All posts by Pete Smith

Red-crested Pochard – 11th September

September 11, 2016Recent wildlife sightings11th September, 2016, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, Red-crested Pochard, Slurry Lagoon, Swallow, Whitethroat, Willow WarblerPete Smith

This morning, during the bird count, two Red-crested Pochard were seen on the Slurry Lagoon. Large mixed flocks of warblers were foraging around the site, mainly Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps but Whitethroats, a Willow Warbler and a Garden Warbler were also seen. Several family groups of Swallows were also going through during the morning. PS.

Redstart – 6th September

September 7, 2016Recent wildlife sightings2016, 6th September, Hobby, Railway Bridge, Redstart, Slurry Lagoon, SwallowPete Smith

This afternoon a female/juvenile Redstart was seen beside the Slurry Lagoon, near the access gate, and a Hobby was harassing the Swallows near the railway bridge. SC, PG.

Raven – 29th August

August 29, 2016Recent wildlife sightings2016, 29th August, Boundary Hedge, Buzzard, Lesser Whitethroat, Raven., Yellow WagtailPete Smith

This morning four Buzzards were flying above Radcliffe when a Raven flew through and across the site. A Lesser Whitethroat was singing along the Boundary Hedge and two Yellow Wagtails were in the maize field. PS.

Hobby – 23rd August

August 24, 2016Recent wildlife sightings2016, 23rd August, Common Blue, HobbyPete Smith

This morning two Hobbies were seen during the Butterfly Census. Fifty-five Common Blue butterflies were counted. SC.

Bittern – 22nd August

August 23, 2016Recent wildlife sightings2016, 22nd August, Bittern, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

This evening a Bittern flew across the Slurry Lagoon and into a reed bed. JMD.

Red-crested Pochard – 21st August

August 21, 2016Recent wildlife sightings2016, 21st August, Common Sandpiper, Hobby, Large Gravel Pit, Raven., Red-crested Pochard, Slurry Lagoon, Volucella zonaria, water railPete Smith

This morning a juvenile Red-crested Pochard was on the Slurry Lagoon. A Water Rail was also seen along the reeds at the back of the lagoon. Later a Raven flew south across the Large Gravel Pit. PS

A male and female of Volucella zonaria, the Hornet Hoverfly, were feeding on Buddleja by the metal gates. PS

In the afternoon two Common Sandpipers were seen on the riverbank and a Hobby flew over. JMD

Wigeon – 9th August

August 11, 2016Recent wildlife sightings2016, 9th August, Gravel Pits, Hobby, Shelduck, Slurry Lagoon, WigeonPete Smith

This morning a Wigeon and a juvenile Shelduck were on the Slurry Lagoon. In the afternoon a Hobby was seen over the Gravel Pits. PS.

Raven – 24th July

July 24, 2016Recent wildlife sightings2016, 24th July, Banded Demoiselle, Black-tailed Skimmer, Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Brown Hawker, Emperor, Raven., Ruddy DarterPete Smith

This morning, during the Dragonfly Walk, two Ruddy Darters were found, along with Emperor, Brown Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer, Banded Demoiselles, Blue-tailed and Common Blue Damselflies. Near the river three Ravens were seen flying from Radcliffe and going north. There was one moulting bird, presumably and adult, and two with perfect wings, presumed to be juveniles. PS.

Hobby – 3rd July

July 3, 2016Recent wildlife sightings2016, 3rd July, Causeway, Gatekeeper, Hobby, Pyramidal OrchidPete Smith

A Hobby was seen hawking for insects above the Causeway this morning. Some Pyramidal Orchids are now out and a Gatekeeper was seen. PS.

Common Sandpiper – 2nd July

July 3, 2016Recent wildlife sightings2016, 2nd July, Common Sandpiper, Grass Snake, river, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

This morning a Common Sandpiper was found on the Slurry Lagoon and three more on the river near the railway bridge. A Grass Snake was seen along Willow Walk, basking on some dead bracken hanging from the Car Auction site fence. PS.