Tag Archives: Sand Martin

Wheatear – 14th April

April 14, 2012Recent wildlife sightings14th April, 2012, birds, Common Tern, Deep Pit, Railway Bridge, Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, Slurry Lagoon, Swallow, WheatearPete Smith

Although beautifully sunny there was still a cold north wind blowing so not much migration was noted. A Swallow investigated the nest sites under the railway bridge, so it might be the first one of our birds back. Several Sand Martins flew through and there was a northward passage of Skylarks. Six Common Terns were on the Deep Pit and two Sedge Warblers were singing. On the dry end of the Slurry Lagoon were a very smart pair of Wheatears. PS.

Yellow Wagtail – 13th April

April 13, 2012Recent wildlife sightings13th April, 2012, birds, Causeway, Common Tern, Deep Pit, House Martin, Redpoll, Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, Yellow WagtailPete Smith

This morning was cool and over cast and not very promising for migrant spotting. Towards mid-morning the clouds started to break up and the sun nearly shone. Over the Deep Pit eight Common Terns squabbled and chased before two pairs settled on the breeding platforms. A Sedge Warbler was singing in the Deep Pit, along the Causeway. Most other migrants flew through, including four Swallows, two Sand Martins, a House Martin, three Yellow Wagtails and a Lesser Redpoll. PS.

This egg was found on the Causeway, it had been predated by a Magpie. It is about 25cm long. Can anybody identify it ?

House Martin – 11th April

April 11, 2012Recent wildlife sightings11th April, 2012, Blackcap, Cettis Warbler, Chiffchaff, Common Tern, House Martin, Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, Willow WarblerPete Smith

This morning was cold and overcast and did not encourage birds to sing. There were still 11 Chiffchaffs singing as well as 8 Blackcaps, 4 Willow Warblers, a Sedge Warbler and a Cetti’s. Two Common Terns were pursuing each other high over the site and a Sand Martin and a House Martin were briefly seen. PS.

Sedge Warbler – 10th April

April 10, 2012Recent wildlife sightings10th April, 2012, birds, Blackcap, Buzzard, Chiffchaff, Deep Pit, Oystercatcher, Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, Slurry Lagoon, Willow WarblerPete Smith

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

April 8, 2012Recent wildlife sightings2012, 8th April, birds, Blackcap, Buzzard, Chiffchaff, Sand Martin, Shelduck, Swallow, Wheatear, Willow WarblerPete Smith

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

March 26, 2012Recent wildlife sightings2012, 25th March, birds, Blackcap, Buzzard, Chiffchaff, Kestrel, peregrine, Red Kite, Rough-legged Buzzard, Sand Martin, SparrowhawkPete Smith

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.

Ruff – 8th September

September 9, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 8th September, birds, Black-headed Gull, Dunlin, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Ruff, Sand Martin, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

This evening two Ruff and two Dunlin dropped in, onto the Slurry Lagoon. There were also about 120 Sand Martins, 340 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1,000 Black-headed Gulls. RW.

Garganey – 25th April

April 25, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 25th April, birds, Buzzard, Garganey, peregrine, Sand MartinPete Smith

A cracking male Garganey appeared on the Slurry Lagoon this morning. After feeding steadily for an hour or so it decided to take a nap. During this time at least ten Buzzards went through to the north after gaining height over the site. The Sand Martins were seen to dash in a tight group across the Large Gravel Pit and a few seconds later a Peregrine was found, carrying prey (probably a Sand Martin), which it took up to a pylon to eat. PS.

In the afternoon a Hobby was hawking insects over the Deep Pit and some damselflies were seen including Common Blue, Blue-tailed and Banded Demoiselle. RW.

Red Kite – 10th April

April 10, 2011Recent wildlife sightings10th April, 2011, birds, Grasshopper Warbler, Red Kite, Reed Warbler, Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, SwallowPete Smith

Good numbers of migrants have come in over the weekend, and there were four Grasshopper Warblers and several Reed and Sedge Warblers present. The Sand Martin numbers have reached the sixties and one or two more Swallows have arrived. During the morning a Red Kite was seen flying north, along the line if the pylons, high above the reserve. NWG RW.

Migrants Return – 3rd April

April 3, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 3rd April, birds, butterflies, Buzzard, Chiffchaff, Comma, Common Tern, Deep Pit, Peacock, Red Admiral, Reed Warbler, Sand Martin, Shelduck, Slurry Lagoon, Small Tortoiseshell, Wheatear, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Yellow WagtailCarol

During the last few days many migrant species have been returning to the lagoons and helped to provide a quite exciting morning’s watching in very pleasant bright weather this morning. Amongst others, the Sand Martins are now present in considerable numbers on the river bank. Willow Warblers were noted in several locations, as were Chiffchaffs and one or two Blackcaps. A single Reed Warbler was heard in the Deep Pit and a Whitethroat in the brambles on the Slurry Lagoon. The highlight of the morning was a Wheatear, which perched very close on fence posts, and the close second was the appearance of three Buzzards, which displayed well, including an aerial fight. The Cetti’s Warbler was in good voice also.

Meanwhile two Common Terns were struggling with Black-headed Gulls for space on the tern platform.

Butterflies, including Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, and Red Admiral were noted and the Blackthorn Blossom was a sight to see (and smell). A Yellow Wagtail was also seen over the Large Gravel Pit and six Shelduck flew into the Slurry Lagoon.

PS/NM/RW/AR/ DG/LD/AE