Carsington Bird Club – Page 67 – Formed in 1992 when the construction of Carsington Water reservoir was completed and opened to the public

May 2008 Newsletter

No2 / May 2008

CHAIRMAN’S NEWS AND VIEWS

A recent Guardian newspaper article – headlined ‘Green v Green’ – reported on the dilemmas faced by objectors to planning applications that have an impact on the environment. Its main thrust was to highlight ‘how environmentalists are lining up against each other in countryside battles’. Only the day before this I had an e-mail from the RSPB’s Planning and Local Government Officer forCentral England, Colin Wilkinson, saying the RSPB would no longer object to the proposed wind farm on Carsington Pastures when an appeal to the original negative decision is heard in July. After being notified of the appeal, I replied to Colin’s e-mail with a list of my continuing concerns about this project and how I thought nothing had really changed. For the RSPB they obviously have, however, so I phoned him to express my concerns, which prompted him to write a letter. I thought it worth sharing this with you – the CBC membership, many of whom are also RSPB members – so that, ahead of the appeal, you can see for yourselves the reasons for the RSPB’s change of mind.

Such predicaments are becoming increasingly frequent, according to the Guardian, which illustrates the point by detailing a much bigger wind farm scheme on the Isle of Lewis. ‘What is clear’, the newspaper says, ‘is that all energy-generation technologies have an impact on the environment and environmentalists are going to have to think more deeply about what their hierarchy of priorities is.’ I think this is obvious to everyone concerned in such projects.

The RSPB is now satisfied by further ornithological survey work and, more critically, its limited resources mean only some ‘contests’ can be taken on. In the scale of environmental controversies, Carsington is not that important in national terms and the RSPB is a national body. Carsington Bird Club, however, has local concerns at its heart, so I think we should continue to take interest and, if needs be, still oppose it. I will bring this up at the next committee meeting and would like to hear from anybody with views about the appeal. I will go to this hearing and will speak if appropriate – but only after thinking more deeply about it.

In the meantime, here is the letter – and, as I say, any views from members are welcome …

Carsington Pastures Wind Farm – the RSPB’s view

Dear Members — You probably know that West Coast Energy wants to build four large wind turbines at Carsington Pastures, a mile north of the reservoir. The RSPB objected to the planning application, which was refused, but we are now withdrawing our objection and we will not be offering evidence at the Public Inquiry scheduled for early July. Your chairman has kindly offered me a chance to explain the RSPB’s views on a case I am sure is of great interest to many of you.

The RSPB objected because of the completely inadequate effort made to survey wintering birds flying over the site. The consultants completed only 14 hours of observations, in just two months out of the normal 6-month winter period for this kind of work. This fell far below standards of best practice, and the RSPB could not be certain there would be no impact on Carsington Water’s bird populations. The Council refused the application for six different reasons, including the lack of information about wintering birds. The RSPB agreed to present evidence at the Public Inquiry unless the appellant produced additional survey data to a specified standard and we could conclude there would be no significant impact on birds.

On17 April 2008, the appellant sent us the results of 72 hours of additional surveys of wintering birds, completed between September 2007/April 2008. Added to the work done previously, this is more than double what the RSPB asked for. Although they did not use that data to complete a collision risk assessment, we decided that the numbers of birds recorded were so small that any risk assessment would show an insignificant level of risk for bird populations at the reservoir. It would have been perverse for the RSPB to carry on pressing the appellant to complete a risk assessment under these circumstances, as well as diverting the Society’s resources when defending several internationally important sites from damage by wind farms both in the region and nationally.

The basis for the RSPB’s objection therefore no longer exists, and it is no longer appropriate for the RSPB to appear at the Public Inquiry. Several other reasons for refusal of this application (notably, landscape impacts) still stand. Other organisations are preparing to give evidence for the Council on these matters, including the Peak District National Park Authority. However, because visual impacts do not have any effect on bird populations, the RSPB is not able to give evidence on this issue.

I hope this open letter explains why we have taken these actions. Even though we are no longer objecting to this proposal, we have won an important concession from the developer, just in terms of the quality of the environmental assessment. The RSPB is involved in over 1,000 planning cases annually to protect important wildlife sites, and the need to base decisions on good environmental information is often a critical issue in those cases.

Colin Wilkinson – Planning Officer, RSPB Midlands Region

SUMMER VISITORS ARRIVE – ACCOMPANIED BY FIRST-EVER AVOCETS

The period since the last newsletter has been that joyous time when our summer visitors arrive; it’s always fun to see how early the newcomers drop into the Carsington site. Swallows were ten days earlier than ever recorded before, on 15 March alongside Sand Martins – and a pair of Avocets, the first formal record at the reservoir of the RSPB’s insignia species.

House Martins and Wheatear arrived at the end of March, while Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs noted in early-mid March could have been over-wintering birds, but the real rush came in April, with greater numbers of those warblers, plus in chronological order Swift (5^th), Yellow Wagtail (11^th), Grasshopper Warbler (14^th), Tree Pipit (19^th), Lesser Whitethroat (23^rd), Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat on the 24^th, and Garden Warbler and Reed Warbler the following two days. Pied Flycatchers arrived in early May, and that archetypal spring bird the Cuckoo was logged on 4 May, the first Carsington record since 2004.

Monthly species counts have generally been up on the previous few years, and other significant highlights have included the long-staying Great Northern Diver which had gained summer plumage by April. Having graced Carsington for the first time in March, Avocets reappeared in April (see photos on website), and Ospreys were seen briefly on two occasions – firstly in March when this stately bird was mobbed by Oystercatchers. A Red Kite was seen in early May, and Peregrines are becoming increasingly regular visitors, while during the spring Barn, Little and Long-eared Owls have all been recorded.

In fact, a Long-eared Owl roosted onStoneIslandin such an obvious position it delighted many walkers before deciding it was too public a position to get any rest!

While the gull roost diminished, terns arrived in good numbers during April with up to 18 Arctic Terns noted on both the 20^th and 24^th, while a Black Tern passed through on 8 May. Little Terns were also recorded in April, when this theme continued as Little Egret and Little Gulls turned up. Waterfowl highlights included a Pink-footed Goose among the ‘locals’, Whooper Swans in March, plus Common Scoters and Red-breasted Mergansers.

VENTURING OUTDOORS – TO A QUIETER-THAN-USUAL DAWN CHORUS

After the final indoor meeting of the year, in March, when the ever-entertaining Mick Muddiman themed his talk and slides around ‘Within these Shores’, we moved outdoors and risked the cool, damp spring weather. On 15 April, 19 people, led by recorderRoger Carrington, set off aroundStonesIsland. Between hail storms, the group located two Yellow Wagtails and a distant Great Northern Diver, also enjoying close views of a singing Willow Warbler and, from the shelter of the Wildlife Centre, a trickled arrival of Curlew totalled 15 before the light went.

Twenty hardy souls braved this year’s Dawn Chorus walk, starting as4.30am. It was a beautiful morning – calm, clear, and becoming warm – but despite 42 species logged, there was a lot less singing than usual for this time of the day (and year). Those who did add to the chorus were Wood Pigeon, Robin, Wren, Song Thrush, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting and Blackbird – the latter also heard ‘mocking’ something. On investigation this turned out to be a tawny owl deep in foliage, which quickly flew off. Another highlight, seen from the Wildlife Centre over breakfast was a first summer Little Gull.

RESCUE RANGERS!

On 24 May, Severn Trent rangers were super quick to respond to an alert that a Mallard duck was in distress – caught up in the netting provided to keep predators off the ‘tern rafts’ in front of the Wildlife Centre. It was very, very windy and the bird had probably been blown into it and become entangled. Within 10 minutes a rescue boat was dispatched from the Watersports Centre, and it was quite an audience in the Wildlife Centre that witnessed the dramatic rescue as the boat eased slowly towards the rafts, coming round the long way, so as not to disturb any breeding birds.

As they approached the left hand raft, the rangers spotted the distressed bird and carefully cut away a section of the netting, allowing them to lift the Mallard onto the boat. After a few minutes of diligent disentangling, the rangers had freed the duck from the nylon mesh, and pronounced the temporary prisoner fit and well. The male bird was then deposited on the edge of Horseshoe Island and waddled off, none the worse for his ordeal.

“It may all be in a day’s work for the rangers, but those of us who witnessed the rescue were impressed at how quickly they responded; the children in the hide were particularly pleased their injured duck was safe and well,” said Richard Pittam, clubman and CBC webmaster, who was among the onlookers in the Wildlife Centre.

POLAND OFFERS UNIQUE LANDSCAPE – AND LOTS OF SPECIAL BIRDS

Anyone wanting to see a great variety of special birds and unique countryside should visit north-east Poland– around three hours drive north of Warsaw, and an area I’ve wanted to visit since a boy. In early May, I stayed for four nights in the vicinity of the Biebrza marshes and another four nights in the Bialowieza primeval forest, seeing or hearing 156 bird species together with regular views of Elk, Red Squirrel and a close-up of a Beech Marten among other mammals.

The marsh area is the most intact floodplain left in centralEuropeand comprises dense flood forests, mysterious alder woods, flowery river dunes and open sedge marshes. Cranes were seen every day and their call is a constant sound there at this time of year. So too were the large numbers of the three marsh terns, especially the very attractive White-winged Black Tern, plus three species of goose, twelve duck, a Black-throated Diver and all the Grebe species, while three Harrier and three Eagle species gave great views throughout the week. During one stop alone, we saw 15 White-tailed Eagles, an Ortolan Bunting and the most obliging Black Woodpecker ever, which decided to pop its head out of a nest hole in a classic pose just as we took our morning coffee break, prompting a rapid volley of photos.

Other stars were Ruff, with the males in wonderful breeding plumage, Yellow Wagtails galore and Great White Egrets. Fieldfare are the most common form of breeding thrushes, with fully fledged young and Thrush Nightingale seem the most common singing bird, though that may be because of the power of their voices.

There was no shortage of Bitterns booming, Corncrakes ‘crex-crexing’ and Spotted Crake ‘whisping’ – but no sightings despite diligent watching. Cuckoos were also everywhere and seen several times. Despite all these gems the two stars had to be two very small birds – Penduline Tit and Aquatic Warbler. We saw the tit’s incredible nest half built, then returned to the same spot three days and were rewarded with close-up views of the birds putting the finishing touches to the nearly-complete nest. Meanwhile,Europe’s rarest breeding warbler gave us a supreme show at dawn when several sang atop foot-high sedges. At the same spot, an hour from our hotel, we saw no fewer than five elk (moose, inAmerica) grazing in the bog.

Onto Bialowieza: with its larger extension inBelarus, this is the last remnant of the primeval forest that once covered a large part of centralEurope. We stayed in a village that typically had large numbers of nesting Storks including a pair beginning their nest outside our rooms; there were also Hawfinch in numbers, Whinchat and Rosefinch sang, and a single Barred Warbler and Icterine Warbler arrived on our last morning.

But the forest itself is the star and, as a ‘strict reserve’ must be seen courtesy of a compulsory guide. At one stage we stopped to see a pair of White-backed Woodpeckers – the largest of the black and white species – fly from their nest hole to a nearby branch to mate. ‘Collared’ are the common flycatchers, with only a few Pied seen, and the white-headed version of Long-tailed tit is even cuter than our own.

A late evening trip to a marsh was organised to see the display of Great Snipe. Though we saw them only fleetingly after negotiating a knee-deep slog, it was all worth it, with much better views of Pygmy Owl and Hazel Grouse. The mammalian stars, though – the last European Bison and Beaver – eluded us.

On the final day we visited a large reservoir only a mile from theBelarusborder: Our target was a Citrine Wagtail at the western edge of its range. One was soon found close to the path, and the wonderful male kept coming back to the same low bush for the next hour.

My boyhood dream fulfilled – and it certainly didn’t disappoint – I’d urge people to go sooner rather than later, for while it’s currently largely unchanged, agricultural changes may well occur now Poland is in the EU.

Peter Gibbon

SEVERN TRENT DRIVES PENN CARR IMPROVEMENTS

The area around Penn Carr, near Millfields, has been undergoing a facelift. Survey work indicated the bridge there was in a poor state, so it was removed and replaced by a stone track, which is much more user-friendly, particularly for horse riders, and involves much less maintenance for the rangers.

Two pools have been created next to the new track. Don’t worry if you sometimes see them drying out, as this is not always a bad thing. It may not be generally understood, but a large number of sometimes rare invertebrates and molluscs depend on such conditions, in which other creatures higher up the food-chain, such as predatory fish, cannot survive.

In addition, a number of male and female Black Poplar trees have been planted – both at Penn Carr and a number of other areas around the reservoir. Courtesy of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, cuttings were taken from Hilton Gravel Pits and grown on by the rangers for two years. Black Poplars are one of the country’s rarest trees, so it’s hoped they will do well. Other hedging plants – hawthorn, holly and hornbeam – have also been added, along with some oak trees, all grown from seed on site.

A mix of woodland flowers such as bluebells and ramsons has been seeded alongside the new track, and on the bare ground where the bridge was; it will be fascinating to see how this area develops.

It has been great to hear site users’ positive feedback. The team has had many questions about the woodland work undertaken during the winter to address where trees originally planted 20 years ago less than a metre apart were struggling to survive. Such dense planting was making them weaker and more prone to disease and infection, while little ground flora was able to develop as not much light reaches the floor.

Thinning them out by around 20 to 30 per cent allows greater competition, a varied age structure, and increased chance of ground flora, which means more nectar for invertebrates – which in turn means more food for the birds on site and an all-round healthier woodland. This work is done in direct consultation with the Forestry Commission and I hope we will all see the long-term benefits of this work in the coming years.

Keep recording the birds and help with the breeding bird surveys so, together, we can ensure Carsington Water continues to be a success – and thank you for this invaluable support.

Ben Young (Severn Trent Site Manager, Carsington)

WHAT’S ON …

Carsington Bird Club’s summer walks are under way, mostly around the reservoir, though a short trip toClumberPark is again being arranged to see nightjars. There is also a coach trip in June. Full event programme is:

17 June Evening walk from Sheepwash car park Starts7.30pm

21 June Coach trip to Lakenheath Fen/Weeting Heath (see enclosed booking slip)

15 July Nightjar walk atClumberPark, Nottinghamshire (make own way Starts8pm

and meet in National Trust car park)

16 July CBC committee meeting Visitor Centre,8pm

19 August Final summer evening walk from Visitor Centre Starts7pm

16 September First indoor talk: South Africa by Paul Bingham Hognaston Village Hall

(7.30pm)

Booking is often essential (c/o 01629 540696) for Severn Trent Water’s schedule of events, as below:

Every Tuesday Aren’t birds brilliant! at Carsington Water: Learn about the site’s Wildlife Centre

and Sunday exciting wildlife; just turn up and use the telescopes provided (10.30am-3.30pm)

8 June Aren’t birds brilliant! Family Fun Day (everything from quizzes Visitor Centre (10.30am-4pm)

mask-making to bird-watching/pond-dipping – some charges)

Marvellous Moths (close-up views of those found around res) Wildlife Centre (1.30pm)

21 June Sheepwash Spinners: Local experts demonstrate traditional wool Education Room, Visitor spinning, an important industry for Derbyshire Centre (11am-4pm)

6 July Birdwatching for Beginners (first come, first served to maximum Visitor Centre (10am-noon)

of 25; bring boots, suitable clothing, binoculars and notebook)

20-25 July NSSA national junior sailing regatta (for info see www.nssa.org.uk)

26 July Sheepwash Spinners (for details see June’s event above)

3 August Birdwatching for Beginners (for details see July event above)

Open Day withEnglandLadies Fly Fishing Association For info call 01629 540769

9 August Bat Safari (Derbyshire Bat Conservation Group leads an evening Millfields car park (8pm)

stroll in search of these unique creatures – £2.50, free parking)

30 August Sheepwash Spinners (details as above – but in Henmore Room)

6 September Wateraid Raft Race (charity donations; cheer on STW staff and Visitor Centre (11am-3pm)

contractors – also family activities/barbeque)

FURTHER REMINDER – 2008 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE

Renewal forms were sent out to the full 2007 membership with the last newsletter. Many have renewed, but there are still quite a few that have not. Please check with our membership secretaries (see contact details in the committee ‘box’ below) if you’re not sure or need to alert them to your wish to renew. Those who’ve not confirmed their membership before August will not receive that month’s issue of the newsletter.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to all new members who have joined since the New Year – namely: Andrew Brown, Weston-on-Trent; Chris Moult, Stoke-on-Trent; John & Fay Follett, Derby; Sally Packer, Alton; Dr John Payne, Holloway;Gillian Pittam, Swadlincote; Niall Sinnott, Matlock; Chris & Jane Swann, Mackworth; and Dave Williams, Kirk Ireton

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.

CBC Newsletters

Aug 2007 Newsletter

No3/August 2007

CHAIRMAN’S NEWS AND VIEWS

On the evening of 17 July the future of the wind farm scheme at Carsington Pastures was decided. I was invited to make a representation on behalf of the club at the Southern Area Planning Committee of Derbyshire Dales District Council. A comprehensive report from the officers recommended refusal from the outset, but I still went along to be seen and heard. Each speaker was given three minutes to put their case: I was the first to speak, followed by 12 others against – all local residents of Carsington. It was a chance to repeat how superficial the applicant’s environmental survey was and how the winter and migration seasons – when Carsington Reservoir has its optimum number of birds in residence – had been overlooked. Three minutes seemed far too short but that was the rule.

Other speakers raised archaeological, geological, geographical, economic, social and political objections to the plan – and the fact that the nearest dwelling would be only 650 metres, where it should be 1,600 metres. This scheme was also recognised as the least favourable of six proposed sites within Derbyshire.

When the sole speaker for Carsington Wind Energy Limited rose to speak he looked very isolated and must have known he was fighting a losing battle. He suggested there was an obligation for somewhere in Derbyshire to have a wind farm in Derbyshire at some point, but an officer stated this was not a binding rule. It was also suggested the company had carried out further ecological studies regarding newts and bats but this simply underlined how flimsy was their concept of what really makes up such a study. After claiming Natural England had signalled approval, the officer again stepped in to say this organisation had reviewed the scheme and changed its mind.

On further discussion, another crucial fact emerged that really sealed the application’s fate: Guidance notes for such an application suggest that applicants should consult with local people from 18 months before submitting plans, yet this company didn’t consult at all – a very strange omission for a professional organisation!

The councillors unanimously rejected the plans and, while the company can appeal this decision, it seems unlikely they will after such an ignominious trouncing, so hopefully this really is the end of the whole affair.

We have mentioned before that club finances are being stretched by increasing costs for printing, postage, Hognaston Hall rental, and charges for speakers and their travel. At the last committee meeting we discussed this and concluded we will have to increase our revenue. It was discussed at the last annual general meeting that we would propose to the next AGM, in January 2008, raising membership fees and club meeting entrance fees. There are four months and two committee meetings left to formulate these proposals. If any member has any views on this I would be pleased to hear them and air them with the committee.

Peter Gibbon

RARE ALBATROSS TOPS ‘RES’ SIGHTINGS – MUCH TO THE WOODS’ SURPRISE

At around 3pm on 2 July, casual birdwatchers Cyril and Shirley Wood were in the right spot at the right time, and suspected they’d perhaps seen something a bit unusual, but they could hardly imagine they had logged only Derbyshire’s second ever albatross record and the first for 50 years). The rarity committees will now deliberate for up to 12 months before deciding on the Woods’ sighting, believed to be a Yellow-nosed albatross, usually aSouth Atlanticspecies. Yet their privileged view – of what looked like a large black-backed gull that scattered Coot and even Canada Geese as it flopped onto the water – has independent credence from two other sightings, one several hours before, in Somerset, and another several hours after on a fishing pond in Lincolnshire which indicated Carsington Water could well have been on this errant bird’s flight path!

In fact it was a newspaper photograph of the Somerset bird, which had been rescued and released, that alerted Cyril and Shirley to what they’d seen: a large bird (by albatross standards its two-metre wingspan is relatively small!) with a white head, dark eye, dark back and wings and a black bill – though the thin yellow streak at the top of the bill that lends the bird its name was perhaps not quite so visible. Below is a profile of this bird, so unusual to be sighted in the northern hemisphere …

“A relatively small albatross, the Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross is named after the yellow streak ending in a pink tip along the top of the bill. The head is grey with a white cap; upperparts are blackish-grey. There is a white ring around the neck; this white colouration extends across the underside. The underwings are white, tipped with a narrow black edge. Sexes are alike, but juveniles have an entirely white head and black bill. This species breeds on Gough Island and the islands of Tristan da Cuhna in the Southern Ocean.”

More recently, a stately Osprey turned up, only to be chased off by Black-headed Gulls, possibly being particularly protective since this species has bred for the first time at Carsington. Three pairs have each raised two young, which is a notable success in a season when breeding has been decidedly mixed.

It was a case of ‘rain stopped play’ in the early part of the summer, as grebe nests were washed away and the high water line meant potential nest sites were under water. The resilience of birds is amazing, though, and ultimately there were five broods each for Little and Great Crested Grebes, plus 21 Mallard, 12 Coot, and 7 Moorhen broods – and from just one during the height of the floods, Tufted Ducks ultimately raised 15 broods.

Elsewhere, 23 House Martin nests were counted around the visitor centre complex, Hall Wood has seen both Buzzards and Raven raise young as well as being home to several broods of Spotted Flycatcher. Peter Oldfield reports that Barn Owls have successfully bred on site, but the hopes raised by singing Reed Warblers have turned out to be false, with no sign of breeding in the reed beds!

OUTINGS BRING VARIETY – FROM PUFFINS TO NIGHTJARS

It can’t be, can it – a Hooded Crow onAnglesey? Well, it was, but it certainly caused a few puzzled looks among Carsington’s birders as they scrabbled for field guides to ensure that Ireland and Scotland, and not Wales, is where ‘Hoodies’ are meant to be resident. But these birds hadn’t read the same books and certainly meant to stay – the handsome male on a hilltop keeping a watchful eye on his domain, while his mate sat on a nest just 12 feet up in a pine tree nestling in a small valley.

The RSPB’s South Stack reserve, near Holyhead, also delighted with good views of Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots and Kittiwakes. Stonechats, Wheatear and pipits were typical of the territory, but the main prize – and surprisingly easy to spot – were the half a dozen Choughs that obligingly hopped around the well-cropped fields or took to the air in front of us for their breathtaking display of aerobatics among the jackdaws, auks and gulls.

Earlier on, after a lengthy drive, 35 Carsington Bird Club members enjoyed a couple of hours at the Conwy reserve, which is flat, pleasantly open and well laid out with several hides overlooking lagoons and scrapes.

In fact, being next to a tidal estuary and with scrubland packing the fringes of the site, separating it from the busy A55 main coast road, it contains several distinct habits within a quite small area inside its perimeters.

That made for some good varied birding: waterfowl, warblers, hirundines and other summer visitors all figured, while Reed Buntings posed nicely for photos, and the reeds held noisy but shy Reed and Sedge Warblers, and both Whitethroats and their “Lesser” cousins were evident. Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Curlew and Redshank probed the sand and mud, and overhead several Buzzards and Kestrels soared and hovered. From one hide, and pointed out by local birders, a rare Ringed Teal was spotted. In all at least 66 species were logged during this club trip in June.

From such variety, it was a complete contrast when a very small group of enthusiasts risked the dodgy ‘summer’ weather to travel toClumberParkin July to see if they could spot just one special species – the nightjar. Not only did they do so, but they had some really fabulous views of these attractive streamlined flyers, swift-like and hawk-like by turns as they were manoeuvred, hovering up insects, silhouetted against a slowly darkening sky.

A glimpse is often as good as it gets, but there were some excellent extended views, particularly when the humans replicated the clapping of their wings, prompting the birds to make another circuit to check out the action! But they weren’t fooled for long and were soon lost in the gathering gloom. Thanks to Paul and Steph Hicking for pinpointing the precise location for viewing them … where an extra bonus was a woodcock in flight.

CARSINGTON IS PART OF CRAYFISH CONSERVATION PLAN

A Severn Trent Water Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) parallels a UK BAP that aims to conserve and enhance biodiversity within the UK. One threatened species selected for conservation management in the UK BAP is the white-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, for which a Species Action Plan (SAP) has been devised.

Severn Trent aims to become involved in the SAP for this crayfish species to protect and enhance their numbers inhabiting bodies of water within its ownership. As a large landowner – with over 20,000 hectares in around 2,500 separate holdings, many with crayfish – Severn Trent is in a strong position to be instrumental in moving forward the SAP for white-clawed crayfish.

In August 2003, following a feasibility study, David Rogers Associates introduced 432 white-clawed crayfish (61% males and 39% female) into Carsington Water from a donor population in Nanpantan Reservoir.

There were two release sites – one along the dam wall at the southern end of the reservoir, where the large majority were released, the other into Hopton Pond where post-release monitoring would be more feasible in the shorter term; any crayfish migrating from the pond would colonise the northern end of Carsington Water.

Later, in November 2003, a further 270 predominantly female crayfish, many carrying eggs, were released at the north end of Carsington Water’s dam.
Post-release monitoring is important, though it must be said it’s difficult to detect low-density populations in such a large body of water as Carsington Water.

A survey this year aimed to survey the two release points in Carsington Water as part of the post-release monitoring: On 14-16 May, 50 small-mesh crayfish traps were set overnight at the two locations where crayfish were released in 2003. They were retrieved the following day, with searches of suitable habitat near the release sites made by turning over suitable looking stones and using a pond net to catch any dislodged crayfish. A single male (carapace length 45 mm, weight 31g) was caught near the release site in Hopton Pool, though no crayfish were caught in the main reservoir – perhaps not surprising given its size and the relatively small numbers of crayfish introduced.

The conclusion is that although Carsington Water habitat and water quality are good, it’s unlikely large numbers of crayfish will be found by any survey method until a very large population has built up.

To increase the chances of successfully establishing a population, it’s felt further introductions need to be made into reservoir – and on 21August a further 123 crayfish (47 female, 76 male) were duly introduced to Hopton Pond. More introductions are expected to happen over the next year with the aim of creating an “arc” site where they can establish healthy enough populations to be relocated to other sites to expand populations.

Ben Young, STW Ranger

AN EAGLE (OWL) EYE FOR DETAIL …

This Eagle Owl was drawn by a budding young artist, Robert Rathbone from Belper. Amazingly he is only 13 years old! He has offered to do some work for the Annual Report, an offer that we will gratefully take up in future. We do indeed desperately need new artists, so if you think you can help please get in touch with a committee member!

BIG DRAW – CHANCE FOR KIDS TO FEATHER NEST

A reminder to those members who have children, grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren – or who ARE children – the more artistic among them can win prizes if they draw a bird while visiting Carsington Water this summer. But with a deadline for entries of 23 September, the budding artists will have to hurry.

Children living in Derbyshire can enter this new free competition, run by Carsington Bird Club, in three age group categories: 5-8, 9-11 and 12-15 year-olds. Entrants should fill in an entry form (see CBC website), attach it to their artwork and hand them into the Visitor Centre at Carsington Water. Local wildlife artist Irene Brierton, who is also a CBC member, will carry out judging in October.

First prize in this art competition, run by Carsington Bird Club, will be a pair of quality binoculars for each of the three age groups, donated by London Camera Exchange and Derbyshire Dales District Council. Other prizes in each category will include shopping and cycle hire vouchers, cash, books and free bird club membership.

The aim of the contest is to raise children’s awareness of birds and the impact of the modern world on their habitats.

CBC Newsletters

May 2007 Newsletter

No2 / May 2007

CHAIRMAN’S NEWS AND VIEWS

Have you renewed your membership? — As of mid-May, we had 87 single, 64 family and three junior members. This means a total membership of 154, and that includes 12 who were new members, so certainly we are down on the high of around 200 not so long ago. If you have simply forgotten or not got round to renewing your membership yet, please do so as soon as possible. Only paid-up members will receive the newsletter after this issue. If you know anybody else who would like to join also please encourage them to do so – and reap the benefits of what must be one of the best bargains around!

Wind Farm on our doorstep? – Shortly after news of the proposed siting of a wind farm, with four turbines, 100 yards high on Carsington Pasture I was contacted by a pressure group that planned to oppose it. I offered our experience and knowledge in assisting their submissions to the area council. Plans show how clearly visible the farm would be from the reservoir, but fail to recognise the likely environmental impact – particularly to birds. The company’s survey talks only of minimal impact, some disturbance to nesting skylarks and great crested newts, but no consideration of other breeding birds, wintering numbers, migration or the reservoir population.

In response I sent the following letter to the local authority: “As Chairman of the Carsington Bird Club I write with extreme concern about the application to site four wind turbines on Carsington Pasture. I must admit that available evidence suggests that appropriately positioned wind farms do not pose a significant hazard, though evidence from other countries like Spain and Norway confirms that poorly sited wind farms can cause severe problems for birds, through disturbance, habitat loss/damage or collision with turbines.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has consequently objected to 76 proposals between 2000-2004 and raised concerns about a further 129. The RSPB insists all wind farm proposals are subjected to rigorous environmental assessment before development is permitted and that the effects of any approved developments are monitored before and after construction.

The area suggested for these turbines will be in the flight path of birds regularly using Carsington Water for breeding and wintering, and those on migration. Our bird club has regularly done census work for breeding and wintering populations to show how significant the area is in local and national terms. This year 50,000+ starlings have roosted at Kirk Ireton, the majority of which have been seen crossing over the proposed area twice daily. One could not imagine the devastation a wind farm could cause to such a declining British species. Also flocks of geese use this flight path plus thousands of gulls each winter. The site is, in fact, right in the middle of a regular migratory route for birds.

Secondly the impact it could have on breeding birds in the immediate area is not quite so clear and, as the RSPB would demand, a scientific study of the area would be needed. This could be undertaken over the next twelve months if started right away with the breeding season upon us or better still over two years to get in a more valid set of results. I am sure members of our club could do such a study for you with your assistance. If you proceeded to accept and pass this application without such an environmental assessment then I would only describe such a course of action as environmental folly.

If, however, the application includes an environmental impact assessment already made by the company concerned I would like to see this to examine its reliability and validity. I hope we have the chance to talk to you in more depth before this decision is taken.”

The company and local authority were somewhat taken aback by the strength of feelings and reactions of the local people, so the time limit for submissions was put back until early June. We await the outcome!

It’s farewell and adieu to Matthew Capper, who in his relatively short time as project officer of the RSPB’s Aren’t Birds Brilliant initiative, did much – often in tandem with the Bird Club – to promote the merits of Carsington Water as a birding site. He often went above and beyond the call of duty, and we wish him well in his new job, based in Yorkshire, which sees him tackle the logistics of ABB activity across the North of England.

… and finally, during the summer we will be sending the Annual Report – our 15^thsince the reservoir was established in the early 1990s – out to all current club members.

Peter Gibbon

WEATHER HOLDS UP SPRING ARRIVALS BUT DIVER STICKS AROUND!

Carsington Water is becoming a popular venue for Great Northern Divers. Not only does this relatively rare species turn up, but they stick around – and once again we’ve had long-staying individuals. Up to three were seen late winter, two regularly since, and one right up to mid-May. A Black-necked Grebe also showed in the late winter, when arguably a bigger surprise was the presence of Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Stonechat.

It’s four years since Bewick’s Swans were present, so 24 on the water nearStonesIslandwas a great sight in early March. Not to be outdone, 33 Whooper Swans were seen later in the month, by which time the exodus by waterfowl to their breeding ground was reflected by dramatically lower maximum duck numbers. Meanwhile, a Glaucous Gull, which had been evident the month before along with its Mediterranean cousin, was present again in March. Immature gulls have been staying longer, and in good numbers, which is bad news for breeding birds as they will scavenge anything edible.

The possibility of terns nesting are minimised by gull numbers, but a pair of Common Terns were seen around the rafts off the Wildlife Centre in May, while Black, Arctic and Sandwich Terns have also been passing through.

Both Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits turned up in fair numbers in March and April, and other good wader sightings included up to 22 Snipe, 51 Curlew, and a Woodcock. By April, seven pairs of Oystercatcher had set up their breeding territories – one per island – and other likely breeding waders include Redshank and Little Ringed Plover. Turnstone, Common Sandpiper and Whimbrel were also showing in April, with the latter also producing a record of four on 22 May.

The avalanche of spring arrivals is always exciting, but it was a bit constrained this year by a period of poor weather in late March. Sand Martins were seen as early as 16 March, but no more arrived until almost two weeks later, when Swallows were also noted for the first time.

Chiffchaffs were here by the first half of the month, but there were no Willow Warblers until April, when Lesser Whitethoat, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler and Whitethroat were finally logged late in the month. Yellow and White Wagtails were more sparse than usual and it was also the second half of April when the first House Martin, Swift, Wheatear and Redstart were logged. Spotted Flycatchers decided on their usual leisurely return toBritain, with our first record on 15 May – and a singleton at that!

Raptors blew hot and cold, with Hobby a highlight on 7and 15 May, while Merlin showed near Hall Wood the previous month, when Sparrowhawks, Peregrine and Buzzard also featured. The Sparrowhawks and Peregrines were also seen to benefit from the assembly of fantastic roosts of up 50,000 starlings at Kirk Ireton: the raptors were occasionally seen plunging headlong into the swirling balls of starlings.

WEBSITE HITS GROW – BUT RICHARD LOOKS FOR MORE NEWS OF SIGHTINGS

The excellent new-look CBC website, maintained by Richard Pittam, continues to attact more and more ‘hits’ from surfers of the worldwide web – the most popular area proving to be the database of online latest sightings, with around 40 per cent of the traffic. The home page, not surprisingly is the second highest with almost 38 per cent, then at just six per cent the latest photo gallery of reservoir sightings.

The total number of hits from January to mid-May was an impressive 21,142, as the CBC offering steadily rises up the chart of bird-club websites.

With the popularity of the sightings page, and feedback he’s received, Richard believes a lot of people like to have a look at what’s around before they visit the reservoir – so he urges members to log their own observations on the website as well as the record books in the hides.

The website will also be a good place to watch for details of a children’s summer art competition the club is organising. Entries of pictures/sketches in three age groups, 5-8, 9-11 and 12-15 year-olds will be accepted up to September – with winners/prizes announced in October. Keep an eye open as arrangements firm up shortly.

A NON-BIRDING FAMILY WARM TONEW ZEALAND’S AMAZING SIGHTS

Sharing a car for four weeks with my non-birding wife, daughter, son-in-law and assorted luggage put paid to carrying a telescope – so expectations for this trip were not high. How wrong I was proved to be.

We started off very well on a far-too-brief two-night stopover in Singapore with a Pacific Swallow on the window sill of the hotel room, a yet to identify kingfisher type species, a Black-naped Oriole in the main shopping street and an Olive-backed Sunbird in the Botanical Gardens.

On arrival in our main target,New Zealand, there was great excitement with the first views of Australasian Harrier, Pukeko, Paradise Shelduck, Red-billed Gull, White-faced Heron, Kingfisher, Tui and Spur-winged Plover. My wife described the latter as a lapwing with yellow plastic stuck on its face! And although these soon became common sightings – ‘10 a penny round here’, according to one local – we still appreciated them.

TiritiriMatangiIsland, nearAuckland, is a treat and for anyone going a must-do, with endemic species protected from imported predators. The Takahe, like a giant moorhen on steroids, is very impressive … and fearless. Less easily seen was the Kokako, but worth waiting for. First sightings of Bellbird, Stitchbird and Saddleback were obtained on a long walk through the forested area. Some were then easily photographed on the bird feeders at the café! A pair of rare Brown Teal are resident on a pond near the jetty, and a Spotless Crake brought its young to the same pond.

Fortune really smiled when we called at Miranda that evening in search of the Wrybill – with is wader’s bill turning not down nor up, but sideways! The tide was well up and there were well over a thousand small waders, which I was astonished to find were Wrybills. When I’d calmed down I was able to identify other wader species through my bins, confirming them later with the assistance of the warden and his telescope.

Looking for Yellowhead on the mainSouth Island, a ranger advised me that they were now almost, if not completely, extinct in the area. Several days and many miles later I found out from a motel owner, as we were leaving, that her son protected a breeding population, but there was no time left to find them. The moral of this tale – talk to locals as guide books can be out-of-date very quickly in this new and changing land.

Better luck came when a comment to my son-in-law, that a very small bird might be found in the forest we were walking through, led him to ask ‘like that one over there?’ – and, yes, it was a Rifleman! I’ll make a birder out of him yet! On another long walk, or tramp as they’re called in NZ, confusion over which path to take resulted in two good sightings of Weka, well and truly out in the wilds. With the vast acreage of forests and paucity of roads and people (only around three million in a country the size of the UK), I can understand how this and other species were thought to be extinct in some areas, only to be found later breeding on happily.

Night-time walks produced unforgettable calls and the sounds of scurrying through the undergrowth, but no sightings of the elusive Kiwi. Disappointing maybe, but these wild sounds were infinitely preferable to the sight of mentally disturbed kiwis on show in a nocturnal house. We also caught the sound of a small owl species called Morepork, which gets its name from its unforgettable call – ‘more-pork’.

Our visit was timed too late for penguins in quantity but we did see individual Blue and Yellow-eyed Penguins swimming in the sea off the Otago Peninsular, and two of the Yellow-eyed variety were patiently waiting on rocks to complete their three-week moult. These were viewed from a wildlife boat trip we took where we were the only passengers: with such freedom we were able to chase Albatross and Shearwater species out at sea with staff who could confidently identify them. This was a big improvement over the expensive whale trip taken some days earlier at a different site, where the advice on identifying albatrosses from one of their wildlife ‘experts’ went something like “albatross are the large ones and the smaller ones are Mollymawks”. He was very good with sperm whales though, as they were as big as the boat!

No NZ report is complete without the cheeky parrot style Kea, first seen in a car park guarding the entrance to the toilets and specialising in car aerial and window rubber removal. The similar Kaka were very friendly; we were treated to a display by a group of 17 at Homers Tunnel on the road to Milford Sound.

Scenery, thermal areas, glaciers, volcanoes, mountains and fiords require a report all of their own but, whether you are specifically birding or just looking and experiencing on a non-birding adventure, you cannot fail to see and enjoy both landscape and birds. NZ is a very rewarding country to visit. I recorded excellent close views of 106 species and really, only regret not chasing the yellowhead and kiwi species. If you want to see the full list of my NZ sightings it is included in the report that is carried on the website.

LIVELY TALKS LEAD INTO LIVELY WALKS

The period since the last newsletter has seen the conclusion of our winter illustrated talks at Hognaston Village Hall, and the start of the spring/summer programme of walks and other outside events.

A change in plans led to Peter Gibbon, our Chairperson, presenting onMallorcain February rather than March. Though this attractive island is the most-visited holiday destination for British tourists, Peter’s talk aimed to convince people that it must also be one of the best places to go for your first birding trip abroad. He has been a dozen times on ‘family’ holidays since the late seventies and his venerable slides were used to show where and when to go and what might be seen. A quick show of hands confirmed how few of the audience had been to the island and that only four had done any bird watching while there. The second part of the talk included a video – ‘Gosney inMallorca’ – which underlined the breadth of birding interest on offer there.

A month later the audience was stunned by the fabulous quality of regular John Gardner’s slides … but perhaps they should have expected this would be the case as the subject of John’s talk was – wildlife photography, and has he’s proved before, he’s one of the best. He gave the budding photographer an insight into the planning, preparations and patience required to get the best shots of animals, birds and insects – and the landscapes they inhabit. We can all aspire to better wildlife shots – and this was a good start.

The first time we ventured outdoors was to the UpperDerwentValleyin search of raptors, courtesy of Matthew Capper, until recently Aren’t Birds Brilliant (ABB) project officer and formerly a ranger in this area. His ‘home’ knowledge was invaluable as we saw Goshawk – the main quarry – together with Peregrine, Kestrel, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk, plus a few other specialities like Raven, Siskin and Crossbill. Matthew was again at the helm as several club members turned up to support an ABB open day at the beginning of April, which saw a number of visitors calling in on a joint ABB/CBC stand or visiting the Wildlife Centre; a guided walk was also laid on.

The regular season of walks at Carsington began on 17 April, with a circuit from the Wildlife Centre, before just under 20 brave souls braved a 4.30am start on the annual Dawn Chorus walk, on 5 May – to be rewarded by a hot breakfast and drink on their return after logging a fairly regulation list of birds. Most recently, Millfields car park was the start point for the Warbler Walk on 22 May.

… AND NEXT ON THE EVENTS CALENDAR …

* * * Coach trip to superb reserves at Conwy and South Stack, Holyhead * * *

Places are still available for this trip, on 10 June (starts Carsington Water Visitor Centre at 7.45pm). For details/ bookings please contact Peter Oldfield by phone on 01629 540510 or by e-mail: peter.oldfield@ukonline.co.uk

Other forthcoming Carsington Bird Club events, through to September, are as follows:

19 June Evening walk, with Carsington’s breeding migrants still a focus Sheepwash car park(7.30pm)

17 July Nightjar walk atClumberPark, Nottinghamshire (dusk is the time Meet main car park8pm

to see these elusive birds) (check website for changes)

21 August Evening walk at Carsington Water Meet Wildlife Centre (7.30)

18 September 1^st talk of new indoor season by Mike Swales: Churnet Valley – Hognaston Village Hall (7.30) ‘Rhineland’ of Staffordshire

Meanwhile, Severn Trent Water has a busy agenda over the next few months, too, with the events listed below. For enquires regarding most of these – for which booking is often essential – people should ring 01629 540696.

2 June Introduction to fly fishing (for over 7s, charge/booking a must) Fishery Lodge (01629 540769)

3 June Birdwatching for beginners (book; bring boots, bins & notebook) Visitor Centre (10am-noon)

8-9 June Festival of the Peak 2007 (Information/tickets from PR Promotions Visitor Centre / Arena

[www.prpromotions.org.uk] … Ticket Hotline 01773 853428. Marquee

16 June Morris Dancing (marvel at the quaintest of English traditions) Visitor Centre (10am-2pm)

24 June RNLI Lifeboat Family Fun day (children & families, access for all) Visitor Centre (from11am)

30 June Motown Spectacular (access for all, for tickets call 01773 853428 Arena Marquee

or visit the website www.prpromotions.org.uk)

1 July Birdwatching for beginners (see details, as 3 June, above)

2 July Fly-fishing courses – Introductory / Improvers (details as 2 June)

8 July Aren’t Birds Brilliant! partnership Open Day (volunteers will show Starts 10.30am-til4pm

birds and other wildlife; guided walks and competitions)

4 August Birdwatching for Beginners (see details above)

11 August Wateraid Raft Race (free partnership fundraiser, access for all; Visitor Centre (11am-3pm)

for more information contact Michael Ridger on 07747 118933)

18 August The Wizard of Oz (£7children under 12, £10 adults; performance Amphitheatre, Visitor Centre

is outside, so bring chair or waterproof to sit on) (opens6pm, starts7pm)

25 August Bat Safari: join Bat Conservation Group/rangers (£2 – free parking) Millfields car park (8pm)

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

We have enjoyed a further influx of new members this spring – with, mysteriously, Staffordshire proving a particularly rich area for recruits! The full list of those who have signed up is as follows: T Baggalley, Stoke-on- Trent; Russ Hales, Shrewsbury; Paul Hodgkinson, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent; John and Ann Menzies, Derby; Tim and Rose Morris, Forsbrook, Stoke-on-Trent; Ed Whiting, Cheddleton, Staffs; Celia Wright, Middleton