No2 \/ May 2012<\/p>\n
CHAIRMAN\u2019S THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n I have just been reading through some old reports for information about birds seen at Carsington since 1992 and I came across this extract written by Eddie Walker, rounding off his ten year review for the 2001 Report: \u00a0\u201cWhat of the future? \u00a0Will the proposed Osprey platform encourage them to stay and breed in the area? Will the increasing growth of marginal vegetation provide an increase in Snipe and perhaps they will breed again? \u00a0Will the Phragmites<\/em> (common reed) bed attract breeding Reed Warblers and Water Rails, perhaps even passing Bearded Tits?” … Well, just how correct was ‘mystic Eddie’?<\/p>\n Last year, after waiting another decade, Reed Warbler bred and, in November 2010, Carsington had its first Bearded Tit record.\u00a0 Despite Eddie\u2019s two correct forecasts, we still await similar good news about either Snipe or Water Rail, which was recorded only once in 2011. \u00a0Not bad, though \u2013 2-2 on the prediction stakes, with the decider, Osprey, still our big hope for the future!<\/p>\n The 2001 report said ”this summer passage migrant, which for the first time officially returned to breed in England in the Lake District this year, was seen on several dates during both spring and autumn passage …. hopefully, this will continue as the birds increase in breeding numbers inEngland.” \u00a0Like Eddie ten years ago, here we are holding our breath and waiting with the platforms in place. \u00a0As I wrote this in early May, two different Ospreys had just flown over Carsington but again failed to stop \u2013 whereas a Reed Warbler had returned and was singing in Hopton Arm.<\/p>\n So what will the next<\/span> ten years bring? We hope the great efforts of the volunteer rangers in putting up a substantial Sand Martin breeding bank (see article later in the newsletter<\/em>) will be rewarded and prove as successful as the one atPridePark\u2019s \u2018Sanctuary\u2019 inDerby. \u00a0Will Pied Flycatcher breed as well? \u00a0Or by 2022 will the ever-expanding numbers of Little Egret mean they could be nesting with us?<\/p>\n All three would be very welcome as would the tantalisingly close Mandarin Ducks. \u00a0Furthermore, what might the 223rd recorded species for Carsington be?\u00a0 Some potential candidates are big and easy to see like Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis or White Stork \u2013 following other species that were exclusively continental birds just a quarter of a century ago. \u00a0Or maybe it would be something smaller and more local like Ring Ouzel, one of which was recorded for two days inDerby, at the aforementioned Sanctuary, and which I saw some years ago on my school\u2019s playing fields in Chaddesden. \u00a0\u00a0Red-rumped Swallows have cropped up at nearby locations like Willington with similar habitat to Carsington. \u00a0Less likely is another albatross!\u00a0 I\u2019d be interested to hear your predictions!<\/p>\n Back to the present, our beautiful Great Northern Diver seems finally to have left the reservoir, hopefully to return next winter. \u00a0I wonder where it has gone: there are lots of reports of them around the coast at the moment, including 37 counted at Drummore off the coast ofDumfriesandGalloway, where I stayed at Easter.\u00a0 Here\u2019s hoping ‘our’ diver joins ‘the party’ soon!’<\/p>\n Peter Gibbon<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0THANKS TO SURVEY RESPONDEES \u2013 THUMBS-UP FOR TRIPS<\/strong><\/p>\n The committee sincerely thanks those several dozen club members (and others) who returned questionnaires seeking their opinions about the club, what it offered, and what they wanted to see more \u2013 or less \u2013 of in future.<\/p>\n A total of 81 responded to the survey \u2013 26 paper copies and 55 online \u2013 with one coming from as far afield as theUnited States.\u00a0 From that we have a clearer picture of the demographics, why some people feel unable to be members, which activities and information people prefer, and what the club does well, and not-so-well.<\/p>\n One activity several people would like to see reinstated is regular club trips \u2013 so we are going to try staging one in the autumn (see information at the end of this item<\/em><\/strong>).<\/p>\n Another area that attracted a number of comments was the need to promote the club better in order to attract \u2018the more basic birdwatcher, rather than ornithologist\u2019 and to publicise events more widely.\u00a0 Suggestions included notices on dedicated boards in hides, where membership forms could also be placed, and using local newspapers or even social media, so the committee needs to consider advertising and communication.<\/p>\n Others raised the philosophy and aims of the club: \u2018Is it for conservation and recording birds or for … introducing people, especially youngsters, to the pleasures of birdwatching?\u2019 someone asked. \u00a0A good question \u2013 and one that perhaps we all need to bend our minds to.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, opinions varied on other topics: for example, some people wanted more walks; some wanted none (turn-outs lately have indicated the latter!).\u00a0 All-in-all, it was an educational exercise, and we will try to learn lessons, and to take up some of the positive ideas.\u00a0 Keep an eye on the website, too, for answers to some of the comments and queries raised.<\/p>\n *\u00a0 *\u00a0 *\u00a0 *\u00a0 CLUB TRIP – TO FRAMPTON MARSH, <\/em><\/strong>30 SEPTEMBER 2012<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 *\u00a0 *\u00a0 *\u00a0 *<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n After a lengthy absence from the calendar, CBC is planning to stage its first club trip since 2010.\u00a0 The target location for this trip is the excellent RSPB reserve at Frampton Marsh, <\/em>Lincolnshire<\/em>, which offers a diversity of migrating species and wildfowl in the early autumn.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n The recent survey indicated a continuing desire for trips, from at least a hard core of the membership, so we hope to stage a couple each year.\u00a0 We need to be more flexible about transport \u2013 guaranteeing the trip whatever the numbers \u2013 so in future we simply want people to initially inform trips organiser Peter Oldfield of their intention to take part, followed by payment in full six weeks before the date of the trip. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Cost will depend on the form of transport, but we would generally expect to keep it in the region of \u00a310-15. For Frampton, contact Peter (c\/o his e-mail if possible \u2013 peter-oldfield2011@hotmail.co.uk<\/a> \u2013 or by writing to him at Owslow Farm, Carsington, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 4DD) to register your interest.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n OSPREYS PASS US BY AGAIN \u2013 BUT PLENTY MORE RETURN AND BREED<\/strong><\/p>\n High expectations have surrounded the numerous visits by Ospreys this spring, but despite sightings of 10 or more birds \u2013 the first on 3 April, the most recent on 29 May, with more than one seen together and a couple staying more than one day \u2013 all of these spectacular raptors eventually moved on.<\/p>\n Red Kites were seen in large numbers across the county in March, with two at Carsington on the 21st<\/sup>, while as many as 11 Buzzards have been seen aloft at any one time and Sparrowhawks were seen more than once carrying prey in Hall Wood, so a nest seems likely.\u00a0 Hobbys and Peregrines were each recorded in April and May, and both Little and Tawny Owls were logged on the same day in March.<\/p>\n The other major event in spring is the return of the migrants: who would win the race back?\u00a0 Well, it seems to have been Sand Martins, which were first spotted on 11 March, just a couple of days ahead of Chiffchaffs.\u00a0 Also popping up in March were Wheatear, Blackcap and Swallow, but April as usual was the month when most came back.\u00a0 This year\u2019s migrant cast, in order of appearance, was Willow Warbler, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Swift and, on the last day of the month, Sedge Warbler and Common and Lesser Whitethroats.\u00a0 Spotted Flycatcher did not turn up until May, when a site rare species \u2013 the Cuckoo \u2013 was heard by several people from Sheepwash Hide.<\/p>\n Since first arriving, sizeable numbers have been logged by people undertaking circular walks. Over 70 Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, and 39 Willow Warblers were noted on single walks, and resident species have also been numerous with Wren (66), Robin (59), Blackbird (73) and Chaffinch (65) the most prominent.<\/p>\n The return of singing Reed Warblers to Hopton reedbed once again holds out hope of breeding.\u00a0 Meanwhile, wildfowl and wader broods have so far emerged from eight Mallard and two Oystercatcher, Redshank, Lapwing and Barnacle Goose nests, though the high water levels (98.5% full), stormy weather and predation look likely to have hit the survival rate quite hard.<\/p>\n Passage waders included up to 23 Curlew in March, when Ruff, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit were recorded; April added Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper, and others passing through in May were Ringed Plover, Turnstone and Sanderling.\u00a0 Black Terns were the stars of the tern passage \u2013 noted in late March and early April \u2013 while a Sandwich Tern was also spotted among the larger numbers of Common andArctics.<\/p>\n Though now thinned down dramatically, up to 2,000 Black-headed, 400 Common and 200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were the main characters of the early spring gull roost, which also included a handful ofMediterranean, Yellow-legged, Herring and Great Black-backs.\u00a0 The April winds also blew through 13 Little Gulls and 2 Kittiwakes.<\/p>\n Winter species have perhaps been slower in departing.\u00a0 A flock of 150 Fieldfares called in on Carsington on 5 May before exiting stage left, and the day after the site\u2019s latest ever Goldeneye record was chalked up.\u00a0 Meanwhile, right on schedule and in beautiful full summer plumage, our over-wintering adult Great Northern Diver finally decided to find some action on its breeding grounds.<\/p>\n Other highlights were what looked like a six-strong family of Whooper Swans, seen on 24 March, and a week earlier a pair of Garganey.\u00a0\u00a0 Sacred Ibis andCapeShelduckglimpsed in April were almost certainly escapees.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n BIRD OF THE ISSUE: SAND MARTIN<\/strong><\/p>\n The Sand Martin (riparia riparia<\/em>), so often one of the earliest migrants back in theUK, is the smallest hirundine visiting theUK.\u00a0 Those moving north and arriving in large numbers across most ofEurope over-winter in eastern and southernAfrica, but there are also sizeable colonies inAmerica andAsia as well.<\/p>\n At Carsington, it is often confused with House Martins, which nest around the visitor centre, Swallows and even Swifts (though these are larger and not in fact hirundines at all).\u00a0 All four hawk for insects, often low over the water, and will hunt together, making it potentially confusing for birdwatchers.<\/p>\n There are tell-tale signs, however: House Martins have a distinctive white rump, the tails of adult Swallows have long streamers, Swifts appear almost completely black and have swept, \u2018scimitar\u2019 wings, while Sand Martins have solid brown backs and a brown neck-ring decorating otherwise light underparts.<\/p>\n African droughts have seen populations crash, but generally up to 250,000 pairs nest in the UK(about half as many as House Martins).\u00a0 They inhabit holes in sandy or gravel banks, so often nest along riverbanks and gravel pits, but will also utilise specially-built nest banks at larger bodies of water, such as that built by the volunteer rangers at Carsington this year (see article below<\/em>).<\/p>\n Very agile flyers, they catch invertebrates on the wing, and during the breeding season are highly gregarious. Arriving on breeding grounds in early-mid March and not leaving until early autumn, they can have up to two broods of 4-5 eggs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n NEW TECHNOLOGY HELPS SPREAD THE WORD \u2013 SIGHTINGS ON TWITTER<\/strong><\/p>\n The CBC sightings board has been busy this year \u2013 over 130 sightings reported in the first 150 days of the year \u2013 nearly one a day (the more, the merrier).\u00a0 Users of the sightings board should note that sightings can now be posted from most smartphones and are posted immediately, so other birders can get the news via email, if they so desire. \u00a0Not everyone has, or indeed can afford, a pager system, such as RBA or Birdguides.<\/p>\n Alternatively, please note that CBC Sightings now has a live Twitter account called @CBCSightings<\/strong>, to which all sightings submitted to the website will be auto-emailed. \u00a0This way, all smartphone users will be able to get the latest sightings straightaway for free, providing they click to \u201cFollow\u201d @CBCSightings from their own Twitter account.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n SAND MARTIN BANK READY FOR OCCUPATION<\/strong><\/p>\n Work on the Sand Martin bank reported in the last issue of the newsletter finally got under way on 21 February.\u00a0 The hope is that these busy, fast-flying little hirundines will nest on site at Carsington \u2013 and while the birds haven\u2019t moved in this year, the project itself was a great success, offering up the hope they will in future years.<\/p>\n An existing concrete base was located just to the north of the Wildlife Centre: on assessment it was found to be of the right size and in excellent condition.\u00a0 Ten tonnes of clay had to be removed to expose the concrete base, and four tonnes was reused during construction and for landscaping.<\/p>\n The main bulk of the construction was progressed during March, when around 70 per cent of the work was completed, reports Neil Burns, a volunteer ranger who led an 11-strong project team.<\/p>\n \u201cThe construction method was quite straightforward,\u201d says Neil.\u00a0 \u201cAt each visit a course of hollow concrete blocks was laid and then filled with a ballast\/cement mix with reinforcing rods used to strengthen the structure. \u00a0Pea gravel was used at the base of the sand bank to improve drainage. \u00a0As the height of the wall grew, back filling with a dry cement\/sand mixture allowed the remaining courses to be added without the need for scaffolding. \u00a0The wall consisted of eight courses, incorporating a total of 160 concrete blocks each measuring 21x21x44 centimetres.\u00a0 Meanwhile, clay from the original mound was reused to build up both ends of the wall so that it dovetailed seamlessly into the original mound.<\/p>\n \u201cClay pipes were inserted in the wall at courses 3, 5 and 7,\u201d explained Neil. \u00a0\u201cThese were the entry points for the 36 nesting chambers which were formed before the dry sand cement mixture hardened.\u00a0 Finally, after nine weeks a waterproof membrane was placed over the completed sand bank and then covered with soil.\u201d<\/p>\n Turf was used on top of the wall and grass seed was scattered over on the soil which will eventually reduce the visual impact. \u00a0The project utilised three tonnes of pea gravel, 14 tonnes of sand and 40 bags of cement, while five tonnes of soil were applied for landscaping.\u00a0 It was finally completed on 1 May, after a total of 400 hours of work by the volunteer team.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n FAREWELL TO HOGNASTON VILLAGE HALL<\/strong><\/p>\n Following Peter Gibbon\u2019s review of the 20 years of the bird club in January, the indoor meetings programme concluded with a close-up view at the birdlife of Brazil\u2019s Pantanal, courtesy of Alan Goddard and his excellent photographs, in February, and a look at other flying wonders \u2013 dragonflies \u2013 in March, when our guest at Hognaston Village Hall was Dave Goddard (no relation!).\u00a0 The audience was agog to learn about the life-cycle of these often-mystical insects, and amazed at their variety and beauty.<\/p>\n After many years, this was our last meeting at Hognaston Village Hall, as the decision was taken to move to Severn Trent Water\u2019s Visitor Centre at Carsington Water for the 2012-13 indoor season.<\/p>\n With no outdoor walks planned currently this summer (though we did support Severn Trent\u2019s \u2018wagtail wander\u2019 in April, which yet again failed to produce any of the migrating yellow wagtails!), the only outdoor event to report to members was a 20th<\/sup> anniversary celebration day staged by Severn Trent.<\/p>\n Many wildlife bodies joined other organisations on display on the open grassy area adjacent to the visitor centre, but the diabolical weather kept the number of visitors to a minimum.\u00a0 The event proved a good try-out, though, for the club\u2019s newly-acquired gazebo (which nearly took off at one point in the wind) and excellent display boards designed and produced by Steph Hicking.\u00a0 We hope to put these to further good use in the future.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n WHAT\u2019S ON<\/strong><\/p>\n Apart from the proposed autumn trip, mentioned earlier, there are no summer events planned by the bird club, but its indoor programme begins on 18 September with a look at \u2018the birds of the Canary Isles\u2019 by Chairman Peter Gibbon.\u00a0 Don\u2019t forget that 2012-13 club meetings have switched to the Henmore Room in the Visitor Centre at Carsington Water, and that for Severn Trent events below, it\u2019s often sensible to book a place with the visitor centre (on 01629 540696):<\/p>\n First Sunday of \u00a0each month\u00a0 Birdwatching for Beginners (enjoy a gentle two-hour walk led \u00a0by experienced STW volunteer David Bennett) –\u00a0Meet Carsington Water Visitor Centre 10am<\/p>\n Most Tuesdays and Sundays \u00a0–\u00a0\u00a0 Spotting wildlife: STW volunteer rangers are on hand to help identify wildlife on and around the reservoir –\u00a0\u00a0Wildlife Centre10.30-3.30pm<\/p>\n Last Saturday\u00a0\u00a0of each month –\u00a0Sheepwash spinners (learn about traditional wool spinning,\u00a0\u00a0with demonstrations, from fleece to gifts and garments) – Carsington Water\u00a0Visitor Centre (11am-3pm)<\/p>\n 17 June\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Father\u2019s Day in the Woods (charges apply) \u00a0– \u00a011am-3.30pm<\/p>\n 23 June\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Water Cycle Tour: join a ranger to learn about Carsington Water from the saddle (hire a bike or bring your own)\u00a0 – \u00a0Call Visitor Centre for timings<\/p>\n 1 August\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Low water gardening day: find out how to get the most of your garden in summer \u2013 without constant watering –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Call Visitor Centre for timings<\/p>\n 25 August\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bat Safari: join a ranger for an evening stroll (charges apply) – Call Visitor Centre for timings<\/p>\n 8 September\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Water Cycle tour (see entry above for details)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nKNOW YOUR COMMITTEE\u00a0 \u2013\u00a0 Here are the club officials and their contact details \u2026<\/h3>\n