All posts by Pete Smith

Swallow – 8th April

April 8, 2013Recent wildlife sightings2013, 8th April, Little Ringed Plover, Marsh Harrier, Ringed Plover, Sand Martin, Swallow, Wader ScrapePete Smith

This afternoon there were three Swallows, a Sand Martin, four Little Ringed Plovers and a Ringed Plover on the Wader Scrape. In the late afternoon a Marsh Harrier flew over the railway land, pursued by crows. JC.

Little Ringed Plover – 7th April

April 7, 2013Recent wildlife sightings2013, 7th April, Chiffchaff, Coltsfoot, Honey Bee, Little Ringed Plover, Wader ScrapePete Smith

There are now two pairs of Little ringed Plovers on the Wader Scrape. Spring is still giving little evidence of arriving although some Honey Bees were seen on the willow and Coltsfoot and a Small tortoiseshell was seen. About six Chiffchaffs were heard singing, but little other evidence of spring is stirring. PS.

Marsh Harrier – 29th March

March 29, 2013Recent wildlife sightings2013, 29th March, Buzzard, Chiffchaff, Little Ringed Plover, Marsh Harrier, Redshank, Slurry Lagoon, Snipe, Wader Scrape, White WagtailPete Smith

After seeing yesterday’s male Marsh Harrier, it was a surprise this morning to see a female, also over the Slurry Lagoon reed bed. It dropped into the reeds and disappeared for a while and when it reappeared its crop was distended with its recent meal. Crows escorted it off the site unfortunately. Also seen were the Little Ringed Plover on the Wader Scrape, with a Redshank, six Buzzards, seven Snipe and two singing Chiffchaffs. PS.

This afternoon a White Wagtail was present amongst the Pied Wagtails on the Wader Scrape. RW.

Marsh Harrier – 28th March

March 28, 2013Recent wildlife sightings2013, 28th March, carrion crow, Marsh Harrier, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

A superb male Marsh Harrier was quartering the Slurry Lagoon reed bed this afternoon. Unfortunately it was pestered by Carrion Crows and eventually gave up and continued up the valley. PS.

Little Ringed Plover – 20th March

March 20, 2013Recent wildlife sightings2013, 20th March, Cettis Warbler, Deep Pit, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Haven, Lapwing chicks, Large Gravel Pit, linnet, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Wader Scrape, water railPete Smith

The Little Ringed Plover is still on the Wader Scrape, along with a Lapwing, 24 Gadwall and a male Goldeneye. Two Cetti’s Warblers were heard, one in the Haven, the other in the Deep Pit, as well as several Water Rail and there were two Snipe near the Large Gravel Pit. In an ash tree on the railway embankment there was a pre-roost flock of 57 Linnets. PS.

Curlew – 17th March

March 17, 2013Recent wildlife sightings17th March, 2013, Curlew, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Little Ringed Plover, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Slurry Lagoon, teal, Wader ScrapePete Smith

This morning the Little Ringed Plover was seen again on the Wader Scrape, along with 32 Gadwall, 2 Teal and a male Goldeneye. A Curlew flew over the site and there was a mixed flock of Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits on the dry end of the Slurry Lagoon. PS.

Little Ringed Plover – 14th March

March 14, 2013Recent wildlife sightings14th March, 2013, Little Egret, Little Ringed Plover, Ouse Dyke, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

This afternoon there were two Little Egrets in the Ouse Dyke and a Little Ringed Plover on the dry end of the Slurry Lagoon, near the beach. PS.

Barn Owl – 12th March

March 12, 2013Recent wildlife sightings12th March, 2013, Barn OwlPete Smith

As I walked around the north-east corner of the Deep Pit I saw the Barn Owl flying across it, being chased by a Magpie. It flew towards the Large Gravel Pit and then turned to follow the bank towards me. It was a very bright bird, the buff on its wings and head being almost orange. The middle of its back was grey and its tail very pale. It flew right past me and then over the Slurry Lagoon and out of sight. A little later it reappeared with a small mammal in its talons, landed in an elder tree and swallowed its prey before flying off to look for more. It seemed a very confiding bird as it practically ignored my presence. On the Slurry Lagoon there was a Shelduck, and some Coltsfoot was out along the side of the path. PS.

Barn Owl – 4th March

March 4, 2013Recent wildlife sightings2013, 4th March, Barn Owl, Buzzard, Little Egret, SnipePete Smith

The Barn Owl was seen again this evening hunting beside the Large Gravel Pit. Also seen were two Little Egrets, eight Snipe and a Buzzard. RW.

Blackcap – 3rd March

March 3, 2013Recent wildlife sightings2013, 3rd March, Blackcap, Goldcrest, Ouse Dyke, Red-crested Pochard, Siskin, TreecreeperPete Smith

This morning a male Blackcap was singing along the Ouse Dyke. There were also two Goldcrests and a Treecreeper was bathing in the Ouse Dyke. Also seen were two Red-crested Pochard on the Slurry Lagoon and a party of Siskins feeding in alders. PS.