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written by Phil Andrews
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WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 88 Mallard were across the reserve on 27th. A lone female Teal was present at the Flashes up to 13th with a pair then at the Flashes on 26th. Odd Shoveler were seen on a few dates, the last being 2 at the Flashes on 13th. Small numbers of Gadwall were ever-present with a peak of 4 on several dates late in the month. A pair of Shelduck were present throughout the month with 3 on many dates. April’s Ruddy Shelduck was at the Moors on 1st and 3rd. Tufted Duck numbers remained high with a peak of 56 across the reserve on 22nd. A drake Pochard was at the Moors on 26th. A maximum count of 25 Coot were across the reserve on 26th; the first brood was at the Flashes on 6th. A peak count of 10 Moorhen were across the reserve on 26th with the first brood at the Moors from 16th. Great Crested Grebe numbers stabilised with a maximum count of 12 at the Moors on 27th. 2 Little Grebe were present at the Moors on several dates. 2 pairs of Mute Swan were ever present at the Moors with 7 adults across the reserve on 25th; a brood of 5 cygnets were present from 22nd. Greylag Goose were noted most days with a peak of 8 at the Flashes on 15th. A maximum count of 57 Canada Geese were at the Flashes on 27th. A peak count of just 3 Grey Heron were at the Moors on several dates. A SPOONBILL, only the reserve’s second record, flew over the Moors early evening on 22nd before being seen later at Grimley. 2 Little Egret flew in to roost on the third Flash late on 25th. Cormorant numbers continued to fall away with a peak of 6 at the Moors on 28th. A Bittern was a real surprise find at the Moors on 31st.
WADERS - Lapwing numbers remained low with a peak of 13 across the reserve on 22nd. A maximum count of 4 Snipe were across the reserve on 4th and were seen right up to the end of the month on both sides of the reserve. Up to 3 pairs of Oystercatcher were present throughout the month with a pair hatching 2 young at the Moors of which 1 still survived by the month’s end. Varying numbers of Avocet, peaking at 12 on several dates, remained at the Flashes with the first brood of 3 hatching on 6th. Redshank continued to haunt the Flashes with all month with a peak of 5 across the reserve on 25th. A peak of 11 Little Ringed Plover were on the reserve late in the month with the first brood hatching 4 chicks from 26th; 3 survived at the month’s end. 3 Black-tailed Godwits were at the Flashes on 6th. A peak of just 7 Curlew were at the Flashes on 25th. Common Sandpiper were a regular presence with a peak of 4 across the reserve on 1st. Single Dunlin were present on several days with 2 at the Flashes on 20th and 28th and 3 on 27th and 29th. Single Whimbrel were briefly at the Flashes on 1st and 2nd with another spending all day there on 6th; a significant flock of 23 flew over the Sailing Pool on 8th with a further 18 coming to rest for 40 minutes on the Moors on the same day; further singles were at the Moors on 10th and Flashes on 12th before 5 over the Moors early morning on 22nd. 2 Ringed Plover were at the Flashes on 1st and 2nd with 3 there on 19th. 2 single Greenshank passed through the reserve on 8th with 1 at the Flashes and 3 at the Moors on 9th; 1 was at the Flashes on 10th.
GULLS/TERNS - A peak of 300 Black-headed Gulls roosted at the Flashes on 1st; nearly 60 pairs were nesting across the reserve by the middle of the month although many abandoned at the Flashes for unknown reasons – the first chicks were seen at the Flashes on 16th. A Common Gull was at the Moors on 6th with 6 through northwards on 10th. Common Tern numbers built up through the month with a peak of 14 at the Moors on 25th. A notable Arctic Tern passage saw 1 at the Moors on 2nd, 3 there the next day, a notable flock of 14 through the Sailing Pool then Moors on 4th (the largest occurrence since August 1992), 1 at the Moors on 7th and then a total of 17 through the reserve on 8th (3 singles and another flock of 14 at the Flashes). April’s first summer Mediterranean Gull was at the Flashes on 1st with a different (less advanced) first summer bird seen on both sides of the reserve from 6th to 8th; a second summer was at the Flashes on 15th. An adult Kittiwake flew east flew through the Moors on 8th. 2 Sandwich Terns spent the morning at the Moors on 10th, the fourth record for the Spring. A Great Black-backed Gull flew south over the Moors on 16th. A Black Tern was briefly at the Flashes early morning on 22nd before spending 2 hours at the Moors. A near-adult Little Gull spent 15 minutes at the Moors on 5th whilst 3 first summer birds lingered at the Moors from 25th to 31st; a fourth bird was at the Flashes early morning on 27th and 29th.
MIGRANTS - 85 House Martin were at the Moors on 6th. Odd Willow Warbler continued to be recorded. Up to 40 singing Sedge Warbler were across the reserve by 6th. Cuckoo were noted regularly, especially near the first Flash; 3 were at the Moors on 29th. Hobby were noted on several dates with 2 at the Moors on 1st. Up to 5 Garden Warbler were across the reserve in the first week of the month. A female Redstart was briefly in the hedge to the rear of the Tower Hide at the Flashes on 4th. Grasshopper Warbler reeled in the south-west marsh at the Moors on 1st, behind the first Flash on 1st, 5th, 13th, 15th and 22nd, and by the concrete hide at the Moors on 17th and 20th. 2 Wheatear (a probable Icelandic male and a female) were in the transmitter field at the Flashes on 6th with a female there on 11th. Single Yellow Wagtails were at the Flashes on 4th and the Moors on 6th, 11th and 17th with a pair at the Moors on 12th. A male Whinchat was in the reed-bed to the west side of the Moors on 5th. There were 4 sightings of Marsh Harrier - a first summer female was seen over the reserve several times on 2nd; a first summer male circled the Education Reserve before flying south through the Flashes on 7th; a female was over the North Moors late on 24th whilst a female flew north over the Moors on 25th. There were 2 Osprey reports - high over the Flashes on 1st and over the Moors mobbed by gulls and waders on 7th. A Spotted Flycatcher was heard calling along the Salwarpe on 22nd. A Turtle Dove, the first record since July 2005, was a surprise find on wires at Hobden Hall Farm on 30th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Little Owl was regularly noted near Hobden Hall Farm with 2 there on 3rd and 4th. Probably the same Red Kite flew over the Moors on 2nd and 3rd. Single Rooks were flew over the Moors on 1st and 6th with 2 over there on 28th and 3 in the transmitter field at the Flashes on 23rd and 27th. A Raven flew over the Moors on 2nd, with 2 there on 16th, and the Flashes on 17th. A female House Sparrow was in brambles close to the East Hide at the Moors on 7th with a pair there on several dates thereafter and numbers peaking at 6 on 12th (4 males and 2 females); a male was also noted in the Sailing Centre car park on 8th. A Red-legged Partridge was on the access road at the Moors by the A38 on 1st, rounding off the Spring All-Day birdwatch total at 87, the third highest in the history of the event. A Long-eared Owl spent the day on the east side of the Moors before moving to the North Moors on 9th, repeating the performance the next 2 days and again on 13th, the tenth record for the reserve and the first since 2006. A pair of Tawny Owl, together with young, were heard calling at the Moors on the evening of 9th. There were sightings of Roe Deer at both the Flashes and Moors whilst a new dragonfly for the reserve, a Scarce Chaser, was found along on the Salwarpe on 26th.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 25 Mallard were across the reserve on 18th; the first brood appeared on 17th at the Moors. Teal numbers fell away markedly with a peak of 33 on 2nd. The Shoveler flock also shrunk as the month progressed with a maximum count of 12 at the Moors on 8th. A pair of Gadwall were regular with a peak of 7 at the Moors on 12th. A pair of Shelduck were present throughout the month with 4 on several dates. A Ruddy Shelduck was at the Moors on 30th. Tufted Duck numbers remained high following the surge in numbers in late March with a peak of 60 across the reserve on 6th. Pochard numbers were low with a maximum count of 4 at the Moors on 3rd with the last sighting on 8th before a lone male reappeared on 18th. A maximum count of 39 Coot were across the reserve on 3rd. A peak count of 11 Moorhen were across the reserve on 2nd. Great Crested Grebe numbers held steady with a maximum count of 25 between the Sailing Pool and Moors on 3rd. Little Grebe were present at the Moors on only a few days with a peak of 4 on 15th. 2 pairs of Mute Swan were ever present at the Moors. Greylag Goose were noted most days with a peak of 9 at the Sailing Pool on 3rd and 25th. A maximum count of 50 Canada Geese were across the reserve on 18th. A peak count of 3 Grey Heron were on the reserve on several dates. The long-running presence of Little Egret continued at the Moors with 2 birds up until 3rd and then 1 last seen on 10th. Cormorant numbers slipped away at spring progressed with a peak of 9 at the Moors on 2nd and 5th.
WADERS - Lapwing numbers reduced markedly as the month progressed to just the breeding population, with a peak of only 10 on 3rd. A Jack Snipe was at the Flashes on 6th. A maximum count of 37 Snipe were across the reserve on 6th. 2 pairs of Oystercatcher were present throughout the month with 5 at the Moors on 25th. 10 Avocet remained at the Flashes all month with a peak of 15 on 15th. 2 Redshank continued to haunt the Flashes with a peak of 5 birds on 7th. A peak of 7 Little Ringed Plover were on the reserve on 19th and 25th. 7 Black-tailed Godwits dropped into the Flashes for an hour on 1st. A peak of 13 Curlew were at the Flashes on 17th. The first Common Sandpiper was at the Sailing Pool on 4th with regular sightings thereafter; a fall on 18th resulted in 10 across the reserve. A Green Sandpiper was noted at both the Moors and Flashes from 4th with 9 flying through the Moors early on 11th and 5 dropping into the Flashes later the same day. A Greenshank was at the Moors on 7th with one flying through the Moors on 17th and another there on 28th. A Dunlin flew through the Moors on 12th with 1 at the Flashes from 18th to 23rd and again on 25th and 26th with 4 there on 29th; singles were at the Moors on 21st and 26th. A Whimbrel was at the Flashes on 22nd with another there on 25th. 5 Ringed Plover were at the Flashes on 29th with 1 there the next day.
GULLS / TERNS - A peak of 283 Black-headed Gulls were across the reserve on 3rd. A Common Gull was at the Flashes on 2nd with a first winter there on 5th, another on 11th and an adult on 29th; 3 first winter birds dropped into the Moors on 24th. The first Common Tern was at the Moors on 14th with 5 there by 25th. 2 Sandwich Terns were at the Sailing Pool before visiting the Flashes on 25th, the second earliest date recorded, with 1 at the Moors on 27th and another there on 28th. A first summer Mediterranean Gull was at the Flashes on 29th and 30th.
MIGRANTS - Maximum hirundine numbers were as follows: Sand Martins - 10 (Moors, 3rd), Swallow - 50 (Sailing Pool, 2nd), House Martin - 4 (Moors, 3rd). Willow Warbler were well recorded with at least 10 across the reserve on 7th - 4 at the Moors and 6+ at the Flashes. The first arrivals were as follows: Sedge Warbler – 3rd (Hen Pool, the earliest since 1998); Cuckoo – 18th (Education Reserve); Reed Warbler – 19th (Moors); Swift – 24th (Moors, with at least 100m there on the evening of 30th); Hobby – 27th (Moors); Garden Warbler – 30th (Moors). A male White Wagtail was briefly at the Flashes then the Moors on 3rd with others at the Flashes on 8th, 16th and 21st. A male Redstart was at the Flashes along the path to the hide on 7th with 3 birds at the Flashes the next day and a further 2 at the Flashes on the 18th. A Grasshopper Warbler reeled near to the Moors car park early morning on 10th, the earliest ever record by 6 days, with reports in a variety of locations around the Moors on several other dates with 2 birds present from 24th, 1 in the south-west marsh at the Moors and the other behind the first Flash. The first Whitethroat sang from near the Moors’ car park on 9th, also the earliest ever return date, with 3 singing males by the month’s end. A Wheatear was at the Flashes on 6th with a female on the east side of the Moors on 18th. Single Yellow Wagtails were at the Flashes on 17th (the latest return date on record) and 18th. The first Lesser Whitethroats were on the east side of the Moors and the east side of the Sailing Pool on 15th with 3 singing males by the month’s end. A female Marsh Harrier flew over the Moors on 19th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Little Owl was regularly noted near Hobden Hall Farm with 2 there on 3rd and 4th. A Red Kite flew over Hobden Hall Farm and then the Moors towards Stoke Prior on 2nd. Several melanistic Pheasant with distinctive dark plumage were noted at the Flashes. Several Rooks were noted over the Sailing Centre car park on 5th with 1 over the Flashes on 25th. A presumed escaped GOLDEN EAGLE circled high over the Moors on 18th was one of the most unexpected sightings in the reserve’s history; if accepted as a genuine wild bird it would be a first for Worcestershire. Two Treecreepers were on the east side of the Moors on 15th. A Raven flew over the Flashes on 11th with 2 there on 16th and another on 25th; 1 flew over the Moors on 27th. A male House Sparrow was in the Sailing Centre car park on 11th. A male Goshawk was over the Moors on 15th, stooping for a Wood Pigeon.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of only 25 Mallard were across the reserve on 14th. Teal numbers remained steady with a peak of 72 across the reserve on 7th and 9th; two oiled drakes were at the Moors Pool on 12th. The Shoveler flock shrunk as the month progressed with a maximum count of 33 at the Moors Pool on 5th. 2 Wigeon were at the Moors Pool on 6th and again on 10th with a drake at the Flashes on 13th; a drake flew over the Flashes on 20th with 6 there later the same day. A pair of Gadwall were at the Moors Pool from 5th with 4 across the reserve on 28th. A pair of Shelduck were present at the Moors Pool throughout the month with 3 on several dates and 5 on 20th. Tufted Duck numbers grew rapidly towards the end of the month with a peak of 78 across the reserve on 28th, the joint highest figure recorded. Pochard numbers fell away with a maximum count of 21 on 2nd. Water Rails remained very vocal and visible at the Moors Pool. A maximum count of 45 Coot were across the reserve on 14th. A peak count of 11 Moorhen were across the reserve on 5th. Great Crested Grebe numbers increased markedly as spring approached with a maximum count of 23 at the Moors Pool on 27th. 2 Little Grebes were at the Moors Pool from 5th. 2 pairs of Mute Swan were ever present with maximum count of five across the reserve on 7th. The sizeable Greylag Goose flock remained in the locality with a peak of 20 in field north of the Flashes on 7th. A maximum count of 50 Canada Geese were in fields adjoining the Flashes on 7th. A peak count of 5 Grey Heron were on the reserve on 7th. Bitterns were last reported at the Moors Pool on 14th when one was on the Moors Pool and another on the North Moors. February’s Little Egret remained until the end of the month with 2 birds from 21st and 3 on 26th; this probably is longest staying individual recorded on the reserve. Cormorant numbers remained high with a peak of 34 at the Moors Pool on 5th.
WADERS - Lapwing numbers reduced markedly as the month progressed to just the breeding population, with a peak of 237 on 2nd. A maximum count of 70 Snipe was across the reserve on 20th. Jack Snipe were last noted at the Flashes on 14th; a peak of 3 were there on 6th and 7th. Curlew numbers increased, with a peak of 37 at the Flashes on 6th. 2 pairs of Oystercatcher were present throughout the month with 7 birds on 26th. After February’s early bird, 3 Avocet were at the Flashes from 3rd with 4 birds from 12th, 6 on 22nd, 7 from 24th, 8 on 25th and finally 10 from 27th. Several Golden Plover were reported in the ploughed field adjacent to the Flashes on 2nd. A Green Sandpiper was at the Moors Pool on 7th with another at the Flashes on 17th, 19th and 21st. 2 Redshank were at the Flashes on 2nd with another at the Moors Pool on 14th and regularly thereafter, peaking at 3 on 25th. A Dunlin was at the Flashes on 12th with one at the Moors Pool on 20th and 22nd and finally one at the Flashes again on 28th. A Ringed Plover briefly dropped into the Flashes on 13th. The year’s first Little Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 16th with 4 there by 27th.
GULLS / TERNS - A peak of 210 Black-headed Gulls were across the reserve on 27th. A Common Gull was at the Flashes on 4th whilst a first winter flew over there on 14th; another was at the Moors Pool and two at the Flashes on 19th with 2 first winter birds at the Flashes on 21st.
MIGRANTS - Redwing was last recorded on 28th in the paddock by the Moors Pool. The final Fieldfares were noted on 7th at the Moors Pool when a Sparrowhawk took one from its roost near the feeding station. 3 Sand Martins were at the Moors Pool on 17th with small numbers thereafter, the largest flock being 10+ at the Sailing Pool on 29th. The first Swallow was at the Moors Pool on 22nd, with 30+ at the Sailing Pool on 29th. Willow Warbler was present at the Moors Pool from 23rd, the earliest return date recorded, with 2 in the Education Reserve on 27th. The first singing Chiffchaff was noted at the Moors Pool on 19th with at least 8 around the reserve on 29th. The year’s first Blackcap was at the Flashes on 25th. A male Wheatear was at the Flashes on 31st. 2 House Martins were at the Moors Pool on 17th, the earliest ever date on record.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Lesser Redpoll were present in small numbers at the Moors Pool with a peak of 7 along the causeway at the Moors Pool on 6th and 7th. 3 Raven flew over the Flashes on 3rd whilst 2 displayed over the Moors Pool on 7th; one flew over the Flashes on 19th with another over the Moors farm the next day. 2 Rook flew over the North Moors on 5th with a single over the Moors Pool on 10th and another over the Moors Pool on 12th. A male Stonechat was at the Flashes from 7th to 12th. Stock Dove were regularly encountered at the Flashes with 23 there on 3rd. A Treecreeper was singing by the steps to the Flashes on 13th. A Kingfisher was unfortunately killed during an oil leak into the River Salwarpe during the middle of the month. 40 Siskin flew over the Sailing Pool towards the Education Reserve on 10th with 2 over the Moors Pool on 27th. 2 Nuthatch were in the oak tree on the east side of the Moors Pool on 8th with one heard from the Sailing Centre car park on 21st. 10 Buzzard were in the air over the Flashes on 27th. A Little Owl was in the hedge near Hobden Hall Farm on 28th and 29th. A flock of 21 Magpie were at the Flashes on 27th.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of only 22 Mallard were across the reserve on the 21st. Teal numbers remained low with a peak of 63 at the Flashes on the 17th. The Shoveler flock grew slightly with a maximum count of 52 at the Moors Pool on the 20th. Two Wigeon were at the Moors Pool on the 6th with six there the following day, a single drake on the 18th, ten on the 25th and two on the 26th. A drake Gadwall was at the Moors Pool on the 6th. Shelduck were present at the Moors Pool throughout the month with four from the 14th. Two drake Pintail were at the Moors Pool on the 8th. A peak of 25 Tufted Duck were at the Moors Pool on the 19th and 27th. Pochard numbers continued to climb with a maximum count of 57 on the 7th, the highest count since December 2001. Three Red-crested Pochard - an adult male, first summer male and a female – were at the Moors Pool on the 27th, the sixth record for the reserve. A female Goosander was at the Sailing Pool on the 7th. Coot numbers were also low with a maximum count of 58 across the reserve on the 19th and 21st. Water Rails continued to be very conspicuous at both the Moors Pool and the Flashes. A peak count of 18 Moorhen were across the reserve on the 21st. Great Crested Grebe numbers increased late in the month with a maximum count of seven at the Moors Pool on the 27th. A Little Grebe was at the Moors Pool from the 6th. Mute Swan numbers increased, with maximum count of six across the reserve on the 27th. An increasing Greylag Goose flock was encountered on a number of dates with a peak of 24 over the Flashes on the 21st, a new record for the reserve. Canada Geese numbers began to grow, with a maximum count of 127 at the Sailing Pool on the 13th. 25 “grey geese”, most probably Pink-footed Geese, flew over the Sailing Pool on the 7th. A peak count of four Grey Heron were on the reserve on the 27th. One or two Bitterns continued to be regularly seen at the Moors Pool until the end of the month. A Little Egret was present from the 9th until the end of the month, alternating between the Moors Pool and the Sailing Pool, the longest staying winter record. Cormorant numbers remained high, particularly at the start of the month, with a peak of 52 at the Moors Pool on the 7th, the highest count since December 2003.
WADERS - Lapwing numbers remained steady at the Flashes with a peak of 665 on the 24th. A maximum count of 83 Snipe were across the reserve on the 7th. Six Jack Snipe were flushed by the work party at the Flashes on the 7th with three there on the 21st; one was at the Moors Pool on the 20th. Curlew were usually present around the Moors Pool, with a peak of 23 at the Flashes on the 28th. An Oystercatcher was at the Moors Pool on the 13th and intermittently thereafter. The first Avocet returned to the Flashes on the 21st, the earliest arrival date recorded. Three summer plumage Golden Plover were at the Flashes on the 21st with five and then eleven there on the 28th.
GULLS / TERNS - A first-winter Great Black-backed Gull flew over the Flashes on the 7th; an adult flew over the Moors Pool on the 14th. A peak of at least 750 Black-headed Gulls roosted at the Flashes on the 28th. Two adult Common Gulls were at the Moors Pool on the 19th.
MIGRANTS - Fieldfare and Redwing were noted in small numbers at the Moors Pool until the month’s end.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Lesser Redpoll were present in small numbers at the Moors Pool with a peak of 24 in the Education Reserve on the 27th. Two Siskins were at the Moors Pool on the 2nd and in the Education Reserve on the 20th with singles on several dates. A male Merlin flew through the Flashes then was briefly perched in a tree near Sagebury Farm on the 7th. Seventeen Reed Bunting were around the Moors Pool feeding station on the 7th. A small wintering flock of Linnet were at the Flashes, peaking at 28 on the 11th. Two Raven flew over the Moors Pool on the 10th with a single over two days later and again on the 28th; one also flew over the Flashes on the 10th and another on the 27th. A Rook flew over the Sailing Pool on the 15th with at least 20 north over the Moors Pool on the 20th and one over the Flashes the same day; singles flew over the Flashes on the 20th and 23rd. Stock Dove numbers increased around the Flashes with a peak of 35 on the 19th. Two Roe Deer were at the Flashes in the field to the north of the sewage works on the 14th February. A Little Owl called from the orchard near Hobden Hall Farm on the 27th.
WILDFOWL - The freezing weather resulting in widespread snow and ice severely curtailed wildfowl during the first half of January. A maximum count of 115 Mallard were across the reserve on then 2nd. Teal numbers remained relatively low with a peak of 94 at the Moors Pool on the 3rd. The Shoveler flock was also depressed in size with a maximum count of 41 also at the Moors Pool on the 14th. Four Wigeon were at the Moors Pool on the 4th with two there on the 17th and six on the 26th. One or two Shelduck were present at the Moors Pool throughout the month. Diving duck were scarce at the Moors Pool at the start of the month but recovered later on with peaks of 23 Tufted Duck on the 24th and 38 Pochard on the 30th. A female Goosander was at the Moors Pool on the 11th, 12th, 14th and 15th; presumably the same bird was again present on the 21st. Coot numbers were also low with a maximum count of 76 across the reserve on the 3rd, including nine at the Sailing Pool. Water Rails were very conspicuous in the cold weather – at least eighteen were noted across the reserve on the 17th (fourteen at the Moors Pool, two in the Education Reserve and four at the Flashes). A peak count of 17 Moorhen were across the reserve on the 29th. A maximum count of just four Great Crested Grebes was at the Moors Pool on several dates from the 20th. Mute Swan was scarce, with maximum count of four at the Moors Pool on the 17th and from the 27th onwards. Greylag Geese were encountered on a number of dates, with a peak of 17 in a field adjacent to the Sailing Centre on the 26th and again on the 30th, split between the Flashes and the Sailing Pool. Canada Geese were scarce, with a maximum of 79 at the Sailing Pool on the 30th. A peak count of only four Grey Heron was across the reserve on the 30th. Bitterns were regularly seen at the Moors Pool with two on many dates; one was seen on the first Flash on the 17th. A Little Egret circled the Sailing Pool before flying over the Moors Pool on the 16th. With the widespread ice Cormorants were scarce at the start of month but numbers rose steadily as the thaw set in with a peak of 40 at the Moors Pool on the 30th, the highest count since December 2003.
WADERS - Lapwing numbers were low in the freezing weather but grew as the month progressed; a peak of 735 was across the reserve (mainly at the Flashes) on the 28th. A peak of 55 Snipe were across the reserve on the 28th. A Jack Snipe was at the Flashes on the 3rd. Curlew was present around the Moors Pool on several days with a peak of 16 roosting on the 3rd. A Woodcock was flushed from the North Moors plantation on the 16th. A Golden Plover circled the Moors Pool with Lapwing on the 19th.
GULLS/TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers peaked at only 107 in the Flashes roost on the 28th. The 17th saw a notable gull movement with 500+ Black-headed, 200+ Lesser Black-backed and approximately thirty Herring Gulls; a hundred of the latter passed north over the Moors Pool in five minutes on the 23rd. A second winter Great Black-backed Gull flew over the Moors Pool on the 1st whilst a first-winter and a third-winter were at the Flashes on the 15th and an unconfirmed report of one at the Moors Pool on the 27th. A Little Gull was briefly at the Moors Pool on the 12th. Seven Common Gulls flew over the reserve on the 14th.
MIGRANTS - Both Redwing and Fieldfare were present across the reserve in small numbers. A Chiffchaff was in the Education Reserve on the 17th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Lesser Redpoll were present in small numbers at the Moors Pool with a peak of ten on the 1st and again on the 4th and 27th opposite Lifestyles. A Red Kite flew over the Moors Pool on the afternoon of the 1st. A Treecreeper was at the Moors Pool on the 1st and 28th. Five Rook flew over the Sailing Pool car park late on the 3rd. Single Siskins were at the Moors Pool on the 1st and 7th with four (including a singing male) there on the 30th. Single Ravens flew over the Moors Pool on the 4th, 9th, 20th and 28th with two over the Flashes on the 9th. A Nuthatch was calling in gardens along the east side of the Moors Pool on the 17th. A Barn Owl was at the North Moors on the 7th. There was a strong movement of Skylarks on the 17th. Two Yellowhammers flew over the North Moors on the 17th. A male Goshawk spent the day at the Moors Pool on the 23rd, possibly roosting in the Education Reserve that evening, and was seen again the next morning; it was also reported again on the 30th. There was a wholly unsubstantiated report of a Twite at the Moors Pool feeding station on the 9th with an unconfirmed report of a Hawfinch at the Moors Pool on the 27th.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 135 Mallard were at the Moors Pool on the 26th. Teal numbers dropped off with a peak of 70 at the Moors Pool on the 16th, as did Shoveler with a maximum count of 69 also at the Moors Pool on the 26th. A Gadwall was at the Moors Pool on the 5th with 4 there on the 16th and the same number at the Sailing Pool on the 19th. A Wigeon was at the Moors Pool on the 12th with another (or the same) at the Flashes on the 13th and 16th; two were at the Moors Pool on the 20th with one on the 22nd. Diving duck were also scarce at the Moors Pool with peaks of 21 Tufted Duck on the 19th and 30 Pochard on the 13th. 2 drake Goosander were at the Moors Pool on the 2nd with a female there on the 7th. Coot numbers were also low with a maximum count of 97 at the Moors Pool on the 6th. Water Rail continued to be regularly sighted at both the Moors Pool and Flashes. A max count of 11 Moorhen were at the Moors Pool on the 19th. The pair of Mute Swan gradually drove away their cygnets at the Moors Pool; a peak count of four was recorded on several dates. Canada Geese numbers continued to dwindle with a maximum count of 14 at the Moors Pool on the 6th. A maximum count of just three Great Crested Grebe was at the Moors Pool on the 13th, 17th and 30th. Little Grebe numbers fell away at the Moors Pool with a max count of four on the 5th. A peak count of only three Grey Heron were across the reserve on the 12th and 20th. A Little Egret was at the Moors Pool on the 1st. Bitterns were regularly seen at the Moors Pool with three present on the 26th. Cormorant were ever-present at the Moors Pool; a maximum count of 31 (30 at the Moors Pool, 1 on the Sailing Pool) on the 12th.
WADERS - Curlew continued to be regularly recorded, with a peak count of 22 at the Moors Pool on the 12th. Lapwing numbers stayed high with a peak of 800 at the Flashes on the 16th. Jack Snipe were noted on several dates at the Flashes with four flushed by the work party on the 6th; one was reported from the unusual location of the Feeding Station on the 27th. A peak of 88 Snipe were across the reserve on the 6th. Eight Golden Plover were seen over both the Moors Pool and the Flashes on the 12th with one over the Moors Pool on the 26th. Two Green Sandpiper were at the Flashes on the 12th and 13th.
GULLS / TERNS - The Black-headed Gull roost continued at the Flashes with a peak of 350 birds on the 5th. 20 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew through the Flashes on the 5th. There were several reports of Herring Gull including up to seven birds over the Moors Pool on the 26th. Two adult Common Gulls flew over the Moors Pool on the 17th with one there on the 30th.
MIGRANTS - There were several reports of Chiffchaff – along the Hen Brook at the Flashes on the 2nd and 16th, near the East Hide at the Moors Pool on the 6th and in the Education Reserve on the 9th and 16th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Grey Wagtail were frequently encountered on both sides of the reserve. There were several records of Lesser Redpoll near the Hen Pool at the Flashes, with a peak of 23 on the 9th. Over 100 Skylark were noted at Hobden Hall Farm to the north east of the Flashes during the first week of the month. Kingfisher were a regular feature at the Moors Pool with three on the 6th. A Raven flew over the Hen Brook at the Flashes on the 2nd with one at the Flashes on the 11th and 2 there the next day. 2 Little Owls were at the Flashes on the 12th with 1 there the next day. A Nuthatch was in gardens on the east side of the Moors Pool on the 16th and 19th. Three Siskin were on the east side of the Moors Pool on the 16th. The wintering Linnet flock at the Flashes peaked at 35 on the 19th. A Treecreeper was at the rear of the East Hide at the Moors Pool on the 26th.
In summary, 2009 was another good year for the reserve with 156 species recorded (pending the acceptance of relevant species). Highlights included the reserve’s first record of Twite, the second sighting of Montagu’s Harrier, fifth Spotted Crake, Red-necked Phalarope and Waxwing records, sixth Red-breasted Merganser and tenth Pink-footed Goose record. There was a varied spring wader passage and another notable movement of Little Gulls, whilst the wintering Bitterns returned for the seventh year. On the breeding front Greylag Goose were successful for the first time with a record year for Common Tern and Black-headed Gull. Tufted Duck again bred with good numbers as did Coot, Mallard and Moorhen. On the wader front Avocet bred for the seventh consecutive year but only one brood was raised, Oystercatcher had their most successful year but it was a poor year for Lapwing and again no Redshank or Little Ringed Plover chicks fledged. However the bird which epitomised the year was the Sabine’s Gull that graced the Flashes for two weeks in late August and early September, appreciated by birders both local and from distance.
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 200 Mallard were at the Flashes at dusk on the 22nd. Teal numbers remained high, with a peak of 81 at the Flashes on the 5th. Shoveler numbers remained high with a peak of 118 across the reserve on the 12th and similar numbers on several other dates. A female Pintail was at the Moors Pool on the 6th and 7th with a drake there on the 10th. Wigeon were present at the Moors Pool on several dates with 1 on the 8th, 3 on the 9th and on the 10th; a female was at the Flashes on the 25th. A Gadwall was at the Moors Pool on the 6th with a pair there on the 16th. A peak of 52 Tufted Duck were at the Moors Pool on the 13th. Pochard numbers at the Moors Pool peaked at 41 on the 24th. A female Ruddy Duck was at the Moors Pool on the 6th and 7th. October’s drake Goldeneye remained at the Moors Pool until the 13th. A female / first winter Red-breasted Merganser dropped into the Flashes for just 2 minutes late morning on the 1st. A female Goosander was at the Flashes on the 8th and then the Moors Pool from the 10th to 14th and again on the 18th. Coot numbers remained high with a peak count of 335 at the Moors Pool on the 14th. Water Rail continued to be regularly sighted at both the Moors Pool and Flashes. A max count of 26 Moorhen were across the reserve on the 13th. The pair of Mute Swan with its 6 cygnets remained at the Moors Pool. October’s first-winter Pink-footed Goose was at the Moors Pool associating with Canada Geese until the 6th. Canada Geese numbers dwindled with a maximum count of 50 at the Moors Pool on the 21st. Greylag Geese were recorded on a number of dates with a peak of 17 at the Moors Pool on the 1st, 6th, 7th and 8th. A Barnacle Goose was at the Moors Pool on the 7th, 8th and 9th, also visiting the Flashes on the first date. A maximum count of 14 Great Crested Grebe were at the Moors Pool and Sailing Pool on the 16th. Little Grebe numbers were high at the Moors Pool with a max count of 8 on the 3rd, 16th, 21st and 25th. A peak count of 6 Grey Heron were at the Moors Pool on the 7th. A Little Egret was at the Moors Pool on the 11th and 12th and at the Flashes on the 10th and 11th. 2 Bitterns were regularly seen at the Moors Pool. Cormorant were ever-present at the Moors Pool, with a maximum of 29 on the 29th.
WADERS - Curlew continued to be regularly recorded, with a peak count of 25 in the A38 field then the Flashes roost on the 16th and again on the 21st. Lapwing numbers continued to rise with a peak of 640 at the Flashes on the 8th. Single Green Sandpiper were noted on a number of dates with 2 at the Flashes on the 5th. Jack Snipe were noted on both sides of the reserve on several dates with a peak count of 6 flushed on the 22nd (5 at the Flashes and 1 at the Moors Pool). A peak of 94 Snipe were across the reserve on the 21st. 2 Golden Plover flew over the Flashes on the 8th. 3 Redshank were at the Moors Pool on the 8th. 3 Dunlin were at the Flashes on the 10th.
GULLS / TERNS - The Black-headed Gull roosted continued, albeit reduced, at the Flashes; a peak of 312 birds were across the reserve on the 16th. 2 first winter Common Gulls were at the Flashes on the 8th; another was at the Moors Pool on the 20th with an adult there on the 29th. A spectacular flock of 120 Lesser Black-backed Gulls dropped into the Moors Pool on the 14th. There were several reports of Herring Gull over the Flashes including an adult on the 18th, 13 birds during the 21st, 2 adults on 25th and 3 on the 28th; 1 was over the Moors Pool on the 29th. An adult Mediterranean Gull was briefly at the Moors Pool mid afternoon on the 25th before flying off south-west. An adult Yellow-legged Gull flew over the reserve viewed from Hobden Hall Farm on the 29th. An adult and first winter Great Black-backed Gull flew over the Flashes on the 25th.
MIGRANTS - A Chiffchaff was along the causeway at the Moors Pool on the 9th with another in the Sailing Pool car park on the 25th. 3 Blackcap were reported at the Flashes feeding station on the 5th with a male near the main hide on the 5th and 6th. Around 150 Redwing were in fields adjacent to the Flashes on the 21st.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Grey Wagtail were frequently encountered on both sides of the reserve. A Coal Tit was on the east side of the Moors Pool on the 8th. 2 Raven flew over the Moors Pool on the 13th, with 1 there on the 25th and 2 groups of 2 over on the 29th. 1+ Lesser Redpoll was on the east side of the Moors Pool on the 13th with 8 near the Hen Pool on the 28th. A small Starling roost remained at the Flashes, with 350 birds on the 8th. 3 TWITE, the 236th species for the reserve, were briefly in the hedge behind the Tower Hide at the Flashes late afternoon on the 14th but could not be relocated. 25 Linnet were at the Flashes on the 15th. 2 Nuthatch were in gardens adjacent to the path to the East Hide at the Moors Pool on the 21st. A Siskin was near the Moors Pool car park on the 21st. A large passerine flock was noted in fields to the east of the Flashes on the 28th, including 30+ Yellowhammer, and the 29th (including approx 55 Skylark, 30+ Reed Bunting and 150 Linnet).
WILDFOWL - A maximum count of 62 Mallard were across the reserve on the 11th. Teal numbers remained high, with a peak of 150 across the reserve on the 23rd. Shoveler numbers grew markedly at the end of the month with a peak of 98 across the reserve on the 30th. September’s female Pintail remained at the Moors Pool until the 4th. A drake Gadwall was at the Moors Pool on many dates from the 11th to the month’s end. 1 Wigeon was at the Moors Pool on the 1st, 4th and 11th, rising to 6 on the 14th and 10 on the 15th; 1 was at the Flashes on the 17th with 1 at the Moors Pool again on the 25th and 28th. A peak of 33 Tufted Duck were at the Moors Pool on the 12th. Pochard were present in small numbers at the Moors Pool at the start of the month with the presence rising to 20 by the 30th. A drake Goldeneye was at the Moors on the 30th and 31st. Coot numbers remained high with a peak count of 360 at the Moors on the 24th. Water Rail continued to be regularly sighted at both the Moors Pool and Flashes. A max count of 22 Moorhen were across the reserve on the 30th. The pair of Mute Swan with its 6 cygnets remained at the Moors Pool. A first-winter Pink-footed Goose was at the Moors Pool associating with Canada Geese between the 22nd and 31st, the reserve’s longest staying individual. Canada Geese continued to be present in large numbers with a max count of 258 at the Moors Pool on the 1st. Greylag Geese were recorded on a number dates with a peak of 17 at the Moors Pool on the 30th and 31st. Great Crested Grebe numbers peaked at 10 at the Moors Pool on the 21st, 24th and 25th. Little Grebe numbers remained steady at the Moors Pool with a max count of 7 on the 12th and 28th. A peak count of 3 Grey Heron were across the reserve on several dates. Bittern was regularly seen at the Moors Pool, with 2 on several dates commencing from the 1st. An egret species flew over the Flashes on the 13th. Cormorant were ever-present at the Moors Pool, with a maximum of 36 on the 28th.
WADERS - Curlew continued to be regularly recorded, with a peak count of 29 at the Flashes on the 15th. Lapwing numbers continued to rise with a peak of 511 at the Flashes on the 27th. Green Sandpiper gradually reduced with a peak of 6 at the Flashes on the 3rd and 11th and had virtually disappeared by the month’s end. Snipe numbers peaked at 68 across the reserve on the 24th. Jack Snipe were noted on both sides of the reserve on several dates, with a peak count of 4 on the 4th (2 each at the Flashes and Moors Pool). A Dunlin was at the Flashes on the 10th and 11th whilst a sustained movement throughout the day on the 15th brought a peak of 15 birds; 1 was then at the Flashes on the 27th and 28th. An unseasonal Black-tailed Godwit was at the Flashes on the 8th. 2 Redshank were at the Flashes on the 27th.
GULLS / TERNS - A strong Black-headed Gull roosted continued at the Flashes, with a peak of 2,000 on the 28th and 29th. An adult Common Gull was at the Flashes on the 3rd with 2 birds (a first winter and third winter) there on the 15th; an immature was at the Moors on the 21st. There were several fly-over Herring Gull sightings, including 5 heading south on the 3rd. A first-winter Mediterranean Gull was at the Moors Pool on the 11th then in the Flashes roost that evening and the following day; a second winter was reported at the Moors Pool on the 28th. 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were grounded at the Flashes on the 18th.
MIGRANTS - Late departing summer migrants were last recorded on the following dates: Reed Warbler – 1st (2 at the Flashes), Hobby – 4th (Moors Pool), Swallow – 4th (Flashes; several parties flew through the Moors on 1st including 30 in the morning). A juvenile Wheatear was at the Flashes on the 1st. The first Redwing of the winter was noted at the Flashes on the 10th with at least 200 over in several flocks the next day.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Grey Wagtail were frequently encountered, with 2 at the Moors Pool on the 1st and 27th. Peregrine Falcon was regularly noted, with 2 from the Moors Pool on the 9th. 2 Rooks flew over the Flashes on the 11th. A Treecreeper was near the Flashes feeding station on the 4th. A Stonechat was at the Flashes on the 7th. 70 Stock Doves were on fields adjacent to the Flashes on the 4th. Ravens were seen regularly at the Flashes with 4 on the 4th, 1 on the 5th and 2 on the 7th and 11th. 1 flew over the Moors Pool on the 17th whilst a bird with a damaged wing was noted on the 25th. 2 Siskins were at the Flashes on the 4th. A male Yellowhammer was at the Flashes on the 11th while another flew calling over the Moors Pool on the 31st. 5 Lesser Redpoll flew over the Flashes on the 11th. A Little Owl was heard calling from near the Sailing Pool on the 14th. A flock of 1,200 Starlings roosted at the Flashes on the 15th, including a very pale individual that possibly could have been a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling. A Muntjac Deer was heard barking from the archery field adjacent to the Flashes early morning on the 3rd. The Otter was seen again at the Moors Pool on the 17th. There were several sightings of Skylark, including 3 over the transmitter field at the Flashes on the 30th. A Rock Pipit flew calling over the Flashes on the 30th.
WILDFOWL - A max count of 400 Mallard were at the Flashes on 19th. Teal numbers increased during the month with a peak of 113 on 30th. Shoveler were present also in gradually increasing numbers, with a peak of 46 across the reserve on 30th. 2 Gadwall were at the Flashes on 3rd with 1 at the Moors on 19th and a male there from 25th to 29th. A female Pintail visited both the Flashes and Moors from 14th to 30th. Wigeon returned on 10th with 3 at the Flashes and were seen daily after, with a peak of 6 at the Moors on 17th. A Shelduck was at the Flashes on 18th and 19th. A peak of 29 Tufted Duck were at the Moors on 11th. A drake Pochard was at the Moors from 18th. Coot numbers peaked at 318 on 19th. Water Rail continued to be regularly sighted at both the Moors and Flashes. A max count of 37 Moorhen were across the reserve on 1st. The second pair of Mute Swan fledged its 6 cygnets at the Moors Pool; 5 adults were present on 12th. Canada Geese were present in large numbers with a max count of 468 at the Moors on 19th. Greylag Geese were recorded on five dates with a peak of 13 at the Moors on 30th. A Barnacle Goose was at the Moors on 26th. Great Crested Grebe numbers peaked at 8 at the Moors on 30th. Little Grebe numbers remained steady at the Moors with a peak of 5 on 5th and 13th. A max count of 8 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 11th and 12th. A Bittern was regularly seen at the Moors in the first half of the month and again from 27th. A Little Egret was at the Moors on 11th. Cormorant were ever-present, with a max of 24 on 19th.
WADERS - Curlew were regularly noted, with a max of 40 at the Flashes on 9th. Lapwing numbers continued to rise with a peak of 205 across the reserve on 11th. Common Sandpiper was last seen at the Moors Pool on 17th. Green Sandpiper gradually reduced with a peak of 8 at the Flashes on 11th. Small numbers of juvenile Little Ringed Plover were at the Flashes with a peak of 3 on 1st and 3rd; the last bird was seen on 9th. A Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 2nd. Snipe numbers rose from mid from with a peak of 29 across the reserve on 19th. 3 Redshank spent the day at the Flashes on 4th with 1 there on 11th and 12th and again on 21st. A Dunlin was at the Flashes on 5th and 6th. A juvenile Little Stint was at the Flashes from 17th to 19th. A Jack Snipe was reported at the Moors on 23rd.
GULLS / TERNS – August’s juvenile Black Tern was last seen at the Flashes on the evening of 4th. 7 Common Tern roosted at the Flashes on 2nd; the final record came from the Moors on 6th. The Black-headed Gull roost peaked at 1,900 on 5th. 26 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at the Moors on 1st. August’s SABINE’S GULL remained faithful to the reserve until it was last seen early afternoon on 3rd, probably one of the longest staying inland records ever. A juvenile Great Black-backed Gull spent the morning at the Flashes on 10th. There were several sightings of Herring Gull including a juvenile at the Flashes on 5th a first winter at the Flashes on 23rd, 2 over on 26th and 5 over on 27th. There was a brief run of Common Gull records at the Flashes – 2 juveniles on 14th, an adult on 15th and 18th and a first winter on 19th.
MIGRANTS - Summer migrants were last recorded on the following dates: Cuckoo – 1st (Moors), Sedge Warbler – 20th (Moors), Willow Warbler – 20th (Moors), Reed Warbler – 30th (Flashes), Lesser Whitethroat – 20th (Moors), Common Whitethroat -19th (Flashes; 3 were at the Flashes on 5th), Hobby – 30th (Moors; 2 were there on 1st, 5th and 13th), House Martin – 30th (8 over the Moors), Sand Martin – 5th (Moors), Swallow – 17th (Flashes; at least 150 were over the Flashes on the evening of 5th), Swift – 13th (Moors). A Yellow Wagtail was in the cattle field adjacent to the Flashes on 5th. A Wheatear was at the Moors on 10th and another there on 20th. A Garden Warbler was in sub-song along the path to the West Hide at the Moors on 5th, 6th and 12th. A female Redstart was in the hedge adjacent to the sewage works at the Flashes on 8th. A juvenile Whinchat was at the Flashes on 18th with 2 there on 19th. 6 Fieldfares flew over the Moors on 28th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - 2 Ravens flew over the Moors on 1st with 2 over on 5th and 30th; 1 flew over the Flashes on 11th with 2 there on 12th and 13th and another on 23rd. Up to 40 Pied Wagtail were at the Sailing Pool on 13th. There were regular sightings of Peregrine. At least 40 Stock Dove were at the Flashes on 5th. A Nuthatch was at the Flashes feeding station on 4th with others on the east side of the Moors on 12th and in the Education Reserve on 20th. Meadow Pipit were noted at the Flashes from 5th, with up to 40 on adjacent fields on 23rd and 26th. A Tawny Owl was near the steps at the Flashes early on 12th. Grey Wagtail were frequently encountered, with a peak of 5 at the Flashes on 27th. A male Stonechat was on hedgerows near Hobden Hall Farm on 20th. A Red Kite flew over the Flashes, then the Sailing Pool, on the morning of 23rd. A male Hen Harrier flew north-east through the Flashes early morning on 27th. There were good sized flocks of finches in fields to the north of the Flashes, including 40 Greenfinch on 26th. A Yellowhammer flew over the Moors on 26th whilst another flew over Hobden Hall Farm on 30th. 2 Lesser Redpoll flew over the Flashes on 26th. A Siskin was in the Education Reserve on 30th while a Coal Tit was opposite Lifestyles at the Moors the same day.
WILDFOWL - A max count of 415 Mallard were at the Flashes early morning on 15th. Teal numbers increased throughout the month with a peak of 58 on 21st. A female Garganey was briefly at the Flashes on 24th. Shoveler were present at the Flashes in increasing numbers, with a peak of 31 on 31st. 4 Gadwall were at the Flashes on 7th. 2 Pochard were at the Moors on 7th. A seventh brood of Tufted Duck with 5 young appeared at the Moors on 1st and an eighth with 4 young on 13th; a peak of 23 adults were there on 15th and 23rd. Coot numbers peaked at 225 on 28th. 3 juvenile Water Rail were at the Flashes on 2nd and 4th with a different very young bird there on 26th; there were sightings of young also at the Moors and Hen Pool. A SPOTTED CRAKE was at the Moors on the afternoon of 15th viewable for just under 3½ hours from the West and Concrete Hides, the fifth record for the reserve. A max count of 38 Moorhen were across the reserve on 20th. The second pair of Mute Swan with 6 cygnets remained on the Moors Pool. At least 400 Canada Geese flew over the Flashes on 15th. 9 Greylag Geese flew over the Flashes on 21st. Great Crested Grebe numbers peaked at 7 on 30th with 1 young fledged at the Moors from the second brood. Little Grebe numbers gradually increased at the Moors, with a peak of 7 on 8th including 2 juveniles. A max count of 6 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 15th and 23rd. July’s Little Egret remained at the Moors until 7th with possibly the same there on 13th and 15th and 3 at the Flashes, then the Moors, on 16th; 1 was then at the Moors on 22nd, 28th and 30th with 2 there on 24th. Likewise July’s Bittern remained at the Moors until 17th; it was also seen at the Hen Pool on 1st and the second Flashes on 2nd. The same or another bird was then reported on 30th and 31st at the Moors. Cormorant numbers built up again, with a max of 14 on 8th.
WADERS - Curlew were regularly noted, with a max of 43 at the Flashes on 15th. A peak of 11 Oystercatcher were present across the reserve on 2nd (including the reserve’s 3 fledged young) but had departed by mid month. Lapwing numbers began to rise with a max of 198 across the reserve on 31st; the chick at the Moors successfully fledged early in the month. Common Sandpiper were regular with a peak of 6 birds on 20th. Green Sandpiper numbers fluctuated all month, peaking at 21 at the Flashes on 13th, but slowly reducing by the month’s end. A Whimbrel flew calling over the Sailing Pool on 3rd with 1 at the Flashes late on 21st. An adult Little Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 4th and 5th and another on 7th; there was a run of juvenile from 21st, peaking at 3 between 27th and 30th. Snipe number began to increase with a peak of 8 at the Flashes on 13th. A Dunlin was at the Flashes on 4th with 3 (a juvenile and 2 adults) there between 5th and 7th and the juvenile still on 8th and 9th; 2 were then present on 10th; a juvenile was then present between 16th and 24th. A Wood Sandpiper was at the Flashes between 8th and 17th, the longest staying individual since 1985.2 Black-tailed Godwits were at the Flashes between 10th and 12th with 1 there from 13th to 17th. A Greenshank was at the Flashes on 17th and another on 24th. A Ringed Plover was at the Flashes from 18th to 20th with 2 there on 27th; 2 flew over the Moors on 30th. A juvenile Golden Plover was at the Flashes late on 29th.
GULLS / TERNS - Common Terns were resident at the Moors, with a seventh pair hatched 2 short-lived chicks on 2nd; in total 12 out of 16 chicks fledged. Large numbers roosted at the Flashes early in the month with a peak of 33 (adults and juveniles) on 4th. 6 Black Terns were at the Sailing Pool, then the Flashes, on 24th; 2 juveniles were present on 26th, increasing to 3 on 27th and 28th before reducing to 1 from 29th to 31st. A Herring Gull flew over the Flashes on 1st, 2 adults over on 15th, an adult on 30th and a juvenile on 31st. The Black-headed Gull roost reached 1,800 at the Flashes on 21st; the colour-ringed bird 2K44 was noted again in the roost on 5th. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was at the Flashes on 1st with another juvenile there on 22nd. An adult Common Gull was in the Flashes’ roost on 2nd and 3rd and a juvenile there on 12th and an un-aged bird on 15th. A SABINE’S GULL, only the second record for the reserve, was found at the Moors late on 20th before roosting at the Flashes. It was noted in the roost late evening and early morning until the month’s end, missing only in the evening roost on 23rd and 28th; it was present at the Flashes for most of the day on 31st. This constitutes the longest staying bird ever in the West Midlands region. An adult Yellow-legged Gull flew over the Moors on 20th.
MIGRANTS - There were several sightings of Hobby, with 2 at the Moors on 19th and a juvenile at the Flashes on 21st. 2 Spotted Flycatchers (including a juvenile) were in the right to the right of the Tower Hide at the Flashes on 12th; 2 Redstart (male and female) were at the Flashes in a similar area on the same day. Further flycatcher records cane from the River Salwarpe on 25th and near the Flashes feeding station on 31st. A juvenile Willow Warbler was by the Moors’ feeding station on 5th with a singing bird along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 15th and singles at the Flashes on 22nd and 28th. There were several sightings of Lesser Whitethroats, last seen on 22nd. Single Yellow Wagtails were at the Flashes on 13th, 14th and 15th; another flew calling over the Flashes on 30th. A Whinchat was at the first Flash on 12th. A male MONTAGU’S HARRIER flew north over cereal fields to the east of the Flashes early morning on 13th, the reserve’s second record. A Garden Warbler was at the Flashes on 16th. Swift were last recorded on 28th at the Moors. A juvenile Osprey flew low through the Flashes on 31st.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - 4 Kingfisher were at the Moors on 1st. A flock of 13 Mistle Thrush were by Lifestyles at the Moors on 1st. A Little Owl was on the barns at the Flashes on 2nd and at Hobden Hall Farm on 21st. A Tawny Owl was heard calling at the Flashes on 25th. 2 and then 1 Ravens flew over the Flashes on 15th with 4 over on 21st, 2 on 22nd and 1 and then 2 on 30th. A juvenile Grey Wagtail was at the Flashes on 15th with 2 at the Sailing Pool on 30th. At least 25 Stock Doves were at the Flashes on 13th. 90+ Goldfinch were at the Flashes on 21st, a reserve record. A Coal Tit was opposite Lifestyles at the Moors on 23rd. A Nuthatch was calling in gardens near the Moors East Hide on 23rd. |
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WILDFOWL - June’s influx of Gadwall carried into early July, with a max of 4 at the Moors on 4th. A peak of 350 Mallard were across the reserve on 7th. Small numbers of Teal were present throughout the month with a max count of 5 on 4th and 17th; likewise Shoveler were occasionally encountered with a peak of 3 at the Flashes on 4th. 4 Shelduck flew over the reserve on 24th. A female Garganey was at the Moors on 8th. 2 Pochard were on the Moors on 4th with a juvenile there on 24th. 6 broods of Tufted Duck totalling at least 24 young were produced at the Moors with a max count of 16 adults on 4th. Coot numbers peaked at 144 on 12th. A young Water Rail was at the Moors on 5th with 2 young from different broods at the Flashes on 11th. 62 Canada Geese were across the reserve on 11th. 16 Greylag Geese were at the Sailing Pool on 12th with 16 also at the Moors on 24th and a similar numbering flying over the Flashes on 18th (equalling the reserve’s record count). The second pair of Mute Swan with its 6 cygnets remained at the Moors Pool. Great Crested Grebe numbers peaked at 10 on 12th with 1 young fledged at the Moors and a brood of 3 hatching on 13th, 1 of which was still present at the month’s end. Little Grebe were present in small numbers at the Moors with a peak of 3 on 26th. 5 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 4th. A Little Egret was at the Moors on 1st with 2 there on 22nd and another at the Moors between 29th and 31st. A Bittern was at the Moors on 18th and again on 21st, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th, the first non-wintering record for the reserve. Small numbers of Cormorant were present, with a max of 5 on 11th, 28th and 31st.
WADERS - Curlew were regularly noted, with a max of 40 at the Flashes roost on 26th and 30th (the latter date including a fresh juvenile). A peak of 5 adult Oystercatcher was present across the reserve on 4th; the youngster from the first brood fledged and the 2 young at the Moors were virtually fledged by the month’s end. Lapwing numbers began to rise with a max of 135 at the Flashes on 25th; the chick at the Moors continued to develop. A peak of 13 Avocet, including 3 fledged young, were at the Flashes on 1st with numbers rapidly declining to 1 bird by the second week which was last seen on 12th. Little Ringed Plover numbers peaked at 8 at the Flashes on 5th; all June’s chicks had perished by 8th and the species had disappeared by 24th. 2 Dunlin flew over the Moors on 15th with singles at the Flashes on 19th, 21st, 22nd and 26th. A Common Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 2nd and 3rd before a marked influence on 4th when there were 7 across the reserve (1 at the Moors and 6 at the Flashes, including a juvenile). Green Sandpiper numbers continued to grow at the Flashes, peaking at 16 on 5th. 6 Black-tailed Godwit were at the Flashes on 5th with 2 there late on 7th, 3 on 9th, 1 on 14th and 15th, 9 on 19th and 2 on 22nd; 6 over-flying godwits on 8th were believed to be this species. 2 Whimbrel flew south-west over the Flashes on 7th. There were several sightings of Redshank at the start and end of the month, including a juvenile, peaking with 4 at the Flashes on 13th. Single Greenshanks were at the Flashes on 13th (also seen at the Moors) and 24th. 2 Snipe were at the Flashes on 29th.
GULLS / TERNS - Common Terns were resident at the Moors, with a max count of 7 pairs. The first fledged youngster was at the Moors from 4th and 11 chicks were raised, the most successful year on record (despite 1 being taken by a Lesser Black-backed Gull and another well-grown noted dead on 26th). An Arctic Tern was at the Flashes on 17th and 18th. An adult Herring Gull was at the Flashes on 8th with another on 26th. A first summer Common Gull was at the Flashes on 26th and again on 30th. The Black-headed Gull roost reached 1,000 at the Flashes on 31st; around 65 chicks were fledged across the reserve. A colour-ringed juvenile (white ring 2V02 on its right leg) was in the Flashes roost on 30th. An adult Mediterranean Gull (yellow ring 2C31 on its left leg) was at the Flashes on 18th with different juveniles in the roost on 24th and 26th and a new adult (white ring 3N93 on its left leg) in the roost on 28th and at the Flashes during the day on 30th.
MIGRANTS - There were several sightings of Hobby at the Moors and Flashes. A Garden Warbler was near the feeding station at the Flashes on 8th. At least 120 Swifts were over the Flashes in the evening of 30th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A Nuthatch was along the River Salwarpe on 1st and again on 8th with a young bird along the path to the East Hide at the Moors also on 8th; 1 was in the Education Reserve on the 15th with 2 there on 25th. A family party of Cetti’s Warbler were at the Moors on 8th. A Little Owl was on the old barns at the Flashes on 10th, 24th and 31st whilst 2 Tawny Owls were there on 8th. A family party of Green Woodpecker were at the Flashes on 11th. Up to 4 Kingfisher were regularly seen at the Moors. There were continued sightings of two or three Otters at the Moors; 1 was noted dead on the M5 Junction 5 slip road late in the month. A family party of Treecreepers were in the Education Reserve on 25th. 75+ Goldfinch were at the Flashes on 18th. 2 Rooks flew over the Flashes on 30th.
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WILDFOWL - 1 or 2 Shelduck were present at the Flashes or the Moors throughout the month with 6 on 7th. There was a large influx of Gadwall at the start of the month, with 18 across the reserve on 2nd - the second highest count in the reserve’s history – and then present throughout the month. 185 Mallard were at just the Flashes on 22nd. Small numbers of Teal were at the Moors and Flashes on several dates in the month, peaking at 7 at the Flashes on 27th. Single drake Shoveler were at the Moors and Flashes on several dates with 4 at the North Moors on 25th. 4 Pochard were on the North Moors on 8th with a female at the Moors on 14th and a juvenile there from 25th. A brood of 8 young Tufted Duck emerged at the Moors on 24th with a max count of 38 on 14th. 7 Ruddy Duck were at the Moors on 9th with 1 there on 11th. Coot numbers peaked at 92 on 17th and 20th with many family parties. 2 juvenile Water Rails were seen from the concrete hide at the Moors late in the month. The Greylag Geese family remained at the Sailing Pool fledging 7 young, the first successful breeding of this species at Upton Warren; 3 adults were present on many dates with 11 briefly on 13th. 4 Mute Swan cygnets fledged on the North Moors with a second pair on the Moors Pool hatching 6 cygnets from 27th. Great Crested Grebe numbers peaked at 12 on 14th with 2 young fledged at the Moors; a third chick was present on 10th only. After several weeks absence Little Grebe returned to the Moors from 17th with 2 well developed young seen from 19th. Cormorant was scarce with a max of 2 at the Moors on 6th and 21st and over the Flashes on 21st. 5 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 6th and 17th.
WADERS - Curlew were recorded in small numbers on several dates with a max of 30 at the Flashes on 27th. A peak of 5 Oystercatcher was present at the Moors on 9th and 10th; a pair hatched with 1 young from 6th with a second pair producing 2 young from 20th. Lapwing numbers were low with a max of 40 across the reserve on 27th; the 3 young at the Flashes disappeared in the second week of the month whilst 1 chick was seen at the Moors from 25th. Redshank were present throughout the month with a peak of 4 at the Flashes on 3rd and 10th but no signs of any successful breeding. A peak of 13 Avocet were at the Flashes late in the month, including 3 fledged young. Little Ringed Plover numbers peaked at 9 at the Flashes on 4th, 3 pairs attempted to nest with one producing 3 young from 27th and another hatching 2 by the month’s end. Single Ringed Plovers were present at the Flashes on 4th and 5th with 2 there on 6th and 7th. A Curlew Sandpiper approaching full summer plumage was at the Flashes on 4th and 5th. A Dunlin was at the Flashes on 7th. Single Snipe were at the Moors on 6th, 7th and 8th. A Common Sandpiper was at both the Moors and Flashes on 15th, with 1 at the Moors on 30th. Green Sandpiper re-appeared at the Flashes from 16th, with numbers growing rapidly to a peak of 11 on 27th. A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Moors on 20th with another at the Flashes on 26th, rising to 2 on 27th. A female RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, just the fifth record for the reserve, was at the Flashes from early morning until dusk on 21st. 2 Greenshank were briefly at the Flashes on 23rd.
GULLS / TERNS - Common Terns were resident at the Moors, with a max count of 10 on 3rd, 7th and 19th; 2 pairs produced 3 young at the Moors from 19th and by the end of the month there were 4 pairs with chicks. 2 Black Terns were at the Moors late on 6th and again on 7th before moving later to the Flashes; another was at the Moors early morning on 24th. Up to 35 pairs of Black-headed Gulls nested across the reserve with many young produced; at least 400 birds were present in the Flashes roost on 25th. Single adult Herring Gulls were at the Flashes on 14th and 19th. A first-summer Common Gull was at the Moors on 10th.
MIGRANTS - There were several sightings of Hobby at the Flashes early in the month, a period which also saw a run of Cuckoo records culminating in 3 at the Flashes on 7th. 200 Swifts were over the Education Reserve on 8th. 2 young Reed Warbler were noted being fed on the east side of the Moors on 11th. A Chiffchaff feeding young was along the Salwarpe on 17th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A Rook flew over the Moors on 2nd. A Tawny Owl was seen perched on wires near Hobden Hall Farm on 2nd and then seen at the Flashes on the old barns of Sagebury Farm on 5th and 25th. Young Jay and Kingfisher were noted at the Moors on the 4th and 5th respectively. A family party of Pied Wagtail with 4 young was at the Flashes on 6th. A small Starling roost developed at the Flashes, peaking at 300 birds on 11th. Up to 20 Reed Buntings were noted singing across the reserve on 11th. A Goldcrest was on the west side of the Moors on 9th. 3 Kingfishers were at the Moors on 19th. 2 Otters were seen again around the concrete hide at the Moors on 14th and several dates thereafter, often between dawn and 9am. The Treecreeper family remained around the Hen Brook at the Flashes. A family party of Cetti’s Warblers with at least 2 young was on the east side of the Moors early in the month.
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WILDFOWL - A male Shoveler was at the Moors until 6th with a female seen on odd dates until 16th. April’s pair of Wigeon were at the Moors until 3rd with just the male on 4th. A pair of Garganey were at the Moors on 16th. There were many Mallard broods, with a max count of 171 birds on 28th. A peak of 4 Shelduck were present on 9th. Gadwall were a daily occurrence with 5 birds on 23rd and 25th. Tufted Duck numbers peaked across the reserve at 41 on 26th. 2 Pochard were at the Moors on 11th with 1 at the Flashes the following day. Ruddy Duck were seen on several dates until the 6th, peaking at 2 birds on 2nd and 4th, with 2 again on 9th. 2 Coot broods were noted at the Flashes and 1 at the Moors from 17th; numbers peaked at 50 on 24th. A Moorhen brood was at the Moors from 10th. A peak of 4 Greylag Geese were present on 16th; a brood of up to 8 young was at the Sailing Pool with 6 still by the end of the month. Several Canada Geese nested, with a peak count of 35 on 16th. A Barnacle Goose was at the Sailing Pool on 23rd. A brood of 5 Mute Swan cygnets was on the North Moors from 23rd. Great Crested Grebe numbers peaked at 14 on 13th, with young present by the end of the month. Cormorant were present in very small numbers with a max of 3 at the Moors on 23rd. 3 Little Egrets were at the Moors early on 10th before flying over the Flashes whilst 1 landed at the Flashes later the same day; 2 were at the Flashes on the 24th.
WADERS - Curlew were recorded in small numbers several dates with a max of 12 at the Flashes on 28th. Up to 4 Oystercatcher usually were present throughout the month with 5 at the Moors on 16th. Lapwing numbers were low, with 3 young at the Flashes from 25th and all still present at the end of the month. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 8th. Redshank were present throughout the month with a peak of 5 at the Flashes late in the month. Up to 10 Avocet were at the Flashes; 1 brood with 4 young hatched from 12th with 3 still present at the month’s end. Up to 8 Little Ringed Plover were present at the Flashes. Single Ringed Plovers were present at the Flashes on a number of dates with 4 there on 15th. Common Sandpiper were present on several dates early in the month, with a peak of 3 at the Flashes on 8th. A good Dunlin passage saw birds present from 1st to 17th and again from 23rd to 25th with 1 on 29th; a peak of 17 were at the Flashes on 15th. A Turnstone was at were noted on several dates; the last being the 24th at the Flashes. A female Ruff was at the Moors, then the Flashes, from 10th to 13th. A Greenshank was at the Flashes on 12th with 2 at the Moors briefly on 25th. A Bar-tailed Godwit was at the Flashes on 15th. There was a sustained run of Whimbrel records from 2nd to 18th, peaking at 5 at the Flashes late on 15th and early on 16th with singles there on 22nd and 26th. 2 Sanderling were at the Moors on 15th and 16th with another at the Flashes from 27th to 29th. Single Snipe were recorded on several dates.
GULLS / TERNS - 2 Black Terns flew through the Moors on 12th. Up to 6 Common Terns were usually at the Moors; 15 flew through the Flashes on 13th with 9 at the Moors on 23rd and 30th. Single Arctic Terns were at the Moors on 4th and at the Flashes on 5th and 9th. An adult Kittiwake was at the Moors Pool on 21st. 2 Common Gulls were at the Moors on 11th. Up to 35 pairs of Black-headed Gulls were nesting across the reserve by mid May with several chicks present by 26th; a max count of 96 were present on 24th. An immature Herring Gull was at the Moors on 6th whilst 2 single birds flew over the Flashes on 16th, 1 was over the Moors on 23rd and a first summer was at the Flashes on 27th.
MIGRANTS - A Grasshopper Warbler reeled between the first Flash and the sewage works on 13th and 14th and again on 23rd, 25th and 30th. Hobby were regularly encountered early in the month, with 3 at the Moors on 2nd. A female Marsh Harrier was at the Flashes on 4th whilst another spent 5 minutes there on 20th. At least 300 Swift were over the Moors on 18th. A male Whinchat was at the Flashes on 10th. A Spotted Flycatcher was near the feeding station at the Flashes on 9th with another near the sewage works at the Flashes on 25th. 3 singing Whitethroat were present late in the month.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A pair of Treecreeper with up to 5 young were by the Hen Brook from 8th. A Raven flew over the Flashes on 16th. A female House Sparrow was at the Moors on 16th. 2 Rooks flew south over the Flashes on 15th; 2 singles repeated the event on 16th with singles again at the Flashes on 23rd and 24th, 6 over the Flashes on 25th and 2 flew south west over the Flashes on 27th. A Little Owl was on Sagebury Farm barn on 16th. A Coal Tit was at the Moors’ feeding station on 22nd. Two Otters were seen at the Moors on 5 dates between 6th and 12th. A Red Kite flew over the Sailing Pool on the afternoon of 24th with another (or perhaps the same lingering in the area) over the Moors on the morning of 26th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at the Moors on 27th.
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WILDFOWL - Shoveler numbers were very low with a peak of just 8 at the Moors on several dates; 1 bird remained until the end of the month with a damaged bill. A maximum count of 17 Teal were across the reserve on 4th and 5th, departing on 29th. 4 Shelduck were present all month with 6 birds on 14th. At least 1 pair of Gadwall were resident throughout the month with 7 birds on 16th. 3 Wigeon were at the Moors on 1st with a drake then present from 4th to 29th with an additional drake on 12th and a female from 23rd also to 29th. The first Mallard broods were seen from 10th April. Tufted Duck numbers grew dramatically, peaking at 65 birds on 16th, the highest number for 9 years. March’s drake Goosander remained at the Moors until 3rd, re-appearing on 11th, 12th and 18th to 20th. A Ruddy Duck was at the Moors on 28th and 29th. Greylag Geese were sighted most days; a peak count of 9 flew over the Flashes on 18th. Great Crested Grebe numbers increased steadily, peaking at 19 on 11th. Little Grebe sightings were sparse with a max count of only 2 on 4th. Cormorant numbers were lower than recent months, peaking at 6 at the Moors on 14th.
WADERS - Curlew were occasionally seen at the Flashes, with a peak of 18 at the Flashes on 4th. The last Snipe was seen on 29th, with a max count of 10 at the Flashes on 9th. 1 or 2 Jack Snipe were regularly seen at the Flashes up to 11th. 2 pairs of Oystercatcher frequented both sides of the reserve with 6 birds on 13th and 14th. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 2nd, 3rd, 11th, 13th and 18th and at the Moors on 13th. 2 or 3 Redshank were at the Flashes all month, with 4 there on 14th and 17th. 9 Avocet remained at the Flashes all month. Little Ringed Plover numbers gradually rose, with a peak of 10 across the reserve from 14th. A Common Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 5th with regular sightings there after; 4 were present on 18th and 25th. 2 Whimbrel circled over the Moors on 12th with 1 at the Flashes on 26th. 3 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin were at the Moors following rain on 16th; 1 Ringed Plover and 7 Dunlin were there the following day whilst 5 Dunlin flew through the Flashes on 18th and a single there on 29th. A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Moors, then Flashes, on 28th.
GULLS / TERNS - An adult Little Gull visited both the Flashes and Moors on 8th with 2 adults at the Flashes for 30 minutes on 16th and 1 adult at the Sailing Pool the following morning and at least 1 adult over the Flashes / Sailing Pool in the afternoon. 2 Herring Gulls flew south over the Moors on 10th with a second-summer bird over on 16th, an adult over the Flashes on 18th, 2 singles over the Flashes on 25th and another on 28th. A Common Tern was briefly at the Moors early morning on 10th with single birds on several dates after; 2 bird were present on 15th. 3 Arctic Terns were over the Sailing Pool on 17th, the joint earliest date, with others through the Flashes early on 19th and the Moors on 27th and 30th.
MIGRANTS - The first House Martin was at the Moors on 4th. Numbers of hirundines peaked on 16th following heavy rain – 200+ Swallows, 100+ House Martins and 50+ Sand Martins. A White Wagtail was at the Flashes on 1st with 2 males at the Moors on 13th. 3 Blackcaps were singing on 4th. The first Willow Warbler was at the Moors on 3rd with at least 6 birds across the reserve by 10th. The first Reed and Sedge Warblers were at the Moors and Flashes respectively on 9th. A male Redstart was at the Flashes from 9th to 11th. A Whitethroat was on the east side of the Moors on 12th. A Wood Warbler, the first since 2000, was on the southern side of the Sailing Pool on 14th. The first Lesser Whitethroat was at the Flashes on 15th (with 3 by 20th); the first Cuckoo the following day. The 16th also brought a reeling Grasshopper Warbler (the joint earliest) to the Moors which remained until 20th; the same (or another) reeled from the Broadmeadow on 25th. A Yellow Wagtail flew over the Moors on 16th with others seen at the Flashes on 17th (3), 24th to 26th (1). 2 Wheatear were at the Flashes briefly on 24th. A Garden Warbler was at the Moors on 20th. A Hobby was at the Moors on 21st with occasional sighting thereafter, including 2 on 26th. An Osprey flew over the Moors late on 25th. Swift were seen on both sides of the reserve from 25th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - There was another run of Mealy Redpoll records from the Moors, either along the path to the East Hide or by the horse chestnut tree. An adult male was seen on 3rd and 4th with a first winter male seen on 3rd and 5th. There were several sightings of small numbers of Lesser Redpoll, the largest being 10 along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 4th, last being noted on 14th. 5 Siskin were on the east side of the Moors on 10th. A Treecreeper was in the hedge by the Flashes’ tower hide on 2nd with another by the Hen Brook bridge on 3rd and 5th and in the Education reserve on 25th. Single Raven flew over the Moors on 14th and Flashes on 26th. Up to 8 Cetti’s Warblers were singing across the reserve by mid month. A female Stonechat was at the Moors on 14th. A House Sparrow was at the Moors feeding station on 25th with a female near the East Hide 2 days later and a male at the Moors on 29th. A Tawny Owl called from the direction of Wychbold late on 25th. A Rook flew over the Flashes on 25th.
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WILDFOWL - Shoveler numbers were very low, with a peak of just 8 at the Moors on 4th. A maximum count of 21 Teal were across the reserve on 21st. 2 Shelduck were present usually at the Moors all month, with a peak of 4 on 17th and 31st. A pair of Gadwall were at the Moors throughout the month with 3 birds on several dates and 4 on 21st. There was an unconfirmed report of a pair of Garganey at the Moors on 9th. A drake Mandarin was at the Moors early on 29th. Tufted Duck numbers continued to grow at the Moors as spring progressed, peaking at 27 birds on 22nd. Pochard numbers remained low at the Moors, with a peak of 6 on 1st, and virtually absence by the month’s end. A pair of Goldeneye were at the Moors on 2nd. A drake Goosander was at the Moors on 30th and 31st. A maximum count of 82 Coot were across the reserve on 7th and 13th. 20 Moorhen were across the reserve on 13th. Water Rails were frequently seen, especially at the Moors feeding stations and around the Hen Pool. A maximum count of 97 Canada Geese were across the reserve on 21st. Greylag Geese were sighted most days; at peak count of 6 were present on 8th. Great Crested Grebe numbers grew as the month wore on, peaking at 15 on 22nd. Little Grebe was seen most days, with a max count of 3 on 1st. Cormorant numbers were lower than recent months, peaking at 17 at the Moors Pool on 5th but reducing markedly later in the month. Grey Heron numbers were low, with a maximum of just 2 on several dates. 1 Bittern continued to be seen at the North Moors Pool with the final sighting on 19th, the joint latest date on record. A Little Egret was at the Flashes on the morning of 4th.
WADERS - A peak count of 200 Lapwing were at the Flashes on 4th. Curlew were a regular visitor to the reserve in the first half of the month, with a peak count of 27 at the Flashes on 2nd. Snipe numbers were high early in the month, with a max count of 50 across the reserve on 1st. 11 Jack Snipe were flushed at the Flashes on 1st; 1 was seen there on 4th, 6th and 24th with 2 on 11th and 3 on 18th. At least 2 pairs of Oystercatcher frequented both sides of the reserve, with 7 present on 21st. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes from the start of the month to 18th. A Redshank was present from early in the month, with 2 from 16th when an additional 6 birds briefly dropped in. The first Avocet returned to the Flashes on 1st with numbers building up to 5 birds from 17th, 8 from 19th and 9 on 31st, when an additional 4 birds were also at the Moors. A Dunlin was at the Moors Pool on 8th whilst there was an unconfirmed report of a Knot there on the same day; another Dunlin was at the Moors on 28th. The first returning Little Ringed Plover was briefly at the Moors on 11th, the joint earliest date on record; the second was at the Flashes on 15th with numbers building there to 5 on 22nd. A Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 21st. The first Common Sandpiper of the year was at the Flashes on 16th.
GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers reduced markedly, with a peak of 350 at the Flashes on 15th but with numbers generally much lower. 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls remained resident at the Moors. An adult Herring Gull was at the Flashes on 7th, with 2 there on 16th and a second winter bird on 15th. A Common Gull was at the Flashes on 27th.
MIGRANTS - The winter’s last Redwing was in the horse paddock at the Moors on the early date of 4th whilst the final Fieldfare record flew over the Moors Pool on 22nd. The first Sand Martins were 4 over the Sailing Pool on 14th with 1 at the Moors later that date; small numbers were reported during the remainder of the month, with a max count of 7 on 20th. The first singing Blackcap was at the Moors on 21st. A presumed wintering Chiffchaff was again near the Moors feeding station on 4th with an assumed spring migrant near the East Hide on 11th; at least 5 birds were singing across the reserve by 22nd. 3 Swallows were over the Sailing Pool on 25th with small numbers daily thereafter.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - There were several sightings of small numbers of Lesser Redpoll, the largest being 11 along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 28th. A Treecreeper was near the Flashes’ feeding station on 1st with others to the rear of the West Hide at the Moors on 4th and by the Hen Pool on 8th. A male and female Peregrine were on the transmitter masts at the Flashes on 1st; the female was seen to bring in a Wood Pigeon. A Brambling was briefly at the Moors feeding station on 4th. 200+ Wood Pigeon were in fields to the east of the Flashes on 7th. A Coal Tit was along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 5th, with 3 opposite Lifestyles at the Moors on 13th. A notable count of 21 Rook were in the fields to the east of the Flashes on 8th, together with 17 Stock Dove and 10 Pheasant; 2 Rook flew over the Sailing Pool on 20th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 11th. A single then 3 Ravens flew over the reserve on 13th with 1 over the Moors on 22nd. A female Merlin flew through the Moors on 15th. At least 4 singing Cetti’s Warblers were around the reserve. A female Stonechat was at the Flashes on 14th. A Grey Wagtail was singing at the Moors on 21st. A Little Owl was again on the old barns at the Flashes on 14th.
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WILDFOWL - Shoveler numbers were very low, with a peak of just 14 at the Moors Pool on the 16th. A maximum count of 40 Teal were across the reserve on the 14th. 101 Mallard were across the reserve on the 7th. January’s 2 Shelduck were present, usually at the Moors Pool, all month with 3 birds on several dates from the 11th and 4 on the 14th, 17th and 23rd. 2 Wigeon were at the Moors Pool on the 7th, with 1 there on 14th and 3 on the 19th. A drake Gadwall was reported at the Moors Pool on the 15th, with a pair there on the 28th. A pair of Pintail were at the Moors Pool on the 18th. Tufted Duck numbers grew at the Moors Pool during the month, peaking at 28 birds on the 20th. Pochard numbers remained low at the Moors, with a peak of 14 on the 17th. A maximum count of 150 Coot were at the Moors Pool on the 7th. 30 Moorhen were across the reserve on the 14th. Water Rails were frequently seen, especially at the Moors feeding stations. A maximum count of 115 Canada Geese were at the Moors Pool on the 7th. 2 Greylag Geese were at the Moors Pool on several dates from the 7th, with 5 birds on the 22nd. A Eurasian White-fronted Goose, only the 19th occurrence on the reserve and the first since 2005, was at the Moors Pool on the 7th and then again on a further 7 dates (at the Moors Pool on the 8th, 11th, 12th, 17th and 19th and at the Flashes on the 15th and 18th). Great Crested Grebe numbers grew as the month wore on, peaking at 13 at the Moors Pool on the 17th. Little Grebe was seen most days, with a max count of 6 on the 1st. Cormorant numbers remained high, peaking at 21 at the Moors Pool on the 23rd. Grey Heron numbers were low, with a maximum of 4 on the 27th. Bitterns continued to be regularly seen at the Moors Pool, with 2 on the 7th and 14th but no further sightings after the 24th.
WADERS - A peak count of 954 Lapwing were at across the reserve on the 15th. Curlew were a regular visitor to the Moors Pool early in the month, then more frequently at the Flashes later in February - a peak count of 36 was at the Flashes on the 17th and 18th. Snipe numbers remained high throughout the month, with a max count of 103 at the Moors Pool on the 13th, the largest count since 1995. 6 Jack Snipe were flushed at the Flashes on the 1st; 1 was on Amy’s Marsh at the Moors Pool on the 7th, 8th and 16th. 3 Golden Plover were briefly on the East Island at the Moors Pool on the 16th whilst 1 flew over the Moors Pool on the 17th and another on the 23rd. An Oystercatcher returned to the reserve on the 17th and was seen on both sides up until the month’s end, with 2 birds at the Moors Pool from the 22nd. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on the 19th, 20th and 22nd. The year’s first Redshank was at the Flashes on the 28th.
GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers reduced markedly, with a peak of 160 at the Moors Pool on the 1st. Fly-over Herring Gulls were noted on many dates with 1 at the Moors Pool on the 1st; an adult, then a first winter, at the Flashes on the 15th with 2 there on the 22nd. An adult Great Black-backed Gull flew over the Moors Pool late on the 1st. A first winter Common Gull was at the Moors Pool on the 3rd. 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls took up residency at the Moors Pool; 10 were there on the 8th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - 2 Raven flew over the Flashes on the 1st, with 1 over the Moors Pool on the 7th. A Little Owl was noted on the old barn roof at the Flashes on many dates, with 2 there on the 11th, 17th, 18th and 19th. A peak count of 11 Lesser Redpoll were along the path to the East Hide at the Moors Pool on the 25th. A Treecreeper was in the Education Reserve on the 4th, 15th and 20th. There were several sightings of small numbers of Siskins, usually around the Moors Pool and Education Reserve - the largest flock being of 30+ in the latter location on the 14th. A Coal Tit was along the path to the East Hide at the Moors Pool on the 4th whilst another was at the North Moors on the 15th. A juvenile Peregrine was noted at both the Moors Pool and the Flashes on several dates. A Rook flew over the Moors Pool on the 14th. 47 Fieldfare were at the Moors Pool on the 3rd. 3 Sparrowhawks soared over the Moors Pool on the 17th. A Mealy Redpoll was in the hedgerow along the path to the East Hide at the Moors Pool on the 18th and 19th and again on the 25th. Three Kingfishers were along the Hen Brook on the 17th. A Grey Wagtail was at the Flashes on the 20th. A Skylark was noted singing in fields to the east of the Flashes on several dates whilst 4 flew over the Flashes on the 26th. 2 Goshawk were noted displaying to the east of the Flashes on the 21st. A Chiffchaff was near the Moors Pool feeding station on the 27th. A flock of at least 100 Chaffinch were noted in the ploughed field to the east of the Flashes on the 22nd February.
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WILDFOWL - Shoveler numbers were very low, with a peak of 27 at the Moors Pool on the 24th, but generally less than 10 were present. A maximum count of 139 Teal were across the reserve on the 25th. 285 Mallard were at the Moors Pool and Sailing Pool on the 11th. A drake Gadwall was at the Moors Pool between the 14th and 17th. A female Pintail was at the Moors Pool on the 25th. 4 Wigeon were at the Moors Pool on the 21st with 3 there on the 29th and 1 the following day. A Shelduck was at the Moors Pool from the 2nd with 2 birds from the 15th until the month’s end; 3 were across the reserve on the 17th. Tufted Duck numbers peaked at the Moors Pool at 25 birds on the 1st. Pochard numbers remained low at the Moors, with a peak of 19 on the 25th. A drake Goosander was at the Moors Pool on the 10th. A maximum count of 200 Coot were at the Moors Pool on the 4th. 25 Moorhen were across the reserve on the 11th. Water Rails were frequently seen, with up to 4 birds at the Moors feeding stations. 3 Mute Swans were at the Moors on several dates. A maximum count of 196 Canada Geese were at the Moors Pool on the 11th. 3 Greylag Geese were at the Moors Pool on the 18th. Great Crested Grebe numbers were lower than December with a peak of 11 at the Moors Pool on the 1st. Little Grebe was seen most days, with a max count of 5 on the 18th. Cormorant numbers grew during the month, peaking at 30 at the Moors Pool on the 31st. Grey Heron numbers were low, with a maximum of 5 on the 31st. Bitterns continued to be seen at the Moors Pool, with 2 birds on the 1st, 7th, 21st and 24th.
WADERS - A peak count of 710 Lapwing were at across the reserve on the 16th. Curlew were a regular visitor to the Moors Pool, with a peak count of 21 on the 11th. Snipe numbers were low at the start of the month in the freezing conditions but grew as the ice retreated, with a max count of 71 across the reserve on the 25th. A Woodcock flew over the causeway at the Moors Pool at dusk on the 1st. A Green Sandpiper was at the Moors Pool on the 9th. A Jack Snipe was on Amy’s Marsh on the 17th and 18th. A Golden Plover flew over the Moors Pool on the 31st and was seen later the same day in the Lapwing flock at the Flashes.
GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers reduced markedly, with a peak of 250 across the reserve on the 18th. Fly-over Herring Gulls were noted on several dates, including 3 over the Moors Pool on the 17th whilst 9 were on the ice at the Moors Pool on the 11th and 3 flew through the Flashes on the 28th. A Common Gull was at the Moors Pool on the 1st. 2 Great Black-backed Gulls roosted on the ice at the Moors Pool on the 11th.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Lesser Redpolls were noted on several dates, with a peak of 8 at the Moors on the 10th. A max count of 8 Siskins were at the Moors Pool on the 11th. A Coal Tit continued to occasionally visit the Moors’ feeding station and the feeders in the gardens on the east side (with 2 there on the 2nd); 1 was at the Flashes feeding station on the 10th and 11th. A male Merlin flew through the Flashes on the 2nd, the first since March 2002. There were several records of Grey Wagtail. A Waxwing flew over the Moor Pool on the 4th. 8 Rook were in the ploughed field to the east of the Flashes on the 2nd, together with 25 Magpie and 9 Stock Dove. A female Blackcap was on feeders in gardens to the east of the Moors Pool on the 2nd and 10th; a male was present there on the 11th and 14th. 2 Nuthatches were on the east side of the Moors Pool on the 5th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at the Moors on the 11th. 4 Raven flew over the Flashes on the 11th, with 2 over the Moors on the 10th and 17th and singles over the Moors Pool on the 24th and 25th and Flashes on the 24th. A Little Owl was noted on the old barns at the Flashes on the 10th, 21st and 29th. A possible Tree Sparrow was reported at the Flashes feeding station on the 11th. A Treecreeper was in the Education Reserve on the 21st. A Skylark was heard calling from fields adjacent to the Flashes on the 25th. Peregrine was noted at the Flashes on several dates. 100 Redwing were at the Flashes on the 30th. Linnet were reported occasionally at the Flashes, including a flock of 9 on the 29th. | |
