The Derbyshire Ornithological Society

   Rod Key's News Page

Rod is one of the Joint County Recorders, click here for contact details for the recorders

If you want to know where a site mentioned below is located use the

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The Wood Sandpiper found on the Canal Pit on May 8th remained on the 9th. Also present on the 9th were 3 Little Grebes, 15 Great Crested Grebes, 26 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 8 Shelduck, 8 Gadwall, 36 Tufted Duck, 3 Hobbies, 5 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Herring Gull-imm flew NE, 11 Common Terns, 31 Swifts flew East in a 20 minute period plus the usual assortment of Warblers including 11 Reed and 8 Sedge. On May 10th a Black Tern was present and there was a report of a fem/imm Marsh Harrier again present. On May 11th the Black Tern was still present along with 3 Little Grebes, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 21 Cormorant, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 11 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon-1 drake and 2 females, 8 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 45 Tufted Duck, 1 Hobby, 10 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Common Terns and a Kingfisher.
• CARSINGTON WATER A Black Tern a first summer Little Gull and a Sanderling on May 8th with the Little Gull still present on May 9/10th. A drake Garganey from the Visitor Centre on May 11th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 4 Arctic Terns and 2 Common Ternss on May 9th with 3 Common Terns on May 13th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS An Arctic Tern and 2 Egyptian Geese on May 9th with the Egyptian Geese still present on May 11th
• CARVERS ROCKS A Turtle Dove on May 9th.
• SUDBURY A report of a Hoopoe in a garden at Sudbury for a period of about an hour on May 9th.
• CRICH STAND A Black Redstart on May 10th.
• RED KITES One at Langley Green on May 10th, one flew North over Ford Lane, Allestree at 5.45 p.m. on May 12th and one flew North over Manners Wood, Bakewell at 3.45 p.m. on May 13th.
• SAWLEY A Ring Necked Parakeet at the junction of Wilne Road/Repton Road on May 12th was very mobile.
• TRENT MEADOWS A Whinchat and 4 Grasshopper Warblers on May 10th but no sign on May 11th only a Cuckoo
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Hobby over the West Bank at 10.07 a.m. on May 13th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 13 Black Terns on May 9th.
• WYVER LANE, BELPER A Wood Sandpiper briefly on May 13th.

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS An Avocet was found on the Canal Pit at 3.30.p.m. on May 7th and after a stay of about 2 hours in left to the South at 5.45.p.m. This is the fifth record this year. This morning-May 8th-a Wood Sandpiper, a Grey Plover and 4 Dunlin on the Canal Pit. On May 6th 4 Little Grebes, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 22 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 13 Shelduck, 9 Gadwall, 36 Tufted Duck, 2 Hobbies, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper and 10 Common Terns.
• MIDDLETON MOOR 2 Whimbrel on May 6th
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK The Harris Hawk still present on May 7th along with 3 Buzzards.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 3 Black Terns, a first summer Little Gull and 2 Hobbies on May 7th

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A summer plumage Curlew Sandpiper was found on a small island just to the left of the third platform late morning on May 2nd and showed well initially. It then became more elusive flying between here and the canal pit late afternoon/early evening. There was a report of a second bird with it on the Canal Pit late evening. Also here on May 2nd were 23 Cormorants, 2 Shoveler, 2 Buzzards including the pale bird that id fooling people into trying to string a Rough Legged, 2 Hobbies, 2 Redshank, 11 Common Terns and a Cuckoo. On May 3rd a fem/imm Marsh Harrier came in early evening and showed well at times but again could be elusive. It was still present early morning on May 5th. Two Whinchats present on May 4th with 5 Little Grebes, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 24 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 17 Shelduck, 6 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 32 Tufted Duck, 5 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plover o the Canal Pit, 7 Common Terns, 6 Lesser Black Backs flying East and single Grey and White Wagtails. On May 5th 2 imm Spoonbills flew East at 6.45 p.m. watched by 3 lucky observers from the third platform. This is the first county record since 1998 when 1 was here in August and the 14th count record in total. Also here on May 5th 2 Black Tailed Godwits, 9 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin but these flew off after being put up by a Peregrine.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 2 Black Terns and up to 13 Common Terns on May 3rd. The Black Terns had increased to 10 on May 4th with a single bird still present on May 5th. An Arctic Tern also present on May 4th and a Raven flew East at 10.15.a.m. on May 5th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 14 Great Crested Grebes, 23 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon-drake, 29 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck and 3 Redshank on May 3rd. On May 4th 3 Black Terns were present for most of the morning with a Cuckoo and 2 Hobbies early afternoon. A Grey Plover most of the day on May 5th.
• SHIPLEY PARK 2 Common Terns on the American Adventure Lake on May 2nd.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker still drumming near the Golden Gates on May 3rd and 2 Common Terns flew NW.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 1 Common Sandpiper and a Common Tern on May 4th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Whimbrel on May 2nd with another Red Kite flying North at 4.15.p.m.
• LINACRE RESERVOIR 2 Wood Warblers and 2 Pied Flycatchers on May 3rd.
• CARSINGTON WATER A Female Pied Flycatcher on May 3rd
• SAWLEY A report of 2 Honey Buzzards flying North at 2.00.p.m. on May 5th.
• PADLEY GORGE A Whinchat and 2 Pied Flycatchers on May 4th.
• Yet another near miss for the county when a Cattle Egret was found in the Wheatear Field at Attenborough Nature Reserve Notts, late afternoon on May 2nd. It was still present on May 3rd but became very elusive. It did roost there but there was no sign on May 4th. However what must be the same bird has been found on May 6th at Lound Gavel Pits in North Notts.

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS Two Black Terns were present at 2.00.p.m. on Apr. 30th with a Little Tern on the Canal Pit. The latter still present early evening and later this bird or possibly another was present feeding over the water from the third platform. Also present was 1 Arctic Tern and c15 Common Terns. The Little Tern and the Arctic Tern left about 6.45 p.m. Also present on Apr. 30th were 5 Little Grebes, 2 Grey Lag Geese, a female Goosander flew East, 6 Dunlin on the Canal Pit with another on the spit. A Black Tailed Godwit and 2 Redshank. On May 1st a Turnstone and 2 Yellow Wagtails on the Canal Pit.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Black Tern on Apr. 30th. On May 1st a Honey Buzzard flew West at 4.30.p.m. followed by a Red Kite flying NW at 5.32 p.m.
• WHITWELL QUARRY An Osprey flew North at 6.30.a.m.

• OREGON WAY, CHADDESDEN A report of a male Ring Ousel early morning on Apr. 25th was most unusual from this urban locality.
• PLEASLEY VALE A Red Kite on Apr. 26th flew towards the colliery.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS A Sandwich Tern flew through at 11. 40 a.m. going NW on Apr. 26th. Also present on that date were 16 Great Crested Grebes, 41 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 21 Shelduck, 35 Gadwall, 13 Teal, 69 Tufted Duck, 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 3 Black Tailed Godwits, 2 Redshank, 1 Common Tern, 2 Yellow Wagtails,1 Lesser Whitethroat and a Whitethroat. The 3 Black Tailed Godwits were still present on Apr. 27th along with 6 Dunlin.
• CARSINGTON WATER Four Whimbrel roosted at the Wildlife Centre on Apr. 25th. An adult Little Gull and up to 5 Little Terns flew through during the morning of Apr 27th. Also a Sanderling, 21 Dunlin and 2 Whimbrel also present. A Little Egret on Apr. 28/29th whilst on the latter date 2 Avocets were found at the Wildlife Centre nid-morning and spent all day there. This is the fourth record of this species this year. A White Wagtail also present on Apr. 29th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR A Whinchat and 3 Grasshopper Warblers on Apr. 27th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 2 Whinchats on Apr. 27th from the second platform. On Apr. 28th 4 Little Grebes, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 29 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 17 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, 55 Tufted Duck, 2 Kestrels, 3 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, 6 Common Terns, c325 Swifts flew West between 11.00-12.50.p.m., 1 White Wagtail, a good selection of all the common Warblers including 3 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Garden Warblers. On Apr. 29th a Black Tailed Godwit.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 4 Little Grebes, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Egyptian Geese, 6 Common Terns, 3 Black Terns at 7. 30.p.m., c15 Swifts and a good selection of Common Warblers including 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 3 Garden Warblers all on Apr. 29th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 9 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 8 Gadwall, 18 Tufted Duck, 3 Common Terns on Apr.29th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR An Osprey at 5.40.p.m.

• LONG EATON A flock of 14 Arctic Terns flew NE over the observers house on Apr. 21st calling loudly.
• CARSINGTON WATER The 4 Red Breasted Mergansers were still present on Apr. 21st and the Great Northern Diver was also still present on that date. The female Scaup was still present from the Wildlife Centre on Apr 23rd. 3 adult Little Gulls were found here on Apr. 23rd.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Hobby, a male Ring Ouzel and a Lesser Whitethroat on Apr. 21st.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS The 3 Black Tailed Godwits were still present on Apr. 21st along with 3 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers and a Dunlin.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR A Common Tern on Apr. 21st with 11 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Lag Goose flying West, 10 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 23 Tufted Duck,1 Common Gull, 2 Arctic Terns and 3 Willow Warblers all on Apr. 23rd.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 6 Little Grebes, 12 Great Crested Grebes,22 Cormorants, 6 Grey Herons, 6 Shelduck, 19 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 38 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander-redheads, a Hobby at dusk, 3 Kestrel, 2 Whimbrel dropped in for about 5 minutes late afternoon before moving on, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, c 30 Sand Martins, 4 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers. 1 Jay and c20 Linnets all on Apr. 22nd. On Apr. 24th 2 Little Grebes, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 28 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 9 Shelduck, 19 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 37 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander-redheads, 2 Buzzard, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Terns, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 4 White Wagtails, a male Greenland Wheatear, 4 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers and c70 Linnets. On Apr. 25th a Dunlin and 2 Swifts.
• TORSIDE RESERVOIR An Osprey on Apr. 22nd.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 2 adult Little Gulls in full summer plumage on the old Windsurfing Pit were joined briefly by a first summer Ring Billed Gull which then flew through after harrying the Little Gulls briefly. The Little Gulls were present from about 11.45-1.20 when they flew off NW. Also here on this date were 4 Little Grebes, 15 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 14 Mute Swans, a pair of Grey Lag Geese with 9 small young, 2 Egyptian Geese, 2 Shelduck,26 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Terns, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps and 3 Willow Warblers. On Apr. 25th 2 Arctic Terns.
• LANGWITH An Osprey flew over the ponds just before the bridge at 12.40 p.m. on Apr. 24th.
• BOLSOVER RIDGE A female Hen Harrier flew North at 9.00.a.m. on Apr. 25th.
• Just over the county boundary in South Yorkshire a drake American Wigeon is on the Nature Reserve Lake at Rother Valley Country Park. This was found on Apr. 23rd and is still present as I type this out tonight-Apr. 25th. Access is via a toll gate and the bird can be viewed from the first lay by on the left.

• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS A Fulmar was noted flying NE along the valley apparently following the R.Trent at roughly 4.00.p.m. on Apr.19th by Rod Key and Mark Pass. It was seen to enter Leictershire air space on a number of times and at about 6.00.p.m. what was almost certainly the same bird went NE over Holme Pierepoint, Notts. This bird must have put down somewhere in between times and possibly also roosted somewhere in Notts as a Fulmar was seen at 7.50.a.m. on Apr. 20th flying NE over a golf Course near Retford. This is the 19th record for Derbyshire with the last one in 2000. Also here on Apr. 18th were 8 Great Crested Grebes, 19 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 21 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon-drake, 86 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 45 Tufted Duck, 9 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel. 3 Black Tailed Godwits, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, c100 Sand Martins, c50 Swallows, 11 Yellow Wagtails, 4 White Wagtails and c40 Pied Wagtails. The 3 Black Tailed Godwits still present on Apr. 20th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 5 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 25 Tufted Duck, 11 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Gull, c200 Sand Martins, c20 Swallows and 2 House Martins on Apr. 18th. A Swift on Apr. 19th with 2 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Gadwall, 18 Tufted Ducks, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Common Gull, An Arctic Tern, 5 Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail on Apr. 20th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Water Pipit showed well from the 1st platform on Apr. 19th with a Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat also present. On Apr. 20th 2 Little Grebes, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 28 Cormorant, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 37 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye-drake, 1 Goosander-redhead, 1 Dunlin flew East, 26 Black Tailed Godwits from the 3rd platform early morning after which they flew off, 3 Bar Tailed Godwits on the spit from 9.30-9.35 a.m. when they flew off East, 8 Common Gulls, 2 Common Terns flew through the Canal Pit, 1 Swift, 2 Green Woodpeckers, c100 Sand Martins, c50 Swallows, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4+ Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Long Tailed Tits and 8 Bullfinch.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Greenshank, a Whimbrel and a White Wagtail on Apr. 19th. On Apr. 20th 2 Avocets were found at 7.30.a.m. This is the third record I the county this year of this superb wader.
• CROWDEN 21+ Ring Ousels on Apr. 19th.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present on Apr. 20th. Also seen were 14 Cormorants, 2 Gadwall, 4 Goldeneye, the female Scaup was apparently still present from the Wildlife Centre, 2 pair of Red Breasted Mergansers, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 3 Whimbrel flew East at 3.35.p.m., 2 Common Gulls, 1 Great Black Back-imm, 3 Arctic Terns present mid-morning, 3 more at about noon, 3 from 3.10-3.20.p.m. followed by a flock of 15 from 3.30-4.15 p.m. at least, c300 Sand Martins, c250 Swallows, 5+ House Martins and a Willow Tit.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 47 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 2 Tufted Duck and a Great Black Back-imm on Apr.20th
• SHIPLEY COUNTRY PARK A Grasshopper Warbler singing in the old American Adventure Car Park on Apr. 20th.
• SHIRE HILL, GLOSSOP A Wood Warbler on Apr. 20th
• TIBSHELF PONDS A male Ring Ousel in paddocks behind Staffa Drive briefly at 2.56 p.m. on Apr. 20th before it flew NW.

• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A male Ring Ousel on Apr. 16th until 5.30 p.m. when it flew off South. An Osprey flew North at 6.30.a.m. on Apr. 17th. Up to 9 Yellow Wagtails and 5 White Wagtails have been noted on the new gravel pit workings at the bottom of the lane between Apr 15-17th. A Green Sandpiper on Apr. 15th and 2 Egyptian Geese on Apr 15/16th.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present on Apr. 17th with the female Scaup still present on pr. 15th. Also on Apr. 17th a Green Sandpiper and 3 Common Sandpipers.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A flock of c60 Black Tailed Godwits were on the spit late evening of Apr. 16th but all took off and flew East at dusk. On Apr. 17th 2 Little Grebes, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 35 Cormorants, 5 Grey Herons, 8 Shelduck, a female Wigeon, 22 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 8 Shoveler-4 pairs, 39 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye-2 drakes and 2 ducks, 3 Goosander-1 drake, 1 Redshank, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler singing quietly near the third platform, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers and c40 Linnets.

• KNOWLE HILL FARM, TICKNALL A female Ring Ousel on Apr. 12th in horse paddocks but it could be elusive. There was no sign on Apr. 13th but 2 Wheatears here and 8 Buzzards in the air together over nearby Ingleby Toft.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A Yellow Wagtail and 3 White Wagtails on Apr. 13th. On April 14th 2 Little Grebes, 21 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Blackcaps and 3 Willow Warblers.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS On Apr.13th 7 Little Grebes, 16 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 8 Shelduck, 22 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 65 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Buzzard, 8 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 1 Great Black Back-imm-flew West, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, c30 Sand Martins, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 6 White Wagtails, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers and 5 Bullfinch.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 44 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Cormorant, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Sparrowhawks, 14 Buzzards, 1 Common Sandpiper on the dam and an adult Common Gull all on Apr. 13th
• BARROW GRAVEL PITS 2 Green Sandpipers, a Yellow Wagtail, 8+ White Wagtails and 2 Wheatears all on Apr. 13th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 11 Great Crested Grebes, 21 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 26 Shelduck, 29 Gadwall, 131 Teal, 84 Tufted Duck, 29 Goldeneye, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 4 Ruff-3 males and a female, 4 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, c30 Meadow Pipits, 10 Yellow Wagtails and 19 White Wagtails all on Apr. 13th.
• TIBSHELF PONDS A Tree Pipit and a White Wagtail on Apr. 13th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR An Osprey flew NW between 11.45-11.50.a.m. on Apr. 13th
• WHITWELL QUARRY A Grasshopper Warbler singing at 7.00.a.m. on Apr. 14th
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present on Apr.15th along with the Pink Footed Goose. On April 14th a Grasshopper Warbler was singing in the Milfields Car Park and a female Scaup from the Wildlife Centre.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 19 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Wigeon-drake, 12 Gadwall, 44 Tufted Duck, a female Scaup on the Water Ski pit, 6 Goldeneye, 1 Oystercatcher, c250 Sand Martins and a Grey Wagtail all on Apr. 14th.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK The Harris Hawk continues to show well and was displaying with 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Buzzards and a Kestrel in the superb warm weather during mid-morning on Apr. 15th.
• R.WYE, BAKEWELL A drake Mandarin on the river in the town centre on Apr. 15th.

• HOWDEN RESERVOIR A large flock of c1000 Brambling on Apr. 1st with single Ospreys flying through on Apr 4/10th and a Ring Ouzel on Apr 4th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS Highlights from April 1-10th are a Sandwich Tern briefly on April 3rd which flew off North, also a Willow Warbler and 3 White Wagtails on that date. A pair of Garganey on Apr. 4th. On Apr. 6th 8 Goosanders, 3 Goldeneye, c 200 Sand Martins, 1 White Wagtail, a male Blackcap and c40 Linnets. On Apr. 8th a Pochard, 2 Goosanders, 2 Ruddy Duck-survivors of the cull, an Osprey flew though the main pits at 3.50.p.m., a Rock Pipit briefly again from the third platform and 4 White Wagtails. On Apr.10th 2 Shoveler, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Dunlin, at least 3 White Wagtails and a superb male Yellow Wagtail. Up to 13 Redshanks and 1 Green Sandpiper have been here on/off.
• NETHERTHORPE A skein of c320 Pink Footed Geese flew North on April 3rd.
• LEASH FEN There was a report of as Rough Legged Buzzard on April 3rd.
• MARKEATON PARK 3 Egyptian Geese on Apr.4th with a presumed female Chloe Wigeon on Apr. 3rd.
• APPERKNOWLE, CHESTERFIELD An Osprey flew over at 3.00.p.m. on Apr.4th.
• ASHFORD-IN-THE-WATER An Osprey on Apr 4/5th.
• PLEASLEY COLLIERY An Osprey flew through on Apr. 4th.
• CUTTHORPE The 4 Waxwings were last reported on Apr.5th.
• CHESTERFIELD An Osprey flew over Mick Taylor’s house about 7.25.a.m. on Apr.5th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR An Osprey flew NW at 1.05.p.m. on Apr. 5th. Also present a Ring Ousel and a Merlin.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver was still present on Apr.9th. Two drake Common Scoter were found on Apr.5th and these were still present on Apr. 9th. Six Little Gulls were reported on Apr.5th and a Common Sandpiper was present on Apr 5/8th. A White Wagtail was present on Apr.7th with 2 on 6/9th. A Greenshank on Apr. 8th. On Apr. 6th a House Martin, a Wheatear and 2 Brambling were on Stone’s Island and 6 Willow Warblers were about the Reservoir. An Osprey flew past the Wildlife Centre on Apr 9th.
• ALLESTREE PARK Still 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers on Apr.7th.
• BELPER LANE END A Ring Ousel on Apr. 9th.
• ILKESTON A Ring Ousel briefly on Apr. 9th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 12 Great Crested Grebes, 35 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 17 Shelduck, 14 Wigeon, 22 Gadwall, 103 Teal, 52 Tufted Duck, 32 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel. 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew flew East, 5 Redshanks, 3 Green Sandpipers and a Swallow flew West on April 5th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 6 Little Grebes, 20 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 43 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, c150 Sand Martins and 5+Swallows on Apr. 7th
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 9 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 9 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 31 Tufted Duck, 15Goldeneye and an Oystercatcher on Apr. 7th.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK The Harris Hawk is now showing well over the stand of conifers just East of the Cricket Ground and is even collecting large branches. New nesting raptor for Derbyshire!!!!. Also here a Green Sandpiper on Apr. 7/10th with a singing male Blackcap on Apr 7/10th.

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The 3 Avocets on Mar 28th stayed here until 2.15.p.m. when they took off and flew East. Also 7 Black Tailed Godwits flew East that afternoon. On Mar 29th The Water Pipit was again reported from the Canal Scrape along with at least 1 Rock Pipit. On Mar 30th an Osprey flew West about 10.30.a.m. being seen both from the Canal Scrape and the third platform. Also here on Mar. 30th were 8 Little Grebes, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 19 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Shelduck, a female Wood Duck with Mallard on the Canal Pit, 32 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 35 Tufted Duck, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 4 Oystercatcher, 8 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 14 Snipe, 9 Redshank, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, c15 Sand Martins, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 singing Willow Tits and 5 Bullfinches.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK 3 Buzzards, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Chiffchaffs and 7 Yellowhammers all on Mar 29th.
• CUTTHORPE The 4 Waxwings still present on Mar 30th at the junction of Cutthorpe Road/Common Lane by the 3 Merry Lads Pub.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR The pair of Common Scoter were still present on Mar 31st along with the female Scaup. Also 1 Little Ringed Plover present.
• WYVER LANE A Red Kite flew through on Mar 29th at 1.00.p.m.
• SHILLITO WOOD A Red Kite at 4.30.p.m on Mar 30th. flew off towards Ramsley Moor.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS The pair of Smew still present on Mar 30th along with a Green Sandpiper, a Little Ringed Plover and a White Wagtail.
• HOWDEN RESERVOIR The Great Grey Shrike still near Kings Tree at 1.30.p.m. and a Red Kite flew over at 12.15 p.m.
• DARLEY DALE A Report of 2 Hoopoes in a garden at Long Hill from 12.15-12.30.p.m. before flying off North. Any details about this record would be appreciated by the undersigned.
• REPTON A Yellow Wagtail on Mar 29th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 18 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Cormorants,1 Grey Heron, 3 Grey Lag Geese flew East, 8 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 61 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Sand Martins and a Swallow on Mar 31st.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 1 Little Grebe, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Wigeon, 15 Gadwall, 17 Tufted Duck, 27 Goldeneye and 2 Oystercatchers on Mar 31st.

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 3 Avocets were found on the Canal Pit early this morning-Mar 28th-by Mark Pass and they were still there at about 10.00.a.m. showing well. This is the second record this month and the 24th county record of the well known RSPB symbol. Also here were 10 Little Grebes, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 37 Cormorant, 12+Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 1 Shoveler-drake, 42 Tufted Duck, 5+Oystercatchers, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Gulls-ads, 1 Great Black Back-imm flew South, c10 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 Rock Pipit still by the end platform/screen but mobile, 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Ravens.
• CARSINGTON WATER An Adult Kittiwake flew through at 11.45 a.m. on Mar 28th from Sheepwash Hide.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR The pair of Common Scoter and the female Scaup still present on Mar 28th along with the first record of House Martin this year-2.

• CARSINGTON WATER 12 Common Scoters, an adult Mediterranean Gull and a Kittiwake on Mar 26th. Also on that date an Osprey flew through at about 1.30.p.m. On Mar 27th an Osprey was seen at 9.00.a.m. flying towards The Pastures. Also on Mar.27th the Great Northern Diver was still present, 26 Cormorant, 37 Barnacle Geese, 1 Egyptian Goose both at the Wildlife Centre and then flying around Sheepwash, 2 Gadwall, 13 Goldeneye, 2 Sparrowhawks, 7+Buzzards, 8 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 43 Common Gulls, 14 Lesser Black Backs, 1 Great Black Back-ad, 1 Little Owl, the Long Eared Owl showing well on Stones Island. With this bird it would be appreciated if people only viewed from the path. Other sightings were 4+ Sand Martins, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Ravens and a male Siskin.
• WILLIAMTHORPE NATURE RESERVE A Little Ringed Plover on the scrape on Mar 27th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 3 Black Tailed Godwits, 9 Dunlin and a Rock Pipit mid afternoon on Mar 27th plus a report of 2 Rock Pipits and a Water Pipit at 11.30.a.m. on the Canal Pit as well.
• HOWDEN RESERVOIR The Great Grey Shrike was again present at 2.30.p.m. on Mar 27th along with c250 Bramblings.
• ALFRETON-RIPLEY A Red Kite flew over the A38 early afternoon

• DERWENTDALE A Rough Legged Buzzard was watched for 30 minutes in Westend by an experienced birder on Mar 24th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Rough Legged Buzzard spent about 15 minutes here during the afternoon of Mar 25th and was even watched perched up which enabled Tony Macey to take a photo of it. On Mar 26th 2 adult Kittiwakes were present most of the morning. A summer plumage Red Throated Diver flew through going NE at 12.40.p.m. to be followed by a second bird which arrived at 1.50.p.m. and left to the NE at about 3.45 p.m. These were different birds by plumage. The pair of Common Scoters were still off the dam on Mar 26th along with the female Scaup and a pair of Pintail.
• CARSINGTON WATER An adult Mediterranean Gull, an adult Kittiwake with a roosting Long Eared Owl on Stones Island on Mar 25th. The Owl was present on Mar 25th.
• CUTTHORPE Still 3 Waxwings along Cutthorpe Road on Mar 25th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS On Mar 25th 9 Little Grebes, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 32 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 15 Shelduck, 32 Gadwall, 12 Teal, 86 Mallard, 27 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 9 Snipe, 5 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Great Black Back, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Rock Pipit still from the screen, 1 Water Pipit on the canal pit, 12 Pied Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Bullfinches. On Mar 26th an adult Kittiwake, a Swallow, a Bar Tailed Godwit and 2 Green Sandpipers.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 3 Little Grebes, 16 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Cormorants, 5 Grey Herons, 1 Grey Lag Goose flew East, 2 Egyptian Geese, 51 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 52 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 3 Curlew-2 flew West, 1 flew East, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Sand Martins, 12 Meadow Pipits, 12 Pied Wagtails and 3 Long Tailed Tits on Mar 26th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 5 Little Grebes, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Wigeon, 8 GADWALL, 34 Tufted Duck, 42 Goldeneye, 1 Oystercayher, 3 Common Gulls, c20 Sand Martins and 14 Pied Wagtails al on Mar 26th.
• LINACRE RESERVOIR 2 Mandarin and 6 Goosander on Mar 25th.

• WAXWINGS The 4 at Cutthorpe on Cutthorpe Road at the Common Lane Junction by the 3 Jolly Lads pub were still present on Mar 22nd.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A pair of Common Scoter on Mar 22/23rd and the long staying female Scaup was still present on the 23rd.
• LINACRE RESERVOIR The herd of 27 adult Whooper Swans present from Mar 20-22nd with a single adult left late on that date along with 13 Mandarins and 12 Goosanders.
• WILLIAMTHORPE NATURE RESERVE A Pager report of 2 Firecrests on Mar 19th.
• CROMFORD CHURCH AREA Still 10 Hawfinches on Mar 21st.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver was still present on Mar 23rd. Also here on that date were 29 Little Grebes, 33 Great Crested Grebes, 37 Barnacle Geese, 110 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall-drake, 1 Pochard-drake, 305 Tufted Duck, 20 Goldeneye, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Buzzard, 3 Kestrel, 10 Oystercatchers, 19 Curlew, 5 Redshank, A mimimum of 360 Common Gulls between 12.30-3.30.p.m. came in and moved NW after resting briefly on the water, likewise c30 Lesser Black Backs did the same thing, 2 adult Kittiwakes moved through-1 dropped in with Black Headed Gulls at 1.50.p.m. and left to the NW at 1.55.p.m. A second adult moved NW at 2.30.p.m. A Little Owl, a singing Willow Tit and 2 Ravens. Also here on Mar 23rd were 2 Wheatears, one at Millfields the other on Sheepwash spit. Another Wheatear present on Mar 21st.
• ALLESTREE PARK Still 3 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers on Mar 24th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 5 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Shelduck, 23 Wigeon, 22 Gadwall, 28 Teal, 110 Mallard, 2 Pochard-females, 15 Tufted Duck, 6 Goldeneye, 3 Goosanders, 2 Buzzard, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 17 Snipe, 8 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtails and 6 Goldfinches all on Mar 19th. The Rock Pipit was again seen from the screen on Mar 20/22/24th and Little Ringed Plover peaked at 5, Ringed Plover at 6 on Mar 22nd. Also a Chiffchaff on Mar 22nd.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 7 Great Crested Grebes, 25 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 23 Shelduck, 212 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 83 Teal, 87 Tufted Duck, 16 Goldeneye, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 6 Common Gulls, 18 Pied Wagtails and a male Wheatear on Mar 22nd.
• SHIPLEY PARK 8 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 1 Gadwall-drake, 45 Tufted Duck, 6 Goosanders all on Mar 22nd.
• SPONDON-OCKBROOK FIELDS A male Stonechat on Mar 23rd.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Buzzard, the escaped Harris Hawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Long Tailed Tits and 5 Yellowhammers on Mar 24th
• HOWDEN RESERVOIR A Rough Legged Buzzard was reported flying South at 11.05 a.m. on Mar 24th.
• BARBROOK POOLS 33 Whooper Swans on Mar 17th
• BEELEY MOOR 2 Male Wheatears about Mar 17/18th
• The first winter drake Lesser Scaup is getting closer . It is now at Swithland Reservoir, Leicestershire viewed from Kinchley Lane having been found on Mar 23rd. It is still present on Mar 24th. Next stop a water near you!!!!!

• WAXWINGS The 4 Waxwings were still present at Cutthorpe on Cutthorpe Road at Common Lane Junction by the Three Merry Lads pub on Mar 18th
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE A single Whooper Swan flew NW and an Iceland Gull flew North at 10 35.a.m. on Mar 17th. Also a Stonechat, 2 Sand Martins and a Chiffchaff with 7 Redshank and 2 Oystercatchers on the flashes. Just south of here were 350 Golden Plover.
• LINACRE RESERVOIR A Whooper Swan on the water and a herd of 33 flew NW on Mar. 17th.
• WHALEY BRIDGE A herd of 35 Wild Swans almost certainly Whoopers flew NW on Mar 17th.
• HOWDEN RESERVOIR The Great Grey Shrike was again seen at the north end of the Reservoir early afternoon of Mar 18th.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present on Mar 18th and a Raven present.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Rock Pipit in front of the third platform on Mar 18th with 13 Shelduck, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Curlew and 3 Green Sandpipers also present.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 3 Little Grebes, 20 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Shelduck, 124 Wigeon, 4 Teal. 25 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 66 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye, 3 Buzzard nd 3 Common Gulls on Mar 18th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 6 Little Grebes, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 60 Tufted Duck, 24 Goldeneye, 1 Sparrow Hawk, c2000 Black Headed Gulls, c110 Common Gulls, 15 Lesser Black Backs, 1 Herring Gull, c35 Sand Martins over the Water Ski Pit, c45 Pied Wagtails, 1 Grey Wagtail on Mar 18th.

• CARSINGTON WATER Two Avocets were found by a Bolsover birder-Les Fisher-from Paul Stanley Hide mid-morning on Mar 15th. They remained until being last reported at about 5.15.p.m. from Sheepwash Hide. There was no sign on Mar 16th despite the very poor conditions overnight. This is the 23rd county record and the first proved record from Carsington. There is also a rumour that up to 6 may have been present on the morning of Mar 15th but the other 4 flew through. Any info confirming this would be appreciated. Also on Mar 15th 2 Swallows and a Sand Martin whilst on Mar 16th the Great Northern Diver was still present along with 15 Cormorants, 10 Barnacle Geese, 32 Wigeon, 7 Shoveler, 144 Tufted Duck. 14 Goldeneye, 1 Peregrine which flew North, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Dunlin flew North, 12 Curlew, 7 Redshank, 177 Common Gulls mainly moving North with 12 Lesser Black Backs and a Herring Gull and a Raven. Two Whooper Swans of Stones Island, a Pink Footed Goose and the Great Northern Diver still present on Mar 17th.
• CUTTHORPE 4 Waxwings were found on Mar 15th on Cutthorpe Road at Common Lane Junction near the 3 Merry Lads pub. They were still present on Mar 17th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS The pair of Smew were still present on Mar 15/16th and were viewable from the A50 gate. Also present on Mar 15th were 10 Great Crested Grebes, 29 Cormorants, 6 Grey Herons, 13 Shelduck, 256 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 151 Teal, 5 Pochard, 90 Tufted Duck, 29 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, 7 Redshank, 18 Common Gulls, 47 Pied Wagtails and 17 Reed Buntings.
• WILLINGTON CANAL PIT 2 Shelduck, 14 Wigeon, 21 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 74 Mallard, 18 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Redahnk, 10 Common Gulls, 5 Lesser Black Backs, 2 Herring gulls, 7 Great Black Backs, 1 Green Woodpecker and c35 Redwing all on Mar 16th.
• ALLESTREE PARK A pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers showed well just east of the main car park on Mar 14th with 3 birds being seen about the park on the 15th. A Raven flew North on Mar 17th but there was no sign of any Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers.
• SHIPLEY PARK 12 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Cormorants, 35 Tufted Duck, 6 Gosanders, 1 Little Owel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodecker and c10 Siskin on Mar 14th.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK A Green Sandpiper on Mar 15th.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE A herd of 36 Whooper Swans flew NW at 9.30.a.m. on Mar 17th.
• LINACRE RESERVOIR A Whooper Swan on Mar 17th at 10.30.a.m. with a herd of 33 flying NW.

• OGSTON RESERVOIR A drake Red Breasted Merganser and the long staying female Scaup on Mar 12th.
• CARSINGTON WATER The long staying Great Northern Diver still present on Mar 12th. An adult Kittiwake from Sheepwash Hide at 3.30.p.m. and a second winter Yellow Legged Gull roosted all on Mar 12th.
• ALLESTREE PARK A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker still at the south end of the lake by Vale outlet with 3 Mandarin and the female Wood Duck still on the upper lake on Mar 13th.
• BEELEY MOOR Still c200 Brambling in woodland along Screetham Lane on Mar 13th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 8 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 15 Cormorants, 6 Grey Herons, 6 Shelduck, 19 Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 69 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 21 Tufted Duck, 6 Goldeneye, 3 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 60 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 3 Common Gulls and 12 Lesser Black Backs on Mar 12th.

• CARSINGTON WATER The adult Great Northern Diver still present on Mar 9th
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 2 Sand Martins late afternoon on Mar 10th. On Mar 11th: 10 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 7 Grey Herons, 84 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 23 Pochard, 53 Tufted Duck,5 Goldeneye, 1 Buzzard and 1 Common Gull.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 4 Little grebes, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 49 Tufted Duck, 13 Goldeneye, c300 Black Hreaded Gulls, c140 Common Gulls, 6 Lesser Black Backs and an imm. Herring Gull all on Mar 11th.
• POOLSBROOK COUNTRY PARK A third winter Iceland Gull on Mar 11th.
• ALLESTREE PARK Still 12+ Mandarins, the female Wood Duck and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on Mar 11th.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE The ad. Whooper Swan still present at 07.10.a.m. ON Mar 11th when it took off and left to the SE.

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Knot and a Dunlin on Mar 6th with 3 Black Tailed Godwits and a Dunlin on Mar 7th. On Mar 8th 2 Green Sandpipers, 40 Curlew and 5 Goosander and on the 9th 2 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 8 Redshank 28 Snipe and 31 Gadwall. On Mar. 10th 6 Little Grebes, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Shelduck, 19 Wigeon, 17 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 96 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 29 Tufted Duck, 20 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander-female, 2 Kestrel, 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Ringed Plover, c220 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 7 Redshank, 4 Herring Gulls flew West, 10 Meadow Pipits, 1 Long Tailed Tit and 4 Bullfinch.
• WILLINGTON POWER STATION The 2 Peregrines were still here on Mar 9th
• RIVER DERWENT AT AMBASTON The 2 adult Whooper Swans were still present on Mar 10th although they were flushed by a dogwalker and flew off over Ambaston village at 1.30.p.m. Also here were 3 Goldeneye, c80 Fieldfare, c 80 Redwing, 10 Goldfinch and a Sparrowhawk.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 6 Great Crested Grebes, 38 Cormorants, 7 Grey Herons, 7 Shelduck, 58 Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 130 Teal, 4 Pochard, 75 Tufted Duck, 39 Goldeneye, 2 Smew-1 drake, 7 Goosander, 1 Water Rail, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Jack snipe, 6 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 4 Common Gulls and 13 Reed Buntings all on Mar. 8th.
• BARROW GRAVEL PITS A Sand Martin and a Green Sandpiper on Mar 9th.
• ALLESTREE PARK 2 Great Crested Grebes, 35 Mandarin, the female Wood Duck, 9 Tufted Duck, 2 Sparrow Hawks, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 10 Fieldfares all on Mar 9th.
• DERBY CATHEDRAL The 2 Peregrines were on the large radio mast by the Police Station on Mar 9th and the 2 Ravens had been seen early morning along with a Sparrowhawk perched on the tower. A Lapwing flew SW over the area as did a Grey Wagtail and 4 Stock Doves were on the tower.
• SWARKESTONE SAILING LAKE A Chiffchaff singing on Mar 7th.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE An adult Whooper Swan on Mar 10th.
• CROMFORD CHURCHYARD Still 10 Hawfinch on Mar 6th
• OGSTON RESERVOIR The long staying female Scaup still present on Mar 9th.

• ALLESTREE PARK A report of a female Firecrest mid afternoon on Mar 3rd.
• R.DERWENT AMBASTON-DRAYCOTT 2 Whooper Swans were found by a fisherman grazing in a field with Mute Swans on the Draycott side of the R.Derwent on Mar 2nd. They were still there on Mar 4/5th. Directions for access are as follows:- Park sensibly towards the north end of the single one-way main street in Ambaston and respect residents privacy. Look for a track to the right which brings you to a gate with a yellow sign on it. This track is just past the small postbox. Go through this gate follow the track round going through a further 2 double metal gates and keeping the river to your right. You are now entering a big area of rough grassland-a loop of the river. Turn to your right and go straight across the field and view the herd of Swans grazing the field over the R.Derwent. Alternatively it may be possible to access this area from Nooning Lane between Draycott and Borrowash and walk along the river towards Draycott but keep to public footpaths.. Also here were a single Cormorant,1 Grey Heron, 28 Mute Swans, 2 Gadwall and 2 Teal.
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS 5 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Tufted Duck and a Snipe on Mar 4th.
• CHINLEY The pair of Hooded Mergansers-both sporting rings-still on the small millpond south of the river on Mar. 5th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 7 Little Grebes, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 21 Cormorant, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Shelduck, 179 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 8 Pochard, 29 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 1 Water Rail, 3 Ringed Plover, 15 Snipe, 7 Curlew, 3 Redshank. 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gulls flew West, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 9 Song Thrush, 2 Long Tailed Tits, 1 Willow Tit and 7 Bullfinch all on Mar 5th.

• ALLESTREE The lone Waxwing was still present on March 2nd but is slowly moving up Woodlands Drive and is now at the junction with Blenheim Drive.
• CROMFORD CHURCHYARD/WHARF Still 10 Hawfinches present in this area on Mar. 1st with 3 on 2nd.
• FLASH LANE, MATLOPCK FOREST Up to 10 Mealy Redpolls with the flock of c100 Siskin on Mar 2nd. Also 2+ Crossbills in this same general area and also c10 Bramblings.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR 16 Cormorants, 1 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 2 Pochard, 77 Tufted Duck, the long staying female Scaup and the long staying drake Aythya Hybrid, 10 Goldeneye and 2 Buzzards on Mar 2nd.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A Green Sandpiper and 6 Stonechats on Mar 1st with 2 Little Grebes, 9 Great Crested Gtebes, 1 Egyptian Goose, 15 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 35 Pochard, 51 Tufted Duck, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Buzzard on Mar 3rd.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 8 Great Crested Grebes, 34 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Shelduck, 61 Wigeon, 15 Gadwall, 261 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 14 Pochard, 72 Tufted Duck, 37 Goldeneye, 2 Smew-drake and female, 7 Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Jack Snipe, 3 Snipe, 3 Redshank on Mar 1st.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Little Egret flew NE on Mar 2nd and 26 Goosander, a Pintail, 16 Curlew, 9 Redshank and 4 Ringed Plover also present.
• CHURCH WILNE SKI PIT 5 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 25 Tufted Duck, 10 Goldeneye and 2 Oystercatcher on Mar 3rd.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK A Green Sandpiper on the small pool by the bridleway between the Castle and Alvaston, c30 Redwing, c10 Fieldfare, a Green Woodpecker and a Jay on Mar 3rd.

• HOODED MERGANSER A pair, almost certainly escaped birds, have been on a small mill pond in Chinley. They were found by two local birders Michael and Steven Tyas on Feb 28th who via the RSPB contacted the undersigned about the birds and have supplied me with a photo of the drake. The birds may have been present for a couple of days and were reported to be still present tonight at 5.45 p.m.. Another pair were at Ardsley Reservoir south of Leeds late afternoon. A mass break out!!!
• WAXWING The lone bird is still in Allestree and has moved to Woodlands Road opposite the Woodlands Evangelical Church on Feb 29th.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present on Feb 29th along with 29 Barnacle Geese.
• SHIPLEY PARK 10 Great Crested Grebes, 13 Cormorants, 46 Tufted Duck, 7 Goosander, 2 Green Woodpeckers, c70 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare, c200 Starling and 2 Bullfinch on Feb 29th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS Late news that the pair of Smew were back on Feb 22nd on their usual pit. Also 3 Jack Snipe. Please note that this site is getting very difficult to access now with new gates and fences springing up everywhere.

• THAYER’S TYPE GULL The juv re-appeared at Markham Pit Yard, Duckmanton on Feb 18th and was seen at 9.40.a.m. but not again anywhere else in Derbyshire. It did re-appear at Wheldrake Ings in Yorkshire on Feb 23rd in the Gull Roost there but has not been seen there again. For anybody who wants to see a comprehensive set of photos of this very interesting bird visit Steve Manns website and click on the image of the Thayer’s Gull type.
• WAXWING The lone bird on Ferrer’s Way, Allestree was apparently still present on Feb 23rd near St. Johns Methodist Church.
• POOLSBROOK COUNTRY PARK On Feb 18th an adult Iceland Gull and the 2nd winter Iceland Gull which some people say shows some characteristics of a Kumlein’s Gull.
• MARKHAM PIT YARD, DUCKMANTON 2 Yellow Legged Gulls on Feb 18th
• OGSTON RESERVOIR The first winter female Scaup still present on Feb 24th when it was joined by an adult male. The 5 Pink Footed Geese still present on Feb 23rd. In the Gull roost a juv. Iceland Gull on Feb 23/24th with 2 Yellow Legged Gulls-a first and a second winter-on Feb 24th.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present on Feb 24th.
• CROMFORD MOOR A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by the television mast on Feb 23rd.
• CROMFORD CHURCHYARD/WHARF Hawfinches are still to be seen in this area with a max. of 12 on Feb 23rd and 4 on Feb. 24th.
• SHIPLEY COUNTRY PARK A drake Scaup on Shipley Lake on Feb 19/23/24th. Also here 7 Great Crested Grebes on Feb 21/23rd, 3 Cormorants on Feb 21st with 8 on Feb 23rd, a max. of 42 Tufted Duck on Feb 23rd, 2 Goosander on Mapperley Res on Feb 21st with 5 on Feb 23rd, 2 Little Owls on Feb 21/23rd and c30 Redwing on Feb 21st.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 3 Little Grebes, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 162 Canada Geese, 6 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 66 Teal, 15 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye, 13 Goosander, a Buzzard and 4 Water Rails on Feb 18th. On Feb 25th 1 Little Grebe, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 27 Cormorant, 3 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 17 Pochard, 32 Tufted Duck, 8 Goldeneye, 4 Goosander, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Water Rail, 5 Oystercatcher, and 24 Curlew.
• DRAKELOW WILDFOWL RESERVE A Bittern on Feb 19tth was possibly the one reported at Branston Water Park, Staffs the previous day with a singing Chiffchaff on Feb 24th.
• WILNE LANE, LONG EATON A Merlin on Feb 20th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 1 Little Grebe, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 355 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 80 Pochard, 36 Tufted Duck and 5 Goldeneye on Feb 21st.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 7 Little Grebes, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 88 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 16 Pochard, 143 Tufted Duck and 11 Goldeneye on Feb 21st
• BETTY’S POND, CALKE PARK 5 Mandarin on Feb 24th.
• For anybody who wants a good day out locally the imm. drake Lesser Scaup is still showing well in Toft’s Bay, Draycote Water, Warwickshire with the 2 Firecrests still at Laundry Lane near Alvecote Pools in the same county. Nearer to home in Notts at Holme Pierepoint there is a mass of commoner duck both on the A52 Pit and on Blotts Pit. Highlights being up to 5 Smew, although only a pair could be found on Feb 24th, 2 Shelduck and an imm. Dark Bellied Brent Goose with the Canada Geese. The Gull roost here is very good at the moment with up to 2 juv. Glaucous Gulls and a juv. Iceland Gull roosting most nights.

• POOLSBROOK COUNTRY PARK/ERIN TIP On Feb 16th Mark Beevers and Kevin Gould found a very interesting juv./first winter Gull at Poolsbrook Country Park during the afternoon. It was thought to be the recent Thayers Type Gull which was at Dix Pit, Oxfordshire from Dec 4th.2007 until last seen on Jan 8th, 2008. The bird was still present on Erin Tip next to Poolsbrook mid morning of Feb 17th and again about 12.00.noon. The bird then flew across to the iced over lake at Poolsbrook Country Park and showed exceptionally well until about 2.00.p.m. when it seemed to return to Erin Tip. Some excellent photos by Pete Wragg which can be viewed on Surfbirds Rare Birds Gallery seem to confirm that this is in fact the same bird from Dix Pit. Whether this bird will ever be identified down to species seems debateable but it is well worth making the effort to see this very interesting bird. Congratulations to Mark and Kevin for picking it out.
• Also present on Feb 16th at Poolsbrook Country Park was the second winter Iceland Gull showing some characteristics of Kumlein’s Gull whilst on Feb 17th a juv Glaucous Gull gave stunning views along with an adult Yellow Legged Gull whilst the second winter Kumlein’s Gull flew over briefly. At Erin’s Tip a first winter Caspian Gull and a juv. Glaucous Gull on Feb 17th.
• MARKHAM PIT YARD, DUCKMANTON 2 first winter Caspian Gulls on Feb 16th.
• CROMFORD CHURCHYARD/WHARF Up to 10 Hawfinches in the area early morning on Feb 17th. A pair of Goosander on the River Derwent.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present on Feb 17th with the Cackling Canada Goose from the Wildlife Centre with Canadas and Barnacle Geese.
• TAPTON 2 Ring Necked Parakeets on Feb 17th
• SCREETHAM LANE/B5057 JUNCTION Still c300 Bramblings feeding in a stubble field with c100 Chaffinches and c100 Linnets on Feb 17th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 10 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 6 Shelduck, 182 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 145 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 13 Pochard. 77 Tufted Duck, 43 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, 1 Sparrow Hawk and 4 Snipe on Feb 16th.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK 2 Goosander on Feb 16th.
• R.DERWENT, BORROWASH A drake Goosander flew East on Feb 16th

• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK The 2 Firecrests were seen by estate workers on a private area by 2 thatched cottages just west of The Old English Garden on Feb 6th. The was no sign in this area today, Feb 15th-that is the public parts that can be worked-only 2 Goldcrests, 12 Long Tailed Tits and a Sparrow Hawk.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A drake Common Scoter on the Ski Pit on Feb 15th. Also a Green Sandpiper.
• ALLESTREE The Waxwing still present on Ferrer’s Way by St. John’s Methodist Church on Feb 15th.
• MARKHAM PIT YARD, DUCKMANTON A juv. Iceland Gull at 3.45 p.m. on Feb 15th
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE The Bittern was seen again on Feb 15th when it flew to South Marsh at 5.30.p.m. viewed from he mound.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A second winter Iceland Gull roosted on Feb 15th along with 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls. Also the female Scaup still present.

• WAXWING The lone bird is still in Allestree on Ferrrer’s Way on Feb 14th and continues to show well.
• RENISHAW PARK The lone White Fronted Goose which has been present since early January has finally been seen at reasonably close range and has proved to be an ad. Lesser White Fronted Goose-obviously another escape. Still present on Feb 14th along with a lone Pink Footed Goose and a Bar Headed Goose. However I gather that this site is private.
• MARKHAM PIT YARD, DUCKMANTON The second winter possible Kumlein’s Gull was again seen late morning on Feb 14th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR In the Gull roost a second winter Iceland Gull and a first winter Caspian Gull on Feb 13/14th. These were joined by a second winter Yellow Legged Gull on Feb 13th. The immature female Scaup still present on Feb 14th.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK There is a report on the pagers of 2 Firecrests here recently. Details of this sighting would be greatly appreciated.
• SHIPLEY PARK 6 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 15 Shoveler, 80 Tufted Duck, 9 Goosander, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Sky Larks, c30 Redwing, 2 Long tailed Tits and a Jay on Feb 13th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 3 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 34 Wigeon, 32 Gadwall, 28 Pochard, 145 Tufted Duck, 11 Goldeneye all on Feb 14th.
• ST. CHADS WATER 5 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Pochard, 27 Tufted Duck, 7 Long Tailed Tits and a Willow Tit on Feb 14th. Near by at Orchid Wood 61 Fieldfare and 33 Redwing.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present on Feb 14th.
• ALLESTREE PARK LAKE 10 Mandarin and the female Wood Duck still present on the upper lake on Feb 14th
• Regarding the recent fem/imm Ferruginuous Duck at Sttetley Quarry which sported a yellow ring on one of it’s legs in the just published journal “Bird Ringing for Science and Conservation” Roy Frost has pointed out that there is a photo in this edition which shows a drake Ferruginuous Duck being ringed with a yellow colour ring on it’s right leg and a less obvious metal ring below it. Although it does not state where the photo was taken the photo is attributed to an Eastern European sounding name. Thus it is possible that the Steetley bird which is now in N. Notts could well be a wild bird.

• WAXWINGS The lone bird at Ferrer’s Way, Allestree still present and showing well on Feb 11th. It tends to be close to the Birchover Way Junction by St. Johns Methodist Church. Another lone bird was found at Clowne on Feb 10th and was still present on Feb 11th. This bird is to be found at the end of Chestnut Drive.
• FERRUGINUOUS DUCKS The drake at Loscoe Dam was still present on Feb 9th but could not be found on Feb 10th. As most of the small Pochard flock were also missing it is presumed to have left with them.. The fem/imm. which is suspected of being an escape because it has a yellow ring on it’s right leg was last seen at Steetley Quarry on Feb 10th and has now moved to Brown Baileys Pond at Worksop in Notts.
• ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD One was reported as flying West about 1.00.p.m. over Chestnut Drive, Clowne on Feb 10th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR Still 4 Pink Footed Geese present on Feb 10th. The imm. female Scaup still present on Feb 11th and a first winter Glaucous Gull roosted her on Feb 11th.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present on Feb 10th with a lone Pink Footed Goose in front of the Visitor Centre on Feb 10th.
• ALLESTREE PARK One/two Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers on Feb 9th. On Feb 10th 21 Mandarin, 2 Green Woodpeckers and at least 7 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 1 Little Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Shelduck, 253 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, 80 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 24 Pochard, 90 Tufted Duck, 46 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander flew East, c200 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 3 Redshank and a Green Sandpiper on Feb 9th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 6 Little Grebes, 23 Great Crested Grebes, 28 Cormorants, 5 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 34 Tufted Duck, 8 Goosander, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Buzzards and 71 Common Gulls on Feb 10th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 9 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Cormorants, 5 Grey Herons, 77 Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 26 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 24 Pochard, 21 Tufted Duck, 11 Goldeneye, 7 Goosander, 2 Buzzard, c200 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 5 Redshank, 1 Green Woodpecker, a female Blackcap between the first and second platforms, 1 Chiffchaff by the second platform and 6 Bullfinch on Feb 11th.
• CROMFARD WHARF/CHURCHYARD Still 2 Hawfinches on Feb 9th with 4 on Feb 10th.
• HARLAND EDGE/BEELEY TRIANGLE Still a ringtail Hen Harrier showing well on Feb 10th along with a Merlin.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE A Black Tailed Godwit flew through late morning on Feb 12th.
• SPONDON A Buzzard flew South on Feb 11th.

• ALLESTREE A Waxwing is frequenting the area along Ferrer’s Way between the junction with Midway and Birchover Way on 8th Feb. There are very few berries left on the few berry trees around this area. It does show well but can be very mobile and elusive. When not feeding it tends to be high up in the tops of tall trees. It may have been present for between 1-2 weeks and there is a distinct rumour that the dreaded “S” word is also involved with this bird. If correct this is a great pity as the locals seemed very keen to find out more about this bird and it may have deprived many people of the opportunity to see this cracking and very scarce bird this winter. With very few berries left I, personally, do not think that it will be here for much longer.
• FERRUGINUOUS DUCKS The drake is still at Loscoe Dam on Feb 8th whilst the female/imm is still showing well at Steetley Quarry.
• CROMFORD CHURCHYARD A flock of 12 still present this morning-Feb 8th-though they were elusive.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present from the dam wall on Feb 8th. Also present 3 Oystercatcher and 5 Redshank.
• FERRUGINUOUS DUCK Like the proverbial bus when one turns up so does another. Roy Frost found a fem/imm. Ferruginuous Duck on the deep water quarry at the north end of Steetley Quarry at 4.40.p.m. on Feb 6th. As RAF had no telescope with him at the time this bird was checked out on Feb 7th by Arthur Stevens and confirmed as such. It showed well during the afternoon and there is apparently a suspicion that it has a yellow colour ring on one of it’s legs. Steetley Quarry can be accessed by parking in Steetley Chapel car park, walk to the entrance of Steetley Quarry then follow a public footpath to view large pond on right. The drake continues to show well at Loscoe Dam being still present on Feb 7th.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present off the dam wall on Feb 6th.
• BRADLEY DAM 47 Mandarin and 18 Goosander on Feb 6th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 1 Little Grebe, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 53 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 46 Teal, 24 Pochard, 31 Tufted Duck, 16 Goldeneye, 4 Goosander, c370 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 15 Curlew, 6 Redshank, 3 Long Tailed Tits and 2 Raven flew North all on Feb 6th.
• SHIPLEY PARK 11 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Cormorants, 3 Pochard, 69 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander, 1 Kingfisher on Feb 6th.
• ST CHADS WATER 5 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 7 Pochard, 26 Tufted Duck, 3 Long Tailed Tits and 5 Bullfinch on Feb 7th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 6 Little Grebes, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 72 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 25 Pochard, 148 Tufted Duck, 7 Goldeneye, The Gull Roost consisted of c10,000 Black Headed Gulls, c500 Common Gulls, 10 Lesser Black Backs and an imm. Herring Gull.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted woodpeckers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Stonechat-male and 2 Yellowhammers on Feb 7th.

• FERRUGINUOUS DUCK The drake remained at Shipley Lake until last seen on Feb 3rd. It was then found at Loscoe Dam on Feb 4th along with a reported imm drake Scaup. The Ferruginuous Duck still present here on Feb 5th but there was no sign of the Scaup. It has obviously moved with the small flock of Pochard which numbered 27 at Loscoe Dam on Feb 5th and may have relocated to here because of the continued demolition work going on at the American Adventure Park today which was right behind the favourite loafing area of all the diving duck.
  Loscoe Dam is on Furnace Lane, please park carefully. Parking is limited by the Dam.
• WILLIAMTHORPE NATURE RESERVE The imm. drake Long Tailed Duck was last seen here on Feb 3rd and there was no sign on Feb 5th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR The imm. female Scaup still present on Feb 3rd. The possible second winter Kumlein’s Gull roosted on Feb 3rd but on the 4th only about 300 “Big” Gulls roosting here. It looks like there has been a big clear out of these birds which may mean that a lot of the “White wingers” may have gone with them.
• MATLOCK FOREST A Mealy Redpoll was at Farley on Feb 3rd and a large lock of c350 Bramblings were in fields between Flash Lane and Screetham Lane of the B5057 ON Feb 3rd.
• CARSINGTON WATER Two Yellow Legged Gulls on Feb 3rd.
• MARKHAM COLLIERY YARD A first winter Glaucous Gull, a first winter Iceland Gull and a first winter Yellow Legged Gull on Feb 3rd.
• CROMFORD CHURCHYARD Just a single Hawfinch on Feb 2/3/5th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 12 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Cormorants, 8 Grtey Herons, 5 Shelduck, 417 Wigeon, 23 Gadwall, 163 Teal, 152 Mallard, 9 Shoveler, 33 Pochard, 132 Tufted Duck, 49 Goldeneye, 6 Goosander, a Buzzard, 1 Water Rail, 11 Snipe and 3 Long Tailed Tits on Feb 3rd.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK The female Red Crested Pochard still present on the lake and coming to bread with the Harris Hawk again on the Nature Reserve on Feb. 3rd.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 14 Great Crested Grebes, 13 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Egyptian Geese, 159 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 26 Pochar5d, 46 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye, a Green Woodpecker and c185 Jackdaws on Feb 4th.
• SHIPLEY LAKE 3 Little Grebes, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 37 Tufted Duck, 9 Goosander and a Kingfisher on Feb 5th
• LOSCOE DAM 1 Little Grebe, 27 Pochard and a Goosander on Feb 5th.

• SHIPLEY LAKE The drake Ferruginuous Duck still present on Feb 2nd. Access instructions as before.
• WILLIAMTHORPE NATURE RESERVE The imm. drake Long Tailed Duck still present on the second pool and still showing well on Feb 2nd.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR The 2 Pink Footed Geese and the imm. female Scaup still present on Feb 1st. In the Gull Roost 2 first winter Glaucous Gulls roosted on Feb 1st along with the second winter Iceland Gull which shows some characteristics of a Kumlein’s Gull. A first winter Glaucous Gull roosted on Jan 30th with 2 Iceland Gulls-a first/second winter and a second winter roosting on Jan 30/31st.
• JACOBS LADDER-EDALE CROSS A male Snow Bunting at about 1.00.p.m. on Feb 1st at SK.082.862.
• CARSINGTON WATER The adult Great Northern Diver still present from Sheepwash Hide on Jan 30th.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK The female Red Crested Pochard still present on Jan 30th and was coming to bread with Mallard. Also present a Sparrow Hawk, 2 Buzzard, an escaped Harris Hawk which flew across the nature reserve towards Alvaston, a Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming softly near the entrance to the nature reserve, c10 Fieldfare, 6 Jay and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
• SPONDON-BORROWASH FIELDS 16 Golden Plover on Feb 2nd.

Top of Page