Tag Archives: Blackbird

Goosander – 20th November

November 20, 2023Recent wildlife sightings2023, 20th November, Blackbird, Goosander, peregrine, RedwingPete Smith

This morning three Goosander flew over the reserve. A Peregrine was on the new pylon and there were good numbers of Redwing and Blackbird about. PS.

Merlin – 3rd December

December 3, 2021Recent wildlife sightings2021, 3rd December, Blackbird, Greylag, Merlin, Pink-footed Goose, Pylon Path, Redwing, Slurry Lagoon, Small Gravel Pit, SparrowhawkPete Smith

This morning there were even more Redwings and Blackbirds on the site and these attracted a Merlin which swooped down the Pylon Bank, towards the Small Gravel Pit, as it tried to catch one. Sparrowhawks were also hunting and some Redwing breast feathers were found on the path. A Pink-footed Goose was with the Greylag flock across the river and a pair of Goosander flew over the Slurry Lagoon. PS.

Golden Plover – 16th December

December 16, 2018Recent wildlife sightings16th December, 2018, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, Fieldfare, Golden Plover, Goldeneye, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Large Gravel Pit, Mallard, Redwing, Slurry Lagoon, SnipePete Smith

This morning there were, as usual, good numbers of Greylag and Canada Geese and Mallards on the Slurry Lagoon, which went off to feed fairly early on. The hedgerows were full of thrushes, mostly Redwings, Blackbirds and Fieldfares. A flock of about three hundred Lapwings flew over with a flock of about fifty Golden Plovers, probably the ones from Holme Pierrepont. There were two Snipe on the Slurry Lagoon, an Egyptian Goose flew over and six Goldeneye were on the Large Gravel Pit. PS.

Goosander – 9th December

December 9, 2018Recent wildlife sightings2018, 9th December, Blackbird, Deep Pit, Golden Plover, Goosander, kingfisher, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, Redwing, TreecreeperPete Smith

This morning, during the Bird Count, two female Goosanders landed on the Deep Pit. Also recorded were a Chiffchaff, Treecreeper and a lone Golden Plover. There were plenty of winter thrushes about too, with high numbers especially of Redwings and Blackbirds. A short stretch of the Ouse Dyke held seven Little Egrets and a Kingfisher. PS.

Starling – 31st October

October 31, 2017Recent wildlife sightings2017, 31st October, Barn Owl, Bearded Tit, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Geese, Redwing, Slurry Lagoon, Sparrowhawk, Starling, WoodcockPete Smith

At the lagoons this evening the Starling roost attracted about 6,000 birds. One Sparrowhawk was seen trying to snatch a late supper and two Barn Owls were seen flying along the Boundary Hedge. Several thousand geese also came in to roost on the Slurry Lagoon. Earlier lots of winter thrushes were seen, including Redwings, Fieldfares and Blackbirds, a Woodcock was seen and the Bearded Tits were heard calling in the reed bed. PS.

Bittern – 5th December

December 5, 2013Recent wildlife sightings2013, 5th December, Bittern, Blackbird, Deep Pit, Fieldfare, Little Egret, Redwing, weaselPete Smith

This morning the Bittern was seen in the Deep Pit, flying into a reed bed. There were also four Little Egrets on the Ouse Dyke and good numbers of winter thrushes, Blackbirds, Redwings and Fieldfares. A Weasel was also seen on the bank of the Deep Pit, crossing to and fro. PS.

Goosander – 1st January

January 1, 2013Recent wildlife sightings1st January, 2013, Blackbird, Goosander, Little Egret, RedwingPete Smith

A male Goosander flew up river over the railway bridge this morning. Most of the winter thrushes have gone now, only a few Redwings and Blackbirds remain. They’ve stripped most of the berries and the Blackbirds are eating the rose hips. Three Little Egrets were also seen, along the Ouse Dyke. 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.

Goosander – 28th December

December 28, 2010Recent wildlife sightings2010, Blackbird, Brambling, Deep Pit, Fieldfare, Goldeneye, Goosander, Lower Path, Redwing, Slurry Lagoon. 28th December, Willow titPete Smith

The Ouse Dyke has lost its Little Egrets for the time being, but a nice male Brambling was in the hedge alondside it this morning. There were still lots of winter thrushes about, mostly Redwings and Blackbirds with just a few Fieldfares. On the river were some Goldeneyes and then two immature male and a female Goosander swam into view. A Willow Tit was noted along the Lower Path. The Slurry Lagoon and Deep Pit are still frozen but there is little sign of snow on the ground now. PS/AE.