The Derbyshire Ornithological Society

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• WILINGTON GRAVEL PITS The small flock of Water Pipits continues to be seen in the cow field SW of the Canal Pit. Although numbering up to 4 birds-still present on Mar 8th-there have been one/two claims of 6 birds present. These birds can be elusive at times so observers may have to be patient. View only from the Canal towpath and do not attempt to access the new workings looking for these birds if they are not present in the field. Also on the Reserve The Bittern again showed well from Platform 1 on Mar 8th and the adult Whooper Swan also still present. Curlew numbered 30 on Mar 7th. A White Wagtail was claimed from the Water Pipit field on Mar 6th. On Mar 5th 7 Shelduck, 90 Wigeon, 41 Gadwall, 9 Shoveler, the usual drake Aythya hybrid, 11 Goldeneye and 12 Goosanders were present.
• ALPORT CASTLES Up to 3 Snow Buntings were reported from the moors here on Mar 1/2nd but no sign of any on Mar 5th.
• WHOOPER SWANS There has been the usual March movement of these Swans through the county in the last few days, although it is slightly earlier than in previous years. A herd of 36 flew NW over Ogston Reservoir at 10.05.a.m. on Mar 3rd with a herd of 41 North over Foremark Reservoir on Mar 4th. On Mar 7th 24 flew North over Allestree Park, Derby at 08.50.a.m. and arrived at Carsington Water at 09.30.a.m. They were still present an hour later. At Pleasley Colliery a herd of 19 present until late afternoon and they then flew North over Carr Vale N.R. at 4.25 p.m.
• ST CHADS WATER The immature drake Scaup present again from Mar 6-8th.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still present along with 4 Egyptian Geese in fields here with the Mute Swan flock on Mar 8th. An imm. female Peregrine Falcon was sat on one of the pylons also.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 1 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 17 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 5 Grey Herons, 12 Shelduck, c135 Wigeon, 23 Gadwall, 208 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 20 Pochard, 218 Tufted Duck, 1 drake Ferruginuous Duck x Pochard Aythya hybrid, 65 Goldeneye, 1 Smew-redhead, 10 Goosander, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Oystercatcher, 9 Ringed Plover, 177 Lapwing, 11 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper and 2 Chiffchaff on Mar 6th.
• FLASH LANE Still up to 7 Crossbills frequenting this area by the feeding station. The latter has attracted 2 Bramblings and also a Mealy Redpoll. All seen between Mar 5-7th.
• CROMFORD Still 4 Hawfinches in the area on Mar 7th.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK 4 Mandarins on the lake early morning on Mar 3rd but no sign on Mar 4th but 2 Gadwall, 20 Teal and a pair of Shoveler were on the reserve with a redhead Goosander on the lake.
• R.DERWENT, ACORDIS-SPONDON WEIR 14 Goosander on Mar 4th but no sign of any Cetti’s Warblers singing from Derby Sewage Works.
• FOOLOW 15 Bramblings feeding in a private garden at 4.25.p.m. on Mar 7th.
• MELBOURNE A Goshawk drifted over the observers garden at 2.00.p.m. on Mar 6th.
• DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE The first county Little Ringed Plover of the year was in the power station grounds on Mar 7th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 5 Little Grebes, 19 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Grey Lag geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 251 Wigeon, 28 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 27 Pochard, 44 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 129 Coot and 3 Common Gulls on Mar 8th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 4 Little Grebes, 17 Great Crested Grebes, 70 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 16 Pochard, 42 Tufted Duck, 30 Goldeneye, 1 Common Buzzard, 73 Coot and 2 Oystercatchers on Mar 8th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR Still 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls roosting here on Mar 6th.

• BEELEY MOOR A Common Crane was seen circling Matlock Forest before flying of North at about 11.00.a.m. on Mar 2nd seen by 4 lucky observers.
• DERBY SEWAGE WORKS Still at least 1 Cetti’s Warbler singing from deep within this private site on Feb 27/28th. Only listen for these birds from the South Bank of the R.Derwent by the old bridge across the river at Acordis. There is no access to this site and with all the work at Raynesway on the new fly over etc parking is very difficult. Best access may be from either Elvaston Castle, Borrowash-along the river or from Green Lane in Alvaston and then walking North.
• WAXWINGS One bird returned to the back garden of 56 Lower Brook Street Long Eaton on Feb 26th and remained until the 28th.
• WATER PIPITS 5 were found in a flooded field SW of the Canal Pit at Willington Canal Pit near Highbridge by Steve Mann on Feb 27th. Still 4 here on Feb 28th and 3 on Mar 1st bit no sign by 10.30.a.m. on Mar 2nd. The birds can be elusive but usually return to this area-a cattle field and a flooded turnip field. Up to 40 Meadow Pipits, c50 Pied Wagtails and c60 Sky Larks also here. Another Water Pipit flew NE over Ogston Reservoir at about 9.00.a.m. on Feb 28th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR An imm. Shag briefly here late morning on Feb 28th but it was seen to fly off with a Cormorant and did not return. Still at least 1 adult Mediterranean Gull roosting here on Feb 28th. An ad. Yellow Legged Gull on Feb 28th.
• NADIN’S POOL, NEWHALL A Bittern on Feb 27th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 9 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Shelduck, 147 Wigeon, 42 Gadwall, 105 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 drake Red Crested Pochard, 48 Pochard, 172 Tufted Duck, 2 drake Ferruginuous Duck x Pochard Aythya hybrids, 65 Goldeneye, 1 Smew-redhead, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Ringed Plover, 15 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 4 Green Sandpipers and 3 Herring Gulls all on Feb 27th.
• HARDWICK PARK A Red Kite flew WNW on Feb 28th.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still present in the fields with the Mute Swan flock on Mar 2nd along with 4 Egyptian Geese.
• ST.CHADS WATER An imm. drake Scaup on Mar 1st. 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 12 Wigeon, 10 Gadwall, 1 Pochard and 24 Tufted Duck on Mar 2nd.
• DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE An adult Mediterranean Gull on Mar 1st.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The Bittern again seen on Mar 1st and the ad. Whooper Swan still present on Mar 2nd.
• CROMFORD Still 7 Hawfinchs in trees by the Wharf on Mar 1st.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 3 Little Grebes, 17 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 15 Grey Lag Geese, 107 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 60 Pochard, 74 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Kestrel, 1 Grey Partridge, 155 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper 2 Common Gulls and a Green Woodpecker all on Mar. 2nd.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 5 Little Grebes, 19 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 1 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 20 Pochard, 39 Tufted Duck, 27 Goldeneye, 88 Coot and an Oystercatcher all on Mar 2nd.

• WAXWING A lone bird has re-appeared in the back garden of 56 Lower Brook Street, Long Eaton this afternoon-Feb 26th.
• CETTI’S WARBLER One bird was again heard singing from Derby Sewage Works on Feb 23rd with both birds singing during the morning of Feb 25th. They both appear to have survived through the hard winter. They can be listened for from the bank of the R.Derwent at Raynesway just by the disused bridge over the River Derwent to Acordis. There is no access into the Sewage Works which is strictly private and parking by the incinerator may be difficult these days with all the changes going on closer to here on Raynesway with a new flyover being built. An alternative would be to park in Borrowash or Elvaston Castle Country Park and walk west along the River Derwent towards Raynesway.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR A Red Kite was seen flying over the A514 at Scaddows Wood early afternoon of Feb 25th. Still one adult Mediterranean Gull roosting here present from 4.55.p.m. on Feb 25th.
• CARR VALE NATUTRE RESERVE A Hawfinch on Feb 21st,a very rare bird here and 4 adult Whooper Swans flew N at 08.00.a.m. on Feb 23rd.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still feeding with Mute Swans on Feb 24th and 3 Egyptian Geese also present. A lone Grey Lag Geese here on Feb 23rd along with 53 Redwing and 48 Fieldfares.
• ST.CHADS WATER 14 Gadwall, 12 Gadwall, 26 Tufted Duck and 6 Goosander on Feb 23rd.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 2 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, 66 Tufted Duck, 24 Goldeneye, 95 Coot and c80 Common Gulls in a pre-roost gathering on Feb 23rd. An imm male Scaup here at 3.00.p.m. on Feb 24th. This site is, unfortunately, permit only.
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorants, 4 Wigeon, 15 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 9 Common Gulls and 350 Wood Pigeons on Feb 24th.
• SHARDLOW 490 Wood Pigeons on Feb 24th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 6 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Whooper Swan-ad still present, 8 Shelduck, 93 Wigeon, 31 Gadwall, 38 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 8 Pochard, 21 Tufted Duck, 11 Goldeneye, 10 Goosanders, 1 Oystercatcher, c570 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Common Gulls, a first winter Caspian Gull on the Canal Pit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Long Tailed Tits, 4 Willow Tits and c10 Goldfinches all on Feb 25th. On Feb 26th the Whooper Swan, 5 Goosander and the Aythya hybrid all present.
• CROMFORD Still 3 Hawfinches in the area on Feb 25th.
• CARSINGTON WATER Still 1 Red Necked Grebe in the Hopton Inlet on Feb 22nd along with 2 Great Northern Divers.

• WAXWING The lone bird at the junction of Lambourne Drive and Derwent Avenue, Allestree on Feb 17th was briefly joined by a second bird late afternoon. On Feb 18th only 1 bird present in the back garden of 224 Lambourne Drive.
• CARSINGTON WATER The 2 Red Necked Grebes were still present on Feb 19th in the Hopton Inlet with one still here on Feb 21st. It is thought that the second bird likes to visit all other parts of the reservoir. Also still 2 Great Northern Divers here on Feb 21st. A Jack Snipe on Feb.19th was very photogenic.
• R.DERWENT, AMBASTON 9 Goosander on Feb 17th and the 4 Whooper Swans again present on Feb 21st before flying off towards Ambaston GP
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS A Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorants, 4 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, a drake Pochard and 2 Tufted Duck on Feb 17th. On Feb 21st no sign of the Whooper Swans early afternoon but 1 Little Grebe, the Gadwall total was 16, other numbers of birds as on Feb 17th.
• BARROW GRAVEL PITS A Little Egret on Feb 17th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 3 Little Grebes, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 23 Wigeon, 28 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 52 Pochard, 40 Tufted Duck, 2 Kestrel, 173 Coot, 4 Common Gulls,1 Green Woodpecker and 4 Long Tailed Tits. On Feb 20th a Green Sandpiper and 2 Egyptian Geese here whilst nearby at Trent Meadows a Stonechat and a Barn Owl.
• LOCKO PARK LAKE 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 96 Grey Lag Geese, 78 Canada Geese, a drake Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Green Woodpecker and c35 Fieldfares on Feb 20th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On Feb 20th 6 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Cormorants, 5 Grey Herons, 7 Shelduck, c150 Wigeon, 25 Gadwall, 328 Teal, 3 Pintail-1 drake and 2 females, a drake Red Crested Pochard, 73 Pochard, 176 Tufted Duck, 2 drake Ferruginuous x Pochard Aythya hybrids both together, 69 Goldeneye, 6 Smew-2 drakes, 2 Goosander, 2 Common Buzzards,1 Water Rail, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Ringed Plover, 137 Lapwing, 15 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Chiffchaffs. On Feb 21st with 90% of the pits frozen following the heavy snowfall 4 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Little Egret flew East, 7 Shelduck, 16 Wigeon, 26 Gadwall, 437 Teal, 4 Pinatil-2 pairs, 17 Shoveler, the drake Red Crested Pochard, 45 Pochard, 186 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, the Smew total had risen to 10-4 drakes, 1 Common Buzzard, 97 Coot, 2 Oystercatchers, 4 Ringed Plover, c130 Lapwing, 23 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Common Gulls and 2 Chiffchaffs. View this site only from the A50 gate.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The Bittern was again seen on Feb 21st from Platform 3 with a report of a second bird present on a pit at the east end of the reserve. The Whooper Swan still present on Feb 22nd.
• BUTTERLEY RESERVOIR 9 Ringed Plover flew West on Feb 21st.
• STAUNTON HAROLD RESERVOIR 8 Yellow Legged Gulls on Feb 21st on railings near the dam. They comprised 5 ads, 2 second winters and a third winter.

• CARSINGTON WATER After 1 Red-necked Grebe was found here yesterday afternoon-Feb 15th-by Dave Newcombe it was not until late afternoon when it was relocated right at the North end of the Hopton Inlet and then a second bird was found close by. On Feb 16th one was still present in the Hopton Inlet at the north end in the morning before the second bird was discovered to be in the Millfields area viewed distantly from Stones Island. This second bird seems to like to hug the shoreline. Also in this area were the 2 Great Northern Divers. Also seen were 1 drake Goosander, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Redshank and 2 Raven. Still at least 1 Great Northern Diver on Feb 13th.
• LONG EATON 4 Waxwings in a private back garden in Lower Brook Street from 1000a.m.—1.00.p.m. when disturbed by the attentions of a Song Thrush
• WILINGTON GRAVEL PITS The adult Whooper Swan still present this morning-Feb 15th-and 23 Pink Footed Geese flew through. c320 Pink Footed Geese flew WNW at 9.40.a.m. on Feb 13th and a Green Sandpiper present. A Merlin on Feb 14th and an Aythya hybrid present Feb 13-15th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR A Short Eared Owl was seen hunting at dusk along the bridle path on the east side of the reservoir on Feb 13th. Up to 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls roosting here-3 on Feb 14th- along with the second winter Glaucous Gull on Feb 14th.
• DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE The Bittern again seen on Feb 12th.
• CROMFORD BRIDGE Still up to 7 Hawfinches here on Feb 14th but they were very flighty. Still 5 this morning in a garden near the railway station.. A Dipper singing on the R.Derwent.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS (View only from the A50 gate) 5 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Cormorants, 1 Bittern, 3 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 8 Shelduck,189 Wigeon. 42 Gadwall, 288 Teal, 1 Pintail-drake, 20 Shoveler, 1 Red Crested Pochard-drake, 43 Pochard, 202 Tufted Duck, 1 drake Ferruginuous Duck x Pochard Aythya hybrid, 41 Goldeneye, 2 Smew-pair, 1 Goosander-redhead, 1 Ringed Plover, c100 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 3 Green Sandpipers, 9 Common Gulls, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker all on Feb 13th.
• WHATSTANDWELL c150 Pink Footed Geese flew over at 9.55 a.m. on Feb 13th.
• LANGLEY MILL/ALDERCAR 200+ Pink Footed Geese flew NW at 10.15 a.m. on Feb 13th.
• SHIPLEY COUNTRY PARK The Short Eared Owl still present by the old car parks at the American Adventure Park on Feb 14th.
• SHILLITO WOOD c70 Pink Footed Geese flew NW at 11.00.a.m. on Feb 14th.
• N.DERBYSHIRE 1 male Black Grouse on Feb 14th.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still present with the Mute Swan flock on Feb 15th.
• ST CHADS WATER 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 28 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 15 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander and 2 Raven flew East on Feb 15th.

• COTMANHAY The Bittern still present on the West Bank of The Erewash Canal nesr the Bridge Inn and showing well on Feb 9th but no sign on Feb 10th although it is still possible that the bird is in the area. Two redhead Goosanders flying around the area on Feb 10th.
• SHIPLEY COUNTRY PARK The Short Eared Owl stil present from about 5.00.p.m. on Feb 10th hunting the fields by the old carparks for the American Adventure Park.
• CARSINGTON WATER Still 2 Great Northern Divers on Feb 10th.
• CROMFORD AREA 12 Hawfinches in this area on Feb 9th with 11 on Feb 10th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Ringed Plover back on Feb 10th along with 2/3 Oystercatcher, 5 Curlew and 3 Shelduck.
• REPTON AREA 90 Mute Swans and 4 Egyptian Geese on Feb 10th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR Still 1 ad. Mediterranean Gull in the roost on Feb 10th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 2 Little Grebes, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorant, 6 Grey Herons, 2 Egyptian Geese, 268 Wigeon, 33 Gadwall, 9 Teal. 1 Shoveler, 64 Pochard, 55 Tufted Duck, 6 Goosander, 1 Grey Partridge, 240 Coot, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Gulls and 3 Fieldfares on Feb 9th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 4 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 13 Pochard, 86 Tufted Duck, 27 Goldeneye, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel and 96 Coot on Feb 9th.

• COTMANHAY The Bittern has showed well here as can be seen from Glyn Sellors excellent photos on Surfbirds Scarce Birds Gallery. Still present on Feb 8th along the Erewash Canal off Bridge Street on the west side of the Canal just south of The Bridge Inn.
• CROMFORD The Hawfinch flock has built up to 8 birds and are still frequenting the trees at the entrance to Willersley Castle on Feb 8th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The 2nd winter Glaucous Gull again roosted here on Feb 4/5th. An adult Mediterranean Gull roosted here on Feb 4/5/7th with 2 ads on Feb 8th. Two adult Caspian Gulls roosted on Feb 7th. Still up to 3 adult Yellow Legged Gulls in the roost. On Feb 5th the roost consisted of c20,000 Black Headed Gulls, c500 Common Gulls, c1000 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c750 Herring Gulls and c250 Great Black Backed Gulls. Also here on Feb 5th were 7 Little Grebes, 22 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Cormorants, 34 Tufted Duck and 8 Goosander.
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS The drake Red Crested Pochard still here on Feb 4th but no sign on Feb 6th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Marsh Harrier was reported here on Feb 4th but no sign since. This is probably only the 2nd Feb. occurance for Derbyshire and if the observer would like to get in touch with the undersigned I would be grateful. The Bittern was seen again on Feb 6/7th with 2 Pintail, 4 Oystercatcher and a Stonechat on Feb 7th.
• SHIPLEY COUNTRY PARK The Short Eared Owl still present hunting over fields near the old American Adventure Park at dusk on Feb 7th.
• CARSINGTON WATER Still 1 Great Northern Diver here on Feb 8th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS The redhead Red Breasted Merganser again present on Feb 7th along with a Green Sandpiper and 2 Egyptian Geese.
• ARNFIELD RESERVOIR A Firecrest at the sluice end in conifers in the nature reserve late morning on Feb 7th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 8/9 Smew still here along with a Redshank on Feb 5th. On Feb 6th 4 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Shelduck, 226 Wigeon, 34 Gadwall, 269 Teal, 3 Pintail-2 drakes, 10 Shoveler, 1 Red Crested Pochard-drake, 32 Pochard, 221 Tufted Duck, 2 Ferruginuous Duck x Pochard drake Aythya hybrids-the first time 2 of these cracking hybrids have been at one locality in the county, 40 Goldeneye, 8 Smew-3 drakes, an imm. drake and 4 “redheads”, 1 Goosander and a Redshank. On Feb 7th 5 Smew could be seen from the A50 gate.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still present on Feb 8th in fields with Mute Swans but was very distant.
• SWARKESTONE LAKE 5 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 227 Canada Geese, 16 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 2 Pochard, 215 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye and a drake Smew on Feb 8th.
• ST. CHADS WATER 2 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Cormorants, 22 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, 13 Tufted Duck, 4 Goosander on Feb 8th.
• TRENT VALLEY On a sweep up the valley from Church Wilne to Barrow-on-Trent a total of 203 Mute Swans were counted with 33 in fields at Church Wilne, 2 at St. Chads Water, 31 at Weston Cliff, 90 at Swarkestone Bridge, 5 at Swarkestone Lake and 42 at Poplar Farm, Barrow-on-Trent. There was no sign of the small flock of Wild Swans recently in this area but 4 Egyptian Geese were at Swarkestone Bridge.

• COTMANHAY A Bittern was found by the Erewash Canal behind the Bridge Inn mid morning on Feb 1st grid reference SK468440.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The ad. Mediterranean Gull again roosted on Feb 1st.
• CROMFORD Still 3 Hawfinches in trees at the entrance to Willersley Castle on Feb 1/2nd.
• LONGSHAW Still 7 Bramblings coming to the feeders on Feb 1st.
• BOTTOM MOOR, MATLOCK FOREST c20 Crossbills on Feb 3rd.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 19 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 16 Grey Lag Geese, 1 Ruddy Shelduck with 6 Canada Geese on the old Windsurfing Pit-presumably the Attenborough NR bird on an away day, 106 Wigeon, 48 Gadwall, 12 Teal, 13 Shoveler, 84 Pochard, 68 Tufted uck, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel, 319 Coot, 3 Common Gulls, 2 Green Woodpecker and 10 Goldfinches all on Feb 3rd.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 2 Little Grebes, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Cormorants, 78 Wigeon, 23 Gadwall, 7 Teal, 30 Mallard, 13 Pochard, 139 Tufted Duck, 18 Goldeneye, 123 Coot and 2 Mistle Thrushes all on Feb 3rd.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still in fields with 30 Mute Swans on Feb 3rd and showing very well down to about 30 feet. No sign of the Pink Footed Goose. Also 1 Little Owl in the area.
• ST.CHADS WATER 19 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall and 6 Goosanders all on Feb 3rd.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 2 Shelduck on Feb 3rd.

• CARSINGTON WATER After all the controversy with the Wild Swans at Lowes Lane , Swarkestone early in the month the attention switched this weekend to Divers at Carsington Water. At 10.45 a.m. on Jan 31st there was a pager report which eminated from a very reliable observer of 2 Black Throated Divers and a Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash Hide. From 11.30-2.00.p.m.these birds were looked for by at least 5 very competent county birders and the only Diver seen was a Great Northern Diver in the vicinity of Fishtail Creek. However late afternoon a pager message appeared which confirmed that there was no further signs of any Black Throated Divers but there were 3 Great Northern Divers at 3.50.p.m. Roger Carrington spent most of this morning-Feb 1st-scouting the water but could only find 1 Great Northern Diver, presumably the regular bird. Although Divers sometime can move on very quickly the chances of 5 Divers being at this well watched water over a 24 hour spell are a wee bit remote especially when 4 of them appear to have moved on very quickly. Great Northerns usually stay especially here. If proved correct this would be the first sighting of Black Throated Diver in Derbyshire since March 2005-this is now the rarest of the 3 species to occur in Derbyshire. If any observer has more information plus a description of the Black Throated Divers we would be grateful if they could contact any one of the 3 Joint County Recorders with this info.
• Also here on Jan 31st were 34 Cormorants, at least 16 Goldeneye, 11 Goosanders from Millfields, 1 ad Yellow Legged Gull on Flat Island, a Nuthatch on the feeders at Paul Stanley Hide and a Raven.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR A 2nd winter Glaucous Gull and an adult Mediterranean Gull again roosted here on Jan 30th.
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS A drake Red Crested Pochard on Jan 30/31st on the deep water pit.
• WILLINGTON GARVEL PITS The Bittern was again seen in flight on Jan 30th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 3 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 8 Shelduck, 213 Wigeon, 30 Gadwall, 241 Teal, 4 Pintail-2 pairs, 36 Shoveler, 1 Red Crested Pochard-drake-not the Ambaston GP bird, 25 Pochard, 187 Tufted Duck, 37 Goldeneye, 9 Smew-3 drakes and 6 “redheads”, 4 Goosander, 7 Snipe and 7 Common Gulls all on Jan 30th.
• SWARKESTONE LAKES The drake Smew still present on an 30th.
• WILNE LANE. CHURCH WILNE The lone adult Bewicks Swan and the Pink Footed Goose still present in the field on the left hand side of the lane on Jan 30th.
• CROMFORD AREA Up to 2 Hawfinch still in trees at the entrance to Willersley Castle Jan 30/31st. A singing Dipper on the R.Derwent here on Jan 31st.
• FLASH LANE By the “feeding station” on Jan 31st a pair of Crossbills and at least 20 Coal Tits and 5 Lesser Redpolls.
• BEELEY TRIANGLE A Raven on Jan 31st.
• BRADLEY DAM c120 Mandarin, 10 Teal and 236 Mallard on Jan 31st.

• FOREMARK RESERVOIR Since Jan 24th at least 2 different adult Mediterranean Gulls have been found in this roost with at least 1 and possibly 2 in the roost on Jan 29th. The gulls were very restless last night and would never settle anywhere for long which made deciding the correct number of Mediterranean Gulls difficult. The numbers last night were c15,000 Black Headed Gulls, c300 Common Gulls, c1000 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c800 Herring Gulls and c200 Great Black Backed Gulls. Also here were 5 Little Grebes, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 24 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 48 Tufted Duck, 6 Goosanders, 1 Common Buzzard and 72 Coot. A first winter Yellow Legged Gull present in the morning.
• SWARKESTONE LAKES The drake Smew still present on Jan 29th and 81 Mute Swans were in fields near Swarkestone Bridge.
• SHIPLEY COUNTRY PARK The Short Eared Owl still present at 5.15.p.m. on Jan 29th hunting fields near the old American Adventure Park.
• CROMFORD AREA Up to 7 Hawfinches are still present in this area being normally seen in trees near the entrance to Willersley Castle.
• LONGSHAW At least 1 Mealy Redpoll still coming into the feeders on Jan 27th with 11 Bramblings on Jan 28th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR An adult Mediterranean Gull roosted on Jan 27th.
• CARSINGTON WATER A Kittiwake during the morning of Jan 28th and the female Scaup still present.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 13 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Grey Lag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 121 Wigeon, 27 Gadwall, 22 Teal, 13 Shoveler, 58 Pochard, 45 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 313 Coot and a Green Sandpiper on Jan 26th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 3 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 53 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 17 Pochard, 53 Tufted Duck, 18 Goldeneye, 89 Coot and a Grey Wagtail on Jan 26th.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still present on Jan 26th and showing well in fields on the left hand side of the lane. Also here 22 Mute Swans, a Pink Footed Goose and a Little Owl.
• ST.CHADS WATER 12 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall and 4 Goosanders on Jan 26th. Also a Kingfisher.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 1 Great Crested Grebe, 13 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 103 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 92 Teal, 2 Pintail-drake and female, 10 Shoveler, 20 Pochard, 23 Tufted Duck, 10 Goldeneye, 4 Goosander, 1 Kestrel, 1 Oystercatcher, c350 Lapwing, 2 Willow Tits and c35 Goldfinches all on Jan 28th
• BARROW GRAVEL PITS 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 71 Wigeon, 18 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 90 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel and a Kingfisher on Jan 28th.
• POPLAR FARM, BARROW-ON-TRENT 58 Mute Swans and c 200 Wood Pigeons on Jan 28th.

• FOREMARK RESERVOIR A 2nd winter Glaucous Gull present from about 3.00.p.m. on Jan 23rd perched on the catwalk railings. On Jan 24th an ad. Mediterranean Gull roosted.
• CARSINGTON WATER The Great Northern Diver still present and was viewed distantly from the Wildlife Centre at 1.00.p.m. on Jan 24th.
• LINACRE RESERVOIR 3 Goosanders on the bottom reservoir on Jan 24th.
• SHIPLEY COUNTRY PARK A Short Eared Owl over fields by the American Adventure Park at 3.30.p.m. on Jan 24th..
• SWARKESTONE LAKES A drake Smew on Jan 24th.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still feeding in the fields near the bottom of the lane on Jan 25th along with a Pink Footed Goose and an Egyptian Goose.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A pair of Red Crested Pochard on the pit to the right of the lane on Jan 25th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 3 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Cormorant, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 25 Canada Geese, 272 Wigeon, 28 Gadwall, 37 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 1 Red Crested Pochard-drake, 38 Pochard, 183 Tufted Duck,42 Goldeneye, 5 Smew-2 drakes/3 “redheads”, 1 Goosander, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel. 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper and a Chiffchaff all on Jan 23rd.

• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS The female Red Breasted Merganser still present on the fishing pit to the left of Pastures Lane on Jan 23rd.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 2 drake Smew, the drake Red Crested Pochard and a drake Red Breasted Merganser here on Jan 22nd seen by a permit holder but none could be seen from the A50 gate.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Ruff briefly on the Canal Pit at 8.20.a.m. on Jan 23rd before it flew off towards the new workings.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still in the fields with Mute Swans at the bottom of the lane on Jan 23rd.
• R.DERWENT, AMBASTON The 4 adult Whooper Swans still present in this area about ½ mile East of Ambaston on Jan 21st.
• LEASH FEN A ringtail Hen Harrier on Jan 21st.
• FLASH LANE, MATLOCK MOOR c25 Crossbills on Jan 21st.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 2 Little Grebes, 35 Great Crested Grebes, 23 Cormorants, 73 Tufted Duck, 7 Goosanders, 91 Coot and a Kingfisher. The Gull roost consisted of c15,000 Black Headed Gulls, c500 Common Gulls, c960 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c350 Herring Gulls, 10 adult Yellow Legged Gulls, 2 adult Caspian Gulls, a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull from 3.50-3.55 p.m. before it flew out West and c170 Great Black Backed Gulls all on Jan 21st.
• BUTTERLEY RESERVOIR 2 White Fronted Geese, both adults, circled the res. at 10.10.a.m.on Jan 21st before flying off SW.

• FOREMARK RESERVOIR A juv. Glaucous Gull came in to roost just before 3.00.p.m. on Jan 20th. Earlier it had been at Albert Village Lake at noon (Leicestershire). On Jan 18th an adult Caspian Gull roosted with a report of 12 Yellow Legged Gulls also roosting. Te drake Red Breasted Merganser was present in front of the dam until dusk but no sign on Jan 19th.
• LONGSHAW ESTATE The 3 Mealy Redpolls still coming to feeders near the Café on Jan 18/19th. Also a Brambling here.
• CROMFORD WHARF A Hawfinch by the car park on Jan 20th.
• CARSINGTON WATER A Great Northern Diver again from Millfields on Jan 20th along with the female Scaup and a Yellow Legged Gull.
• R.TRENT, NEAR SWARKESTONE The flock of 7 Bewick’s Swans and the adult Whooper Swan in fields east of the village near the Church on Jan 18/19th with the 7 Bewick’s Swans back at Lowes Lane on Jan 20th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A Bittern was seen to fly across the first fishing pit on the left at the bottom of Pastures Lane on Jan 20th with a “redhead” Red Breasted Merganser also here. In addition 28 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 291 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, 66 Pochard, 68 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 9 Goosander. 381 Coot, 8 Lapwings flew East, 5 Common Gulls, a Kingfisher and c15 Goldfinches also present.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 3 drake Smew were on the Water Ski Pit at 12.00.noon on Jan 20th. Also here were 1 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 78 Canada Geese, 1213 Wigeon, 29 Gadwall, 14 Pochard, 162 Tufted Duck, 31 Goldeneye, 78 Coot a and a Sparrowhawk.
• ST CHADS WATER The 3 drake Smew were here at 2.00.p.m. on Jan 20th along with 12 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck and 7 Long Tailed Tits.
• R.DERWENT, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still present with 17 Mute Swans and a Muscovy Duck on Jan 20th. However it has now moved to the Shardlow side of the river and is distant. Also here 5 Cormorants and a Common Buzzard.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 9 Pintail and 15 Gadwall on Jan 18th.

• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On Jan 16th 4 Smew-a drake and 3 redheads-were on site along with a drake Red Crested Pochard, the latter being part of a big influx recently of this species with at least 61 being on Rutland Water in the cold spell. On Jan 17th the Smew numbers had built up to 8, a party of 7-2 drakes and 5 redheads-and a lone drake. Unfortunately all these birds were on one of the Western pits which cannot be seen from the A50 gate and there is no chance of arranging any access onto this working site with the Gravel Company, Hansons. This is the largest number of Smew in the county since 12 at Long Eaton Gravel Pits in Jan 1997 and 11 at Drakelow Nature Reserve in Feb 1997 and the largest number ever recorded at this site. Also here on Jan 16th were 8 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 5 Grey Herons, 22 Grey Lag Geese flew East, 2 Shelduck, 75 Wigeon, 38 Gadwall, 170 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 35 Pochard, 140 Tufted Duck, 68 Goldeneye, 8 Goosander, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Water Rail, 188 Coot, 4 Snipe, 2 Redshank. 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher and c20 Goldfinch. On Jan 17th a Little Egret, 2 Shelduck, c200 Wigeon, 5 Goosander and 3 Common Buzzards also present.
• LOWES LANE, SWARKESTONE The small herd of Wild Swans again present in fields just East of the Canal Bridge on Jan 17th. As per usual there were 7 Bewick’s Swans-5 ads including the colour ringed bird and 2 juvs-and the adult Whooper Swan. They were still present on Jan 18th. Also here on Jan 17th were 26 Mute Swans and a Common Buzzard.
• CARR VALE NARURE RESERVE The flock of 90 Pink Footed Geese still in fields near the Reserve on Jan 16th until disturbed by a shoot when they flew off.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR An adult Glaucous Gull roosted on Jan 16th with an adult Iceland Gull roosting on Jan 17th
• CARSINGTON WATER The female Scaup still present on Jan 17th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS An adult Yellow Legged Gull, a Green Sandpiper and 12 Goosander on Jan 16th.
• NADIN’S POOL, NEWHALL A male Hen Harrier late afternoon behind the concrete factory on Jan 16th. No sign on Jan 17th but a Jack Snipe.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A Bittern and 4 Jack Snipe on the Canal Pit on Jan 17th, the Bittern flying in from the West before flying across onto the reserve. The Bittern still present on Jan 18th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 10 Little Grebes, 40 Great Crested Grebes, 24 Cormorants, 159 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 49 Goosander, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Common Buzzards and c500 Wood Pigeons all on Jan 17th. A drake Red Breasted Merganser near the dam wall on Jan 18th.
• LONGSHAW ESTATE The 2 Mealy Redpolls still coming into the feeders near the café with 12 Lesser Redpolls on Jan 17th.
• BARROW GRAVEL PITS A Little Egret on Jan 17th.
• R.TRENT, INGLEBY c170 Canada Geese and c200 Wigeon on floods on Jan 17th

• WILD SWANS The small flock along Lowes Lane at Swarkestone were called as 3 Bewick’s Swans on Jan 12th according to a pager message. The 5 Bewick’s Swans by the R.Trent near Weston-on-Trent were still present on Jan 12th whilst the lone adult with Mute Swans in fields near the bottom of Wilne Lane, Church Wilne was still present on Jan 15th with the Mute Swans and a lone Pink Footed Goose.
• DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE The Bittern still present and showing well on Jan 15th along with the drake Pintail.
• POOLSBROOK COUNTRY PARK An adult Caspian Gull and a Yellow Legged Gull on Jan 15th.
• LONGSHAW ESTATE 2 Mealy Redpolls on Jan 15th with 5+ Bramblings on feeders near the café.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE The flock of 90 Pink Footed Geese still present in fields near the reserve on Jan 14th. Also noted were a Water Rail and a Barn Owl.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 2 Ruff, a Dunlin and a Redshank along with 100 Wigeon and 40 Teal on Jan 15th.
• STAUNTON HAROLD RESERVOIR 2 Little Grebes, 117 Great Crested Grebes, 29 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 81 Grey Lag Geese, 135 Canada Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Bar Headed Goose, 214 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 16 Teal, 408 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin flew south over the Broadstone Lane inlet, 179 Coot, c40 Lapwings, 1 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 24 Common Gulls, 1 Yellow Legged Gull, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Long Tailed Tits, 20 Tree Sparrows, c15 Goldfinches and 2 Yellowhammers on Jan 14th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 6 Yellow Legged Gulls all adults roosted on Jan 14th. On Jan 15th 3 Little Grebes, 24 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Cormorants, 5 Teal, 3 Pochard. 195 Tufted Duck, 7 Goosanders. Whilst in the Gull Roost c5,000 Black Headed Gulls, c200 Common Gulls, c975 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c415 Herring Gulls, 6 Yellow Legged Gulls-all ads, 1 Caspian Gull-adult and c110 Great Black Backed Gulls.
• SWARKESTONE LAKES 200 Grey Lag Geese and a Barnacle Goose in fields by the R.Trent opposite the fishing gate. Also a Common Buzzard.

• LOWES LANE, SWARKESTONEA small party of 3 Wild Swans which are here with the Mute Swans feeding in fields appear to be causing a lot of problems being variously reported as 3 Whooper Swans on Jan 8th, 2 Whooper Swans on Jan 9th, 2 Whooper Swans and a Bewick’s Swan on Jan 11th and 3 Bewick’s Swans on Jan 12th. Because they are distant-at least 2 fields away from the lane-and there does not look any size difference between these birds I feel that this is causing problems. I managed to get fairly close yesterday morning-Jan 11th-and found them to be an adult Whooper Swan and 2 adult Bewick’s Swans including a colour ringed bird presumably the one from Boxing Day. If any of the birders with the other claims as noted above want to get in touch with me (click Contact Us above and scroll down for a link to Rod) and talk to me about their sigfhtings then please do so. Also 2 Grey Partridge here on Jan 11th.
• R.TRENT, WESTON-ON-TRENTThe other 5 Bewick’s Swans-3 ads and 2 juvs-here with 59 Mute Swans on Jan 11th. Please view from the Canal Tow Path below the Church.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still here with 10 Mute Swans and a Pink Footed Goose on Jan 11th in fields at the bottom of the lane just before the R.Derwent.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR2 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 233 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 27 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 190 Tufted Duck, 18 Goldeneye, 100 Coot, 1 Snipe and 25 Fieldfares on Jan 11th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS4 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Lag Goose flew West, 142 Wigeon, 15 Gadwall, 63 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 327 Coot, 1 Snipe, 6 Common Gulls and 15 Fieldfares on Jan 12th.
• R,TRENT, CRANFLEET CUT 1 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Cormorants, 35 Wigeon, 40 Tufted Duck, 18 Goldeneye and a female Goosander on Jan 12th.
• CARSINGTON WATERThe female Scaup still here on Jan 12th along with a Little Egret, a female Pintail, 3 Redshank and a Yellow Legged Gull.
• KEDLESTON PARKA Pink Footed Goose with Grey Lag Geese on Jan 12th.

• PINK FOOTED GEESE There has been a large movement of these birds out of their Norfolk haunts presumably trying to escape the cold weather across the country to the Lancashire Mosses. Surprisingly a number of skeins were seen in the Trent Valley. 45 flew NW over Willington Gravel Pits on Jan 8th. A flock of 90 arrived at Carr Vale Nature Reserve at 10.50.a.m. on Jan 8th and remained in fields near the reserve all day and were still present on Jan 9th. Another flock of c100 flew East at 11.10.a.m. on Jan 8th with c150 flying West at 9.30.a.m. on Jan 9th. A flock of c200 flew West over Sawley at 10.50.a.m. on Jan 9th, 98 flew WSW over Ambaston at 11.12a.m. on Jan 9th followed by a skein of 48 flying West at about 1.00.p.m.. Finally 42 flew NW over Chellaston on Jan 9th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The Bittern still present on Jan 9th when it was flushed out of a ditch. A Ruff on the Canal Pit on Jan 7th with a Dunlin on Jan 7/8th and one/two Jack Snipe. A Chiffchaff on Jan 8th. 2 Woodcock and 3 Curlew on Jan 9th. Like all Trent Valley Gravel Pits this site is now completely frozen over.
• R.DERWENT, AMBASTON 4 adult Whooper Swans were found here by Chris Brown on Jan 8th, one being colour ringed. They were still present at 1.00.p.m. on Jan 10th. The lone adult Bewick’s Swan was also here briefly on Jan 9th having been earlier on the R.Derwent near Great Wilne along with the lone Pink Footed Goose. Also here on Jan 9th were 7 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 25 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Lag and 14 Canada Geese flew East, 104 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 6 Shoveler-7 on Jan 10th, 25 Goldeneye, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Snipe and c2000 Wood Pigeons.
• DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE 4 Smew including a drake were found here on Jan 9th along with 16 Mandarin Ducks and a Pintail. The only thing left on Jan 10th was the drake Pintail although the Bittern was seen briefly to fly from below the Glass Fronted Hide across to the Crake Pool. There is no access here any further than the Glass Fronted Hide. A Sparrowhawk and a Willow Tit showed well at the feeding station and 13 Goldeneye were on the small open lead of water.
• CROMFORD BRIDGE A single Hawfinch on Jan 8th with 6 on the 9th.
• LOWES LANE, SWARKESTONE 2 Whooper Swans with Mute Swans Jan 9th.
• MILTON BROOK A Little Egret and a Redshank on Jan 8th
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The second winter Glaucous Gull again roosted here on Jan 6/7th with a single Caspian Gull on Jan 7th and 2 adults on Jan 9th. Up to 6 Yellow Legged Gulls in the roost on Jan 8th along with c25,000 Black Headed Gulls, c500 Common Gulls, c1250 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c500 Herring Gulls and c400 Great Black Backed Gulls. Also here 2 Little Grebes, 51 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Cormorants, 2 Pochard, 214 Tufted Duck, 4 Goosander, 1 Common Buzzard and 153 Coot.
• STEETLEY QUARRY 15 Whooper Swans flew East at 9.30.a.m. on Jan 8th with the Mealy Redpoll still present.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 9 Little Grebes, 31 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Cormorants, 220 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 37 Mallard, 37 Pochard, 270 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup—first winter male, 6 Goldeneye, 1 Common Buzzard, 118 Coot, 20 Common Guls, c20 Sky Larks flew NE all on Jan 6th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 2 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormrants, 2 Grey Herons, 180 Wigeon, 24 Gadwall, 60 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 44 Pochard, 86 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Buzzard, 201 Coot, 48 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 1 Redshank and a Green Woodpecker all on Jan 9th.
• TRIANGLE POND, SAWLEY A Bittern on Jan 10th.

• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE The Bittern still present on Jan 5th and showing from the viewing mound this afternoon.
• FIELDS FARM ROAD, LONG EATON A Bittern flew over at 9.30.a.m. on Jan 5th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A Jack Snipe mid morning on Jan 5th flushed from the pits on the left hand side of the lane.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan and the Pink Footed Goose still in the last field down the lane on the left hand side with the Mute Swan flock.
• At Albert Village Lake, just over the Derbyshire border near Swadlincote the 2nd winter Glaucous Gull again present at 2.15.p.m. on Jan 5th with 2 adult Caspian Gulls late morning.

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS At least 1 and probably 2 Bitterns showed here over the weekend with one showing very well from Platform 1 today at midday-Jan 4th whilst on Jan 3rd from Platform 3 one spent a long time partially hidden sitting amongst the top of reeds on the far side of a frozen main pit sunning itself. Also here on Jan 3rd 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 40 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 13 Teal, 111 Mallard, 9 Shoveler, 5 Pochard. 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Goosanders, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Golden Plover, 463 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Stonechats showing well in the Cattle Field, 1 Willow Tit and c10 Reed Buntings. Also a skein of c30 Pink Footed Geese flew West early morning.
• DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE The Bittern still present on Jan 3rd.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE The Bittern still present on Jan 2nd. Also a Chiffchaff and 2 Peregrines.
• CARSINGTON WATER At least 1 Great Northern Diver still present on Jan 3rd with the Little Egret still here on Jan 1st and the fermale Scaup on Jan 3rd.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still present on Jan 3rd along with the Pink Footed Goose amongst the small Mute Swan flock in fields near the R.Derwent. The Little Owl still in trees at the top of the lane.
• WHITWELL QUARRY The Mealy Redpoll still with a small flock of Lesser Redpolls in a glade off Franklin Avenue on Jan 3rd.
• STAUNTON HAROLD RESERVOIR 3 Mealy Redpolls amongst a flock of Goldfinches in trees near the Sailing Club on Jan 2nd, also 4 Yellow Legged Gulls. There was no sign of the Mealy Redpolls on Jan 3rd but 7 Little Grebes, 69 Great Crested Grebes, 10 Cormorants, c100 Pink Footed Geese flew WNW at 09.05.a.m., c50 Grey Lag Geese, c50 Canada Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Bar Headed Goose, 8 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 11 Pochard, 165 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 3 Yellow Legged Gulls-2 ads and a 2nd winter, 1 Raven, 3 Long Tailed Tits, c15 Tree Sparrows and a Bullfinch.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The second winter Glaucous Gull again roosted on Jan 2nd along with a Caspian Gull and 8 Yellow Legged Gulls. On Jan 3rd c20,000 Back Headed Gulls, c500 Common Gulls, c600 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c500 Herring Gulls, 4 Yellow Legged Gulls, c300 Great Black Backed Gulls roosted as did 10 Goosander.
• LINACRE RESERVOIR 150 Pink Footed Geese flew West at 11.00.a.m. on Jan 3rd
• BUTTERLEY RESERVOIR The Twite still present with the small flock of Linnets behind the Sewage Works on Jan 3rd and 750 ,Pink Footed Geese flew WNW.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A Red Kite flew East between 11.20-11.30.a.m.on Jan 3rd.
• BRACKENFIELD 200 Pink Footed Geese flew over early morning on Jan 3rd.
• R.WYE, BAKEWELL The Little Egret still present here on Jan 3rd. A report from Ashford-in-the-Water of one on Jan 3rd probably refers to the same bird. Unfortunately the caller to my home phone either left me a wrong number or it is a withheld number as I could not phone him back. If he reads this apologies for not contacting him.

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