The Derbyshire Ornithological Society

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• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 3 Green Sandpipers on July 22nd, with a Black Tailed Godwit, a Dunlin, 3 Redshank and 3 Common Sandpipers on July 23rd. One/ two Little Egrets up to July 25th with 2 Black Tailed Godwits, and 2 Greenshanks on the 25th. Still 3 Wigeon on July 23rd and up to 18 Common Terns can be seen here including fledged juvs. On July 28th 4 juv/imm Garganey present from Platform 3 found by Richard James.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A drake Common Scoter on July 20th with a fem/imm on July 24/26th. Up to 8 Mandarin on July 26th along with a Green Sandpiper
• CARSINGTON WATER A female Red Crested Pochard on July 20/21st with a fem/imm Common Scoter on July 27th. An ad. Yellow Legged Gull still present on Jly 27th.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE A Little Egret on July 26th along with a Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper.
• EREWASH MEADOWS DWT RESERVE A juv. Marsh Harrier on July 24th.
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS 5 Little Egrets including a colour ringed bird on July 24th with 3 still present on July 25th along with a Little Ringed Plover. Please note these pits are permit only.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS (View only from A50 Gate) 22 Cormorants, 5 Little Egrets, 15 Grey Herons, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 1 Teal, 1 Pochard, 1 Peregrine Falcon 5 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Yellow Legged Gulls-ads, 3 Caspian Gulls-2 ads and a 3rd summer, 19 Common Terns and a Green Woodpecker all on July 24th. On July 25th 5 Little Egrets, 1 Egyptian Goose, 23 Gadwall, 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Yellow Legged Gulls-both ads, 3 Caspian Gulls-2 ads and a 4th summer, 16 Common Terns and a Green Woodpecker.
• With 5 Little Egrets at Warren Lane GP just over the county boundary in Leicestershire there could be as many as 15 birds in the SE end of the Trent Valley.

• BEELEY MOOR There was no further sign of the Stone Curlew after 17th July. It was still present at 7.00.p.m. but was not re-located next morning.
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS 6 Little Egrets, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper and 6 Common Terns on 18th July. Please be aware that most of these birds are on the private part of the pits which are only accessible with a permit.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 22 Cormorants, 5 Little Egrets, 21 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Yellow Legged Gulls-1ad and a third summer, 2 Caspian Gulls-ads and 13 Common Terns all on 18th July. Please only view from the A50 Gate .
• PLEASLEY COLLIERY A Black Tailed Godwit flew NW at 08.32 a.m. on 17th July.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR An Arctic Tern from 07.55-08.00 a.m. on 18th July before it flew off South. On 17th July a Green Sandpiper, 18 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, a Redshank and a Shoveler.
• CARSINGTON WATER 9 Common Scoter and a Yellow Legged Gull on 18th July.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS Still a Little Egret on 19th July.

• STONE CURLEW One was found on Beeley Moor by Ken Smith mid morning on 17th July. It was about 250 yards east of Wraggs Quarry in the heather on the right hand side of the road driving towards the Gas Station area. For most of it’s time around lunchtime it just sat in the heather mostly obscured apart from the top of it’s head but when a Kestrel started to drop into nearby heather it stood up and showed reasonably well. This is the first county record since 1987 when one was at Middleton Moor from 29th Aug-20th Sept when it was found dead. This bird was colour ringed and came from the Brecks. The current bird apparently has a red colour ring on it so it may be possible to trace it’s movements from that.

• CORNCRAKE I have had a report of one “singing” at Furness Vale in the NW of Derbyshire on 10/11th July. The bird was heard close to Ringstone Caravan Site during the evening of 10th July and then again next morning.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A pager report of a first summer Kittiwake briefly on 12th July. This is not the same bird that has been at Pleasley Pit recently as apparently it was not colour ringed. Any more info on this bird would be appreciated by the undersigned. A Greenshank briefly on 12th July and again on 13th July. Up to 2 Little Egrets have been here in the last week and a Dunlin on 14/15th July. 3 Back Tailed Godwits briefly on the Canal Pit early in the week
• TRENT/DOVE CONFLUENCE, NEWTON SOLNEY A Greenshank and 6 Green Sandpipers on 15th July.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR 2 Little Egrets-both juvs-and a 3rd summer Yellow Legged Gull on 10th July with 11 Dunlin on 12th July. Alos 15 Crossbills flew into the Yacht Club pines on 9th July and 14 were seen on 13th July
• BOTTOM MOOR 10 Crossbills and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on 10th July.
• SHIPLEY COUNTRY PARK A Grasshopper Warbler “reeling” on 11th July.
• EREWASH MEADOWS DWT RESERVE 2 Little Egrets and a Green Sandpiper o 11th July.
• PLEASLEY COLLIERY A Hobby on 11th July
• CARSINGTON WATER 6 Black Tailed Godwits flew NE at 8.45 a.m. on 12th July and a Yellow Legged Gull present.
• HIGHAM A Red Kite flew NE on 11th July.
• CARR VALE NR 4 Crossbills flew N on 11th July and 2 Grasshopper Warblers present. A Greenshank, a Black Tailed Godwit and a Yellow Legged Gull on 13th July with 2 Greenshanks on 15th July.
• WYVER LANE DWT RESERVE A Black Tailed Godwit on 12th July.
• LONG EATON GP A Green Sandpiper, 99 Grey Lag Geese and 10 Common Terns on 13th July.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR An adult Caspian Gull, a Common Gull, a Common Buzzard and a Pochard on 13th July.
• R,DERWENT, AMBASTON A Common Gull flew W and 5 Common Terns on 16th July.
• ELVASTON CASTLE CP The escaped Harris Hawk again present along with a Common Buzzard on 14th July.

• PLEASLEY COLLIERY A first summer Kittiwake was here on 24/27/30th June and also on 3/4/6th July. The bird is almost certainly from a French Colony at Pointe du Raz-48 02N 04 43W-Ringed on July 11th, 2009. It has been around the Midlands since first seen at Annersley Pit Top, Notts on 14th March and then again on 27/28th May, Fens Pool in the West Midlands on 20th Apr and Kings Mills Res, Notts on 31st May and again in 3rd July. A most unusual record.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Black Tailed Godwit on 2nd July with 3 Green Sandpipers on 3/4th July and a female Aythya Hybrid on 3rd July. Two Little Egretrs flew through on 4th July and a Common Sandpiper was also present. A small party of 5 Wigeon-4 drakes-on the Canal Pit on 7th July before they flew off South. Also 2 Wigeon-usual birds-on the Reserve, 2 Kingfishers and a Grasshopper Warbler singing along the lane.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 5 Green Sandpipers on 3rd July along with 4 Pochard.
• DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE A female/juv. Garganey on 4th July.
• CARSINGTON WATER 5 Black Tailed Godwits on 5th July.
• RED KITE One was over the A38 at Little Eaton on 5th July and then circled Horsley on 6th July before flying towards Denby.
• WHITWELL QUARRY A Quail calling at 6.27a.m. on 5th July by the double seven bar gates
• HOLME MOSS A Short Eared Owl on 7th July.
• The claim of a Scarlet Rosefinch feeding for a few minutes in a Clay Cross garden on 17th June has unfortunately come to nothing with the observer now saying that he thought it had 2 wingbars which would rule this species out so it is now being withdrawn.

• GREAT REED WARBLER This well watched bird was last seen and heard on June 25th at Straws Bridge Pond, Ilkeston. The bird stayed at this site for an incredible 45 days. In fact it may be the longest staying bird to have ever been seen in Britain. Russell Slack in his superb book “Rare Birds Where and When” quotes one in Kent in 1993 which remained for 36 days.
• STORK Sp A bird was seen circling over Haddon Hall early afternoon on June 18th and a photo was taken which when blown up seems to show the features of a Black Stork. This would obviously be a first record for the county if further details can be obtained from the observer but would have to be accepted by BBRC before it can enter the official records etc.
• COMMON ROSEFINCH Late news via a pager report of a singing male in a back garden at Clay Cross on June 17th. If anyone has any more info on this sighting I would be grateful for the details. This would be only the 3rd county record.
• RED BACKED SHRIKE I have received details of a male by the R.Derwent at Darley Abbey on June 11th which flew off across the river towards the Darley/Nutwood Nature Reserve.
• CARSINGTON WATER A Spotted Redshank early morning-6.00.a.m.-on June 22nd before it flew off West.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Spotted Redshank early evening on June 26th flew across towards the Canal Pit. 4 Green Sandpipers and 3 Black Tailed Godwits flew N on June 29th.
• RED KITES Single birds at Thornhill on June 25th, Pleasley Colliery on June 26th, Dronfield on June 26th and Somercotes on June 28th. Also a report of 4 birds over Padley Gorge on June 26th.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE A Little Tern briefly at 8.27 a.m. on June 27th before it flew off East.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR Single Black Tailed Godwits on June 28/29th with a brood of 10 Mandarin with a pair of adults on June 28th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GP A Little Egret, 2 Hobbies and 2 Green Sandpipers on June 26th.
• PLEASLEY COLLIERY A Hobby on June 25-27th.
• QUAIL A singing bird near Great Cubley on June 28th.
• WYVER LANE A Green Sandpiper on June 23rd.

• GREAT REED WARBLER This bird is still present at Straws Bridge Pond, Ilkeston on June 14th, singing away and showing well. Access instructions as before.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Fulmar was seen briefly by one lucky observer at 6.35 a.m. on June 10th before it flew West. This is the second record here in 12 days. Are they breeding somewhere in the Peak?
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS Still a few waders moving through the Canal Pit with 4 Dunlin on June 10th and 2 on June 13th. On June 10th 2 Little Terns were found by Keith Lyon at 3.30.p.m. and were still present and showing well from Platform 3 at 7.35 p.m. Four Little Egrets circled the Canal Pit at 9.40.a.m. on June 13th before flying off West. Also 5 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon and a Teal on June 13th.
• SHELDON A Quail reported here singing on June 13th.
• RED KITES Single birds at Loscoe Dam and Codner on June 12th. Presumably these could have been the same bird.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GP Two broods of Shelduck have finally appeared on the water here on June 12th. Also here 4 Pochard and a Cuckoo.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A Peregrine Falcon and 2 Grey Partridge on June 11th.
• A report of a Red Backed Shrike on June 12th on High Lane between Upper Holloway and Lea. I am awaiting further details.

• GREAT REED WARBLER Still present and showing and singing well on June 8th at Straws Bridge Pond, Ilkeston. On June 6th I spent 45 minutes with this cracking bird and the bird sang for about 95% of the time I was there and showed well for 80% of the time up on top of the phragmites. Now there are only a few birders going for this bird it seems to show and sing a lot better. Also here on June 6th was a female Pochard.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GP A summer plumage adult Little Stint on June 5th along with 2 “tundrae” Ringed Plovers. No sign of the Little Stint on June 6th but 4 “tundrae” Ringed Plovers and 2 “alpine” race Dunlin. Also a pair of Teal.
• WILLINGTON GP A 1st summer Yellow Legged Gull on June 7th and still 6 Black Tailed Godwits on the Canal Pit.
• Late news just received is of a Fulmar flying over the car park at Ogston Reservoir at about 1.30.p.m. on May 30th before flying of NW. This bird was seen by one lucky observer. Some justice for the observer having missed the Red Rumped Swallow!!!!

• RED RUMPED SWALLOW This bird remained at Ogston Reservoir until early evening on May 29th being last seen about 6.10.p.m. It was seen early morning on May 30th but as conditions improved most of the Hirundines moved on taking the Red Rumped with them. Also here on May 30th were 5 Ringed Plover and 7 Dunlin.
• GREAT REED WARBLER This bird was still present in the small phragmites bed at Straws Bridge Pond, Ilkeston on May 31st.
• SPOONBILL A first year bird was found by Mark Pass on the Canal Pit at Willington about 1.30.p.m. on May 29th it remained until 3.45 p.m. when it took off, circled the area and then flew North. This, the 16th county record, was ticked off by a few county listers and was especially welcomed by the undersigned. Apparently the bird had also been seen at Paxton Pits, Cambridgeshire early morning, at Watermead Country Park, Leicestershire at 9.10.a.m. before being found at the Canal Pit.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The drake Garganey still present from Platform 3 on June 1st. On the Canal Pit 12 Black Tailed Godwits on May 28th, 3 on May 29/30th with 13 on May 31st/June 1st. Three Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin on May 29th with 12 Ringed Plover and 6 Dunlin on May 30th. An adult Little Gull from Platform 3 on May 31st. A Hobby on May 30th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 3 Sanderling and a Dunlin briefly on May 29th with 4 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover on May 31st.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 7 Common Scoter on May 31st with a singing Wood Warbler at Carvers Rocks on May 31st.
• EREWASH MEADOWS A Turtle Dove heard calling on May 31st.

• RED RUMPED SWALLOW One was found at about 6.50.a.m. on May 29th sitting on a buoy at the south end of Ogston Reservoir by Tim Sexey. It showed well up to 8.15.a.m. before disappearing . It re-appeared out from the West Bank Car Park at about 9.00.a.m. and was still showing well from here at 11 .00.a.m. This is the sixth County record and the second for Ogston Reservoir. The last here was from 5-8th May 1991 with the last County record from a private sewage works at Stanton-in-the-Peak on 7th Sept, 2008. Also at Ogston on May 29th were 9 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and 4 Common Terns.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The drake Garganey still present on May 29th with 12 Black Tailed Godwits and 3 Dunlin on the Canal Pit on May 28th.
• GREAT REED WARBLER Still at Straws Bridge Pond, Ilkeston on May 29th.
• CARSINGTON WATER A Black Tern on May 28th.

• GREAT REED WARBLER Still present in the small phragmites bed at Straws Bridge Pond, Ilkeston on May 27th. Directions remain the same to this bird.
• ETWALL SEWAGE FARM 2 Quail were heard singing in rape fields here early morning of May 25th but were not heard at dusk.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE A Marsh Harrier here between 10.50—11.05.a.m. on May 26th before flying off West.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Little Tern briefly about 10.00.a.m. on May 26th before it flew off East.
• CARSINGTON WATER An Osprey sat on a buoy out from Sheepwash Hide at 11.40 a.m. on May 26th eating a fish with a Sanderling on the dam wall.
• EREWASH MEADOWS DWT RESERVE A female Marsh Harrier at 8.36 a.m. on May 27th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The drake Garganey still present from Platform 3 late morning on May 27th but can be elusive as it disappears behind the small islands and reeds at the back. Also here were 4 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 1 Cuckoo and c50 Swifts. On the Canal Pit a Black Tailed Godwit, 7 Ringed Plovers-tundrae race birds and 6 Dunlin—alpina race birds.

• GREAT REED WARBLER Still present this morning-May 25th-and singing almost continuously but showing only occasionally at Straws Bridge Pond, Ilkeston. Directions to the bird on the DOS Website.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Black Tern from Platform 3 on May 22nd with a Sanderling and a Dunlin on the Canal Pit. The drake Garganey re-appeared on May 23rd and was still present but elusive from Platform 3 on May 25th. Very small numbers of Dunlin and Ringed Plover moving through the Canal Pit recently. The first summer Yellow Legged Gull again present on May 22/24th.
• MONTAGU’S HARRIER The elusive male still about and has been recently seen over Ringinglow Bog. On May 24th it was over Totley Moss at about 12.00.p.m. and then below Stanage Edge viewed from the A57 near Strines at 8.00.p.m.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE Single Marsh Harriers flew through on May 22nd and at 7.45 a.m. on May 25th.
• PLEASLEY COLLIERY A Wood Sandpiper on May 21/22nd.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Sanderling on May 22nd with a Red Kite flying NE between 11.40—11.50 a.m. on May 23rd.
• BARBROOK POOLS A Marsh Harrier on May 23rd.
• WHITE EDGE A Red Kite on May 23rd.
• A38, RIPLEY A pager report of 3 Red Kites flying over on May 23rd.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS The only noteworthy sighting was of a Common Sandpiper on May 22nd.

• GREAT REED WARBLER This bird is still present on May 21st at Straws Bridge Pond and singing and showing well at times. Site Directions as before.
• MONTAGU’S HARRIER Still present on the Moors and still as elusive. It was just NW of Ringinglow Bog at Brown Edge on May 20th at 12.15.p.m,-this is just in South Yorkshire.
• DOTTEREL 2 birds flew N over Big Moor calling at about 5.00.p.m. on May 19th. Lost by the observer when flying over Totley Moss.
• WILLINGTON CANAL PIT The Wood Sandpiper still present on May 20th

• GREAT REED WARBLER This very showy bird-at times-is still present and singing well in the small phragmites bed at Straws Bridge Pond, Ilkeston on May 19th. Site details are on the DOS Website. A Black Tern was briefly here on May 15th.
• ABNEY MOOR 2 Dotterel were found here on May 16th and remained until 7.40.p.m. on May 18th when they flew off North.
• MONTAGU’S HARRIER The male is still around and still working a vast area from as far south as Leash Fen up to Houndskirk Moor in South Yorkshire. On May 16/17th it was in the Strines area during the evening nears the junction of the A57/Strineds Lane. It was not seen on May 18th but this morning-May 19th-it was showing well West of Ringinglow over the moors towards Stanage Edge.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE A Greenshank and a Little Egret on May 19th with a Marsh Harrier flying SE at 12 30 p.m.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Sandwich Tern up to 9.40.a.m. on May 19th before it flew off East. A Marsh Harrier flew NE at 11 .30 a.m. An Osprey and a Turnstone on May 15th.
• HIGGER TOR, HATHERSAGE MOOR A possible Black Kite at 7.00.a.m. on May 18th
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PIT A Wood Sandpiper on the Canal Pit on May 19th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GP Hobby on May 16th otherwise Trent Valley is quiet

• GREAT REED WARBLER A singing male was found by Lynn Martin at Straws Bridge Ponds. Ilkeston at about 5.15.p.m. yesterday evening-May 12th. It was looked for by up to 3 observers from 6.15-8.00.p.m. but was very elusive-only being seen in flight and because the temperature dropped it was also only singing now and again. However it has showed well today from first light and sang its loud song especially when the sun was out and has been seen by a lot of county birders and some from elsewhere. This is the first record for Derbyshire and also the first in Britain in 2010.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR 5 Cranes circled the area from 11.07-11.12a.m. on May 3rd before first leaving to the S and then swinging NW. This same party had flown over the R.Humber near Hull at 08.45 a.m. An Osprey was present on May 8th and small numbers-up to 5-of Arctic Terns were noted on a number of days peaking at 52 on May 7th. Also 16 Whimbrel though on May 7th.
• ABNEY MOOR A trip of 7 Dotterel on May 11th but no sign on May 13th.
• THE SANCTUARY, PRIDE PARK A Honey Buzzard flew SSE at 12.35.p.m. on May 9th and was witnessed by David Lindo, the Urban Birder along with Nick Moyes and Nick Brown. Apparently a photo exists of this one. Also up to 5 Wheatears have been here recently
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver was still present on May 8th now in full summer plumage. Eight Whimbrel and 3 Black Tailed Godwits on May 5th with 15 Whimbrel, a Turnstone and 4 Arctic Terns on My 8th. A Greenshank, a Turnstone and a n Arctic Tern on May 10th. On May 12th 2 Sanderling were on the dam wall.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE A Wood Warbler on May 3rd. The Bar Tailed Godwit remained here until at least May 4th. A Whimbrel flew North on May 5/10th. Possibly up to 2 Marsh Harriers on My 12th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Sandwich Tern on May 2nd. 3 Sanderling, a Greenshank and 17 Arctic Terns on May 6th. Still 10 Arctic Terns on May 7th and a drake Garganey split it’s time between the Reserve and the Canal Pit from May 9-13th. A Grey Plover flew through on May 10th. Yet another Marsh Harrier on May 6th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS A cream-crown Marsh Harrier flew West along the R.Trent on May 1st.
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS A Wood Sandpiper and a “cream crown” Marsh Harrier on May 3rd.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR A female/imm Black Redstart briefly on May 8th
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR An Oystercatcher, a Common Sandpiper and a Sanderling on May 6th.
• DERBY SEWAGE FARM Still 2 Cetti’s Warblers singing along the banks of the R.Derwent on May 12th.
• BARBROOK POOLS 6 Greenshank on May 8th

  Apologies to people who have tried to find up to date news on my page on the DOS Website but I have been without a computer for about 10 days but everything is now back up and running

• AVOCETS 2 were seen flying SE at Carr Vale NR at 8.30.a.m. on Apr. 25th. They appeared at Pleasley Colliery shortly after that before flying off and re-appearing at Carr Vale NR at 10.10.a.m. They remained here all day and were still present on Apr. 26th but not seen after that.
• CARSINGTON WATER 6 Little Gulls including 4 1st summer birds on Apr. 26th. A female Scaup showed well from the Wildlife Centre on Apr. 26/27th whilst the ad. Great Northern Diver-now almost in full summer plumage-still present on Apr. 27th. Two Whimbrel on Apr. 26th with 1 on Apr. 27th. Also here on Apr. 27th were 2 Shelduck, 5 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank and a Common Sandpiper. Two Garden Warblers were singing on Stones Island and a Raven flew East.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Sanderling, 4 Whimbrel flew N at 10.10.a.m., an Arctic Tern flew NW and a “cream crown” Marsh Harrier flew East at 8.23 p.m. all on Apr. 25th. Two Hobbies on Apr. 24th. Also on Apr. 25th were 9 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Grey Lag Geese, 1 Egyptian Goose, 3 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 7 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow Legged Gulls-1 1st summer and 1 2nd summer,7 Common Terns, 1 Grasshopper Warbler showing very well from Platform 3 and good numbers of common Warblers included at least 5 Lesser Whitethroats. The 2nd summer Yellow Legged Gull again present briefly on Apr. 28th along with the Peregrine Falcon. Numbers of the common birds similar to Apr. 25th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 6 Great Crested Grebes, 44 Cormorants, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Grey Lag Geese, 11 Shelduck, 29 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 98 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Oystercatcher, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin flew West, 5 Redshank all on Apr. 24th. On Apr. 25th a Bar Tailed Godwit briefly early morning with a Little Egret, 2 Shoveler, a Ruff-female and 5 Common Terns later on.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS An adult Little Gull early evening on Apr. 24th. 2 Little Grebes, 15 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Grey Lag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 Shelduck, 28 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Common Terns and good numbers of all the common warblers all on Apr. 26thy.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 4 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 1 Oystercatcher, 7 Common Gulls moved NW and 2 Arctic Terns on Apr. 26th.
• STANAGE EDGE A Red Kite on Apr. 28th.
• PRIDE PARK A report of a Black Redstart on Apr. 26th. More details of this bird would be appreciated including both the sex of the bird and more precise details as to where on Pride Park.
• PLEASLEY COLLIERY A Hobby on Apr. 24th.

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Marsh Harrier flew SE at 5.37.p.m. on Apr. 21st. A Whimbrel and 3 Common Sandpipers also here on that date with a Hobby on Apr 22/23rd and an ad. Little Gull at 3.40.p.m. on Apr.23rd. Also here on Apr. 21st were 10 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 28 Gadwall, 17 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 62 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, 6 Oystercatchers, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 1 Green Woodpecker, c500 Sand Martins, 1 Swallow!!!, 1 White Wagtail, 4 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs and 3 Willow Tits.
• CARR VALE N.R. A Marsh Harrier flew N at 9.45 a.m. on Apr. 23rd. Also here a Hobby, 4 Little Ringed Plover and 4 Grasshopper Warblers.
• BARROW GRAVEL PITS A Marsh Harrier here early evening of Apr. 222nd hunting over the private part of the pits.
• BARBROOK POOLS A Marsh Harrier on Apr. 21st.
• OWLER BAR A “ringtail” Hen Harrier early evening hunting over the moors near here on Apr. 22nd.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR 2 Whimbrel on Apr. 22nd.
• CARSINGTON WATER 4 Common Scoter, 2 Black Tailed Godwits and 2 Whimbrel on Apr. 21st.
• BEELEY MOOR A Hobby on Apr. 22nd.
• DERBY SEWAGE WORKS 3 Cetti’s Warblers singing at this private site on Apr. 22nd with 4 singing on Apr. 23rd. Only view/listen at this site from the South bank of the R.Derwent near the Acordis bridge/sluice. They have obviously survived the winter well. Because of the work on Raynesway parking will be difficult. Try in Alvaston or at Elvaston Castle C.P. and walk in.

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The Bittern was again seen well early evening on Apr. 13/14/15th. It sure looks as though it is going to remain here. The first Arctic Terns were 3 on Apr. 14th with 3 again present on Apr. 15th, one of which was a fly through bird going East. A Greenshank and a Little Egret on Apr. 17th, a Whimbrel on Apr. 18th and 2 Garganey briefly in flight, an ad. Little Gull, 1 Common Tern and 5 Swifts on Apr.19th along with a Common Sandpiper. Other birds on Apr. 18th were a Little Grebe, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Wigeon, 36 Gadwall, 17 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 71 Tufted Duck, 6 Goosander, 1 Kestrel, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe, 1 Yellow Legged Gull-2nd summer, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs and 2 Willow Warblers.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS A wing tagged Red Kite circled low over the area on Apr.14th and a Little Egret present. On Apr. 17th 6 Great Crested Grebes, 24 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 4 Grey Herons, 3 Grey Lag Geese, 13 Shelduck, 23 Wigeon, 17 Gadwall, 62 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 129 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe and 3 Redshank.
• CARSINGTON WATER A Common Sandpiper on Apr. 13th, an Arctic Tern on Apr. 15th with a White Wagtail on Apr. 15/16th. A Whooper Swan on Apr. 17th and an adult Little Gull on Apr. 18th. An Osprey from 12.30-1.05 p.m. on Apr. 19th along with an Arctic Tern.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR 2 Garganey on Apr. 16th. An Osprey on Apr 19/20th with A Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail on Apr. 19th.
• GOYT VALLEY A pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, a Pied Flycatcher and 2 Redstarts on Apr. 16th.
• SUDBURY HALL An Osprey flew over ay 09.50.a.m. on Apr.19th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A Whimbrel flew East on Apr. 19th and 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 11 Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail also present. On Apr. 20th 2 Little Grebes, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Mute Swans, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Shelduck, 38 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Redshank, c140 Sand Martins, c40 Swallows and 2 Yellowhammers.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 6 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 4 Swifts, c115 Sand Martins, c10 Swallows, 4 House Martins and a Yellow Wagtail all on Apr. 20th.
• WYVER LANE A Hobby on Apr, 20th.

• WHITE STORK A pager report of a White Stork circling over Tibshelf Service Area o the M1 before flying off West on Apr 10th. If anybody with any info on this record including the observer could get in touch with me I would be grateful for details etc.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 6 Great Crested Grebes, 36 Cormorants, 3 Grey Lag Geese, 13 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 46 Gadwall, 86 Teal, 13 Shoveler, 128 Tufted Duck, 8 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander-female, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plover, 20 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 7 Redshank and 3 Green Sandpipers on Apr. 10th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 3 Grasshopper Warblers were “reeling” on Trent Meadows on Apr. 10th. A Cuckoo was here on Apr. 11th with a White Wagtail and 2 Yellow Wagtails in a ploughed field on the right hand side of Pastures Lane. Also a herd of 41 Whooper Swans on the main pit at 6.50.p.m. on Apr. 11th. On Apr 12th 2 White Wagtails and 11 Yellow Wagtails were in the ploughed field. Also present here on Apr. 12th were 3 Little Grebes, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Gadwall, 52 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye1 Kestrel. 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Stock Doves, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Sand Martins, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers and 21 Jackdaws. There was no sign of any Wagtails on Apr. 13th but a Snow Goose flew East at 7.35 a.m.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 8 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 8 Shelduck, 21 Gadwall, 14 Teal, 16 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 67 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 6 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Green Sandpipers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Tree Pipit briefly on Canal Pit, 3 Yellow Wagtails, c10 Sand Martins, 5 Swallows, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler and 2 Jay all on Apr. 11th.
• RED KITE 1 was over Ripley on two occasions on Apr. 12th with another circling over the A52 footbridge at Chaddesden also on Apr. 12th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A White Wagtail, a Yellow Wagtail and a Little Ringed Plover on Apr. 12th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 1 Little Grebe, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 42 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup-ad drake, 15 Goldeneye, 27 Coot, 1 Yellow Wagtail all on Apr. 12th.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK The Harris Hawk was again seen on Apr. 9th.

• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE 2 Common Cranes were found here at 7.30 a.m. on Apr. 9th before they took off and flew NW. These may have been the same birds that were at Swilington Ings near Leeds in West Yorkshire at 10.00 a.m. before flying NE at 10.15.a.m. and then flew North in North Yorkshire over the ridge at Nosterfield LNR at 12.30.p.m. This is the second county record this year.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A male Marsh Harrier was hunting over the cattle field at 9.15 a.m. on Apr. 9th but could not be relocated later. On Apr. 10th 2 Avocets came in from the West at 8.40.a.m. and landed on the spit before flying off East at 8.55.a.m.
• CARSINGTON WATER A Sandwich Tern early morning on Apr. 7th and a Turnstone flew through. A Bar Tailed Godwit from the visitor centre on Apr. 6th along with 2 Red Crested Pochards.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR A pair of Pintail briefly on Apr. 9th.
• GOYT VALLEY 3 male Pied Flycatchers back here on Apr. 8th.
• ALFRETON PARK 2 Hawfinches near Alfreton Hall on Apr. 8th.
• SHIPLEY COUNTRY PARK A Short Eared Owl hunting fields between Shipley View Estate and the American Adventure Car Park at 6.20.p.m. on Apr. 9th.
• DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE A House Martin on Apr. 7th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A Tree Pipit behind the barns early evening of Apr. 9th.
• LINACRE RESERVOIRS A Scaup on the middle reservoir at 7.52 a.m. on Apr 10th.

• AVOCETS 2 Avocets were found on the lagoons in a private area of Ambaston Gravel Pits at 11.00.a.m. on Apr. 5th. They were very wary and flew off, circling the area before leaving SW. At about 12.10.p.m. they were re-found circling the A50 pits at Aston-on-Trent Gravel Pits calling vociferously. The high water levels put them off from landing and thy returned to Ambaston Gravel Pits where they were re-found on the private lagoons at 12.17.p.m. and were still present here at 14.30.p.m. Unfortunately these lagoons are strictly private and contrary to what appeared on the pagers etc cannot be viewed from the entrance to the Tarmac site except by climbing fences and viewing distantly from an earth bank. The private part of this site is extremely sensitive due to theft of equipment from the site. Only the deep water pit near Ambaston and the reedbeds where a Spotted Crake appeared a few years ago can be viewed from public footpaths etc. The rest of this site is strictly private although 3 permits have been given out to 3 local birders. If by chance anybody finds anything here can I ask that they contact one of the 3 joint county recorders before putting info out to any of the Bird Information Services.
• There is a report of 2 Avocets on the spit at Willington GP at 6.00.p.m. on Apr.5th and today-Apr.6th-2 are at Branston Gravel Pits, Staffs with another 2 at Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Sandwich Tern was found on “Dead Goose” Island at 2.10.p.m. on Apr. 6th. Still at least 3 Water Pipits in the cattle Field near Highbridge on Apr 6th with 5 Yellow Wagtails. A second winter Yellow Legged Gull also present.
• PADLEY GORGE A Hobby was seen near here on April 1st which, if proved, would be the earliest ever county record by about 14 days.
• BUTTERLEY RESERVOIR A fem/imm. Back Redstart on Apr 2/3rd with the pair of Red Crested Pochards still present on Apr. 5th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A dark bellied Brent Goose on Apr. 3rd.
• CARSINGTON WATER The ad. Great Northern Diver still present on Apr. 3rd. with an Osprey on Apr, 2nd.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 5 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 8 Shelduck, 63 Wigeon, 38 Gadwall, 102 Teal, 29 Shoveler, 127 Tufted Duck, 11 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander-female, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker and a Chiffchaff on Apr 3rd. On Apr. 5th basically the same stuff but additions were 20 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander-a pair, a Common Buzzard, a Peregrine Falcon-imm female, 4 Black Tailed Godwits and 2 Swallows.
• ALLESTREE PARK Still a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on Apr 5th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 4 Little Grebes, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Teal, 44 Tufted Duck, 54 Coot, 1 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Sand Martins, 4 Fieldfares, 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaffs and 3 Willow Warblers all on Apr. 6th.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE 1 Cormorant, 52 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Lag Geese and an Egyptian Goose on Apr 6th.
• ST CHADS WATER No sign on Apr. 6th of the imm. drake Scaup. But a Blackcap and a Willow Warbler there.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 1 Little Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Gadwall, 54 Tufted Duck, 7 Goldeneye, 41 Coot and a Blackcap on Apr. 6th.

• ST CHADS WATER The imm. drake Scaup still present on Apr.1st.
• OSPREYS 1 was at Carsington Water late afternoon of Mar 26th and 1 then flew over Farley in Matlock Forest at 2.55.p.m. on Mar 27th. One flew over Derwent Res at 4.00.p.m. on Mar 27th and 1 was also over Monsal Head on Mar 27th. On Mar. 28th one spent a short time at Butterley Reservoir mid –morning on Mar 28th before leaving NW and 1 was over Beeley Moor on Mar 29th. Finally 1 flew North over Carr Vale at 10.00.a.m. on Mar 30th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 7 Great Crested Grebes, 15 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 17 Shelduck, 14 Wigeon, 65 Gadwall, 136 Teal, 112 Tufted Duck,39 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe, 8 Redshank, 2 Green Sandpipers and an adult Common Gull on Mar 27th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The 4 Water Pipits still in the cow field by Highbridge viewed from the canal tow path on Mar 31st. The Bittern was again seen in flight from platform 2 mid-week. On Mar 28th 1 Little Grebe, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Shelduck,20 Wigeon, 39 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 60 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Goosanders, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Merlin-female flew West from Platform 3, 2 Water Rail calling near Platform 2, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Sand Martins flew West, 1 White Wagtail on “dead goose island”, 1 Blackcap male singing near Highbridge, 7 Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler. A report of a Sedge Warbler on Mar 27th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A pair of Common Scoter on the windsurfing pit on Mar 29th. The female Red Breasted Merganser again present on Mar 30th. also on that date 4 Little Grebes, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant. 3 Grey Herons, 4 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Grey Partridge, 56 Coot, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Green Woodpecker, c85 Sand Martins, c35 Swallows and a House Martin.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR On Mar 31st c135 Swallows, c30 Sand Martin and a House Martin.
• BUTTERLEY RESERVOIR The pair of Red Crested Pochard still present on Mar 30th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR A Rock/Water Pipit on Mar 30th. On Mar 31st 7 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Gadwall, 40 Tufted Duck, 17 Goldeneye, 45 Coot, 2 Oystercatchers and single Sand Martins and Swallow flew West.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present on Mar 31st.
• ALLESTREE PARK 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff but no sign of any Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers on Apr. 1st.

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