EAST ANGLIA
Highlights
With shades of Groundhog
Day (although that should fall on 2 February), a Lammergeier, aka Bearded Vulture, was once more touring parts of Norfolk. This year’s bird was an adult, though, seen at a few sites in the north of the county.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: The three Glossy Ibises remained north of Earith Bridge. Ferry Meadows CP had a Coues’s Arctic Redpoll (22nd), Great Northern Diver (17th-22nd) and two Smew (13th-17th). A Red-necked Grebe was at Etton GP (12th-13th). Red-throated Divers were at CEGB Reservoir (25th-26th) and Crowland (16th). A Garganey was at Fen Drayton Lakes (to 21st), with it, or others, at Berry Fen (23rd) and Kingfishers Bridge (28th). Three Sand Martins were at Mare Fen (24th). A Ferruginous Duck at the Ouse Washes was thought to be a hybrid. A Kumlien’s Gull visited Heydon, Foxton, Dernford and Fen Drayton Lakes. Three Iceland Gulls were at Stanground Wash (to 21st), with others at Flag Fen (21st), Tanholt GP (20th) and Fen Drayton Lakes (11th-12th). Four Great Northern Divers were at Grafham Water. A Black-necked Grebe was at Fen Drayton Lakes (5th). Two Red-breasted Mergansers were at Stanground (20th) and Grafham Water (21st).
Twelve Smew were at Paxton Pits, five at Bainton GP and singles at Needingworth, Buckden GP (1st) and Fen Drayton Lakes. Two
Tundra Bean Geese were at Colne Fen (21st) and Barleycraft (17th), with singles at Wimpole Hall (to 13th) and Hatley St George (21st).
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
ESSEX
FRINTON-ON-SEA: Maxima included 160 Russian Whitefronts, two Velvet Scoters, 63 Pintails, 938 Brent Geese, 14 Mediterranean Gulls, two Marsh Harriers, 1,181 Starlings, 186 Woodpigeons, 225 Chaffinches, 39 Siskins,100 Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, Goosander, Little Gull, Black-throated Diver, Yellowhammer, Fulmar and Black Brant.
METROPOLITAN ESSEX: A few Russian Whitefronts were noted. A Ring-necked Duck was at Nazeing. Two Smew, a Bittern and 20 Goosanders were in the Seventy Acres Lake complex. Scaup were at three sites. Two Velvet Scoters and five Black-necked Grebes were on the Girling Reservoir. Two Cattle Egrets were at
Hall Marsh. There was a cold weather influx of Great White Egrets. Upminster had a Bittern, Merlin, 11 Woodcocks, two Jack Snipe, a Greenshank and Grey Plover. Wanstead Flats held a record 565 Lapwings. Woodlarks flew over the Mardyke and Woodford Green. Eight Crossbills were in Weald Park. Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were at four sites. A Siberian Chiffchaff was in a Dagenham garden. Caspian Gulls were at four sites. Kittiwakes were at Chafford Hundred and Wanstead Flats.
MID-ESSEX: Abberton had four Smew, 11 Goosanders, three Great White Egrets and a Scandinavian Rock Pipit. Wivenhoe and Alresford had six Jack Snipe. Black Redstarts were at Brightlingsea and Copford, where there were 1,023 Linnets. Nine Goosanders were in the Great Totham area. A Great White Egret and Merlin were on Geedon Saltings. There were four Slavonian Grebes and a Great Northern Diver off West Mersea. Woodcocks were widespread. There was a movement of Buzzards and Red Kites. A Brambling was in a Hatfield Peverel garden.
NORTH ESSEX: Holland Haven had two Pinkfeet, three Purple Sandpipers, five Woodcocks, a Merlin, Little Gull, Kittiwake, Mediterranean Gull, White Wagtail two Bearded
Tits, three Ring-necked Parakeets and three Sand Martins. Two Firecrests and three Woodcocks were at The Naze. Wigboro Wick Farm held 69 Russian Whitefronts. Great White Egrets were at Cattawade and Wix. There were 48 Snipe at White Colne. Eleven Red Kites were between Rayne and Finchingfield.
RAINHAM MARSHES: Highlights included 71 Pintails, 1,859 Wigeon, 249 Shovelers, a record 521 Coots, 220 Teal, 934 Dunlin, two Jack Snipe, 16 Avocets, a Bar-tailed Godwit, six Grey Plovers, a Russian Whitefront, two Barnacle Geese, 200 Fieldfares, a Raven and Red Kite.
SOUTH-EAST ESSEX: Russian Whitefronts included 292 at Wallasea. Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at South Fambridge (two), Wallasea and Benfleet. Three Black Brants were noted. Stow Marsh had 263 Black-tailed Godwits, five Jack Snipe and 69 Snipe. Woodcocks included eight at Canvey Wick. The Whimbrel remained on Fobbing. A Scaup was at Paglesham Lagoon.
Two Velvet Scoters, a Razorbill, Little Gull, 17 Red-throated Divers, three Kittiwakes and 32 Common Scoters were off Canvey Point. Great White Egrets were at five sites and Cattle Egrets at three. Wallasea logged two Hen Harriers and a Short-eared Owl. Merlins were at Bowers (two) and Barling. Water Pipits were on the South
Essex Marshes. A Yellow-browed Warbler was in a Burnham-on-Crouch garden. Howard Vaughan
NORFOLK
HIGHLIGHTS: A Coues’s Arctic Redpoll was at Wells Woods (15th). The Iceland Gull remained in the Weybourne area. Two Leach’s Petrels flew past Weybourne (7th), with a Grey Phalarope past Cley (11th). A Black Brant was at Blakeney Freshmarsh (to 15th). Black-necked Grebes were at Salthouse (from 20th) and at Whitlingham CP (15th). Smew were at the latter and Thorpe Marshes (13th-16th). Four Smew were at Rollesby Broad (21st-25th), with two Slavonian Grebes there (25th). The Long-tailed Duck remained at Ormesby Little Broad. The Slavonian Grebe remained at Ormesby Broad (to 27th), with a Smew there (18th). A Smew was at Barton Broad (from 22nd). A Slavonian Grebe was at Breydon Water (to 23rd). Hickling Broad had a Smew (19th) and five Scaup (to 19th). An Iceland Gull was seen intermittently at Winterton and Caister. Two Tundra Bean Geese were at West Caister (26th). Media reports of a Bearded Vulture were never confirmed.
BREYDON WATER: Highlights were an Iceland Gull (19th), a Slavonian Grebe (to 23rd), 32 Bewick’s Swans (22nd) and four Whooper Swans (3rd-4th). Marsh Harriers, Buzzards and Peregrines were regular, with a Hen Harrier (6th). There were 35,000 Starlings, four Stonechats, two Chiffchaffs, a Snow Bunting and Cetti’s Warbler. Maxima were 7,500 Pinkfeet, 311 Greylags, 29 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 36,000 Wigeon, 168 Gadwall, 2,430 Teal, 169 Pintails, 790 Shovelers, 5,200 Lapwings, 684 Avocets, 69 Oystercatchers, 11,700 Golden Plovers, 69 Grey Plovers, 109 Knot, nine Sanderling, 20 Snipe, a record 6,560 Black-tailed Godwits, 53 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1,310 Curlews, 1,022 Redshanks, two Ruff, two Spotted Redshanks, 15 Woodcocks and 187 Mediterranean Gulls,
NOA HOLME BIRD OBSERVATORY:
Maxima included 480 Golden Plovers, 1,200 Lapwings, 150 Fieldfares, seven Russian Whitefronts, three Red-throated Divers, six Fulmars, ten Eiders, 500 Common Scoters, 14 Red-breasted Mergansers, 10 Great Crested Grebes, eight Marsh Harriers, two Spotted Redshanks, 12 Redshanks, five Rock Pipits, 95 Linnets, three Pintails, two Avocets, 25 Woodcocks, 70 Skylarks, two Barn Owls, four Yellowhammers, 500 Dunlin, 185 Snipe, 3,000 Common Gulls, 1,200 Black-headed Gulls, 2,000 Herring Gulls, two Peregrines, six Black-tailed Godwits, two Bearded Tits, five Bullfinches, 11 Barnacle Geese, two Velvet
Scoters, three Goldeneyes, two Gannets, two Crossbills, three Siskins, four Redpolls, two Cranes, 200 Curlews, six Red Kites and a Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Duck, Bittern, Jack Snipe, Ruff, Greenshank, Purple Sandpiper, Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Merlin, Short-eared Owl, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Raven and Twite.
CLEY AREA: Highlights included two Water Pipits, a Black Brant, eight Snow Buntings, 61 Russian Whitefronts, an Iceland Gull, 150 Woodcocks, a pale-bellied Brent Goose, two Mealy Redpolls, five Tundra Bean Geese, 3,000 Pink-footed Geese, 1,000 Brent Geese, four Spoonbills, three Great White Egrets, a Hen Harrier and Firecrest.
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 White-tailed Eagle, of uncertain origin, flew east at Barton Mills (26th) and was then at the Blyth Estuary and Hen Reedbeds (27th-28th), and Westleton Heath (28th). The Hooded Merganser remained at Butley (to 27th). Six Parrot Crossbills were at Upper Hollesley Common (27th). A Black-necked Grebe was at Kessingland (15th). An Iceland Gull was seen intermittently at Gunton and Lowestoft. A Long-tailed Duck remained at Covehithe Broad. A Red-necked Grebe was at Minsmere (to 18th), with a Smew there (to 27th). Four Slavonian Grebes were at Alton Water (28th). Seven Tundra Bean Geese were at Hollesley Marshes (11th-18th), with three at Boyton Marshes (15th), one at Trimley Marshes (22nd) and four at Felixstowe Ferry (9th). A Black Brant was in the Ramsholt/Kirton area (14th-26th).
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
A first-winter Bonaparte’s Gull was a great bird at Slimbridge WWT, Goucestershire. The drake Bufflehead (of unknown origin) remained at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes, Warwickshire.
DERBYSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Slavonian Grebe was at Straws Bridge near Ilkeston (17th-22nd) before moving to Kirk Hallam Lake (28th). A Cattle Egret was at Long Eaton GP (6th-7th) and Cranfleet Farm nearby (20th). A Bittern was at Willington GP (7th and 27th). Five Russian Whitefronts were in the Swarkestone-Ingleby-Milton area of the Trent Valley (21st-28th). Another flew over Stanley (23rd). A Ring-necked Duck was at Staunton Harold Reservoir (8th).
Three Smew were at Aston-on-Trent GP (13th). An Iceland Gull was at Carr Vale (21st), roosting at Ogston Reservoir the same evening. Caspian Gulls were at Melbourne Pool (10th) and Ogston Reservoir (16th and 21st-22nd). A Ring Ouzel visited gardens in a South Derbyshire village (Jan 17th-20th Feb), with another near Chellaston (12th). A Firecrest was at Ogston Reservoir (12th).
Three Snow Buntings were on Ollersett Moor (19th). Very early Little Ringed Plovers were at Avenue Washlands (25th) and Ogston Reservoir (28th). A Wheatear was at Thorpe Cloud (28th). Great White Egrets were at eight sites, including three at Willington GP (2nd). One or two Red Kites were at 17 sites.
BARROW GP: There were five Pintails (13th), a Peregrine (14th), three Egyptian Geese, ten Shelducks, six Gadwall and three Goldeneyes.
EREWASH MEADOWS: There was a Marsh Tit (15th and 20th), Dunlin (18th), Shelduck, two Shovelers, an Oystercatcher, 12 Snipe and two Stonechats.
KEDLESTON PARK: There were five Shelducks, five Mandarins, a Pintail, eight Goldeneyes, five Oystercatchers and a Stonechat.
LONG EATON GP: There was a Red-crested Pochard (15th), ten Little Egrets, 203 Wigeon, 18 Gadwall, ten Goldeneyes, 28 Goosanders, a Water Rail, three Oystercatchers, a Stonechat, three Cetti’s Warblers, and a Marsh Tit (8th).
MELBOURNE POOL: The two Red-crested Pochards remained. There were 140 Pinkfeet over (10th). Three Oystercatchers were noted.
OTHER SITES: Two Whooper Swans were at Ingleby (5th), with two at Newton Solney (10th) and nine at Middleton Moor (22nd). Weston-on-Trent had seven Shelducks (26th) and two Pintails (27th). A Red-crested Pochard was at Holmebrook CP (19th). A Jack Snipe was at Newton Solney (6th and 11th), with five at Shipley Park (7th). Combs Reservoir held 53 Curlews (27th), with 50 at Rowarth (28th) and 13 at Willington GP (11th). A Common Sandpiper was at Willington GP (13th). Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were at Fenny Bentley (11th) and Linacre Reservoir. A Marsh Tit was at Alport (13th). Two Hawfinches were at Shirley (22nd). Rod Key
GLOUCESTER
COTSWOLDS: A Bittern flew over Lechlade (1st). The Cotswold Water Park had a Ring-necked Duck (16th), White-fronted Goose, Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier, a few Goosanders and Goldeneyes, five Oystercatchers and a Mediterranean Gull. Merlins were at Tresham (6th), Barton End near Nailsworth (10th) and Cleeve Hill (27th). Chavenage Lane had a Hen Harrier (16th), a Merlin (8th) and 40 Bramblings. Five Short-eared Owls were near Turkdean. A Firecrest was at Toadsmoor Valley near Stroud (7th). There were 25 Corn Buntings at Sapperton. A Long-eared Owl was at an undisclosed site (27th).
FOREST OF DEAN: A Red-crested Pochard at Woorgreens (26th) was probably the first for the area. A Great Grey Shrike was at Edge Hills. Two Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were near Littledean (10th).
LOWER SEVERN VALE: A Glaucous Gull was at Woolaston (19th-21st).The Frampton Pools and Saul Warth area logged two pale-bellied Brent Geese (24th), a Goldeneye, Goosander, eight Cattle Egrets, a Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier, Bar-tailed Godwit, two Jack Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, Little Gull (15th), Mediterranean Gull and two Water Pipits. Two Spoonbills flew over Sharpness (25th) and Frampton (26th), before returning to Frampton (28th).
A Shag was at Sharpness (21st), with four Grey Plovers and a Green Sandpiper (27th). A Whooper Swan remained at Arlingham. A Goosander (9th) and a White-fronted Goose (15th) were unusual at Walmore Common. Mediterranean Gulls were at Westbury and Awre, with a Grey Plover at the latter. Four Green Sandpipers were at Stanley Downton.
SLIMBRIDGE WWT: A Bonaparte’s Gull (28th) was the fourth county record and third for the reserve. There were 79 Bewick’s Swans, a Pink-footed Goose, 170 Russian Whitefronts, a
Greenland White-fronted Goose, a Cackling Goose, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Goldeneye, four Cattle Egrets, three Marsh Harriers, a Merlin, 87 Avocets, 2,500 Golden Plovers, 12 Ruff, 134 Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, and a Little Gull (21st).
UPPER SEVERN VALE: Two Black Redstarts were at Gloucester Cathedral. A Firecrest was at Abbeymead. Another Firecrest and two Green Sandpipers were at Netheridge, Hempsted (16th). A Great White Egret was at Tewkesbury (9th). Minsterworth Ham had two Whooper Swans, 350 Pintails, a Spotted Redshank (23rd) and a Mediterranean Gull.
Coombe Hill Meadows had two Goldeneyes (16th), three Dunlin, six Ruff and a Black-tailed Godwit. Two Goldeneyes were at Ashleworth Ham (28th). A Merlin was at Sandhurst (7th). A Green Sandpiper was at Maisemore Ham. Up to 50,000 Starlings roosted at Sudmeadow, Gloucester. Andy Jayne (01452 506 502)
LEICESTERSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: The first-winter drake Ring-necked Duck continued to show up on the Staunton Harold Estate, as well as the Dimminsdale arm of Staunton Harold Reservoir. Eyebrook Reservoir had up to seven Smew throughout, and five adult Whooper Swans (13th). Eighteen Bewick’s Swans were briefly at Stanford Reservoir (6th). Watermead CP had a juvenile Iceland Gull (13th), a juvenile Glaucous Gull (14th), and a Bittern (24th). A juvenile Iceland Gull was at Shawell (17th).
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Ring-necked Duck, the eighth county record, was at Ditchford GP (6th-28th). A Glossy Ibis, the seventh county record, visited Thrapston GP (13th-25th) and was also seen at Wadenhoe (22nd). A White-tailed Eagle was at Pitsford Reservoir (1st), Kettering (3rd) and nearby (21st). An Iceland Gull was at Rushton landfill (5th-31st), near Kettering (31st). Cattle Egrets included four at Stanwick GP, four at Earls Barton GP (27th) and one at Thrapston GP (21st). A Bearded Tit remained at Stortons GP.
Smew included three at Ditchford GP, three at Ravensthorpe Reservoir (13th-16th) and singles at Pitsford (16th) and Thrapston GP (23rd-26th). There were 33 Whitefronts at Stanwick GP, with two over Byfield (20th). A Pink-footed Goose visited Stanwick (13th-20th), with two at Ringstead GP (17th). A herd of Bewick’s Swans was at Stanford Reservoir and over Sulby Reservoir (6th). Five flew over Clipston (12th). Great White Egrets were at nine sites, including ten at Thrapston GP and eight at Earls Barton GP.
BODDINGTON RESERVOIR: There was a Merlin (24th), 24 Barnacle Geese, seven Snipe and two Mediterranean Gulls. Thirteen Knot flew over Byfield.
CLIFFORD HILL GP: There were two Jack Snipe, 14 Golden Plovers, four Dunlin, a Curlew and two Stonechats.
EARLS BARTON GP: There was a Black-tailed Godwit, three Dunlin, 40 Golden Plovers, 10 Snipe, a Redshank, three Pintails and two Stonechats. HARRINGTON AIRFIELD: There were 470 Golden Plovers, a Merlin, Short-eared Owl and five Bramblings.
HOLLOWELL RESERVOIR: Highlights included a Caspian Gull, four Yellow-legged Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, Scaup (6th-11th), Pintail, four Jack Snipe, ten Snipe, six Stonechats and 15 Crossbills. Two Mandarins were at Ravensthorpe Reservoir.
PITSFORD RESERVOIR: There was a Great Northern Diver (to 23rd), 58 Snipe, two Jack Snipe, 310 Golden Plovers, a Dunlin, two Pintails, two Mandarins, a Merlin, Yellow-legged Gull and three Stonechats.
STANFORD RESERVOIR: There were two Caspian Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull, four Mediterranean Gulls, a Marsh Harrier (20th), Barnacle Goose, two Pintails, 22 Snipe, a Jack Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Peregrine and two Stonechats.
STANWICK GP: There was a Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, seven Redshanks, four Dunlin, nine Snipe, seven Pintails and nine Barnacle Geese.
OTHER SITES: Rushton landfill hosted two Caspian Gulls. Another was at the DIRFT 3 site, along with a Curlew and Peregrine. Hanging Houghton had a Merlin, Short-eared Owl, Jack Snipe, four Stonechats and a Peregrine. Twenty Crossbills were at Wakerley Great Wood, with five at Harlestone Heath and two at Fineshade Wood. Gretton had a Knot, 30 Dunlin and 81 Golden Plovers. Three Knot were at Kings Sutton. Merlins were at Sutton Bassett and Maidwell. Four Jack Snipe were near Ravensthorpe and three at Wicksteed Water Meadows. A Ruddy Shelduck was at Foxhole Fisheries. Bramblings visited Woodford Halse and Fineshade Wood. Bob Bullock (01604 627 262)
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: The Great Northern Diver remained at Hoveringham (to 1st). There was a Knot at Church Laneham (10th). Lound had 20 Ruff, a Wood Sandpiper (3rd) and a Bar-tailed Godwit (7th). A Black-tailed Godwit was at Annesley Pit Top (1st). Whooper Swans included 81 at Slaynes Lane, 19 at Kilvington and smaller numbers at Wollaton, Mattersey, Misterton, Hoveringham and Lound.
Three Bewick’s Swans were at Slaynes Lane. Smew were at Holme Pierrepont, Lound, Collingham, Besthorpe, Newark and North Muskham. Ten White-fronted Geese were at Girton and 11 at Besthorpe. Hen Harriers were at Lound (7th) and Gringley (20th). The first Sand Martins were over the Beeston Canal (27th). Tom Shields
OXFORDSHIRE
OTMOOR: Pintails peaked at 294. Lapwing and Golden Plover numbers increased to over 4,000 of each following a cold period. Towards the end of the month, Chiffchaffs were heard singing and some Golden Plovers obtained their breeding plumage. The last few days of February saw waders returning, with Curlews, Oystercatchers and Redshanks seen for the first time this year. There were 19 Ruff (21st), when a Ring-necked Duck was found. The wintering Russian White-fronted Geese shipped out, dwindling to just eight (25th). Andrew Martin
RUTLAND
HIGHLIGHTS: Brent Geese were heard over Rutland Water (10th). There were five Great Northern Divers there, and a Little Gull (15th). A Whooper Swan was there all month, with eight over Exton Park (13th). A Merlin was near Langham (18th). A Willow Tit was at Martinsthorpe (4th).
RUTLAND WATER: Highlights included two Barnacle Geese (24th), eight Pintails, eight Scaup (20th), 13 Smew, a Black-necked Grebe (15th-18th), Great White Egret (27th), four Oystercatchers, six Avocets (27th), 1,500 Lapwings, 822 Golden Plovers, 20 Dunlin, Ringed Plovers (6th and 9th), three Green Sandpipers (23rd), a Barn Owl (9th), Kingfisher (3rd), the first Sand Martin (24th), Chiffchaff (23rd), two Stonechats (16th) and an early White Wagtail (26th).
OTHER SITES: Four Mandarins were at Morcott (24th). There were 165 Wigeon at Cottesmore (22nd). Grey Partridges were near Manton (1st) and Great Casterton (11th). A Great
White Egret and Water Rail were at Leighfield Fishponds (27th). Curlews were back at breeding sites near Barrow and at Merry’s Meadow (26th). Woodcocks were at Barnsdale, Barrow and Westland, and Tunneley Woods (three).
Barn Owls were at Lyndon, Leighfield, Oakham, Fort Henry and Morcott. Tawny Owls called at eight sites, including three at Martinsthorpe (5th). Little Owls were at Barrow, Morcott and Langham.
Two Peregrines were on Oakham Church, with singles at Ketton, Langham and Martinsthorpe. Marsh Tits were at Tunneley Wood, Barnsdale Gardens and Wing. Chiffchaffs were at Manton (11th), North Luffenham (22nd) and Cottesmore Wood (28th). Blackcaps were in Oakham (8th-15th) and Manton (all month). Stonechat pairs were at Fort Henry (13th) and Exton Park (20th), with one at Leighfield (21st). Up to seven Lesser Redpolls were in an Oakham garden (4th-28th). Terry Mitcham
STAFFORDSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: Radford Meadows SWT had up to 17 Russian White-fronted Geese (1st-5th). Belvide Reservoir had a first-winter Little Stint (1st-9th) and a Russian White-fronted Goose (1st), and a Caspian Gull (17th-28th). An adult Kittiwake went over Keele (2nd). A Caspian Gull was at Branston GP (10th), with a third-winter at Westport Lake (13th-16th). A Little Stint was briefly at Croxall Lakes (12th). A Short-eared Owl was at Berry Hill Fields (15th). Chasewater had up to three Caspian Gulls (an adult and two first-winters) and up to nine Yellow-legged Gulls (15th-18th), and a Kittiwake (18th).
A Firecrest was at the National Memorial Arboretum (22nd). Blithfield Reservoir had an adult Caspian Gull (28th).
WARWICKSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Ring-necked Duck and Willow Tit were at Ladywalk. White-fronted Geese were at Napton, Earlswood Lakes and Salford Priors, which also had a Pink-footed Goose. A Green Sandpiper was at Morton Bagot. A Glaucous Gull was at Draycote Water. Oystercatchers started returning. A few Goldeneyes were noted. Clare Topping
WEST MIDLANDS
HIGHLIGHTS: The White-fronted Goose remained at Marsh Lane, where two Black-tailed Godwits were also seen. Caspian Gulls were at Sandwell Valley and Bartley Reservoir. A Great White Egret flew over Stubbers Green. Golden Plovers flew over Lutley. One or two Jack Snipe were at Marsh Lane, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park. The wintering Black Redstart remained at Stirchley. Pintails were at Marsh Lane and Bartley Reservoir. Red Kites flew over Clayhanger, Barr Beacon, Meriden and Sandwell Valley. A Willow Tit was at Sheepwash Urban Park. Three Dippers were along the Bourn Brook, south Birmingham. Pete Hackett (0121 358 2454).
WORCESTERSHIRE
AVON VALLEY: A Merlin was on Bredon Hill.
CENTRAL: A Kittiwake was at Westwood Pool (17th). A female-type Black Redstart remained at Worcester Cathedral. Four Whooper Swans flew south over Bevere Weir (28th). Floods south of Worcester held 55 Goosanders and four Pintails. Two Ring-necked Parakeets were seen in Worcester.
GRIMLEY: The main highlight was a Cattle Egret (1st-28th), but also in the area was a
Russian White-fronted Goose (27th), four Goldeneyes, four Pintails, a Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, a Great White Egret, a Green Sandpiper and a Sand Martin (26th).
LOWER SEVERN VALLEY: Two Siberian Chiffchaffs remained at Kempsey. Two Knots (9th) were at Clifton Pits. Ripple had a Knot (14th), 26 Dunlins, two Goldeneyes, 121 Pintails, three Great White Egrets and a Green Sandpiper. Ryall had nine Pintails. Floods at Upton-On-Severn held three Goldeneyes, a Yellow-legged Gull and up to three Mediterranean Gulls.
NORTH: Bittell Reservoirs had a Shag (18th), Russian White-fronted Goose (18th), a Great White Egret and a Green Sandpiper.
A Tree Sparrow was found in the Teme Valley. Tardebigge had a Sand Martin (26th).
A Red-crested Pochard was seen in Kidderminster (22nd). A Merlin was at Woodrow. Hawfinches were at Bewdley (1), Tardebigge (2) and Finstall (1). Crossbills were seen in the Wyre Forest (1), Pound Green (6) and Ribbesford Wood (1).
UPTON WARREN: Highlights included two Whooper Swans, up to 38 Avocets (from 6th), a Green Sandpiper, two Dunlin, 20 Jack Snipe, three Mediterranean Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull, and a Sand Martin (25th). Ed Betteridge
GREATER MANCHESTER
HIGHLIGHTS: A Ring-necked Duck was at Elton Reservoir (12th) and Alexandra Park, Whalley Range (18th-27th), with brief visits to Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield (23rd and 28th). A Snow Bunting was on Winter Hill (20th-27th). A Firecrest was at Salford Quays (2nd). Three Caspian Gulls were at Gorton (4th-11th), with two roosting at Audenshaw Reservoirs (5th-11th) and one at Salford Quays (9th).
ELTON RESERVOIR: There was an Iceland Gull (12th-13th) and a Mediterranean Gull (15th-21st). Nine Whooper Swans flew over (22nd). A Merlin passed through (15th). The wintering Scaup remained. The first Chiffchaff was seen (26th).
MERSEY VALLEY: A Green Sandpiper was by Flixton Bridge (15th). A Brambling was on Carrington Moss. Ringed Plovers returned to the Basell Industrial Site, where a Mediterranean Gull was seen (27th).
PENNINGTON FLASH: An Iceland Gull roosted (17th). Two Mediterranean Gulls were seen on and off. A flock of 38 Whooper Swans flew over (11th), with three more (16th). Twelve Black-tailed Godwits dropped in (21st).
OTHER SITES: Three Avocets flew over Little Woolden Moss (22nd). A Merlin was on Chat Moss (3rd). A Water Pipit remained at Daisy Hill ETW, Westhoughton. Iceland Gulls were at Tyldesley (2nd-10th), Moses Gate CP (3rd-19th) and Hollingworth Lake (7th), with two at Atherton (5th-16th), Gorton (8th-15th) and Audenshaw Reservoirs (9th-11th). Audenshaw Reservoirs had a Common Scoter (25th) and Black-necked Grebe (28th). Two Whooper Swans flew over Hope Carr (21st). Five Short-eared Owls were at Horwich Moors (27th). There were 34 Mandarins at Etherow CP.
Dr Paul Brewster (01606 590 491)
EAST YORKSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A White-tailed Eagle loitered in the Flamborough area (26th-27th).
FLAMBOROUGH: There was a Glaucous Gull (1st), six Long-tailed Ducks (3rd), 195 Woodcocks (5th), a Mediterranean Gull and two Great Northern Divers (10th), two Velvet Scoters (11th), a Grey Phalarope and a Black-throated Diver (12th), a Bittern, Glaucous Gull and Little Egret (15th) and a Shore Lark (21st). Seven Lapland Buntings were present.
HORNSEA MERE: There was a Slavonian Grebe (from 10th), a Long-tailed Duck, three Smew, a Little Egret and two Mediterranean Gulls.
SPURN: Our first winter record of Black-necked Grebe was at Beacon Ponds (16th), before moving to Kilnsea Wetlands (to 25th). The Brent Goose flock increased, and included a Black Brant (with two on 17th) and five pale-bellied birds. There were several Great Northern Divers, three Velvet Scoters a Long-tailed Duck and five Scaup. Another Scaup was at Kilnsea Wetlands (from 13th).
There was a Glaucous Gull and Little Gull (19th). The Woodcock influx continued, with around 100 logged some days. Jack Snipe remained scarce. Black-tailed Godwits peaked at 730. Visible migration (22nd) produced 936 Pinkfeet, 222 Lapwings, 961 Starlings, 12 Snow Buntings and a Woodlark. Two Lapland Buntings were at Easington.
OTHER SITES: There were 60 Snow Buntings at Grimston (10th). Buckton had 13 Lapland Buntings (20th). Five Little Egrets were at North Cave Wetlands. Three Great White Egrets were near Leven (26th), when an Iceland Gull was at Southfield Reservoir. Ian Marshall (01482 627 446) and John Hewitt (07952 293 060)
WEST YORKSHIRE
BRADFORD: The best February sightings were gulls, starting with a first-year Iceland Gull and two Mediterranean Gulls at Thornton (16th). Probably the same Iceland Gull was at Oxenhope (21st) and a Caspian was at Redcar Tarn (24th). The drake Shoveler was still at Wibsey (4th). Pink-footed Geese were migrating with 42 over Ogden (22nd), 100 over Wyke (26th) and 50 over Soil Hill (26th). More than 10 Crossbills were seen at Ogden (26/27th), two Ring-necked Parakeets were in a Chellow Dene garden and a Barn Owl was seen at Chevin. Two early Ringed Plovers turned up at Fly Flatts (28th) just making them February birds for once.
Two Egyptian Geese were noted (22nd and 25th). A Smew moved from the Balance Reservoir (13th) to Bowers Lake (14th). An early Black-necked Grebe was on the Eastern Reedbed (from 7th). A Slavonian Grebe on the Main Lake (from 22nd), had been near Skelton Lake (11th and 15th). An Iceland Gull was at the Main Lake (1st), with a Yellow-legged Gull by Skelton Lake (11th) and a Mediterranean Gull at Astley Lake (21st).
A Merlin was at the Starling roost (9th). There were up to 38 Woodcocks around the hillside and 18 in Temple Newsam Woods. A Jack Snipe flew over (10th). The first Avocet was at Leventhorpe Hall Pond (26th). Firecrests were below Methley Bridge and at Woodlesford Lock (25th), with two at the latter (26th). The Starling murmuration peaked at 10,000. Chris King – Bradford Ornithological Group, Paul Morris
Burntisland (to 24th). A Little Auk was at Burntisland (15th), with a Black Guillemot at Leven. Some 9,300 Woodpigeons fed at Anstruther. A Rock Pipit (of ssp. littoralis) was at Burntisland (12th). An Icelandic Redwing was at Tayport (15th). Ravens were widespread, especially in the west of the county. Bramblings, mostly in small numbers, were at eight sites.
Remaining birds included Twite at St Monans, Boghall, Wormiston and Outhead, Crossbills at Cellardyke and Largo Bay, Snow Buntings at Tentsmuir (seven), Kingsbarns, St Andrews, Balcomie and Elie, Lapland Buntings at Kingsbarns and Boarhills (eight), Corn Buntings at Boarhills (130) and St Monans, and a Ring-necked Parakeet at Kirkcaldy. David Heeley dw.heeley@btinternet.com
HIGHLANDS
HIGHLIGHTS: A Little Bunting was near Boat of Garten (1st). The Green-winged Teal was still at Tain Links (1st), as was the Ring-necked Duck at Loch Shiel. A Surf Scoter was at Embo (1st-28th). A White-billed Diver was at Broadford (1st). Iceland Gulls were at Tarbat Ness (1st-8th), Eigg (2nd), Loch Kishorn (two, 2nd-11th), Fort William (8th), Portmahomack (14th and 17th), Sleat (three on 18th), Lower Milovaig (19th), Neist Point (27th) and Ullapool (4th-20th). Glaucous Gulls were at Broadford (1st), Brora (4th) and Tarbat Ness (8th). A possible Firecrest was reported from Lochcarron (11th).
BADENOCH AND STRATHSPEY: Three Waxwings were at Boat of Garten (1st-5th), with four at Nethybridge (17th-28th). A possible Nordic Jackdaw was at Aviemore (7th). Four Pintails and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Insh (20th). A record 980 Lapwings were at Balliefurth (24th).
EASTER ROSS: Up to 21 pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Rosemarkie (3rd-27th). Three Hawfinches were at Tore (6th) and one at Kildary (7th-26th). A mixed flock at Eathie included Bramblings and 100 Snow Buntings (11th). Ten Snow Buntings were at Navity (12th). Two Jack Snipe were at Shoremill and three at Balblair, along with 45 Bramblings and 50 Tree Sparrows (13th). Some 2,000 Common Scoters passed Tarbat Ness (27th), with 44 Red-throated Divers there (28th). A Shoveler was at Jemimaville.
INVERNESS: There were 52 Twite and nine Grey Plovers at Whiteness Bay (7th). Two Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Ardersier (9th). Three Barnacle Geese were at Alturlie (11th). A Great Crested Grebe was at Milton of Culloden (11th).
LOCHABER: A Kingfisher was at the mouth of the River Morar (7th). Four Snow Buntings were at Morvern, with eight at Glen Moidart (7th), 16 at Lochailort (9th) and one on Rum (15th). Three Stock Doves were near Fort William (14th).
SKYE AND LOCHALSH: Snow Buntings included 30 at Broadford (2nd-15th), five near Kylrhea (1st-14th), 12 at Kilmory, Rum (3rd-10th), three at Ashaig (5th), six at Upper Milovaig (6th-14th), 16 at Lochailort (6th) and three at Dunvegan (16th-17th). The Velvet Scoter remained at Loch Portree (to 19th). A Jack Snipe and five Woodcocks were at Duisdale, Sleat (10th). Eight Great Northern Divers and a Black-throated Diver were at Broadford (25th), with nine Red-throated Divers off Scalpay (26th).
SUTHERLAND: Embo had 1,200 Common
Scoters, 34 Velvet Scoters, and a Great Skua (6th). Six Little Gulls were at Brora (5th), with another at Embo (9th). There were 120 Bramblings at Skelbo (15th). Some 250 Twite and Goldfinches were at Dornoch Point (19th), with 37 Grey Plovers there (24th) and a Scandinavian Rock Pipit (28th). A Greenland White-fronted Goose was near Golspie (28th).
WESTER ROSS: Two Slavonian Grebes and ten Great Northern Divers were at Laide (28th). Two Slavonian Grebes, three Common Scoters and seven Great Northern Divers were at Little Gruinard (28th). There were 80 Barnacle Geese at Mungasdale (28th). Colin Leslie (www.highlandbirds.scot/sightings)
LOTHIAN
HIGHLIGHTS: The drake American White-winged Scoter was off Musselburgh all month. January’s adult Ring-billed Gull was seen off occasionally at Eastfield, with an immature bird also roosting there (25th). A flock of 20 White-fronted Geese were at Tantallon (7th) with up to 13 birds then seen at West Barns (11th-13th). Possible sightings of an immature White-tailed Eagle came from North Berwick (10th) and Dunbar (18th) before a confirmed sighting came from Tyninghame (21st). A Grey Phalarope was seen at Morrison’s Haven (10th). Black-necked Grebes were noted from Dunbar (14th & 24th-28th) and Musselburgh (16th). An immature Iceland Gull flew over Thorntonloch (24th) with an adult seen briefly at Aberlady Bay (28th). A Black Redstart was in Dunbar (25th-27th) and a Hen Harrier flew over Torphichen (27th). Snowy conditions in the middle of the month brought lots of sightings of Woodcocks, plus Kingfishers on the coast.
ABERLADY: Four Great Northern Divers were off Gullane Point (7th). Five Short-eared Owls were counted (10th). A Green Woodpecker was at nearby Archerfield (21st).
BARNS NESS: A Black-throated Diver was off Torness (16th). A pale-bellied Brent Goose was at Barns Ness (18th-24th) which also held a Barn Owl (26th) and seven Stonechats (27th).
EDINBURGH: A Mediterranean Gull (2nd), five Greenshanks (14th) and 13 Goosanders (26th) were at Cramond with a female Scaup off nearby Dalmeny (20th). A Water Rail was at Figgate Park (1st-5th). Two Mediterranean Gulls were in Wardie Bay (8th). Duddingston featured 11 Gadwall and two Jays (14th) as well as regular sightings of a Ring-necked Parakeet.
GOSFORD BAY: A Peregrine flew over Ferny Ness (6th). A Red-necked Grebe (11th), two Great Crested Grebes (15th) and 25 Slavonian Grebes (28th) were in the bay. A Short-eared Owl (11th-14th) and Barn Owl (11th-15th) hunted at Seton Sands, with 16 Gadwall (16th) and a Mediterranean Gull (16th-22nd) at the mouth of the burn. A Merlin (12th) and six Stonechats (28th) were at Longniddry Bents. Two Great Northern Divers were off Prestonpans (14th).
MUSSELBURGH: The long-staying drake Surf Scoter was seen all month with a female bird also occasionally seen. Three Mediterranean Gulls (7th) and a Great Northern Diver (27th) were off Eastfield. Thirty-three Snipe (10th) and a Mediterranean Gull (27th) were on the scrapes. A Great Skua passed offshore (15th).
A Shore Lark was at JMCP (23rd-28th) where a Little Egret (25th) and 31 Twite (28th) were also seen. More than a thousand Sky Larks (10th) and a Great Northern Diver (25th) were at Scoughall.
OTHER SITES: A Twite was reported from Macmerry (12th). 45 Stock Doves and 21 Woodcocks were counted near Gullane (14th). A Water Pipit was at North Berwick (15th-16th). A Mediterranean Gull was at Boghall Farm in the Pentland Hills (16th). Three Great Northern Divers were off Dunbar (27th) and two Ravens flew over Yellowcraigs (28th). Jim Nicholson
OUTER HEBRIDES
HIGHLIGHTS: The two Cackling Geese in the Balranald area of North Uist were seen intermittently.
OTHER SITES: A Snow Goose was at Kyles Paible (1st), Balranald (10th) and Loch Sandary (20th). The Green-winged Teal remained on Loch Sandary, with presumably the same bird on Loch Eubhal (9th). An American Wigeon was at Bee (20th). Eight Pintails were on Loch nam Feithean (20th). A Scaup was on Baleshare, with three at Loch Bee and two on both Coot Loch and Loch Mor. A Little Egret was at Coot Loch (7th and 26th) and on nearby Loch Mor (21st). The over-wintering American Golden Plover was on the South Ford, off Hebridean Jewellery (21st).
The first Lesser Black-backed Gull of the year was on Loch Tangasdale (18th). A Little Gull visited Stinky Bay (21st). Glaucous Gulls were widespread and included two in Lewis, five on South Uist and ten at Rubh’ Arnal, North Uist (6th). Iceland Gulls were also well spread, and included eight at Rubh’ Arnal. A Hawfinch was in Urquhart Gardens, Stornoway (25th). Fifteen Crossbills were in the Castle Grounds, Stornoway (3rd). Snow Buntings included 40 at Paiblesgarry (22nd). A Lapland Bunting was at Rubh Arnal (6th and 27th). Steve Duffield (www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk)
PERTH AND KINROSS
HIGHLIGHTS: Single Barnacle Geese were noted at Loch Leven (26th) and Dalreoch (28th). Predictably, the poor weather resulted in numbers of Pink-footed Geese recorded being low with 628 at Loch Leven (22nd), 300 at Megginch (26th) and 180 at Dalreoch (28th). Good numbers of Whooper Swans were present with 139 at Lawhill with 63 at Dalreoch (28th). Other notable wildfowl noted included an impressive 49 Shelducks at Lawhill (28th), 18 Gadwall at White Moss Loch (28th), 429 Wigeon at Dalreoch (28th) and 250 Teal at Lawhill (28th). A single Grey Partridge was at Coldrain, Kinross (27th). Two Stock Doves were at Kinross (7th) with singles at Ardblair (19th), Milnathort (20th) and Blairgowrie (21st). Up to six Water Rails were at Rae Loch (27th). Great Crested Grebes were present at Loch Leven and Fingask Loch with two Slavonian Grebes present at Loch Leven throughout. Oystercatchers returned to inland areas in good numbers with 39 at Perth (8th), seven at Loch Garry (27th), 13 at Dalreoch and 43 at Lawhill (28th). Curlews were recorded at Loch Leven with 36 noted (5th), 20 at Perth (10th) and 135 at Dalreoch (28th). Woodcocks were more obvious in the colder weather with singles seen at Loch Leven (6th), Foss (10th) and Rannoch (21st) with four at Rae Loch (12th). Lesser Black-backed Gulls returned with six seen at Loch Leven (25th), where a single Little Egret remained. Hen Harriers were seen at Loch Leven (2nd) and Haugh of Kercock (14th) and a Long-eared Owl at Rae Loch (8th). Single Kingfishers were recorded at Loch Leven (1st) and Perth (15th). A Chiffchaff was heard singing at Crook of Devon (28th) with three at Monks Myre (28th). Winter thrushes were still being recorded with 30 Fieldfares at Carpow (8th) and 150 Redwings at Rae Loch (12th). Forty Bramblings were at Ardblair (4th) with six among a flock of 180 Chaffinches at Milnathort (20th). A Hawfinch in Perth (4th) was a good record. Good numbers of Linnets were noted with 100 at Carpow (8th) and 300 at Rae Loch (21st). A flock of 35 Lesser Redpolls were at Rae Loch (5th) with 30 at Loch Leven (25th). Seven Snow Bunting were recorded at Rae Loch (14th) with 58 Siskin (20th) and 40 Yellowhammers (10th) nearby at Blairgowrie. Scott Paterson, Perth and Kinross County Bird Recorder (pkrecorder@the-soc.org.uk)
TAYSIDE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Sabine’s Gull was at Mains of Usan (7th). A Grey Phalarope was off Elliot Water mouth (15th), and one was reported at Carnoustie (16th). A Great Grey Shrike was at Backwater Reservoir (27th). An adult Iceland Gull was at Victoria Park, Arbroath (5th-6th). Nineteen Snow Buntings went over Kinnaber (9th), and 12 were at Auchmithie (10th). A Great White Egret was at Rossie Spit, Montrose Basin (10th & 27th). An adult Little Gull was off Scurdie Ness (11th). Carnoustie had a Jack Snipe (15th). Five Twite were at Inverkeilor (15th).