This morning a pair of Stonechats were present on the Wader Scrape. Several Water Rail were heard calling from various reed beds and good numbers of winter thrushes were about. PS.
Tag Archives: water rail
Brambling – 17th December
This morning a Brambling flew, calling, along the north bank of the Slurry Lagoon. Also five Water Rail and three Cetti’s Warblers were heard. PS
Little Egret – 11th December
This morning, during the monthly bird count, a flock of twelve Little Egrets flew over the reserve. There were also four Water Rail and five Cetti’s Warblers heard. PS.
Raven – 4th December
At about midday a Raven flew high over the site from the south, calling all the way. There were at least eight Water Rail heard and three Cetti’s Warblers. Two male Great-spotted Woodpeckers were seen displaying to, and chasing, each other. PS.
Short-eared Owl – 13th November
This morning, during the bird count, a Short-eared Owl was seen over the Deep Pit. It was mobbed by three crows which forced it to fly very high and then off to the south. There were plenty of winter thrushes and ducks about, with four Goldeneye on the Large Gravel Pit and three Little Egrets on the Ouse Dyke. Also several Water Rails and Cetti’s Warblers were heard. PS.
Bittern – 11th October
This morning seven Redwings were seen along the Slurry Lagoon path. A Bittern crashed into the Slurry Lagoon reed bed, five Cetti’s Warblers were singing and four Water Rail were heard. PS.
Pintail – 25th September
This morning there were over 120 Wigeon on the Large Gravel Pit. On the Slurry Lagoon there were still three Red-crested Pochard, and these were joined briefly by a male eclipse Pintail. There were some Snipe and Water Rail about as well and still some warblers. PS.
Red-crested Pochard – 21st August
This morning a juvenile Red-crested Pochard was on the Slurry Lagoon. A Water Rail was also seen along the reeds at the back of the lagoon. Later a Raven flew south across the Large Gravel Pit. PS
A male and female of Volucella zonaria, the Hornet Hoverfly, were feeding on Buddleja by the metal gates. PS
In the afternoon two Common Sandpipers were seen on the riverbank and a Hobby flew over. JMD
Egyptian Goose – 19th April
This morning at least 11 Willow Warblers were singing and many more Blackcaps were in. Three Water Rails were heard and an Egyptian goose flew over the Slurry Lagoon. PS.
In the Afternoon a male Redstart was found on the Causeway bank, two Yellow Wagtails and nine Wheatears were in the field beyond the Wader Scrape and four Common Terns were on the tern platforms. JMD.
Peregrine – 12th March
This morning there was a strong passage of Black-headed Gulls to the east. A Peregrine was on a pylon and later spiralled over the site. Also seen were a pair of Kestrels and of Buzzards, six Water Rail were heard plus five Cetti’s Warblers. Four Little Egrets were on the Wader Scrape. PS.