Carsington Bird Club – Page 43 – Carsington Bird Club

2010 Bird Notes

DECEMBER 2010 BIRD NOTES

December Highlights: Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Smew and Waxwing.

It is hardly surprising that the number of records and bird species recorded this month was relatively low. December started with 2 feet of snow, making virtually everywhere inaccessible, with a lot remaining until Christmas. Ice cover over the water increased relentlessly in constant sub zero temperatures, until there was 95% cover on 20^th, following an overnight minimum of minus 17C, leaving four pockets of water for wildfowl. One small pocket offSailingClubIsland held 1000 birds and others were observed from a great distance to avoid any risk of disturbance in these difficult feeding times. To finish off the month, along came many days of fog, during which time ice only reduced to 70% cover.

The juvenile Great Northern Diver, which arrived in November, stayed all month and was joined by another juvenile from 11^th. A Slavonian Grebe was found in Millfields Bay on 10^th, the first Derbyshire record since 2006, and it kindly remained showy until 21^st. Six adult Whooper Swans flew west at 1020hrs on 11^th and Pink-footed Geese movement included 240 northeast at 1400hrs on 18^th and 44 southwest at 1002hrs on 19^th. Maximum counts were: 19 Little Grebe on 12^th, a new site record of 95 Great Crested Grebe on the WeBS count on 19^th, 1 Greylag Goose on 7^th, 54 Canada Geese on 19^th, 43 feral Barnacle Geese on 15^th, a pair of Mandarin on 13^th, 325 Wigeon on 19^th, 70 Gadwall on 19^th, 99 Teal on 27^th, 204 Mallard on 19^th, 3 Pintail on 13^th, 5 drake Shoveler on 11^th, 133 Pochard on 12^th, 728 Tufted on 12^th, 29 Goldeneye on 15^th, 19 Goosander on 11^th and 1783 Coot on 19^th. A female Smew was found in Shiningford Creek early on 19^th but could not be found later in the day. It was refound in the fog on 27^th and stayed aroundFlatIsland andBigIsland into the New Year.

The only notable raptor records were of Peregrine and one was mobbed by the local Raven pair on 15^th. Waders included a Knot on Stones Island on 15^th and at Sheepwash on 18^th, a Dunlin on 6^th and other dates until 20^th, 2 Snipe on 13^th and 29^th and 3 Redshank on 19^th. Curlew records in December are unusual here, so fly-overs of 3 then 4, both west on 7^th, 5 east on 11^th and 1 south on 18^th are probably significant and may reflect the current abnormal weather and the curlews’ search for food and safe roost.

Not surprisingly either the gull roost or the gull roost watchers gave up this month so there were no big counts of Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Common Gull totalled 150 and Herring Gull 23 on 13^th and Great Black-backed Gull 12 on 14^th. The winter resident adult Yellow-legged Gull was noted eating another Little Grebe on 23^rd, further reducing our abnormally low number of wintering Little Grebe.

A little Owl and a Kingfisher were near the Wildlife Centre on 21^st. Waxwings were around with fly-overs of 1 on 7^th, 2 on 11^th, 1 on 14^th, 1on 19^th and, finally, 5 feeding in a hedge on 21^st. Species counts include; 9 Collared Dove on 17^th, 16 Blackbird, 23 Fieldfare and 6 Song Thrush, all on 24^th, 75 Redwing on 15^th, 8 Willow Tit on 24^th, 110 Jackdaw on 10^th, 4 Raven on 19^th, 1 Brambling on 5^th and 6^th, 50 Siskin on 13^th and 8 Bullfinch on 24^th.

88 species recorded compared with 93 in December 2009, 95 in 2008, 91 in 2007, 99 in 2006, 88 in 2005, 95 in 2004, 97 in 2003 and 89 in 2002.

NOVEMBER 2010 BIRD NOTES

November Highlights: Great Northern Diver, Whooper Swan, Kittiwake, Black Redstart, Bearded Tit and Snow Bunting.

An average November for species numbers at 96, but species quality was superb with Bearded Tit and Snow Bunting being new species for the site, taking our definitive list total to 223 in the 19 year life of Carsington. The male Bearded Tit was found on 1^st in the small reedbed to the left of Sheepwash Hide. It was initially heard in disbelief, then a male was clearly seen and stayed long enough for several birders to see it before it flew high west. The Snow Bunting was found on Stones Island on 25^th and proved elusive and mobile but at least three birders saw it.

A Great Northern Diver was seen on 7^th, too distant to determine age. On 12^th, a juvenile GND, which could have been the same bird, was near the dam wall and stayed for the rest of the month. Ten Whooper Swans, including 3 juveniles, flew into Sheepwash on 7^th and were still present at dusk. On 25^th 2 Whooper Swans were noted off Stones Island, recorded again on 26^th and again briefly on 29^th before flying off west at dusk. Pink-footed Geese movements were 200 E at 0835hrs on 10^th, 55 E at 0900hrs on 10^th and 130 NW at 0930hrs on 18^th. Wildfowl maximum counts were from the WeBS count on 14^th except where stated: 38 Little Grebe on 18^th, 58 Great Crested Grebe, 33 Cormorant, 25 Mute Swans, 1 drake Mandarin on 1^st, 277 Wigeon, 32 Gadwall, 209 Teal, 263 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 10 Shoveler on 8^th, 3 Red-crested Pochard on 8^th, 62 Pochard, 578 Tufted Duck, 15 Goldeneye on 10^th, 8 Goosander on 15^th, 15 Moorhen and 1330 Coot.

Waders included counts of 293 Lapwing on 14^th and in flight flocks up to circa 400 on 23^rd. Dunlin, Snipe and Redshank were around all month with maximums of 8 Dunlin on 12^th, 8 Snipe on 24^th, 5 Redshank on 24^th and a late Common Sandpiper on 15^th.

The wildfowl numbers are significantly down on recent years, which is probably due to the unusually low water levels, losing a massive surface area of water and connecting most of the islands to the shoreline, rendering them an unsafe roost. Another factor could be the winter resident Yellow-legged Gull, which has increased its diet from the Little Grebes last winter to include Tufted Duck this winter. The gull flies low terrorising most birds on the water, even Coot scuttle along the water surface in large numbers as it approaches. It operates by repeatedly landing on the selected bird, trying to drown it. On 20^th it was seen to kill and eat a female tufted duck and the following day was seen feeding on a different tufted. An adult and a first winter Mediterranean Gull were in the roost on 2^nd. The gull roost also held 4000 Black-headed Gull on 7^th, 282 Common Gull on 22^nd, 3500 Lesser Black-backed Gull on 7^th, 30 Herring Gull on 21^st, 6 Yellow-legged Gull on 14^th, and a Kittiwake on 8^th. The Kittiwake was an adult wearing colour rings, most probably being the French ringed bird seen recently around the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire areas.

A first winter male Black Redstart was found on 18^th at Millfields end of the dam wall. It was last seen on 22^nd and is the third record for this site, the previous one being in November last year. Other records included 200 Woodpigeon flying south on 6^th, a Barn Owl on 13^th and 20^th, a Little Owl on 23^rd, a Kingfisher on 1^st and rest of the month, a Green Woodpecker landed on Sheepwash Hide window sill briefly on 9^th, 10 Skylarks flew over 6^th, 50 Meadow Pipits on 1^st, 25 Blackbirds on 22^nd, 75 Redwing on 29^th, 200 Starling on 2^nd, 18 Tree Sparrow on Sheepwash car park feeder on 28^th, 2 Brambling on 6^th, 40 Siskin on 1^st, 14 Lesser Redpoll on 22^nd, 15 Bullfinch on 29^th and a Yellowhammer on 7^th, 14^th and 23^rd.

96 species recorded compared with the best November ever of 104 in 2009, 94 in 2008, 98 in 2007, 97 in 2006, 97 in 2005, 95 in 2004 and 92 in 2003.

OCTOBER 2010 BIRD NOTES

October Highlights: Whooper Swan, Red Kite, Osprey, Firecrest and Great Grey Shrike.

Following September’s near record month, this month has matched the biggest October ever with some quality birds among the 109 species recorded, and November is looking good with a Bearded Tit on its first day. The formal Wildfowl Count on 17^th included: 47 Little Grebe, 49 Great Crested Grebe, 27 Mute Swans, 781 Wigeon, 38 Gadwall, 89 Teal, 103 Mallard, 91 Pochard, 741 Tufted Duck and 972 Coot. Seven Whooper Swans were near the dam at 0800hrs on 22^nd and 3 flew south on 28^th. Pink-footed Geese movements included 300 west at 1440hrs on 11^th, 45 on 13^th and 46 west at 1730hrs on 30^th. Other wildfowl maximum counts were 61 Great Crested Grebe on 28^th, 62 Cormorant on 6^th, 26 Barnacle Geese on 30^th, 5 Shelduck on 12^th, 5 Pintail on 28^th, 7 Shoveler on 19^th, 2 Red-crested Pochard on 21^st, 4 Common Scoter on 25^th, 4 Goldeneye on 25^th and 17 Goosander on 28^th.

Raptors included a Red Kite drifting below the dam at 1015hrs on 19^th, a male Goshawk in the wood in Tail Bay on 16^th, 2 Sparrow Hawk on 11^th and 19^th, 8 Buzzard on 4^th, a late Osprey on 2^nd, a Merlin on 5^th and 18^thand Peregrine on several dates. A hunting male Sparrow Hawk flew through the open door of the Wildlife Centre at 0930hrs on 27^th. He was quickly caught and released outside before he sustained any damage from his attempted exit through closed windows.

A good range of wader sightings included 2 Ringed Plover on Stones Island up to 6^th, 17 Golden Plover on Stones Island on 23^rd, 2 Grey Plover flying over calling on 3^rd, 182 Lapwing on 17^th, 1 Knot flying north on 10^th, 6 Dunlin on 5^th, 2 Snipe at the Wildlife Centre on 4^th, a Woodcock on 27^th, 1 Curlew on 22^nd, a Redshank from 27^th, a Common Sandpiper attacked by a Sparrow Hawk on 6^th and a Turnstone on Stones Island from 1705hrs on 14^th.

The Gull Roost held an adult Mediterranean Gull from 16^th, a second winter Little Gull on 12^th, 4000 Black-headed Gull and 3500 Lesser Black-backed Gull with one showing characteristics of ‘Fuscus’ on 28^th, a site record 20 Yellow-legged Gull and a Caspian Gull on 16^th and 3 Great Black-backed Gull on 20^th.

Autumn movement brought a few surprises this year and included 13 Skylark over on 27^th, 2 late Swallow on 18^th, big numbers of Meadow Pipit with 80 on 28^th, 3 Rock Pipit on 5^th and lesser numbers on other dates, a White Wagtail on 9^th, 1 Fieldfare on 19^th and 30 on 27^th, 50 Redwing on 10^th and 23^rd and 4 Chiffchaff on 6^th. A Firecrest was found on Stones Island at 1730hrs on 14^th and was calling until 1800hrs. At this time of year many firecrests move south, mostly down the east and south coasts. There have been two previous records of this species during 1996 (see annual report for details) and 1997. A week later and a Great Grey Shrike was observed from the Wildlife Centre at 1500hrs on 21^st. The bird was on top of the large ash tree to the right of Shiningford Farm for 5 minutes before flying into the wooded creek and lost to sight. This is the third record of the species at Carsington; the second stayed for 5 months and was last seen in April 2005. The first autumn Brambling was on Stones Island on 17^th, 20 Siskin were near the Sailing Club on 4^th, 8 Linnet and a Lesser Redpoll on 4^th and a Yellowhammer flew over on 16^th.

109 species recorded this October compared with 108 in 2009, 94 in 2008, 109 in 2007, 99 in 2006, 99 in 2005, 91 in 2004, 94 in 2003 and 103 in 2002.

SEPTEMBER 2010 BIRD NOTES

September Highlights: Osprey, Waders, Wryneck andLaplandBunting.

August found only a mundane 94 species, but September has produced an exciting 116 Species. The wide shoreline and muddy water’s edge attracted a variety of waders, and migrant passerines have been showing well. Common wintering wildfowl numbers are increasing and maximum counts totalled: 35 Little Grebe and 47 Great Crested Grebe on 21^st, 67 Cormorant on 6^th, 8 Heron on 21^st, 28 Mute Swans on 21^st, 22 Greylag, 450 Canada Geese and 26 Barnacle on 15^th, 1 Ruddy Shelduck between 21^st to 30^th, 406 Wigeon and 45 Gadwall on 29^th, 81 Teal and 166 Mallard on 21^st, 7 Pintail on 22^nd, 3 Shoveler on 2^nd, 26 Pochard on 29^th, 879 Tufted Duck on 21^st, 4 Common Scoter on 29^th and 1009 Coot on 21^st. An Osprey was around, occasionally fishing, to the delight of many observers, from 12^th to16^th. A Hobby was noted on 14^th, 23^rd and 28^th and a Peregrine on 7^th and other dates.

Wader passage has been good with 2 Oystercatcher on 15^th, a maximum of 4 Ringed Plover on Stones Island on 27^th, 87 Lapwing counted on 23^rd, a juvenile Knot on Stones Island on 10^th, a juvenile Little Stint on 26^th, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and 22 Dunlin on 22^nd, 3 Juvenile Ruff 3-8^th, 1 Snipe at the Wildlife Centre on 13^th, 2 Black-tailed Godwit on 29^th, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit at the Wildlife Centre on 9^th and 2 on 27^th, 1 Curlew on 2^nd and 23^rd, an adult Spotted Redshank briefly on 28^th, 11 Redshank on 22^nd, 4 Greenshank on 7^th and maximum of 4 Common Sandpiper on 8^th. The gull roost held 2800 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on 2^nd and 17 Yellow-legged Gulls on 20^th. An adult Kittiwake flew east over Millfields on 15^th and 3 Common Tern were noted on 3^rd.

A Barn Owl used Sheepwash Hide as a hunting post around 1800hrs for 35 minutes on 15^th, at one stage perching just 3 feet away from the observer behind glass. Two Kingfishers were at Sheepwash on 11^th. A Wryneck was found at Millfields at 1740hrs on 13^th, attracting many observers and photographers throughout the 14^th, but it had gone on 15^th. This is a new species for Carsington and there have been only about 40 records for Derbyshire since 1954. Amazingly, this was one of three county records this year. A Green Woodpecker was calling from the wood below Millfields in Tail Bay on 20^th, 4 Skylarks flew over southwards on 30^th, 2 Sand Martins were noted on 8^th, 102 Swallows on 20^th and 10 on 29^th, 2 House Martins on 24^th and a maximum of 50 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall at dawn on 14^th. A Rock Pipit was located on Stones Island at 1715hrs on 29^th. Minutes later 3 observers were looking at it, each observer struggling with the others’ descriptions of position and actions. Astonishingly, all 3 were looking at different birds, all 3 birds being Rock Pipits among Meadow Pipits. A Yellow Wagtail was noted on the dam on 14^th, 23^rd and 25^th and 122 Pied Wagtails were there at dawn on 1^st. A Redstart on 21^st, a Whinchat on Horseshoe Island on 7^th, a Stonechat at Paul Stanley Hide on 17^th and a Wheatear on 5^th and 16^th added to passerine totals. Warblers noted were a Sedge Warbler on 14^th, a Lesser Whitethroat on 20^th, a Whitethroat on 13^th, a Blackcap attempting singing on 20^th, 12 Chiffchaff on 20^th, a Willow Warbler singing on 23^rd, and 2 Spotted Flycatcher were in Wildlife Centre Creek on 20^th. During the past month many Lapland Buntings have been moving into and down Britain, mainly on the coast, and birders have been eagerly listening for them flying over. Success occurred on the dam at 0830hrs on 22^nd with a bird calling and then briefly perching on the ground before disappearing. Another was seen on 30^th flying aroundStonesIsland continuously calling before heading high northwards.

116 Species were recorded this September compared with 104 in 2009, 108 in 2008, 108 in 2007, 101 in 2006, 101 in 2005, 94 in 2004 and 104 in 2003.

AUGUST 2010 BIRD NOTES

August Highlights: A dull month with no highlights.

Bird watching at Carsington in August is usually quiet but it is also unpredictable. In 2001 just 86 species were noted. In 2002 a massive 122 species were recorded, the biggest ever month at Carsington. Weather wise, 2001 was an average summer. 2002 saw a lot of hot sun, some stormy rain, a lot of muddy shoreline, and, local birds all showed well, passing migrants called in and passage waders stayed several days. This year, with generally cool wet weather, the local scrub and woodland birds were tucked away in their chosen habitation, most moulting and many fattening in preparation for their flight southwards. There were no extremes of weather to bring in unusual seabirds and no fast moving fronts or sudden storms to bring down passing waders or terns so there was very little for birders to find. However, it is more important that the good breeding season has, hopefully, been followed by healthy maturing birds.

Fresh broods noted this month included the ninth brood of Great-crested Grebe on 3^rd, 3 broods of Tufted Duck taking the total to a site record 29, Moorhen up to 10 broods and Coot up to 13 broods. Wildfowl numbers included 25 adult Mute Swan plus 12 cygnets, 6 Shelduck on 24^th until flushed by a fox, 8 Wigeon on 29^th, 12 Gadwall on 16^th, 26 Teal on 29^th, 173 Mallard on 16^th, 2 Shoveler on 10^th, 1 Red-crested Pochard 13-20^th, 5 Pochard on 19^th, 446 Tufted Duck during WeBS count on 16^thand 649 Coot on 16^th.

A juvenile Sparrow Hawk flew into the Wildlife Centre window during the RSPB day on 10^th. A single Hobby was noted on 2^nd, 16^th and 20^th and there were 2 Peregrines on 1^st and 13^th, with singles seen on many other dates.

Wader passage has again been poor this year. Records include an Oystercatcher on 1^st and 17^th, 2 juvenile Little-ringed Plover 22-23^rd, 3 Ringed Plover on Stones Island at dusk on 24^th, 62 Lapwing on 26^th, 4 Dunlin on 6^th and 23^rd, 4 juvenile Ruff briefly at the Wildlife Centre on 17^th, a Curlew on several dates, 4 Redshank on 19^th, a Greenshank on 13^th and 4 Common Sandpiper on 1^st and 13^th.

The gull roost started this month with 1500 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a juvenile Herring Gull on 20^th. Two other adult Yellow-legged Gulls have been resident all month but they did not join the roost before dark on 20^th. One of these adults attacked an adult Moorhen near the Wildlife Centre raft; the moorhen eventually got behind the wire netting on the raft but then died. The only Terns this month were Commons with 3 on 1^st, 1 on 17^th and 2 adults plus 2 juveniles on 26^th.

Two Stock Doves flew over the Wildlife Centre Creek on 4^th. A single Kingfisher put on a show at Paul Stanley Hide most days, the record so far is 8 fish caught and consumed in 35 minutes, and 2 Kingfishers were present on 30^th and 31^st. Two Green Woodpeckers were in Millfields Car Park on 16^th, a Yellow wagtail was noted on 17^th and 24^th, 2 Redstart were in Wildlife Centre Creek from 16^th for a few days and the Goldfinch flock on Stones Island was estimated at 80 on 12^th.

94 Species were recorded this August compared with 102 in 2009, 99 in 2008, 109 in 2007, 97 in 2006, 105 in 2005, 113 in 2004 and 110 in 2003.

JULY 2010 BIRD NOTES

Highlights: Wildfowl Broods and a Sanderling

By the end of July, numbers of broods totalled: Little Grebe 1 (2 last year), Great Crested Grebe 8 (0), Mallard 20 (20), Tufted Duck 26 (20), Moorhen 7 (12) and Coot 12 (7). Maximum counts, excluding young, were 18 Little Grebe on the official WeBS count carried out on 25^th, 36 Great Crested Grebe on 28^th, 4 Heron on 23^rd and 26^th, 25 Mute Swan on 13^th plus 4+5+3 cygnets, 273 Canada Geese on 13^th, no Barnacle Geese this month, 2 Shelduck on 20^th, 3 Gadwall on 6^th, 2 Teal on 6^th, 158 Mallard on 25^th, 1 female Red-crested Pochard 19^th-27^th, 4 Pochard on 30^th, 155 Tufted Duck on 25^th and 422 Coot on 25^th.

Raptors included 2 Buzzards on 14^th, a Hobby chasing hirundines over east bank on 20^th and 2 Peregrines on 20^th.

Wader numbers were 4 Oystercatchers on 6^th, 67 Lapwing on 28^th, a Sanderling at the Wildlife Centre in the evening of 26^th, 2 Dunlin on 22^nd and 30^th and singles most days from 12^th. Black-tailed Godwit were on passage with 5 on Stones Island on 5^th, 6 flew through early on 12^th, 1 was on Stones Island on 27^th and 3 flew through southwards on 28^th. A late Redshank chick showed on Flat Island with 1 adult on 13^th and was last recorded on Sheepwash Spit on 24^th. Common Sandpipers were also passing through with 2 on 4^th and at least 6 on 14^th.

Black-headed Gull young were well in evidence with flighted young seen on many shorelines, but surprise was in order when an adult pair marched 3 downy chicks from FlatIsland, along the front of Sheepwash and were on HorseshoeIslandless than 2 hours later. A pair on the raft by Paul Stanley Hide showed their second brood of at least 1 chick on 26^th. Some Lesser Black-backed Gulls were visiting site, with 12 on 27^th, but there is no noticeable gull roost yet. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on site from 12^th and 2 from 21^st. One of the Yellow-legged Gulls was seen swallowing a Tufted Duck chick whole on 23^rd. The pair of Common Terns breeding on Flat Island moved their 2 flighted young onto Watersports pontoon on 7^th and they were last seen on 23^rd. Three Arctic Terns flew through southeast on 19^th.

Three Stock Doves were high over the water on 28^th and a Kingfisher returned from 25^th, hopefully after successfully breeding elsewhere. Corvids were showing well on 27^th with 18 Magpie, 150 Jackdaw, 9 Rook and 4 Raven, all noted during the day. The Wildlife feeder table held 19 Tree Sparrows on 26^th and 7 Linnet were on Stones Island on 6^th.

91 Species were recorded this month compared with 95 in July 2009, 97 in 2008, 94 in 2007, 94 in 2006, 97 in 2005 and 102 in 2004.

JUNE 2010 BIRD NOTES

June Highlights: Hobby, Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank and Pied Flycatcher.

No Little Grebe young yet, but 5 broods of Great Crested Grebe by the end of the month is an improvement on the past few years. Mute Swans had broods of 5 and 4 by 22^nd. Barnacle Geese have failed on Horseshoe and Sailing Club Island and the birds have left site. Mallard broods totalled 9 by 30^th compared with 13 and15 in the past two years and no broods of Tufted Duck yet, always a late breeder on this site. Moorhen showed 3 broods by 23^rd and Coot 6 broods by 24^th, which compares reasonably with the past few years’ performance. The WeBS count on 22^nd included 27 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Heron, 504 Canada Geese, 1 Teal, 87 Mallard, 177 Tufted and 195 Coot. Other wildfowl sightings were a Pink-footed Goose with Canadas on 17^th and a Shelduck on 14^th.

A Hobby was noted over StonesIslandon 17^th and Fishtail Creek on 27^th. There were probably 8 pairs of Oystercatchers present, based on Big Island, Flat Is/Sheepwash Spit, Shiningford Is, Horseshoe Is, Watersports Is, Sailing Club Is, Fishtail Creek and Millfields Is and 4 pairs successfully reached young stage. Other waders recorded include a Dunlin on Flat Island on 9^th, a surprisingly early Snipe flushed by a balloon on 30^th, a Black-tailed Godwit at the Wildlife Centre on 26^th and a Spotted Redshank on 22^nd. This Spotted Redshank was seen at Millfields during the WeBS count at 0600hrs and then flew west. It is 5 years since the last record and several others were reported in theMidlands and North on the same day.

11 young Black-headed Gulls could be seen from the Wildlife Centre on 6^th. On 8^th, there were 5 nests with young, 3 others probably on eggs and the only nest on Horseshoe Island had failed. The pair on the raft by Paul Stanley Hide had 3 young and another 2 or 3 pairs had nests on Flat Island, also on 8^th. By 26^th there were 4 big young/juveniles on Flat Island, at least 1 of which was well flighted. During thunderstorms on 6^th there were a further 14 Common Terns on site, obviously taking refuge.

Two Little Owls were seen in fields near Fishtail on 25^th and 2 separate groups of young Tawny Owls were noted on 18^th and 25^th. Great Spotted Woodpeckers were feeding at least 3 young in a hole in a tree in Middle Wood on 4^th and 2 family parties were seen on 18^th. A Swallow pair was feeding young in the Stone Barn on 4^th, another pair was around the draw-off tower and House Martins have at least 24 active nests around the Visitor Centre. Juvenile Pied Wagtails were on Stones Island and Flat Island on 9^th, a Sedge Warbler was singing at the ponds in Tail Bay on 15^th and a Reed Warbler singing at Hopton Pond on 9^th and Hopton Arm Reedbed on 22^nd. A Spotted Flycatcher was in the woodland strip north of Hall Wood on 9^th and 2 in Tail Bay on 15^th. The lonely Pied Flycatcher was again singing in Warrington Knob on 4^th but no sign later in the month. A pair of Great Tit was feeding young in the unmarked bird box among the display of bird boxes by the Wildlife Centre on 4^th and many other dates. They obviously failed to notice the box marked Great Tit. Two family parties of Nuthatch were noted on 28^th, a family party of Willow Tit on 30^th, 25 House Sparrows, including this year’s young, were around the Visitor Centre on 28^th and 12 Tree Sparrows including young, were on the Wildlife Centre feeders on 18^th.

87 Species this month compared with 93 in June 2009, 91 in 2008, 93 in 2007, 89 in 2006 and 84 in 2003. The low number is mainly due to few passage species calling in during a calm hot month.

MAY 2010 BIRD NOTES

May Highlights: Great Northern Diver, Red Kite, Osprey, Hobby, Sanderling, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black Tern, Cuckoo and Pied Flycatcher.

The long staying adult Great Northern Diver was last seen flying around in full summer plumage on 8^th. There are no broods of Grebe, Swan, Barnacle Geese, Moorhen or Coot yet but, hopefully, this is only due to the late Spring, and June will be catch-up time. There was only 1 further brood of Mallard to add to last month’s total of 4 broods, probably another indicator of delayed breeding for these water birds. Significant wildfowl counts were all from the WeBS survey on 16^th and included 16 Little Grebe, 40 Great Crested Grebe, 40 Mallard, 147 Tufted Duck and 57 Coot. Additionally, there was a Shelduck on 8^th, 10^th and 17^th and a female Scaup, present from April, was last seen on 7^th.

A Red Kite drifted over Sheepwash on 2^nd and an Osprey perched on a buoy for an hour consuming a fish before flying up Fishtail Creek on 26^th. The first Hobby was noted on 2^nd and a Peregrine flew over on 1^st. There has been little Buzzard activity recorded and there are no signs of breeding, which is not surprising following the well publicised local find of 6 dead buzzards, suspected of being poisoned.

At least 6 pairs of Oystercatchers have so far only produced 1 brood of 3, first noted on 5^th on Millfields Island. Last month’s Lapwing brood on Big Island showed 2 well grown young on 17^th and there were further broods of 4 on 16^th and 3 on 26^th, both on Horseshoe Island. A pair of Redshank with 2 young were on Big Island on 12^th. Passage waders included a Ringed Plover on 12^th and 20^th, 2 Sanderling on 12^th, a Dunlin on 1^st and following days, 3 Black-tailed Godwit on 5^th, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit on 21^st, 15 Whimbrel on 8^th, 2 Curlew on 10^th, a Greenshank flying through on 10^th, 3 Common Sandpiper on 7^th and a Turnstone from 7^th to 11^th.

A first summer Mediterranean Gull on HorseshoeIslandon 1^st obviously stayed over from 30^th May and an adult Little Gull was also on the island on 22^nd. The Black-headed Gull colony at the Wildlife Centre took over the tern raft again, forcing off a nesting Moorhen. These gulls seem to have squeezed what looks like 8 nests onto the raft and 2 young were noted on 29^th. A pair also have a nest on Horseshoe Island and another pair have bred on the raft at Paul Stanley Hide, showing 3 young on 31^st. Three Common Terns were noted from 1^st and a pair have settled on Flat Island again this year. The maximum number of Arctic Terns was 6 feeding off Stones Island on 7^th and a Black Tern was present on 27-28^th.

Three Stock Doves were feeding on spilled seed in Sheepwash car park on 13^th, a Cuckoo was noted near Middle Wood on 19^th, and a Barn Owl on 15^th and a Tawny Owl on 16^th were both around Sheepwash. The first Grey Wagtail since early January was recorded on 2^nd. A Redstart was singing near the Wildlife Centre on 1^st and there was a male Whinchat on the dam wall on 5^th. A Greenland race female Wheatear, a Sedge and a Reed Warbler were all seen on 1^stand 13 Garden Warblers plus 42 Blackcaps plus 29 Willow Warblers were counted on a circular walk on 17^th. A Spotted Flycatcher was noted from 23^rd, 2 singing Pied Flycatchers on 13^th, a pair of Raven with 3 young on 20^th, 4 Linnet on 2^nd and a Bullfinch was heard singing on the Club Dawn Chorus Walk on 8^th.

106 Species recorded compared with 108 in May 2009, 112 in 2008, 103 in 2007, 107 in 2006, 107 in 2005, 114 in 2004 and 110 in 2003.

APRIL 2010 BIRD NOTES (to 28^th April only)

April Highlights: Great Northern Diver, Whooper Swan, Osprey, Sanderling, Godwits, Little Gull,SandwichTern, Pied Flycatcher and Common Spring Migrants.

The adult Great Northern Diver stayed all month and was in mostly summer plumage by 29^th. A Whooper Swan was around the Wildlife Centre and Stones Island all Saturday 17^th, 2 Red-crested Pochard on 6^th and 8^th, a female Scaup stayed close in to the Wildlife Centre from 26^th and 4 Common Scoter were seen off Stones Island on 13^th. Counts included 12 Little Grebe on 18^th, 42 Great Crested Grebe on 18^th, 16 Cormorant on 2^nd, 3 Heron on 15^th, 3 Greylag Geese on 7^th and 24^th, 80 Canadas on 18^th, 38 Barnacles on 6^th, 5 Shelduck on 10^th, 7 Wigeon on 7^th and 8^th, 3 Gadwall on 17^th, 48 Mallard on 18^th, 3 Shoveler on 22^nd, 1 Pochard on 8^th, 189 Tufted Duck on 18^th, 13 Goldeneye on 13^th, 3 Goosander on 5^th, 19 Moorhen on 18^th and 106 Coot on 18^th. Four broods of Mallard were noted by 28^th.

Ospreys were seen again from Sheepwash, 1 at 1400hrs on 2^nd and another 1230-1305hrs on 19^th. An immature male Sparrow Hawk was perched close to Sheepwash Hide on 20^th, 14 Buzzards were in the air on 3^rd and 2 Peregrines were over Hall Wood on 26^th, with singles noted on other dates.

Wader passage included 1 Ringed Plover from 19^th to 21^st, 1 Sanderling on 28^th, 2 Black-tailed Godwit on 21^st and 5 on 26^th, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit on 6^th to 11^th, 2 Whimbrel on 21^st and 6 on 27^th, 4 Curlew on 18^th, 4 Common Sandpiper on 19^th and 28^th and 1 Turnstone flew through northwards on 7^th. Breeding Oystercatcher, Redshank and Lapwing were busy and a Lapwing showed 3 chicks on Big Island on 29^th.

An adult Little Gull on 18^th was followed a week later on 25^th by 2 adults and 4 first summer birds. Other gulls were a first summer Herring Gull on 14^th, an adult Yellow-legged on 23^rd, an immature Great Black-backed on 17^th and the breeding Black-headed Gulls, 60 present on 27^th, were busily arguing about space on the tern raft. Tern passage included a Sandwich Tern early on 7^th, 3 Common Terns early on 25^th with the flock of Little Gulls, 4 Common Terns on 28^th and single Arctic Terns on 15^th, 19^th 24^th and 27^th.

The first Swift was on 19^th but only small numbers have been seen since. Hirundine passage continued with 50 Sand Martin on 20^th and over 500 Swallow feeding close to the water on a drizzly morning on 19^th. The first House Martin was on 6^th and, by the end of the month; some birds were around the Visitor Centre breeding colony. A Tree Pipit flew over on 24^th and 40 Meadow Pipits were on the dam on 2^nd. Migrant wagtail species were in low numbers again this year, with the first Yellow Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit on 3^rd, 3 on the dam wall on 11^th and 4 on 19^th. White Wagtail numbers peaked at 9 on Stones Island in the evening of 7^th and Pied Wagtails totalled 37 there on 15^th. There are no records of resident Grey Wagtails since January 1^st. This species is susceptible to long spells of freezing winter weather when they cannot feed along the waters edge and, in case you have forgotten, we have just had an unusually severe winter, so please look out for this species at Carsington. Their former locations were Millfields, Tail Bay outlet stream, Fishtail Creek and Paul Stanley Hide. A Redstart was singing distantly upstream from WLC Creek from 24^th and a male Whinchat was in the Creek on 25^th. Single Wheatears were noted 3^rd and many other dates. Warbler species kept arriving, with 2 Sedge on 24^th, the earliest ever Reed at Carsington on 24^th, 2 Lesser Whitethroat on 18^th, 1 Whitethroat on 17^th and 1 Garden Warbler on 24^th. A count of warblers on 8^th included 13 Blackcap, 52 Chiffchaff and 8 Willow Warbler. A Pied Flycatcher was singing in Warrington Knob on 29^th, 100 Jackdaw were recorded on 3^rd, a female Brambling was in Hall Wood on 22^nd and a site rare Yellowhammer flew over Millfields on 18^th.

116 Species were recorded compared with 110 in April 2009, 118 in 2008, 103 in 2007, 118 in 2006, 117 in 2005, 116 in 2004, 120 in 2003 and 107 in 2002.

MARCH 2010 BIRD NOTES

March Highlights: Red Throated Diver, Great Northern Divers, Whooper Swans, Garganey, Osprey and early summer migrants return.

A Red Throated Diver was off StonesIslandfrom 1630hrs until dusk on 22^nd and the Great Northern Diver count was a juvenile from last month to 5^th plus an adult which remained all month. A Sunday treat for observers on 7^th was 24 Whooper Swans landing at 0930hrs and a single Pink-footed Goose was with Canadas from 8^th. The big surprise of the month was a very early Drake Garganey at the Wildlife Centre on 2^nd March, a day when several were found around England. The earliest record at Carsington previously was 16^th April but the extreme earliest Derbyshire record was on 1^st March 1978. Maximum counts this month total 25 Little Grebe on 14^th, 35 Great Crested Grebe on 14^th, 8 Greylag on 6^th, 46 Barnacle on 1^st and 14^th, 3 Shelduck on 17^th, 53 Wigeon on 5^th, 3 Gadwall on 14^th, 21 Teal on 8^th, 109 Mallard on 8^th, 4 Pintail on 5^th, 5 drake Shoveler on 21^st, 325 Tufted Duck on 14^th, a female Scaup on 2^nd, 28 Goldeneye on 21^st, 8 Goosander on 15^th, a Water Rail on 7^th, 18 Moorhen on 19^th and 247 Coot on 14^th.

Four Sparrowhawks were noted on 21^st and 8 Buzzards were in the air on 14^th, with 10 on 21^st. An Osprey was on site from 1550hrs on 26^th, one day earlier than previous records at Carsington. It was seen from Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre and later it caught a fish and went to dine and roost in Blackbrook Plantation. An immature Peregrine flew north over Sheepwash on 28^th.

At least 5 pairs of Oystercatcher were noted on 8^th and the first Little Ringed Plover record of the year was 1 on Stones Island with a Dunlin on 26^th. The first Dunlin of the year was 1 on 7^th then 2 at the Wildlife Centre on 10^th. Snipe totalled 8 on Horseshoe Island on 20^th and 6 Snipe were seen in flight at Warrington Knob on 7^th. A Woodcock was flushed near Paul Stanley Hide on 24^th. The largest Curlew numbers were 12 at Sheepwash on 9^th, 16 on 11^th and 11 were in a field near Lane Ends on 13^th. 6 Redshank were noted around the Wildlife Centre, Stones Island and Sheepwash on 8^th, 23^rd and 31^st.

An adult Mediterranean Gull was at the Wildlife Centre on 10^th and was subsequently seen in the gull roost on several evenings up to 24^th. Counts of the gull roost proved difficult due to the spread of the roost this month but 242 Common and 65 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were counted in an early roost on 1^st. There was a first winter plus a second winter Herring Gull on 20^th and an adult Yellow-legged on 10^th and 23^rd.

A Little Owl was seen in the field on the left between the main car park and Wildlife Centre on 2^nd, 7^th and 30^th. As expected, the first Sand Martins flew through, with 4 on 18^th and a flock of 12 the following morning. Swallows started slowly with 1 on 25^th then 1 on 28^th. Meadow Pipit records have been unusually low for this time of year with 1 on 19^th and several singles since. A Rock Pipit was on Sheepwash Spit for at least 2 hours on 19^th, 2 White Wagtails were on Horseshoe Island on 31^st and a female Stonechat was on Stones Island on 5^th. The first Wheatear was on the dam wall early on 19^th and 3 were at the Wildlife Centre on 22^nd. A wintering Blackcap was near the Wildlife Centre on 10^th and a pair there on 24^th. Chiffchaff were first noted on 19^th with 5 singing and 12 were singing between Millfields and Sheepwash on 31^st. Two Willow Tits were singing on 8^th and 2 Linnets flew over Sheepwash on 10^th.

102 Species recorded this March compared with103 in March 2009, 104 in 2008, 95 in 2007, 100 in 2006, 107 in 2005 and 98 in 2004.

FEBRUARY 2010 BIRD NOTES

February Highlights: Great Northern Divers, Red-necked Grebes and Jack Snipe.

A juvenile and an adult Great Northern Diver were present all month, quite often together at dawn and dusk. Early on 23^rd the adult was calling while the juvenile was close by diving. As the mist cleared at 1320hrs on 15^th a Red-necked Grebe was seen and photographed from Sheepwash and Lane End Hides and then lost to view. Searches were made by several birders and the bird was eventually relocated in Hopton Arm, in the rain and near to dusk. It was there that a second bird was noted. One bird remained in Hopton Arm, as far as the ice allowed, until 23^rd, while the second bird was elusive, wandering as far as Millfields. Counts for February included: 27 Little Grebe on 8^th, 41 Great Crested Grebe on 8^th, 45 Cormorant on 15^th, 6 Mute Swans on 23^rd, 46 Barnacle Geese on 1^st, 5 Shelduck on 25^th, 48 Wigeon on 28^th, 6 Gadwall on 22^nd, 59 Teal on 1^st, 141 Mallard on 23^rd, 2 Pintail on 18^th and 28^th, 5 Shoveler on 20^th, 2 Red-crested Pochard on 18^th, 2 Pochard on 28^th, 442 Tufted Duck on 23^rd, 19 Goldeneye on 23^rd, 5 Goosander on 13^th, 5 Moorhen on 23^rd and 401 Coot on 23^rd. These counts were low for winter but similar to or slightly less than those in February last year demonstrating that many of the wintering wildfowl had gone by the end of the month.

Two Sparrow Hawks were noted on 10^th, 6 Buzzard were in the air at the same time on 10^th and, on 1^st, a Buzzard was perched on the cairn on Flat Island while another searched the island for food. Peregrine were noted on several days with a female on 13^th, 1 over Hopton Arm on 16^th, an immature on 23^rd and 1 from Sheepwash on 28^th.

Oystercatchers have been returning and claiming their breeding island and, by 28^th, numbered 10 including a pair mating on Millfields Island and the male with a bar-code leg ring returning to Flat Island and Sheepwash area. A Jacksnipe flew in to Hopton Arm on 19^th for 2 hours and temporarily stole the red-necked grebe’s show, see photograph on our website. Snipe numbers have been low this winter with just 4 recorded on 13^th and 22^nd. A Woodcock was flushed from the path behind Sheepwash Hide on 23^rd. Curlew are now moving through, with the first heard on 24^th, 2 on 27^th and 5 on 28^th including 3 which landed to the right of Sheepwash Hide. Redshank were seen in singles at many locations but the maximum count was only 3 on 22^nd and 24^th.

The gull roost was larger than in mid-February last year, with at least 3000 Black-headed Gulls, 550 Common Gulls and 300 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on 13^th. The daytime resident, little grebe eating adult Yellow-legged Gull has not been recorded since 6^th, and a heron was noted struggling to swallow a gull carcass on 16^th!

A roost of 60 Woodpigeon was noted at Sheepwash on 8^th and 16^th, a Kingfisher regularly between 14^th and 24^th, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers on 16^th, 2 Skylark flew over on 16^th, a singing wren on 28^th highlighted how few were seen this month, in excess of 50 Fieldfare at Sheepwash on 16^th, 4 Song Thrush singing on 28^th, 8 Long-tailed Tits squeezed onto Paul Stanley feeders on 23^rd, 4 Willow Tits on 24^th, 15 Magpie on 11^th, 50 Jackdaw over Sheepwash on 12^th, 6 Rooks on the dam wall fields on 23^rd, 2 Raven on 6^th and other dates, 4 Brambling in the Visitor Centre car park on 14^th, 13 Siskin at Sheepwash on 15^th and 10 Lesser Redpoll near the Wildlife Centre on 17^th.

87 Species this month compared with 86 in Feb 2009, 86 in 2008, 88 in 2007, 89 in 2006 and 90 in 2005.

JANUARY 2010 BIRD NOTES

January highlights: Great Northern Diver, Little Egret, Scaup, Caspian Gull and Kittiwake.

One of last month’s Great Northern Divers, a juvenile, remained all month and December’s Little Egret was around the Wildlife Centre area until 24^th, with 2 present on Horseshoe Island from 1415hrs to 1500hrs on 18^th. 150 Pink-footed Geese flew low east over the water at 1130hrs on 8^th. Site counts this month were mainly the WeBS count on 17^th, unless dated otherwise, and included 46 Little Grebe, 45 Great Crested Grebe, 45 Cormorant on 24^th, 4 Heron on 27^th, 28 Mute Swans, 5 Greylag on 20^th, 45 feral Barnacle Geese on 20^th, 6 Shelduck on 24^th, 23 Wigeon (218 in Jan last year), 36 Gadwall, 49 Teal, 122 Mallard, 1 female Pintail on 11^th and other dates, 134 Pochard, 596 Tufted Duck, an elusive first winter female Scaup on 10^th and possibly all month, 12 Goldeneye, 11 Goosander on 31^st, 11 Moorhen and 1424 Coot (1844 in Jan last year). Some of these counts are significantly down compared with recent years, probably due to the abnormally cold weather. Certainly any geese and ducks seeking grazing would have been struggling with the depth of snow. Escapee ducks seen were 2 Speckled Teal on 27^th and a Chiloe Wigeon on 29^th, both South American species.

Raptor records were few, with 4 Common Buzzards in the air on 1^st, a Peregrine on the pylon observed from the Wildlife Centre on 17^th and 24^th, elsewhere on site on 18^th, 19^th and 20^th, and a pair of Peregrine mobbing a Buzzard on 28^th.

An Oystercatcher was seen on 11^th and 16^th, Snipe numbered 12 at the Wildlife Centre on 24^th, a Woodcock was near Lane End Hide on 4^th and 3 Redshank were on site on 1^st and subsequent dates.

The gull roost, visible from Lane End Hide, on 24^th included 4000 Black-headed Gulls, 600 Common Gulls and 500 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Other gull records included 20 Herring Gulls on 18^th, an adult Caspian Gull in front of Sheepwash Hide from 1430hrs on 18^th, 17 Great Black-backed Gulls on Sheepwash Spit early on 1^st, an adult Kittiwake near Millfields at 1000hrs on 28^th, and the resident Yellow-legged Gull was seen eating a Little Grebe on 18^th and a dead fish on 25^th.

The freezing weather and thick snow lying on the ground prevented much activity by non-water birds. Two Barn Owls were out hunting near the Wildlife Centre on 14^th and another near Fishtail Creek later in the month. A Kingfisher was in Penn Carr on 16^th and at other locations later in the month and 2 Skylark flew east over Millfields on 18^th. The annual wintering Meadow Pipit flock, which can usually be located around the Dam Wall and Tail Bay area, has not been seen this January. Presumably this flock has gone south or to the coast where ground feeding is possible. Two Nuthatch were on Paul Stanley feeders on 1^st and other subsequent dates and Siskin flocks have been regularly noted, with the largest totalling 40 on 11^th and 27^th. Four Linnets were near the Wildlife Centre on 1^st and 68 Lesser Redpoll were noted at in the same area on 17^th.

86 Species this month comparing well with 86 in January 2009, 85 in 2008, 89 in 2007, 89 in 2006, 95 in 2005, 91 in 2004, 87 in 2003 and 75 in 2002.

Tittesworth – Summer 2010

Weather and season

APRIL: Overall April was a dry month with most areas of Englandrecording less than 50% of average rainfall. It was a sunny month too; it was the fourth sunniest April in a series from 1929. The maximum temperature in this area was 18ºC on the 28^th. There were occasional frosts notably on the 1^st, 4^th, 19^th, 21^st and 22^nd. Air travel was disrupted from the 15^th to the 20^th whenUK air space was closed because of the risk to aircraft from volcanic dust blown in from the Eyjafjallajokell volcano inIceland. During this period there were clear skies due to the lack of cloud formation often generated by jet exhausts.

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Carsington Bird Club

2008 Bird Notes

DECEMBER 2008 BIRD NOTES

December Highlights: Great Northern Diver, possible Great White Egret, Whooper
Swan, Brent Goose and Ring-billed Gull.

Great Northern Divers totalled 4 from 5th to 11th at least, including an adult whereas, last month, all 4 were juveniles. A possible Great White Egret was noted briefly at 1115 hours on 7th in Shiningford Creek before flying off southeast. This would be a new species for
Carsington if accepted by DOS. Two Whooper Swans were seen on 9th at the Wildlife Centre. A Pink-footed Goose was around the Wildlife Centre from 6th to 14th and 210 flew low over Millfields at 1030 hours on 15th, heading northwest. Two Brent Geese spent most
of 13th at the Wildlife Centre and a Water Rail was again in the ditch below the dam wall on 1st . Maximum counts were similar to December counts of recent years and included; 105 little Grebe on 18th, 59 Great Crested Grebe on 14th, 51 Cormorant on 15th, 2 Heron on 14th, 2 Greylag Geese on 15th, 45 feral Barnacle Geese plus 1 hybrid on 19th, 1 Shelduck on 27th, 406 Wigeon on 14th, 40 Gadwall on 14th, 94 Teal on 14th, 1 female Pintail on 6th, 4 Shoveler on 29th, 308 Pochard on 14th, 844 Tufted Duck on 14th, 2 female Scaup on 11th, 1 drake Common Scoter on 14th, 16 Goldeneye on 14th, 1 female Red-breasted Merganser on 5th, 20 Goosander on 3rd, 53 Moorhen on 18th and 1890 Coot on 28th . Raptor records are very few this month and waders included 20 Snipe at the Wildlife Centre on 20th, a Woodcock at Hopton End on 19th and 4 Redshank on 14th .

The adult Ring-billed Gull was seen only on 1st and the numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls significantly reduced from this date. The gull roost included a first winter Mediterranean Gull on 24th, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls on 1st, an adult Caspian Gull on 1st, 13th and 17th and a first winter Glaucous Gull on 21st . 15th 21st A Little Owl was on Oldfield Lane on and 2 Tawny Owls were reported on . Kingfishers have been recorded all around the site on many dates and 2 were noted on 22nd at Paul Stanley Hide. A Skylark flew over the Dam Wall on 5th and 6 Meadow Pipits were in Tail Bay on 15th. A survey, covering most of the southern half of the site, on 15th noted 1 Skylark, 6 Meadow Pipit, 19 Robin, 24 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 73 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 25 Long-tailed Tit, 17 Blue Tit, 15 Great Tit, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Jay, 8 Magpie, 18 Jackdaw, 16 House Sparrow, 18 Tree Sparrow, 12 Bullfinch and 1 Reed Bunting. Other significant records include a Chiffchaff near Warrington Knob on 15th, 30 Siskin at Paul Stanley Hide on 16th, 1 Linnet near Fishtail Creek on 18th, 5 Lesser Redpoll at Lane End feeders on 19th and 2 large farmyard mallard type ducks at Millfields from 8th .

94 species recorded compared with 91 in December 2007, 99 in 2006, 88 in 2005, 95 in 2004, 97 in 2003 and 89 in 2002.

NOVEMBER 2008 BIRD NOTES

November Highlights: Ring-billed Gull returns again, Great Northern Divers, Scaup, Common Scoters, Water Rail, Little Gull, Caspian Gull and Waxwing. Last month’s juvenile Great Northern Diver became 2 GNDs from the 1st, then a site record of 4 on 10th, only 3 on 12th and just 2 by 30th . Pink-footed Geese movements were 32 northeast on 2nd, 25 east on 22nd and 3 on the ground on 23rd. A female Scaup was near Big Island on 16th and there were 7 female/immature plus 1 drake Common Scoter on 3rd, the 7 female type stayed and were last reported on 16th. Wildfowl counts included: 88 Little Grebe on 12th, 60 Great Crested Grebe on 12th, 62 Cormorant on 16th, 44 feral Barnacle Geese on 19th, 1 escapee Cackling Goose on 16th, 1 Shelduck on 19th and 27th, 341 Wigeon on 16th, 51 Gadwall on 16th, 75 Teal on 16th, 152 Mallard on 3rd 7th 16th 16th 16th , 2 Pintail on , 2 Shoveler on , 210 Pochard on , 343 Tufted Duck on , 16 Goldeneye on 22nd, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers on 21st, 1 drake Goosander on 12th, 26 Moorhen on 16th, 2175 Coot on 16th, and a Water Rail was heard on 28th in the ditch below the dam wall. Three Common Buzzards were in the air on 16th, a female Merlin was around Millfields on 22nd and a Peregrine was seen from the Wildlife Centre on 3rd and on several other dates. Lapwings were counted on 16th at 274 and again on 27th at a close matching 275 birds. Snipe numbered 15 from the Wildlife Centre on 16th and a Snipe race Faroeensis [more rufous plumage] was photographed here on 15th and seen on subsequent dates. Three Redshank were noted on 4th with individuals seen at most locations during the month and a Turnstone was close in to Sheepwash Hide on 3rd . Gulls attracted birders this month, with an adult Mediterranean Gull from 6th to 15th at least, the well forecast, and now annual, adult Ring-billed Gull turned-up in the gull roost on 7th and was seen on many evenings up to the end of the month, a first winter Little Gull was also in the roost on 7th, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls were present on 8th and other dates and a second winter Caspian Gull was in the roost on 25th .

Kingfishers were seen most days around the site and 2 were in front of Paul Stanley Hide on 3rd . Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Nuthatch were regularly on the feeders here. Two Skylarks flew over on 4th, 10 Meadow Pipits were at Sheepwash on 4th and 11 were on the other side of the Spit on 13th. A Rock Pipit was seen from Paul Stanley Hide on 3rd and a few lucky observers saw a Waxwing at the Visitor Centre on 16th . Note that many Waxwings have come into this country recently, they can turn up on any berry laden tree and bush, and supermarket car parks are a favourite. Wintering thrushes were moving through in flocks, stopping off to feed, with 50plus Fieldfare in Wildlife Centre Creek on 13th, 50 Redwing at Millfields on 7th and 50 around the Wildlife Centre area on 10th. Four Blackcaps were reported on 10th near the Wildlife Centre. Two flocks of Long-tailed Tits contained 29 birds on 24th and 8 Blue Tits plus 10 Great Tits were noted at Paul Stanley Hide on 19th. Starling flocks totalled 350 birds at dusk on 3rd, flocks of 30 Siskin were noted on 4th and 28th, 6 Lesser Redpoll were on Stones Island on 13th, 15 Chaffinch on Paul Stanley feeders on 19th and 11 Bullfinch were counted on 27th .

94 species recorded compared with 98 in November 2007, 97 in 2006, 97 in 2005, 95 in 2004 and 92 in 2003.

OCTOBER 2008 BIRD NOTES

October Highlights: Great Northern Diver, Gannet, Shag and Brambling.

A Great Northern Diver** was reported at 1430hrs on 26th from Sheepwash and probably the same bird, a juvenile, was seen regularly near Lane End Hide from 28th . A juvenile Gannet** [last recorded in 2000] was seen flying over the reservoir at 1500hrs on 29th and
one of the juvenile Shags found in October was still around the dam wall area on 4th . Maximum counts included: 33 Little Grebe on 12th, 39 Great Crested Grebe on 12th, 53 Cormorant on 8th, 31 Mute Swans on 12th, 3 Greylag Geese on 4th, 1 Shelduck on 11th , 295 Wigeon on 12th, 23 Gadwall on 12th, 51 Teal on 12th, 57 Mallard on 12th, 2 Pintail on 8th , 2 Shoveler on 7th, 144 Pochard on 29th, 500 Tufted Duck on 29th, 4 Common Scoter on 6th , 2 Goldeneye on 31st, 1 female Red-breasted Merganser on 29th, 26 Moorhen on 12th , 671 Coot on 12th and 1 Red-legged Partridge on Sheepwash Spit on 6th . Four Common Buzzards and 2 Kestrels were reported on 6th. Also on 6th, a Peregrine was seen on the pylon from the Wildlife Centre and was recorded on many other dates around the site.

Wader sightings included a Ringed Plover on Stones Island or at the Wildlife Centre from 4th 1st to 15th, 8 Golden Plover flew past Sheepwash on , a Dunlin was at the Wildlife Centre on several dates from 4th to 31st, a juvenile Ruff was at the Wildlife Centre on 15th and a Redshank was noted on 7th, 22nd and 31st . The gull roost held an adult Mediterranean Gull on 13th and 21st, 1200 Black-headed Gulls on 19th, 3000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on 19th and 5 Yellow-legged Gulls on 11th .

4th 4th

Late dates for summer migrants were 2 House Martins on , 8 Swallows on , 4 Wheatear on 4th and 2 Chiffchaff on 21st. Autumn/Winter movement included 3 Skylarks flying over on 18th, 47 Meadow Pipits on 21st, 1 Rock Pipit on Sheepwash Spit on 11th and 20th, 1 Redwing on 6th, then 10 on 28th, 700 Starlings in a pre-roost flock at dusk on 31st, 2 Brambling at the Wildlife Centre on 27th, 20 Siskin on 28th, 10 Linnets over Stones Island on 6th and 6 Lesser Redpoll on 13th . Several escapee species have been reported this month with the male plus 2 female Cape type Shelduck on 13th and 28th, a Cackling Goose on 13th and a Black Swan [probably from Bradley pond] on 27th . **Both the Great Northern Diver and Gannet records require submission to the Derbyshire Ornithological Society Rarities sub-Committee with full supporting notes for consideration. Also any further details on possible records of Whooper Swan and Red-necked Grebe this month would be appreciated!

94 species recorded this October compared with 109 in 2007, 99 in 2006, 99 in 2005, 91 in 2004, 94 in 2003 and 103 in 2002.

SEPTEMBER 2008 BIRD NOTES

September Highlights: Shag, Pink-footed Goose, Common Scoter, Honey Buzzard, Osprey, Merlin, Knot, Ruff, Grey Phalarope, Mediterranean Gull and Black Tern

41 Pink-footed Geese were noted going north-east on 23rd, 2 juvenile Shags were found on the Draw-off Tower roof on 2nd and were still present on 16th, with 1 remaining until 23rd . Common wintering wildfowl numbers were increasing and maximum counts totalled: 39 Little Grebe on 14th , 32 Great Crested Grebe on 10th, 45 Cormorant on 8th and 14th, 3 Heron on 14-15th, 29 Mute Swans on 14th, 1 Greylag on 6th, 14 Barnacle on 14th, 1 Shelduck on 14th, 427 Wigeon on 19th, 17 Gadwall on 1st, 66 Teal on 14th, 148 Mallard on 14th, 3 Pintail on 10th, 6 Shoveler on 6th, 1 Red-crested Pochard from 1st to 6th, 39 Pochard on 14th, 512 Tufted Duck on 14th, 3 drake Common Scoter on 9th , 31 Moorhen on 14th and 1292 Coot on 14th .

A Honey Buzzard** was reported flying southwest over Sheepwash Car Park at 1400hrs on 14th , this was part of a large movement through England around the 14th . Other raptor records this month included a Sparrowhawk with prey on the dam being harassed by another on 29th, 7 Buzzards over Hopton on 7th, Osprey on 4th, 6th and 16th, a Merlin on 23rd, a Hobby on 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 9th and Peregrine on many dates. A Grey Phalarope** was seen briefly flying and settled on the water from Millfields on 6th, further searching could not re-find the bird. Other waders included 2 Oystercatchers on 14th, 3 Golden Plover flying over the dam wall on 13th, 178 Lapwing on 14th, 1 Knot on 15th, 1 Dunlin on 22nd, 3 Ruff on 24th, 14 Snipe on 21st, 1 Curlew on 25th, 1 Redshank on 9th and 2 Common Sandpipers on 23rd.

An adult Mediterranean Gull was in the gull roost from the 1st , 1 Common Tern was seen at Millfields on 6th, a juvenile Arctic Tern on 23rd and a Black Tern on 14th . A Yellow Wagtail was on the dam wall on 6th and 15th and a White Wagtail was there on 8th and 18th. A juvenile Stonechat was in Tail Bay on 18th, 3 Wheatears on the dam wall on 3rd, a Sedge Warbler in Shiningford Creek on 25th, 1 Whitethroat on 8th, 2 Garden Warblers on 8th and 2 Willow Warblers on 19th. Two flocks of Goldfinch on 10th totalled 60 birds, 40 Siskins were seen on 10th and 6 Linnets were noted on 9th .

109 Species were recorded this September compared with 108 in 2007, 101 in 2006, 101 in 2005, 94 in 2004 and 104 in 2003.

N.B. both Honey Buzzard** and Grey Phalarope** species require the record and description details to be submitted to DOS for consideration.

AUGUST 2008 BIRD NOTES

August Highlights: Little Egret, Osprey and Black Terns.

A Little Egret at 1040hrs on 23rd was the second this year. The egret flew in from Shiningford Creek onto Horseshoe Island then towards the Visitor Centre and, later, at 1400hrs, it was seen from Paul Stanley Hide. Breeding noted included the third brood of Little Grebe this year, the eighteenth brood of Mallard, eleventh of Tufted Duck, fourth of Moorhen and thirteenth of Coot. Cormorant numbers increased through the month to 38 on 30th and Mute Swans totalled 36 on 13th, including 6 juveniles. Wildfowl numbers included 6 Shelduck on 26th, 7 Wigeon on 25th and 30th, 18 Gadwall on 25th, 18 Teal on 31st, 122 Mallard on 20th, 3 Shoveler on 30th, a female Red-crested Pochard on 13th and a male from 21st to 31st, 3 Pochard on 20th, 288 Tufted Duck on 20th , a female Common Scoter on 30th and 741 Coot on 20th .

A young Sparrow Hawk was calling in Middle Wood on 14th, 4 Common Buzzards were in the air on 2nd and 11th and a young Buzzard was calling and flying over Hall Wood on many dates during the month. An Osprey was reported at 1630hrs on 30th and 2 Peregrines were seen on 17th and single Peregrines on most days.

This month’s wader passage has been very poor due to high water levels and tall vegetation along shorelines. By the end of the month there were signs of falling water levels and vegetation was being cleared from islands so, hopefully, September will be better. Waders included 1 Ringed Plover on 17th, 2 Dunlin on 5th and singles from 3rd to 8th, 3 Snipe on 31st, 1 Curlew on 18th, 1 Redshank on 8th, 10th, 22nd, 26th and 30th, 1 Greenshank on 14th, 3 Common Sandpipers on 4th , singles other dates, and a Turnstone briefly on 26th .

The gull roost started this month with mainly Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a near adult Yellow- legged Gull has been on site all month. The breeding pair of Common Terns and their flighted juvenile were last recorded on 4th and 2 other Common Terns were present on 20th and 5 on 30th . Black Terns have been well noted on passage with 2 adults on 13th and 17th, a juvenile off Stones Island from 19th to 21st and an adult with 2 juveniles on 30th . Two Stock Doves were noted on the tall dead tree trunk in Brown Ale Bay on 7th and were seen entering a hole in the trunk on 12th, suggesting probable breeding which would be the first for this site. A Barn Owl was near Sheepwash Hide at 1945hrs on 24th and Kingfishers have been seen most days at all ends of the site with 2 noted on 22nd and 26th. Four Meadow Pipits were on the Dam Wall on 18th, 63 Pied Wagtails were on there at 0715hrs on 28th, 2 Redstarts were noted on 10th 25th and 1 Wheatear was on the Dam on . There were two Spotted Flycatcher families recorded, an adult with 2 juveniles in Shiningford Creek on 12th and an adult plus a juvenile in Tail Bay on 23rd. A flock of 300 Jackdaws was noted on 4th and 26th and a flock of 40 Goldfinch on Stones Island on 20th included at least 25 juveniles. An early Siskin was on feeders on 15th, 7 Linnets were noted on 20th and a female Bullfinch was seen feeding 2 juveniles on 18th .

99 Species were recorded this August compared with 109 in 2007, 97 in 2006, 105 in 2005, 113 in 2004 and 110 in 2003.

JULY 2008 BIRD NOTES

Breeding records show the first two broods of Little Grebe by 29th, the seventeenth brood of Mallard this year by 16th and the seventh brood of Tufted Duck by 30th. The first two broods of Moorhen appeared on 21st and Coots reached twelve broods by 31st . Counts and records included 21 Great Crested Grebe on 21st, 3 Heron on 3rd, 28 Mute Swan plus 4+3+1 cygnets on 7th ,2 Greylag Geese on 1st and on later dates, 29 Barnacle Geese plus an oddity on 20th, 1 Shelduck on 14th, an early returning drake Wigeon on 14th, 4 Gadwall on 8th, 4 Teal on 14th, 10 Pochard on 31st, 154 Tufted Duck on 20th, 1 Common Scoter on 21st and 5 on 29th and a fox was seen from the Wildlife Centre taking a Mallard duckling on 8th .

Raptor records included a Sparrowhawk mobbed by the Common Terns breeding at the Wildlife Centre on 14th, juvenile Sparrowhawks calling from their nest sites on 20th and 31st, a juvenile Buzzard seen calling near its nest site on 18th and probably in flight with parents on 7th and 16th and several Peregrine records from 20th, with 1 seen on the pylon from the Wildlife Centre on 22nd .

Waders are currently difficult to see and may not be staying because of high water levels and tall vegetation leaving no open shoreline margin for feeding. Many of the local breeding Oystercatchers and all the local Redshank had left site by 16th although others moving south may call in. Other waders noted were Little Ringed Plover at Paul Stanley Hide until 23rd, including a maximum of 4 on 3rd , a Knot at Sheepwash at 2000hrs on 2nd , a Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit on 16th, 1 Black-tailed Godwit on 11th and 2 on 12th, 20th, 26th, then 1 on 29-31st. 2 Whimbrel were photographed from the Wildlife Centre on 4th, 2 Curlew flew south on 18th , a Greenshank was
present on 1st and 29th and up to 2 Common Sandpipers were around the site all month. Gulls included a near adult Yellow-legged Gull all month, seen at all ends of the site but most often on the raft near Paul Stanley Hide. A count of 27 juvenile Black-headed Gulls on 18th caused confusion as only 7 pairs had been noted breeding, with the first four broods totalling 4+3+3+3, and pairs evidently have just one brood per year. Maybe more pairs actually bred or additional juveniles flew in from elsewhere. The pair of Common Terns breeding at the Wildlife Centre had 2 chicks early in the month but only one remained by 21st. This chick left its raft and eventually showed on Horseshoe Island, being well fed by both parents.

Following heavy rain early on 29th a Black Tern was feeding off Stones Island with 9 Common Terns and a further 14 Common Terns were roosting on the Sailing Club jetty. The sun came out and the terns had moved on by 0930hrs. Together with the breeding family, 26 Common Terns were on site on 29th . 7th 13th Other records include 2 Stock Doves flying over on , 100 plus Swifts through on , a Kingfisher on 9th, 17th and 28th, all at different locations, a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker on Paul Stanley Hide nuts and a pair of Swallows are attempting a second brood in the Stone Shelter. The only Redstart record so far this year was an independent juvenile seen on 7th . A Reed Warbler is still singing at Hopton Pond and breeding is likely but viewing to check this is not possible. A Spotted Flycatcher family of 4 was in Hall Wood on 10th and 16th and another family of 4 appeared at Sheepwash on 13th. A family party of Willow Tits was in Hopton Arm on 24th and 2 Marsh Tits were reported near Brown Ale Bay on 2nd. A family of Jays was at Sheepwash on 29th and 7 Linnets were noted on 23rd .

97 Species recorded this July compared with 94 in 2007, 94 in 2006, 97 in 2005 and 102 in 2004.

June 2008 Bird Notes

Highlights: Breeding.

No broods of Little Grebe yet, but two broods of Great Crested Grebe with 1 young at Hopton End 8th 14th on and 1 young at Wildlife Centre on . The pair of Mute Swans at Millfields Car Park produced 1 cygnet on 2nd and another pair showed 4 cygnets on Sheepwash Spit on 20th. A total of 604 Canada Geese, including young, were counted on 19th and all the Barnacle Geese families went on a trip across the water to Millfields on 15th. This group consisted 5 pairs with 6, 5, 3, 2 and 2 young. The pair of Cackling Geese reported breeding on Watersports Island last month were seen defending their nest against Crows on 5th but were noted away from the nest on 11th and may well have failed breeding. Mallard broods this year totalled 15 by 29th , Coot have 8 broods, Moorhen have no broods reported but a Tufted Duck with 8 chicks in front of Paul Stanley Hide on 26th is the first of more expected this year. For comparison, by this stage last year wildfowl breeding included 2 broods of Swan, 5 broods of Barnacle Geese, 18 of Mallard, 5 of Moorhen, 6 of Coot and 1 of Tufted Duck. A Red-legged Partridge has been seen at Sheepwash, occasionally a pair, noted carrying vegetation, mainly early morning, by the Rangers opening up the car park, hopefully this will result in a breeding success. Two Red-crested Pochards were at the Wildlife Centre from 8th to 11th and 3 were there on 25th .

Wader breeding has been difficult to assess due to the tall vegetation growth on most islands and some breeding may have been missed. Of the 7 pairs of Oystercatchers, only 2 pairs are known to have produced young on Millfields and Sailing Club Islands. The Sailing Club Island pair had moved their 2 young onto Watersports Island by 16th. Lapwing young noted include 3 fresh young on Horseshoe Island on 4th, which is the 2nd brood noted. One young Redshank has been reported and a pair of Little Ringed Plovers were still displaying. This time last year there were 4 broods of Oystercatcher, 4 of Lapwing and 3 of Redshank. Other waders recorded include a Ringed Plover at Paul Stanley Hide on 30th, a male Black-tailed Godwit (race Icelandica) at Wildlife Centre on 20th and a different bird on 29th/30th. A Whimbrel was seen on 2nd, and a Curlew on 6th was one of many records of single Curlew which may be one of a pair seen and possibly breeding in fields towards Ashbourne.

The pair of Common Gulls reported breeding last month had sadly failed by 15th. The 7 pairs of Black-headed Gulls continued to raise young and a pair with 3 young vacated their raft whereupon the pair of frustrated Common Terns immediately moved in and had a chick by 30th . A Barn Owl was noted carrying prey in the evening at Sheepwash on 30th and an adult Tawny Owl was perched near the memorial at Millfields end of the dam wall at lunchtime on 19th. A Kingfisher was at the Wildlife Centre on 22nd and 25th and was also seen in Tail Bay on 23rd. A pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers brought 2 juveniles to Paul Stanley feeders on 16th and a pair of Swallow were feeding young in the stone shelter near Millfields on 15th. Twenty House Martin nests were 1st counted on the Visitor Centre, Watersports and Sailing Club buildings on . A pair of Grey Wagtails were noted at Sheepwash on 2nd, at Hopton Arm and Shiningford Creek on 23rd, and a juvenile was near Paul Stanley Hide on 26th. Sedge Warbler were singing in Hopton Reedbed on 11th, Hopton Pond on 15th, Stones Island on 15th and Tail Bay on 23rd and 27th. A Reed Warbler was singing in Hopton Reedbed until 15th at least, but not on 29th, and another was singing from Hopton Pond all month. A Willow Tit family was in Millfields Car Park on 19th, a Tree Creeper pair with 3 young were near Shiningford Creek on 2nd and 4 Linnets were in fields by Fishtail Creek on 23rd.

90 Species recorded compared with 93 in June 2007, 89 in 2006, 94 in 2005, 96 in 2004 and 84 in 2003.

MAY 2008 BIRD NOTES

May Highlights: Spoonbill, Great Northern Diver, Garganey, Red Kite, Hobby, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Black Tern, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo and Pied Flycatcher.

The bird of the month must be the Spoonbill. A first for Carsington. It was found at 1030hrs on 29th on Horseshoe Island and had gone, high northeast, by 1100 hours. The Great Northern Diver was last recorded on 2nd, it had been here since last November and was attaining summer plumage. No broods of Grebe, Swan or Moorhen have yet been recorded but there are 4 broods of Barnacle Geese around Stones Island area, 1 brood of Coot and 12 broods of Mallard on site. Coincidently, by this time last year there were also 4 broods of Barnacle and 12 of Mallard. The long staying Pink-footed Goose was last noted on 9th. A Shelduck was on Sheepwash Spit on 25th and a drake Garganey gave excellent views from the Wildlife Centre on 11th. Other wildfowl included a Shoveler on 10th, 3 Pochard on 18th, 105 Tufted Duck on 18th, 64 Coot on 18th and a Goosander on 10th. A pair of presumed escapee Cackling Geese are breeding on Watersports Island.

Red Kite have been reported at several Derbyshire sites this month and at Carsington on 1st and 26th . The return of the migratory Hobby was noted by just 1 record of a bird flying south over the 5th 13th Dam Wall on and a Peregrine was noted from the Wildlife Centre on . Two pairs of Oystercatchers have young, 2 on Millfields Island on 8th and 2 on Sailing Club Island on 25th. Pairs on Big Island and Flat Island may have failed. Little Ringed Plovers have been around with a maximum of 3 at Paul Stanley Hide on 17th, but no signs of breeding. So far there is just 1 Lapwing brood of 3 chicks on Horseshoe Island on 18th and no Redshank young have yet been reported, which is the same as last year. Other waders on passage included 2 Ringed Plovers on Sheepwash Spit on 8th, a superb summer plumage male Grey Plover in front of the Wildlife Centre 8th 2nd on 16th and 17th , a Sanderling at Sheepwash on and another on 18th , 2 Dunlin on , a Whimbrel on 1st and 26th, 2 Curlew on 10th, a Greenshank at the Wildlife Centre on 16th, a Green Sandpiper at the Wildlife Centre on 11th and 2 Turnstones there on 14th . Little Gulls were again well recorded this month with single first summer birds on 8th, 9th and 21st .

The Black-headed Gull colony at the Wildlife Centre has 7 nests, 4 with young by 27th. A pair of Common Gulls, possibly attracted by the BHG colony, was seen to be displaying/pair bonding on 16th. On 17th they started a nest on a raft but a Coot stole the material. The pair was noted mating on 27th and on other dates and it looks as though they have a nest which is out of general view. Could this be a first breeding of Common Gull at Carsington? And even for Derbyshire? A pair of Common Terns was around the rafts at the Wildlife Centre from 18th, finally finding nest space on 21st. This nest was lost by 30th, a brood of 3 young Black-headed Gulls were on the same raft. Tern passage included 5 Common on 16th, 1 Arctic Tern on 9th and 2 Black Terns on 5th and 1 on 8th . A Turtle Dove on the Wildlife Centre Feeders on 20th must have been a surprise. It stayed all day, showing only occasionally and is the first record since May 1996. A Cuckoo was seen flying north on 4th, this species was last seen in May 2004. A Yellow Wagtail was at the Wildlife Centre on 13th , 1 White Wagtail on 6th, 1 Wheatear on 17th, a Reed Warbler at Hopton Pond on 29th, 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood from 11th, a pair of Brambling on 5th, a pair of Linnets on Stones Island on 11th and another pair in Fishtail on 19th. A singing Pied Flycatcher was found northeast of Millfields spit on 3rd to 10th and another in Hall Wood from 9th to 12th. A count on a walk round the site by 2 observers on 7th totalled 40 Chiffchaff, 41 Willow Warblers, 15 Garden Warblers, 28 Blackcaps, 7 Whitethroats, 41 Blackbirds, 57 Robins, 51 Wrens, 31 Blue Tits, 23 Great tits, 42 Chaffinch, 14 Goldfinch and a Skylark singing over Upperfields Farm.

113 Species recorded compared with 103 in May 2007, 107 in 2006, 107 in 2005, 114 in 2004 and 110 in 2003.

APRIL 2008 BIRD NOTES

April Highlights: Some littles, Little Egret, Little Gull, Little Tern, some bigger, Avocets, Osprey,Great Northern Diver, and many spring migrants. The Great Northern Diver stayed another month and is gaining summer plumage. A Little Egret was on show from Paul Stanley Hide on 28th, last recorded here in April 2006. A Pink-footed Goose stayed with the local geese all month, a female Mandarin was in Tail Bay on 29th, a female Scaup at the Wildlife Centre from 13th to 30th, 2 drake Common Scoters from 3rd to 13th, 4 Red-breasted Mergansers on 20th and 21st and a Water Rail in Tail Bay on 2nd. Counts included 23 Little Grebe on 6th, 28 Great Crested Grebe on 6th, 14 Cormorants on 20th, 2 Shelduck on 4th and 13th 16th, 4 Wigeon on 17th, 4 Gadwall on 18th, 40 Mallard on 6th, 2 Shoveler on 3rd, 8th and 14th, 298 Tufted Duck on 6th, 11 Goldeneye on 2nd and 163 Coot on 6th. Three fresh broods of Mallard were noted on 17th and another brood on 21st .

An Osprey was viewed from the Wildlife Centre for 10 minutes on 9th, and both immature and adult Peregrines were noted on several dates. Waders included another record of 2 Avocets at the Wildlife Centre on 29th; see the photos on our website. Seven pairs of Oystercatcher have been busily establishing nest sites, Little Ringed

Plover arrived with 1on 8th and 2 on 19th, a Ringed Plover was seen on 4th and 19th, 1 Sanderling on 27th, 23 Dunlin on 27th, 7 Snipe on 7th, 1 Black-tailed Godwit on 16th, 1 Whimbrel on 17th and 4 on 25th, 15 Curlew at dusk on 15th, 14 Redshank on 20th, a Greenshank on 8th and 22nd, 1 Green Sandpiper from 17-22nd at the Wildlife Centre and 1 Common Sandpiper on 5th and 6 on 27th . Gulls included a Kittiwake on 7th and 6 Little Gulls on 5th, 3 on 23rd, an immature on 24th and an 27th adult on . Terns started with a total of 18 Arctic Terns on 20th and another 18 on 24th , 4 Common Terns on 27th and 2 Little Terns also on 27th .

The first Swifts arrived with 5 on 26th and 30 on 29th, a Tree Pipit flew over on 19th, a Yellow Wagtail arrived on 11th and 30 were on Stones Island on 17th, 3 White Wagtails on 7th, a female Stonechat on 17th, 3 Wheatear on 8th and over 100 Redwing were noted on 7th. Warblers arrived with a Grasshopper Warbler on 14th and 26th, 1 Sedge Warbler on 24th, and 1 Reed Warbler on 26th, 1 Lesser Whitethroat on 23rd and 4 on 25th, 1 Whitethroat on 24th and 4 on 29th, and 2 Garden Warbler on 25th and 6 on 29th. Counts of warbler species arriving last month include 8 Blackcap on 9th 29th 20th , 20 Chiffchaff on and 23 Willow Warbler on . Two pairs of Willow Tit were noted excavating nest holes, Treecreepers totalled 6 in Hall plus Middle Wood on 13th and 2 Brambling were on Stones Island on 6th .

118 Species were recorded compared with 103 in April 2007, 118 in 2006, 117 in 2005, 116 in 2004, 120 in 2003 and 107 in 2002.

MARCH 2008 BIRD NOTES

March Highlights: Whooper Swans, Egyptian Goose, Common Scoters and Osprey briefly. Long awaited Avocets stay a day, Long-eared Owl shows too well and Swallows and Martins arrive early.

The Great Northern Diver stays another month and is now showing some summer plumage markings on its back. Two Whooper Swans stayed all day on 17th. Last month’s Pink-footed Goose and the regular Cackling Goose remained with the local Geese all month and an Egyptian Goose joined the goose circus for a day on the 27th. Twelve Common Scoter, including 8 drakes, were seen from Sheepwash Hide on 26th . Counts this month total 54 Little Grebe on 10th, 33 Great Crested Grebe on 23rd, 31 Cormorant on 23rd, 4 Heron on 10th, 11 Mute Swan on 10th, 3 Greylag on 17th, 85 Canada on 10th, 40 Barnacle on 22nd, 3 Shelduck on 15th, 124 Wigeon on 15th, 2
Gadwall on 20th, 6 Teal on 10th, 89 Mallard on 10th, 1 Pintail on 14th, 7 Shoveler on 16th, 1 Pochard on 28th, 308 Tufted Duck on 10th, 20 Goldeneye on 23rd, 7 Goosander on 2nd, 32 Moorhen on 10th and 284 Coot on 10th. A Water Rail was reported in the stream in Tail Bay on 31st .

26th An Osprey was seen from Sheepwash Hide at 1330hrs on being mobbed by the local Oystercatchers and was reported again at 1215hrs over Sheepwash Car Park the following day. Ten Buzzards were in the air on 17th and 2 Peregrines noted on 10th . This month’s highlight must be the first formal record of Avocet for this site. Two were present on *15th , viewed from Sheepwash or Paul Stanley Hides, sometimes swimming over deep water or asleep on the spit. Either way, they delighted many birders. Six pairs of Oystercatcher were noted on 8th and another pair was probably on Millfields Island at that time. A Ringed Plover flew over calling on 10th and a Golden Plover was on Horseshoe Island on 15th. Lapwing totalled 82 on 10th and Redshank 7 on 10th and 16th. Thirteen Black-tailed Godwit flew west past Paul Stanley Hide on 8th and 5 Dunlin flew north past there on 19th . Curlew have been on passage and roosting all month, with a maximum count of 47 on Horseshoe Island at dusk on 24th . An adult Mediterranean Gull in full summer plumage came in to roost on 5th, and a partial summer plumage bird roosted on 6th . An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on Flat Island on 9th and at the Wildlife Centre on 12th. A Kittiwake was noted on 12th and later in the roost that evening. The next sighting of Kittiwake was a series of possibly the same bird on 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th and 28th. The number of Common Gulls roosting built up this month and 590 were counted on 28th .

Owls featured well this month with 2 Barn Owls out hunting on 27th, a pair of Little Owls mating on 28th and an over-obliging Long-eared Owl found among the swarms of visitors on Stones Island onEaster Monday 24th. This owl’s daytime roost was obvious and close to the path and it was flushed several times before departing to, hopefully, unharassed roosts on 27th. Sand Martin and Swallow arrived along with the Avocets on 15th. There was 1 Sand Martin and 2 Swallows, these Swallows being 10 days earlier than any other swallow record for Carsington. House Martins followed later, with 1 on 29th and 10 on 30th. Thirty Meadow Pipits were noted on 26th and 19 Pied Wagtails were on Stones Island on 27th, with an early White Wagtail on the same day. The first Wheatear was on Stones Island on 21st and 2 were on site on 23rd. A Redwing was singing on Stones Island on 20th and 47 Redwing were counted in Tail Bay on 26th . Blackcap on 14th and 19th were probably wintering birds as, probably, were single Chiffchaffs between 11-16th. Three Chiffchaff were singing on 17th and 21 were counted singing during a walk round the reservoir on 29th. A Brambling was seen on Stones Island on 30th and Reed Bunting have again been showing well on feeders, with 11 noted on 7th .

105 Species recorded this March compared with95 in 2007, 100 in 2006, 107 in 2005 and 98 in 2004.

FEBRUARY 2008 BIRD NOTES

February Highlights: Great Northern Diver, Whooper Swans, Pink-footed Goose, Curlew and Skylark.

The Great Northern Diver stayed all month, sometimes elusive over by Fishtail Creek. Ten 10th Whooper Swans flew over on . A Pink-footed Goose was seen with the resident Canada, Barnacle and Cackling Geese on 7th and it remained for the rest of the month. Two Shelduck were present on 5th and 1 on 14th. Two Pintail were at Lane End on 13th and 4 at Sheepwash on 19th . Counts for February included: 59 Little Grebe on 10th and 15th, 36 Great Crested Grebe on 10th, 32 Cormorant on 8th, 12 Mute Swans on 10th, 42 Barnacle Geese on 11th and 28th, 162 Wigeon on 18th, 4 Gadwall on 12th, 42 Teal on 10th, 99 Mallard on 10th, 2 Shoveler on 19th, 3 Pochard on 10th , 284 Tufted on 10th, 17 Goldeneye on 10th and 28th, 20 Goosander on 5th, 39 Moorhen on 10th and 470 Coot on 10th . It was noted that most of the wintering wildfowl had gone by the end of the month. There was little raptor activity this month. The regular Peregrine was seen mantling a coot or moorhen on 1st and Peregrines have not been seen since mid-month, suggesting they may well have gone to take command of their breeding site. Three Buzzards were noted towards Hopton on 3rd , a pair were displaying on 6th and 6 were in the air on 27th. Sparrowhawks have been much in evidence all around the site, darting through the leafless open woodland areas seeking prey.

Oystercatchers have been returning and claiming their breeding island. Although 7 birds on 15th was the maximum count, there could well be more, isolated on their islands, one familiar bird with a bar code type leg ring has returned and another pair looked as though they were mating at the Wildlife Centre on 27th. Lapwing numbers at the early morning roost near the Sailing Club totalled 340 on 22nd, and 2 Dunlin were on Stones Island on 5th. The first returning Curlew were on 19th , when at least 2 were heard in the day long mist of that period. By the end of the month 17 were noted at Sheepwash on 28th, with small numbers going to evening roost on Horseshoe Island. Redshanks have returned to their breeding grounds and 5 were counted on 8th, however, birds are scattered and site numbers may be greater than this. The gull roost was much reduced, with 2000 Black-headed Gulls and 130 Common Gulls on 13th , 330 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on 15th and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls on 3rd and 1 on 15th . Skylarks have been noted flying overhead, with a maximum of 5 over Stones Island on 27th. The 6th wintering Meadow Pipit flock in Tail Bay and dam wall area numbered 21 on . Wintering Redwing were always around, with 64 in Sheepwash car park on 4th and 70 near Oldfield Lane on 28th, but Fieldfare were difficult to come across, with just 2 recorded in Tail Bay on 20th, associating with 2 Mistle Thrush. Five Rooks flew over the Visitor Centre on 6th and 2 Raven were displaying on 6th and mating on 22nd. Siskin and Lesser Redpoll have been significantly absent this month, with just 3 Siskin in Shiningford Creek on 7th and 1 Redpoll at the Wildlife Centre on 3rd . Reed Buntings have been very prominent on feeding tables again this month, with 5 on Sheepwash and 2 on Lane End feeders on 4th .

Only 86 Species this month compared with 88 in Feb 2007, 89 in 2006, 90 in 2005 and 96 in 2004.

JANUARY 2008 BIRD NOTES

January Highlights: Great Northern Diver and Bewick’s Swan.

Last month’s adult Great Northern Diver stayed all this month, usually found off Stones Island. Two Bewick’s Swans were in front of the Wildlife Centre briefly on the 5th before flying around the site to mid-water. They left site late morning. Five Pink-footed Geese flew high south west over Tail Bay at 1100hrs on 11th and 60 were reported over the north side at 1050hrs on 20th. Site counts this month included 58 Little Grebe on 29th, 40 Great Crested Grebe on 29th, 34 Cormorant on 13th, 14 7th 13th 12th Mute Swans on , 13 Greylag Geese on , 40 feral Barnacle Geese on and 27th , 1 escapee Cackling Goose on 7th and on other dates with Barnacles, 2 Shelduck appeared on 21st and 27th, 229 Wigeon on 13th, 70 Gadwall on 13th, 162 Teal on 13th, 237 Mallard on 13th, 1 female Pintail on 2nd and other dates, 2 Shoveler on 19th, 113 Pochard on 13th, 495 Tufted Duck on 13th , 16 Goldeneye on 29th, 30 Goosander on 19th and 1880 Coot on 13th .

Peregrines have been active again this month, using the pylon seen from the Wildlife Centre as a perch, and 2 were noted from Paul Stanley Hide on 3rd. Oystercatchers are gradually returning to their breeding islands, with 1 on Millfields Island from 21st, 2 at the Wildlife Centre on 27th and a total of three seen on 29th. Lapwings have been roosting in front of the Sailing Club, numbering
350 on 19th. Seven Snipe were noted on 7th and 6 were flushed from Sheepwash Spit by a Heron on 8th. Five Redshank were at the Wildlife Centre on 27th and singles have been noted at various locations around the site all month. An adult Mediterranean Gull was in Millfields Bay at 1100hrs on 3rd and probably the same bird was in the roost on 12th. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was in the roost on 2nd and 19th. The gull roost visible from Lane End Hide on 31st included circa 3000 Black-headed, 200 Common, 1500

Lesser Black-backed, 150 Herring and 30 Great Black-backed Gulls. The Little Owl has been seen several times from the Wildlife Centre with 2 showing on 27th, and elsewhere, a pair of Tawny Owl was reported on 14th and 29th. A Kingfisher at Paul Stanley Hide was one of the only birds recorded on the very misty 1st day of the New Year. The Kingfisher has since been seen at various shoreline locations throughout the month. A Green Woodpecker on 6th was a welcome record of this scarce visitor. Two Skylarks flew over Millfields on 27th, calling as they went northwards. Other records included 80 Redwing in the Oldfield Lane area on 16th, 4 Goldcrests at the Wildlife Centre on 27th, 90 Jackdaw on Flat Island on 27th, a flock of 60 Siskin in 4th 2nd Shiningford Creek on and 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island on . Reed Bunting are occasionally using the feeding stations at the Wildlife Centre, Lane End and Sheepwash and 2 birds were noted on 6th and 21st .

Just 85 Species in what has turned out to be a relatively dull birding month. This 85 is compared with 89 in January 2007, 89 in 2006, 95 in 2005, 91 in 2004, 87 in 2003 and 75 in 2002.

Carsington Bird Club

2007 Bird Notes

DECEMBER 2007 BIRD NOTES

December Highlights: Great Northern Diver, Whooper Swan, Ring-billed Gull and Merlin.

Following last month’s brief appearance by a Great Northern Diver, another was found late on 3^rd and stayed for the rest of the month. When good views were finally obtained it was found to be a winter plumage adult, retaining some summer plumage pale markings on its back. Two Whooper Swans were noted on 15^th and approximately 50 Pink-footed Geese were flying low on 21^st at 1015hrs, rather undecidedly northeast in thick mist. Counts included; 104 little Grebe on 19^th, 63 Great Crested Grebe on 19^th, 30 Cormorant on 9^th, 4 Heron on 28^th, 13 Greylag Geese on 13^th, 1 escape Cackling Goose with 41 feral Barnacle Geese on 3^rd, 450 Wigeon on 9^th, 132 Teal on 9^th, 202 Mallard on 9^th, 1 drake Pintail on 13^th, 2 Shoveler on 13^th, 217 Pochard on 9^th, 783 Tufted Duck on 9^th, 16 Goldeneye on 10^th, 13 Goosander on 30^th, 53 Moorhen on 9^th and 1770 Coot on 9^th.

Peregrine Falcon has been seen again many times this month, usually sweeping along the water’s edge, and 2 were seen from the Wildlife Centre on 18^th. A female Merlin was noted in Shiningford Creek on 17^th.

Wader sightings included; a Ringed Plover from the Wildlife Centre on 3^rd, a Dunlin at Sheepwash on 10^th, a Woodcock in Middle Wood on 4^th, a Black-tailed Godwit at Sheepwash on 31^st and a Curlew chased by a Peregrine near the Wildlife Centre on 16^th. Counts of Lapwing reached 343 on 9^th, with 334 on 5^th and 318 on 21^st, and 14 Snipe were seen from Paul Stanley Hide, flushed up off Sheepwash Spit by the farmer rounding-up his sheep on 30^th.

The adult Ring-billed Gull was present on 1^st and was last seen flying west from Flat Island at 1315hrs on 6^th. An adult Mediterranean Gull has been reported on many dates coming to roost, and 2 were seen from Sheepwash on 3^rd. The roost also held 2 Yellow-legged Gulls on 9^th and a Caspian Gull on 1^st and 9^th.

Two Little Owls were visible from the Wildlife Centre on 10^th and a pair of Tawny Owls was seen on 9^th. Kingfisher has been recorded all around the site on many dates and 2 were noted on 9^th and 15^th. A single Skylark flew over Sheepwash calling on 13^th. A Meadow Pipit flock in Tail Bay numbered 19 on 10^th and 24 on 19^th. These 24 were joined by 3 Reed Bunting, feeding near the footpath on the open ground at the base of the dam slope. 37 Blackbirds were noted on 10^th, 1 Fieldfare on 9^th, 11 Redwing on 2^nd and 2 Mistle Thrush on 18^th. Tree Sparrows are regularly seen on the feeding stations at Lane End, Sheepwash Car Park, Paul Stanley Hide, Ranger Base and Wildlife Centre, where 22 were counted on 10^th. 26 Chaffinch plus 8 Goldfinch were also around the Wildlife Centre feeders on 3^rd. Many small flocks of Siskin have been reported from many locations, the largest being 50 at Sheepwash on 4^th plus 20 in Middle Wood on the same day.

90 species recorded compared with 99 in 2006, 88 in 2005, 95 in 2004, 97 in 2003 and 89 in 2002.

NOVEMBER 2007 BIRD NOTES

November Highlights: Ring-billed Gull returns and we get short visits from: Great Northern Diver, Leach’s Petrel, Whooper Swan, Common Scoter, Glaucous Gull and Kittiwake.

An adult winter plumage Great Northern Diver was at Sheepwash from 1315hrs to dusk on 10^th to the delight of many gull watchers arriving for the roost. A probable Leach’s Petrel was seen from Stones Island and Sheepwash by three observers during the morning of 9^th and was one of a number seen inland around this date. 15 Whooper Swans were on site on 9^th, 4 Shelduck on 13^th and a drake Common Scoter 19^th to 21^st.

Counts included: 107 Little Grebe on 23^rd [new site record], 53 Great Crested Grebe on 23^rd, 57 Cormorant on 9^th, 41 Barnacle Geese [feral] on 25^th, 515 Wigeon on 11^th, 25 Gadwall on 11^th, 177 Teal on 16^th, 234 Mallard on 11^th, 1 Pintail from 5^th, 4 Shoveler on 15^th, 1 Red-crested Pochard on 11^th and most of the month, 115 Pochard on 11^th, 338 Tufted Duck on 11^th, 12 Goldeneye on 25^th, 1 Goosander on 3^rd, 5^th and 28^th, 71 Moorhen on 11^th and 1731 Coot on 11^th.

Peregrines have been visiting regularly again this month, with 2 from Wildlife Centre on 24^th and 2 over Hall Wood on 6^th. They have also been seen taking/carrying prey including a Moorhen on 11^th, a Teal on 20^th and a Coot on 22^nd. They are using the pylons on the left looking out from the Wildlife Centre, as an observation perch and to devour their prey.

Waders included 2 Oystercatchers on 25^th, a Ringed Plover flying with Lapwings on 5^th, 5 Dunlin on 21^st, 8 Snipe at the Wildlife Centre on 4^th, 1 Curlew on 14^th, 4 Redshank on 6^th and a Phalarope Species on 10^th. This phalarope was seen distantly to the right of Sheepwash feeding on the waters edge and spinning on the water among the wildfowl before moving out of sight towards Lane End. Subsequent extensive searching failed to relocate the bird.

It is hardly surprising that Gulls attracted many birders this month, with an adult Mediterranean Gull from 9^th to 30^th and 2 on 29^th, an adult Ring-billed Gull 9^th to 13^th and from 17^th most evenings to 30^th, 5 Yellow-legged Gulls on 3^rd, 1 adult Caspian Gull on 3^rd, 12^th and 21^st, a first winter Glaucous Gull on 12^th and an adult Kittiwake on 8^th. The Ring-billed Gull is most likely to be the previous years’ returning bird and, let us hope, could return on 10^th Nov in years to come.

Other notable species included a Barn Owl late on 27^th near Hopton Pond, 2 Little Owls from the Wildlife Centre on 2^nd, a Kingfisher on 5^th and many other dates, a Skylark on 15^th, a male Blackcap on Stones Island on 27^th, 1 Brambling at the Wildlife Centre on 17^th and 19^th and a Crossbill flew over Millfields on 5^th. Counts included 44 Wood Pigeon on 5^th, 17 Meadow Pipits on the dam on 5^th, 200 Fieldfare at Millfields on 28^th, 60 Redwing at Sheepwash on 1^st, 20 Magpie on 7^th, 1000 Starlings over Stones Island at dusk on 14^th, 5 Tree Sparrows on Paul Stanley feeders on 4^th, 40 Siskin on 5^th and 15 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island on 14^th.

96 species recorded compared with 97 in November 2006, 97 in 2005, 95 in 2004 and 92 in 2003.

It should be noted that over the period 8^th to 10^th several site rare species were recorded, this reflected sightings at other inland waters and was promoted by the weather conditions.

OCTOBER 2007 BIRD NOTES

October Highlights: Hooded Crow andLaplandBunting, both new species for the site.

A Slavonian Grebe was seen from the Wildlife Centre on 28^th and 4 Whooper Swans moved around the site on 18^th until finally driven off by the local Mute Swans. 65 Pink-footed Geese flew over southeast on 9^th and another 60 flew east on 17^th. A female Scaup was at Sheepwash on 8^th and 2 were there on 9^th. 2 Common Scoter were near Stones Island on 3^rd, 1 on 20^th and 22^nd and 2 on 23^rd. The first Goldeneye of the winter appeared on 10^th and a Red-breasted Merganser on 3^rd was followed by 3 on 31^st. Maximum counts included: 83 Little Grebe on 26^th, 45 Great Crested Grebe on 7^th, 60 Cormorant on 9^th, 6 Herons on 7^th, 13 Greylag Geese on 21^st, 45 Barnacle Geese on 15^th, 972 Wigeon on 7^th, 45 Gadwall on 2^nd, 156 Teal on 7^th, 205 Mallard on 7^th, 5 Pintail on 4^th, 6 Shoveler on 25^th, 1 Red-crested Pochard on 11^th, 159 Pochard on 26^th, 706 Tufted Duck on 7^th, 5 Goldeneye on 25^th, 1 Goosander on 25^th, 122 Moorhen on 7^th and 1785 Coot on 7^th.

A Common Buzzard was found bathing on 2^nd and 5 were in the air on the same day. An Osprey gave good views to many when perched opposite the Wildlife Centre on 2^nd and there were further sightings of 1 bird on 21^st and 23^rd. A Merlin flew past the Wildlife Centre at dusk on 7^th and Peregrine was recorded on many dates, including one taking a duck off Horseshoe Island on 27^th.

Wader sightings included: 29 Golden Plovers flying through on 17^th, a Grey Plover flying northwest past the Wildlife Centre on 8^th, 185 Lapwing on 7^th, 2 Dunlin on 14^th and singles on other dates, a Jack Snipe was flying around Horseshoe Island on 7^th, 10 Snipe on 29^th, a Black-tailed Godwit flying northeast on 25^th, a Bar-tailed Godwit from Paul Stanley Hide on 13^th, a Curlew over Shiningford Creek on 19^th, 1 Redshank on 10^th and on many subsequent dates, a Common Sandpiper until 3^rd and a Turnstone landed in front of Sheepwash Hide on 17^th. Yellow-legged Gulls have been seen during the daytime from Paul Stanley and Sheepwash Hides, with 3 present on both 13^th and 26^th and 5 in roost on 13^th, and an adult Mediterranean Gull was on Sheepwash Spit late afternoon on 31^st.

Late dates for summer migrants were 3 Swallows on 4^th, 1 Wheatear on 12^th, 2 Blackcap on 9^th, 2 Chiffchaff on 1^st and 1 Willow Warbler on 6^th. Autumn/Winter movement included 3 Skylarks flying over on 14^th and 26^th, 30 Meadow Pipits on 11^th and 14^th, 1 Rock Pipit on the Dam Wall on 14^th, 2 Stonechats on 5^th, 1 Fieldfare on 11^th and 32 on 30^th, 100 Redwing on 25^th, 8 Mistle Thrushes on 15^th, 1 Brambling on 14^th and 2 on 26^th, 8 Siskin on 17^th and 7 Lesser Redpoll on 9^th. Also, a Green Woodpecker was seen in Middle Wood on 12^th and a flock of 300 Jackdaw was noted on 27^th from P.S. Hide. And, the highlights: a Hooded Crow was seen flying south over Stones Island at 1000hrs on 21^st and a Lapland Bunting flew west over the Dam Wall at 0905hrs on 11^th. Both these birds are species new to Carsington and both are subject to submission to Derbyshire Ornithological Society Rarities sub-Committee with full supporting notes for consideration.

So, what a month! 108 species recorded this October compared with 99 in 2006, 99 in 2005, 91 in 2004, 94 in 2003 and the previous October maximum of 103 in 2002.

SEPTEMBER 2007 BIRD NOTES

September Highlights: Pink-footed Geese, Common Scoter, Water Rail, Goshawk, Grey Plover, Little Stint, Curlew and Wood Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Little Gull, Little Tern and Redwing.

Pink-footed Geese were noted on their early autumn passage south to Norfolkthis year, with 42 over StonesIslandat 1900hrs on 25^th, 60 at 0845hrs on 27^th and 150 at 0950hrs, again on 27^th. The record at 1900hrs is unusual as southward records are usually 2hrs after first light, which is the flight time from the Lancashire feeding grounds of Marshside and Martin Mere. Their northward journey is usually at least 4hrs after first light Jan-Mar, reflecting the hundred miles from Norfolk. A male and 3 female Common Scoters were seen from Stones Island on 26^th. Common wintering wildfowl numbers are now increasing and maximum counts included: 41 Little Grebe on 5^th, 28 Great Crested Grebe on 13^th, 48 Cormorant on 7^th, 9 Heron on 4^th, 36 Mute Swans on 23^rd, 2 Greylag on 7^th, 28 Barnacle on 23^rd, 4 Shelduck on 12^th, 318 Wigeon on 23^rd and 306 in a single flock at Sheepwash on 30^th, 39 Gadwall on 23^rd, 95 Teal on 23^rd, 203 Mallard on 23^rd, 3 Pintail on 10^th and 23^rd, 3 Shoveler on 21^st, 5 Red-crested Pochard on 15^th, at least 100 Pochard on 24^th, 650 Tufted Duck on 23^rd, 1 Water Rail at Hopton End on 30^th, 61 Moorhen on 23^rd and 1611 Coot on 23^rd.

Raptor records this month can be summed up by the records from one observer, on 26^th in Paul Stanley Hide, enjoying one of those exceptional sessions, recording 1 Goshawk, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 5 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 2 Hobby, 1 Peregrine and 2 Raven.

Following August’s good mix of waders, this month has kept up the standard, even if their visits were again brief, including: 1 Ringed Plover on 4^th and 8^th, 1 Grey Plover flying past the Wildlife Centre on 27^th demonstrating its distinctive call, 1 juv Little Stint on Watersports shoreline on 19^th, a juv Curlew Sandpiper on Stones Island on 29^th, 3 Snipe on 27^th, 2 Curlew on 25^th, 3 Redshank on 8^th, a Greenshank at Sheepwash on 4^th, 1 Green Sandpiper from last month until the 23^rd, mainly around the Wildlife Centre Creeks and Paul Stanley Hide area, 1 Wood Sandpiper on 9^th and 1 Common Sandpiper up to 27^th.

The gull roost reached 7000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls by the 20^th and contained a first winter Mediterranean Gull on 24^th, an adult plus a juv/first winter Little Gull on 28^th and 14 Yellow-legged Gulls of various ages on 14^th. Re Tern passage southward included 1 juv Common Tern on 1^st, 2 adults on 11-12^th, 1 juv on 14^th and 1 adult on 28^th, 1 adult Arctic Tern on 7^th, 2 juv on 12^th and 1 juv 16-17^th and an elusive juvenile Little Tern from 1^st to 4^th.

A leucistic Collared Dove was among 14 on the Wildlife Centre Feeders on 12^th and an albino Starling was seen around the Visitor Centre on 23^rd. A Barn Owl was seen early morning or late evening from Sheepwash Hide on 3^rd, 4^th, 8^th and 13^th, and a Tawny Owl was being chased by a Jay and a Blackbird behind Sheepwash Hide at 1100hrs on 30^th. A flock of 18 Skylarks were noted flying south on 24^th, single Yellow Wagtails were seen on 5^th, 8^th, 16^th and 19^th, a Pair of Stonechat were in front of Paul Stanley Hide for most of 30^th, 2 Wheatear on 3^rd and 13^th and 2 early Redwings were recorded on 27^th, brought in nationally by the strong north winds over the past 24hrs. Other records include 50 House Martin on 25^th, 76 Pied Wagtails on 5^th, 20 Chiffchaff on 2^nd, 2 Spotted Flycatchers on 3^rd, 80 Jackdaws on 28^th, 70 Goldfinch on 2^nd, 3 Siskin on 27^th and 2 Linnet on 30^th.

107 Species recorded this September compared with 101 in 2006, 101 in 2005, 94 in 2004 and 104 in 2003.

AUGUST 2007 BIRD NOTES

August Highlights: Black-necked Grebe, Garganey, Osprey and a variety of Waders all visit briefly.

A juvenile Black-necked Grebe was in front of the Wildlife Centre on 28^th at 0930hrs but was not seen again until 1700hrs and has not been seen since. Similarly, a Garganey was there on 30^th but could not be found later that evening. Cormorant numbers increased through the month to 36 on 30^th, 38 Mute Swans on 1^st included broods of 2 and 7, 2 Shelduck were near Lane End on 23^rd, 111 Mallard on 16^th, 1 Shoveler on 19^th, a pair of Red-crested Pochard on 25^th, 248 Tufted Duck on 16^th, 1 Goosander on 29^th and 487 Coot on 16^th. Wintering ducks started returning at the end of the month with 20 Wigeon on 31^st, 23 Gadwall on 30^th, 41 Teal on 30^th, and 8 Pochard on 30^th. The number of broods counted this year included: 5 of Little Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 22 Mallard, 20 Tufted Duck, 9 Moorhen and 15 of Coot.

Three Osprey records this month. One Osprey was chased away from the Wildlife Centre area at 1630hrs on 2^nd by adult Black-headed Gulls, another was seen from Sheepwash at 1745hrs on 5^th and a further one was reported over Stones Island on 24^th. Other raptors included young Sparrow Hawks calling from 2 regular nest sites and a young Common Buzzard calling, and later flying, which is the second breeding record for this site [previously bred in 2004]. A probable family group of 3 Kestrels were over Middle Wood on 1^st, a Hobby was seen insecting from Paul Stanley Hide on 3^rd and single Peregrines were noted on 7^th and 20^th and then, on 30^th, an adult male took a juvenile Moorhen fromHorseshoeIsland up onto one of the pylons.

A good mix of wader species were recorded this month, mainly on HorseshoeIslandbut, sadly, most stayed less than a day. These included: 2 Oystercatchers on 17^th, 1 Ringed Plover on 21^st, 6 Golden Plover flying south on 14^th, Lapwing all month, with 107 counted on 15^th, 1 Little Stint on 21^st and another on 26^th, 1 Curlew Sandpiper on 26^th, 1 Dunlin on 21^st and 29^th-31^st, 3 Snipe on 29^th, 1 Black-tailed Godwit on 15^th, 5 Curlew flew over on 21^st, 1 Redshank on 3^rd, 26^th and 28^th, 1 Greenshank on 20^th and 23^rd, 1 Green Sandpiper on Sheepwash Spit on 30-31^st, Common Sandpiper all month with 2 on 15^th and 21^st and 2 Turnstones on 3^rd.

The gull roost started this month with 1200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on 17^th, an adult and a juvenile Common Gull on 17^th, a juvenile Herring Gull on 28^th and 7 Yellow-legged Gulls of various ages on 28^th. The only Terns recorded were Common Terns with an adult on 3^rd and single juveniles on 23^rd, 26^th and 28^th.

Two Stock Doves were feeding on Hopton Bypass grass verge on 1^st, 3 Little Owls were on view from the Wildlife Centre on 1^st and a single Swift noted on 22^nd. In a very rare event, all 3 woodpecker species were recorded this month: 1 Green Woodpecker on 3^rd near Hopton End, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Paul Stanley Hide on 11^th and Great Spotted there most days and 1 at the Wildlife Centre on 11^th. Sand Martin passage numbers have dwindled, with just 1 on 30^th. Swallows, 45 on 19^th, and House Martins, 50 plus on 12^th, are still on passage in good numbers. Other migrants included a Yellow Wagtail on 11^th, 2 Redstarts on 23^rd and on 26^th, a Wheatear on 12^th, 1 Sedge Warbler on 1^st, 1 Reed Warbler on 29^th, 1 Lesser Whitethroat on 3^rd, 4 Whitethroat on 7^th and 5 Spotted Flycatchers on 7^th and again on 17^th. A Kingfisher is now visiting many locations on site; Jays are regularly around Paul Stanley Hide with 2 near the feeders on 19^th, 150 Jackdaws were over Hall Wood on 7^th and 2 Raven on 19^th. A Goldfinch flock on Stones Island all month totalled 70 on 28^th, 40 Tree Sparrows were around the Wildlife Centre feeders on 5^th, 7 Linnets were noted on 28^th and an adult Linnet was feeding a juvenile on Sheepwash Spit on 30^th which is the only sign of breeding this year.

109 Species were recorded this August compared with 98 in 2006, 105 in 2005, 113 in 2004 and 110 in 2003.

July 2007 Highlights: Yellow-nosed Albatross!

Casual birdwatchers Cyril and Shirley Wood visit Carsington several times a week to enjoy the birds. Little did they realise the significance of a sighting they had from Millfields car park on 2^nd July between 1500-1510hrs. Evidently all the Coot moved to the side, and even Canada Geese moved away from what seemed to be a large Great Black-backed Gull type bird with a big black bill which landed on the water only 80 metres away from the observers [40metres out from the shoreline]. The bird had black wings/back, a white head, a large black bill and a dark eye. The bird twice did short flights on long narrow wings and landed, keeping close inshore and occasionally behind trees to the observers. The bird then flew on low past Millfields Island and was lost to sight northeast over the water. C&S then spent some time looking for the bird but no sign. Reference to their ID book did not help identify what they had seen and the incident would have been forgotten, except that they opened their newspaper the following morning to see a picture of exactly what they both agreed they had seen the previous day, especially the black bill shape. The photograph was of a Yellow-nosed Albatross taken into care and subsequently released on the Somerset coast two days earlier. They returned to Carsington to report their sighting to surprised recipients, who found it difficult to believe an Albatross would fly this far inland but, realising C&S had certainly seen something interesting, asked them for a description. A week later, photographs appeared of the YNA on a fishing pond in north Lincolnshire. It apparently arrived there about 7pm on 2^nd, within easy time from Carsington. Hence C&S’s sighting took on an increased significance, but it is a first forBritain and the description has a long way to run for acceptance.

Other sightings include: 7 Greylag Geese on 3^rd, a Ruddy Shelduck in flight over the Wildlife Centre on 5^th, 7 Shoveler on 8^th, a pair of Red-crested Pochard on 20-22^nd, 6 Pochard on 20^th, a Hobby over the dam wall on 2^nd, Peregrine on 2^nd, 6^th, 17^th, 23^rd and 30^th, 3 Little Ringed Plover on 6^th and a Dunlin on 15^th. There were 4 Black-tailed Godwit at the Wildlife Centre on 2^nd, 9 flew over there on 10^th and another 3 on 16^th. The first Greenshank of the year was at the Wildlife Centre on 16^th, 5 Common Sandpipers on Dam Wall on 10^th, 12 Collared Doves around the Wildlife Centre feeders on 30^th, a Kingfisher on 18^th and 30^th, a male Redstart on 6^th, 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton Arm reed bed on 12^th and 4 linnets on 14^th.

Late breeding records include: Little Grebe only 2 broods so far this year, Great Crested Grebe only 2 broods, Mallard total 21 broods, Tufted Duck total 9 broods, 8 of which appeared this month, Moorhen 7 and Coot 12 broods this year. By the 30^th, all the breeding and juvenile Redshank and Oystercatchers had left site. Sadly the pair of Common Terns lost their single chick early in the month, while there are now 3 pairs of Black-headed Gulls, each with 2 young, some of which took their first short flights on 24^th. Spotted Flycatchers were noted carrying food in Hall Wood on 19^th and feeding recently fledged young next to Sheepwash Hide on 30^th.

95 Species recorded this very wet July compared with 94 in 2006, 97 in 2005, 102 in 2004 and 95 in 2003.

JUNE 2007 BIRD NOTES

June Highlights: First breeding record for Black-headed Gulls but rain stopped play for some other species.

Maximum count of Little Grebe was 12 on 17^th and, so far, only one brood of 2 young near Paul Stanley Hide have been noted. Great Crested Grebe totalled 28 on 4^th and produced only one brood of 1 young so far. Both these species will have been adversely affected by the weather. On the 25^th there was torrential rain which, rapidly raised water levels several inches and, the wind whipped up waves, which, washed away two Great Crested Grebe nests at Millfields, and probably many others. A pair of Mute Swans showed 4 cygnets at Paul Stanley Hide on 7^th, these were reduced to 2 by 10^th but from the 17^th another pair with 7 cygnets were in front of the Wildlife Centre for the rest of the month. Other wildfowl breeding so far this year includes 5 broods of Barnacle Geese, 18 broods of Mallard, 5 of Moorhen, 6 of Coot and only 1 of Tufted Duck, which bred on Green Pond and sadly died crossing the road. Maximum counts total 786 Canada Geese, 86 Mallard, 28 Moorhen and 215 Coot, all on 17^th. Other duck species recorded include a Shelduck and a Ruddy Shelduck in flight together from the Wildlife Centre on 18^th, 4 Gadwall on 5^th, a drake Teal on 5^th and 3 Pochard on 19^th.

Wader breeding has been reasonably successful, with juveniles from at least 4 pairs of Oystercatchers flying around the site and at least 4 small broods of Lapwing and 3 of Redshank have been noted. The largest single counts include 16 Oystercatchers on 28^th, 3 Little Ringed Plover on 9^th, 2 Ringed Plover on 6^th, 16 Lapwing on 17^th, 1 Dunlin on 9^th, 1 Whimbrel on 1^st, 6 Curlew on 26^th, 10 Redshank on 18^th, 1 Common Sandpiper on 7^th and 22^nd and 1 Turnstone on 1^st.

The pair of first summer [just 1 year old] Black-headed Gulls proved they can breed by showing 2 chicks on 26^th, from the Wildlife Centre. Information states that first breeding takes place at year 2 but can occur at year 1 or 3. Also incubation is up to 27 days so, as these birds have been sitting since 18^th May, they were just sitting on pebbles for the initial 2 weeks. However, practice obviously paid off and their record represents the first breeding record of this species at Carsington, appropriately from a pair of first summer birds. There are now 2 other pairs of Black-headed Gulls probably breeding on the rafts. The pair of Common Terns also showed their first chick on their raft from the Wildlife Centre on the same day, 26^th.

Swift movements this month seemed to suggest they were still coming in early in the month, moving northeast, and leaving southwest by the end. There were 40 recorded on 5^th and 14^th and 100 House Martins on 14^th. Also on 14^th 23 House Martin nests were recorded around the main buildings. The Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen feeding young in a hole on 4^th and young were on Paul Stanley feeders on 13^th. An early Kingfisher was on Green Pond on 20^th, this species is not usually seen here until well after breeding. Five Spotted Flycatchers have been noted in Hall Wood andTailBay and 2 family parties of Willow Tit seen. The heavy rains and occasional cold days will have affected breeding success and family parties of Tits, Robins, Thrushes, Sparrows and Finches have been using feeding stations instead of the more nutritious insects, which were difficult to find at times.

93 Species recorded this June compared with 89 in 2006, 94 in 2005, 96 in 2004 and 84 in 2003.

MAY 2007 BIRD NOTES

May Highlights: Great Northern Diver finally departs. Garganey, Hobby, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black Tern and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker call in briefly and Hobby, Spotted Flycatcher and Reed Warbler arrive.

The Great Northern Diver was last recorded on 25th. This departure time coincided with the northward coastal movement of this species. No broods of Grebe or Swan have yet been recorded but there are 4 broods of Barnacle Geese aroundStonesIslandarea, 2 broods of Moorhen, 2 broods of Coot and 12 broods of Mallard around the site. Four Shelduck were off Sheepwash on 4th and a drake Garganey gave excellent views from The Wildlife Centre on 18th. Other wildfowl included a drake Shoveler on 31st, 6 male plus 1 female Pochard on 28th, 115 Tufted on 13th, an Aythya hybrid, probably PochardxTufted, at the Wildlife Centre from 13th, a Goldeneye on 5th and a Goosander on 31st.

The return of the migratory Hobby was well noted with 4 records of 1 bird on 7th, 15th, 16th and 31st and a Peregrine was noted from Sheepwash on 8th. Four pairs of Oystercatchers have young, including 1 pair at Wildlife Centre with 4 chicks, but the pair in front of Paul Stanley Hide had failed at egg stage by the 7th. A pair of Little Ringed Plovers keep trying to breed at the Wildlife Centre, and so far, only 1 Lapwing chick and no Redshank young have been reported. Other waders included 1 Ringed Plover at PS hide on 8th, another on Stones Island on 14th and 2 at the WLC on 29th, 22 Dunlin on Sailing Club Island on 19th, 2 Snipe at WLC on 1st, a Bar-tailed Godwit at the WLC on 1st, Whimbrel most days, with a maximum of 4 on 22nd, and 2 Turnstone on Flat Island on 10th and another on Watersports Island on 31st.

For most of the month there were 4 Black-headed Gulls at the Wildlife Centre, 2 Adults and 2 first summer birds. Apart from disturbing other breeding species, the first summer birds paired-up and were seen mating on 18th, they built a nest and were still sitting on it on 31st. The nest may be eggless and further information is needed on whether these young birds are capable of breeding. A Common Tern was looking at the Wildlife Centre tern rafts from the 1st and a mate arrived on 16th. Even with the hassle the Black-headed Gulls were giving them, by the end of the month they had settled with a nest on the new raft. Arctic Terns were present or passing through in small numbers most of the month, with a maximum of 11 on 3rd. Two Black Terns were present with 2 Commons and 1Arcticon 2nd.

Five Hundred Swift were counted on passage over a 6 hour period on 4th and 300 Swallows were feeding over the water during rain on 28th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was reported at Paul Stanley Hide on 26th, 2 Yellow Wagtails were on the Dam Wall on 3rd, a White Wagtail at Watersports on 9th, single Redstarts singing in Wildlife Centre Creek on 7th, in the field above Sheepwash car park on 20th and in Tail Bay on 22nd and a Wheatear was on Sheepwash Spit on 15th. A Reed Warbler has been singing in Hopton Arm new reedbed since 24th, 8 Garden Warblers were noted on 15th, 12 Blackcap on 24th, and the first Spotted Flycatcher was seen near the brick tower on 15th and 2 were on breeding territory in Hall Wood by 24th. The local pair of Raven successfully reared 3 young and have now left site.

104 Species recorded this May compared with 107 in 2006, 107 in 2005, 114 in 2004 and 110 in 2003.

APRIL 2007 BIRD NOTES

April Highlights: Great Northern Diver, Common Scoter, Godwits, Whimbrel, Turnstone,SandwichTern and other spring migrants.

One Great Northern Diver was present all month, proving very mobile and even seen in flight. Several Shelduck have visited with 1 on 5-6^th from Paul Stanley Hide, 2 from Sheepwash on 10^th and 1 there on 12^th and 28^th. Generally the winter wildfowl have gone north so a flock of 52 Teal on 5^th from Paul Stanley hide was probably on passage. A drake Common Scoter was found on 15^th and stayed a surprising 3 days. No unexpected raptor records this month. A Peregrine was sighted on 3^rd, 6^th and 16^th. The first Red-legged Partridge for 2 years occurred on 18^th with 2 in the field between Sheepwash and Paul Stanley Hides. The first Moorhen brood was noted on 27^th with 2 adults feeding 4 young just left from the Wildlife Centre.

On to waders and 7 pairs of Oystercatchers established their breeding territories simply by one pair per island. The pair with a multi leg-ringed male finally settled in front of Paul Stanley Hide. The first Little Ringed Plover appeared on 7^th and 5 were counted on 8^th. One pair was clearly nesting on 27^th, sadly they had lost the nest by the 29^th, but they will try again. Six Black-tailed Godwits put on a show at the Aren’t Birds Brilliant day on 17^th and a Bar-tailed Godwit was around the Wildlife Centre and Stones Island on 28-29^th [see photos on our website]. Whimbrel passage has been in small numbers only with 1 on 15^th, 1 on 20^th and 2 on 26-27^th. Redshank numbers have been difficult to determine as they establish breeding pairs and locations, the highest count was 9 on 8^th. Single Common Sandpipers have been noted most of the month and there were 2 at Paul Stanley Hide on 11^th and 4 on the dam wall on 22^nd. The small stone mound, built by the Ranger Service on the side of Sailing Club Island as a high water level wader attraction and refuge, showed its worth when it seemingly came alive on 19^th, there were 5 Turnstones crawling on it.

Immature gulls seem to be staying on site longer, which is bad news for our breeding birds, as they scavenge anything that may be edible. The gull roost, at Sheepwash end only, on 30^th consisted of mainly immature birds with 300 Great Black-backed Gulls and well over 1000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls plus another raft of gulls distant towards Millfields. Tern passage, so far, has included 1 Arctic Tern on 18^th and 30^th, 1 Common Tern on 23^rd and 30^th and a good spring record of 2 Sandwich Terns on 23-24^th.

The first Swift record was 1 on 21^st, then 5 on 22^nd and 33 on 25^th. Sand Martin and Swallow have been passing through since last month but House Martin was late with the first record on the Club Walk on 17^th of 1, another 1 on 18^th and 20 on 23^rd. The colourful spectacle of wagtails on Stones Island on an April evening failed this year with the first Yellow Wagtail on 13^th, rising to a maximum of 2 on 16^th. The first White Wagtail was on the dam wall on 14^th, followed by singles on 28^th and 29^th and none on Stones Island. A Redstart was singing in the Wildlife Centre Creek on 15^th, the only Wheatear record was 1 on the dam wall on 21^st and the last Redwing sighting was 3 on 3^rd near Lane End.

With Chiffchaff in last month, the arrival of other warblers was out of usual sequence in some cases. Arrivals included 1 singing Blackcap on 3^rd and 16 on 25^th, 1 late singing Willow Warbler on 9^th and 27 on 25^th, an early Lesser Whitethroat singing on 15^th and 3 on 25^th, a Sedge Warbler on 22^nd and 2 on 25^th, a Garden Warbler on 23^rd and 4 on 25^th and finally 2 Whitethroats singing on 24^th.

Only 104 Species recorded this April compared with 118 in 2006, 117 in 2005, 116 in 2004 and 107 in 2003.

MARCH 2007 BIRD NOTES

March Highlights: Great Northern Divers, Bewick’s and Whooper Swans, Merlin and Peregrine, Godwits, Glaucous Gull, Sand Martin and Swallow.

The 2 long staying Great Northern Divers were still both present on 29th and presumed present all month. Bewick’s Swan are now a rare event at Carsington, so 24 on the water nearStonesIslandon 9th attracted some attention before they were disturbed by boat activity at 1020hrs. The whole flock lifted, then circled for half an hour gaining height before flying on southwards. It was way back in December 2003 when Bewick’s were last recorded here. Thankfully Whoopers are a more regular sight, with a flock of 33 first over Sheepwash, then over the Ranger Base on 24th, and another flock of 12 over the Visitor Centre on 25th. Wildfowl counts showed that many ducks have left site to journey to their breeding grounds. Maximum numbers this month were: Wigeon 106 on 8th, Gadwall 3 on 18th, Teal 7 on 24th, Mallard 62 on 18th, Shoveler 3 on 3rd, Tufted 236 on 18th, Goldeneye 12 on 18th, Goosander 2 on 5th, Moorhen 39 on 18th and Coot 215 on 18th.

Raptors have shown relatively well this month, with 2 Sparrowhawks from Sheepwash on 8th, 6 Common Buzzards over Hall Wood on 13th, a female Merlin near Hall Wood on 20th, an immature Peregrine on 5th and 30th and a Peregrine from the Wildlife Centre on 19th.

Oystercatchers have claimed breeding territory, which is usually a whole island per pair at Carsington where the islands are small. They were seen mating from 11th, and 10 individuals were noted on 18th and on 26th. During operational work on 26th, over 20 Snipe were flushed up from Sheepwash Spit. This probably helped the following day count of 22 total between the Wildlife Centre and Paul Stanley hide. Other wader records included 1 Dunlin at Sheepwash on 7th, 1 Woodcock in Warrington Knob on 13th, 1 Black-tailed Godwit at the Wildlife Centre on 10th, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit at Paul Stanley Hide on 19th, 51Curlew at dusk at the Wildlife Centre on 1st with 34 still there on 27th, 9 Redshank on 26th and a Common Sandpiper on 25th, presumed to be a wintering bird.

A first winter Glaucous Gull on 5th was the only notable gull this month. On 16th March there were 2 records of 2 Sand Martins, which is consistent with other sites. There were no further records of Sand Martin until the 29th when 2 were noted. This gap was obviously due to adverse weather halting the migration progress. Swallows also started passage, with the first record being 10 on 29th. A presumed wintering male Blackcap was near the main car park on 31st and presumed spring migrant Chiffchaff were in evidence, with 8 singing on 14th and 11 singing on 26th. The Starling roost at Kirk Ireton quite rightly drew in many observers, with up to 50,000 birds, and with balls of birds being targeted by sparrowhawk and peregrine, it was well worth experiencing. By the end of the month it had all finished. On the 2nd, 30,000 starlings, in various sized flocks, were counted flying over Carsington Water towards the roost. The bird feeders around the site have been attracting the colourful Bullfinch, with 6 on Sheepwash feeders on 10th. Also a female Yellowhammer, which is now a rare sight at Carsington, was on these feeders on 28th, together with male and female Reed Bunting and other finches.

93 species were recorded this March compared with 100 in 2006, 107 in 2005, 98 in 2004 101 in 2003 and 96 in 2002. The low species number is due to some migrants which usually arrive in late March delaying to April and very few gull species were seen this month.

FEBRUARY 2007 BIRD NOTES

February Highlights: 2 or 3 Great Northern Divers, Black-necked Grebe, Curlew passage, Mediterranean and Glaucous Gulls, Stonechat, Blackcap and Chiffchaffs.

Two Great Northern Divers were regularly recorded throughout the month and three were noted near the draw-off tower on 27th. Last month’s Black-necked Grebe stayed around the Paul Stanley Hide area until 20th. Little Grebes numbered 77 and Great Crested Grebes 50, both on 18th. Wildfowl counts included 13 Greylag on 5th, 48 Barnacle Geese on 19th, 4 Shelduck on 2nd, 124 Wigeon on 11th, 11 Pintail on 13th, 4 Shoveler on 16th, 327 Tufted Duck on 18th, 4 Goosander on 3rd and 486 Coot on 18th.

Curlew numbers showed intensity of passage when heading towards their up-country breeding grounds with just 1 on 19th, 25 on 24th, 30 on 25th, 48 on 26th and topping out at 57 on 28th. Other waders included 7 Oystercatchers on 22nd, 227 Lapwing on 18th, 1 Dunlin on 24th, 9 Snipe on 6th and 2 Redshank on 18th.

The gull roost held an adult Mediterranean Gull on 4th and 19th to 26th and a first winter Glaucous Gull on 11th.

A Barn Owl flew into the Wildlife Centre window on 26th at dusk and, thankfully, flew off unharmed. Two Little Owls were noted from the Wildlife Centre on 5th and 2 Tawny Owls were seen elsewhere on 24th. A Kingfisher was at Sheepwash on 5th and at many other locations on other dates. Four Skylarks flew over the dam wall calling on 11th, a male Stonechat was inTailBayon 24th, 150 Redwing were noted on 24th but there were no records of Fieldfare this month.

Confusion over whether Chiffchaffs are wintering or migrating seems to have increased along with the number of winter records during recent years. With records of 1 onStonesIslandon 4th, which must be wintering, to 1 in Wildlife Centre Creek on 22nd and 4 betweenStonesIslandand Lane End on 23rd, which maybe? The position with Blackcaps can also be complicated, with 1 appearing near the Wildlife Centre on 22nd, although this bird would definitely be wintering as it may be 5 or 6 weeks before these migrants start returning intoBritain. Maybe the answer lies in whether they are calling and/or singing or not? and maybe we should always record these facts with these early bird records.

Other sightings included 4 Willow Tit on 23rd, 1 Marsh Tit on 25th, 4 Jays on 15th, 3 Raven on 25th, 20 Lesser Redpoll on 20th, 20 Bullfinch on feeders on 2nd, 4 Reed Bunting on feeders on 2nd and, on 22nd, 4 male Reed Buntings were singing. Feral/escapee birds included 3 Cackling Geese on 24th and other dates, 1 Black Swan at Hopton End on 14th and 18th and 2 Muscovy Ducks near Lane End on 26th.

87 species were recorded during this uninspiring February, compared with 89 in 2006, 90 in 2005, 96 in 2004, 92 in 2003 and 78 in 2002.

JANUARY 2007 BIRD NOTES

January Highlights: Wildfowl numbers drop from December’s high, 2 Great Northern Divers and Black-necked Grebe stay on, Peregrine puts on several good shows, Mediterranean Gull, Kittiwake, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Blackcap all put in a short show, and then there’s a Starling swarm.

Two Great Northern Divers were seen most days of the month and the Black-necked Grebe stayed all month, usually in front of Paul Stanley Hide but occasionally hiding in Hopton Arm. The formal monthly wildfowl count showed numbers had dropped from December’s high, this also occurred last winter. Bird counts included 82 Little Grebe on 17^th, 55 Great Crested Grebe on 21^st, 15 Mute Swans on 21^st, 7 Greylag on 31^st, 38 Barnacle on 3^rd and 7^th, and, 192 Wigeon, 36 Gadwall, 93 Teal, 88 Mallard, 145 Pochard, 242 Tufted, 16 Goldeneye, 37 Moorhen and 1174 Coot, all on 21^st. Pink-footed Geese were noted, with 400 high southwest on 15^th at 1045hrs, and 120 northwest on 22^nd. Two Shelduck on 6^th were followed by a single on many dates between 15^th and 25^th, 7 Pintail on 4^th, 6 Shoveler on 27^th and 7 Goosander on Millfields Island on 27^th.

A Peregrine Falcon was recorded on 5 days, including taking a Moorhen and dropping it in front of an audience in the Wildlife Centre on 4^th, carrying a Blackbird over Shiningford Creek on 8^th, and giving an excellent flying display attacking Lapwings on Sheepwash Spit on 31^st.

Some Oystercatchers have already returned, with 3 noted on 21^st, 2 of them displaying on Big Island. 317 Lapwing were roosting in front of the Sailing Club early on 12^th, 18 Snipe were over Sheepwash Spit on 8^th, a Woodcock was flushed in Tail Bay on 22^nd and 5 Redshank, in singles at various locations, were counted on 21^st and again on 25^th.

The gull roost maxima were 5000 Black-headed Gulls on 15^th and 250 Common Gulls plus 2000 Lesser Black-backed and 150 Herring Gulls on 21^st. A Kittiwake was present during the morning of 21^st and an adult Mediterranean Gull was on Sheepwash Spit from 1430hrs on 27^th and again on 29^th before joining the roost.

Three observers watched a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the wood behind Sheepwash Hide on 17^th, 20 Fieldfare were noted on 13^th, 200 Redwing were in Shiningford Creek area on 10^th and 13^th, a male Blackcap was reported between Sheepwash and the Visitor Centre on 26^th, 4 Raven were over Hall Wood on 13^th and 27^th, 4 Willow Tit near Sheepwash on 29^th, 4 Treecreepers at Sheepwash on 15^th, 10 Siskin at Paul Stanley Hide on 1^st and 2^nd, 19 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island on 8^th, and Reed Buntings were widely reported, with 2 on Paul Stanley feeders on 4^th, 2 on Stones Island on 8^th and 3 on Sheepwash car park feeders on 19^th.

Starlings have been swarming across the water at dawn and dusk, with early morning estimates of 5,000 on 1^st and 10,000 on 19^th. They are known to be roosting around Moor Lane and Gorsey Bank at Kirk Ireton. Various estimates have been made of numbers roosting. On 2^nd February, flocks were counted in at dusk distantly from Sheepwash Hide, followed by a Sparrow Hawk attacking the distant swarm in the sky, estimated at 30,000 birds. If you visit the roost site, please park very carefully as the lanes are very narrow. Please respect residents’ privacy and any reasonably determined estimates of bird numbers would be appreciated.

89 Species recorded compared with 90 in January 2006, 95 in 2005, 91 in 2004, 87 in 2003 and 75 in 2002.