This morning was cold and overcast and did not encourage birds to sing. There were still 11 Chiffchaffs singing as well as 8 Blackcaps, 4 Willow Warblers, a Sedge Warbler and a Cetti’s. Two Common Terns were pursuing each other high over the site and a Sand Martin and a House Martin were briefly seen. PS.
All posts by Pete Smith
House Martin – 11th April
Sedge Warbler – 10th April
This morning was bright and sunny after yesterday’s rain, but the wind was very chilly. There were Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers singing. By the river and in the Slurry Lagoon reed bed there were two Sedge Warblers singing. There were two Oystercatchers along the river and over the Deep Pit and one or two Sand Martins put in an appearance. A Buzzard gave good views as it flew low over the site, landing twice in the ash trees along the railway embankment. PS.
In the afternoon a male Orange-tip was flying along the Ouse Dyke. JMD.
Wheatear – 8th April
This morning, on the monthly bird count, there were several new birds in, including five Willow Warblers, four Sand Martins, a Swallow and a Wheatear. More Chiffchaffs had arrived and also more Blackcaps. Three Buzzards and two Shelduck were also seen. PS.
Willow Warbler – 6th April
Despite the hard frost and cold wind there were still signs of spring at the lagoons this morning. On the Deep Pit a Common Tern dive bombed the Cormorants on the breeding platforms. Along the river bank a Willow Warbler was singing and several butterflies, including a Speckled Wood, were seen. PS. AE.
On the Causeway two Weasels were seen. JG.
Weasel on Causeway
Black Redstart – 5th April
In the early afternoon a female/first winter male Black Redstart was seen on the fence posts at the north end of the Slurry Lagoon. Later on there were 68 migrating Common Gulls on the Slurry Lagoon. RW.
Red Kite – 25th March
As the air warmed up and thermals began to form the raptors began to soar into the sky. By midday there were twelve Buzzards circling and then two Red Kites soared over the site. There were also two Sparrowhawks, a Kestrel, and two Peregrines and a Rough-legged Buzzard that drifted off towards Gedling pit top. Eight Chiffchaffs were singing as well as a Blackcap and several Sand Martins passed through. PS.
Wheatear – 18th March
The sleet and rain this morning has put some migrants down and the dry end of the Slurry Lagoon had two cracking male Wheatears on it. There were also six Chiffchaffs, three of them singing. A Redshank and four Shelduck were on the Slurry Lagoon and two Peregrines flew along the line of the pylons. PS.
Chiffchaff – 15th March
This afternoon, during the brief sunny spell, a Chiffchaff was heard singing in the Deep Pit, also four Meadow pipits flew over. The Cetti’s Warbler was heard singing and a Shelduck is still on the Slurry Lagoon. RW.
Peregrine – 14th March
This afternoon three Peregrines were over the reserve. They drew attention to themselves by very loud and agitated calling. Two were males and one a female, and they perched for a while on the pylons, calling the whole time. One male swooped at the other male and drove it off. It then landed on a pylon above the female, still calling agitatedly. Shortly it flew off along the wires and the female followed it, stooping at it half-heartedly before flying off following the other male. The remaining male then settled on a pylon. PS.
Bird Count – 11th March
Sunday 11th March was an exceptionally warm still day, perfect for coaxing raptors into the air. Several Buzzards were seen in the same thermal and an amazing sight was a ‘kettle’ of eight Common Buzzards that were joined by two Rough-legged Buzzards. Several Sparrowhawks and Kestrels and a Peregrine were also seen. The bird counts are a monthly event and are a good way of collecting data on the welfare and abundance of birds on the reserve. They are held on the second Sunday of every month. People meet at the end of Teal Close in time to set off at 07.45 and normally finish at about 11.00. If you would like to attend just turn up and join in.