GREAT YEAR GETS GREATER
Despite a new ‘lockdown’, superb rare birds kept coming throughout November
Back in late March, when the first national ‘lockdown’ started, it had a massive impact on the whole business of watching and ‘chasing’ rare birds. Instead of a time of peak rare bird finding and watching, the spring naturally became a time of ‘suppression’ on the side of caution. So, it should be no surprise that after much of the country entered ‘Lockdown 2’ during November, then there would be more of the same.
But that still doesn’t damp the pain for many ‘listers’ of a first for the UK appearing and being present for a week, unannounced and secret, to prevent potential twitching. The bird in question was a Ruby- crowned Kinglet, found on the Outer Hebridean isle of Barra (12th) and present until 19th. These little birds are the North American equivalent (and relative) of the Goldcrest (ie not an American ‘wood warbler’, but a closer relative of the Old World warblers), but apart from one trapped at Cape Clear, Co. Cork (October 2013), none have come even close to the UK before.
Much more accessible, and so arguably much more exciting even than a first for the UK, was a Crag Martin which appeared near the white cliffs of Dover, at Kingsdown, Kent on 21st and was still present at the end of November. There have only been a dozen accepted UK records of this southern European species, and very few indeed have lingered (although the last November bird, in 2015 at Chesterfield, Derbyshire, stayed 11 days). Amazingly, there was another Crag Martin this month (thought to be a different bird), at Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney, on 18th.
Back to aerial insect- eaters in Kent, there was a first-winter female Common Nighthawk at Burham Marsh, on 6th. With Swallows seen at various sites around the country, on the last days of the month, why not a nighthawk near the start! Was this the same nighthawk as was seen at Church Norton, West Sussex, in early October?
Three superb waders
Although news broke a wee bit late (on 9th, for a bird seen on 3rd), a Hudsonian Godwit was nonetheless an excellent find
at Eden Estuary, Fife. The bird, a juvenile, with Black-tailed Godwits remained in the Guardbridge/ Eden Estuary area until at least 28th (although, Scottish Covid restrictions prevented ‘twitching’ from outside the county).
Easier to twitch was a Greater Yellowlegs, at Dunwich Pools, Suffolk (from 7th to 19th), which also showed spectacularly well for photographers. It will be interesting to see if this bird is refound elsewhere (it hadn’t been by beginning of December).
The third in this trio of tasty waders was a Hudsonian Whimbrel briefly on rocks at South Gare, Cleveland on 4th. This is the dark-rumped North American equivalent of our white-rumped Whimbrel, and has recently been ‘put back’ in that species (as a subspecies) by some taxonomists who know about these things; though it still (for now) resides as a distinct species on The British List of the BOU (for those who are counting).
Also this month
On the same date as that Hudsonian Whimbrel, a Yellowbilled Cuckoo was photographed at Goonhavern, Cornwall (though news only came out about this at the end of the month). In the same county (at Crows-an-Wra), one of the most ‘controversial’ birds was a Sociable Lapwing. A first-winter, the controversy was merely because of its admirers potentially pushing the ‘Lockdown 2’ boundaries somewhat by travelling to see it. This vannellid has become a very rare bird (after huge population declines in the breeding grounds of the central Asian steppes), with just six previous accepted records so far this century (the last in 2008). So, it naturally tempted many admirers...
It has become almost normal to expect Eastern Yellow Wagtails at this time of year. And 2020 duly obliged with a few, the most exciting being a blue-headed ‘Alaskan’ Yellow Wagtail at Dunwich Pools, Suffolk (5th to 16th), and another Alaskan at Carlton Marshes in the same county at the end of the month.
Other cool passerines included very good numbers of Dusky Warblers and a few Hume’s Leaf Warblers, as well as Cornwall’s first ever Arctic Redpoll (a Coues’s) at Trevose Head (7th); while Portland, Dorset scored the county’s second (12th). In this amazing year for shrikes, yet another Brown Shrike turned up, this time at Port Skigersta, Lewis, Outer Hebrides (is that nine this year in the country?); meanwhile an Isabelline Shrike was on found Yell, Shetland.
The month finished (30th) with a Pine Bunting briefly at Balephuil, Tiree (remember the site of the Western Palearctic’s first Yellow-bellied Flycatcher?). A very beautiful male Desert Wheatear at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse, Norfolk, proved popular and photogenic.
Waterbirds included a new Pied-billed Grebe (in addition to the established resident Argyll bird) at South Walney NR, Cumbria. Last seen on 8th, was this Cumbrian Pied-billed Grebe the same one that appeared at Chelmarsh, Shropshire, on 26th?
A Lesser Scaup was at Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, Shetland (a bird which has become much rarer in the UK in recent years).
Possible seabirds
Finally, we must give a mention to a smattering of potentially extremely rare seabirds, that were almost, but not quite, clinched. These were a possible Brown Booby, past Southwold, Suffolk (1st); a potential Trinidade Petrel past Pendeen, Cornwall (4th); and a Fregetta petrel which was either a Black-bellied or Whitebellied Storm Petrel seen off Cley, Norfolk (17th).
AVON
CLEVEDON TO WESTON-SUPER-MARE:
A few Brent Geese and Red-breasted Mergansers passed Sand Point and Clevedon-Yeo. Shelduck reached 400 each at several lower Severn sites. Clevedon Pill’s drake Mandarin was reported (19th). Bleadon Levels had Cattle and Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier and Water Pipit. There was a Jack Snipe at Kenn Moor (2nd). An Arctic Skua passed Sand Point (4th). A Woodcock was flushed from Sand Point and 70 Golden Plovers passed through. Hen and Marsh Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl were along lower Severnside.
Two Bar-tailed Godwits were at Portbury Wharf, where Dunlin reached 1,800. A Yellow-browed Warbler reappeared at Sand Point, followed by a Pallas’s Warbler (25th-27th) with up to three Firecrests and a Ring Ouzel (9th). Clevedon-Yeo had 17 Stonechats (6th), a Dartford Warbler (4th), a Yellow-browed Warbler (10th), two Snow Buntings (4th) and three Bearded Tits. The luckiest sighting was a Pallid Swift over Sand Point (11th), also at Sea Mills, Bristol (10th).
SEVERNSIDE: Five Whooper Swans were over Oldbury (19th). Sea-watchers picked out Bonxie, Arctic Skua, Little Gull, 120 Kittiwakes and a Great Northern Diver (2nd). A Cattle Egret (1st) and a Great White Egret (7th) visited Northwick Warth. Two Merlins haunted the shorelines. Oldbury had the last Wheatear (4th), up to three Black Redstarts and 11 Stonechats. Two Snow Buntings spent a week at Northwick Warth. Migration watchers at Aust logged 16 Siskins, 28 Bramblings and four Hawfinches (7th).
THE RESERVOIRS: Barrow Gurney saw the return of the drake Long-tailed Duck (7th) plus another first-winter Great Northern Diver (13th), both staying into December. At month-end two Bewick’s Swans turned up at Blagdon and a Ring-necked Duck at Chew, which also had two Scaup, a Lesser Scaup (1st-4th) and a couple of Red-crested Pochards (23rd & 30th). A
Slavonian Grebe at Blagdon (4th) presumably moved to Chew (6th), and Great Crested Grebe counts peaked at 145. After the departure of the Lesser Yellowlegs (2nd), Chew logged just a Little Stint, 20 Snipe and two Jack Snipe. Chew had 41 Cattle, 34 Little and 25 Great White Egrets, also a Bittern (12th). Blagdon had nine Cattle and three Great White Egrets.
Barrow Gurney turned up Knot (14th) and four Little Gulls (8th). Chew gull flocks included Med, Yellow-legged. Little Gull (3rd), Kittiwake (3rd), and Iceland Gull (29th), and intermedius
Lesser Black-back (17th). Stray birds blown in at Chew were an Arctic Skua (3rd) and Great Northern Diver (1st). A Hen Harrier (30th) and two Marsh Harriers were recorded. Chew’s first-ever Dusky Warbler was trapped and ringed (28th). Chew also logged a White Wagtail (3rd), two Water Pipits, a Siberian Chiffchaff and nine Bearded Tits. There were at least two more Water Pipits at Barrow Gurney (22nd).
OTHER SITES: A Mandarin turned up at Newton St Loe and four Goosanders at Yate. Golden Plover numbers settled at 300 around Marshfield, which logged 500 Common Gulls and Yellow-legged Gull (6th), Woodcock (17th), two Merlins, the last Swallow (22nd), 600 Fieldfares, 10 Stonechats, 400 Linnets, 70 Corn Buntings and 40 Yellowhammers. There was a scattering of Black Redstarts at traditional wintering sites, migrant Stonechats and Firecrests (at least six around Bristol). Jane Cumming
CHANNEL ISLANDS
JERSEY: Saint Catherine’s breakwater logged hundreds of Razorbills, Guillemots, 10 Great Northern Divers, tens of Black-throated Divers, 60 Red-throated Divers, Snow Buntings, 12 Eiders, Common Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, 12 Sandwich Terns, 20 Med Gulls, 30 Great Crested Grebes, Black-necked Grebes, Slavonian Grebes, 50 Little Gulls, 100 Kittiwakes and Great Skua. Great White Egrets roamed the island. There were 120 Little Egrets, 20 Cattle Egrets and a Siberian Chiffchaff at La Rocque. Grouville Bay held 1,022 Brent Geese, including a Black Brant, 250 Grey Plovers, 150 Curlews, a Greenland Wheatear, two Snow Buntings and seven Swallows. Thirty Black Redstarts were around the coast. Victoria Tower logged a Pallid Swift (10th). A Bittern was at the Wetlands Centre (4th-23rd). A Wryneck was at Noirmont. Other highlights were Serin, two Yellow-browed Warblers, Lapland Bunting, Richard’s Pipits, 17 Purple Sandpipers, Spoonbills, three Hen Harriers and 20 Marsh Harriers. Bertram Bree
CORNWALL
HIGHLIGHTS: A Sociable Plover was in the Crows-an-Wra area (25th-30th). Seven Whooper Swans were noted at Maer Lake (4th), and nine at Zennor (21st). The Russian White-fronted Goose was on the Tresillian River (1st-13th) at least. A dozen Pink-footed Geese were recorded, with a maximum of nine together around Hayle (1st-25th). A Green-winged Teal was at College Reservoir (7th-25th) and a Ring-necked Duck at Gwithian (13th). Great Egrets were at Stithians (1st-2nd) and Chapel Amble (13th-25th).
A Pacific Diver was in Mount’s Bay (25th-30th). At least five Iceland Gulls were noted (1st-30th). A Caspian Gull was on Hayle (30th). A Glaucous Gull was off Trevose (17th), and a Black Guillemot off St Ives (30th). A probable Pallid Swift was at Towan Head (9th). Pallas’s Warblers were at College Reservoir (15th-25th) and Nanjizal (25th).
Yellow-browed Warblers were noted in small numbers. Dusky Warblers were at Nanjizal (4th-25th), where at least two were present, Park Head (5th-10th) and Porthgwarra (8th-26th). Rosy Starlings were at St Buryan (19th-30th) and St Mawgan (21st). Red-breasted Flycatcher was at Church Cove (19th-30th). A Desert Wheatear was at Penberth (22nd-23rd). Richard’s Pipits were at Park Head (6th) and Grade (29th) and an Olive-backed Pipit was at Nanjizal (4th). Coue’s
Arctic Redpolls were noted at Trevose (7th-9th), Nanquidno (9th) and Nanjizal (10th). A Serin was at Nanquidno (9th). Little Buntings were at Park Head (6th) and Cadgwith (23rd).
At least 25 Snow Buntings were noted, with 17 at Trevose (6th-17th), and six Lapland Buntings were reported, with two at Pendeen (8th). Sara McMahon
DEVON
LUNDY: Highlights included Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Merlin, 1,000 Chaffinches, 4,000 Starlings, Iceland Gull, Wood Lark, Lapland Bunting, Ring Ouzel, 234 Redwings, seven Woodcocks, 189 Kittiwakes, Hen Harrier, Red-throated Pipit, Glaucous Gull, Yellow-browed Warbler, Hoopoe, Goosander (the first since 1934) and four Black Redstarts.
NORTH DEVON: Fremington had Grey Phalarope, four Glossy Ibises, five Cattle Egrets, two Spotted Redshanks, two Greenshanks, Short-eared Owl and Spoonbill. Ilfracombe had three Purple Sandpipers, Iceland Gull, two Yellow-legged Gulls, 39 Stonechats and two Black Redstarts. Braunton had seven Grey Plovers, 500 Golden Plovers, two Snow Buntings and Cattle Egret. Northam Burrows had two Snow Buntings. The Taw Estuary had two Short-eared Owls, four Glossy Ibises, Spotted Redshank, Whooper Swan and two Spoonbills. A Hen Harrier was at Bursdon Moor. Baggy Point had 16 Common Scoters. Lower Tamar Lake had a Merlin, nine Willow Tits and Green Sandpiper.
SOUTH DEVON: Berry Head had four Black Redstarts, five Firecrests, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas’s Warbler, nine Purple Sandpipers, 450 Redwings and four Great Northern Divers. Clennon Lakes had Scaup and two Yellow-browed Warblers. Plymouth had Grey Phalarope, three Great Northern Divers and Yellow-browed Warbler. Slapton had Bittern, Ring-necked Duck, Caspian Gull, Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier. Hopes Nose had Short-eared Owl and four Great Northern Divers. Prawle Point had Red-backed Shrike and 60 Cirl Buntings. Soar had a Merlin, 55,600 Woodpigeons, two Black Redstarts, a Snow Bunting and 586 Sky Larks. A Crane was at Seaton. Exmouth had three Richard’s Pipits. Hallsands had a Siberian Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler and two Black Redstarts.
Exminster Marshes had Ruff, Marsh Harrier, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon and Yellow-browed Warbler. Yarner Wood had Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Torbay had Black-necked Grebe, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff, Scaup, Red-necked Grebe, seven Great Northern Divers and two Long-tailed Ducks. An Osprey was on the Yealm Estuary. Soussons, Dartmoor had Great Grey Shrike and Snow Bunting. Fernworthy had a Great Grey
Shrike. Lee Moor had a Red-crested Pochard. Brixham had three Great Northern Divers. The Exe Estuary had three Great Northern Divers, seven Red-throated Divers, two Common Scoters and a Slavonian Grebe.
THURLESTONE BAY: Maxima included two Brent Geese, 20 Common Scoters, Goosander, Great Northern Divers, two Red-throated Divers, 185 Gannets, Fulmar, Merlin, 12 Ringed Plovers, 100 Golden Plovers, four Sanderling, seven Dunlin, 20 Snipe, two Woodcocks, 14 Redshanks, six Greenshanks, six Black-tailed Godwits, 27 Curlews, two Common Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, 13 Turnstones, 130 Kittiwakes, 10 Med Gulls, 2,000 Herring Gulls, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Gull, Glaucous Gull, two Black Redstarts, Yellow-browed Warbler, Siberian Chiffchaff, two Bramblings and Water Pipit. Harvey Kendall and Mike Passman (thurlestonebaybirds.co.uk)
ISLES OF SCILLY
HIGHLIGHTS: The Glossy Ibis was still in the Salakee area (1st) and the Short-toed Lark on Peninnis. Long-stayers included the Russian White-fronted Goose and Greylag on St Mary’s and four Cattle Egrets on Tresco. Three Cetti’s Warblers were on St Mary’s. Great Spotted Woodpeckers were on Tresco and St Mary’s. Three Spoonbills roosted near Samson. Dusky Warblers included two on Tresco and five on St Mary’s. A few Yellow-browed Warblers, Siberian Chiffchaffs and Firecrests were on most islands. An Iceland Gull on Garrison (3rd) was the first of four. A Lapland Bunting was on Peninnis (4th-5th). Two Yellow-legged Gulls were on St Agnes (4th). A Hen Harrier toured the islands.
A Red-flanked Bluetail was at Porth Hellick (5th-7th). A Glaucous Gull was in Porth Loo (6th). A Red-backed Shrike was at Watermill (6th-8th). Two Jack Snipe were at Porth Hellick (6th). A Wood Lark spent a few days on Peninnis (from 7th). A Richard’s Pipit was on St Martin’s (9th), when a Manx Shearwater was over Hugh Town. A Glossy Ibis was on St Agnes (12th).
A Red-throated Diver was between the islands (from 13th), plus Great Northern Divers. A Blyth’s Reed Warbler and Pallas’s Warbler were on Tresco (13th), when a Slavonian Grebe was off St Mary’s. A Jackdaw roamed the islands from mid-month, as did a Kumlien’s Gull (from 17th). A Little Gull was in Porth Cressa (18th). A Long-eared Owl was in Holy Vale (21st). A Great White Egret was on the islands (from 22nd). A Bluethroat was ringed at Porth Hellick (27th), when a Black-throated Diver was between the islands and an Eider off Old Quay, St Martin’s. Six Whooper Swans flew over Porth Hellick (28th). Will Wagstaff
WILTSHIRE
HIGHLIGHT: A Snow Bunting was at Gore Cross. A Wood Lark was at Fonthill. A Siberian Chiffchaff was at the Water Park. Great White Egrets were at Corsley and the Water Park. A Kittiwake was found dead near Swindon. A Hawfinch was at Teffont Down. At Stoford, Lapwings peaked at 1,400, Starlings at 2,000 and Golden Plovers at 2,000. There was a noticeable increase in Redwings and Fieldfares. Lesser Redpolls were at eight sites including 33 at Devizes. Bramblings were at seven sites and Crossbills at five. In the Water Park, wildfowl counts included 435 Teal, 302 Wigeon, 75 Pochards, 53 Shovelers, 24 Pintails, 12 Red-crested Pochards and five Goldeneyes. A Green Sandpiper was at Shear Water. Jack Snipe were at Swindon STW and Cumberwell. Rob Turner
BEDFORDSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Hoopoe was at Northill (8th-19th). A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Brogborough Hill (to 8th), with another heard at Baulk Wood (1st). Two Dartford Warblers were at Sandy, with one at Aspley Heath. A Black Redstart was at Wooton (19th). A Slavonian Grebe was at Stewartby Lake (4th), with it, or another, at Harrold and Odell CP (25th-26th). A White-fronted Goose was at Broom GP (16th-29th), with 10 at Priory CP (30th).
Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia facebook.com/robinchittenden7
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A juvenile Great Northern Diver was at Caldecotte Lake (17th-26th), and an adult at Calvert (17th). A Pink-footed Goose was at Watermead Lake (1st-3rd). Two Whooper Swans were at Gallows Bridge (8th-9th), moving to Long Crendon and Thame (10th). A Bearded Tit was at Calvert BBOWT Lake (11th & 18th). A Long-eared Owl was ringed at Linford (4th). A Dartford Warbler was at Hyde Heath (27th-30th) and a Siberian Chiffchaff was ringed at Linford Reserve (23rd). A Marsh Harrier was at Marsworth Reservoir (26th) and a Hawfinch at Dancersend (10th).
FOXCOTE RESERVOIR: There was a Great White Egret (21st), a Pintail (26th & 29th-30th), Goldeneye (27th & 29th-30th) and up to three Yellow-legged Gulls (1st-26th), a Green Sandpiper (8th & 22nd) with two more (26th), and two Pintails (29th-30th).
MARSWORTH RESERVOIR: A Bittern was regular, and there was a Goosander (2nd-11th), and a Great White Egret (6th, 13th & 22nd).
GALLOWS BRIDGE FARM: There was a Green Sandpiper (21st), six Crossbills over (1st), and Dunlin (29th), Curlew (9th), Jack Snipe (1st) and four Shelducks (9th).
LITTLE MARLOW GP: There was a Dunlin (7th) and a Red-crested Pochard (19th). A Goosander was seen on and off (1st-24th) and up to four Shelducks (23rd-29th).
OTHER SITES: A late Hobby was seen at Chalfont Park (6th), a Wheatear at Dorney Lake (2nd) and a Med Gull was at Dorney Common (24th). A Curlew flew over Dinton (23rd). Newton Leys had seven Caspian Gulls (26th) and up to four Yellow-legged Gulls (6th-27th). Two
Black-tailed Godwits were at Manor Farm (3rd). A Merlin was at Olney. College Lake had four Redshanks (21st) and a Great White Egret (1st). Shardeloes had a Red-crested Pochard (13th). Bradwell New Workings had a Jack Snipe (9th), as did Ickford (20th), Willen Lake North (12th) and Gallows Bridge (29th). Weston Turville Reservoir had two Firecrests (19th) and Pennhouse Grove one (1st).
HAMPSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: Two of the Penduline Tits from October were still at Titchfield Haven (2nd), and a Glossy Ibis flew over Keyhaven (3rd). Yellow-browed Warblers were at Titchfield Canal Path (1st-2nd) and Skidmore (4th). Great Grey Shrikes arrived, at Milkham Inclosure (15th-16th), Woolmer Forest (22nd) and Bransbury Common (from 24th). A Lapland Bunting was at Keyhaven (7th) and a Great Bustard was twice in that area. Cattle Egrets were at Farlington Marshes (6th), Bransgore (eight, 16th; nine, 30th) and Warblington (four, 17th). Up to eight Spoonbills were at Inchmery, with two over Pennington (19th). The only Bittern was at Fishlake Meadows (6th & 13th).
A Pink-footed Goose flew over Barton-on-Sea (29th) and 24 White-fronted Geese were at Farlington Marshes (29th), with one at Normandy Marsh (21st & 29th). Velvet Scoters were off Tanners Lane (16th), Pennington (two, 21st), Hill Head (two, 21st) and Brownwich (22nd), while Long-tailed Ducks were off Lymington (3rd), Chichester Harbour (20th), Hill Head (24th) and Hook-with-Warsash (24th). Great Northern Divers included seven off Weston Shore. Black-throated Divers were off Millford-on-Sea (15th) and Barton-on-Sea (22nd), while Red-throated Divers were at five sites. The only Slavonian Grebe was in Langstone Harbour (7th, 22nd & 29th-30th), where Black-necked Grebes reached nine.
Grey Phalaropes were at Farlington Marshes (1st), Keyhaven/Pennington (up to two, 2nd-7th) and Southsea (19th). Little Stint was at Pennington (2nd), with three Spotted Redshank and four Ruff there. Purple Sandpipers included 26 at Barton-on-Sea and 13 at Southsea Castle. Seabirds included Bonxies at Inchmery (24th), Weston Shore (28th) and Hill Head (28th).
Raptors included Hen Harriers at Sandy Point (7th) and several sites in the New Forest, Merlins at nine sites and Short-eared Owls at Farlington Marshes (up to two, 3rd-7th) and Newlands Farm (7th). The last Wheatears were at Farlington Marshes (5th-8th) and Park Shore (9th) and Ring Ouzels were at Old Basing (5th) and Trigpoint Hill (9th). More typical was an influx of Black Redstarts at 19 sites. Tom Jordan
HERTFORDSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: Three Ring-necked Ducks were at Wilstone and Startop’s End Reservoir (24th-25th). A Black-necked Grebe was at Wilstone Reservoir (4th-5th), with three (24th-25th). A Spoonbill was at Amwell (29th-30th). A Black Redstart was at Baldock (14th-23rd). A Hen Harrier was at Wallington (from 22nd).
Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia facebook.com/robinchittenden7
KENT
HIGHLIGHTS: A Common Nighthawk was found around Burham Marsh (6th). A first-winter Crag Martin was around Kingsdown and Samphire Hoe CP (21st-30th). Dungeness NNR had a Hume’s Leaf Warbler ringed (6th), plus a Dusky Warbler, Grey Phalarope (3rd), Ring Ouzel, Black Kite (12th), and Pallas’s Warbler. A first-winter Eastern Yellow Wagtail was at Worth Marsh (20th-25th), with five Lapland Buntings (21st), and a Great Grey Shrike. The Great Grey Shrike remained around Capel Fleet, Sheppey (1st-2nd), with a first-winter Lesser Yellowlegs there (9th-12th). Up to four Glossy Ibises were still around Dungeness RSPB (1st), plus at least four Great White Egrets, three Cattle Egrets, Water Pipit and Black-throated Diver. A Glossy Ibis was at Wouldham (5th). A Green-winged Teal was at Kearnsey (21st). A Pallas’s Warbler was at Sandwich Bay (5th). Sabine’s Gulls were at Reculver and Kingsdown. A Red-necked Phalarope was at Folkestone (29th), plus a Greater White-fronted Goose. North Foreland had Dusky Warbler and 10 Russian White-fronted Geese (30th).
SUSSEX
EAST SUSSEX: A Pallas’s Warbler was at Beachy Head (1st), and a Dusky Warbler was ringed there (5th). There were 24 White Storks at Stonegate Station (17th-18th). A Pallid Swift found in Somerset and rehabilitated was released at Rye Harbour NR (19th).
WEST SUSSEX: A Dusky Warbler was around Ifield Mill Pond (1st-3rd). A Cattle Egret was at Bury (4th), with six at Arundel (6th), four at Pagham Harbour LNR (9th), 26 (12th) and 52 (30th), and 56 at Sidlesham (21st-28th). A Glossy Ibis was also at Sidlesham (24th-29th). A Grey Phalarope was at Church Norton (5th).
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Glossy Ibis remained at Ferry Meadows (to 2nd). Three were at Fen Drayton Lakes (28th-30th), two at Ouse Fen (11th-27th) and singles at Wistow Toll (20th-21st), Nene Washes (22nd-30th) and over Reach (29th). Four Great Northern Divers were at Grafham Water. A Scaup was there (1st-8th), with one at Sutton Gault (14th). Smew were at Bainton GP (16th) and Barleycraft Lake (29th). An Iceland Gull at Dernford Farm Reservoir may have been a Kumlien’s Gull (21st-30th). A Kittiwake was at Dernford 3rd-4th. Two Black Redstarts were at Pymoor (16th), with a Ring Ouzel (18th).
Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia facebook.com/robinchittenden7
NORFOLK
HIGHLIGHTS: A White-bellied Storm Petrel flew east past Cley (17th). A Desert Wheatear was at Salthouse (13th-22nd). A Black-throated Thrush visited a Weybourne garden (25th). An Eastern Yellow Wagtail was at Kelling and Weybourne (6th-12th). Shore Larks were at Salthouse (3rd-4th) and Thornham Point (6th). Seven Dusky Warblers were found. Pallas’s Warblers were at Happisburgh (7th), Wells Woods (8th-10th and 28th) and Holkham (9th-11th). A Barred Warbler was at Winterton (8th). A Serin was at Upton (11th). A Richard’s Pipit was at Kelling (6th). The Lesser Yellowlegs remained at Cley Marshes, Salthouse and Wiveton. Three Glossy Ibises were at Wells (3rd). Two commuted between Acle and Horsham St Faiths (9th-22nd) and two flew over Hickling Broad (24th). Singles were at Breydon Water (4th-7th), Welney (30th) and flying from Cley to Thornham (23rd). Eighty-six Scaup flew past California (29th). An Iceland Gull was at Whitlingham CP (22nd), and then between Winterton and Horsey. It showed some characteristics of a Kumlien’s Gull and was joined by a more conventional looking bird at the end of November. A Rough-legged Buzzard was near Burgh Castle (8th).
BREYDON WATER: Highlights included a Great Northern Diver (4th), a Spoonbill (10th-16th), 11 Stonechats and four Great White
Egrets. Maxima were seven Little Egrets, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 11,950 Pinkfeet, 31 Whitefronts, 545 Greylags, 20 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 69 Shelducks, 12,720 Wigeon, 81 Gadwall, 336 Shovelers, 1,100 Teal, 95 Mallards, 122 Pintails, a Scaup, 14,200 Golden Plovers, 4,400 Lapwings, 68 Knot, 3,500 Dunlin, 1,400 Black-tailed Godwits, 43 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1,009 Curlews, 1,011 Redshanks, 21 Oystercatchers, a Spotted Redshank, Woodcock and just 19 Avocets.
There were six Marsh Harriers, three Hen Harriers, a Merlin, five Short-eared Owls, a Water Pipit, Snow Bunting and six Bearded Tits.
NOA HOLME: Maxima included six Stonechats, two Dusky Warblers, 1,000 Pinkfeet, 300 Golden Plovers, 550 Lapwings, 60 Redshanks, ten Siskins, three Rock Pipits, 12 Eiders, 550 Common Scoters, two Goldeneyes, 44 Red-breasted Mergansers, 21 Red-throated Divers, three Fulmars, 15 Gannets, 34 Great Crested Grebes, 13 Little Auks, six Guillemots, six Bearded Tits, seven Twite, six Crossbills, six Rock Pipits, eight Bramblings, 14 Redpolls, three Water Rails, two Woodcocks, 300 Blackbirds, 100 Fieldfares, 15 Song Thrushes, 150 Redwings, 15 Robins, four Jack Snipe, 150 Snipe, two Red Kites, seven Gannets, 1,000 Oystercatchers, seven Snow Buntings, three Great Northern Divers, two Pomarine Skuas, four Arctic Skuas, 24 Great Skuas, 832 Kittiwakes, 17 Little Gulls, two Great White Egrets, four Cetti’s Warblers, two
Velvet Scoters, a Black-throated Diver, Red-necked Grebe, Goosander, Long-tailed Duck, Pintail, Little Stint, Spoonbill, Waxwing, Siberian Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Yellow-browed Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Shore Lark, Grey Wagtail, Black Redstart, Spotted Redshank, Razorbill, Greenshank, Water Pipit, Peregrine, Merlin and Barn Owl.
CLEY AREA: Highlights included 58 Snow Buntings, four Tundra Bean Geese, two Pomarine Skuas, four Lapland Buntings, two Black-throated Divers, two Mealy Redpolls, 20 Twite, a Radde’s Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Richard’s Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler, Black Redstart, Long-tailed Duck, Short-eared Owl, Puffin, Little Auk, Iceland Gull, Slavonian Grebe, Grey Phalarope, Waxwing, two Red-necked Grebes, five Great Northern Divers, three Velvet Scoters, four Whooper Swans and ten Bewick’s Swans.
Pete Allard, Sophie Barker (www.noa.org.uk) and Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia facebook.com/robinchittenden7
SUFFOLK
HIGHLIGHTS: A Greater Yellowlegs was at Dunwich (7th-19th). Two Eastern Yellow Wagtails were there (4th-19th), with another at Carleton Marshes (24th-29th). A Hume’s Leaf Warbler was at Gunton (8th). Dusky Warblers were at Southwold (9th-10th) and Lowestoft (9th-15th). A Pallas’s Warbler was at Minsmere (7th-8th), with up to three at Landguard (7th-14th). A Penduline Tit was at Bramfield (7th). A Richard’s Pipit was at Hollesley (25th). Three Shore Larks were at Kessingland (14th-18th). Three Glossy Ibises flew over Dunwich (4th), with two at Carlton Marshes (4th and 23rd-29th). A Great Grey Shrike was at Upper Hollesley. A Rough-legged Buzzard was at Kingsfleet (29th). A Long-tailed Duck was at Benacre Broad (4th) and then Covehithe Broad (to 27th). Eighty-one Scaup flew past Southwold (29th). Two Black-necked Grebes were at Lackford Lakes (3rd-5th). A Red-necked Grebe was on the River Orwell (7th-19th).
Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia facebook.com/robinchittenden7
DERBYSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Red-throated Diver was at St. Chads Water (10th-12th). Great Northern Divers were at Foremark Reservoir (1st), and Carsington Water (16th and 17th-18th). Two Bitterns were at Willington GP, with singles at Pools Brook Marsh (7th) and Pewit Carr (22nd). The two Cattle Egrets remained at Long Eaton GP, with two near Repton (21st), High Bridge GP (22nd) and Newton Solney (29th). Two Glossy Ibises were near Longford Hall (26th).
A Bean Goose flew through Carsington Water (10th). A Brent Goose flew over Shipley Gate Marsh and Erewash Meadows (8th). A Scaup was at Barrow-on-Trent GP (28th). A Great Grey Shrike was at Farley Moor/Matlock Forest (21st-22nd, 25th and 30th) and on Beeley Moor (30th). Black Redstarts were at Church Gresley (10th), in a Ripley garden (21st) and at Middleton Quarry (23rd). Firecrests were at Westthorpe Hills (20th), near Belper (4th) and at Straws Bridge (10th).
Snow Buntings were at Shining Tor (13th-16th), Beeley Triangle (18th), Carsington Water (20th) and Pym Car (21st). Great White Egrets were at18 sites, including five at High Bridge GP (22nd) and four at Willington GP (28th). Whooper Swans were at six sites including 18 over Carr Vale (5th).
BARROW GP: There were two Little Egrets, two Red-crested Pochards, 14 Goldeneyes, two Peregrines, two Water Rails, seven Golden Plovers, 11 Snipe, two Green Sandpipers, a Yellow-legged Gull, Stonechat, five Cetti’s Warblers and a Chiffchaff.
CARR VALE: Pink-footed Goose passage peaked at 1,180 (4th). There was a Peregrine, 13 Golden Plovers, 25 Snipe, a Yellow-Legged Gull, 700 Fieldfares and 250 Redwings.
CARSINGTON WATER: There were 167 Pinkfeet, Red Kites on four dates, a Merlin, Crossbill, Little Egret, Peregrine, Water Rail, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Woodcock, two Redshanks, three Yellow-legged Gulls, a Blackcap, three Chiffchaffs, five Ravens and 20 Siskins.
LONG EATON GP: There was a Garganey, 340 Pinkfeet, a Woodcock, Stonechat, two Crossbills, nine Little Egrets, 150 Redwings and five Cetti’s Warblers.
OGSTON RESERVOIR: Highlights were 190 Pinkfeet, two Goshawks, two Caspian Gulls, a Rock Pipit, Peregrine, Water Rail, Yellow-legged Gull, Chiffchaff, five Ravens, 60 Lesser Redpolls and 11 Bramblings. Four Hawfinches were in Brackenfield Churchyard.
WILLINGTON GP: There were 80 Pinkfeet, a Woodcock, Green Sandpiper, Redshank, Blackcap, 35 Little Egrets, five Water Rails and two Cetti’s Warblers.
OTHER SITES: A Pintail was at Kedleston Park. A Common Scoter and two Yellow-legged Gulls were at Staunton Harold Reservoir. Rod Key
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
COTSWOLDS: Hen Harriers were at Hawling (14th) and Hailey Wood (21st). The Cotswold Water Park had a Great White Egret, five Cattle Egrets and five Green Sandpipers. The Nailsworth area had a Merlin and late Wheatear (2nd). Short-eared Owls were at Haresfield Beacon (8th) and near Kingscote (26th).
A Merlin was at Great Barrington (26th). A Black Redstart was at Ashmead Green, Cam (12th-13th). Golden Plovers included 1,000 near Birdlip and 800 at Kingscote. Five Crossbills were at Dowdeswell Reservoir. Bramblings included 15 at Ozleworth.
FOREST OF DEAN: A Great Grey Shrike remained in the Crabtree Hill area. A Kittiwake flew over Pope’s Hill (1st). A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at Blakeney (20th), with a Woodlark there (27th). Eight Goosanders were at Lydney Lake and three at Woorgreens. Hawfinches were at Cinderford, Parkend and near Newnham.
LOWER SEVERN VALE: The Frampton Pools and Saul Warth area had a Bearded Tit (12th), five Cattle Egrets, three Goldeneyes, two Goosanders, two Marsh Harriers, a Merlin, Yellow-browed Warbler (19th), Water Pipit, and Snow Bunting (10th). Berkeley Shore had four Jack Snipe, three Turnstones and a Marsh Harrier nearby (12th). A Shag was at Upper Mills, Stonehouse (7th).
Sharpness to Purton had a Shag (1st), five Knot, three Common Sandpipers and two Black Redstarts. A Firecrest was at Horsemarling Lane (22nd). Great White Egrets were at Newnham (10th) and Walmore Common (15th). Three Whooper Swans were at Rodley (22nd).
SLIMBRIDGE WWT: A Black-throated Diver on the estuary (1st) was a major county rarity. The first two Bewick’s Swans arrived (5th), increasing to just 13. There were 82 Whitefronts, a Pink-footed Goose, Bittern (13th), 1,100 Golden Plovers, two Grey Plovers, 545 Black-tailed Godwits, two Spotted Redshanks, a Greenshank, Kittiwake (1st), Merlin and Water Pipit.
UPPER SEVERN VALE: Black Redstarts were at Gloucester Cathedral, and in a Prestbury garden (11th). Ashleworth Ham had three Whooper Swans (19th) and a Siberian Chiffchaff (7th). Coombe Hill Meadows logged a Cattle Egret (10th), five Water Rails, six Dunlin, eight Black-tailed Godwits, a Jack Snipe. A dark-bellied Brent Goose was at Mitton, Tewkesbury (10th). Three Green Sandpipers were at Barrow (21st) and two at Elmstone Hardwicke (24th).
Netheridge Farm at Hempsted had a Jack Snipe and Green Sandpiper. A Jack Snipe was at Port Ham (30th). A Mealy Redpoll and Water Pipit were at Shaw Green Lane, Prestbury (19th). Witcombe Reservoir had a Goosander (9th) and two Goldeneyes (30th). Andy Jayne (01452 506 502)
LEICESTERSHIRE
A Wood Sandpiper looks set to over-winter at Long Lane, Kegworth. Swithland Reservoir had a Scaup (1st-4th), a Great White Egret (5th), with two (21st) and four (24th), and a Smew (from 12th). Stanford Reservoir had a Shag (3rd), Great White Egret (11th-14th and 29th) and two Bearded Tits (13th-29th). Thornton Reservoir had a Shag (3rd-4th). Kittiwakes were at Groby Pool and Eyebrook Reservoir (3rd). Eight Bewick’s Swans flew over Earl Shilton (29th),
Eyebrook Reservoir had a Bittern (12th), Great Northern Diver (17th-21st), Great White Egret (21st and 29th), eight Bewick’s Swans over (29th), a Smew (27th-28th) and four Grey Plovers (28th). Cossington Meadows had a Glossy Ibis (27th), Great White Egret (6th-12th, 22nd and 29th) and a Short-eared Owl (9th). Great White Egrets were at Belvoir (16th) and Cropston Reservoir (25th).
NORTHANTS
HIGHLIGHTS: A Parrot Crossbill, only the second county record, was discovered among up to 58 Crossbills at Wakerley Great Wood (15th), remaining until the end of the month. Up to nine Cattle Egrets were present at Stanwick GP, and five of them visited nearby Ditchford GP, while one was reported over Boddington Reservoir (13th). A Shag was at Stanford Reservoir (3rd), and on the 4th, a Firecrest was trapped and ringed there and two Hawfinches visited Tansor. An unseasonal Hoopoe was at Pitsford Reservoir (5th). Nine Bearded Tits at Earls Barton GP (4th) were the forerunners of another there (6th), up to four at Stortons GP (5th-12th), and two more at Stanford from 13th. The same site hosted four Black-necked Grebes (from 30th). A Bittern was also at Stortons (10th). Five Whooper Swans flew over Stanford (22nd) and three were at Blatherwycke Lake (27th). A juvenile Great Northern Diver arrived at Hollowell Reservoir (13th), staying until the end of the month. A skein of 50-plus Pink-footed Geese over Harringworth Lodge Lake was a high count for the county. A wing-tagged Marsh Harrier was again at Earls Barton GP until 3rd then at Preston Deanery (4th). Great White Egrets were noted at 13 sites, with peaks of five at Thrapston GP and four at Pitsford.
CLIFFORD HILL GP: Two Common Scoters (25th), two Red-crested Pochards, 11 Pintails, 41 Barnacle Geese, 50 Golden Plovers, a Dunlin and two Stonechats were noted.
DAVENTRY CP: Four Red-crested Pochards, a high count of 14 Jack Snipe, along with 20 Snipe and a Yellow-legged Gull visited.
DITCHFORD GP: A flock of 27 Barnacle Geese flew over and two Pintails, 100 Golden Plovers and a Peregrine were present.
EARLS BARTON GP: Two Black-tailed Godwits, single Green Sandpiper, Dunlin and Redshank, six Golden Plovers and up to 14 Snipe were counted. Two Pink-footed Geese visited, polus four Red-crested Pochards and a Brambling at the feeding station.
HARRINGTON AIRFIELD: There was a Merlin (18th), 100 Golden Plovers, five Crossbills over and two Bramblings logged.
HOLLOWELL RESERVOIR: Up to seven Pink-footed Geese remained all month, and 20-plus Crossbills favoured the pines. A Caspian Gull was regular, as was a Yellow-legged Gull. Two Pintails, a Red-crested Pochard and a Ruddy Shelduck visited. Waders included a Jack Snipe, two Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper and seven Golden Plovers, and up to six Stonechats remained.
PITSFORD RESERVOIR: Red-crested Pochards peaked at 13 and Pintails at seven, a Short-eared Owl showed well, adult Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls visited, and a party of 13 Crossbills flew over. A high count was 48 Snipe and a there was a lone Jack Snipe and three Green Sandpipers. Four Stonechats and a Brambling were present.
STANFORD RESERVOIR: Two Pink-footed and two Barnacle Geese and a Pintail were seen. Both Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls were noted in the roost. A Green Sandpiper, a Jack
STANWICK GP: A Black-tailed Godwit, 150 Golden Plovers, Redshank, Green Sandpiper and two Dunlin were complemented by Merlin (22nd), Peregrine, Mediterranean Gull, two Pintails, single Crossbill and a Brambling.
OTHER SITES: Thrapston GP hosted six Common Scoters (30th), a Green Sandpiper and four Stonechats and the DIRFT 2 site near Crick hosted up to three Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls, three Curlew, 70-plus Golden Plovers, five Ruddy Shelducks and two Stonechats. A Red-crested Pochard visited Stortons GP and a Mediterranean Gull and two Stonechats were at Boddington Reservoir. Bucknell Wood still held eight Crossbills with singles also over Hanging Houghton, and Scaldwell. Short-eared Owls were seen near Sywell and at Irthlingborough and a Corn Bunting was trapped and ringed near Grafton Underwood.
Bob Bullock 01604 627262
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: Nottinghamshire’s second Little Bunting since 1950 was at Langford Lowfields (from 22nd). The county’s second Dusky Warbler was at Holme Pierrepont (16th-22nd). A Great Grey Shrike was at Cottam (9th-23rd). A Snow Bunting was at Thoresby (19th).
ATTENBOROUGH: The egret roost held three Great White Egrets and two Cattle Egrets. A Garganey remained (to 1st). There were 41 Goosanders, nine Whooper Swans and a Pintail.
LANGFORD LOWFIELDS: There were 25 Common Scoters, three Pintails, several Merlins, 19 Whooper Swans, four Stonechats and a Water Pipit.
LOUND: There were six Great White Egrets, a Bittern, 55 Whooper Swans, two Bewick’s Swans, four Pintails, eight Ruff, six Stonechats, and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (3rd).
OTHER SITES: A Black-necked Grebe and two Tundra Bean Geese were at Hoveringham. A White-fronted Goose was at Idle Washlands. Whooper Swans included 230 at Gringley Carr, 130 at Idle Washlands and 70 at Misterton. Two
Bewick’s Swans were at Cottam (8th). Great White Egrets were at 13 sites. Pintails were at Netherfield and Idle Washlands. A late Wood Sandpiper was at Collingham (22nd).
Golden Plovers were at Gringley Carr (100), Bramcote (60), Misterton (40) and Kirklington (12). A Black Redstart was a Cottam (12th). A Swallow flew through Stoke Bardolph and Netherfield (4th). Twenty Crossbills were at Sherwood Forest, with 15 at Thoresby and 12 at Osberton. Four Hawfinches were at Thoresby. Stonechats included six at Barton-in Fabis and four at Sherwood. Tom Shields
RUTLAND
HIGHLIGHTS: There were four Whooper Swans at Rutland Water (4th) with five over Exton Park (22nd). Great Northern Divers were at Rutland Water (from 3rd), with seven (from 23rd). Two Shags remained (to 24th). Three Avocets were at Egleton (from (8th). A Long-eared Owl was at an undisclosed site (17th). A Common Redpoll was at Luffenham Airfield (11th).
RUTLAND WATER: There were 3,541 Wigeon, 805 Gadwall, 903 Teal, 122 Pintails,160 Shovelers, 40 Red-crested Pochards, 2,791 Tufted Ducks, three Scaup, ten Common Scoters, 87 Goldeneyes, 21 Goosanders, 31 Little Egrets, 25 Great White Egrets, 1,766 Golden Plovers, eight Dunlin, three Black-tailed Godwits, ten Curlews, four Green Sandpipers, a Marsh Harrier, two Peregrines, Cetti’s Warblers and Chiffchaffs. There was a Stonechat at Lyndon (20th), with two at Egleton (22nd).
OTHER SITES: Fort Henry Ponds held 30 Shovelers, 109 Gadwall, 66 Wigeon, 89 Teal, a Red-crested Pochard, two Goldeneyes and a Green Sandpiper. Twelve Red Kites were near Pickworth (13th). A Woodcock was in Tunneley Wood (21st). A Little Owl was at Normanton (from 13th). A Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming near Uppingham (4th-5th). Six Ravens were in Exton Park (19th), with eight Stonechats there (22nd). There were 200 Linnets at Quarry Farm (20th). Terry Mitcham
WARWICKSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Hen Harrier was at Wolverton. White-fronted Geese were at Salford Priors.
Draycote Water had two Great Northern Divers, five Shags, a Knot, Great White Egret, six Red-crested Pochards, three Common Scoters, a Pintail, Firecrest, Glaucous Gull, Caspian Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull and 500 Great Black-backed Gulls.
Ladywalk logged a Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, Great White Egret, Jack Snipe, Pintail, Red Kite, Merlin, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Siberian Chiffchaff. A Marsh Harrier and Short-eared Owl were at Brandon Marsh. Earlswood Lakes had a Great White Egret. Morton Bagot had a Jack Snipe and Mealy Redpoll. Clare Topping
WEST MIDLANDS
There was a Whooper Swan, Garganey, Shelduck, Woodcock, Dunlin, three Jack Snipe, two Egyptian Geese, a Pink-footed Goose, Merlin, three Cetti’s Warblers, a Great White Egret, Mediterranean Gull and 20 Common Gulls.
SANDWELL VALLEY: Some 300 Pinkfeet circled Forge Mill Lake (20th). A Whooper Swan flew over Newton Meadow. Waders included 40 Snipe, three Jack Snipe, two Green Sandpipers and a Dunlin. A Crossbill flew over. The Cetti’s Warbler remained. A Yellow-legged Gull was present at the month’s end. A Red Kite flew over Swan Pool.
OTHER SITES: A Black Redstart returned to its wintering site at Cherington Road, Stirchley. Two Great White Egrets were at Olton Mere. Pete Hackett (0121 358 2454)
ANGLESEY
HIGHLIGHTS: There were six Great White Egrets in the Llyn Alaw area. The Inland Sea held four Great Northern Divers, four Slavonian Grebes, a Great White Egret, Long-tailed Duck, seven Scaup, 13 Eiders, 283 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 13 Whooper Swans. Cors Ddyga had a Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Merlin, Peregrine, Bittern, six Whooper Swans, two Goosanders, a Jack Snipe, Short-eared Owl, Water Pipit, Cetti’s Warbler and a Starling roost of over one million birds,
Amlwch had a Rose-coloured Starling, Woodcock, Short-eared Owl, a late Swift (10th), Black Redstart and Firecrest. Cemlyn had nine Whooper Swans, a Great White Egret, 22 Purple Sandpipers, a Little Gull, Hooded Crow and Lapland Bunting. The Alaw Estuary held 42 Bar-tailed Godwits, 98 Grey Plovers, 36 Knot, six
Greenshanks, 62 Pintails and six Mediterranean Gulls. Soldiers Point had four Snow Buntings and a Black Redstart. Three Green Sandpipers were at Valley.
Beddmanarch Bay held three Great Northern Divers, two Slavonian Grebes, a Black Guillemot and four Mediterranean Gulls. South Stack logged a Merlin, Little Owl, Jack Snipe, Firecrest, Hooded Crow and Snow Bunting. Point Lynas had two Great Skuas, two Arctic Skuas, 42 Red-throated Divers and 2,000 Kittiwakes (19th). A Yellow-browed Warbler was at at Benllech (1st), a Lapland Bunting at Carmel Head, Firecrests at Benllech, Church Island and Llangoed, a late Swallow at Carmel Head (10th) and a very late Sand Martin at Cemlyn (11th). Ken Croft
CEREDIGION
HIGHLIGHTS: A very late Turtle Dove was in a Comins Coch garden near Aberystwyth (22nd). A Great Grey Shrike was in Cross Inn Forest (from 3rd). A Grey Phalarope was at Glandyfi (4th). Aberystwyth had a Black Redstart (from 9th), Great Northern Diver (21st) and Firecrest (22nd). A Richard’s Pipit was on Constitution Hill (12th). Llanrhystud hosted a Snow Bunting (from 23rd). A Short-eared Owl was by Llyn Eiddwen. A Long-tailed Duck was on Llyn Fanod. A Hawfinch was in a Cwmystwyth garden (25th). There were 27 Greenland White-fronted Geese at the Dyfi Estuary.
OTHER SITES: Hen Harriers were at Cors Caron (12th), Bronant (13th), Llyn Fanod (15th), Dyfi Estuary (from 9th) and near Furnace (two on 3rd). Two Great White Egrets were at Henlan (1st), two at the Dyfi Estuary and one at Aberaeron. Merlins were at Llangybi (1st) and Llanrhystud (6th).
Six Brent Geese were at the Teifi Estuary (4th) and one at Aberystwyth (5th), where four Purple Sandpipers were seen. Goosanders peaked at 24 on Llyn Eiddwen (6th). Thirteen Whooper Swans were at Cors Caron (19th). Two Green Sandpipers were at Glandyfi (21st). John Davis ( johndavis@midwalesbirdwatching.co.uk)
EAST GLAMORGAN
CARDIFF: Cardiff Bay held a Caspian Gull (28th-30th), Grey Phalarope (1st-4th), Bearded Tit and Black Redstart. Rumney Great Wharf had a Black Redstart, Woodlark and Merlin. Llanishen/Lisvane Reservoirs held a White-fronted Goose (5th), Whooper Swan (29th), Great Northern Diver and five Common Scoters.
KENFIG: A late Red-necked Phalarope was at Sker (4th). There was a Redstart (4th), Lesser Whitethroat (5th), Wheatear (8th) and Arctic Tern (10th). Eight Great Northern Divers, three Red-breasted Mergansers, six Purple Sandpipers, a Merlin, nine Choughs and a Yellowhammer were at Sker. A Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Jack Snipe were at the Pool.
VALE OF GLAMORGAN: A Ring-necked Duck was at Cosmeston. A Woodlark, Firecrest and four Hawfinches were at Lavernock. A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Pant Norton. A Water Pipit and two Common Sandpipers were on Ogmore Estuary. Black Redstarts were at Norton Farm, Ogmore Farm, Nash Point, St Athan and Swanbridge. A Firecrest was at St Mary’s Well Bay.
OTHER SITES: A Ring-necked Duck visited Rhaslas Pond (19th) and Bute Town Pond (27th),
the third individual this autumn. Yellow-browed Warblers were at Newton Burrows and Senghenydd. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at Bryn, Llanbradach. A Hawfinch visited a Cwmbach garden. A Hen Harrier flew through Laleston. Porthcawl had an Eider (Newton Point), Great Northern Diver, Merlin, several Choughs and 40 Mediterranean Gulls (Rest Bay to Nottage).
Paul Roberts
GOWER AND WEST GLAMORGAN
HIGHLIGHTS: Yellow-browed Warblers were at Mumbles Cricket Club and Langland. A Snow Bunting was at Salthouse Point (13th). Hen Harriers were at various sites around Gower. An Iceland Gull was at Blackpill (28th). A Little Gull and Great Northern Diver were in the Prince of Wales dock. Three Black Redstarts were around Mumbles Pier. A Cuckoo was in a Lunnon garden (1st). Firecrests were at Oxwich, Langland and Cwm Ivy. Blackpill had 35 Great Crested Grebes, 31 Curlews and 200 Knot.
Fenrod Lake had 65 Canada Geese, 21 Mute Swans, 50 Black-headed Gulls, 15 Tufted Ducks, a Pochard, Teal and 12 House Sparrows. Three Great Northern Divers were off Mumbles. A Green Sandpiper was at Pennard. Penclawdd had two Common Sandpipers, 150 Knot, 400 Wigeon, 300 Shelducks, nine Pintails, a Greenshank, Kingfisher, Red Kite and Merlin. A Swallow was at Tycoch (29th). The Oxwich ringing group had eight Chiffchaffs, 25 Snipe, two Jack Snipe and two Woodcocks.
Terry Tovey
GWENT
HIGHLIGHTS: White-fronted Geese were at Ponthir (from 9th) and at Llandegfedd Reservoir (29th). A Pink-footed Goose was at the Nedern (15th). A Tundra Bean Goose was near Caldicot (from 21st). A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Monmouth (14th-18th). Llandegfedd Reservoir had a Great Northern Diver, and a Red-throated Diver (28th). A Snow Bunting was at Mynydd Llanhilleth (7th-9th). A Leach’s Petrel was at the second Severn Crossing (17th). Two Black Redstarts were at Newport Wetlands (28th-29th).
NEWPORT WETLANDS: There was a Barn Owl (9th). The two Glossy Ibises remained. Two Marsh Harriers were seen (9th), with two Hen Harriers (9th) and another (13th). There were four Barnacle Geese (10th), a Ring-necked Parakeet (10th), five Common Scoters (17th), a Merlin (22nd), Brent Goose (28th) and two Whooper Swans (29th).
OTHER SITES: A mixed flock of 40 Hawfinches and Crossbills was reported from Llandogo (2nd). A Firecrest was at Sudbrook (3rd). A late Wheatear was on the Sugar Loaf (4th). Hen Harriers were at Mynydd Henllys (7th) and Mynydd Llangatwg (29th). Barn Owls were at Llanwern (10th) and near Clytha (12th). A Red-breasted Merganser was at Llandegfedd Reservoir (13th-26th), with a Barnacle Goose there (29th). There were 23 Mandarins on the River Usk, south of Usk town (16th). A Garganey was at Ynysyfro Reservoir (17th). A Jack Snipe was at Mynydd Llangatwg (23rd). A Scaup was at Parc Bryn Bach (28th). Chris Hatch
RADNORSHIRE
RADNOR FOREST: Ten Woodcocks were in Forest Wood, three in Fforest Fach and four at Rhiw Lawr. Thirty Crossbills flew over Woodgate, where six Bullfinches were seen. Willow Tits were at Forest Wood, Rhiw Lawr and Fron Wen. A Great Grey Shrike was at Ednol Hill. A Merlin, seven Golden Plovers, a Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier and Ring Ouzel were between Shepherd’s Well and the Three Riggles. The Whimble had 650 Fieldfares, 450 Redwings, 3,000 Starlings, 1,000 Wood Pigeons, 65 Meadow Pipits, 24 Crossbills, a Green Woodpecker and 40 Siskins.
WYE VALLEY: Great White Egrets were at Glasbury (three), Newbridge, Rhayader, Builth Road, Llanelwedd and Aberedw. Glasbury and Cwmbach held 11 Little Egrets, 65 Wigeon, 12 Herons, four Green Sandpipers, 80 Teal, four Water Rails, four Kingfishers, 60 Pied Wagtails, 110 Lesser Black-backed Guls, two Herring Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull and 60 Black-headed Gulls. Clyro had a Peregrine, 80 Siskins, a Kingfisher and Little Grebe. Cors y Lyn held a Willow Tit, six Snipe and 15 Lesser Redpolls.
OTHER SITES: In the Elan Valley, Mandarins peaked at a record 216. Also there were 14 Goldeneyes, a Little Grebe, 60 Crossbills, a Barn Owl, five Short-eared Owls, three Merlins, three Hen Harriers, ten Snipe, two Jack Snipe, 11 Golden Plovers, 1,200 Fieldfares, 350 Redwings, 40 Blackbirds, 25 Song Thrushes, 80 Siskins, 55 Lesser Redpolls and six Ring Ouzels. Maelinydd held a Merlin, Hen Harrier, 30 Linnets, six Stonechats and 12 Snipe.
Great Grey Shrikes were at Aberedw Hill, Bwlch y Sarnau, Red Hill, Newchurch Common and Abbeycwmhir. Water Rails were at Pencerrig Lake, Newbridge Bog and Boultibrooke. Ring Ouzels were at Beacon Hill (two), Gilfach and Gwaunceste. Golden Plovers included 340 at The Begwyns and 170 on Hergest Ridge. Eighty Snipe and six Jack Snipe were at Rhiw Bottom.
Great White Egrets were at New Radnor, Knighton and Rhosgoch, where there were 110 Snipe, 15 Jack Snipe, a Barn Owl, 15 Lapwings, six Curlews and 45 Pied Wagtails. Llandrindod Lake had a Goldeneye, three Water Rails, 15 Goosanders, three Marsh Tits, a Little Grebe and six Cormorants. Pete Jennings (01588 680 631)
CHESHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB had up to 15 Cattle Egrets, up to 27 Great White Egrets, ringtail Hen Harrier and Spotted Redshank. Frodsham Marsh had two Cattle Egrets and four Great White Egrets. A Grey Phalarope was at Doddington Pool (6th). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at the lighthouse at Leasowe (13th-19th). Five Cattle Egrets were at
Hooton (19th), two at Ince Marshes (21st), three (22nd) and four (28th), and 15 at Puddington (22nd).
WOOLSTON EYES: No1 bed sightings included 350 Pinkfeet, 20 Skylarks, four Water Rails, a Tawny Owl, Peregrine, Green Sandpiper and Woodcock. A visible migration watch there produced 43 Redwings, 30 Fieldfares, five Woodcocks, five Snipe and 1,816 Black-headed Gulls. No4 bed sightings included five Snipe, two Jack Snipe, 40 Linnets, 50 Chaffinches and a Merlin. The count (14th) included 650 Lapwings, 125 Tufted Ducks, 120 Teal, 14 Gadwall, a Goldeneye, four Shelducks and 75 Shovelers.
No3 bed ringing team had Redwing, Lesser Redpoll, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Moorhen, Water Rail and Reed Bunting. No3 bed records included 14,200 Woodpigeon, 5,100 Pinkfeet, eight Whooper Swans, four Golden Plovers, 160 Chaffinches, 550 Lapwings, 100 Fieldfares, 150 Greenfinches, nine Bullfinches, 250 Starlings, a Peregrine, Cetti’s Warbler, two Kingfishers, three Pintails, a Red Kite, 20 Snipe, 350 Greylags, two Woodcocks, three Bramblings, 480 Teal, a Marsh Harrier, three Dunlin, 12 Shelducks and three Bean Geese. Dave Steel
CUMBRIA
HIGHLIGHTS: The Long-billed Dowitcher remained around Anthorn and Campfield Marsh. South Walney had a Pied-billed Grebe (6th-8th). A Grey Phalarope was at Biggar, Walney Island (13th). A Crane was at Cockermouth (7th). A Cattle Egret and two Great White Egrets were at Holme (11th). A Common or Pallid Swift was at Burton-in-Kendal (17th). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Harrington (28th).
GREATER MANCHESTER
HIGHLIGHTS: A Great Northern Diver was at Sale WP (21st-22nd). A Caspian Gull roosted at Pennington Flash (2nd), with up to three at Audenshaw Reservoirs (4th-29th). An Iceland Gull roosted at Pennington Flash (21st and 30th).
ELTON RESERVOIR: The Bar-tailed Godwit remained (to 3rd) as did the Scaup (to 30th). There was a Red-crested Pochard (8th), Jack Snipe (9th) and a Brambling. A total of 113 Whooper Swans flew over.
MERSEY VALLEY: A high count of 60 Ring-necked Parakeets was seen in a pre-roost at Jackson’s Boat. Three Stonechats were on Carrington Moss, and two on Stretford Ees.
PENNINGTON FLASH: There were two Bitterns (23rd-25th), a Knot (9th), two Yellow-legged Gulls and a Mediterranean Gull.
OTHER SITES: A Firecrest was in Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield (26th-28th) where the pre-roost of Ring-necked Parakeets peaked at 170. A Black Redstart was at Marple Bridge (7th). Audenshaw Reservoirs had a Sanderling (6th-7th), Kittiwake (17th), four Jack Snipe (27th-29th), three Yellow-legged Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and two Green Sandpipers. Horwich Moors flyovers included a Snow Bunting (19th), five Twite, a Merlin and a total of 189 Whooper Swans.
A Wheatear was at Horwich Moors (3rd-4th). Manchester Mosslands sightings included a Marsh Harrier (29th-30th), two Merlins, a total of 13 Whooper Swans, a Green Sandpiper, Brambling and four Stonechats. There were 18 Jack Snipe in a private area in Rochdale (9th). A Green Sandpiper was at Dunham Massey. Dr Paul Brewster (01606 590 491)
LINCOLNSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Hume’s Warbler was at Anderby Creek (8th). Goxhill had an Olive-backed Pipit (8th-15th), Dusky Warbler (8th) and Siberian Chiffchaff (12th-18th). Siberian Chiffchaffs were also at Gosberton Clough (19th) and Baston Fen (29th-30th). A Green-winged Teal was at Frampton Marsh (1st). Two Cranes flew over Marton (2nd). Two Gannets flew over Manby (5th). Gibraltar Point had two Hawfinches (5th), a Grey Phalarope (13th) and three Lapland Buntings (4th). Five Lapland Bunting were at Donna Nook (6th). A Hawfinch was in a Woodhall Spa garden (28th). A Glaucous Gull was at Chapel St Leonards (28th).
FRAMPTON MARSH: Highlights included seven Spotted Redshanks (1st), a Curlew Sandpiper (1st), 13 Tundra Bean Geese (1st), three Little Stints (3rd), two Hen Harriers (8th), a Snow Bunting (15th), Great White Egret (15th), Short-eared Owl (24th), five Scaup (24th) and a Smew. (30th).
GIBRALTAR POINT: There was a Cetti’s Warbler, three Ravens and six Bearded Tits (4th), seven Crossbills and a Black Redstart (8th), three pale-bellied Brent Geese (11th), a Great White Egret (16th and 27th), Slavonian Grebe (16th), Caspian Gull (17th), Long-tailed Duck (19th), 17 Snow Buntings (20th), a Velvet Scoter (21st) and Iceland Gull (29th).
OTHER SITES: The Long-tailed Duck remained at Paradise Pool, Saltfleetby (to 19th). The Slavonian Grebe remained at Covenham Reservoir (to 22nd). Nine Crossbills were at Messingham (10th). A Great Northern Diver was at Deeping High Bank (8th-18th). Great White Egrets were at Wroot, Market Deeping, Rimac, Thurlby Fen, Marshchapel, Fiskerton Fen, Appleby Carrs, Baston Pits, Messingham, Lincoln and Denton Reservoir. A Water Pipit was at Freiston Shore (6th). A Smew was at Boultham Mere (30th). A Knot was at Toft Newton Reservoir (30th). Josh Hedley
NORTHUMBERLAND
BERWICK: Five Goldcrests were at the Powder Magazine (2nd). Forty-six Barnacle Geese flew past Cocklawburn (5th). Seven Bullfinches were at Castle Hills, Berwick (6th). New Water Heugh had 34 Goldfinches (8th). A Woodcock was at Flagstaff Park, Berwick (9th). There were 36 Common Scoters and a Long-tailed Duck at Saltpan Rocks (12th), with four Guillemots and two Velvet Scoters (26th). Around 84 Fieldfares were at Ord Industrial Estate (15th).
Some 230 Woodpigeons fed at Murton Craggs (15th). New Water Heugh had 122
Wigeon (15th). A Ring-necked Parakeet was at East Ord (23rd). Spittal Bay had seven Gannets (24th), when 60 Guillemots an hour headed south, and nine Red-throated Divers were present. A Slavonian Grebe was there (27th). West Ord had 54 Redwings (29th). There were 42 Goldeneyes at New Water Heugh (29th). Malcolm Hutcheson
EAST YORKSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Glossy Ibis was near Woodmansey (3rd). A Cattle Egret was near Leven (6th). The Green-winged Teal remained at North Cave Wetlands, with another at Tophill Low (3rd).
FLAMBOROUGH: There was a Pomarine Skua and three Great Northern Divers (1st), a Long-tailed Duck (2nd), Yellow-browed Warbler (4th), five Velvet Scoters (5th), a Firecrest (7th), Woodlark (8th), Pallas’s Warbler (10th), Mediterranean Gull (15th), Little Auk (19th), a Red-necked Grebe and five Great Northern Divers (20th), a Black-throated Diver (21st), nine Great Northern Divers, (24th), a Glaucous Gull (27th), Iceland Gull (29th), six Snow Buntings and 13 Lapland Buntings.
HORNSEA MERE: There was a Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck and three Tundra Bean Geese (5th), 13 Tundra Bean Geese (23rd), two Lapland Buntings (14th), 30 Snow Buntings (29th), a Black Guillemot and three Great
Northern Divers (19th), and a Great White Egret, two Little Egrets and three Mediterranean Gulls.
SPURN: There was an arrival of 64 Whooper Swans early in the month, joined by two Bewick’s Swans (from 10th). There were occasional sightings of Tundra Bean Geese passing through. Almost 1,000 dark-bellied and three pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Kilnsea Wetlands. Also there were three Egyptian Geese (5th), 900 Wigeon, two Red-breasted Mergansers and a Scaup. Seawatching produced a Glaucous Gull (5th), 1,289 Wigeon and 18 Goldeneyes (9th), six Great Northern Divers, four Velvet Scoters, a Sooty Shearwater and Pomarine Skua.
Two Little Auks flew down the Humber (21st), when an Iceland Gull was at Kilnsea Wetlands. East winds brought an Eastern (probably Siberian) Stonechat in Easington (3rd), a Hume’s Warbler in Kilnsea (7th) and three Dusky Warblers (8th). A Woodlark, three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Barred Warbler and several Lapland Buntings and Snow Buntings were noted. There were 900 Blackbirds, 20 Woodcocks, and a Radde’s Warbler at Easington Gas Terminal (27th).
OTHER SITES: Aldbrough had a Great White Egret (3rd) and Shore Lark (10th). Five Tundra Bean Geese flew over Grimston (6th), where there was a Yellow-browed Warbler, two Lapland Buntings and five Snow Buntings (9th). Holmpton had 21 Snow Buntings (18th), a
Yellow-browed Warbler (16th), Sabine’s Gulls (19th and 23rd), a Little Auk (20th) and Great Northern Diver (24th). A Snow Bunting (16th) and Great Northern Diver (19th) were at Mappleton. A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Hollym (26th).
A Glaucous Gull (20th), a Black Guillemot and three Great Northern Divers (21st), a Tundra Bean Goose (26th), 13 Lapland Buntings (28th) and 100 Twite were at Barmston. Great White Egrets were at Melbourne (13th), Welwick (16th), Nafferton (22nd) and near Leven (28th). Two Lapland Buntings were at Welwick (27th). Two Velvet Scoters were off Withernsea (28th). North Cave Wetlands attracted two Red-crested Pochards (6th) and ten Little Egrets. Two Black-throated Divers were off Bempton (10th). Ian Marshall (01482 627 446) and John Hewitt (07952 293060)
WEST YORKSHIRE
BRADFORD: Some 40,000 Wood Pigeons and 2,400 Pinkfeet flew over the Bradford area early in the month. Three Common Scoters flew over Oxenhope (4th). Soil Hill had a Black Redstart (to 4th), three Jack Snipe, two Snow Buntings and two Twite. Two Twite were over Low Moor (5th). Seven Gadwall flew over Leeshaw Reservoir (9th). Two Caspian Gulls were seen occasionally at Redcar Tarn, and were joined by a Mediterranean Gull (23rd).
The roost at Thornton Moor held 5,000 Black-headed Gulls, 1,500 Common Gulls, 300 Herring Gulls and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Two Water Rails were at the Keighley Reserve. A Woodcock was in Baildon. Twenty Crossbills were at Ogden. Two Long-eared Owls roosted in the Bradford area.
LOWER AIRE VALLEY: Whooper Swans were noted on nine days, maximum 11 (9th). There was an influx of Pintails (from 15th), with a site record 142 (28th). A Scaup was on the Balance Reservoir (3rd) and a Common Scoter at Skelton Lake (29th). A Great White Egret was seen regularly. A Hen Harrier (10th) was the fourth this autumn. A Raven was over the Biffa Tip at Leventhorpe (12th).
Best waders were a Grey Plover (19th), the sixth November record of an Oystercatcher (23rd) and a Black-tailed Godwit (27th). The White Wagtail at Lemonroyd remained (to 1st). Bramblings flew over twice, with three on Old Astley Lane (9th) and four at Woodlesford (14th). Chris King and Paul Morris
ABERDEENSHIRE
ABERDEEN: A Waxwing was seen (7th). A Short-toed Lark was at Nigg Bay (9th). A Black Redstart was at the Torry Battery Pier (19th). There were several sightings of Ring-neck Parakeets.
FORVIE: The Richard’s Pipit remained (to 3rd). A Firecrest was in a Collieston garden (9th). An Iceland Gull was at Hackley Bay (15th).
OTHER SITES: Crossbills at Lenabo Woods included a flock of 150. A large flock of Twite was near Huntly (3rd). Several Swallows were at Fraserburgh Harbour (5th). An Iceland Gull was in Peterhead Harbour (6th). A Scaup was on Pitfour Lake (13th-16th). Snow Buntings were at Troup Head (13th). A Mediterranean Gull was at Fraserburgh Beach (20th and 23rd), with two at Rosehearty and one at Sandhaven. A House Martin was at Catterline (22nd). A Todd’s-type Canada Goose was at Loch of Skene (29th). Mike Chandler
ARGYLL
ISLAY: Loch Gruinart had a Glaucous Gull (3rd), a Todd’s Canada Goose and Cackling Goose (11th), a Curlew Sandpiper (1st), 2,010 Golden Plovers (3rd) and six White-tailed Eagles plus three Golden Eagles (9th). A Black Redstart was at Finlaggan (13th). The island-wide goose count produced 34,381 Barnacle Geese, 5,763 Whitefronts and 1,354 Greylags.
There was a Grey Phalarope at Machir Bay. A
White-tailed Eagle was seen predating a Short-eared Owl above Kindrochid (6th). The American Wigeon remained on Loch Skerrols (to 8th), when five Blackcaps were in a Port Charlotte garden. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was at Whin Park (12th). Little Egrets were seen regularly to mid-month.
TIREE: A Pine Bunting (29th) and Hume’s Leaf Warbler (1st-3rd), both at Balephuil, are first records for Argyll if confirmed. An American Golden Plover was at Crossapol (4th-5th) and Loch a’ Phuill (9th). A Green-winged Teal was at Loch a’ Phuill (2nd-12th). A Ring-necked Duck at Loch Bhasapol was joined by a male (from 19th) and a second female (25th). A Todd’s Canada Goose was in East Tiree (from 5th). A Firecrest at Balephuil (9th-15th) was just the second island record.
Island scarcities included a Slavonian Grebe at Loch Bhasapol (19th), a Grey Phalarope off Hynish (11th), a Woodpigeon at Caoles, a Barn Owl, Mistle Thrush, two Blue Tits and a Brambling at Balephuil, 12 Rooks at Ruaig, four Blackcaps, three Goldcrests and four Snow Buntings. Winter thrushes included 2,500 Redwings and four Fieldfares. There were four Pied Wagtails, four Dunnocks, 50 Goldfinches and five Greenfinches. Five Hen Harriers, six Merlins, seven Peregrines and four Sparrowhawks hunted.
An all-island count (16th-17th) found a record 5,495 Barnacle Geese, 2,417 Greylags, 685 Greenland Whitefronts, three Pinkfeet, 2,950 Golden Plovers, 2,370 Lapwings and 89 Whooper Swans. Other waterfowl included two Little Grebes, a Scaup, four Long-tailed Ducks, 18 Shovelers, a Moorhen and Coot. Waders included a Jack Snipe, Woodcock, three Knot, four Grey Plovers and the first Purple Sandpiper (5th). Mark Shields and Ian Brooke (islaybirds.blogspot. com) and Dr John Bowler ( john.bowler@rspb.org. uk)
CENTRAL REGION
HIGHLIGHTS: Iceland Gulls were at Blackdub (4th), Blairdrummond Ponds (16th and 30th), over Doune Castle (19th) and at Westerton Farm, Cowie (25th). Two Snow Geese were at Skinflats (7th), when a Spoonbill was at Powfoulis. A Greenland White-fronted Goose was by Plean (14th), when a Mediterranean Gull was at Blackgrange. A Slavonian Grebe was on Gartmorn Dam (25th), when a Swallow was at Blackness.
CLACKMANNANSHIRE: Two Barnacle Geese were at Park Farm (1st). A Long-tailed Duck was on Gartmorn Dam (8th). Two Snow Geese were at Cambus (12th), when seven Jack Snipe were in the Blackdevon Wetlands.
There were 197 Cormorants and 1,207 Teal in the Tullibody Inch area (13th).
FALKIRK DISTRICT: There were 21 Barnacle Geese at Airth (1st). Thirty Great Crested Grebes, two Scaup and six Greenshanks were at Kinneil (2nd). Eleven Turnstones were at Bo’ness (6th). Some 125 Whooper Swans were at Skinflats (7th), when six Grey Plovers were at Powfoulis. There were 125 Bean Geese at Slamannan (11th). Five Red-throated Divers were off Kinneil, with 174 Pintails and 16 Pochards at Skinflats Pools (14th). There were 94 Twite at Higgin’s Neuk (15th). Two Scaup were at Skinflats Pools (19th and 23rd). A Long-tailed Duck was off Blackness (20th). A Little Egret, Scaup and Merlin were at Powfoulis (28th).
STIRLING DISTRICT: A Mandarin was by Cambusbarron (4th), when three Golden Eagles were in Glen Beich. A Gadwall was on Loch Watston (6th), when a Hen Harrier was in the Buckieburn area. A Long-tailed Duck was on the Lake of Menteith (9th). Forty Woodcocks were at Torrie, Callander (11th). Forty Barnacle Geese were near Plean (14th), when a Green Sandpiper was by the Allan Water, Kinbuck and two unseasonal Oystercatchers in Killin (14th).
Nineteen Whooper Swans were at Lecropt (15th), with 14 on Kippen Carse (19th). A Little Egret and four Whooper Swans were on the Blackdub floods (18th). Some 4,122 Woodpigeons flew over Ashfield (19th). Ten Ptarmigan were at Stuc a’ Chroin (21st). Great Crested Grebes were on Gart Loch and Loch Coulter (22nd), when 14 Barnacle Geese were on the Bandeath peninsula. A Little Egret was at Mid Cambushinnie (23rd).
UPPER FORTH ESTUARY: A co-ordinated count produced seven Red-throated Divers, 27 Great Crested Grebes, two Little Egrets, 826 Pinkfeet, 653 Shelducks, 154 Wigeon, 781 Teal, 132 Pintails, 48 Red-breasted Mergansers, two Water Rails, 138 Oystercatchers, seven Grey Plovers, 266 Golden Plovers, 565 Lapwings, 936 Knot, 2,589 Dunlin, 53 Black-tailed Godwits, 49 Bar-tailed Godwits, 561 Curlews, 2,247 Redshanks, four Greenshanks and a Guillemot. Neil Bielby
FIFE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Hudsonian Godwit was at the Eden Estuary (from 10th). A Richard’s Pipit was at Ruddons Point (28th-29th). Whooper Swans were widespread and included 123 at Wilderness (13th). Thirty Brent Geese remained in Balgove Bay, with others past Boarhills and Lower Largo. Pintails were at Rossie Bog, Angle Park and Edenside. A Ring-necked Duck was on Cameron Reservoir (28th). There were 122 Scaup on the Eden Estuary (12th).
Long-tailed Ducks were at St Andrews Bay, Lower Largo, Balgove Bay, Outhead, Kingsbarns and Loch Fitty. There were 350 Goldeneyes at Newburgh (13th). A Smew flew over Ferry Hills. Red-throated Divers were at nine sites, including 23 at Fife Ness and 35 over Ferry Hills (6th). Buckhaven, Fife Ness and Balgove Bay held Black-throated Divers. There were Great Northern Divers at Pathhead, Fife Ness (seven on 19th), Balcomie Beach, Kingsbarns and Ferry Hills.
Slavonian Grebes were in Largo Bay, Balgove Bay, Dalgety Bay and off Kingsbarns. A Manx Shearwater passed Dysart. Eight Little Egrets remained at the Eden Estuary, with White-tailed Eagles also there. Marsh Harriers were at Rossie Bog and Mugdrum Island. Merlins were at Anstruther, Kingsbarns, Crail, Newmills Bay and Ferry Hills. Loch Gelly held 11 Water Rails. Ruddons Point held Golden Plovers, and
23 Grey Plovers (26th).
Seven sites held Purple Sandpipers. A Spotted Redshank was in the Eden Estuary. There was an influx of Woodcocks (27th), including eight at Kilminning and one flying down the middle of road at Melville Lodges. A covey of Grey Partridges was at Pittenweem. Jack Snipe included eight at Valleyfield Lagoons. There were 36 Little Gulls over Ferry Hills (15th). Mediterranean Gulls remained along the Forth. There were Iceland Gulls at Fife Ness and Kingsbarns.
A Little Auk came in off the sea St Andrews West Sands. A Long-eared Owl visited Balcomie Beach. There were two Short-eared Owls at Lower Largo. Several reports were received of late Swallows and House Martins. Waxwings were at Cellardyke and Guardbridge. Siberian Chiffchaffs were at Crail and Kilminning. Bramblings were at
Crail (12 on 7th), St Andrews and Ferry Hills. There were 156 Twite at Kingsbarns (29th), 81 Snow Buntings at Tentsmuir Point (27th) and 11 Lapland Bunting at Kingsbarns (30th). Dave Heeley (dw.heeley@btinternet.com)
LOTHIAN
HIGHLIGHTS: The White-winged Scoter and Surf Scoter remained at Musselburgh. Two Surf Scoters were in Gosford Bay (6th) and one off Yellowcraigs (11th). A pair of ringed Snow Geese toured East Lothian (15th-22nd). A Siberian Chiffchaff (2nd) and Hawfinch (8th) were at Burdiehouse Burn. Water Pipits were at White Sands Bay (7th) and Barns Ness (19th-20th). Shore Larks were at Belhaven Bay (7th) and John Muir CP (14th-22nd). White Sands Quarry had an Iceland Gull (10th) and Glaucous Gull (28th). A Black Redstart was at Dunbar (13th). Two Lapland Buntings flew over Scoughall (27th), with a Whitefront there (28th).
ABERLADY: Snow Buntings peaked at 20. Thirty Twite were at Kilspindie (22nd).
BARNS NESS: There were two Snow Buntings (2nd) and two Woodcocks (9th). Two Brent Geese and a Little Gull were at Thorntonloch (3rd). Two Great Northern Divers (14th) and 14 Snow Buntings (19th) were at Torness. White Sands held a Little Egret and three Gadwall (7th), a Snow Bunting (9th) and three Shovelers (21st).
MUSSELBURGH: There were three Pintails and three Whooper Swans (1st), a Scaup and six Snow Buntings (5th), 12 Twite (7th) and Short-eared Owls (10th and 15th). A Black-throated Diver was off Fisherrow (10th) and Prestonpans (15th). A late Swallow flew over (29th).
TYNINGHAME: Belhaven had a Brent Goose (3rd), three Little Egrets (5th), a Jack Snipe (8th), 29 Snow Buntings (25th) and four Great Northern Divers (28th).
A Whooper Swan was on Seafield Pond (4th). Scoughall had a Little Egret (1st), two Great Northern Divers, eight Brent Geese and a Great Skua (28th), and a Merlin (29th).
OTHER SITES: Waxwings were at Balgreen (19th-29th) and Calton Hill (19th), with two over Penicuik (22nd). Snow Buntings were at Cramond Island (6th), Holyrood Park (23rd) and Tantallon Castle (21 on 25th). Two Great Northern Divers (26th) and a Swallow (29th) were at Dunbar. Merlins were at Haddington (8th) and Kingston (16th). A Green Woodpecker was near Woodhall Dean (26th).
A Water Rail was in Penicuik (28th). A Red-necked Grebe was near Fidra (11th). Nine Brent Geese were at Cramond (14th). A Mediterranean Gull and 13 Gadwall were on Duddingston Loch (15th). Seven Mediterranean Gulls were at Seaton Sands (18th). Jim Nicholson
OUTER HEBRIDES
HIGHLIGHTS: The first Ruby-crowned Kinglet for the UK was on Barra (12th-19th). The third Dusky Warbler for the Outer Hebrides was also on Barra at Gleann (5th-7th). A Brown Shrike was in Ness, between Cross and Skigersta (5th-10th). The Snowy Owl remained on St. Kilda.
OTHER SITES: A Snow Goose was at Knockintorran (13th). Green-winged Teal were on Loch Sandary (15th-18th) and at Loch Bee (23rd). A Surf Scoter was in the Sound of Taransay early in the month. A Great Crested
Grebe was in North Bay, South Uist (1st). Thirteen Sooty Shearwaters passed Griminish Point (3rd), with nine off the Butt (4th) and two off Ardvule (24th). Grey Phalaropes were in North Bay and off Balivanich (21st), when a Long-tailed Skua flew south at Ardvule.
There was a scattering of Iceland Gulls. Glaucous Gulls included four at Rubh’ Arnal (9th) and four on Baleshare (27th). A late Swallow was at Bayhead, Stornoway (17th). A Redstart was in Ness (1st). Two Black Redstarts were on St. Kilda (6th). Good numbers of Siberian Chiffchaffs were noted. Two Yellow-browed Warblers lingered.
A Lesser Whitethroat was in Castlebay (to 10th). Three Hawfinches were in Stornoway (1st), with two remaining throughout. A few Snow Buntings were recorded. A Lapland Bunting was at Balemore (15th). Steve Duffield (www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk)
PERTH AND KINROSS
HIGHLIGHTS: A White-fronted Goose was among Pink-footed Geese near Kinross (20th). A Long-tailed Duck was at Stormont Loch (21st-28th) and a Smew at Rae Loch (29th-30th). A Green Sandpiper was at Kercock (22nd). A Black-throated Diver was at Port Allen (12th) and a single Hawfinch was seen at Fingask (11th). Seven Ptarmigan were noted at Glenshee (4th). Rae Loch hosted 502 Greylag Geese (38th) and 1,100 Pink-footed Geese (7th). Elsewhere Pink-footed Geese were noted at Strathallan, with 1,500 present (4th) and 9,301 at Loch Leven (23rd). Good numbers of swans were recorded, with 117 Mute Swans at Lawhill and 126 at Kinkell Bridge (15th).
An impressive 500 Whooper Swans were at Strathallan (4th), 235 at Loch Leven (12th), 114 at Lawhill (15th) and 230 at Abernethy (25th). Notable flocks of wildfowl included 100 Wigeon at Strathallan (4th), 200 at Port Allen (13th) and 114 at Lawhill (15th), 270 Mallard at Kinkell Bridge (15th), 10 Pintail at Loch Leven (2nd), 720 Teal at Lawhill (15th) and 980 at Port Allen (12th). Up to four Water Rails were present at Rae Loch (29th) and 19 Moorhens at South Inch, Perth (19th). Waders at Loch Leven included 280 Lapwings (13th) with 210 Curlew (23rd).
A Woodcock was seen at Stormont Loch (15th). Up to three Little Egrets were present at Loch Leven throughout. A Marsh Harrier was at Errol (16th), with single Hen Harriers noted at Glen Artney (7th) and Blair Atholl (20th). A Barn Owl was seen near Meikleour (8th) and a Short-eared Owl at Glen Artney (7th). Forty Sky Larks were near Milnathort (22nd). Chiffchaffs were reported from Aberfeldy (5th) and Kirkstyle (9th). An impressive 10,000 Starlings roosted at Rae Loch (14th), while good numbers of winter thrushes were noted with 200 at Port Allen (12th) and 80 Redwings at Rae Loch (1st). Three Bramblings were at Glen Artney (3rd). Scott Paterson, Perth and Kinross County Bird Recorder (pkrecorder@the-soc.org.uk)
TAYSIDE
HIGHLIGHTS: An adult drake Hooded Merganser was at Forfar Loch (20th). A drake Green-winged Teal was on Denfind Pond, Monikie CP (3rd), with a Scaup there (3rd-21st). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Panbride House, Carnoustie (9th). Balgavies Loch SWT had a drake Ring-necked Duck (21st-22nd). A Great Grey Shrike was at Backwater Reservoir (28th-29th). Up to three Little Gulls remained off Carnoustie (2nd), and a Mediterranean Gull was also there. Four Waxwings were in the car park of Morrisons, Arbroath (7th). Montrose Basin had a Great White Egret (17th-30th). Two Snow Buntings were at Montrose (21st).