This morning 18 Common Snipe were circling over the Slurry Lagoon reed-bed before dropping in. A flock of 16 Lapwings flew over the Deep Pit and there were seven species of duck on the Slurry Lagoon, including Pochard, Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon. Later two pairs of Egyptian Geese stopped off on the Slurry Lagoon for a bathe. PS.
This morning a Stonechat was seen between the Wader Scrape and the Ouse Dyke banks. A Jay flew by as well as a Kingfisher. On the Slurry Lagoon there was a Shelduck, with a single Pochard on the Deep Pit and a Goldeneye on the Large Gravel Pit. PS
This morning two Oysrercatchers were on the flooded field across the river. A Curlew flew over the site to the north and two Ravens were seen flying north along the river valley. A Snipe, two Cetti’s Warblers and nine Pochard were on the Slurry Lagoon. Nine male and two female Brimstones were seen as well as a Tortoiseshell, Comma and putative Peacock.
This morning the Slurry Lagoon carried a good variety of ducks, including Shoveler, Teal, Goldeneye and Pochard, and three Goosander flew over. Also Water Rail and Cetti’s Warblers were heard. PS.
This morning there were four Little Egrets, a Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and Chiffchaff along the Ouse Dyke. The Slurry Lagoon held good numbers of Teal and some Pochard, the Deep Pit had Tufted Duck and Mallard and the Large Gravel Pit held Wigeon, Gadwall and a single male Pintail. PS
A Curlew flew over the reserve calling in lovely liquid notes. It settled on the Slurry Lagoon to rest and preen. Also on the Slurry Lagoon were several Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted Ducks, Pochard and a male Shoveler. PS.
The Green Sandpiper was heard calling early in the afternoon as it left the Slurry Lagoon. Later there were five Black-tailed Godwits feeding and resting on the Slurry Lagoon, in the shallow water. There were also about six hundred Lesser Black-backed Gulls and the female Pochard still has all three ducklings. PS.
A female Pochard was seen on the Slurry Lagoon with a new brood of three ducklings today. There was also a Green Sandpiper close to the reeds. Several Brown Hawkers were seen as well as good numbers of Ringlets and Small Skippers. PS.
The Green Sandpiper is still present but likes to hide behind the roosting ducks on the extreme left hand side of the Slurry Lagoon. A Little Ringed Plover tried to feed along the water’s edge but was chased away by the Common Terns. The Gadwall ducklings are doing well and have been joined by a new brood of Pochard ducklings today. JMD.
This morning there were seven Red-crested Pochard on the Slurry Lagoon. Also present were the two male Wigeon and a male Shoveler. The Gadwall still has all eleven of her ducklings and a Mallard now has five. There is still no sign of the Pochard ducklings though. Two recently fledged Common Terns were dipping for insects from the water surface. PS.