This morning a female Stonechat was on the fence beside the Deep Pit, on the pylon side. It was foraging on the inner bank of the pit. PS.
All posts by Pete Smith
Bittern – 27th September
Today a Bittern was reported in the Deep Pit. At about 16.15 a Bittern was seen flying between reed beds on the Slurry Lagoon. Whether it was the same or another bird is not known. PS.
Black Tern – 24th September
This morning, during the Bird Walk, a Black Tern was watched for about twenty minutes, hawking insects over the Deep Pit. Also seen were a Raven and two Lesser Redpolls. There was a light passage of Swallows, House Martins and Meadow Pipits, with fifty-five Swallows, twenty House Martins and seven Meadow Pipits seen flying over to the south. There were also good numbers of Migrant Hawkers seen. PS.
Nuthatch – 17th September
This morning a Nuthatch flew along the river at tree-top height. A 1st for site. Also seen were two Ravens, on the pylons, a Hobby hawking insects over the Slurry Lagoon while a Snipe dropped into the reed-bed. There was still a light passage of swallows and martins. PS.
In the afternoon there were four Ravens present. RW.
Pink-footed Goose – 16th September
This morning thirty Pink-footed Geese flew east over the site. Also seen were two Ravens, a passage of 280 Swallows and a Yellow Wagtail and a Snipe on the Slurry Lagoon. RW.
Bittern – 14th September
A Bittern was seen in the Slurry Lagoon reed bed this afternoon. JMD.
Raven – 12th September
This morning two Ravens were seen flying high over the site. One was doing barrel rolls and back flips whilst the other came down to deal with a food item on the ground. A Peregrine was also seen flying across the Large Gravel Pit, carrying prey. PS.
Ruff – 10th September
At the Patchwatch today, 65 species were seen, including two Tawny Owls, two Ravens, two Yellow Wagtails, two Redshank and two Ruff. There was also a small passage of Swallows, Sand Martins and Meadow Pipits. PS.
Wheatear – 4th September
This afternoon a Wheatear was seen on the Deep Pit fence posts. JDn.
Yellow Wagtail – 28th August
This morning a Yellow Wagtail flew over the site to the south. A Sparrowhawk was seen to fly in a direct line in fast, active flight, across the Slurry Lagoon and straight into the reeds on the opposite side to emerge almost straight away with what was presumably a hapless Reed Warbler in its talons. PS.