Friday, 06 December 2024 Login Register

Annual Report 2011

              Bird Records 2011  For North Cave Wetlands.

 

Mute Swan: WeBS counts of three in January, seven in February, and seven in March.

                     WeBS counts of 11 in October, 11 in November and two in December.

                     One pair attempted to breed but failed.

    

Whooper Swan: In March, one adult present from 2nd to the 4th was the first of the year. 44 flew north on 6th, six flew north on 19th, seven flew

                              north on 27th.

                              In October 10 flew south on 10th and five flew south on 18th.

                              In November 33 flew east on 5th and 11 flew south on 6th.

                              In December four adults on 2nd, three on 4th, five on 5th, four on 29th and seven on 30th.

 

Bean Goose: A ‘Taiga’ race Bean Goose was present on 25th and 26th November and was a new species for the reserve. (Gary Dayes)

                                                                                 

Pink-Footed Goose: In January one flew east on 1st, 120 flew north on 16th and 29 flew north on 23rd.

                                   In February one with Greylags on 10th.

                                   In March 250 flew north on 1st and 52 flew east on 4th.

                                   In May one on 2nd.

                                   In September a single bird on 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 9th, 11th, 12th and 13th, five on 25th, one again on 26th, 27th, 28th and 30th.

                                   In October one on 1st and six flew south on 13th.

                                   In November 100 flew north on 6th, 2600 flew south on 19th and was a new site day record, one on 25th, two on 26th, one on

                                   27th and 30th.

                                   In December one on 1st, c200 flew south on 12th, 16 on 13th, one on 16th, 17th and 26th, with 56 flying north on 28th.

 

White-fronted Goose: In November two adults on 11th were the first of the year, the following day 13 four adults and nine juveniles were seen

                                      then on 15th to 18th 28, fourteen adults and fourteen juveniles were seen. On 19th 34 were seen the same 28 as previous

                                      days plus a further six adults flew south with a large movement of Pink-feet. On 23rd 36 were seen and represented the

                                      largest group ever seen on the reserve with 29 seen the following day, and just a single juvenile present from 25th to 27th.

                                    

Greylag Goose: WeBS counts of 219 in January, two in February and 14 in March.

                            WeBS counst of 27 in October, 262 in November and 90 in December.

                            At least 10 pairs bred this year  

                           

Canada Goose: In February 11 on 26th were the first of the year.

                           In August 23 on 30th.

                           In September 42 on 25th.

                          

Barnacle Goose: Five on the 8th October was the only report of the year.

 

Egyptian Goose: One present from 19th to 24th March and again on 27th March and then finally on 12th April.

                               

Shelduck: WeBS counts of three in January (with 39 on 22nd), 18 in February (with 57 on 3rd being the highest count of the year) and 54 in March.

                  In June pair with eight young on 6th,

                  WeBS counts of none in October, November or December.

                  In December one on 6th, three on 10th and 30th.

                               

Wigeon: In January 21+ on 1st January, one on 10th, 13th, 14th and 18th,

               In February male on 8th, two male and a female on 21st and again on 26th.

               In March three, two males on 2nd.

               In April one on 4th, with a pair on 5th.

               In June one female on 22nd and two males on 24th.

               In August four on 24th, two on 26th, three on 30th and one on 31st.

               In September one on 1st, six on 10th, nine on 15th, seven on 20th with six on 27th.

               In October 12 on 4th, 29 on 16th, 8 on 20th, 19 on 21st, 14 on 24th and 37 on 27th.

               In November 38 on 6th, 77 on 26th a new site record count.

               In December 70+ on 1st, 77 on 3rd, 70+ on 10th.

                  

Gadwall: WeBS counts of 42 in January. 24 in February, ten in March.

               WeBS counts of 57 in October, 58 in November and 81 in December.

               The highest count of the year was 101 on 23rd October.

                                                    

Teal: In January 380 on 1st

         WeBS counts of 530 in January, 307 in February,160 in March,

         WeBS counts of 225 in October, 271 in November and 94 in December, with 450+ on 7th, 760+ on 10th and 380+ on 21st.

         

Mallard: WeBS counts of 189 in January, 65 in February, 43 in March,

              WeBS counts in 108 in October, 66 in November and  92 in December.

              At least 10 pairs bred raising 50+ young between them. 

 

 

 

 

 

Pintail: Pair on 3rd January, with female on 8th, 9th, pair on 13th with female on14th and 29th.

             In February female on 2nd, two females on 4th and 5th, single female on 12th, 13th, 18th, seven briefly on 20th, with single female again on  

             22nd, 25th and 26th.

             In March female present until 30th.

             In September female on 25th.

             In November male on 12th.

                           

Garganey: Drake on 22nd May was only sighting of the year.

          

Shoveler: WeBS counts of one in January, one in February. six in March.

                 WeBS counts of six in October, ten in November.  two in December.

 

Red-crested Pochard: Three birds two males and a female present on 20th and 21st August.

 

Pochard:  WeBS counts of 12 in January, 29 in February. 20 in March.

                  WeBS counts of seven in October. 43 in November and four in December.

 

Tufted Duck:  WeBS counts of 25 in January, 46 in February and 30 in March,

                        WeBS counts of 31 in October, 24 in November and 18 in December.

                        At least ten pairs bred fledging over 50 young between them.   

 

Scaup: Female present from 16th November until 25th.                   

 

Goldeneye: Male on 17th March was first of the year with female on 20th to 24th.  

                    In October female on 10th, 14th, two females on 15th and 16th, one again on 17th and 18th.

                    In November female on 11th, 12th and 13th, with one male and three females on 16th, with a female on 17th and 29th.

                    In December male on 23rd.

                    

Goosander: In January female flew south on 5th was first of the year with one on 7th, seven, one male and 6 female on 12th, male and two female

                      on 14th, two females on 16th, two males and a female on 18th, three males and a female on 22nd, female on 26th and 29th with two on

                      30th. 

                      In February five on 2nd, six on 5th, four on 6th, three on 12th, four on 17th, two females on 20th and a record flock of 15 seen on 21st.

                      In March pair on 5th, two males and female on 10th, two female on 12th, male and three females on 15th, pair on 17th, eight females on

                      19th.

                      In April female on 1st, 10th and 11th.

                      In December male on 3rd and 4th, two on 6th and 7th, male on 10th, pair on 17th, male on 22nd, 25th,

 

Ruddy Duck: Female on 21st May was the first of the year, Pair from 8th to 13th June then again from 17th to 26th,

                       Pair again present from 2nd July until 22nd when DEFRA arrived early morning and culled the pair, but the following day a female was

                       found with six young these survived until DEFRA again arrived and shot the female and five of the six young, the remaining young

                       bird survived until c27th August when DEFRA finally caught up with it and killed it!  

 

Red-legged Partridge: Year round resident on and around the reserve with some large flocks 50+ seen in autumn due to local releases for game

                                       shooting.

 

Grey Partridge: One on 2nd January with two on 29th.

                            In February eight on 2nd, one on 5th,

                            In April pair on 7th.

                            In May two on 3rd, one on 24th, 25th, 30th and 31st.

                            In June one on 27th.

                            In July a pair seen with 12 young on 26th and 29th.

                            In August ten on 20th.

                            In September eight on 17th and 21st.

                            In October six on 22nd.

                           

Quail: Male heard singing on 27th May was the first of the year with another male singing on 29th and 30th July. 

 

Pheasant: Year round resident on and around the reserve in small numbers.

                                                                                                   

Little Grebe: WeBS counts of none in January, none in February with one on 18th being the first sighting of the year and two on 24th.

                      With two in March and  three by the 16th,

                      WeBS counts of 13 in October, six in November and none in December

                                                             

Great Crested Grebe: WeBS counts of none in January, with two on 28th being the first of the year, one in February with three on 2nd, two on 18th,

                                     In March nine on 10th and 13th.

                                     In June three pairs with four, two and two young on 27th.

                                     In July seven pairs with 11 young between them.

                                     WeBS counts of ten in October, ten in November with 15 on 11th, but none in December.

 

Black-necked Grebe: Adult winter plumaged bird on 29th September was only report of the year.

 

 

 

 

Gannet: An immature flew north over the reserve on 1st September.  (Mike Bayldon).

 

Cormorant: WeBS counts of none in January, February or March.

                    WeBS counts of none in October, three in November and none in December.

                    The highest count during the year were five on 10th November.

                    

Little Egret: One on 12th January was first of the year.

                     In February one on 27th and 28th February.

                     In March one on 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th.

                     In June two on 26th.

                     In August one on 22nd, 23rd with two on 28th.

                     In July adult with juvenile on 25th.

                     In November one on 30th.

                     In December one on 1st was the last sighting of the year.

  

Grey Heron: In February two on 27th.

                      In June one on 3rd and 27th.

                      In July one on 1st, 2nd, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th and 21st.

                      In August one on 19th, 20th and two flew east on 27th.

                      In September one on 13th and 30th.

                      In October one on 4th, 6th and 23rd.

                      In November one on 10th, 16th and 23rd.

 

White Stork: One of unknown origin seen circling just south of reserve on 25th April.

                   

Red Kite: In January one on 14th and 23rd.

                 In February one on 17th.

                 In March one on 8th and10th, two on 11th, one on 12th and two on 26th.   

                 In April one on 8th and 9th, two on 15th, one on 16th, two on 24th and one on 26th.

                 In May one on 2nd, 9th, 13th and 20th.

                 In June one on 5th, 15th and 30th.

                 In July one on 6th, two on 7th, one on 9th, 22nd and 30th.

                 Not seen in August or September.

                 In October one on 18th.

                 Not seen in November and December.

                

Marsh Harrier: In January one flew over on 13th with female on 22nd and 28th.

                          In February female flew south on 3rd and again on 6th. 28th.

                          In March one on 2nd, 5th, 20th and 30th.

                          In April female on 2nd and 22nd.

                          In May one on 7th and 15th.

                          In June male on 4th and 5th.

                          In July one on 1st.

                          In August juvenile on 9th, 14th, with female on 19th, 21st, juvenile again on 22nd and 23rd.

                          In September one on 1st, 3rd, 10th, 11th, 17th, 19th, 21st.

                          In October one flew east on 28th.

                          In November immature on 6th with female on 17th, 19th and 29th.

                          In December one on 6th, female on 13th, 15th and 16th, an immature on 26th.

                                             

Sparrowhawk: Seen in every month of the year usually single birds but up to four birds seen displaying in spring.    

 

Buzzard: Seen in every month of the year with up to six birds at time seen in the spring with up to a dozen birds seen in the air together in autumn.

 

Osprey: One present in the area from 7th to 10th May and was the first of the year.

               In August one flew east on 20th.

               In September one flew west on 7th with same or another flying south on 8th.

 

Kestrel: Seen in every month of the year usually single birds but up to four birds seen in the air together displaying in spring.  

 

Merlin: Male on 16th January.

             Female on 29th March.

             In April female seen hunting on 16th, 19th and 20th.

             In October female seen on 1st and 5th.

             In November one on 12th.

             In December one on 17th.

            

Hobby: One on 8th May was first of the year with singles also seen on 9th, 10th, 15th, 28th and 30th.

              In June singles on 5th, 8th and 25th.

              In July singles on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 18th.

              In August singles on 7th, 13th, 21st, 23rd and 31st.

              In September one on 1st and 4th, with two on 5th, one on 7th, two again on 11th, with one on 18th being the last sighting of the year.

 

 

             

Peregrine: In January one on 16th and two on 23rd.

                   In February one on 4th, 9th, 14th and 26th.

                   In March one on 26th.

                   In May one on 6th.

                   In July one on 8th, 9th and 30th.

                   In August adult on 6th, 13th and 17th with juvenile on 18th, one on 24th.

                   In September two on 3rd, one on 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 17th and 24th.

                   In October two on 6th, one on 10th and 21st.

                   In November one on 16th.

                   In December one on 13th.

 

Water Rail: The bird present from December 2010 continued to be seen daily along the unfrozen ditch by car park until 6th March.

                    In August one on 30th.

                    In October one on 5th.

                    In November one on 30th.

                    In December at least three different birds present with one on 10th, 13th, 20th and 23rd, with two seen on 27th 

 

Spotted Crake: A juvenile showed very well on the evening of 19th August and was only the second reserve record. (Lee Johnson).

 

Moorhen: WeBS counts of two in January, 10 in February and 16 in March,

                 WeBS counts of 17 in October, 22 in November and18 in December.

                 At least six pairs bred.

 

Coot: WeBS counts of 157 in January, 102 in February and 82 in March,

           WeBS counts of 59 in October, 97 in November and 163 in December.

           At least 12 pairs bred.

 

Oystercatcher: One on 2nd February was first of the year with one on 8th, three on 9th, 10th, one on 13th, ten on 17th, 15+ on 18th, 22 on 20th,

                           with 17+ on 25th.

                           In March 25 on 10th.

                           In June a pair with two young on 2nd, a second pair seen with three young on 8th.

                           In December one on 5th was unusual.

                         

Avocet: Eight on 12th March were the first of the year then seen on and off for the rest of the month with a maximum of 23 on 29th.

              In April 12 on 1st, 14 on 2nd, 24 on 3rd, 32 on 4th, 20 on 7th, 46 on 9th, 26 on 12th, 25 on 15th, 35 on 19th, 40 on 21st, 56 on 23rd, 48 on 25th,

              19 pairs nesting by 27th, with 60+ on 30th.

              In May 28 pairs nesting by the 12th with the first chicks, nine seen on 15th, 20 chicks on 20th, 22 on 21st, 

              In June 63 adults and 14 young on 3rd, 15 young on 7th, 14 young on 10th, 50 adults and 10 young on 17th, 10 well grown young on 23rd.

              In July three adult and two young on 22nd, pair with one young on 29th to 31st.

              In August two on 2nd, adult and a juvenile on 5th, 6th, and finally on the 11th.

 

Little Ringed Plover: One on 22nd March was the first of the year, with one on 25th.

                                    In April one on 2nd, two+ on 3rd, one on 6th, three on 8th, two pairs on 9th, 14th, five+ birds on 25th.

                                    In May four+ on 15th.

                                    In June five+ on 15th.

                                    In July three on 5th, adult with juvenile on 10th, adult with four juveniles on 15th to 22nd then adult with three juveniles from

                                    24th to 31st.

                                    In August one on 3rd and 6th, four on 8th, juvenile on 13th, 19th,  

                                     

Ringed Plover: Three on 10th February were the first of the year with two on 20th, 21st, and three on 22nd with two on 24th.

                           In March five on 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, two+ on 11th, two pairs on 21st, 29th and 31st.

                           In April two pairs on 9th, one pair on 14th,

                           In August two on 2nd.

                           In September juvenile on 1st and 2nd.

                                                                     

Golden Plover: In January one on 7th with seven flying north on 8th.

                           In February 3 on 2nd.

                           In March four on 5th, 14 on 13th, eight on 24th.

                           In July two on 9th.

                           In August one on 5th, seven on 24th,

                           In September ten on 10th, 24 south on 11th, 45 flew west on 15th, 80+ on 23rd, 200+ flew west on 24th, 70 on 29th.

                           In October 100+ on 4th, 40+ on 6th, 120+ on 7th, 76 on 17th, 18 on 22nd.

                           In November 50 flew east on 9th.

                          In December 18 over on 1st with 22 over on 26th.

 

Grey Plover: One flew off north from the reserve calling on 3rd December and was the only sighting this year.

 

Lapwing:  WeBS counts of none in January, 114 in February, 57 in March.

                  WeBS counts of359 in October, 133 in November. 423 in December.

                  Up to 10 pairs bred  this year with at least 25 young fledged, down on previous years.

 

 

 

 

Knot: Adult winter on 10th February was the first of the year, with two summer plumaged birds on 2nd and 3rd May.

 

Sanderling: A flock of ten on 22nd May with a single seen on 30th May.

 

Curlew Sandpiper: One present briefly on 8th May was the only sighting of the year.

                                                                                                                                                

Dunlin: Four on 12th February were first of the year with two on 13th, three on 20th, five on 21st, three on 22nd, two on 24th, four on 25th and three on

              26th.

              In March one on 6th, three on 11th, two on 13th, one on 14th, 15th,  five on 16th, one on 18th.

              In April one on 8th, 9th with three on 23rd.

              In May two on 1st, three on 8th, 10th, one on 14th, two on 24th, one on 28th and 29th with eight on 30th.

              In June two on 1st, 3rd, one on 14th.

              In August one on 2nd and 22nd.

              In September one on 2nd, two on 6th and 7th, ten on 17th, three on 18th,

              In October two on 10th, one on 12th.

              In November one on 5th, 6th and 13th.

              In December two on 18th.

             

Ruff: One on 18th March was the first of the year with one also on 20th.

          Flock of seven on 4th April was highest count of the year.

          In August one on 3rd, 5th, 6th,two on 9th,  19th, 21st,three on 24th, two on 26th and nine on 27th.

          In September three on 1st, one on 7th to 10th.

          In October one on 16th and 22nd.

          In November two on 7th, one on 13th, 18th and 24th.

 

Jack Snipe: One on 22nd January was the first of the year.

                     In September one on 23rd.

                     In December one on 3rd.

 

Snipe: WeBS counts on six in January, six in February, six on March, with 17 on 2nd.

             In April one on 26th.

             In August two on 2nd, four on 4th, three on 7th, six on 10th and 26th.

             In September seven on 18th and nine on 27th.

            WeBS counts of six in October, 20 in November and four in December.

             

Woodcock: One on 28th November was the only sighting of the year.

                                                                   

Black-Tailed Godwit: One present from 29th March to 1st April was the first of the year with two on 2nd April also in April one on 18th and 29th with

                                     two on 30th.

                               In May two on 1st  to 4th with one on the 5th and 6th.

                                     In June ten on 27th and 20 on 29th.

                                     In July 16 on 1st, one on 2nd, 7th, two on 17th and 18th,

                                     In August one on 4th and 8th.

                              

Bar-tailed Godwit: One on 29th April was the first of the year.

                               In May two on 1st to 4th with one remaining until the 6th.

 

Whimbrel: In April one on 6th was the first of the year, with single bird also seen on 16th, 19th, 21st and 24th.

                 In May one on 1st, four on 3rd and 4th, three on 5th and 6th, nine on 8th, four on 15th and one on 27th.

                    In August four flew south on 6th and were the only report of the autumn.

 

Curlew: In March one on 1st was the first of the year with eight flying north on 21st. 

               In October 10 on 27th and 15 on 29th.

               In November 18 on 2nd.

              

Spotted Redshank: One on 4th April was the first of the year and again on 6th and 8th.

                                  In May one on 6th and 24th.

                                  In July one on 8th.

                                  In August adult on 24th.

                                  In September two on 7th.

 

Redshank: WeBS counts of 30 in January, 34 in February and eight in March.  

                    In June pair with four young on 6th.

                    WeBS counts of two in October, three in November and two in December.

                    Highest count of the year was 60 on 15th February.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                

Greenshank: Two on 29th April were the first of the year.

                       In April one on 6th and 7th.

                       In July one on 4th and 12th.

                       In August one on 5th, 6th and 7th, three on 8th, two on 9th, one on 11th, two on 12th, one on 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th, three on 17th,

                       Two on 18th, one on 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, two on 24th, 25th, one on 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th, three on 30th and one on 31st.

                       In September one on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, four on 4th, one on 5th, two on 6th, 7th, 8th, one on 9th and 13th.

                       In October one on 1st.

                       One reported on 4th November was last report of the year.

                      

Green Sandpiper: In February one on 26th.

                               In March one on 4th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, two on 24th and 25th, 27th, one on 28th and 30th.

                               In April one on 1st, two on 2nd, one on 4th, one on 17th and 20th, two on 22nd and one on 28th.

                               In May one on 1st and 4th.

                               In June one on 19th, 20th and 27th.

                               In July one on 2nd to 31st, two from 14th to 30th with three on 30th.

                               In August one on1st, two on 2nd, three on 4th to 6th, one on 7th, three on 8th, one on 12th, two on 13th, one on 15th, two on 17th,

                              18th, 19th, three on 20th, two on 21st, 22nd, one on 23rd, 24th, two on 26th, one on 27th and  29th. 

                               In September one on 1st, two on 3rd, one on 5th, one on 7th, two on 8th, 10th, 12th, one on 14th, 17th, three on 18th, one on 21st,

                               two on 22nd, three on 23rd, two on 27th, three on 29th and two on 30th.

                               In October three on 1st, two on 2nd, three on 3rd, 4th, two on 5th, 6th, three on 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, two on 14th, 15th, one on

                              16th, three on 18th, one on 20th, 21st and 29th.  

                               In November two on 11th with one on 17th.

                               In December  one on 10th was the last of the year.  

                                                                                               

Wood Sandpiper: Two on 13th May were the first of the year.

                               One on 14th to 22nd June.

                               In July one on 20th.

                               In August one on 13th.

 

Common Sandpiper: One on 14th April was the first of the year, with one on 21st and 22nd, two on 23rd, and one on 24th, 26th and 29th.

                                    In May single bird seen on 1st, 7th, three on 8th, one on 10th, 15th, 20th, 23rd, and 24th.

                                    In June one on 4th, 5th, 26th and 27th.

                                    In July one on 3rd, two on 8th, three on 9th, one on 10th, 19th, 21st, two on 22nd, one on 23rd, 24th, two on 25th, one on 26th,

                                    28th, two on 29th one on 30th with three on 31st.

                                    In August one on 1st and 2nd, two on 4th, one on 5th, two on 6th, one on 7th, two on 8th, one on 9th, 11th and 12th, four on 13th,

                                    One on 15th, 17th, 18th and 20th, two on 21st, one on 22nd, 27th, three on 29th and one on 30th. 

                                    In September one on 2nd, 6th, two on 7th, three on 8th, four on 9th, one on 12th and  two on 13th.

 

Mediterranean Gull: Adult winter on 29th March was first of the year.

                                   In May two first-summer birds present on 6th and 7th with one present on 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 15th and 24th, adult on 28th with

                                   one first-summer again on 30th and two on 31st.

                                   In June first-summer birds were seen as follows: three on 1st, two on 2nd, then one on 3rd to 9th and again on 11th to 14th.

                                   two on 15th and 16th, one on 17th to 21st, two on 22nd, three on 23rd, two on 24th, one on 25th, two on 26th and 27th, one on 28th

                                   and 29th with two on 30th.

                                   In July an adult summer and two first-summer birds on 1st and 2nd with the adult summer again on 7th.

                                   In November one on 8th, 22nd, 27th to 30th.

                                   In December adult winters, with one on 1st, two on 2nd, one on 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 30th.

                                 

Little Gull: First summer bird present on 27th and 28th April was the first of the year.

                   Probably the same first summer bird present again on 5th to 8th May.

 

Black-headed Gull: Year round resident on the reserve with at least 300 pairs breeding, and 396 young counted on 24th June.

 

Common Gull: Year round resident on and around the reserve in varying numbers with up to 200 birds seen at times.

 

Herring Gull: Seen in small numbers in every month of the year with counts of 100+ seen occasionally in pre-roost gatherings during the autumn.

 

Yellow-legged Gull: In May a 3rd summer on 22nd was the first of the year and seen again on 28th.

                                  In June the same 3rd summer seen again on 1st and 7th.

                                  In August adult on 5th and 3rd year bird on 9th.

                                  In September 2nd Winter on 233rd.

                                  In October a 2nd winter on 1st and a 3rd winter seen on 21st and 22nd.

                                  An adult on 27th December was the last of the year.

 

Caspian Gull: Two 1st summer birds present on 3rd May were the first records for the reserve with both birds seen again the following day with one

                        on 5th and two again on 6th. (Ross Ahmed)

                        In November an adult was present briefly on 26th and was present again for several hours on 27th. (Lee Johnson)

                        In December one reported on 1st and 16th.

 

Glaucous Gull: On 22nd April a 2nd summer bird showed well for c5mins before flying off South. (Stuart Griffiths & Gary Dayes)

 

 

 

 

Lesser Black-backed Gull: One on 20th February was the first of the year.

                                              

Greater Black-backed Gull: Seen in small numbers in every month of the year with occasional large gatherings of up to 100 birds in autumn.

 

Common Tern: One on 20th April was the first of the year, seen again on 23rd, 24th and 26th.

                           In May one on 1st.

                           In June pair with two young on 16th.

                           In July five pairs with six juveniles between them on 16th, five pairs with eight young on 27th,

                           In September eight, four adults and four juveniles on 9th, two on 15th, one on 18th,

 

Arctic Tern: Three on 5th May were the first of the year with one on 21st and 22nd.

                      In September one adult was present from 9th to 14th with a different adult then present from 16th to 26th which was joined by a juvenile

                      from 19th until 26th.

 

Little Tern: One flew north through the reserve on 1st May.

 

Black Tern: Three summer plumaged birds on 22nd April, with another summer plumaged bird on 5th May.

                    A juvenile was present from 4th until the15th September.

 

Stock Dove: Seen in every month of the year, usually seen in ones or twos but occasional flocks of up to ten seen at times.

                   

Woodpigeon: Year round resident on and around the reserve with large flocks of several hundred in surrounding fields during autumn and winter

                        months, at least one pair bred on the reserve.

 

Collared Dove: Seen in every month of the year, usually seen singularly or in pairs flying over the reserve.  

 

Turtle Dove: Three flew south through the reserve on 22nd June and were the first of the year.

                      Two flew south through reserve on 15th July with one on 17th July.

                      In August two flew south on 28th.  

 

Cuckoo: The first of the year was of a male heard only singing on 24th April, with single seen on 10th May then on  15th, 16th, 17th and 18th June.

                                                 

Barn Owl: One on 26th July was the first sighting of the year.

                  In August one on 4th and 6th.

                  In October one on 5th and 6th.

                         

Tawny Owl: One on 10th January was first of the year, one heard only on 23rd July with one seen roosting in tree on 13th November.

 

Little Owl: One seen on 4th July was the only report of the year.

 

Swift: Three on 2nd May were the first of the year.

           Two on 27th August being the last of the year.

 

Kingfisher: One on 23rd June was the first of the year, with singles also seen on 26th July,

                     In August on 6th, 21st, 23rd, 25th.

                     In September one on 14th, 15th and 24th.

                     In October one on 1st, 3rd and 7th.

                     In November one on 20th.

                   

Green Woodpecker: In January two on 1st and 10th with one on 23rd.

                                   In February single on 1st, 4th, 16th and 22nd.

                                   In March one on 8th.

                                   In May one on 27th.

                                   In September one on 8th, 18th and 22nd.

                                   In October one on 17th, 19th, 22nd and 27th.

                                   In November two on 11th, one on 16th.

                                   In December two on 9th.

                                   

Great Spotted Woodpecker: In January one on 5th with three on 31st.

                                                 In February single on 1st and 22nd.

                                                 In March one on 2nd, 16th,

                                                 In September one on 27th.

                                                 In October one on 5th, 7th and 11th.

                                                           

Skylark: Seen on and off throughout the year with birds singing from mid January onwards.

                At least one pair bred on the reserve.

 

Sand Martin: In March one on 19th was the first of the year, with 20+ present by the end of the month.

                       Up to 100 pairs bred in and around the new quarrying activities.

                       The last of the year were seen in late September.

                         

 

 

 

Swallow: Two on 26th March were the first of the year with one on 31st.

                 In April three+ on 1st, 2nd, one on 4th.

                 In August 50+ flew south on 19th.

                 In September 50+ flew south on 20th with ten on 27th.

                 In October one on 3rd, with three+ on 5th being the last sightings of the year.

 

House Martin: One on 24th March was the first of the year.

                         In October six+ on 5th were the last of the year.

 

Meadow Pipit: Seen in every month except January, June and July and no indication of any breeding having taken place this year.

 

Yellow Wagtail: One on 31st March was the first of the year and a very early record for the reserve.  

                           In April one on 1st to 7th, one on 12th, eight+ on 19th, six+ on20th, three+ on 21st, four+ on 23rd, five on 24th, four on 26th.

                           seven on 27th, two on 28th, three on 29th and two on 30th.

                           In May one on 1st, five+ on 4th, one on 5th, five on 6th, two on 8th, pair on 25th and 31st.

                           In June one on 16th, 17th and 26th.

                           In July three on 2nd, juvenile on 10th, female on 13th, two juveniles on 15th, three juveniles on 17th, one on 28th, two on 29th and

                           three on 30th and 31st.

                           In August a female and two juveniles on 4th, six on 5th, ten+ on 12th, six+ on 13th, seven+ on 19th, one on 22nd, 23rd, 24th, three on

                           30th.

                           In September four on 1st, eight+ on 3rd, one on 16th, 17th, 24th and 28th was the last of the year.

 

Grey Wagtail: One on 23rd July was the first sighting of the year.

                        Two on 13th September with one on 17th.

                        In October two on 2nd.

 

Pied Wagtail: Seen throughout and in every month of the year in varying numbers with daily counts of up to 50 birds seen at times in autumn.

 

Waxwing: One on 8th November was only report of the year.

 

Wren: Year round resident on the reserve in small numbers with the odd pair breeding.

 

Dunnock: Year round resident on the reserve with a few pairs breeding.

 

Robin: Year round resident on the reserve with a few pairs breeding

 

Whinchat: One on 19th August was the first of the year.

                  Two on 8th September, one on 9th and 10th, two again on 11th with one on 18th.

 

Stonechat: Male on 30th September and 1st October was the only sighting of the year.

                 

Wheatear: In April three, two males and a female on 1oth were the first of the year, with a male on 12th, female on 13th, five, three males, two

                   females on 14th, four on 15th, one on 16th, 18th, 19th, two on 20th, 21st, one on 23rd, 24th, 25th, two on 26th, 27th, one on 28th, 29th and

                   30th.

                   In May one on 1st.   

                   In August one on 13th and 28th.

                   In September two on 6th, three on 8th, two on 9th, one on 16th, 18th and 25th.

                   In October one on 1st, five+ on 6th, two on 7th, one on 8th to 14th.

 

Blackbird: Year round resident on the reserve with a few pairs breeding.

 

Fieldfare: In October 120+ on 12th, 200+ on 13th, 1000+ flew west on 20th.

                 In December 50+ on 16th, c200 on 17th, 50+ on 22nd.

                 

Song Thrush: Year round resident on the reserve with at least one pair breeding.

 

Redwing: In October 12+ flew west on 9th, one on 12th and four+ on 13th.

                 In December 10+ on 16th, 50+ on 17th.                

 

Mistle Thrush: Seen from January through to May and again in November and December mostly single birds or a pair.

 

Sedge Warbler: One on 16th April was the first of the year.

                           One on 18th September was the last of the year.

                           Eight pairs thought to have bred.

 

Reed Warbler: One on 9th April was the first of the year.

                          In September one on 23rd was the last of the year.

                          Six pairs thought to have bred this year.

                                                    

Lesser Whitethroat: Three on 21st April were the first of the year.

                                   In September one on 1st with three on 2nd being the last of the year.

                                   Only one pair bred this year down from the usual three pairs.

 

                                   

Whitethroat: One on 9th April was the first of the year, with three+ on 17th.

                       In September one on 1st, was the last report of the year.

                       At least six pairs thought to have bred around the reserve.

                     

Garden Warbler: One on 10th May was the first of the year, with one again on 21st.

                             In August one on 21st  to 24th and 29th.

                             In September one on 1st.

 

Blackcap: Male on 1st April was the first of the year, with pair on 2nd, 3rd, three on 4th, five+ on 15th,

                  In September one on 8th, two+ on 10th, one on 27th.

                  A very late male seen on 21st December.

 

Chiffchaff: One on 13th March was the first of the year, with three by 20th, at least three still present on 4th April.

                   One on 11th and 14th June.

                   In August one on 29th.

                   In September one on 1st, 8th, 11th and 13th, two on 18th, one on 23rd and 25th being the last of the year.

 

Willow Warbler: One singing on 7th April was the first of the year.

                            One on 18th September was the last of the year.

                     

Goldcrest: In January one on 8th was first of the year with one on 7th and 8th.

                   In September two on 1st,

                   In October one on 17th and 24th.

                  

Spotted Flycatcher: One on 30th June was first of the year.

                                  In August two on 14th and one on 19th.

 

Long-tailed Tit: Seen on and off in every month of the year in small numbers with at least two pairs breeding in the reserve hedgerows.

                   

Blue Tit: Year round resident on the reserve with at least 5 pairs using nest boxes on the reserve.

 

Great Tit: Year round resident on the reserve with at least 3 pairs using nest boxes on the reserve.

 

Coal Tit:Two on 1st January, one on 3rd, 16th and 23rd.

               In February one on 25th.

               In March one on 3rd and 19th.

               In August one on 20th.

               In September one on 2nd, two on 10th and one on 11th.

               In December one on 18th.

 

Willow Tit: Two together on 21st August with one still the following day.  

 

Marsh Tit: One on 19th August was a long awaited first for the reserve and was still present the following day, also one reported on 25th

                  September.

 

Treecreeper: In January one seen on 7th, 17th, 20th, 21st and 30th.

                       In February one on 1st, 3rd, 6th, 10th, 13th, 20th and 22nd.

                       In March one on 16th.

 

Jay: One seen on 20th November was only report of the year.

 

Magpie: Year round resident on and around the reserve in small numbers with at least one pair breeding.

 

Jackdaw: Year round resident on and around the reserve in varying numbers with some large pre roost gatherings during the winter months.

 

Rook: Year round resident on and around the reserve in varying numbers with some large pre roost gatherings during the winter months.

 

Carrion Crow: Year round resident on and around the reserve with at least two pairs successfully raising two young each.

 

Raven: One flew south along ridge to east on 27th February. (Barry Jones).

 

Starling: Year round resident on and around the reserve in small numbers with the odd pair breeding. with some large winter gatherings in the

               surrounding fields.

 

House Sparrow: An increasingly common resident on the reserve, mainly centered on the reserve entrance where birds take advantage of

                            the presence of ‘The Wild Bird’ café and the free handouts, flocks of up to 50 seen at times.    

                                                                                                                                                                       

Tree Sparrow: Winter flocks of up to 70 birds seen at times around the reserve. Up to 5 pairs bred in the reserves nest boxes.

 

Chaffinch: Year round resident in small numbers with a few pair breeding on the reserve.

 

Brambling: Female on 1st January with one on 12th November.

                   

Greenfinch: Year round resident in small numbers with a few pair breeding on the reserve.

 

Goldfinch: Year round resident in small numbers with a few pair breeding on the reserve.

                   In October 70+ on 11th, 100+ on 12th.

                   In November 100+ on 4th.

                   In December 40+ on 16th.

 

Siskin: In January ten+ on 14th, 50 on 18th, 60+ on 26th with eight on 28th.

             In February 50+ on 1st, 30+ on 4th, 50+ on 6th, 60+ on 18th, 12 on 21st.

             In June one on 5th.

             In September four on 13th, 26+ on 17th, nine on 20th and seven on 24th.

             In October one on 1st, 5th, 20+ on 11th, 10+ on 12th, six+ on 14th, three+ on 20th,

             In November two on 22nd.

             In December five on 6th, 30+ on 16th, six+ on 22nd and finally 20+ on 31st.

          

Linnet: Present on and off throughout and in every month of the year in small numbers. With 30+ on 5th April, 40+ on 16th November and

             20+ on 16th December being some of the larger counts.

 

Twite: Three birds on 19th November with one+ present the following day. Five reported on 12th December with four seen on 25th.

 

Lesser Redpoll: In January six on 3rd, nine on 4th, three on 7th with one on 29th.

                           In March two on 5th.

                           In June three on 4th.

                           In October one on 1st, two on 2nd, one on 13th and 30th.

                           In December one on 16th, five on 17th, one on 23rd, 26th and 29th with two on 30th and 31st.

 

Common Crossbill: One flew south over the reserve on 23rd September. (Ross Ahmed).

                         

Bullfinch: In January two on 5th, three on 20th with single on 28th.

                  In February one on 5th.

                  In April pair on 6th, one on 19th.

                  In August three juveniles on 19th, one on 26th, male with three juveniles on 27th.

                  In September male on 18th, three juveniles on 27th with one juvenile on 30th.

                  In October one on 12th, 13th and 14th,

                  In November pair on 12th, 16th, three on 25th, two on 26th.

                  In December four males on 2nd, one male on 20th, five on 26th, three on 27th and 31st.

                

Yellowhammer: Becoming increasingly uncommon around the reserve with few sightings throughout the year and rarely of more than a single bird

                            seen at any one time.

                           (As the reserve expands but becomes more wetland type habitat the birds are being pushed westwards to the still arable fields 

                            where flocks of up to 50 birds can still be seen at times).

 

Reed Bunting: Year round resident on the reserve in small numbers with up to six pairs breeding.

 

Corn Bunting: In January five on 3rd, three on 7th, one on 16th.

                         In February one on 1st, 5th, two on 12th, with one on 26th.

                         In March two on 5th, one on 6th, two on 31st.

                         In April one on 1st. two on 2nd, one on 5th, 6th, 10th and 16th.

                         In June one on 7th, 11th, two on 25th, one on 26th.

                         In July five on 1st, two on 3rd, three on 17th, one on 20th.

                         In September eight on 24th was highest count of the year.

                         In October one on 16th and 19th with 3 on 22nd.

                         In December two on 4th.

       

 

 

               

                                             

Escapes

Black Swan: In May two on 12th and again on 30th. In June two on 7th, 14th, 16th, then present throughout July, August, and September. (from Drewton estate).

 

Lesser White-fronted Goose: Adult on 3rd, 5th 12th and 15th September.

 

Choloe Wigeon: One on 27th March.

 

Bar-headed Goose: Adult on 8th to 11th June, 5th, 12th and 15th September.