Tag Archives: water rail

Willow Tit – 16th January

January 16, 2016Recent wildlife sightings16th January, 2016, Black Swan, Canada Goose, Cettis Warbler, Grey-lag Goose, Lower Path, water rail, Willow titPete Smith

The Black Swan was with a herd of 38 Mute Swans feeding in the field across the river and upstream of the railway bridge. Several hundred Grey-lag and Canada Geese were also there. The Willow Tit was briefly heard and seen along the Lower Path, five Cetti’s Warblers were heard as well as four Water Rails. PS.

Mandarin – 19th October

October 19, 2015Recent wildlife sightings19th October, 2015, Bearded Tit, Black Swan, Deep Pit, Grey-lag Goose, Mandarin, Slurry Lagoon, Snipe, Starling, water railPete Smith

This evening, whilst watching about 5,000 Starlings come in to roost, a strange looking duck came in with a squadron of Grey-lag Geese. It stayed with the flock as they flew over and was still with them when they returned to land on the Slurry Lagoon. Looking through a scope it was clear to see it was a drake Mandarin. There were also three Snipe and up to five Water Rail, one showing quite well by the bench. Earlier a 1st winter Bearded Tit was also seen in the reed bed. PS.

Later on the Black Swan came in to roost in the Deep Pit. RW.

Stonechat – 13th October

October 13, 2015Recent wildlife sightings13th October, 2015, Redwing, Slurry Lagoon, Stonechat, Wader Scrape, water railPete Smith

This afternoon a male Stonechat was seen at the back of the Wader Scrape. Two Redwings flew over and four Water Rails were heard calling from the Slurry Lagoon reedbed. PS.

Green Sandpiper – 15th February

February 15, 2015Recent wildlife sightings15th February, 2015, Causeway, Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, kingfisher, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, Reed Bunting, water railPete Smith

The Green Sandpiper was in its usual spot again this morning, on the Ouse Dyke. There was also a Grey Wagtail, Water Rail, Kingfisher and Little Egret. The bird table at the end of the Causeway is attracting a good mixed flock, including six Reed Buntings. Please feel free to bring food to replenish the bird table. PS.

Stonechat – 8th February

February 8, 2015Recent wildlife sightings2015, 8th February, Chiffchaff, Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, kingfisher, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, peregrine, Stonechat, Wader Scrape, water railPete Smith

During this morning’s bird count the Ouse Dyke was again very productive, with Green Sandpiper, Little Egret, Chiffchaff, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and two Water Rails being seen. On the Wader Scrape a male Stonechat was spotted and a Peregrine flew over, along the pylons. More Water Rails were seen and heard and several Cetti’s Warblers were recorded. PS.

Green Sandpiper – 25th January

January 25, 2015Recent wildlife sightings2015, 25th January, Chiffchaff, Green Sandpiper, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, Stonechat, water railPete Smith

This morning, along the Ouse Dyke, the Green Sandpiper was seen on its usual patch of mud, there were also two Chiffchaffs, two Water Rails and two Little Egrets. On the bank of the Ouse Dyke, near the substation the male Stonechat was seen. PS.

Shelduck – 19th January

January 19, 2015Recent wildlife sightings19th January, 2015, Cettis Warbler, Shelduck, Slurry Lagoon, teal, water railPete Smith

A very cold day at the lagoons. The Teal on the Slurry Lagoon were all out, standing on the ice. They were joined briefly at midday by a pair of Shelduck. Three Cetti’s Warblers were heard as well as about seven Water Rail. PS.

Goosander – 18th January

January 18, 2015Recent wildlife sightings18th January, 2015, Chiffchaff, Goosander, Green Sandpiper, Large Gravel Pit, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, Stonechat, Treecreeper, water rail, WigeonPete Smith

This morning there were three Chiffchaffs along the Ouse Dyke, the Green Sandpiper was also seen and a Treecreeper, two Little Egrets and three Water Rails. On the Large Gravel Pit there were three Goosander amongst the Wigeon. On the weedy patch in front of the substation there were a male and female Stonechat. PS.

Green Sandpiper – 11th January

January 11, 2015Recent wildlife sightings11th January, 2015, Chiffchaff, Green Sandpiper, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, Tree creeper, Wader Scrape, water rail, Willow PondPete Smith

This morning, during the Monthly Bird Count, a Treecreeper was found on the willows at Willow Pond. The Ouse Dyke again proved to be the most rewarding spot, with a Green Sandpiper feeding on a muddy patch, also a Water Rail was seen and two Chiffchaffs. Two Little Egrets were on the Wader Scrape. PS.

Chiffchaff along Ouse Dyke, by John Elwell

Chiffchaff – 4th January

January 4, 2015Recent wildlife sightings2015, 4th January, Chiffchaff, Little Egret, Ouse Dyke, Treecreeper, water railPete Smith

This morning in the frost several small birds were feeding along the Ouse Dyke. Two Water Rail were feeding along the stream and hiding on the far bank. Both were right out in the open when first seen. A Treecreeper was flitting along the trees on the far bank, mousing its way up an elderberry trunk. Two Chiffchaffs were feeding in the low vegetation, moving together along the bank of the stream, and a third was seen further along. The Little Egret was also present and seemingly bolder than usual. PS.