Tag Archives: 2011

Siberian Chiffchaff – 29th December

December 29, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 29th December, birds, Iceland Gull, Ouse Dyke, Siberian Chiffchaff, Slurry Lagoon, Tawny OwlPete Smith

A Siberian Chiffchaff has been seen along the Ouse Dyke for the last few days, between the footbridge and the road. The Iceland Gull was seen again on the Slurry Lagoon and a Tawny Owl was heard calling by the river. RW.

Iceland Gull – 28th December

December 28, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 28th December, Iceland Gull, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

The Iceland Gull was again present in the gull roost on the Slurry Lagoon this afternoon. JMD.

Iceland Gull - Netherfield Lagoons — 1st winter Iceland Gull

Iceland Gull – 27th December

December 27, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 27th December, birds, Cettis Warbler, Golden Plover, Iceland Gull, Large Gravel Pit, Little Egret, peregrine, Slurry Lagoon, water railPete Smith

At about mid-day a first winter Iceland Gull joined the gull roost on the Slurry Lagoon. It spent some time bathing and then rested on the shore. About forty Golden Plovers flew over at about the same time and a Peregrine had flushed the roost shortly before. There were two Cetti’s Warblers, one calling one singing, and several Water Rail calling from around all the water bodies. Three Little Egrets were seen on the large willow beside the Large Gravel Pit. PS.

Chiffchaff – 26th December

December 26, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 26th December, birds, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Deep Pit, Fieldfare, Little Egret, Lowere Path, RedwingPete Smith

This morning a Chiffchaff was seen foraging along the Lower Path. There were also large flocks of Redwings, Fieldfares and smaller numbers of Blackbirds feeding on the Hawthorn berries. There were up to four Little Egrets along the Ouse Dyke and a Cetti’s Warbler was singing from the Deep Pit. PS.

Peregrine – 18th December

December 18, 2011Recent wildlife sightings18th December, 2011, birds, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Cettis Warbler, Fieilfare, Lapwing, peregrine, Redwing, tealPete Smith

This morning the frost had taken a hold of the site and thin ice was forming on most of the lagoons. There were large flocks of winter thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares and Blackbirds. By the Gravel Pits there were two Cetti’s Warblers and the Slurry Lagoon held over 300 Teal with Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings. A Peregrine flew low across the bank in front of us, skimming the tops of the reeds, directly at the flocks of birds, which erupted into the air as one. In the confusion the Peregrine missed its mark and withdrew to the top of a pylon. PS.

Rough-legged Buzzard – 13th December

December 13, 2011Recent wildlife sightings13th December, 2011, birds, Common Buzzard, Gedling Pit Top, Jackdaw, Rook, Rough-legged Buzzard, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

The gull roost held fewer birds than normal this afternoon and most had gone before dusk. Large numbers of Rooks and Jackdaws crossed the Slurry Lagoon on their way to roost, but otherwise things were quiet today and attention veered towards Gedling Pit Top, where the Rough-legged Buzzard could be seen hovering with a Common Buzzard flying above it. RW.

Goosander – 11th December

December 11, 2011Recent wildlife sightings11th December, 2011, birds, Cettis Warbler, Goosander, Large Gravel Pit, Little Egret, Ouse DykePete Smith

This morning, during the bird count, two male Goosanders flew over the reserve and later a female landed on the Large Gravel Pit. Three Cetti’s Warblers were heard and there were three Little Egrets on the Ouse Dyke. Good numbers of winter thrushes and various ducks were also present. PS.

Goosander – 7th December

December 7, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 7th December, birds, Cettis Warbler, Deep Pit, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Goosander, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Large Gravel Pit, Mallard, Shelduck, Slurry Lagoon, teal, WigeonPete Smith

This afternoon there were two female Goosander on the Large Gravel Pit, along with four female Goldeneye and some Gadwall and Wigeon. On the Deep Pit there were five male Goldeneye and several Mallard. The gull roost on the Slurry Lagoon contained an estimated 700 Greater Black-backs and at least twice as many Herring Gulls. There were well in excess of 2,000 birds. There were still good numbers of Shoveler and Teal as well as a Shelduck. A Cetti’s Warbler was heard calling in the Slurry Lagoon reed bed. PS.

Little Egret – 28th November

November 28, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 28th November, birds, Black-headed Gull, Cettis Warbler, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Little Egret, Shelduck, Shoveler, Slurry Lagoon, Starling, tealPete Smith

At dusk the gull roost contained about 500 birds, consisting mainly of Black-headed, Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. there were also around 200 Teal and 70 Shoveler. Two Little Egrets and two Shelduck were also present and the Cetti’s Warbler sang briefly from the reed bed that the Starlings were roosting in. PS.

White-fronted Goose – 21st November

November 21, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 21st November, birds, Canada Goose, Golden Plover, Grey-lag Goose, Tawny Owl, White-fronted GooosePete Smith

As the light faded this evening the Grey-lag and Canada Geese started to arrive to roost on the Large Gravel Pit and Slurry Lagoon. When it was almost dark the White-fronted Geese were heard and about twenty-four birds were picked out against the dim sky as they came in to roost on the large Gravel Pit. As I walked off a female Tawny Owl was heard and, a little later, some Golden Plover were heard as they flew in. PS.