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: Red-crested Pochard
Red-crested Pochard – 26th May
A Red-crested Pochard drake was on the Slurry Lagoon this morning. At least two Cuckoos were calling and a second brood of cygnets has appeared in the Deep Pit. PS.
Red-crested Pochard – 14th March
Wheatear – 6th October
The Patchwatch was held today and there were definite signs of passage as Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Swallows, Song Thrushes and the first Redwings flew through. The Jack Snipe was still by the seat on the Causeway and a Wheatear was seen perched on the seat by the river steps. On the Slurry Lagoon there were still three Pintail and a Red-crested Pochard. Butterflies were about too with Brimstone, Red Admiral, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and a very late Meadow Brown. Over 70 species of bird were seen during the day. PS.
Jack Snipe – 29th September
A Jack Snipe was present on the Slurry Lagoon this morning, in front of the bench. The Bittern was still giving short views as it flew across the lagoon and a Little Egret, ringed at Bestwood, was also present. There were also four Pintail and a Red-crested Pochard. RW.
Red-crested Pochard – 25th June
There were three Red-crested Pochard, two males and a female, on the Slurry Lagoon this morning. Activity around the Common Tern colony is increasing as more chicks hatch with at least six pairs now with young. JMD.
Blackcap – 3rd March
This morning a male Blackcap was singing along the Ouse Dyke. There were also two Goldcrests and a Treecreeper was bathing in the Ouse Dyke. Also seen were two Red-crested Pochard on the Slurry Lagoon and a party of Siskins feeding in alders. PS.
Yellow-legged Gull – 23rd August
A Yellow-legged Gull was among the Lesser Black-backs on the dry end of the Slurry late this afternoon. Still one Red-crested Pochard present on the Slurry Lagoon. JMD.
Spotted Redshank – 19th August
Late afternoon a Spotted Redshank was feeding right at the back of the Slurry Lagoon almost hidden by the vegetation – it flew off towards the Wader Scrape but couldn’t be relocated. Still one Red-crested Pochard on the Slurry Lagoon. JMD.
Barn Owl – 17th June
Whilst walking towards the Wader Scrape this evening I was startled when a Barn Owl flew right in front of me and disappeared into the trees of the New Plantation. It was quickly located and then I watched it for some time hunting around the Reserve especially the Large Gravel Pit and Wader Scrape areas.
The eight Red-crested Pochard were again present on the Slurry Lagoon. JMD.