All posts by Pete Smith

Willow Emerald – 25th September

This morning there was still a steady passage of Hirundines, including some Sand Martins. Two Ravens were seen several times and there were three Hobbies catching dragonflies. Along the Boundary Hedge there were several dragonflies including at least seven Willow Emeralds. On the north path beside the Slurry Lagoon an unusually dark Comma was seen. PS.

Willow Emerald

Great White Egret – 17th September

This morning, just before the Bird Walk commenced, two Great White Egrets flew onto the Slurry Lagoon. Unfortunately they only stayed for a few minutes. During the walk some passage Siskins, Yellow Wagtails and a Meadow Pipit flew over. Also seen were several Migrant Hawkers and Red Admirals, and a single Small Copper. PS.

Marsh Harrier – 4th August

This morning, during the Bird Walk, two ravens were on the pylons and also crossed and re-crossed the site several times. A Water Rail dashed across the gap in front of the Causeway benches, a female Marsh Harrier flew over the site but continued over the river, and a Hobby was over the Small Gravel Pit. Also the first few Siskins were heard passing over-head. PS.

Ravens.

Water Rail – 3rd September

This morning there were five Wigeon on the Slurry Lagoon. Up to 36 Shoveler were also there and about forty Swallows passed to the south in small family groups. A Water Rail dashed across the gap in front of the Causeway benches and two others were heard. There were still two Common Terns on the Deep Pit and large flocks of warblers, mostly Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, were about. PS.

Wheatear – 27th August

This morning a single and later a pair of Yellow Wagtails flew over the site towards the south. On the Causeway path a Wheatear was foraging for food and a flock of hirundines, including at least 20 House Martins, was feeding overhead. From time to time a group of Swallows or Sand Martins would join them before moving on south. Later fourteen Shoveler flew in and settled on the Slurry Lagoon. PS.

Wheatear. PS.