Carsington Bird Club CBC Newsletters

No. 1 – February 2013

FOR THOSE WHO'VE NOT REMEMBERED, IT'S TIME TO PAY YOUR 2013 CBC SUBS!

CHAIRMAN'S THOUGHTS 
I have recently written a yearly report for our AGM and I am now in the midst of writing reports for the club's Annual Report along with all the other contributors. Amazingly, the total number of contributors numbered over 160 for the last report. That may surprise those of you who think the report is the result of the efforts of a small handful of people – but actually page 68 of the last report explains all: on there you'll find the names of all the people that contributed to the year's records. Without these, there would be no core substance to our admirable annual production, which now sits proudly, among other places, in the library of the British Trust for Ornithology. On behalf of the committee I thank all contributors for their efforts.
But I also believe we can do even more recording – and I definitely include myself in that. As outgoing treasurer (we now have John Follett voted into that post following last month's AGM), I looked at receipts received this year from Roger Carrington and realised how cheap but how invaluable the diaries for each hide are. One can only wonder at what goes unrecorded each year which could be simply written down in a few moments. Don't think recording is just about rarities; we need records of the commoner birds together with other wildlife occurrences. While we do have a wonderful website – run so brilliantly by Richard Pittam – where recording is so straightforward, I realise that not everybody has ready access to log sightings this way or likes to use this technology. That's where the the diaries become even more useful and important. 
So any time you visit the reservoir, no matter how long for or how much you see (or are disappointed not seeing!) you could still leave a note of the birds you have seen. It will be much appreciated and all the more satisfying if younger people are involved. Most importantly please leave your name as well and then we could add your initials beside the records in the next annual report … which reminds me – I must get back to that task right away!
Peter Gibbon
 
 
NEXT CLUB TRIP (19 MAY): NIGHTINGALES,TURTLE DOVES AND HOBBYS TOP THE BILL AT PAXTON PITS
This is a new location for a Carsington Bird Club trip, but with the prospect of seeing (or hearing) Nightingales, Turtle Doves and a cast list of several possible raptors, it promises to be a fascinating place to try out.  
Paxton Pits is a Local Nature Reserve managed by volunteers under a volunteer wardening scheme. It is near the A1 just north of St Neots, and runs alongside the River Great Ouse between the villages of Little Paxton and Great Paxton in Cambridgeshire. It boasts a number of habitats within a couple of former quarry sites. Established as an SSSI in 1986, it formally became a nature reserve in 1989 and has matured and expanded since then.
We're proposing to take a CBC group there on Sunday, 19 May, and details of how to register interest are given below … but first of all let's look at Paxton Pits' highlights from the past couple of years in May. Raptors have included several Ospreys, Red Kite, Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Common Buzzard, Short-eared Owl and, in 2011, a Red-footed Falcon. Grasshopper Warblers are among a strong cast of summer-visiting songsters, but arguably the stars of the show are the Nightingales that turn up faithfully each spring. Add some late migrants moving north, together with other relative UK rarities like Turtle Dove, and we could be looking forward confidently to a feast of birding.
If you want to come along, then contact our trips organiser Peter Oldfield – either by telephone on 01629 540510 or e-mail at peter.oldfield2011@gmail.com – to register your interest. We will then see how many want to go and what sort of transport needs to be arranged. Peter can let you know what the cost will be but expect it to be between £10 and £15.
 
COMMON GULLS LIVE UP TO THEIR NAME TO SET SITE RECORD
Snow and ice during December kept the species count down but did add one (Jack Snipe) to the list of birds seen at Carsington in 2012, raising the grand total to 158 which was a little below average for a year that had begun with water levels in the reservoir very low before recovering steadily to reach 93 per cent at the end of the year.
January's 89 species compared favourably to all but three years over the past decade, and included some site scarce species including Red Kite, Brent Goose, Little Gull, Great Northern Diver (though not as surprising as it would have been several years ago), and both Bewick's and Whooper Swans.
Up to four 'GNDs', comprising adults and juveniles, were with us throughout the period since the last newsletter, but we lost the Slavonian Grebe which stayed around for a month, leaving in December. Still with grebes, at either end of the population spectrum, Great-Cresteds are thriving with a maximum count of 51 earlier this month, while the Little Grebe total is invariably one – courtesy of our cannibal Yellow-legged Gull.
WeBS counts have brought variety, but individual species totals are generally down. Up to 784 Coots (in December) sounds good but we've had over 2,000 on past occasions at this time of year. Pochard were up around 228, which was excellent, but were back in double-figures at the last count; 251 Tufted Ducks were logged in January, the highest number of Wigeon was only 73, while Goldeneye numbers have been relatively good, with 28 recorded on a single day in December.
A site record 1,010 Common Gulls were in the roost on 3 January, and 1,600 Black-headeds were counted in February, with an adult Mediterranean Gull in amongst them. An adult Caspian Gull and four Great Black-backs turned up on 30 December, while up to two Yellow-legs have been around regularly.
Other water birds included up to 300 Lapwing on 4 January, and by earlier this month seven Oystercatchers had returned. Among the waders visiting Carsington, Golden Plover, Redshank and Curlew figured, while more unusually Sanderling, Woodcock and that single Jack Snipe were reported.
Raptors have been thin on the ground – a Red Kite, six Buzzard, two Sparrowhawk and a Peregrine being the best records – but owls have been showing up more regularly. Tawny Owls were logged at several locations, a Barn Owl was seen hunting at Sheepwash on 17 and 20 January, and a Little Owl was heard calling a few days earlier in Fishtail Creek. Corvids have also been plentiful, with maximum counts of up to 150 Jackdaws, 40 Carrion Crows and five Ravens.
Small groups of Skylarks moving through earlier this month brought a sense of spring around the corner (though not sure if the weather agrees!). Two circular walks in January highlighted three notable absentees – Goldcrest, Linnet and Grey Wagtail (though one was seen in February). By contrast, impressive species maximums logged during a single circuit included 74 Blackbirds, 67 Robins, 47 Tree Sparrows, 39 Great Tits and 31 Blue Tits, along with 10 Willow Tits. On separate occasions, up to 60 Siskin, 18 Lesser Redpoll and 14 Brambling were on display.
 
WATCH OUT FOR THESE EARLY ARRIVALS
As we move into early March, our summer migrants will very soon begin to appear – so here is a handy guide to the earliest arrival (and latest departure) dates logged for these visitors over the two decades of records at Carsington Water:
Garganey – 2 March (22 Nov) Common Sandpiper – 3 March (27 Oct) Chiffchaff – 11 March (over-winter?)
Wheatear – 11 March (24 Oct) Sand Martin – 11 March (20 Sept) Little Ringed Plover – 17 March (28 Sept)
Blackcap – 22 March (over-winter?) Swallow – 23 March (19 Oct) Willow Warbler – 23 March (3 Oct)
Osprey – 26 March (2 Oct) House Martin – 28 March (17 Oct) Redstart – 28 March (2 Oct)
Tree Pipit – 30 March (12 Sept) Yellow Wagtail – 1 April (4 Oct) Common Tern – 1 April (1 Oct)
Swift – 8 April (24 Sept) Garden Warbler – 11 April (25 Sept) Whitethroat – 13 April (29 Sept)
Arctic Tern – 14 April (7 Oct) Sedge Warbler – 15 April (25 Sept) Black Tern – 17 April (8 Oct)
Whinchat – 17 April (28 Sept) Lsr Whitethroat – 17 April (8 Oct) Wood Warbler – 18 April (12 June) 
Hobby – 19 April (5 Oct) Grasshopper Warbler – 20 April (18 Aug) Pied Flycatcher – 20 April (24 July)
Cuckoo – 20 April (18 Aug) Reed Warbler – 24 April (18 Aug) Spotted Flycatcher – 5 May (30 Sept) 
 
BIRD OF THE ISSUE: JACK SNIPE
Like its larger cousins, the Jack Snipe is remarkably well camouflaged and difficult to see in its natural environment – reedbeds and wet grassland. It is a winter visitor to the UK, when as many as 100,000 migrate from their breeding grounds in northern Europe and Asia. Only a small proportion are seen regularly as in winter they tend to be very silent and stealthy, keeping a very low profile as they probe mud for their favoured diet of worms, snails and other insects. Their characteristic bobbing and tail-flicking does, however, sometimes give them away.
Jack Snipe is distinguished from its larger 'Common' namesake by its size. It is about 30-40 per cent smaller, and has a shorter bill. Identification can still prove difficult without birds standing side by side, so another difference lies in the head markings: the Common Snipe had a central stripe, where the Jack Snipe has two pale buff stripes either side of the head, separated from the supercilium by a small dark area.
During the breeding season they come out of their shell, and the male undertakes a rather impressive aerial courtship display that like the Common Snipe could be described as 'drumming' (the noise generated by its outer tail feathers), though the Jack Snipe's sound has been likened to galloping horses!
 
THANKS: £923 RAISED FOR BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION
The club's webmaster Richard Pittam, who tragically lost his wife Frances late last year, is grateful to all those people – including CBC members – who donated funds for the British Heart Foundation. The contributions to this worthy charity, collected at Frances' funeral, totalled £923.
 
LONG-TERM PLAN LOOKS TO CREATE HEALTHY WOODLANDS AT CARSINGTON
The main topic of conversation with visitors recently has continued to revolve around the water levels which have risen slowly and consistently over the past twelve months and replenished the site after a very dry 2011. We have used this as an opportunity to engage with our visitors about water usage and the importance of saving water. It’s something to which we dedicate a lot of time and energy and we are well placed to do this – a half empty reservoir makes a useful teaching aid!
Some of you may also have noticed the work taking place to continue improving the site for wildlife. This is often behind the scenes but is no less important to us and our visitors. One example is an ongoing woodland management scheme which has taken various forms at locations across the site, most notably among the dense blocks of young trees that were planted around the time the site opened and among the mature trees at the northern end of Hall Wood.
It may seem drastic with several chainsaws whirring away, felling mature and seemingly healthy trees, but it's all part of a 50-year management plan designed to maintain our mature woodland, improve degraded or non-native woodland and transform the many acres of young trees into established woodlands.
Those familiar with the site may remember that when Severn Trent Water purchased Hall Wood in 1995, it contained a high proportion of Larch and Scots Pine and a thick blanket of rhododendron smothering the woodland floor that provided good cover for game but was of limited value for wildlife. Over time many pine trees were felled and the rhododendron battle has almost been won – encouraging bluebells and a developing shrub layer to flourish. This ongoing process, now focused on Hall Wood's northern sectors, has seen much felling and, in the coming weeks we will be helping speed up the recovery process by planting a mixture of native tree and shrub species. 
Elsewhere we have been thinning the overcrowded blocks of 20-year-old plantation, the current density of which stifles the growth of all the trees, preventing light from reaching the woodland floor for much of the year. Thinning will promote growth of the remaining trees and encourage more plant life beneath the trees. Some trees have also been coppiced to encourage thicker growth and more variation in the canopy. All cuttings are heaped or left in situ to improve the habitat for invertebrates, small mammals and nesting birds. 
This work cannot all be completed in one winter, of course, and is undertaken in blocks, so regrowth will occur in stages, ensuring a range of woodland habitats across the site. Where work was done in previous years, there are already signs of new plant growth and the numbers of Willow Tits, warblers and Woodcocks prove our woodlands are in pretty good shape.
All of this work couldn’t be completed by STW alone; we receive lots of help from external volunteer groups, the Derbyshire Community Payback Scheme, the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and, of course, our unstoppable team of Volunteer Rangers.
If you’re out and about on site please have a look at what we’re doing. Hopefully we can enjoy watching our woodlands improve and develop together in the coming years, providing a suitable habitat for woodland species struggling elsewhere.
John Matkin, STW Ranger
 
CONSERVATIONIST EDDIE GIVES US FOOD FOR THOUGHT
One of the most thought-provoking club talks of recent times came from local artist, sculptor and passionate conservationist Eddie Hallam, who has spent a lifetime watching and studying wildlife.  
These days Eddie earns his living by sculpting accurate, detailed wildlife subjects, cast in bronze, but his colourful past, after graduating with a biology degree half a century ago, also includes spells as a zoo and wildlife park curator. During these times he led conservation programmes, notably one at Riber Castle for the rare Spanish Lynx, and today he still manages a local nature reserve – but always for the animals, never people (few of whom even know where the reserve is). 
And that was the theme of his talk in February: has conservation become big business? Many organisations involved with wildlife, he argues, are making conservation an industry – something that's more about signing people up as members, meeting their needs and keeping them happy rather than actually addressing the challenges that birds, animals and other wildlife face. Though that sounds downbeat, Eddie's matter-of-fact about his subject and very entertaining with it (even without using any slides or pictures), peppering his talks with a wealth of humorous anecdotes.
The previous month, after the briskly-concluded business of the club's AGM, long-time CBC members Paul and Steph Hicking delivered a wonderful, often detailed review of their highlights after many years of visiting the Scilly Isles.  
They are not alone in visiting this fascinating tiny group of islands during bird migration; for many it's an annual pilgrimage. But if they wanted people to stay away and keep some breathing space for themselves, they did a poor job, because their vividly-recounted experiences only served to fuel others' (including your editor's) ambitions to get along to this unique birding spot themselves one year!
Earlier, we had held our Christmas party in the Henmore Room of the Visitor Centre for the first time, which felt rather different. Alongside the food and drink, the entertainment came from Glyn Sellors who gave us an eclectic view of 'Birding around the UK' courtesy of some splendid photographs.
 
WHAT'S ON?
The CBC's final indoor meeting of the 2012-13 season – which as usual will take place in the Henmore Room at the Visitor Centre – is on 19 March and will feature a talk on the challenges of countryside management in the Dark Peak by Simon Wright, Countryside Manager of the National Trust for North Derbyshire.
 
Severn Trent's programme of events for the next few months is as follows (remembering that some activities need booking, so it's always worth checking with the Visitor Centre on 01629 540696):
 
First Sunday Birdwatching for beginners (enjoy a gentle two-hour walk led by Visitor Centre 10am-noon
of each month experienced STW volunteer ranger David Bennett)
Tuesdays/Sundays Spotting wildlife (STW volunteers man the wildlife centre) Wildlife Centre 10.30-3.30pm
Last Saturday Sheepwash Spinners (learn about traditional wool spinning, with Visitor Centre 11am-3pm
of each month demonstrations, from fleece to gifts to garments)
10 March Mother's Day drop-in (explore flora & fauna and make mum a gift) Wildlife Discovery Room 11-4pm
30 March-15 April Easter Egg Hunt (collect map, solve clues and claim your prize!) Visitor Centre 10am-5pm daily
31 March/10 April Who stole the Easter eggs? ('Who-dunnit' family trail and activities) Wildlife Discovery Room 11-4pm
16 April Wagtail Wander (join STW volunteer ranger and Carsington Bird Club Meet Visitor Centre (6-7.30pm)
  to find summer migrants, including wagtails)
26 April Bat Safari (join STW rangers to learn more about the world of bats) Meet Visitor Centre (8.45pm)
11 May Learn to photograph wildlife (charge levied – info from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust – 01629 540672)
29 May Owls at Carsington (charge: get up close and learn about our owls) Wildlife Discov'ry Rm 10am-12.30
 
 
KNOW YOUR COMMITTEE – Here are the club officials and their contact details ……
Chairman/ Indoor mtgs Peter Gibbon 01629 534173 peter.gibbon@w3z.co.uk 
Secretary Paul Hicking 01773 827727 paulandsteph@hicking.plus.com
Treasurer John Follett 01332 834778 john@jlf.demon.co.uk
Recorder Roger Carrington 01629 583816 rcarrington_matlock@yahoo.co.uk 
Newsletter editor Gary Atkins 01335 370773 garysatkins@aol.com 
Outdoor trips Peter Oldfield 01629 540510 peter-oldfield2011@hotmail.co.uk
Membership Dave & Sue Edmonds 01335 342919 sue@axgb.com
Ex-officio Jon Bradley 01773 852526 jonathan.bradley4@btinternet.com
… and the website address: www.carsingtonbirdclub.co.uk
(website maintained by: Richard Pittam richard.pittam@ntlworld.com)
 
Carsington Bird Club CBC Newsletters

Newsletter No.4 – November 2012

CHAIRMAN’S THOUGHTS

As I write this in mid-November I have just been looking at my ‘BirdGuides’ records for the last few days and found that there were a number of records of Waxwing in Derbyshire last Saturday, with another seven further afield in South Yorkshire. By Sunday in Sheffield there were six reports with four flocks of over 80 (perhaps no great surprise as interestingly, Sheffield has more trees per head of population than any other European city!).

In Derbyshire there were 8 Waxwings at Padfield, 43 at Ilkeston, 80 at Allestree, 20 at Ogston and 22+31+9 at Darley Dale. One early report this morning is from Bakewell of 18 near the bowling green.  Meanwhile, a fascinating report from Durham detailed a flock of 30 – but with a Bee-eater close-by for good measure.  That must have been wonderful to see.

This sounds like one of those occasional ‘eruptions’ – an invasion from the continent.  On Autumnwatch, there was talk about large numbers of Brambling also coming in; the possible reason being a failure of beech mast on the continent.  It seems a great opportunity for us to see these exciting birds but I have been looking round my neighbourhood and don’t seem to see much evidence of beech nuts or, for that matter, berries around.

Two blackthorn bushes I use every year to make sloe gin have not had a single berry on them! If my observations are replicated throughout the area then whatever invaders we have won’t be staying long, but I hope I’m wrong and we can get out and see these dazzling birds sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, it was great to see our club trips resume with the September coach outing to Frampton Marsh.  See the report later in the newsletter.  Hopefully we’ll have more to come very soon.

Peter Gibbon

RARITIES POP IN VERY BRIEFLY – BUT DIVERS LOOK SET TO STAY

Great Northern Diver has returned to Carsington!  Just when we were beginning to wonder if this spectacular species was giving Carsington a miss for the first time in several winters, an adult bird flew in on 19 November (and has been seen most days since), followed several days later by a juvenile.

Earlier, September had brought brief tantalising glimpses of some rarer individuals – Great White Egret (16th county and 2nd Carsington record), Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Osprey and Arctic Skua – but none stayed for more than a few hours.  It was a similar story with two sightings of Slavonian Grebe in October and November.

In contrast, large flocks of birds have included 5,000 Lesser Black-backs and 2,000 Black-headeds among the sizeable gull roosts (which also included up to five Yellow-legs, and a Little Gull and Caspian Gull in October), 1,700 Starlings in 14 flocks and 600 Pink-footed Geese – also in 14 flocks – flew through in late October.

The battle to be the latest migrant seems to have been a Wheatear recorded on 18 October, with the last Blackcap and Chiffchaff noted on the 10th of that month, two days after the last Swallow and a full month after the final Swift sped through.

The wader passage was disappointing this year, with numbers down, even though species spotted included Grey, Golden and Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Turnstone, Snipe, Dunlin and Bar-tailed Godwit.  Wader highlights included a Grey Phalarope, which stayed four days in October marking only the fifth record for Carsington Water, five Woodcock discovered in Hall Wood during a woodland survey, while Little Egrets became a regular ‘tick’ during September and October.  And the sight of a flock of 280 Lapwings on 26 November was satisfying.

WeBS counts have generally produced lower numbers than last year, with up to 633 Coot (1,016 in 2011), 125 (335) Wigeon, 213 (283) Teal, 11(32) Gadwall  and 136 (335) Tufted Duck.

Apart from the three raptors mentioned earlier, it’s been relatively quiet, though Hobbys were noted twice and Peregrines three times in the last couple of months, a Merlin was on the Dam Wall on 16 October, 11 Buzzards were seen in the air from Sheepwash earlier in October, and twice Barn Owls were seen hunting.

Winter visitors were first noted on 3 October, when three Redwings dropped in; by the 26th of that month as many as 220 Fieldfares were counted, and on 18 November, 37 Waxwings were fuelling up on berries in the Visitor Centre car park.  Meanwhile, in recent weeks, Brambling, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Linnet have all come in, and Willow Tits have been seen on the Paul Stanley Hide feeder several times during November.

Satisfyingly, Kingfishers have been seen most days during September-November, and a large complement of Pied Wagtails, originally thought to roost in the dam wall, seem to have moved to bushes near the Visitor Centre.

 

JAW-DROPPING WILDLIFE IN NAMIBIA

As we settle into our new venue for the monthly indoor meetings over the winter – the Henmore Room in the Visitor Centre at Carsington Water – the first few meetings have offered plenty of variety, not to mention the corporal benefit of rather more warmth than our previous ‘home’, Hognaston Village Hall.

Slides to warm the heart even further were on show when Paul Bingham visited in November to show us where he went and what he saw when on holiday in Namibia recently.  This at-times seemingly barren country on the west coast of Africa certainly has plenty to offer the cameraman who is prepared to be patient and look around more carefully than most. 

As well as some of the major targets of an African wildlife holiday – lions, elephants, zebras, rhinos and baboons among others – there was a fascinating array of birds, insects and reptiles to amaze the audience on the night.  It left most of us green with envy and hoping we have a chance in the near future to experience Namibia.

A month earlier we had co-hosted our annual joint meeting with Derbyshire Ornithological Society (DOS) and guest speaker that night was Neil Calbrade, one of the BTO’s co-ordinators of the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS).  Neil explained how the survey evolved from its 1947 origins as the national wildlife counts and expanded to its current format, surveying and monitoring both coastal and inland non-breeding water birds chiefly, but not exclusively, during the winter months.

As well as identifying local, national and international trends and illustrating the impact of weather and climate changes, survey results provide evidence of areas important for wetland birds.  In this way, the survey has been of huge benefit in conferring various categories of conservation status and during consultations on potentially harmful developments in or adjacent to sensitive locations.

Neil finally homed in on Derbyshire WeBS activity and appealed for more participation by Derbyshire birders – an appeal met wholeheartedly by CBC Chairman Peter Gibbon (see article below!).

 

NEW COUNTY WeBS ORGANISER IS OUR VERY OWN CHAIRMAN!

After the excellent talk by the BTO’s Neil Calbrade in October, I decided to become the WeBS local organiser for Derbyshire as the BTO had nobody in post.  My decision was in response to his plea that there was very little coverage of 179 identified sites in the county, including a few ‘priority’ sites – Foremark reservoir, Barrow-on-Trent gravel pits, Shardlow gravel pits and Dove Valley Park lake.

There is an obvious difference in size between the first and the last of these, so the time needed to survey them will be different.  Many other sites are simply one small area of water such as Amber Pond in the dip on Slack Hill or Ashbourne Hall pond in the park, which has not been recorded since 1967.  Some are on nice easy and beautiful walking routes like Cromford Canal or Belper River Gardens. Some may even be on your doorstep and somewhere you actually watch or even record regularly … I think you probably now know what is coming next! Yes, you’re right: as one of WeBS organisers’ stated key responsibilities is ‘RECRUITMENT OF NEW WeBS VOLUNTEERS ON A LOCAL LEVEL’, I would very much appreciate any help CBC members can offer.  

The role of a counter involves one count a month on a designated Sunday but if that date is a problem it is still better to have a count on another date as close to that Sunday as possible. There have been times when I have had to count on a Saturday or even Monday.  The maximum time to spend counting is advised as three hours, which is just about right for Carsington, but it would be far less time-consuming on the pond in Ashbourne Park when you’d have it finished in more like 15 minutes. You count all water birds – grebes, herons/egrets, cormorants, swans, geese, ducks, Coot/Moorhen, waders, gulls, terns and Kingfisher … and now raptors, too.

Record them on a WeBS form or better still online because you will then have a wealth of data to look at and use for your own purposes. Originally the WeBS count was done from September to March and I notice that some people still just do these months for their site.  While some counts are better than no counts at all, counts do go on throughout the year and would be fantastic if all 12 months were recorded.

If you are interested in doing any of this valuable and I must say rewarding work then have a look on the BTO website and go to ‘Volunteer surveys’. On the left hand side of the resulting page is a list of ‘Core surveys’ and click on the last one, which is ‘Wetland Bird Survey’.  On the top green bar click on ‘Taking part’, and half way down that page you can click on ‘vacant sites’.  Click on the UK map symbol for finding a vacant site – or even, may I dare suggest, a big red exclamation mark designating a ‘Vacant priority site’!

On the next two pages click on ‘Midlands’ and ‘Derbyshire’ and all the sites will come up. They all have a map reference on them and by clicking on that you will get a map and information at the top of the page about whether that site is already covered or vacant.

If you find a vacant site and would like to get involved go to the top of that page and click on ‘Taking part’, which will set you up and hopefully by the time you read this my contact details will be on it. But you all know my details anyway, so just get in touch, especially if you don’t use a computer and would love to do some important ornithological recording as well as watching birds. Thank you.

Peter Gibbon

 

GRASSROOTS WORK BY ISLAND MANAGEMENT VOLUNTEERS

Last month, a team of Severn Trent Water staff from various departments devoted a day to volunteer at Carsington Water. Not only is the site a popular place for a day out, but it is somewhere Severn Trent customers can learn more about the work undertaken, and the important wildlife habitats there.

The team of volunteers were transported by boat to one of the reservoir’s islands to tackle the trees and shrubs that have slowly taken over.  By cutting back the growth, the island’s grassland habitat is restored providing the perfect nest site for ground-nesting birds such as Redshank and Little Ringed Plover and for wintering wildfowl like Wigeon to graze.

After a talk by Carsington Water’s Head Ranger Dan Taberner the team set to work and in no time their efforts had made a big impact. Equipped with loppers and handsaws they were able to clear a large amount of growth. The long and unmanaged grass was mowed and then raked to the water’s edge, an arduous task but one that left the grassland in the ideal state for the ground-nesting birds when they return next spring.

The day also allowed everyone the chance to learn more about the work that goes on at our visitor sites. One of the team, William Hewish, commented: “It struck me that Rangers are in a unique customer-facing role, getting to talk to millions of Severn Trent Water customers in their own leisure time in a place that they have chosen to visit.  It is a great opportunity for the company to re-enforce its name and values away from the more commonly acknowledged touch points like billing enquiries or resolving problems.  And that’s aside from the core role of managing and maintaining our visitor sites.”

Taking part on the day were Amy Goodison, Darren Weston, William Hewish, Mark Adams, Lesley Cross, Brian Griffiths, Mark Jones, Nick Needham and Alicia Wilson.

If you or your team would like to get involved in volunteering contact Leanne Town, Colleague Engagement Advisor – Community and Volunteering, for more information about our volunteering support programme.

John Matkin, Severn Trent Water Ranger

 

IN SEARCH OF RARE AUTUMN MIGRANTS

As my favourite birding is searching trees, scrub, moorland, streams and rocky shores in locations good for migrants, I go to Cornwall in October, moving around the beautiful coastline and valleys around Lands End and then on to the Isles of Scilly. While I enjoy birding on my own, I always welcome information from and the company of local birders whom I’ve come to know over the years – and may, with luck, help me to add a ‘lifer’ to my British list of over 440 species.

I was due in Cornwall from 29 September but there was a chance of twitching a lifer – a Booted Warbler – on the way, so I set off early on the 27th, only to see a Barred Warbler (not a lifer) but no sign of Booted. By way of compensation, I joined two Carsington colleagues at Titchwell and saw a few common waders, 11 Spoonbill, Water Rail and Bearded Tit.  With the prospect of no lifers between Norfolk and Lands End, a Buff-bellied Pipit (American and a lifer) had appeared on the Scillies, so, with enough time to catch the 9.30am ferry (and have a good sleep in the car before sailing), I headed for Penzance.

A cheap day return netted Wryneck and Ortolan Bunting on land, and Arctic Skua, Sooty and Balearic Shearwaters on the sea crossings – but no Buff-bellied Pipit!  I had dipped on two lifers in two days – and had to spend another night in the car – but with a bed for the next 11 nights and the prospect of dawn-to-dusk birding, I was still full of enthusiasm and looked forward to an early start on Marazion Marsh.

A four-hour seawatch with local birders added 1 Cory, 12 Sooty and 20 Balearic Shearwaters before I was directed to Buff-breasted Sandpiper and a Dotterel in adjacent ploughed fields.  One day I met two local birders looking for a Lesser Whitethroat in bramble scrub; returning later, I saw their quarry in a different hedge and found the locals to tell them.  They were grateful and told me the story of a large group of birders who had left off searching for a Red-Eyed Vireo in favour of the Lesser Whitethroat, which is locally less than annual!

After a report of a Red-rumped Swallow at Marazion, I was among the first three birders to arrive – all from Derbyshire – and we turned a distant one into 7 Red-rumped Swallows, matching the largest flock ever in Britain.

By this stage I was occasionally finding Firecrest and hearing the familiar ‘swoeest’ call of Yellow-browed Warbler, always challenging me to find them in well leafed trees, and Glossy Ibis and Hooded Crow turned up on the same day.  The next day brought thick mist, so my expectations were not high in 30-yard visibility at Porthgwarra, but I found three Yellow-browed Warblers, Snow Bunting, a male Lapland Bunting and a Wryneck, most of which I photographed. A few days later I joined several other birders on a successful search for a previously seen, then lost, Olive-backed Pipit, then moved to the Lizard to see a Paddyfield Warbler before my scheduled departure to the Isles of Scilly the following day.

My booking there grew from one week to two, during which time Carsington had another Grey Phalarope, a would-be Derbyshire lifer for me missed once again!

Birding for me on the Scillies is a very friendly affair: we gather at the Birdlog in the evening, followed by a pint with colleagues. Chronologically, the rarer species I logged here were Richard’s Pipit, Dotterel, juvenile Rose-coloured Starling, Jack Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper (American), a Coal Tit from Ireland (identified by its yellowy cheeks), Snow Bunting, Whooper Swans, Spoonbill, Wryneck, juvenile American Golden Plover, Black Redstart, Blackpoll Warbler (American), Hume’s Leaf Warbler (Asian), Red-breasted Flycatcher, Short-toed Lark, three Ring-necked Ducks – in from America on an Atlantic front, at long last a Booted Warbler (lifer), Spotted Crake, Penduline Tit, Buff-bellied Pipit (my second lifer), Olive-backed Pipit and Little Bunting.

I arrived home on 25 October much to the delight (I think!) of my very considerate wife and family. I’d seen 128 species on IOS, plus others in Cornwall, including the two lifers I’d earlier dipped on …‘That’s birding for you’!

Roger Carrington

 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN – TO FRAMPTON MARSH

After an absence of a couple of years, CBC club outings resumed in late September, when a group of 12 members jumped on board a small coach and headed for the RSPB’s excellent Frampton Marsh reserve in Lincolnshire.

Nippy driving enabled the group to spend almost seven hours on site, training binoculars on a good range of birds.  Conditions were fair with high clouds for most of the day, but it was breezy and felt particularly exposed with little vegetation to interrupt the wind's progress across this flat marshland site.

There was an excellent array of waders, ducks and geese on the wetland scrapes, including the ubiquitous Little Egret, various sandpipers, 'shanks' and several smaller waders.  Even with the help of scopes in each of the three hides, there was often heated debate about what they were seeing, as many of the species were changing from summer to winter plumage.

Migrants passing through en route to warmer locations to spend the winter included Wheatear and a few tardy hirundines, while some ducks and the odd Brent Goose were arriving at their winter quarters.  Those braving the two-mile walk to the mouth of the Witham River were rewarded with views of seals on the open sand.

Raptors were few and far between (optimism had raised hopes for a Merlin, Hen Harrier or Short-eared Owl), but a few Kestrels were seen and the highlight was a pair of Marsh Harriers.  In all 57 species were logged, some of the best sightings being Tree Sparrow, Greenshank, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Knot, Little Stint, Pintail, Shelduck, Wigeon, Skylark, Reed Bunting, Curlew, Ringed, Grey and Golden Plovers, Wood and Curlew Sandpipers, Gadwall, Shoveler, Snipe and Scaup.

 

WHAT’S ON

The annual Christmas party is the next club event, and this year we’ll be holding it at the Henmore Room at the Visitor Centre.  As well as food and (non-alcoholic!) drinks, we’ll be getting a talk from Glyn Sellors on ‘Birding around the UK’, featuring his renowned photographs, a number of which he has taken at Carsington.

Our AGM is scheduled for 15 January, and after kicking off with the official proceedings, committee members Paul and Steph Hicking will be giving a talk on the Isles of Scilly.  Our season of indoor talks will then resume during February (19th) and March (19th) – check the website for more details – and we would hope to be staging another club trip early in the year.

KNOW YOUR COMMITTEE  –  Here are the club officials and their contact details ……

 

KNOW YOUR COMMITTEE  –  Here are the club officials and their contact details
       
Chairman & Treasurer Peter Gibbon 01629 534173 peter.gibbon@w3z.co.uk
Secretary Paul Hicking 01773 827727 paulandsteph@hicking.plus.com
Recorder Roger Carrington 01629 583816 rcarrington_matlock@yahoo.co.uk
Publicity/Newsletter editor Gary Atkins 01335 370773 garysatkins@aol.com
Outdoor trips organiser Peter Oldfield 01629 540510 peter-oldfield2011@hotmail.co.uk
Ex-officio Steph Hicking 01773 827727 paulandsteph@hicking.plus.com
Membership secretaries Dave and Sue Edmonds 01335 342919 sue@axgb.com
       
CBC Website address:  www.carsingtonbirdclub.co.uk   (maintained by:  Richard Pittam )

 

Carsington Bird Club CBC Newsletters

Newsletter – No.3 – Aug 2012

FANCY A DAY OUT AT FABULOUS FRAMPTON?

There’s just a month left to book your place on the club trip to Frampton Marsh – the RSPB’s excellent reserve on the Lincolnshire coast – on Sunday, 30 September.

Frampton – a mosaic of wetland habitats including reedbeds, wet grassland, salt marshes and scrapes, and with its proximity to the Wash – has built a reputation for great variety of birdlife at any time of year, with rarities aplenty. Five species new to the site have been recorded over late summer 2012 alone, including White-winged Tern, Black-eared Wheatear and Rose-coloured Starling, and autumn has traditionally produced Bittern, Spotted Crake and Bearded Tit.

Certainly plenty of waders will be in evidence in late September – including Black-tailed Godwits, Knot, Snipe, maybe Jack Snipe and several sandpipers, even possibly Pectoral – and Brent Geese will have begun to fly in, mingling with migrants such as Wheatear, Whinchat and Kingfisher. Marsh Harriers are resident, while Hen Harriers, Ospreys and Hobbys are not unusual this time of year, and a Black-necked Grebe has been in residence since the spring.

Let trips organiser Peter Oldfield know, if you are interested in joining those already booked on this exciting trip: e-mail him at peter-oldfield2011@hotmail.co.uk or call him on 01629 540510.

 

CHAIRMAN’S THOUGHTS

On Tuesday, 7 August I joined the 80,000-strong crowd packed into the Olympic stadium at Stratford to watch an unforgettable evening of athletics.  Having personally enjoyed the long jumpers, sprinters, hurdlers, throwers, high jumpers and middle-distance runners, and being otherwise inspired by nine days in London watching various events at the 30th Olympiad, I later reflected on the inspiration our own ‘Olympic Champions’ generate here at Carsington Water.

We most certainly do have some record breakers, even if we perhaps don’t know it, or simply take them for granted.  Our most obvious world record holder – and in a league of its own (rather like Mr Bolt!) – is the fastest creature on earth, the Peregrine falcon.  This stunning bird has been proven to reach speeds of 124mph, and possibly as much as 168mph, when stooping to catch prey.   Some sources may cIaim even greater velocities, but what is for sure is that the Peregrine is the gold medal winner for sheer speed.

There could, however, be some debate about the identity of the next champion – for long-distance. Firstly, I must rule out any Albatross records because not enough officials were present to see it, so that leaves the Arctic Tern, which is quite simply the holder of the world’s longest migration – flying over 20,000 miles a year between the Arctic and Antarctic. The average Arctic Tern does enough mileage to travel to the moon and back in its lifetime!

If we’re looking for more accurate measurements for our record purposes, a more regular visitor (and one-time breeder) at Carsington is the Common Tern, one of which was ringed in June 1996 in Finland and was recaptured alive 16,250 miles away at Rotamah Island, Australia in January 1997.  It had travelled at a rate of 125 miles per day, or over 800 miles a week.  This compares with Britain’s 5,000/10,000 metres double Olympic champion Mo Farah, who claims to run around 120 miles a week in training.

If these are the fastest and long-distance champions, what about the ‘highest’.  We do have regular winter visits from Whooper Swans, a 30-strong group of which in 1967 were spotted at an altitude of just over 27,000 feet by an airline pilot, later confirmed by air traffic control.  They were evidently over the Western Isles and en route from Iceland to Loch Foyle on the Northern Ireland/Eire border. The best I saw in London was our bronze medal high jumper Robbie Grabarz, who cleared 2.29 metres!

Finally to the diving silver medallist, the Great Northern Diver, which we now look forward to visiting us each winter as one or more has done for the past several years.  Their ability to dive in search of food to a staggering depth of 200 feet (60 metres) – twice as deep as Carsington water itself – is bettered only by Emperor Penguins. The minimum depth for a pool for Olympic diving events is five metres and you never saw Tom Daley or any of his fellow competitors reach the bottom after completing dives from the 10-metre platform.

So the next time you see any of these incredible champions, I would hope you’d give a smile of appreciation for their spectacular abilities – though remember, a burst of applause would not go down well in the hides!  Long may they continue to ‘perform’ for us at Carsington!

 

BIRDS OVERCOME DIFFICULT BREEDING CONDITIONS

Breeding success may not have been quite such a damp squib as first feared after the wet and cool summer we have endured.  Ground and water feeding birds have done reasonably well while insect feeders have produced smaller broods and aerial insect feeders finally settled down to breed rather later than usual.

But 14 Great Crested Grebe broods was actually a site record, and the 12 Coot and 11 Tufted Duck broods were up on last year, while Mallard, Little Grebe and Moorhen were broadly the same.  Among the regular waders, there were three broods each noted for Oystercatcher, Redshank and Lapwing.

By late June/July, variety was increasing as the wader passage approached.  Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Curlew, Greenshank, Snipe and Common Sandpiper have all been seen in recent weeks, along with Turnstone and a couple of Little Egrets.

Meanwhile, WeBS maximum counts in the past three months have included 347 Canada Geese in June, 133 Mallard, 26 Mute Swans and 32 Great-crested Grebes in July and 263 Coot and 143 Tufted Ducks in August.  The gull roost is ramping up, too, with 2,400 Lesser Black-backs counted on 20 August.  Among other gulls, Yellow-legs are around – including the return of an ultra-predatory specimen (perhaps the same one as in previous years) that was seen to kill and eat a Little Grebe in front of the Wildlife Centre on 23 August.

In a vintage year for Ospreys, there were a further nine sightings of these impressive birds during June, July and August, some in possession of fish. 

Overall, raptors figured well over the summer with three records of Peregrines and their smaller cousin the Hobby seen on four occasions, including one when its fast, low flightpath scattered a huge party of roosting Starlings.  A Red Kite was logged in June, and a male Sparrowhawk was viewed at very close quarters INSIDE the Wildlife Centre – the third time in two years this raptor’s pursuit of prey (possibly Tree Sparrows) has taken it indoors!

Six singing Reed Warblers demonstrated the effort to expand the areas of reedbed around the reservoir has not been in vain.  Breeding success was proven for this species and for numerous others, including Swallow and House Martin, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Nuthatch, Bullfinch, House and Tree Sparrow, four Tit species and Jay, Magpie and Carrion Crow. 

The unusual sight of a juvenile Cuckoo was noted in July, along with the relatively early southerly passage of Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipits.

 

BIRD OF THE ISSUE: YELLOW-LEGGED GULL

Boo, hiss!  Yes, the villain of the piece in this issue (see above) is a Yellow-legged Gull that seems to count Little Grebes among its favourite food!  This may seem harsh to us, but the bird is probably only doing what comes naturally to it as a very large scavenger that, as an opportunist omnivore, will eat just about anything.

Until around the 1990s, ‘Yellow Legs’ were regarded as a sub-species of the Herring Gull, but Larus Michahelles is now accepted as a species in its own right.  And there are distinct differences from its same-sized cousin: it has a much greyer back, closer to a Lesser Black-back, more black in the wing tips, a red ring around the eye, a more distinct red spot on its yellow bill and, of course, those yellow legs – the most obvious difference from the Herring Gull’s equally noticeable pink ones.

They live predominantly in the Mediterranean, but a gradual spread north – plus British birdwatcher’s ability to spot the differences – means they are identified with increasing regularity in the southern half of the UK.  Over 1,000 Yellow Legs are thought to winter in Britain, though some quantities may be seen throughout the year.  They are, of course, regulars at Carsington Water.

Their habits and habitats are very similar to the Herring Gull.  They often come inland during the winter and join larger groups of Lesser Black-backs that roost on lakes and reservoirs, then move into fields or seek out rubbish tips to scavenge what they can during the day.

 

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM WILL PROMOTE WILDLIFE LEARNING

Work on an ‘outdoor classroom’ was begun late last year at a location on Stones Island.  The goal was to turn this plot of land into a learning area for use by groups of all ages, and the preparations were very much a team effort between Severn Trent Water rangers and volunteers and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT) Skills for Wildlife trainees.  Design ideas were also forthcoming from the local Carsington School.

We started by creating a woodchip sharing circle with logs for sitting on.  There is also a willow dome that was made as part of a willow weaving activity day run by DWT. One of the biggest challenges was creating a dipping platform to allow children to learn about what is found in the water: this proved tricky because of changes in the water levels and the unexpectedly high water levels experienced this year.

There are stoned paths to allow easier access for disabled visitors to move around the area so they can be involved with all of the activities that are happening on the site.  A bridge has been installed so that groups can use both sides of the pond, while allowing some areas to be left natural so that it can help to encourage a wide range of wildlife to live here.  There will also be a large grass area to enable other activities to take place so it is possible to have three separate groups there at any one time!

There are hidden dens in the woodlands, an otter holt, a bug house with lots of different habitats within it, and some grassland flowers growing along the sides of the paths and round the pond to attract lots of butterflies and bees.

The DWT Skills for Wildlife groups will be carrying out general maintenance as and when necessary, with the STW rangers and volunteers lending a hand when required.

While it’s not open to the general public, schools and any other groups that book with us will be to use it with an STW or DWT representative in attendance.  I’m hoping that this area will be enjoyed by all those that use it, and we are hoping to have an official opening of the area with Carsington School sometime in September when they start their new school term.

Lisa Booker, Severn Trent Ranger, Carsington Water

OBITUARY: ROY SMITH

Roy was a founder member of Carsington Bird Club and, although always resisting any efforts to join the committee, he fully supported the club and regularly attended indoor meeting and coach trips.  He became a Carsington volunteer ranger where, along with his son Robert, he worked on various wildlife management tasks around the reservoir.  The early attempt to build a Sand Martin bank comes particularly to mind as we had to work in appalling weather, contending with rain, sleet and strong winds.

Roy first joined Philip Shooter’s WEA Ornithological class at Alfreton where, along with other class members, he conducted bird surveys in various parts of Derbyshire.  Roy later became joint manager at Rose End Meadows, a Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reserve close to where he lived in Cromford.  As well as helping with working parties, he regularly recorded the birds he saw, providing the DWT with his sightings.

Indeed, Roy was an avid participant in bird surveys.  Among those he undertook were the British Trust for Ornithology atlas project, a breeding bird survey at an upland pasture site in the Peak District, a river bird survey along the River Derwent from Ambergate to Matlock, organised by Derbyshire Ornithological Society (for whom he also contributed records for an Avifauna project), and the RSPB’s annual garden bird survey.

During his lifetime, Roy was a member of the majority of wildlife organisations within the county, and a life member of Ogston Bird Club.  Ever a kind and friendly person who looked to help others whenever he could, he also undertook voluntary work within the local community, transporting elderly people to doctors or hospital.

Apart from birdwatching, Roy’s other interests were steam railways, attending vintage car rallies, air shows and photography – with some his pictures featuring in DWT calendars.  He also liked to tinker with computers, and would readily help anyone with PC problems.  Only a few weeks before his untimely death he visited Peak Rail to see and photograph the Oliver Cromwell steam engine that was arriving in Derbyshire after many years.

Roy will most certainly be sadly missed by many people within the birding and local community.  Our sympathy goes to his widow, Mary, and son Robert.

Eddie Walker

Postscript:  Another former CBC member, Howard Evans – who also served in various capacities on the club’s committee – died earlier this year.

 

WHAT’S ON

For many years Hognaston Village Hall was home to the club’s indoor meetings programme over the winter, but for 2012-13 season the venue will be the Henmore Room at the Carsington Water Visitor Centre.  The first few meetings are listed below.  Also, as mentioned earlier, don’t forget that the first club trip for quite a while, to Frampton Marsh, is just a few weeks away – on Sunday, 30 September.

Also among the list below are the Severn Trent Water events for the later part of this year.  Remember, demand for some of these activities is high and places may need to be booked via the Visitor Centre (01629 540696).

First Sunday of each month –  Birdwatching for Beginners (enjoy a gentle two-hour walk led  by experienced  STW volunteer David Bennett) – Meet Visitor Centre 10am

Most Tuesdays and Sundays –  Spotting wildlife: STW volunteer rangers are on hand to help  identify wildlife on and around the reservoir – Wildlife Centre 10.30-3.30pm

Last Saturday of each month – Sheepwash spinners (learn about traditional wool spinning,  with demonstrations, from fleece to gifts and garments) – Visitor Centre 11am-3pm  

8 September – Join a Ranger for the Water Cycle Tour around the reservoir – Details from Visitor Centre

18 September –  Indoor talk on ‘Birds of the Canary Isles’ by Peter Gibbon – Henmore Room 7.30pm

6-7 October – Derbyshire Beekeepers Association annual show and honey sale

16 October – Indoor talk on ‘The Wetland Bird Survey’ by BTO WeBS Research,  Ecologist, Neil Calbrade – Henmore Room 7.30pm

21 October – National Apple Day – bring windfall fruit and enjoy this apple occasion, including a hog roast and apple sauce (free but booking essential)

31 October – Go Wild with Bats (£5 per child includes bat box to take home) – Visitor Centre 10.30-12.30

20 November – Indoor talk on ‘Namibia’ by Paul Bingham – Henmore Room 7.30pm

25 November – Find out how to feed our feathered friends this winter – Visitor Centre 11am-4pm

 

KNOW YOUR COMMITTEE  –  Here are the club officials and their contact details ……

KNOW YOUR COMMITTEE  –  Here are the club officials and their contact details
       
Chairman & Treasurer Peter Gibbon 01629 534173 peter.gibbon@w3z.co.uk
Secretary Paul Hicking 01773 827727 paulandsteph@hicking.plus.com
Recorder Roger Carrington 01629 583816 rcarrington_matlock@yahoo.co.uk
Publicity/Newsletter editor Gary Atkins 01335 370773 garysatkins@aol.com
Outdoor trips organiser Peter Oldfield 01629 540510 peter-oldfield2011@hotmail.co.uk
Ex-officio Steph Hicking 01773 827727 paulandsteph@hicking.plus.com
Membership secretaries Dave and Sue Edmonds 01335 342919 sue@axgb.com
       
CBC Website address:  www.carsingtonbirdclub.co.uk   (maintained by:  Richard Pittam )
 

 

Carsington Bird Club CBC Newsletters

Newsletter – No.2 – May 2012

No2 / May 2012

CHAIRMAN’S THOUGHTS

I have just been reading through some old reports for information about birds seen at Carsington since 1992 and I came across this extract written by Eddie Walker, rounding off his ten year review for the 2001 Report:  “What of the future?  Will the proposed Osprey platform encourage them to stay and breed in the area? Will the increasing growth of marginal vegetation provide an increase in Snipe and perhaps they will breed again?  Will the Phragmites (common reed) bed attract breeding Reed Warblers and Water Rails, perhaps even passing Bearded Tits?” … Well, just how correct was ‘mystic Eddie’?

Last year, after waiting another decade, Reed Warbler bred and, in November 2010, Carsington had its first Bearded Tit record.  Despite Eddie’s two correct forecasts, we still await similar good news about either Snipe or Water Rail, which was recorded only once in 2011.  Not bad, though – 2-2 on the prediction stakes, with the decider, Osprey, still our big hope for the future!

The 2001 report said ”this summer passage migrant, which for the first time officially returned to breed in England in the Lake District this year, was seen on several dates during both spring and autumn passage …. hopefully, this will continue as the birds increase in breeding numbers inEngland.”  Like Eddie ten years ago, here we are holding our breath and waiting with the platforms in place.  As I wrote this in early May, two different Ospreys had just flown over Carsington but again failed to stop – whereas a Reed Warbler had returned and was singing in Hopton Arm.

So what will the next ten years bring? We hope the great efforts of the volunteer rangers in putting up a substantial Sand Martin breeding bank (see article later in the newsletter) will be rewarded and prove as successful as the one atPridePark’s ‘Sanctuary’ inDerby.  Will Pied Flycatcher breed as well?  Or by 2022 will the ever-expanding numbers of Little Egret mean they could be nesting with us?

All three would be very welcome as would the tantalisingly close Mandarin Ducks.  Furthermore, what might the 223rd recorded species for Carsington be?  Some potential candidates are big and easy to see like Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis or White Stork – following other species that were exclusively continental birds just a quarter of a century ago.  Or maybe it would be something smaller and more local like Ring Ouzel, one of which was recorded for two days inDerby, at the aforementioned Sanctuary, and which I saw some years ago on my school’s playing fields in Chaddesden.   Red-rumped Swallows have cropped up at nearby locations like Willington with similar habitat to Carsington.  Less likely is another albatross!  I’d be interested to hear your predictions!

Back to the present, our beautiful Great Northern Diver seems finally to have left the reservoir, hopefully to return next winter.  I wonder where it has gone: there are lots of reports of them around the coast at the moment, including 37 counted at Drummore off the coast ofDumfriesandGalloway, where I stayed at Easter.  Here’s hoping ‘our’ diver joins ‘the party’ soon!’

Peter Gibbon

 THANKS TO SURVEY RESPONDEES – THUMBS-UP FOR TRIPS

The committee sincerely thanks those several dozen club members (and others) who returned questionnaires seeking their opinions about the club, what it offered, and what they wanted to see more – or less – of in future.

A total of 81 responded to the survey – 26 paper copies and 55 online – with one coming from as far afield as theUnited States.  From that we have a clearer picture of the demographics, why some people feel unable to be members, which activities and information people prefer, and what the club does well, and not-so-well.

One activity several people would like to see reinstated is regular club trips – so we are going to try staging one in the autumn (see information at the end of this item).

Another area that attracted a number of comments was the need to promote the club better in order to attract ‘the more basic birdwatcher, rather than ornithologist’ and to publicise events more widely.  Suggestions included notices on dedicated boards in hides, where membership forms could also be placed, and using local newspapers or even social media, so the committee needs to consider advertising and communication.

Others raised the philosophy and aims of the club: ‘Is it for conservation and recording birds or for … introducing people, especially youngsters, to the pleasures of birdwatching?’ someone asked.  A good question – and one that perhaps we all need to bend our minds to.

Meanwhile, opinions varied on other topics: for example, some people wanted more walks; some wanted none (turn-outs lately have indicated the latter!).  All-in-all, it was an educational exercise, and we will try to learn lessons, and to take up some of the positive ideas.  Keep an eye on the website, too, for answers to some of the comments and queries raised.

*  *  *  *  CLUB TRIP – TO FRAMPTON MARSH, 30 SEPTEMBER 2012  *  *  *  *

After a lengthy absence from the calendar, CBC is planning to stage its first club trip since 2010.  The target location for this trip is the excellent RSPB reserve at Frampton Marsh, Lincolnshire, which offers a diversity of migrating species and wildfowl in the early autumn. 

The recent survey indicated a continuing desire for trips, from at least a hard core of the membership, so we hope to stage a couple each year.  We need to be more flexible about transport – guaranteeing the trip whatever the numbers – so in future we simply want people to initially inform trips organiser Peter Oldfield of their intention to take part, followed by payment in full six weeks before the date of the trip.  

Cost will depend on the form of transport, but we would generally expect to keep it in the region of £10-15. For Frampton, contact Peter (c/o his e-mail if possible – peter-oldfield2011@hotmail.co.uk – or by writing to him at Owslow Farm, Carsington, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 4DD) to register your interest. 

 

OSPREYS PASS US BY AGAIN – BUT PLENTY MORE RETURN AND BREED

High expectations have surrounded the numerous visits by Ospreys this spring, but despite sightings of 10 or more birds – the first on 3 April, the most recent on 29 May, with more than one seen together and a couple staying more than one day – all of these spectacular raptors eventually moved on.

Red Kites were seen in large numbers across the county in March, with two at Carsington on the 21st, while as many as 11 Buzzards have been seen aloft at any one time and Sparrowhawks were seen more than once carrying prey in Hall Wood, so a nest seems likely.  Hobbys and Peregrines were each recorded in April and May, and both Little and Tawny Owls were logged on the same day in March.

The other major event in spring is the return of the migrants: who would win the race back?  Well, it seems to have been Sand Martins, which were first spotted on 11 March, just a couple of days ahead of Chiffchaffs.  Also popping up in March were Wheatear, Blackcap and Swallow, but April as usual was the month when most came back.  This year’s migrant cast, in order of appearance, was Willow Warbler, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Swift and, on the last day of the month, Sedge Warbler and Common and Lesser Whitethroats.  Spotted Flycatcher did not turn up until May, when a site rare species – the Cuckoo – was heard by several people from Sheepwash Hide.

Since first arriving, sizeable numbers have been logged by people undertaking circular walks. Over 70 Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, and 39 Willow Warblers were noted on single walks, and resident species have also been numerous with Wren (66), Robin (59), Blackbird (73) and Chaffinch (65) the most prominent.

The return of singing Reed Warblers to Hopton reedbed once again holds out hope of breeding.  Meanwhile, wildfowl and wader broods have so far emerged from eight Mallard and two Oystercatcher, Redshank, Lapwing and Barnacle Goose nests, though the high water levels (98.5% full), stormy weather and predation look likely to have hit the survival rate quite hard.

Passage waders included up to 23 Curlew in March, when Ruff, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit were recorded; April added Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper, and others passing through in May were Ringed Plover, Turnstone and Sanderling.  Black Terns were the stars of the tern passage – noted in late March and early April – while a Sandwich Tern was also spotted among the larger numbers of Common andArctics.

Though now thinned down dramatically, up to 2,000 Black-headed, 400 Common and 200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were the main characters of the early spring gull roost, which also included a handful ofMediterranean, Yellow-legged, Herring and Great Black-backs.  The April winds also blew through 13 Little Gulls and 2 Kittiwakes.

Winter species have perhaps been slower in departing.  A flock of 150 Fieldfares called in on Carsington on 5 May before exiting stage left, and the day after the site’s latest ever Goldeneye record was chalked up.  Meanwhile, right on schedule and in beautiful full summer plumage, our over-wintering adult Great Northern Diver finally decided to find some action on its breeding grounds.

Other highlights were what looked like a six-strong family of Whooper Swans, seen on 24 March, and a week earlier a pair of Garganey.   Sacred Ibis andCapeShelduckglimpsed in April were almost certainly escapees.

 

BIRD OF THE ISSUE: SAND MARTIN

The Sand Martin (riparia riparia), so often one of the earliest migrants back in theUK, is the smallest hirundine visiting theUK.  Those moving north and arriving in large numbers across most ofEurope over-winter in eastern and southernAfrica, but there are also sizeable colonies inAmerica andAsia as well.

At Carsington, it is often confused with House Martins, which nest around the visitor centre, Swallows and even Swifts (though these are larger and not in fact hirundines at all).  All four hawk for insects, often low over the water, and will hunt together, making it potentially confusing for birdwatchers.

There are tell-tale signs, however: House Martins have a distinctive white rump, the tails of adult Swallows have long streamers, Swifts appear almost completely black and have swept, ‘scimitar’ wings, while Sand Martins have solid brown backs and a brown neck-ring decorating otherwise light underparts.

African droughts have seen populations crash, but generally up to 250,000 pairs nest in the UK(about half as many as House Martins).  They inhabit holes in sandy or gravel banks, so often nest along riverbanks and gravel pits, but will also utilise specially-built nest banks at larger bodies of water, such as that built by the volunteer rangers at Carsington this year (see article below).

Very agile flyers, they catch invertebrates on the wing, and during the breeding season are highly gregarious. Arriving on breeding grounds in early-mid March and not leaving until early autumn, they can have up to two broods of 4-5 eggs.

 

NEW TECHNOLOGY HELPS SPREAD THE WORD – SIGHTINGS ON TWITTER

The CBC sightings board has been busy this year – over 130 sightings reported in the first 150 days of the year – nearly one a day (the more, the merrier).  Users of the sightings board should note that sightings can now be posted from most smartphones and are posted immediately, so other birders can get the news via email, if they so desire.  Not everyone has, or indeed can afford, a pager system, such as RBA or Birdguides.

Alternatively, please note that CBC Sightings now has a live Twitter account called @CBCSightings, to which all sightings submitted to the website will be auto-emailed.  This way, all smartphone users will be able to get the latest sightings straightaway for free, providing they click to “Follow” @CBCSightings from their own Twitter account.

 

SAND MARTIN BANK READY FOR OCCUPATION

Work on the Sand Martin bank reported in the last issue of the newsletter finally got under way on 21 February.  The hope is that these busy, fast-flying little hirundines will nest on site at Carsington – and while the birds haven’t moved in this year, the project itself was a great success, offering up the hope they will in future years.

An existing concrete base was located just to the north of the Wildlife Centre: on assessment it was found to be of the right size and in excellent condition.  Ten tonnes of clay had to be removed to expose the concrete base, and four tonnes was reused during construction and for landscaping.

The main bulk of the construction was progressed during March, when around 70 per cent of the work was completed, reports Neil Burns, a volunteer ranger who led an 11-strong project team.

“The construction method was quite straightforward,” says Neil.  “At each visit a course of hollow concrete blocks was laid and then filled with a ballast/cement mix with reinforcing rods used to strengthen the structure.  Pea gravel was used at the base of the sand bank to improve drainage.  As the height of the wall grew, back filling with a dry cement/sand mixture allowed the remaining courses to be added without the need for scaffolding.  The wall consisted of eight courses, incorporating a total of 160 concrete blocks each measuring 21x21x44 centimetres.  Meanwhile, clay from the original mound was reused to build up both ends of the wall so that it dovetailed seamlessly into the original mound.

“Clay pipes were inserted in the wall at courses 3, 5 and 7,” explained Neil.  “These were the entry points for the 36 nesting chambers which were formed before the dry sand cement mixture hardened.  Finally, after nine weeks a waterproof membrane was placed over the completed sand bank and then covered with soil.”

Turf was used on top of the wall and grass seed was scattered over on the soil which will eventually reduce the visual impact.  The project utilised three tonnes of pea gravel, 14 tonnes of sand and 40 bags of cement, while five tonnes of soil were applied for landscaping.  It was finally completed on 1 May, after a total of 400 hours of work by the volunteer team.

 

FAREWELL TO HOGNASTON VILLAGE HALL

Following Peter Gibbon’s review of the 20 years of the bird club in January, the indoor meetings programme concluded with a close-up view at the birdlife of Brazil’s Pantanal, courtesy of Alan Goddard and his excellent photographs, in February, and a look at other flying wonders – dragonflies – in March, when our guest at Hognaston Village Hall was Dave Goddard (no relation!).  The audience was agog to learn about the life-cycle of these often-mystical insects, and amazed at their variety and beauty.

After many years, this was our last meeting at Hognaston Village Hall, as the decision was taken to move to Severn Trent Water’s Visitor Centre at Carsington Water for the 2012-13 indoor season.

With no outdoor walks planned currently this summer (though we did support Severn Trent’s ‘wagtail wander’ in April, which yet again failed to produce any of the migrating yellow wagtails!), the only outdoor event to report to members was a 20th anniversary celebration day staged by Severn Trent.

Many wildlife bodies joined other organisations on display on the open grassy area adjacent to the visitor centre, but the diabolical weather kept the number of visitors to a minimum.  The event proved a good try-out, though, for the club’s newly-acquired gazebo (which nearly took off at one point in the wind) and excellent display boards designed and produced by Steph Hicking.  We hope to put these to further good use in the future.

 

WHAT’S ON

Apart from the proposed autumn trip, mentioned earlier, there are no summer events planned by the bird club, but its indoor programme begins on 18 September with a look at ‘the birds of the Canary Isles’ by Chairman Peter Gibbon.  Don’t forget that 2012-13 club meetings have switched to the Henmore Room in the Visitor Centre at Carsington Water, and that for Severn Trent events below, it’s often sensible to book a place with the visitor centre (on 01629 540696):

First Sunday of  each month  Birdwatching for Beginners (enjoy a gentle two-hour walk led  by experienced STW volunteer David Bennett) – Meet Carsington Water Visitor Centre 10am

Most Tuesdays and Sundays  –   Spotting wildlife: STW volunteer rangers are on hand to help identify wildlife on and around the reservoir –  Wildlife Centre10.30-3.30pm

Last Saturday  of each month – Sheepwash spinners (learn about traditional wool spinning,  with demonstrations, from fleece to gifts and garments) – Carsington Water Visitor Centre (11am-3pm)

17 June                 Father’s Day in the Woods (charges apply)  –  11am-3.30pm

23 June                 Water Cycle Tour: join a ranger to learn about Carsington Water from the saddle (hire a bike or bring your own)  –  Call Visitor Centre for timings

1 August               Low water gardening day: find out how to get the most of your garden in summer – without constant watering –     Call Visitor Centre for timings

25 August             Bat Safari: join a ranger for an evening stroll (charges apply) – Call Visitor Centre for timings

8 September      Water Cycle tour (see entry above for details)

 

KNOW YOUR COMMITTEE  –  Here are the club officials and their contact details …

 

KNOW YOUR COMMITTEE  –  Here are the club officials and their contact details
Chairman & Treasurer Peter Gibbon 01629 534173 peter.gibbon@w3z.co.uk
Secretary Paul Hicking 01773 827727 paulandsteph@hicking.plus.com
Recorder Roger Carrington 01629 583816 rcarrington_matlock@yahoo.co.uk
Publicity/Newsletter editor Gary Atkins 01335 370773 garysatkins@aol.com
Outdoor trips organiser Peter Oldfield 01629 540510 peter-oldfield2011@hotmail.co.uk
Ex-officio Steph Hicking 01773 827727 paulandsteph@hicking.plus.com
Membership secretaries Dave and Sue Edmonds 01335 342919 sue@axgb.com
CBC Website address:  www.carsingtonbirdclub.co.uk   (maintained by:  Richard Pittam  richard.pittam@ntlworld.com)

 

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