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WILDFOWL - A max count of 244 Mallard were across the reserve on 18th. Shoveler remained steady with relatively low numbers; a peak of 32 were at the Moors on 26th. Teal numbers grew with a max count of 110 across the reserve on 26th; a pair were noted mating at the Moors on 24th. 7 Wigeon were at the Moors on 3rd with a similar number there again on 6th and 3 at the Moors on 17th. Tufted Duck eventually picked up at the end of the month with a peak of 34 at the Moors on 26th. Pochard numbers were also dramatically affected the Moors with a max count of just 10 on 31st. 2 drake Goosander flew north over the Sailing Pool on 31st. Coot numbers remained high with a max count of 240 at the Moors Pool on 4th. Water Rails were noted regularly at the Moors. A peak count of 17 Moorhen were across the reserve on 18th. A max count of 5 Great Crested Grebe were across the reserve on several dates. Little Grebe numbers were steady with a peak count of 4 at the Moors Pool on 4th. A peak of 3 Mute Swan were across the reserve on 18th. A max count of 106 Canada Geese were across the reserve on 31st. A peak of 21 Greylag Geese were at the Sailing Pool on 26th. The reserve’s twentieth White-fronted Goose (an adult of the Eurasian race) was at the Sailing Pool, then the campsite field, on 28th before moving to the Flashes in the afternoon. An adult Dark-bellied BRENT GOOSE, only the fourth confirmed record for the reserve, was in fields between the Sailing Pool and the Flashes on 31st. A peak count of 4 Grey Heron were at the Moors on 4th and 18th and across the reserve on 31st. A GREAT WHITE EGRET, presumably the same bird that was first noted on 26th November, was again at the Moors early afternoon on 1st and early morning on 2nd before flying north. Cormorant numbers remained high with a peak of 36 at the Moors on 14th and 26th.
Adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose with Greylag Goose- 31/12/11. Photo: Chris Cook
WADERS - Lapwing numbers decreased with a peak of only 264 across the reserve on 24th. Curlew numbers were again static with a max count of 22 at the Moors on 2nd. A peak count of 29 Snipe were across the reserve on 18th. 24 Golden Plover were at the Flashes on 3rd. A Green Sandpiper was briefly at the Moors on 10th and 12th. An unseasonal Redshank was at the Flashes on 17th. A Jack Snipe was in Amy’s Marsh at the Moors on 30th.
GULLS / TERNS - A max count of 500 Black-headed Gulls were at the Flashes late on 13th. Adult Common Gulls were at the Moors on 3rd and 29th. An adult Great Black-backed Gull flew over the Flashes on 3rd whilst other singles adults briefly dropped into the Moors on 10th and flew over the Flashes on 26th with another adult south over the Flashes on 31st.
MIGRANTS - 3 female Blackcaps along the causeway at the Moors on 11th was a notable winter record.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Small numbers of Siskins were noted with a peak of 20 in the Education Reserve on 28th. A Yellowhammer flew over the Flashes on 4th with another over the Moors on 24th. Good numbers of Lesser Redpoll were encountered throughout the month with a peak count of 50 in the favoured birches near the Hen Pool at the Flashes on 11th. Around 800 Starlings roosted on the third Flash on 2nd. 2 Coal Tits were along the east track at the Moors on 3rd with 1 there the following day; 1 was in gardens of the Moors residencies on 26th and again in the same area on 30th and 31st. 100 Linnet flew over the Sailing Pool on 4th. A male Brambling was near the Hen Pool at the Flashes on 3rd. A Raven flew over the Moors on 12th with 2 over on 13th, 1 over the Flashes and 2 over the Moors on 26th, and 2 over the Flashes on 29th. 9 Bullfinch were at the Moors feeding station on 13th. A Cetti’s Warbler was reported singing near the West Hide at the Moors on 14th. Up to 400 thrushes, mainly Fieldfare, flew over the east side of the Moors on 21st. 30 Blackbird were at the Moors on 26th.
Overall Upton Warren recorded a total of 155 species during 2011 (including Feral Pigeon). Subject to acceptance by the Country Recorder, the included the reserve’s (and county’s) first Common Rosefinch, second Bluethroat, Black Redstart and Great White Egret, third Hoopoe and Honey Buzzard, third and fourth Spoonbill, fourth Brent Goose, seventh Crossbill and seventh and eighth Red-necked Phalarope (and first multiple record). Impressive numbers of Wood Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull and Great Black-backed Gull were also recorded. Sadly following the harsh winter early in 2011 Cetti’s Warblers were absent for the vast majority of the year whilst Bitterns did not return for the second winter period and Jack Snipe were very scarce. On the breeding front a record number of Avocet chicks were fledged (16) whilst two Oystercatcher chicks were raised at the Moors Pool and four Little Ringed Plovers and one Lapwing young were raised at the Flashes. Both species of grebe successfully bred at the Moors Pool. Ever-increasing numbers of Black-headed Gull were again produced whilst four Common Terns were raised at the Moors Pool. 2011 was also a very productive year for breeding warblers with the return of Willow Warbler whilst Redstarts summered at the Flashes and potentially bred. A special mention needs to be made of Dave Walker’s achievement of breaking the reserve’s year record, finishing the year with 145 species.
male and 2 females) on 13th; a pair were at the Moors Pool on 16th with 2 there on 22nd. Finally a first winter male was at the Moors Pool on 24th. A female Pintail was at the Moors Pool on 12th. October’s drake Gadwall remained at the Moors Pool until6th; 2 were at the Moors Pool on 17th with a female there on 22nd. A peak of 47 Tufted Duck were at the Moors Pool on 15th. Pochard numbers gradually increased with a maximum count of 32 on 15th but then reduced and had totally disappeared by the month’s end. A Goldeneye was at the Moors Pool on 11th with 2 females there on 14th. Coot numbers remained high with a maximum count of 250 at the Moors Pool on 8th. Water Rails were noted regularly at the Moors Pool. A peak count of 18 Moorhen were across the reserve on 12th. A maximum count of 5 Great Crested Grebe were at the Moors Pool on 6th and 24th, and across the reserve on 17th. Little Grebe numbers were ready with a peak count of 5 at the Moors Pool on 8th. A peak of 15 Mute Swan were at the Moors Pool and Sailing Pool on 12th. Canada Geese numbers reduced with a maximum count of 44 at the Moors Pool on 12th. There were several records of Greylag Goose at the Moors Pool with a maximum count of 18 on 15th. A peak count of 5 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 26th. A Little Egret was at the Moors Pool on 2nd whilst another flew over the Flashes before briefly coming down at the Moors Pool on 6th; 1 fished in the River Salwarpe south of the Moors Pool on 9th whilst 2 flew over the Flashes and Moors Pool on 14th. A GREAT WHITE EGRET, only the second for the reserve and sixth for the County, spent to morning of 26th commuting between the Moors Pool and Flashes before flying off south. Cormorant numbers continued to increase with a peak of 36 at the Moors Pool on 23rd.
Great White Egret - 26/11/11. Photo: J Cartwright
WADERS - The return of water to the Flashes saw Lapwing numbers increased with a peak of 650 at the Moors Pool on 19th. Curlew numbers were again static with a max count of 22 at the Flashes on 9th. Green Sandpiper were recorded at the Flashes on a number of dates with a peak of 4 late on 8th. A peak count of 44 Snipe were at the Moors Pool late on 22nd. A Golden Plover flew over the Flashes on 6th with 6 north over the Moors Pool on 13th and 2 over the Flashes the following day, 2 flew over the Moors Pool on 16th with 18 at the Flashes on 18th and 4 there the following day, 6 over the Moors Pool on the 20th, 16 over there the next day and finally 1 flew over the Flashes on 22nd. A male Ruff was at the Flashes from 4th to 6th with a juvenile there on 19th. A winter plumage Dunlin was at the Moors Pool on 14th and 15th with 2 there on 16th and 1 on 17th and 18th. A Jack Snipe was at the Moors Pool on 21st and 28th. An Oystercatcher was at the Moors Pool on 17th.
GULLS / TERNS - A maximum count of 1,500 Black-headed Gulls roosted at the Flashes on 13th. A first winter Common Gull was at the Moors Pool on 6th with an adult there on 13th. An adult Great Black-backed Gull was at the Flashes on 8th.
MIGRANTS - There were several reports of lingering Blackcaps around the reserve with 2 in the “secret garden” at the Moors Pool on 15th. A Chiffchaff was at the Moors Pool on several dates.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Small numbers of Siskins were noted with a peak of 3 at the Moors Pool on 1st. A Yellowhammer flew over the Flashes on 6th. Small numbers of Lesser Redpoll were encountered with a peak count of 15 at the Flashes on 30th. At least 2,000 Starlings roosted on the third Flash on 19th and 27th. A Coal Tit was at the Moors Pool on 2nd. A Little Owl was at the Flashes on several dates. There were several records of Grey Wagtail at the Flashes. A Raven flew over the Moors Pool on 9th with 4 there on 12th; 1 flew over the Moors Pool on 19th. 1 or 2 Peregrine Falcons were noted at the Flashes most days; both Linnet and Lapwing were seen to be taken on 13th. 3 Fallow Deer were at the Flashes on 9th with 2 Roe Deer there on 13th. A House Sparrow was at the Flashes on 20th. There was a large Linnet flock at the Flashes, peaking at 120 on 19th. 2 Rook flew over the Moors Pool on 19th.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 61 Mallard were at the Moors Pool on 16th. Shoveler numbers at the Moors Pool increased with a peak of 48 on 4th but dropped again later in the month. Teal numbers remained steady with a maximum count of 70 across the reserve on 29th. 4 Wigeon were at the Moors Pool on 4th and 10th with 2 there on 15th and 1 on 25th and 26th. 2 female Pintail were at the Moors Pool on 15th. A drake Gadwall was at the Moors Pool from 29th to 31st. A peak of 31 Tufted Duck were at the Moors Pool on 4th. Pochard disappeared from the Moors Pool mid month but reappeared from 24th with a maximum count of 10 on 29th. Coot numbers increased with a maximum count of 267 at the Moors Pool on 29th. Water Rails were noted regularly at the Moors Pool. A peak count of 13 Moorhen were across the reserve on 16th. A maximum count of 7 Great Crested Grebe were at the Moors Pool on 11th. Little Grebe numbers increased with a peak count of 6 at the Moors Pool on 16th. A peak of 9 Mute Swan were at the Moors Pool on 13th, with 6 frequently present. 4 adult Whooper Swans dropped into the Moors Pool on the 19th, the second record for 2011 and the twelfth overall for the reserve. Canada Geese numbers remained high with a max count of 190 at the Moors Pool on 22nd. There were several records of Greylag Goose at the Moors Pool (particularly later in the month) with a maximum count of 20 over the Flashes on 24th. A peak count of 10 Grey Heron were at the Moors Pool on 3rd. A Little Egret was briefly at the Moors Pool on 29th. Cormorant numbers started to increase with a peak of 20 at the Moors Pool on 29th.
Adult Whooper Swans - 19/10/11. Photo: Brian Stretch
WADERS - Lapwing numbers fell away again with a peak of 146 at the Flashes on 29th. Curlew numbers were static with a max count of 29 at the Flashes on 9th. A single Green Sandpiper were present on several dates with 1 each side of the reserve on 12th, 2 at the Moors Pool on 1st and 15th and 2 at the Flashes on 30th. A Dunlin was at both the Flashes and Moors Pool on 25th whilst a probable flew over the Flashes on 9th. A peak count of 6 Snipe were at the Moors Pool on 2nd and 13th.
GULLS / TERNS - A maximum count of 670 Black-headed Gulls roosted at the Flashes on 11th. 5 Arctic Terns was at the Moors Pool early on 2nd, the latest date ever recorded. A first winter Common Gull was at the Moors Pool on 9th and 18th with an adult there on 11th and 13th, an adult at the Flashes and a second winter at the Moors Pool on 14th, 5 during the course of 15th (3 first winter and 2 second winter), an un-aged bird on 16th, two first-winters at the Moors Pool on 24th and a second winter again at the Moors Pool on 29th. 8 Herring Gulls were at the Moors Pool on 16th with 120 south over the Flashes on 22nd. A second-winter Little Gull was briefly at the Moors Pool on the 30th before arriving at Westwood Pool.
MIGRANTS - The final record for Swallow came on 16th, when 2 flew south over the Flashes. The first Redwings of the winter passed over the Flashes on 9th. The first Fieldfare – a flock of 20 - was at the Flashes on 16th with 220 over on 29th. Chiffchaffs continued to be encountered throughout October.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Small numbers of Siskins were noted with a peak of 30 over the Sailing Pool on 30th. 2 Yellowhammer flew over the Flashes on 9th, 4 on 10th, 2 again on 12th with 3 (2 males and a female) on 16th with 1 on 19th, 2 on 22nd, 1 on 24th, 2 on 29th and finally 1 on 30th; 1 flew over the Moors Pool also on 29th. Good numbers of Lesser Redpoll were encountered on several dates with a peak count of 37 at the Flashes on 29th. 10 Crossbills (including several bright males) flew over the Flashes on 2nd, the largest flock encountered on the reserve; they were earlier noted over Webbs garden centre. A juvenile Red Kite flew over the Moors Pool mid afternoon on 1st. A flock of around 30 Meadow Pipits were regularly at the Flashes with a peak count of 60 on 16th. Single Coal Tits were on the west side of the Moors Pool on 11th, near the Sailing Centre on 16th and on the southern boundary of the Flashes on 26th. 54 Stock Dove were at the Flashes on 12th. 2 Rooks were at the Flashes on 12th with 1 over the Flashes on 24th. 4 Kingfisher were at the Moors Pool on 15th. A probable Rock Pipit was heard calling over the Moors Pool on 15th. At least 60 Starlings roosted in the North Moors on 16th whilst 300 flew over the Flashes on 29th. A Cetti’s Warbler was noted again at the Moors Pool on 1st. Single Raven flew over the Flashes on 13th and 22nd with 4 over the North Moors on 26th and 1 on pylons north of the Moors Pool and 3 over on 30th. 35 Skylarks passed over the Flashes on 16th. At least 5,000 Wood Pigeons flew south-west over the Flashes in 2 hours on the morning of 29th. A female Brambling was at the Moors Pool feeding station on 23rd. A Nuthatch was on the southern boundary of the Flashes on 26th. A Little Owl was at the Flashes late on 30th.
WILDFOWL - A max count of 385 Mallard were at the Flashes early on 10th. Small numbers of Shoveler were at the Moors with a peak of 29 on 10th. A drake Gadwall was at the Moors on 3rd with 1 at the Flashes on 8th; a drake was then at the Moors on 23rd. Teal numbers continued to grow with a max count of 60 across the reserve on 3rd. A female Shelduck was at the Moors on 10th. An eclipse drake Wigeon was at the Moors on 16th and 18th. A juvenile drake Garganey was at the Flashes on 17th. A peak of 21 Tufted Duck were at the Moors on 19th and 26th. Pochard numbers increased slightly at the Moors with a max count of 6 on 11th but were scarce at the month’s end. Coot numbers increased with a max count of 205 at the Moors on 22nd. Water Rails were noted regularly at the Moors. A peak count of 19 Moorhen were across the reserve on 26th. A max count of 6 Great Crested Grebe were at the Moors on 3rd. Singles Little Grebes were at the Moors and Flashes on several dates with 3 across the reserve on 26th. A peak of 7 Mute Swan were at the Moors on 30th. Canada Geese numbers dramatically increased with a max count of 300 across the reserve on 10th. A Barnacle Goose was at the Moors on 3rd, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th and 15th. A Greylag Goose was at the Flashes on 8th with 13 at the Moors on 14th and 3 there on 23rd. A peak count of 8 Grey Heron were at the Moors on 3rd and 10th and across the reserve on 18th. A Little Egret was at the Moors on 22nd, 23rd, 25th and 26th, visiting the Flashes on 25th. Cormorant numbers were still low with a peak of 11 at the Moors on 18th.
WADERS - Lapwing numbers started to rise with a peak of 85 at the Moors on 4th. Curlew numbers were static with a max count of 31 at the Flashes’ roost on 3rd, 22nd and 26th. The return passage of Green Sandpiper continued at the Flashes with a max count of 13 early on 3rd, an unusually high number for the time of year. Common Sandpiper were regular at the Moors up to 13th, with a peak of 3 on 3rd. 2 Black-tailed Godwits were at the Flashes on 5th and 6th; 4 flew north over the Moors on 11th. A Greenshank was at the Moors on 6th. A juvenile Dunlin was at the Moors on 10th and 11th with 2 at the Flashes on 12th and 1 on 13th; 1 flew over the Moors on 17th. A Snipe was at the Flashes on 11th with small numbers then at the Moors, peaking at 4 on 18th. A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was briefly at the Flashes on 12th. 2 Ruff dropped into the Moors briefly on 17th.
GULLS / TERNS - The Black-headed Gull roost at the Flashes increased with a peak of 900 on 6th and 7th. A juvenile Common Tern was at the Moors from 3rd to 9th. An immature Little Gull was on the Sailing Pool early on 2nd. 2 Black Terns were at the Sailing Pool on 2nd with 1 at the Moors from 3rd to 6th; there was an unconfirmed report of 1 at the Moors on 22nd with 10 through the reserve on 25th. A first winter Mediterranean Gull was at the Flashes on 1st with at least 1 juvenile moulting into first winter on 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 13th and 14th. An adult Great Black-backed Gull was at the Flashes on 26th. A Common Gull was at the Flashes on 6th with an adult there on 16th. An adult and juvenile Arctic Tern were at the Moors on 9th, with the latter still present on the 10th and 11th when it was joined by another adult; 5 juveniles were at the Moors on 12th with an adult through the Flashes the same day. 2 juveniles were then at the Moors on 13th with 2 adults and 2 juveniles on 14th, 3 birds (an adult and 2 juveniles) on 15th and an adult and juvenile present on 16th and 17th. Finally on 18th 2 juveniles were at the Flashes with an adult and juvenile at the Moors first thing.
MIGRANTS - Departing summer visitors were last noted on the following dates: Sedge Warbler (26th, Moors), Reed Warbler (26th, North Moors), Willow Warbler (10th, Flashes), Common Whitethroat (17th, Moors), Lesser Whitethroat (17th, Flashes), Sand Martin (17th, Flashes), House Martin (22nd, Flashes), Swift (6th, Moors). The long-staying pair of Redstart at the Flashes were noted up to 15th with a male behind the East Hide at the Moors on 14th and 15th. There were occasional sightings of Hobby up to 16th at the Moors. August’s Spotted Flycatcher remained at the Flashes up to 4th with another record near the hide on 14th. A female Wheatear was in the transmitter field at the Flashes on 3rd with a pair later in the day briefly on the second Flash. 3 Yellow Wagtail (an adult and 2 juveniles) were at the Flashes on 10th with 3 birds also the next day and a male in the transmitter field on 12th; 1 was in the transmitter field on 16th with at least 6 there between 16th and 18th. 3 were still present on 19th and 211st with 1 on 24th, 25th, 27th and finally 30th. A male pale morph HONEY BUZZARD was reported over the Education Reserve on the afternoon of 11th. An Osprey was reported over the Flashes on the afternoon of 11th. A Tree Pipit flew over the Flashes on 15th. Swallows were noted right up to the month’s end.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Rooks were sighted at the Flashes on several dates, with a peak of 5 on 12th and 25th. Of great relief, a male Cetti’s Warbler was at the North Moors on 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th. A Tawny Owl was at the Moors early on 3rd. 2 Siskins were at the Moors on 8th with small numbers thereafter, peaking at 8 over the Hen Pool on 21st. Ravens were noted on 8 dates with a peak count of 7 at the Flashes on 10th. A Yellowhammer was at the Moors on 11th with another over the Flashes on 24th. Jackdaw were plentiful at the Flashes with at least 120 on 12th. 65 Stock Dove were at the Flashes on 12th. A Coal Tit was behind the East Hide at the Moors on 16th. 30 Pied Wagtail fed with cattle in the transmitter field on 17th. 3 Grey Wagtail were at the Flashes on 17th and 25th. A Nuthatch was around the Moors residencies on 18th. An Otter was at the Moors on 22nd. 3 Lesser Redpoll were at the Flashes on 20th with 1 there on 25th and 2 on 27th.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 500 Mallard were at the Flashes and in neighbouring fields on 13th. Small numbers of Shoveler were present on several days with a peak of 18 at the Moors on 28th. 2 Gadwall were at the Moors on 7th and 13th with 1 there on 16th and a pair on 31st. Teal numbers started to grow with a maximum count of 50 across the reserve on 27th. An immature Shelduck was at the Flashes from 15th with an additional immature and adult from 21st and 5 birds present on 29th and 30th. A peak of 15 Tufted Duck were at the Moors on several dates. A female Pochard was at the Moors from 13th with numbers increasing to 3 by 22nd. Coot numbers continued to increase with a maximum count of 133 at the Moors on 30th. Water Rails were noted regularly at the Moors. A peak count of 25 Moorhen were across the reserve on 27th. A maximum count of 8 Great Crested Grebe were at the Moors on 6th. A peak of 3 Little Grebe were at the Moors on 6th, 19th and 20th. A maximum count of 4 Mute Swan were at the Moors on 12th and 13th. Canada Geese numbers dramatically increased with a maximum count of 184 across the reserve on 13th. A flock of Greylag Geese were occasionally present with a maximum count of 18 at the Flashes on 6th. A peak count of 10 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 19th. A Little Egret was at the Moors on 8th. Cormorant numbers were still low with a peak of only 5 at the Moors on 6th.
WADERS - Lapwing numbers started to rise with a peak of 123 across the reserve on 30th. Curlew numbers were static with a maximum count of 32 at the Flashes roost on 6th. Little Ringed Plover numbers were low with a peak of just 3 on 3rd; the final bird was at the Flashes on 9th. The return passage of Green Sandpiper continued at the Flashes with a maximum count of 16 on 2nd although numbers significantly reduced as the month progressed. Common Sandpiper were regular at the Flashes with a peak of 6 across the reserve on 25th; the colour ringed bird originally ringed at Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire in June was at the Moors on several dates up to 6th. A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Moors on 2nd. A Snipe was at the Flashes on 4th with singles then on both sides of the reserve on several dates and a peak of 3 at the Moors on 31st. 2 Dunlin were at the Flashes from 8th to 9th with 1 then until 14th. A juvenile Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 7th and again from 11th to 13th; 2 adults dropped in briefly early on 13th with an adult on 25th and single fly-overs on 27th and 28th. A juvenile Redshank was at the Flashes from 10th to 14th with another there from 17th to 22nd. A juvenile female Ruff was at the Flashes on 14th with another there on 18th; 1 was reported at the Moors on 23rd. 2 Greenshank were at the Flashes, then the Moors, on 20th with 1 at the Moors on 22nd. An Oystercatcher was at the Flashes on 23rd. A juvenile Spotted Redshank was at the Flashes on 28th before departing westwards in the evening. A juvenile Wood Sandpiper spent 20 minutes at the Flashes early on 28th.
GULLS / TERNS - The Black-headed Gull roost remained relatively small with a peak of 700 on 11th and 28th. A maximum count of 9 Common Terns were at the Flashes on 13th but numbers notably declined as the month progressed. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was in the Flashes roost on 6th; a small first winter bird was at the Flashes on 25th, the Moors on 27th and again at the Flashes on 30th. An un-aged Common Gull was at the Flashes on 6th with an adult there on 19th and 21st.
MIGRANTS - The pair of Redstart at the Flashes were noted throughout the month with an immature bird in the same area on 25th and 29th. There were occasional sightings of Hobby. A juvenile Yellow Wagtail was at the Flashes on 8th with others there on 13th and 14th; 2 flew south on 20th before another single was at the Flashes on 31st. A Garden Warbler was on the eastern side of the Sailing Pool on 7th and at the Flashes on 29th. Swift was up until the month’s end. A Tree Pipit, only the 17th record for the reserve and the first since 2003, flew over the Sailing Pool on 14th; the 18th record quickly followed with a calling bird over the Education Reserve on 29th. 4 Spotted Flycatchers (2 adults and 2 juveniles) were at the Flashes on 22nd with 5 earlier in the day near the Hen Pool; on 25th again 1 was near the Hen Pool with another (or the same) near the hide at the Flashes. On 28th singles were at the Flashes and in the Education Reserve with 1 then near the Hen Pool and 2 on the southern edge of the Flashes on 30th. 2 Wheatear were briefly at the Flashes on 25th. 150 Swallows were at the Moors on 25th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Little Owls continued to be present on or around Hobden Hall Farm on a near daily basis with 2 birds present on many dates. A House Sparrow was noted from the East Hide at the Moors on 2nd. Stock Doves were regularly encountered at the Flashes with a peak of 80+ on 28th. 3 Nuthatch (potentially a family party) were along the east track at the Moors on 5th; 1 was near the feeding station at the Flashes on 23rd. Raven were recorded on 9 dates with a peak count of 3 over the Sailing Pool on 23rd. There were several records of Goldcrest at the Flashes from 16th with 4 near the steps on 30th. Rooks were sighted at the Flashes on 6 dates, with a peak of 40 on 21st. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was reported near “Lifestyles” at the Moors on 23rd. A flock of 200 Starlings were at the Flashes on 25th. A Coal Tit was in the Education Reserve on 25th. The first Meadow Pipits of the autumn flew over the transmitter field on 27th. 2 Roe Deer were in fields adjacent to the Flashes late on 21st.
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| Redstart - 03/08/11. Photo: Simon Vickers
Spotted Flycatcher - 28/08/11. Photo: Mick Woodward
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 204 Mallard were across the reserve on 2nd. Smaller numbers of Shoveler were present on a few days with a peak of 4 at the Flashes on 25th. Teal numbers started to grow with a maximum count of 9 across the reserve on 2nd and at the Flashes on 9th. A peak of 16 Tufted Duck were at the Moors on 24th; the first brood of 11 appeared on 9th with a second brood of 12 from 12th and by 31st 5 broods had emerged. Coot numbers increased with a maximum count of 108 across the reserve on 24th. Water Rails were noted at both the Moors and Flashes with 2 juveniles at the latter location on 5th and 1 on 10th; 1 fledged youngster was seen on the west side of the Moors on 25th. A peak count of 17 Moorhen were across the reserve on 17th and 24th. A maximum count of 15 Great Crested Grebe were at the Moors on 2nd; the two latest chicks were lost early in the month but a new chick was seen from 9th which quickly disappeared. A maximum count of only 2 Little Grebe were at the Moors on several dates. 3 Mute Swan were at the Moors on many dates; a dead swan was noted there on 22nd. Canada Geese numbers remained steady with a maximum count of 53 across the reserve on 9th. 16 Greylag Geese were at the Sailing Pool on 24th with 15 at the Moors on 30th. A peak count of 8 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 25th. A Little Egret visited both sides of the reserve from late on 9th to 11th; 2 were at the Flashes on 19th whilst 1 roosted there on 23rd then flew north over the Moors early on 24th. There was a marked movement on 30th with 2 over the Flashes early morning and other 5 over an hour later before 2 dropped into the Moors, staying there until early the next morning. Cormorant numbers were very low with a peak of only 4 at the Moors on 2nd and 17th.
Little Egret - 30/07/11. Photo: Chris Cook
WADERS - Lapwing numbers started to rise with a peak of 80 across the reserve on 31st. Avocet numbers reduced as the month wore on with families departing; a maximum count of 15 adults/fledged year were at the Flashes on 2nd with the final juveniles hanging on for nearly 3 weeks, lasted noted on 23rd. A peak count of 4 Oystercatcher were across the reserve on 2nd. Curlew numbers continued to grow with a maximum of 33 at the Flashes on 24th. Little Ringed Plover numbers remained high for the first part of the month with a peak of 20 adults/fledged young at the Flashes on 12th; the latest brood fledged 2 young but the 2 remaining nests were lost and most had left by the month’s end. The return passage of Green Sandpiper continued at the Flashes with a max count of 18 across the reserve on 30th. Common Sandpiper were at the Flashes on many dates with a peak of 7 across the reserve on 30th; a colour ringed bird originally ringed at Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire on 11th July 2011 was at the Moors late in the month. 2 Black-tailed Godwits were at the Flashes on 1st, increasing to 12 the following day, with 3 present then from 3rd to 6th and 17 then on 7th, 11 on 8th and 1 on 9th and 10th; 4 were then at the Flashes from 18th to 20th with 2 on 21st. A Dunlin was at the Flashes from 9th to 17th. 2 Whimbrel spent 5 minutes at the Flashes on 9th; another spent 10 minutes at the Flashes on 16th. A Ringed Plover was at the Flashes all day on 12th with another reported there on 16th. A Greenshank was at the Flashes on 17th and 18th; another was at the Moors, then the Flashes, on 29th. A juvenile Redshank was at the Flashes on 19th. 2 Snipe were at the Flashes on 29th.
Adult Greenshank - 17/07/11. Photo: Chris Cook
GULLS / TERNS - The Black-headed Gull breeding colony continued to fledged chicks whilst the roost at the Flashes started to increase; a maximum count of 770 were across the reserve on 16th. Common Terns were regular at the Moors with a peak of 11 in the roost at the Flashes on 31st (including 5 juvenile); in addition to the 2 young which fledged in June another 2 chicks were successfully but a further 3 broods were lost. 5 Arctic Terns were at the Sailing Pool on 7th. A first summer Common Gull was at the Flashes on 10th and 12th; 2 adults were at the Flashes on 31st. Large gull numbers increased during the month with 66 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at the Moors on 13th. A first summer Little Gull was at the Moors briefly on 17th. An adult Mediterranean Gull was in the Flashes roost on 30th with 2 juveniles there the following morning.
Juvenile Mediterranean Gull - 31/07/11. Photo: Chris Cook
MIGRANTS - A pair of Redstart, first noted at the Flashes on 18th June, remained with the male last seen on 27th and the female on 30th. Another male was reported along the west path at the Moors on 2nd. Cuckoo was last noted on 3rd July. A Spotted Flycatcher was in the Education Reserve on 10th with a family party of 3 (including at least 1 juvenile) in the hedgerow by the Tower Hide at the Flashes on 27th. 2 Yellow Wagtails flew south over the transmitter field on 14th with a female at the Flashes later the same day; a female was at the Flashes on 30th. Hobby was noted on both sides on the reserve on several dates.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Little Owls were present on or around Hobden Hall Farm on a near daily basis with 2 birds present on many dates and 3 on 30th. A juvenile Stonechat was at the Flashes briefly on 2nd. A flock of 7 Jay were at the Moors on 2nd. A Yellowhammer sang distantly from the Flashes towards Stoke village on 3rd. A female House Sparrow was near the Sailing Centre on 3rd. There was a wholly unconfirmed report of a CIRL BUNTING at the Moors feeding station late afternoon on 19th; whilst most likely a case of misidentification if submitted to and accepted by the County Recorder if would be a first ever for the site and the first for the County since 1983. A Raven flew over the Moors on 20th with another on 27th; 6 flew over the Flashes on 24th whilst 2 were on the transmitter masts on 30th. 2 juvenile Grey Wagtails were at the Flashes on 19th. 2 Roe Deer were at the Flashes on 4th with 1 there on 13th.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 150 Mallard were at the Moors on 28th. Shoveler were occasionally sighted with a peak of 5 at the Flashes on 28th. Gadwall were regularly recorded with a peak of 8 at the Flashes on 5th. Shelduck were also present on a regular basis with a max count of 7 at the Flashes on 29th. Teal were present on several dates with a max count of 2 at the Flashes on 4th and 29th. A peak of 37 Tufted Duck were across the reserve on 7th. Coot numbers remained low with a max count of 66 across the reserve on 25th. A Pochard was at the Moors on 18th. Water Rails were noted at both the Moors and Flashes, with young noted on the west side of the Moors. A peak count of 10 Moorhen were across the reserve on 25th. A max count of 17 Great Crested Grebe were at the Moors on 25th; only 1 of the 4 young fledged. A max count of 3 Little Grebe were at the Moors on 7th with 2 young in the Broadmeadow Pool. 3 Mute Swan were at the Moors on 25th. Canada Geese numbers remained steady with a max count of 42 across the reserve on 4th. Greylag Geese were occasionally recorded with a peak count of 7 at the Moors on 7th. A max count of 6 Grey Heron were across the reserve on the 4th, 18th and 25th. A Little Egret was briefly at the Flashes on 6th. Cormorant numbers were very low with a peak of only 4 at the Moors on 25th.
WADERS - Lapwing numbers remained low with a peak of 22 across the reserve on 28th; the chick at the Flashes fledged. Avocet numbers peaked with 12 adult birds at the Flashes on several dates and 16 chicks fledged in total; by late June family parties had started to leave the site. A maximum count of 4 adult Oystercatcher were across the reserve on a number of days; the 2 chicks at the Moors fledged. Curlew numbers started to grow towards the end of the month with a peak of 22 at the Flashes on 30th. Little Ringed Plover numbers rose towards the month’s end with a peak of 17 (16 adults and a fledged young) at the Flashes on 28th. The 2 fledged young had left the site by the end of the month; 4 more chicks hatched from 16th but were reduced to 2 by 22nd. A female RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was at the Flashes until 4th (present from the 28th May but missing on the 3rd June), the longest staying individual ever in the West Midlands. Remarkably what was probably the same bird was again present at the Flashes on 10th and 14th. The return passage of Green Sandpiper at the Flashes started early with 1 on 5th, increasing to a peak of 10 on 29th. A Common Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 6th and 7th with 2 birds across the reserve on 18th and 1 at the Moors on 22nd. A Snipe was on the Broadmeadow Pool at the Moors on 7th and 12th. A Redshank was at the Flashes on 7th, 12th and 26th with 1 at the Moors on 15th and 27th to 29th. Ringed Plover were present at the Flashes from 7th to 12th with 2 birds on the first and last dates. A Dunlin was at the Flashes on 5th. 5 Black-tailed Godwits were at the Moors on 22nd with 4 at the Flashes the following day and 1 from 24th to 28th, 5 on 29th and 8 on 30th.
Juvenile waders at Upton Warren in June: Avocet and Little Ringed Plover. Photos: Chris Cook
Passage waders at Upton Warren in June: Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper. Photos: Chris Cook
GULLS / TERNS - The Black-headed Gull breeding colony remained steady with a max count of 250 birds across the reserve on 4th. Common Terns were regular at the Moors with a peak of 10 on 19th; 3 chicks emerged from 7th (of which 2 survived and had fledged by 29th) with a further 3 chicks on 19th and a third brood of 2 on 27th. A second summer Mediterranean Gull was at the Flashes on 27th.
MIGRANTS - A first summer Wheatear was at the Moors on 7th. Hobby were recorded on several dates at the Moors with 2 on 6th and 19th; a first summer was at the Moors on 19th. Garden Warblers continued to be encountered at the Moors Pool with 2 on 7th; a family party was at the Flashes on 11th and 25th. A male Redstart was at the hedges to the south of the Tower Hide at the Flashes from 18th to 24th with a different male on 25th and an immature female there also on 21st, 22nd, 25th and 26th; a pair was then present in the same location on 30th. 2 Cuckoo were seen together at the Moors on 14th and 17th with an hepatic female reported at the Moors on 14th, 20th and 22nd; 3 were across the reserve on 19th whilst a juvenile was reported at the Moors on the 22nd and at the Flashes on 23rd. A Grasshopper Warbler was reported at the Flashes on 19th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A Red Kite flew south east over Hobden Hall Farm viewed from the Sailing Pool on 4th. A Little Owl was perched on barns at Hobden Hall Farm on 1st, 5th, 11th, 16th, 18th and 19th. A singing Coal Tit was along the east track at the Moors on 17th. 2 female House Sparrows were at the Flashes on 19th. Wood Pigeon numbers grew in the fields adjacent to the Flashes with 155 there on 25th. Male and female juvenile Kingfisher were at the Moors Pool on 22nd. A Yellowhammer flew over the Flashes on 25th. A Raven was over the North Moors on 26th with 2 over the Flashes on 30th.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 126 Mallard across the reserve on 24th. Small numbers of Shoveler were at the Flashes early in the month with a peak of 4 on 1st and 2nd. Gadwall were regularly recorded with a peak of 5 across the reserve on 21st and 28th. Shelduck were also present on a regular basis with a max count of 3 across the reserve on several dates. A peak of 46 Tufted Duck were across the reserve on 25th. Coot numbers remained low with a max count of 46 across the reserve on 25th. Water Rails were heard singing at both the Moors and Flashes with 2 young at the Moors on 29th. A peak count of 12 Moorhen were across the reserve on 24th. A max count of 15 Great Crested Grebe were at the Moors on 28th; 4 young emerged from 25th with 3 still present on 31st. A max count of 3 Little Grebe were at the Moors on 2nd and 3rd; a chick was seen on the Broad Meadow Pool from 24th. 3 Mute Swan were across the reserve on several dates. Canada Geese numbers remained steady with a max count of 46 across the reserve on 25th. 5 Barnacle Geese were briefly at the Moors early on 1st (they were later seen over Grimley); the same flock circled the Flashes on 3rd. A small flock was then seen at the Flashes late on 8th and early on 9th. Greylag Geese were occasionally recorded with a peak count of 19 over the Flashes on 26th. A ringed Ross’s Goose was at the Moors early on 2nd and again on 17th. A max count of 3 Grey Heron were at the Moors on 7th. A SPOONBILL spent an hour at the Flashes late afternoon on 16th before flying west, the fourth for the reserve. Cormorant numbers were very low with a peak of 5 at the Moors on 24th and 31st.
WADERS - Lapwing numbers were reduced to just the breeding pairs with a peak of 15 across the reserve on 5th; 1 chick neared fledging at the Flashes. Avocet numbers peaked with 16 birds at the Flashes on many dates although numbers had dropped by the month’s end; 24 chicks were hatched of which still 18 survived by the end of the month. Snipe continued to be seen in small numbers (predominately at the Moors) with a peak count of 4 across the reserve on 2nd. A maximum count of 5 Oystercatcher were across the reserve on several dates; 2 chicks were still at the Moors at the end of the month. Curlew numbers were very low with a peak of just 6 at the Flashes on 28th. A Redshank was at the Flashes on 1st and 18th and at the Moors on 22nd. Little Ringed Plover numbers remained steady with a peak of 12 across the reserve on 2nd; 4 chicks hatched at the Flashes with 2 still present by 31st. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 1st. Common Sandpiper were a regular feature early in the month with 6 across the reserve on 2nd. Small numbers of Dunlin were present on most days, mainly at the Flashes, with a peak of 3 there from 22nd to 24th and again on 30th. April’s Whimbrel was at the Flashes up to 2nd; another flew through the Flashes early on 9th with 2 briefly there on 24th. April’s Bar-tailed Godwit remained at the Flashes until 3rd. A Greenshank was at the Flashes on 1st with another at the Moors then Flashes on 11th. April’s Wood Sandpiper was at the Flashes until the 2nd; it was briefly joined by a second bird on 1st whilst a further 3 flew over the Moors the same day. One then dropped into the Flashes for 25 minutes on 7th whilst another was present at the Flashes early morning on 15th. There were several records of Ringed Plover at the Flashes with a peak of 4 on 24th; birds of the tundrae race were there on 5th (1) and 21st (2). A Sanderling was at Moors on 18th with another there on 22nd. A female RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was at the Flashes from the 28th to 30th with a second female was present on 30th and 31st; the seventh and eighth records.
GULLS/TERNS - The Black-headed Gull breeding colony remained steady with a max count of 225 birds across the reserve on 2nd; the first young were seen at the Flashes on 15th. A first winter/summer Common Gull was at the Moors on 1st, 2nd and 7th and Flashes on 9th; 2 first summer birds were at the Moors on 11th. Common Terns were regular at the Moors with a peak of 17 on 1st; a flock of 27+ “commic terns” passed through the Moors on 1st. An Arctic Tern was at the Moors on 2nd. 2 Black Terns were at the Sailing Pool, then the Moors, on 3rd and 4th.
MIGRANTS - Common migrant numbers built up during the month with the following peak counts: 40 House Martins (1st, Moors), 80 Sand Martin, (14th, Moors), 200+ Swift (27th, Moors). Garden Warblers sang in the Education Reserve and on the east then west sides of the Moors. Yellow Wagtail records came from the Moors on 2nd and 3rd and Flashes on 2nd, 7th and 8th (2). A female White Wagtail was at the Flashes on 2nd, 3rd and 5th; 1 was at the Flashes on 18th with a distinctive male with a damaged wing there from 25th to 29th. A Wheatear was at the Flashes briefly on 4th with a female there on 7th (also seen at Hobden Hall Farm). A male Redstart was behind the East Hide at the Moors on 4th. A female Marsh Harrier was seen briefly south-east of the Moors on 7th whilst a male flew north through the Flashes on 18th. A Whinchat was briefly at the Flashes on 8th. A Spotted Flycatcher was along the River Salwarpe on 8th. 3 Cuckoos were across the reserve on 14th. An Osprey was reported over the Flashes on 27th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A Raven flew over the Sailing Pool on 2nd with 3 over the Moors on 7th, 2 over the Flashes on 15th and 1 at the Moors on 24th. A Rook flew over the Moors on 1st with several records from the Flashes on 7th. A harrier species was reported over the Moors on 2nd. A Red Kite flew eastwards over the Moors on 7th before heading south over the Flashes; another quartered fields adjacent to the Flashes on 25th. A Tawny Owl called north of the Moors Pool early on 7th. A BLACK REDSTART, only the second record for the reserve, was at the Flashes briefly early on 8th. A House Sparrow was seen distantly from the Moors on 7th with another in front of the East Hide at the Moors on 10th and a male by the Moors’ sluice on 29th. A first summer male COMMON ROSEFINCH was reported singing at the Moors on the afternoon of 29th; if accepted it would be the first for both the reserve and County.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 49 Mallard were across the reserve on 17th; the first brood with 9 ducklings was at the Moors on 7th. Teal numbers continued to fall away as the month progressed with a peak of 30 across the reserve on 2nd but had departed by 22nd. Shoveler numbers also reduced with a max count of 5 at the Moors on 9th and the final bird seen on 22nd. Gadwall were regularly recorded with a peak of 5 on several dates. Shelduck were also present on a regular basis with a max count of 4 across the reserve on 7th and 10th. A peak of 65 Tufted Duck were across the reserve on 10th. A female Pochard was at the Moors on 1st and 2nd. Coot numbers remained relatively low with a max count of 48 across the reserve on 2nd; the first brood appeared on the Broad Meadow Pool on 17th. Water Rails became more vocal with singing birds at both the Moors and Flashes. A peak count of 10 Moorhen were across the reserve on 25th; the first brood was at the Moors on 22nd. Great Crested Grebe slowly returned with a peak of 12 at the Moors on 3rd and 25th. A max count of 4 Little Grebe were at the Moors on 3rd. 3 Mute Swan were across the reserve on several dates. Greylag Goose numbers reduced with a peak of only 9 at the Flashes on 24th. Canada Geese numbers remained steady with a max count of 47 across the reserve on 9th. The first winter Pink-footed Geese remained in fields around the Flashes until 7th, extending its record as the longest staying individual in the reserve’s history. A max count of just 2 Grey Heron were across the reserve on several days. A SPOONBILL spent 35 minutes at the Flashes on the 22nd before heading off north-east, the third record for the reserve. Cormorant numbers reduced with a peak of 11 at the Moors on 25th.
Pink-footed Goose - 02/04/11. Photo: Chris Cook
WADERS - Lapwing numbers were reduced to just the breeding pairs with a peak of 9 across the reserve on many dates. Avocet numbers continued to increase, peaking at a new reserve record of 19 at the Flashes on 9th. Snipe numbers were vastly reduced with a peak count of 8 across the reserve on 10th. A maximum count of 6 Oystercatcher were across the reserve on several dates. Curlew numbers fell away as birds returned to their breeding grounds; a peak of 25+ were at the Flashes on 1st. A Redshank was at the Flashes on from 1st to 9th with 2 there on 15th and 1 on 22nd. Little Ringed Plover numbers increased with a peak of 13 across the reserve on 22nd. Green Sandpiper were at the Flashes on several dates with a peak of 3 on 1st and 3rd. A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Flashes, then the Moors, on 2nd. The first Common Sandpiper was at the Moors on 7th with 7 across the reserve on 14th. A Dunlin was at the Flashes from 20th to 23rd. A Whimbrel was at the Flashes from 29th to 30th. A Bar-tailed Godwit was at the Moors on 30th before moving to the Flashes; a further 27 flew over the Moors late on 30th to create a new site and county record. A Greenshank was at the Flashes on 29th and early on 30th. A Wood Sandpiper was at the Flashes from 29th to 30th with a further 2 birds spending 30 minutes at the Moors on 30th.
Black-tailed Godwit - 02/04/11. Photo: Chris Cook
Bar-tailed Godwit - 30/04/11. Photo: Stuart Andrews
GULLS / TERNS - The Black-headed Gull colony built up ahead of the breeding season; a peak of 410 were at the Flashes’ roost on 7th. The long-staying second summer Mediterranean Gull was noted up to 14th with a first summer briefly at the Flashes on 22nd. A Common Tern was at the Moors on 3rd, the earliest date on record; the next record wasn’t until the 19th with a peak of 6 at the Moors on 29th. 2 second winter Little Gulls were at the Moors on 9th; a new reserve record of 8 (6 adults and 2 juveniles) were at the Moors on 18th. A first winter Common Gull was at the Moors on 9th with a first summer the same day at the Flashes. Two first summers flew over the Moors Pool on 22nd with an unaged bird there on 23rd and a first winter at the Flashes the same day. A Sandwich Tern was at the Moors late on 18th. A small passage of Arctic Terns saw 1 at the Moors on 24th, 2 at the Sailing Pool on 29th and 1 at the Flashes later the same day, and 2 at the Moors on 30th.
Sandwich Tern - 18/04/11. Photo: Ian Lavell
Second-summer Mediterranean Gull - 02/04/11. Photo: Chris Cook
Little Gulls - 09/04/11. Photo: Stuart Andrews
MIGRANTS - Common migrant numbers built up during the month with the following peak counts of singing males: Chiffchaffs - 12 on 2nd, Blackcap - 16 on 17th, Willow Warbler - 11 on 3rd. Hirudine number also increased with peaks of 100+ Sand Martins (6th and 7th, Moors), 40 House Martins (14th, Moors) and 30 Swallows (14th, Moors). New spring arrivals were as follows: Sedge Warbler 3rd (Moors and Flashes) with 25 singing males by 23rd, Yellow Wagtail 5th (Moors), Reed Warbler 9th (Moors) with 17+ singing males by 17th, Common Whitethroat 17th (Flashes), Cuckoo 19th (Flashes), Garden Warbler 20th (Moors), Lesser Whitethroat 22nd (Moors / Education Reserve), Swift 22nd (Moors), Hobby 23rd (Moors) with 2 on 26th. Other Yellow Wagtail records came from the Flashes on 14th, a flyover bird noted several times across the reserve on 17th, Moors on 20th, Flashes on 21st and 23rd, Sailing Pool on 25th, Moors on 29th and a male at the Flashes on 30th. A female White Wagtail was at the Moors on 7th and 9th with a male at the Flashes also on 9th; 1 was at the Flashes on 13th with 2 there the next day. A female was at the Flashes on 22nd with a male there on 23rd and an unsexed bird on 27th; a female was at the Flashes on 29th with a different female the next day. A Wheatear flew over the Flashes on 10th; a male and female were there on 14th with a male in the sewage meadow at the Flashes on 17th, a female at the Flashes on 19th and a female at the Moors, then the Flashes, on 22nd. A Redstart was near the feeding station at the Flashes on 12th. A Grasshopper Warbler reeled from near the Moors’ car park on 15th (the second earliest date on record), in the north-east corner of the Flashes on 16th and along the southern boundary of the Moors on 17th. A HOOPOE flew east over the Moors on 9th, the third record for the reserve. An early male Whinchat was at the Flashes on 17th. An Osprey flew over the Moors late afternoon on 18th. Female Marsh Harriers were seen on 3 dates – over the Flashes on 25th, flying out of the Education Reserve on 29th and over the Moors on 30th. A male BLUETHROAT was at the Hen Pool on 26th and 27th, the second record for the reserve and third for the county but the first in the West Midlands region for the white-spotted form.
Male White-spotted Bluethroat - 27/04/11. Photo: Dave Walker
Yellow Wagtail - 30/04/11. Photo: Stuart Andrews
White Wagtail - 22/04/11. Photo: Stuart Andrews
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A Coal Tit was noted on the east side of the Moors on 2nd and 3rd. Raven were recorded on 12 dates from both sides of the reserve with a max count of 4 over the Moors on 22nd. Rook were noted on 17 dates with a peak of 9 in the transmitter field on 10th. A Lesser Redpoll was at the Moors on 3rd with a fly-over at the Flashes on 24th. A male Merlin flew over the Moors on 7th. A Red Kite was noted over the reserve on 3 occasions during the afternoon of 9th; a different bird with missing primaries was seen over the Moors on 10th. A Little Owl was near Hobden Hall Farm on 10th. A Barn Owl was at the Moors near the causeway on the evenings of 10th and 11th. A Tawny Owl called south of the Flashes late on 17th. A Siskin was at the Moors on 11th. A male House Sparrow was in the hedge south of the East Hide at the Moors on 17th and a female in the Education Reserve on 22nd. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was on the west side of the Moors on 18th.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 38 Mallard were across the reserve on 13th. Teal numbers fell away as the month progressed with a peak of 54 across the reserve on 19th. Shoveler numbers also reduced with a max count of 26 at the Moors on 13th. Gadwall were recorded at the Moors on a number of dates with a peak of 6 across the reserve on 22nd. 7 Wigeon were at the Moors on 4th with 1 there on 15th; the first winter drake at the Flashes from present from the 17th February remained until 6th
and again on 14th and 22nd. A drake was also at the Flashes on 17th and 20th. Shelduck were also present at the Moors on a regular basis with a max count of 7 at the Moors on 30th. A peak of 43 Tufted Duck were across the reserve on 22nd. Pochard numbers started to drop off with a maximum count of 18 at the Moors on 4th. A drake Goldeneye was at the Moors on 18th. Coot numbers remained relatively low with a max count of 77 across the reserve on 6th. Water Rails remained very scarce across the reserve. A peak count of 11 Moorhen were across the reserve on 6th. Great Crested Grebe slowly returned with a peak of 12 at the Moors on 22nd and 27th. A max count of just 3 Little Grebe were at the Moors on 12th, 27th and 30th. A peak of 5 Mute Swan were across the reserve on 27th. A WHOOPER SWAN, the eleventh record for the reserve, was at the Sailing Pool early morning on 20th before flying off east but then returning to the Flashes. The same individual, probably of Icelandic origin, has been present in the county since December and has been recorded at Stourport, Grimley and Worcester. Greylag Goose numbers remained high with a peak of 20 at the Flashes on 4th. Canada Geese numbers remained steady with a max count of 58 across the reserve on 6th. The first winter Pink-footed Goose remained in fields around the Flashes until the end of the month; extending its record as the longest staying individual in the reserve’s history. A max count of just 3 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 13th and 27th. A Bittern was reported at the Moors on 5th. Cormorant numbers remained high with a peak of 20 at the Moors on 6th.
Great Crested Grebes - 26/03/11. Photo: Chris Cook
WADERS - Lapwing numbers reduce as birds dispersed to their breeding grounds; a peak of 52 was at the Moors on 6th. An Avocet was at the Flashes on 1st, increasing throughout the month peak at 16 on 28th, 30th and 31st, a new spring record. A maximum count of 52 Snipe were across the reserve on 1st. 2 Jack Snipe were at the Flashes on 6th with 1 at the Moors on 7th and 13th; 1 was back at the Flashes on 17th and 19th. Oystercatchers were a daily occurrence with a peak of 9 across the reserve on 13th, a spring record. Curlew numbers continued to increase with a peak of 41 at the Flashes on 3rd. A Dunlin was at the Flashes on 3rd and again on 21st and 23rd. A Redshank was at the Flashes on 6th and 16th with 2 there on 19th and 20th and 4 briefly on 21st and then 1 until the month’s end. 18 Golden Plover flew north over the Moors on 15th; 1 flew over the Education Reserve on 27th. A Little Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 16th and again from 19th, increasing to 6 by 26th. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes from 19th with 2 there on several dates from 22nd. 4 Black-tailed Godwits were at the Flashes on 20th with 1 present the next morning; 1 was at the Flashes on 23rd with another reported the same day over the Moors and 3 briefly at the Flashes on 25th.
Oystercatcher - 26/03/11. Photo: Chris Cook
GULLS / TERNS - The Black-headed Gull colony built up ahead of the breeding season; a peak of 321 were at the Flashes’ roost on 6th. A first winter bird bearing a white ring 20C9 on its left leg was at the Flashes on 1st. A second winter Mediterranean Gull was in the Flashes roost on 1st and at the Moors Pool on 7th, 10th, 11th and 15th to the month’s end, the longest staying individual on record; 2 birds were reported at the Moors on 26th. An adult Common Gull was at the Moors on 11th with a first summer there on 17th; a second summer was at the Flashes on 20th, 27th and 30th. At least 100 Herring Gulls passed over the Moors on 13th.
Second-summer Mediterranean Gull at the Flashes - 22/03/11. Photo: Andy Warr
MIGRANTS - Redwing was last recorded on 27th at the Moors; the final Fieldfare sighting was at the Moors on 26th. A female Brambling was on the east side of the Moors on 26th. Chiffchaffs sang from 11th along the River Salwarpe with at least 11 across the reserve by 27th. The first Sand Martins arrived on 13th with 2 early morning at the Sailing Pool and 2 later in the day through the Moors and small numbers for the rest of the month peaking at 90 at the Moors on 27th. The first singing Blackcap was at the Moors on 26th. A first Swallow was at the Moors on 26th. Willow Warbler arrived on 27th with 3 singing males across the reserve. A White Wagtail was present at the Moors on 30th. The first House Martins were 4 at the Moors on 28th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Lesser Redpoll were present up to the end of the month in small numbers at the Moors with a peak of 7 on 6th. Siskins were regularly encountered, with a maximum count of 38 across the reserve on 5th. 2 Coal Tits were in gardens on the east side of the Moors on 5th with a singing male there on 12th. A Nuthatch was in gardens on the east side of the Moors on 12th. A Raven flew over the Flashes on 1st with 5 reported there the following day and singles over on 5th and 6th; 4 flew over the Moors on 12th, 1 feasted on the remains of a Canada Goose at the Moors on 25th with 1 then 2 over there on 27th. 4 Rook flew over the Moors on 8th and 1 on 27th. A male Stonechat was at the Flashes on 1st with a female there on 11th and 12th, 2 on 13th and 1 on 14th. 14 Waxwing were briefly in the Sailing Centre car park on 11th before flying south. A Yellowhammer flew over the transmitter field on 12th with 1 over the Sailing Pool car park on 19th. 14 Meadow Pipits moved north over the Moors on 17th. A flock of 800 corvids (mainly Jackdaw) circled north over the sewage works at the Flashes on 17th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was reported along the River Salwarpe close to the A38 on 21st. A Red Kite flew west over the Sailing Pool on 24th.
MAMMALS - The Otter was seen again at the Moors on 9th. Up to 5 Roe Deer were reported on a number of dates at both the Moors and the Flashes. Up to 40 Pipestrelle Bats were at the Flashes late on 26th whilst a Noctule Bat was at the Moors mid afternoon on 17th.
John Belsey and Phil Andrews at the Flashes - 19/03/11. Photo: Chris Cook
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 65 Mallard were across the reserve on 13th. Teal numbers remained steady with a peak of 75 across the reserve on 5th. Shoveler numbers gradually increased from their low numbers at the start of the year with a maximum count of 65 on 20th (25 at the Moors Pool and 40 in flight over the Education Reserve). Gadwall were recorded at the Moors Pool on a number of dates with a peak of 6 birds there on 27th. 4 Wigeon were at the Moors Pool on 8th with drakes at both the Moors Pool and Flashes on 13th; a drake was at the Flashes from 17th to the month’s end with 2 at the Moors Pool on 25th. Shelduck were also present at the Moors on a regular basis with a maximum count of 3 across the reserve on 19th and 20th. A peak of 47 Tufted Duck were at the Moors Pool on 20th. Pochard numbers also rose with a maximum count of 25 at the Moors Pool on 13th. A female Goosander was at the Moors Pool late on 13th. Coot numbers remained relatively low with a maximum count of 150 at the Moors Pool on 10th. Water Rails were seen on an occasional basis at the Moors Pool. A peak count of 18 Moorhen were across the reserve on 19th. Great Crested Grebe slowly returned to the Moors Pool with a peak of 4 across the reserve on 26th. 2 Little Grebe were across the reserve on 25th and 27th with singles at the Moors Pool on several dates. A peak of 5 Mute Swan were across the reserve on a number of days. Greylag Goose numbers remained high with a peak of 25 at the Flashes on 5th. Canada Geese numbers remained steady with a maximum count of 123 across the reserve on 13th. The first-winter Pink-footed Goose remained in fields around the Flashes up to the month’s end; extending its record as the longest staying individual in the reserve’s history. Single Grey Heron were seen on a number of dates. A Bittern was at the North Moors Pool on 9th. Cormorant numbers remained high with a peak of 34 at the Moors Pool on 9th.
WADERS - Lapwing numbers remained steady at the Flashes with a peak of 405 on 22nd. An Avocet was at the Flashes on 13th, the earliest return date recorded, and irregularly thereafter with 2 on 28th. A maximum count of 35 Snipe were at the Moors Pool on 13th, their numbers still depressed by the cold weather. 2 Jack Snipe were at the Moors Pool on 13th and again 2 days later with 1 there on 18th and 19th. An Oystercatcher was at the Flashes on 4th, rising to 5 across the reserve on 26th and 27th. Curlew numbers started to increase with a peak of 31 at the Flashes’ roost on 26th. A Dunlin was at the Flashes on 16th and 17th with 2 there late on 22nd and 1 the following day. A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Flashes from 19th to 22nd. A Ringed Plover was briefly present at the Flashes on 20th. 2 Golden Plover were at the Flashes on 22nd; 9 were reported over the reserve on 26th.
Avocet at the Flashes - 13/02/11. Photo: Chris Cook
GULLS / TERNS - An adult Yellow-legged Gull was briefly at the Flashes briefly on 6th, together with a probable first winter bird. 2 Great Black-backed Gull flew over the Moors Pool on 5th whilst 2 were there on 17th. Black-headed Gull numbers remained low but with a peak of 700 at the Flashes on 22nd. A Common Gull was at the Moors Pool on 7th with a first winter there on 14th and another on 19th; a second winter flew over the Flashes on 27th. A second-winter Mediterranean Gull was briefly at the Moors Pool on 28th.
MIGRANTS - Redwing and Fieldfare were both recorded up until the month’s end with a peak of 100 each at the Flashes on 22nd. 2 Chiffchaffs were singing in the Education Reserve on 24th, the earliest singing birds recorded.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Lesser Redpoll were present in small numbers at the Moors Pool but with a peak of 60 in the Education Reserve on 24th. Siskins were regularly encountered, with a maximum count of 60 along the Hen Brook on 23rd. 30 Magpies roosted on the east side of the Moors Pool late on 6th. A female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was along the River Salwarpe on 7th. A Coal Tit was in gardens on the east side of the Moors Pool on 5th and 6th and again on 19th, 26th and 27th; 1 was in the Education Reserve on 20th. A Nuthatch was in gardens on the east side of the Moors Pool on 5th and by the chestnut tree on the Moors Pool causeway the next day; 1 was at the Moors Pool on 15th with one heard calling from the Education Reserve on 19th and seen there the next day. A Raven flew over the Flashes on 6th with another on 18th. 2 Rook flew over the Moors Pool on 6th with 1 over on 27th. A Little Owl was near Hobden Hall Farm on 12th. 200 Wood Pigeons were at the Moors Pool on 18th. 3 Roe Deer were at the Flashes early morning on 20th. 4 Treecreeper were present on 20th – a pair in the Education reserve and a pair along the path to the East Hide at the Moors Pool. A Waxwing was in the gardens of the Moors Pool residencies on 21st. A flock of 80 Starling were at the Flashes on 22nd, including a notably pale bird. 9 Buzzards circled over the Moors Pool on 24th.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 220 Mallard were at the Moors on 2nd and 6th. Teal numbers remained steady with a peak of 108 across the reserve on 13th. Shoveler numbers remained worryingly low with a peak of just 10 at the Moors on 13th. Wigeon were recorded on 7 dates with a peak of 4 at the Moors on 15th. A female Gadwall was at the Moors on 5th and 6th. 4 Shelduck returned to the Moors on 18th with birds then present until the month’s end. A drake Mandarin rested on ice at the Moors on 31st. A peak of 29 Tufted Duck were at the Moors Pool on 20th. Pochard numbers stayed a constant amaximum count of 23 on 20th. December’s run of Goosander records continued 2 at the Moors on 1st, 3 on 2nd and 3rd, 4 on 4th, 1 on 5th, 2 on 7th and 1 on 8th; a redhead flew over the Flashes on 22nd. Coot numbers were relatively low with a maximum count of 150 at the Moors on 18th and 27th. Water Rails were seen on an occasional basis at the Moors. A peak count of 21 Moorhen were across the reserve on 3rd. Great Crested Grebe were largely absent with a peak of just 2 at the Moors on 4th; likewise Little Grebe were also scarce the Moors Pool with a maximum count of 2 on 19th. A peak of 6 Mute Swan were present early in the month; the remains of a first winter bird were found at the Flashes on 27th. Greylag Goose numbers remained high with a peak of 26 at the Flashes on 15th. Canada Geese numbers were unspectacular, with a maximum count of 112 at the Moors on 5th. A first winter Pink-footed Geese was present in fields north of the Flashes from 9th to the end of the month, often roosting at the Moors. This is the longest staying individual in the reserve’s history. A Barnacle Goose was at the Moors late on 9th. The icy conditions meant that Grey Heron numbers peaked at just 2 at the Flashes on 16th. Bitterns continued to be regularly seen with 2 birds at the Moors on 5th, 11th, 12th and 16th; the potential remains of a Bittern were found close to the Flashes feeding station late in the month. Cormorant numbers remained high with a peak of 43 at the Moors on 12th.
First-winter Pink-footed Goose at the sailing pool - 10/01/11. Photo: Stuart Andrews
Drake Mandarin at the Moors Pool - 31/01/11. Photo: Stuart Andrews
WADERS - Lapwing numbers remained steady at the Flashes with a peak of 400 on 13th. A maximum count of 39 Snipe were across the reserve on 16th with their numbers obviously depressed by the cold weather. 2 Jack Snipe were at the Moors on 10th with 1 at the Flashes on the 16th. Curlew were usually present around the Moors Pool, with a peak of 16 on 26th. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 9th.
GULLS / TERNS - An adult Yellow-legged Gull was at the Moors briefly on 16th. 2010’s run of notable large gull numbers continued – 60+ Herring Gulls were at the Moors on 16th whilst at least 1000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew north over the North Moors Pool on 2nd. Even more noteworthy was the run of Great Black-backed Gull sightings – 1 was at the Moors on 2nd, an adult flew north over the North Moors on 8th, a first winter roosted on ice at the Moors on 9th, an adult flew over the Sailing Pool on 16th with a first winter reported on the same day, an adult flew west over the Moors on 23rd and finally and adult and first winter flew over the Moors on 29th. The Black-headed Gull roost was small with a peak of 200 birds at the Moors on 6th and 30th. There were several sightings of Common Gull including a first winter bird present at the Flashes from the 10th to 19th.
MIGRANTS - Fieldfare and Redwing were noted in small numbers around the reserve. A Blackcap was reported in the Education Reserve late in the month.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Lesser Redpoll were present in small numbers at the Moors Pool with a peak of 22 in the Education Reserve on 26th. A Mealy Redpoll was briefly present near the large chestnut tree at the Moors on 30th. Siskins were regularly encountered with a maximum count of 50 at the Moors Pool on 5th. 18 Reed Bunting were around the Moors Pool feeding station on 18th. 120 Linnets flew over the Flashes on 2nd. 13 Bullfinch were at the Flashes feeding station on 3rd. A Yellowhammer flew over the Sailing Pool on 1st with others over the Flashes on 2nd and the Moors on 3rd. December’s run of Brambling continued with a female at the Moors feeding station on 1st and 2nd and another female at the Flashes on 2nd. A Red Kite flew over the Moors on 28th. A Tawny Owl was along the track to the West Hide at the Moors late on 9th, the first sighting actually on the reserve for several years. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was near the Flashes feeding station on 22nd and to the rear of the East Hide at the Moors on 25th. A Coal Tit was in spruces near the steps at the Flashes on 9th with another in the North Moors plantation on 23rd. 2010’s influx of Waxwing spilled over into the New Year – 4 were at Webbs Garden Centre on 1st and 2nd, 4 at near the West Hide the Moors on 4th, 3 again at Webbs on 8th and 9 there on the 11th and finally 1 in the Sailing Centre car park on 12th. A Nuthatch was reported from the east side of the Moors on 5 dates. Cetti’s Warbler appeared to have been hit hard by the cold weather this winter with just one bird heard calling early in the month at the Flashes. Raven were noted on 3 dates - 1 over the Moors on 1st, 4 north over the Moors on 23rd with 1 over the Flashes the same day and 2 over the Moors on 30th. Rook were recorded on 4 dates – 1 on 1st, 2 over the Education Reserve on 9th, 2 over the Flashes on 23rd and 1 over the Sailing Pool on 30th.
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Male Sparrowhawk at the Moors Pool - 16/01/11. Photo: Chris Cook
Male Bullfinch at the Moors Pool - 23/01/11. Photo: Chris Cook
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