Category Archives: Recent wildlife sightings

Recent wildlife sightings at the Netherfield Lagoons Local Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire as submitted by members of the Netherfield Wildlife Group.

Peregrine – 30th June

June 30, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsCettis Warbler, peregrinePete Smith

A Peregrine was seen this morning, carrying prey (probably a Sand Martin) up to the pylon to eat. As it flew it called, and this started the terns in persuit. About ten flew after it, calling loudly but they lost interest when it perched. In the afternoon at least two Cetti’s Warbler chicks were seen being fed by their parent. PS.

Also this afternoon an adult Water Rail was seen at the back of the Slurry Lagoon. It came out of the reeds for a bath and a preen and then had a few minutes feeding along the reed edge before disappearing back into the reeds. JMD.

Orchids – 29th June

June 29, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsPete Smith

The Pyramidal Orchids on the outside of the northern bank of the Deep Pit are now out but, due to being close to a track, some have already been trampled. The Pyramidal Orchid on the Slurry received the same treatment as last year and was felled by a rabbit. The Toadlets have arrived again so watch where you put your feet, especially on the Causeway. PS.

Starling Roost – 27th June

June 27, 2010Recent wildlife sightings2010, 27th June, Sparrowhawk, StarlingsJacqueline

Somewhere in the region of 2,500 – 3,000 starlings flew in to roost at the Lagoons this evening. It is difficult to be more accurate with numbers as birds were constantly moving and being joined by more. A Sparrowhawk was attracted to all this activity but didn’t manage to get lucky. At one point a huge flock flew along the Causeway settling everywhere, bushes, fences, in the grass and on the path itself – quite a sight. Eventually they all flew into the reeds to the right of the seat to roost for the night. JMD.

Hobby – 24th June

June 24, 2010Recent wildlife sightings2010, 24th June, Common Tern, HobbyJacqueline

A Hobby caused pandamonium among the Tern Colony this afternoon when it flew around the platforms. All the adult Terns responded by taking to the air trying to drive it away which resulted in some spectacular aerial chases by both species. JMD.

Ringlet – 24th June

June 24, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsGrasshopper Warbler, Large Skipper, Latticed Heath, Meadow Brown, Pochard, Ringlet, Small TortoiseshellPete Smith

Two Ringlets, two Meadow Browns, two Small Tortoiseshells, a Large Skipper and several Latticed Heaths were flying early on this morning. On the Slurry Lagoon a second brood of three Pochard ducklings had taken to the water. Two Grasshopper Warblers were singing by the Gravel Pits. PS.

Roe Deer – 17th June

June 17, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsClearwings, Hobby, Little Gull, Painted Lady, Roe DeerPete Smith

A male Roe Deer was seen on the Lower Path this afternoon, before it disappeared onto the railway land. A Hobby was seen hawking insects and persuing Hirundines and six Red-tipped Clearwings and two Belted Clearwings were attracted to pheromone lures. RW.

A Painted Lady was feeding from a thistle flower by the Slurry Lagoon, where the first summer Little Gull spent most of the afternoon and three Buzzards were sparring high overhead. PS.

Pochard – 16th June

June 16, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsdragonflies, Little Gull, PochardPete Smith

A female Pochard was on the Slurry Lagoon this afternoon with three recently hatched ducklings. A first summer Little Gull was also present, nipping off to Holme Pierrepont but returning again later. There are eleven tern chicks on the tern rafts and several species of dragonfly were recorded, including Emperor, Brown Hawker, Four-spotted Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer and Red-eyed Damselfly. Two or three Viper’s Bugloss plants were found in the corner of the Slurry Lagoon nearest to the car park.

Orchids – 15th June

June 15, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsBee Orchid, Meadow Brown, Northern Marsh Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Southern Marsh Orchid, Spotted OrchidPete Smith

There are now lots of Southern Marsh, Spotted and Bee Orchids out and even a few Pyramidal. A new species for the site has also been tentatively identified as Northern Marsh Orchid. The first Meadow Browns have also been seen. PS.

Orchids – 13th June

June 13, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsBee Orchid, Large Skipper, Marsh Orchid, Spotted OrchidPete Smith

The Marsh and Spotted Orchids are showing well now and the first few Bee Orchids are out on the Deep Pit bank opposite the railway line. Several Large Skippers were seen around the site. PS

Hobbies – 12th June

June 12, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsCommon Tern, Emperor Dragonfly, HobbyPete Smith

Two Hobbies were seen displaying over the lagoons in the early afternoon. Two tern chicks have hatched on the platforms and an Emreror Dragonfly was seen on the Small Gravel Pit. RW. JMD.