There were five Red-crested Pochard on the Large Gravel Pit this afternoon. In the evening the Starlings, Geese and Crows put on a spectacle with thousands of birds coming in to roost or passing over on their way to their roost sites. The roosts attracted the usual raptors with Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard putting in an appearance and a Jack snipe was briefly seen. PS.
Tag Archives: Buzzard
Marsh Harrier – 25th April
This afternoon a female/immature male Marsh Harrier spent a few minutes resting in the Slurry Lagoon reed bed before being escorted from the premises by two Buzzards. RW.
Marsh Harrier – 29th March
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.
Barn Owl – 4th March
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.
Hobby – 26th April
In between showers this afternoon some corvids were soaring in the sky, trying to mob a Buzzard. As I watched a large swift-like bird came into view as a Hobby circled over the site. As I followed the Hobby three Swifts came into view beyond it. They were probably catching St Mark’s Flies which were flying in good numbers at the time.
Sedge Warbler – 10th April
This morning was bright and sunny after yesterday’s rain, but the wind was very chilly. There were Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers singing. By the river and in the Slurry Lagoon reed bed there were two Sedge Warblers singing. There were two Oystercatchers along the river and over the Deep Pit and one or two Sand Martins put in an appearance. A Buzzard gave good views as it flew low over the site, landing twice in the ash trees along the railway embankment. PS.
In the afternoon a male Orange-tip was flying along the Ouse Dyke. JMD.
Wheatear – 8th April
This morning, on the monthly bird count, there were several new birds in, including five Willow Warblers, four Sand Martins, a Swallow and a Wheatear. More Chiffchaffs had arrived and also more Blackcaps. Three Buzzards and two Shelduck were also seen. PS.
Red Kite – 25th March
As the air warmed up and thermals began to form the raptors began to soar into the sky. By midday there were twelve Buzzards circling and then two Red Kites soared over the site. There were also two Sparrowhawks, a Kestrel, and two Peregrines and a Rough-legged Buzzard that drifted off towards Gedling pit top. Eight Chiffchaffs were singing as well as a Blackcap and several Sand Martins passed through. PS.
Arctic Skua – 16th September
This morning at about 10.00 the Bittern was seen on the Slurry Lagoon, walking along the front of the reed bed. There were also four Pintail and a Green Sandpiper present. On the river there were five Common Sandpipers and a Curlew. RW.
In the afternoon, about 15.00 all of the gulls flew up as an Arctic Skua came in. It bathed briefly on the Slurry Lagoon before half-heartedly chasing a few Black-headed Gulls and then it flew off to the north-east. The Cetti’s Warbler was heard calling and so was a Water Rail, and some Swallows went through, going north. Two Buzzards spiralled over and several Yellow Wagtails went through. PS. RW.
Mediterranean Gull – 31st August
This afternoon, on the Slurry Lagoon there was a juvenile/1st winter Mediterranean Gull, with a white colour ring. Also present were two Greenshank, two juvenile Little Ringed Plover, two Dunlin and two Water Rail. There were either one or two Cetti’s Warblers present in the Deep Pit and a Hobby flew over. Overhead there were nine Common Buzzards flying together. RW.