Blog
This Blog is a guide to where i have been and what i have seen. I stopped listing a couple of years ago as I concentrated more on photography, so hopefully this blog will start me off again. I don't chase around the country for rare birds but will go to see local rareities if i find out about them , either at home or on holiday
Please feel free to leave your comments in the contact me section
www.natureinfocus-ra.com
2010 Birds
1. Redwing, 2.Pinkfeet, 3 Canada Goose, 4. Mute swan, 5. Coot, 6. Moorhen, 7. Pied wagtail, 8. Tree Sparrow, 9. House Sparrow, 10. Goldfinch, 11. Greenfinch, 12. Robin, 13. Dunnock, 14. Blackbird, 15. Rook, 16. Jackdaw
17. Carrion Crow, 18. Magpie, 19. GT B B, 20. Lesser BB, 21 Common Gull, 22. BHG, 23. Herrng Gull, 24. Feral Pigeon, 25. Starling, 26. Wigeon, 27. Mallard, 28. Grey Heron, 29 Wood Pigeon, 30 Collard Dove, 31. Blue Tit, 32. Gt Tit, 33. Lt tit 34. Buzzard, 35. Kestrel , 36. Fieldfare 37. Bullfinch, 38. Teal, 39. Little Grebe, 40. Wren, 41 Gt Spotted woodpecker, 42.Siskin, 43. Jay, 44. Coal tit, 45. Goldcrest, 46. reed Bunting, 47.Tufted Duck, 48. Gadwall, 49. Bittern, 50. Kingfisher, 51. Redpoll, 52. Shoveler, 53. Shelduck, 54. Lapwing, 55. Golden Plover, 56. Greylag, 57. Willow Tit.
Happy New Year to all
January 2010
Visits: Poolsbrook, Endcliffe Park, Potteric Carr
Dronfield By-pass deaths
Fox, Rabbit, Tawny Owl.
2008 & 2009 Summary of deaths on Dronfield by pass
In both years the most deaths occurred January -March, with a max 10(2008) and 11 (2009). The least Dec 2008 (1 rabbit), Nov 2009(1 rabbit and 2 pheasant).
Badgers had the highest number of deaths January - March with 6 (2008) and 8(2009) , this in the breeding season.With an addition one in August 2009.
A total of 10 species have been recorded with 4 species too flattened to identify. (totals for both years).
The following refers to both years with the first figure (2008) and the second (2009)
Badger (6)(7), Fox (5)(4), Hedgehog(8)(6), Pheasant(6)(12), stoat (0)(1), Tawny Owl(1)(2),Rabbit (10)(12), Brown Rat(1)(1), Wood pigeon(3)(1) Squirrel(1)(2), n/k(1)(3)
Poolsbrook
Good to see a good number of gulls in the area, i don't know whether this was a one off, as last year the a falconer was employed by the council to scare gulls away from the tip.
Endcliffe Park
Not been in the park for several years, had a walk up from Hunters Bar to the first pond in the snow. Goldcrests calling near entrance.
Potteric Carr
Lots of birds at the feeding station, including a feeding Gt Spotted woodpecker and four Jays.
At least 70 siskin in two flocks and 10 redpoll feeding in alders.
A bittern showed well on the far bank before flying to a nearby reedbed. Then flew over to far side about 45 mins later. Kingfisher inspecting nesting site in bank from Piper Marsh hide. Not much on Huxterwell Marsh except for Greylag, Grey heron (5), Lapwing 250 and a few duck.
2009 Year List
1.Guillemott, 2. Marsh Harrier, 3.Snow Bunting, 4. Linnet, 5. Meadow Pipit, 6. Robin, 7. Wren,
8. Brent Goose, 9. Chaffinch, 10. Greenfinch, 11. Wood Pigeon, 12. Feral Pigeon, 13. Collard Dove, 14. Shelduck, 15.Shoveler, 16.Pintail, 17.Mallard, 18.Tufted, 19.Pochard, 20. Goldeneye, 21 Wigeon,22. Knot, 23.Dunlin, 24.Redshank, 25.Spotted Redshank, 26.Grey Plover, 27.Ringed Plover,28.Snipe,29.Lapwing, 30.Black tailed godwit, 31. Bar tailed Godwit, 32. Oystercatcher, 33. Turnstone, 34. Sanderling, 35 Shag, 36.Black headed Gull,37. Common Gull, 38.Lesser Blackbacked Gull, 39.Gt Blackbacked Gull,40. Herring Gull, 41.Little Egret, 42.Reed bunting, 43.Skylark, 44. Starling 45. House sparrow, 46.Kestrel,47. Long tailed Tit, 48.Blue Tit. 49.Gt Tit,50. Carrion Crow,51.Magpie, 52.Rook, 53.Jackdaw, 54 Jay, 55 Canada Goose, 56.Greylag Goose, 57. Pinkfoot, 58.Coal tit, 59.Fieldfare, 60. Blackbird, 61.Redwing, 62. Song thrush, 63.Mistle Thrush, 64.Waxwing, 65.Goldfinch, 66.Bullfinch, 67.Yellowhammer, 68.Gt Spotted Woodpecker, 69.Pied wagtail, 70.Coot, 71.Moorhen, 72.Willow Tit , 73.Mute Swan, 74.Buzzard, 75.Sparrowhawk, 76. Little Grebe, 77. Gt Crested Grebe, 78.Bearded Tit, 79.Stock Dove, 80.Little Owl, 81.Siskin, 82. Redpoll, 83. Grey Heron, 84. Bittern, 85.Kingfisher, 86.Golden Plover, 87.Cormorant, 88.Scaup,89. Tree Sparrow, 90. Treecreeper, 91.Goldcrest, 92.Gadwall, 93.Teal, 94. Red Grouse,95. Dunnock, 96. Ruddy Duck, 97. Pheasant, 98. Nuthatch, 99. Gt Northern Diver. 100. Curlew, 101. Goosander, 102. Long Eared Owl, 103. Red Necked Grebe, 104.Chiff Chaff, 105. Blacknecked Grebe, 106. Ruff, 107. Avocet 108. Blackcap, 109. Gt grey Shrike, 110 Stonechat, 111.Greenwoodpecker, 112. Woodlark, 113.Cornbunting, 114.Willow Warbler, 115. Sedge warbler, 116. House Martin, 116.Sandmartin, 117. Swallow118. Egyptian Goose, 119.Sandwich tern, 120. Common tern, 121. Artic Tern, 122.Osprey, 123.Yellow wagtail, 124.Tree Pipit, 125. Little ringed Plover, 126. Raven, 127. Pied Flycatcher, 128. Cuckoo, 129 Redstart , 130 Nightingale, 131 Water rail, 132.Lesser Whitethroat, 133. Whitethroat, 134. Swift, 135.Garden Warbler, 136. Reed Warbler, 137. Red Kite.138. Tawny Owl, 139.Garganey,140. Black tern,141. Golden Oriole, 142.Hobby, 143. Stone Curlew,144. Green sandpiper,145. Red legged partridge, 146. Grey partridge, 147.whimbrel,148 Little tern,149 Cetti warbler, 150.Gannet, 151. Spotted Flycatcher, 152. Wood warbler, 153. Barn owl, 154.Greenshank
155. Subalpine warbler, 156. Marsh warbler, 157. Icterine warbler,158.Wood duck, 159.Lesser scaup, 160.White tailed eagle, 161.Iceland gull, 162. Storm Petrel, 163. Red throated diver, 164. Red necked phalarope, 165. Whooper swan, 166. Eider, 167.Rock pipit, 168.Gt Skua, 169 Artic Skua, 170. Razorbill, 171. Puffin, 172. Kittiwake, 173. Fulmar, 174. Twite, 175. Wheatear, 176. Raven, 177. Black Guillemot, 178. Rock Dove, 179. Red breasted merganser, 180. common Scoter 181. Black redstart, 182.Marsh tit
December
Road deaths Dronfield By Pass
Rabbit(1), Pheasant(2)
November
New 2009 birds
Visits:
Road deaths Dronfield by pass
Hedgehog
This month 23rd November i am giving a talk on Winter Wildlife to the Woodhouse Wildlife Group (see web section)
Some great sunrises during the first part of this month. On the 6th a large number of bird flocks flying over M1 at sunrise including Mute Swan(8) cormorant (12), Woodpigeon (500+) Lapwing (30) Jct 26, starling (100+), BHGull (50), Pinkfeet ( heading south east (70+), and a couple of low flying buzzard
On the 23 November 3 Buzzard circling over Jct 26 M1, and a low flying Sparrowhawk over the A610 into Nottingham. During the previous 3 nights many Redwing calling as the flew over.
October
New 2009 Birds: nil
Visits: none
Road deaths Dronfield by Pass
Tawny Owl, Pheasant, Rabbit, Grey Squirrel
This month the sunrises have been quite spectacular, one compensation for getting up early. In addition, several skiens of geese have been seen heading south east, these would have possibly been pinkfeet. Skiens of Canada geese have also been seen locally, with a flock of 19 mute swans heading west over the Dronfield by-pass on the 12 October.
At the other end of the day, we have already seen 8 foxes, 3 in one night travelling back from Coal Aston on the 6 October.
On the 26 October i will be giving an illustrated talk to the Woodhouse Wildlife Group on Eyes on nature. This commences at 7.30pm all welcome (see WWG section on website).
On the 12th headed up M1 from jct 26 to jct 33 and saw three buzzards at various points sat on fence posts, reminded me of similar views while travelling down the autoroute in France.
Lots of Rewings passing over our house last night calling, this lasted for about 10 mins around 8.30pm. (13th)
September
New 2009 birds:Marsh tit, black Redstart
Visits: Luneberg Heath (Germany), Barbrook
Road Deaths Dronfield by-pass
Fox, pheasant (2) Rabbit
Not a great deal of birding apart from the germany trip.
Having travelled overnight from Hull - Rotterdam we made the 7 hour trip across Holland to Soltau in northern Germany. The area is very flat without any water bodies, and is within the NATO training area. Which resulted in many days hearing live ammunition being fired,tanks and machine gun fire, and feeling the vibrations several miles away.
As far as the wildlife is concerned , we did see a fair few birds of prey, one highlight was a pair of hobby seeing off Red kites (3) and a pair of light phase buzzard. Over 50% of the buzzard seen were light phase. Only two kestrels the whole trip, which might mean a decline. Most of the woodland around Bergen/ Soltau was closed off due to military activities, but further south large flocks of tit, included marsh, coal, crested, gt, blue and Longtailed, as well as numerous Gt spotted woodpeckers, short toed treecreeper and nuthatch. Black redstarts were numerous through the area. Possibly an area we wouldn't go back to due to restricted access in some areas. Did get excellent views of Red Squirrel, stoat, weasel, fox, rabbit, fallow deer and marsh frog.
At Barbrook, a party of 8 linnet flew close to the entrance (a bird not often seen now a days. Lots of meadow pipit, sklark and several stonechat. A couple of Ravens passed over, 15 Red grouse seen on the southern bank and a sparrowhawk chasing a small bird.
Having travelled up and down the M1 from Sheffield to Nottingham over the past two years i have not seen more than 5 kestrels in all that time. On the 29th of this month, four could be seen close to the motorway, these could have been searching for small mammals which increase at this time of year.
August
new 2009 birds:None
Visits: Millers Dale, Coombes Dale
Road deaths Dronfield by -pass
Grey Squirrel (1), hedgehog, Rabbit, n/k 3,Badger (1) Pheasant (1)
Both dales held large numbers of butterflies, including small and greenviened white, Peacock, meadow brown, gatekeeper, painted lady, small and large skipper, gatekeeper, Dark Green Frittillary, small copper, common Blue.
The dark Green Fritillaries are most abundant in July, although on this early August trip, around 10 were seen in a favoured spot in Coombes Dale.
At this time of year birds are moulting and are mostly quite. The following seen in both dales
Buzzard, LTT(Flock of 33 birds) goldfinch, Chaffinch. Whitethroat, willow warbler, Jackdaw, Raven, Blue tit, Gt Tit, Blackbird, swallow
On the 27th, a sunny morning for a change, 11 cormorants flew over Dronfield bypass, possibly heading towards Linacre Res. Suprisingly a kingfisher was seen flying over the Tesco roundabout at Chesterfield, heading towards the canal. Where it had come from was a bit of a mystery.While two buzzard soared close to Junction 28 M1.
July
new 2009 birds:none
Visits: Potteric Carr, Millers Dale, Carrvale NR
Road deaths Dronfield by -pass
Brown Rat (1) Rabbit (1) Wood pigeon(1)
n/k (2)
At Carrvale the other day couldn't help seeing the Burnet moths, possibly about 30 around carpark. Also Comma, Meadow Brown , Gatekeeper, Small White, Large White butterflies. Not many insects about to photograph due to wind wet conditions.
Birds included, Sparrowhawk, Whitethroat, Canada (105) Gt Crested Grebe(6) Water Rail, many eclipse duck, Grey Heron, a few Swift and House Martin and a party of 35 Longtailed tit
At Potteric Carr , the Blacknecked Grebe and one young showed well, the other young bird possibly predated by Pike, although a Grey Heron was constantly dive bombing the Grebes. Young moorhen and coots also present.
A female sparrowhawk made two attempts to catch Reed or sedge warblers, not seen this before. Little Egret, Gt Spotted Woodpecker and Green Sandpiper also present.
On the 6th a hobby seen catching insects over the River Trent near Nottingham City centre.
Looking across the meadows on the way down to Nottingham, you cannot fail to notice the numerous red poppies, what a great sight this is, seems to be more about this year. The same cannot be said of the Swallow, Swift and House Martins which are in short supply everywhere.
Visited Millers dale to photography orchids,100's of fragrant and common spotted, with just six Bee orchids. Lots of butterflies and moths about, as well as some very sweet wild strawberries.
Very few birds but singing willow warbler and whitethroat, a buzzard passed by and Jay's were noisy.
June
new 2009 birds: Subalpine warbler, Marsh warbler, Icterine Wabler, Wood Duck, Lesser Scaup, White tailed eagle, Iceland Gull, Storm petrel, Red throated diver, Red necked phalarope, whooper swan, eider, rock pipit, Gt Skua, Artic Skua, Razorbill, Puffin, Kittiwake, Fulmar, twite, wheatear, raven, black guillemot, rock dove, red breasted merganser, common scoter,
Visits: Shetland
Dronfield Bypass -road deaths (June)
Fox (2) , rabbit (1), hedgehog (2)
Another fantastic trip to Shetland, early this month and the best weather since we started visiting back in 1987. Visiting in early June you never know what migrants you may see. This time a subalpine warbler was showing well (photo soon) , having seen two on previous visits i have only had brief views but this was out in the open several times, and singing as well. The Marsh warbler was also seen singing over a period of a couple of days, but the Icterine warbler only occasionally showed, with no photo opportunities this time.
Artic terns brought sandeels in, which is a good sign with very few successfully raising young over the past years. Gullimot , razorbill and Kittiwake numbers are well down again, nothing like the masses in the early 1990's.
The Gt Skua's on Hermaness, Unst are always something to look forward to. As you head for the cliffs you are constantly dive bombed by these big birds.
We also saw an otter, shetland is the best pace in Britain to see this mammal in daylight hours. Painted lady butterflies were plentiful, many thousands being seen in Britain during early June
May
New 2009 birds: Garganey, Black Tern, Golden Oriole, Hobby, Stone Curlew, Green sandpiper, Red legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Greenshank, Whimbrel, Little tern, Cetti warbler, Gannet, wood warbler, spotted flycatcher, barn owl
Visits: Padley gorge, Weeting heath, Lakenheath, Cley, Titchwell, Snettisham, Barbrook, Blacktoft
During the period Jan - April i have recorded the following road deaths on Dronfield by-pass
Badgers (8), Fox(1) Stoat(1), hedgehog(1), Rabbit(1), Pheasant (5), Tawny Owl(1).
May Dronfield By pass road deaths
Pheasant (1), Hedgehog(1)
A visit to Padley to photography wood ants proved productive with many active around the bracken areas. birds included, Cuckoo(2) Tree Pipit(2) Redstart (1) Nuthatch(1) and various tits.
Weeting always proves a good spot for Stone Curlew with one found in the distance. Several Greenwoodpeckers were feeding amongst the many rabbits. No woodlark on this occasion.
At Lakenheath everything was happening.On one of the pools 2 male and 1 female garganey was found amongst other ducks. A Black tern with Common terns. Two male Golden orioles flew across from the bushes to the poplar trees giving superb views. A female and another male called from a different area.
At least 27 hobbies could be seen at once although over 30 had been recorded, what an incredible sight.These could be seen to feed on dragonflies and other insects. Also in this area , 3 bittern with two in flight,Little Egret, four Marsh Harriers and a couple of Kestrel, and numerous Reed and sedge warblers with the odd bearded tit. No sign of the breeding Common cranes
At Cley in very cold windy conditions, a flock of 30 Black taied Godwit, Green sandpiper, Redshank, Avocet (55) and a little egret were feeding out on the Marsh, two pairs of Marsh Harrier performed close by.
At Titchwell, a flock of over 200 sanderling and 50 ringed plover scurried along the beach, Sandwich and Little terns rested on the sandbank. Cetti warbler called at various points along the walk back to the hides and several linnet move along the bushes. A few pintail mingled in with shoveler , mallard and teal. Again two pairs of Marsh Harrier performed in front of the hide with two food passes seen.
At Snettisham, around the caravan park, several Red legged and Grey Partridge fed on rough grassland, two whimbrel rested before moving north. Many Canada and Greylag geese had young and over 10 whitethroat sang
Barbook started well with a hobby near the entrance, quickly followed by Wood warbler , blackcap and two pairs of spotted flycatchers in the wood. On the edge three singing tree piupits and four pairs of stonechat were found. In the distance cuckoo, raven and curlew passed by
A slow start at Blacktoft, with Avocet (100+) the main attraction until mid afternoon. Then Marsh Harrier(7) Barn Owl, and three sightings of Bittern flying made a good afternoon. Lots of reed and sedge warblers singing with tree sparrow around the car park.
April
new 2009 birds: Blackcap, Gt Grey Shrike, Stonechat, Raven, Pied Flycatcher, Cuckoo, Yellow wagtail, tree pipit, osprey, sandwich tern, artic tern, common tern, Egypian goose, swallow, H'se martin, sand martin, sedge warbler, Greenwoodpecker, woodlark, Redstart ,cornbunting, willow warbler, Little ringed plover, nightingale, lesser whitethroat, whitethroat, garden warbler, reed warbler, Red Kite, Water Rail, swift
Visits: Derbyshire, Dukeries, Rutland water, Old Moor
On the Dronfield by pass this month the following road deaths include Tawny Owl(1) Rabbit (1)
An early morning start on the 4th produced two Gt Grey Shrikes in Derbyshire. Also three adders amongst the bracken, but only one reasonable for photography. A pair of Kestrel & Stonechat, three pairs of Curlew as well as Skylark , meadow pipit singing and 3 red deer high up on the hill rounded off a good morning.
Over the easter weekend we managed to visit the Dukeries, Rutland water and Old Moor although the weather failed to live up to expectations the birds certainly did.
At an area in the Dukeries the morning started well with Cornbunting(2) Woodlark(3) Greenwoodpecker(2), Buzzard (3) with 29 species in all.
Rutland water always produces good birds with a good number of migrants among the 56 species seen. The highlights included Osprey (3) which included 2 males and a female. A pair of Egyptian Geese had taken over the nest but were soon removed by a pair of Osprey. The male Osprey was seen carrying nest material to the nest then mating took place.
Other highlights included, Yellow wagtail(2) Tree Pipit(1) swallow(200) sandMartin(200) H'se Martin (20), sandwich tern(1) Artic and common tern(3), sedge warbler(25) , willow warbler (7), Goldeneye(32), white wagtail(3).
At Old Moor only a few migrants had arrived, with sedge & willow warbler, Little Ringed Plover and swallow(1). 3 Greenwoodpeckers called and 20+ Tree Sparrow seen amongst the 38 species. Also orange Tip and small white & tortoisehell butterflies, lots of cowslips and plenty of activity in the ponds.
A visit to the moors around the Baslow area, Derbyshire on the 19 April produced several common lizards, some dark green with orange markings but too quick for the camera in the hot conditions. Birds of note included a superb looking Redstart, Raven(2) Buzzard(2) Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Reed Bunting, Cuckoo, Curlew and lots of willow warblers.
A further visit to Rutland water over the weekend of the 25 April produced most of the warbler in full song. Three Nightingales however completely won the day as they gave their wonderful song from just outside the hide.
More Osprey's are returning to Rutland water each year, with some Scottish birds passing through. This time 5 Ospreys in air at same time, with at least two pairs mating. A Red Kite and three Buzzards added to the excitment. Amongst the reeds, sedge and Reed bunting could be seen , with the occasional glimpse of a water rail and three snipe. Another good day with 51 species of bird and nine species of butterflies including brimstone, Comma, orange tip and meadow brown
March
new 2009 birds: Goosander, long eared Owl, Red Necked Grebe, Chiff Chaff, Blacknecked Grebe, Ruff, Avocet
Visits: Fairburn Ings, Foremark Res.Potteric Carr, Blacktoft Sands
I have had eight Sparrowhawk sightings so far this month, with two seperate birds displaying over Nottingham city centre.
This month i have seen four dead Badgers, stoat, hedgehog and 3 pheasants on Dronfield By-pass.
At last caught up and photographed Waxwings (photos to appear later this month), 4 birds in Nottingham and a flock of 80 in Asda carpark.
Mid month we visited Fairburn Ings, a place i had not visited for 25 years. Much improved facilities, including 5 hides. A very windy but bright day with 42 species recorded. The highlights included a long eared owl, Goosander (8), shoveler (58) and Kingfisher. Many birds singing, frogs, coltsfoot in large numbers and many trees in bud.
A nice still sunny day at Foremark where the Red Necked Grebe was showing well in front of the visitors centre. In an hour it caught three large fish, with dives 15- 20 seconds.
Also Gt Creted Grebes(39) Little Grebe (5) among the 32 species seen on the day. Two small tortoiseshell butterflies seen.
Visted Pottic Carr, on the approach to the first hide 8 Redpoll seen feeding on the ground. A black necked Grebe seen on Huxter well Marsh, which also had displaying Gt Crested Grebe. A buzzard was seen over the M18 and flocks of starling visited the marsh through out the afternoon. A total of 40 species seen.
At Blacktoft Sands things did not look promising on the 28th, with strong winds and heavy rain. 39 species seen during day with 6 displaying Marsh Harriers, 77 Avocet, 14 Redshank, 2 Black tailed Godwit, 100+ teal. Just missed the water pipit and Bittern which had been seen early morning.
January & February 2009
Visits to: Titchwell, Potteric Carr, Old Moor Wetlands, Carr Vale, Ringinglow moors, Padley Gorge, Pools brook,Crasington, Riverlin Valley
In January we visited Titchwell- Norfolk , this was excellent as usual and well worth the long drive down. Close views of the waders in the lagoons and on the beach (photos will appear soon), flocks of snow bunting(50) and linnet in the dunes, while skeins of Brent Geese passed over. A lone Guillemot was found well up the beach and helpless until the tide came back in. A female marsh harrier passed over the reed bed, where Bearded tit and Reed bunting could be found. On the way back to the centre a Robin appeared about 1 foot away and then started to feed at my feet, this stopped several people from passing by.
I am still trying to find waxwings to photograph, various searches in Sheffield have proved fruitless, except a brief view of two in a tree on Manchester Road. Normally birds stay in one spot for several days but this year they are passing through very quickly, possibly due to the lack of berries.
In February, trips to Old Moor to find Waxwings again failed. But I managed to get good views of Little Owl , Siskin, Redpoll and Tree Sparrow among others. As the lakes were frozen most of the activity was around the bird garden.
Potteric Carr on the 14th was superb, with two Bitterns performing for around 1 ½ hours, with birds flying across the frozen lake, feeding and stood at the edge of the reed bed. Also, about 150 Pink feet flew over, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher and a fox showed.
On my trips to work in Nottingham, I am usually stuck in traffic so I can admire the sunrises, the fog drifting over the farmland, regular Buzzard sightings and sadly the many dead mammals beside the road. During Jan / Feb- Four dead badgers, one fox and two pheasants can be seen on the Dronfield by- pass.
Over the past years many badgers have been killed here despite the underpasses, which have been especially designed to allow badgers to pass to the other side. At least the moles survive , judging from the number of mole hills present , and a lone Roe deer was also seen early in the morning near to M1 junction 26