A male Goosander was on the Trent early afternoon and later two Little Egrets flying together loomed out of the mist to be swallowed up again almost instantly. The two Red-crested Pochard were again present on the Large Gravel Pit but with conditions deteriorating it was impossible to see across the Slurry Lagoon and only the shapes of geese flying in to roost were discernible. However the weather didn’t put off the Cetti’s as at least one was singing from the east side of the Slurry. JMD.
All posts by Jacqueline
Starling Roost – 1st November
Starling numbers are building and tonight the Roost was spectacular with perhaps 5,000 birds in total coming over in wave after wave to join together in a fantastic aerial display which not only looked great but sounded great too. A Cetti’s was joining in and on the Large Gravel Pit at least one Red-crested Pochard is still present. JMD.
Ross’s Goose – 17th October
This afternoon among the large flock of Greylags and Canadas in the field across the river was a Ross’s Goose – probably an escape and possibly the same bird that has been reported at Attenborough. Also the two Red-crested Pochard were still on the Large Gravel Pit and at least one Cetti’s Warbler was singing very well. JMD.
Reed Warbler – 7th October
A Reed Warbler was feeding along the edge of the reed bed at the back of the Slurry Lagoon this afternoon; while two Green Sandpiper and a Ruff were on the water’s edge. Common Snipe numbers are slowly increasing with at least twelve seen today. The two Red-crested Pochard are still present on the Large Gravel Pit. A few insects are still about particularly Migrant Hawkers. JMD.
Ruff – 4th October
What a difference a day makes – it was glorious at the Lagoons this afternoon. The warm sunshine encouraged some insect activity with at least six Migrant Hawkers and one or two butterflies including a Holly Blue and two Small Tortoiseshells. The geese had departed into the surrounding fields and the river so it was easier to view the Slurry and two Ruff were spotted among the Lapwings and Black-headed Gulls and nine Common Snipe were enjoying the sun at the reed edges. JMD.
Geese – 1st October
The Slurry Lagoon was alive with geese late this afternoon. About 130 Canadas and approximately 600 Greylag were present with an interesting assortment of hybrids. The S.T. fields of sweetcorn have been harvested and this is no doubt what has attracted them to the Lagoons. Two Swallows also flew quickly through. JMD..
Marsh Harrier – 27th September
A Marsh Harrier flew over the Slurry Lagoon at about 3.30 p.m. this afternoon. It was a cream-crown and probably a juvenile bird. It put up every bird on the Slurry as it flew over the reed beds for some minutes being persued particularly by the Lapwings until they chased it over S.T. land. However a few minutes later it came back for a second try but again the Lapwings chased it away and this time it flew over the Deep Pit and down the river. JMD.
Little Egret – 7th September
A Little Egret was on the river bank early afternoon but the Lagoons themselves were quiet except for three Common Snipe although duck numbers are starting to build up now. JMD.
Waders – 4th September
Waders are still dropping in to rest and feed before continuing on to their wintering grounds and this afternoon a lovely bright juvenile Ruff and yet another Green Sandpiper were resting and feeding along the edge of the Slurry Lagoon. JMD.
Green Sandpiper – 16th August
There were four Green Sandpipers on the Slurry Lagoon this afternoon and a single Dunlin. JMD.
A Willow Tit was heard calling along the Lower Path. PS.