Wilne Floods: Grey Heron, 29 Lapwings, 9 Teal, 7 Pied Wagtails.
St Chad's Water: 38 Tufted Ducks, 6 Canada Geese, 6 Pochards, 25 Mallards, 2 Great Crested Grebes.
Carsington Water: 3 Great Northern Divers, 3 Curlews, Shelduck.
Cromford: 15 Hawfinch downstream of the road bridge near the church early afternoon.
Ilkeston: 70 Waxwings on Prince Street mid-afternoon DE7 9QQ.
Ogston Reservoir: 1 Shelduck briefly then flew NW, Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, Peregrine, Water Rail, 2 Oystercatchers, Ringed Plover flew NNW, 2 Curlews through, adult Med Gull with BH Gulls commuting between reservoir and nearby fields.
Darley Abbey/Abbey Hill Flash: 88 Canada Geese, 65 Mallards, 6 Tufted Ducks, 2 Oystercatchers, 14 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Meadow Pipits, Green Woodpecker, GS Woodpecker, Buzzard.
Long Eaton GP's: 3 Grey Herons, 3 Little Grebes, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 23 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 15 Goldeneye, 2 Red-crested Pochards, 89 Tufted Ducks, 4 Goosanders, 10 Lapwings, 112 Coots.
Trent Meadows: 3 Snipe, 8 Meadow Pipits, Buzzard.
Church Wilne Floods: Grey Heron, 29 Lapwings, 9 Teal, 7 Pied Wagtails.
St Chad's Water: 38 Tufted Ducks, 6 Canada Geese, 6 Pochards, 25 Mallards, 2 Great Crested Grebes.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Latest Sightings 06/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Bittern seen in flight across main pool at 12.56hrs, 4 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, Mute Swan, 51 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, Shelduck, 27 Teal, 3 Tufted Ducks, 4 Pochard, 4 Goosanders, 12 Moorhens, 9 Coots, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew, Buzzard, 120 BH Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 2 LBB Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls (1st w & 2nd w), Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Stock Dove, 2 Mistle Thrush, Jay.
Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mandarin, 2 Oystercatchers.
Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mandarin, 2 Oystercatchers.
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Latest Sightings 05/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Bittern showing well this afternoon.
Carsington Water: 3 Great Northern Divers, 7 Cormorants, Little Grebe, 26 Barnacle Geese, 5 Shoveler, 8 Pochard, 11 Goldeneye, 8 Oystercatchers, 7 Curlew, 5 Snipe, 2 Redshank, Kestrel, 3 Reed Buntings.
Ogston Reservoir: Adult Med Gull commuting between the reservoir and nearby fields with BH Gulls, 4 Mute Swans, 4 Gadwall, c30 Teal, 7 Goldeneye, Water Rail, 2 Oystercatchers, 15+ Snipe.
Cromford: 12 Hawfinch in the church yard today.
Long Eaton GP's: Female Red-breasted Merganser again on the windsurfing pit.
Carsington Water: 3 Great Northern Divers, 7 Cormorants, Little Grebe, 26 Barnacle Geese, 5 Shoveler, 8 Pochard, 11 Goldeneye, 8 Oystercatchers, 7 Curlew, 5 Snipe, 2 Redshank, Kestrel, 3 Reed Buntings.
Ogston Reservoir: Adult Med Gull commuting between the reservoir and nearby fields with BH Gulls, 4 Mute Swans, 4 Gadwall, c30 Teal, 7 Goldeneye, Water Rail, 2 Oystercatchers, 15+ Snipe.
Cromford: 12 Hawfinch in the church yard today.
Long Eaton GP's: Female Red-breasted Merganser again on the windsurfing pit.
Monday, 4 March 2013
Latest Sightings 04/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Bittern showing quite well on the right hand side of the main pool mid afternoon, 4 Cormorants, 58 Canada Geese, 70 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 10 Mandarin, 6 Gadwall, 28 Teal, 18 Mallards, 40 Wigeon, 3 Pochard, 4 Tufted Ducks, 9 Goosanders, 3 Oystercatchers, 7 Snipe, Curlew, Buzzard, c100 BH Gulls, 5 Fieldfares.
Cromford: 12 Hawfinch from the rugby club car park.
Middleton Moor: 2 Greylag Geese, 5 Canada Geese, Shelduck, Oystercatcher.
Long Eaton GP's: 4 Little Egrets, female Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Red-crested Pochards, 6 Goldeneye, 11 Goosanders, 13 Teal, 50 Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 2 Egyptian Geese, Pink-footed Goose, 57 Greylag Geese, Water Rail.
Ogston Reservoir: Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, Shoveler, Water Rail.
Cromford: 12 Hawfinch from the rugby club car park.
Middleton Moor: 2 Greylag Geese, 5 Canada Geese, Shelduck, Oystercatcher.
Long Eaton GP's: 4 Little Egrets, female Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Red-crested Pochards, 6 Goldeneye, 11 Goosanders, 13 Teal, 50 Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 2 Egyptian Geese, Pink-footed Goose, 57 Greylag Geese, Water Rail.
Ogston Reservoir: Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, Shoveler, Water Rail.
Sunday, 3 March 2013
Latest Sightings 03/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Bittern, Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 5 Greylag Geese, 86 Tufted Ducks, 2 Gadwall, 19 Goldeneye, 35 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 93 Mallard, Pochard, Grey Wagtail, 1st winter Herring Gull, 3 Curlew.
Willington GP's: Grey Heron, 69 Canada Geese, 3 Water Rail, Shelduck, 14 Gadwall, 51 Tufted Ducks, 4 Goldeneye, 12 Goosander, 11 Shoveler, 11 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 40+ Snipe out of the reedbeds at dusk,18 LBB Gulls, 18 Fieldfare, Cetti's Warbler.
Cromford: Up to 8 Hawfinch still downstream of the road bridge near the church.
Derby: Barn Owl over the road from Morrisons Superstore this evening.
Ogston Reservoir: 8 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Snipe, in the roost an adult Med Gull, 2nd winter Caspian Gull and a 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 5 Greylag Geese, 86 Tufted Ducks, 2 Gadwall, 19 Goldeneye, 35 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 93 Mallard, Pochard, Grey Wagtail, 1st winter Herring Gull, 3 Curlew.
Willington GP's: Grey Heron, 69 Canada Geese, 3 Water Rail, Shelduck, 14 Gadwall, 51 Tufted Ducks, 4 Goldeneye, 12 Goosander, 11 Shoveler, 11 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 40+ Snipe out of the reedbeds at dusk,18 LBB Gulls, 18 Fieldfare, Cetti's Warbler.
Cromford: Up to 8 Hawfinch still downstream of the road bridge near the church.
Derby: Barn Owl over the road from Morrisons Superstore this evening.
Ogston Reservoir: 8 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Snipe, in the roost an adult Med Gull, 2nd winter Caspian Gull and a 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull.
Saturday, 2 March 2013
Latest Sightings 02/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: Bittern, 35 Canada Geese, c75 Greylag Geese, 6 Gadwall, Grey Heron, 2 Cormorants, 18 Coots, 2 Pochard, 2 Tufted Ducks, 7 Lapwings, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Reed Buntings.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 4 Curlew.
Ogston Reservoir: 6 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 19 Buzzards, 3 Ravens.
Twyford: 5 Whooper Swans in fields on Swarkestone road near Twyford SK324285.
Williamthorpe Ponds NR: Bittern seen in flight over reedbed late afternoon.
Uppertown: Red Kite.
Bolsover: 30 Waxwings on New Station Road.
Middleton Moor: 30 Teal, 5 Goosander, Peregrine, 15 Lapwings, 6 LBB Gulls, 3 Ravens.
Loscoe Dam: Shelduck.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 4 Curlew.
Ogston Reservoir: 6 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 19 Buzzards, 3 Ravens.
Twyford: 5 Whooper Swans in fields on Swarkestone road near Twyford SK324285.
Williamthorpe Ponds NR: Bittern seen in flight over reedbed late afternoon.
Uppertown: Red Kite.
Bolsover: 30 Waxwings on New Station Road.
Middleton Moor: 30 Teal, 5 Goosander, Peregrine, 15 Lapwings, 6 LBB Gulls, 3 Ravens.
Loscoe Dam: Shelduck.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Latest Sightings 01/03/2013
Wyver Lane NR: 2 Bitterns still, Grey Heron, 4 Cormorants, Pink-footed Goose, 40 Wigeon, 3 Pochard, 6 Goosander, 5 Buzzards, 15 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Skylarks.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 26 Barnacle Geese, 28 Wigeon, 15 Pochard, 14 Goldeneye, 9 Oystercatchers, 4 Dunlin, 136 Lapwings, 5 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 3 Buzzards, male Sparrowhawk, adult Med Gull, 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Herring Gulls, 1st winter GBB Gull, 1'500 Common Gull (site record), 5'000 BH Gulls.
Cromford: 8 Hawfinch, 4 Dippers, Kingfisher.
Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mute Swans, pair of Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew flew through NE, 2 Ravens.
Twyford: 2 Whooper Swans at SK324285.
Carsington Water: 4 Great Northern Divers, 26 Barnacle Geese, 28 Wigeon, 15 Pochard, 14 Goldeneye, 9 Oystercatchers, 4 Dunlin, 136 Lapwings, 5 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 3 Buzzards, male Sparrowhawk, adult Med Gull, 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Herring Gulls, 1st winter GBB Gull, 1'500 Common Gull (site record), 5'000 BH Gulls.
Cromford: 8 Hawfinch, 4 Dippers, Kingfisher.
Ogston Reservoir: 2 Mute Swans, pair of Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, Curlew flew through NE, 2 Ravens.
Twyford: 2 Whooper Swans at SK324285.
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