This morning an Otter was seen in the Slurry Lagoon, a Red-crested Pochard was on the Deep Pit, a Great White Egret was on the Large Gravel Pit and a Marsh Harrier over the Slurry Lagoon. Later in the morning two Mediterranean Gulls were on the Deep Pit. There are many Chiffchaffs already on site and singing, along with several Blackcaps. JV – PS.
Tag Archives: Large Gravel Pit
Starling – 9th February
This morning the Starlings were seen leaving the Deep Pit and Slurry Lagoon reed-beds in very large numbers. The wing-tagged Marsh Harrier had spent the night again too. JV.
A Great White Egret was seen as it departed the Large Gravel Pit. RJP.
Goosander – 14th January
This morning, during the Monthly Bird Count, a flock of 26 Goosander flew over the Large Gravel Pit. In the Severn/Trent plantation a flock of Siskin, Redpoll and Goldfinch were feeding in the Alders. PS.
Bittern – 17th December
This morning a Bittern was seen, flying over the Large Gravel Pit. There was also a report of a Marsh Harrier over the Slurry Lagoon reed-bed at about mid-day. RJP.
Whooper Swan – 16th October
This morning three Whooper Swans circled the site before deciding to fly off high to the east. A Bittern was seen in the reed-bed at the north end of the Large Gravel Pit and three Ravens were seen on the pylons. At least four Common Gulls were on the Slurry Lagoon. PS.
Marsh Harrier – 20th August
This morning, during the Wildlife Walk, a female Marsh Harrier, being chased by a Common Tern, flew over the Slurry Lagoon. When the tern lost interest it began quartering the Slurry Lagoon reed-bed before dropping in. Later it took off again and flew around the Large Gravel Pit before gaining height and disappearing high towards the east. PS.
Female Marsh Harrier.
Hobby – 11th May
This morning a Raven was perched on the Small Gravel Pit pylon. Later a Hobby was hawking insects over the Large Gravel Pit and Deep Pit. RJP.
Red Kite – 7th May
This morning, during the Warbler Walk, nine species of warbler were recorded. Several Swifts were seen hawking insects high up and eleven Common Terns were catching insects over the Large Gravel Pit. Late morning a Red Kite flew across the Slurry Lagoon, pursued by Common Terns. PS.
Willow Warbler – 29th March
This morning a Willow Warbler was heard singing from beside the Large Gravel Pit. RJP.
In the afternoon one was heard from the southern end of the Causeway. JDn.
Egyptian Goose – 28th August
This morning there was a steady passage of Swallows over the site. There were still Reed and Sedge Warblers in front of the Causeway Bench, and some Water Rails. Twelve Egyptian Geese with one Ruddy Shelduck were loafing on the Slurry Lagoon and a Fox put in a brief appearance, as well as a Kingfisher. Later six Buzzards were sharing a thermal and a Red Kite passed through. PS.
In the early afternoon a Hobby was seen over the Large Gravel Pit, hawking dragonflies. IEP.
In the late afternoon at least three Willow Emeralds were on the Lower Path, by the stepping stones. JDn.
