This morning there were four Willow Warblers singing and a Sedge Warbler was singing at the back of the Large Gravel Pit. The site seemed to be awash with Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. PS.
All posts by Pete Smith
Red Kite – 10th April
This morning, during the RSPB walk, a Water Rail flew across the gap in front of the Causeway bench. A Red Kite flew to the west, high above the site and four House Martins were foraging above the Lower Path, close to the signal box. PS
Brambling – 8th April
This morning a Ringed Plover flew over the site towards the flooded fields by the Trent. A Raven was being mobbed by five or six Carrion Crows as it investigated the sheep and lambs across the river. A stunning male Brambling was in the Deep Pit, close to the bird table, showing really well and a Willow Warbler was singing from the Slurry Lagoon hedgerow. PS
Red-crested Pochard – 7th April
This morning there were still around twenty Sand Martins and a Swallow by the railway bridge. A mixed flock of Starlings and about twenty-five Fieldfares were also present. The Willow Warbler was still in the Deep Pit and a male Red-crested Pochard was on the Large Gravel Pit. PS.
Willow Warbler – 6th April
This morning a Little Ringed Plover was seen flying over the Slurry Lagoon dry end towards the ‘Eco-Park’. Thirty Sand Martins and a Swallow were foraging beside the railway bridge and lots more Blackcaps had arrived. There was a Willow Warbler singing in the north end of the Deep Pit and later in the Slurry Lagoon. PS.
Little Ringed Plover – 31st March
This morning a steady stream of Sand Martins flew through the reserve, to the north, with a few Swallows. On the flooded field across the river was a Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper and nine Oystercatchers. There were also large numbers of Tawny Mining Bees, which were seen all over the reserve. PS.
Common Scoter – 27th March
This evening a female Common Scoter was seen on the Large Gravel Pit and, in failing light, a possible female Garganey was on the Slurry Lagoon. JMD.
Orange-tip – 24th March
This morning there were plenty of insects about, especially bees. An Orange-tip was seen on the Lower Path as well as three Commas, two Peacocks, a Brimstone and several Small Tortoiseshells. A Sand Martin was seen near the railway bridge and three Oystercatchers were on the flooded field across the river. PS.
Stonechat – 18th March
This afternoon a male Stonechat was reported on the Wader Scrape. JMD.
Green Sandpiper – 17th March
This morning, during the Wildlife Walk, a Green Sandpiper was seen on the flooded field across the river. Two Sand Martins flew through over the Slurry Lagoon and five Chiffchaffs were singing. PS.