September 2025 highlights
Bird of the month was the superb find of a juvenile SABINE'S GULL at Carr Vale NR on the 8th.
A MANX SHEARWATER was at Carsington Water on the 11th and seen well into the evening but was not apparent the following morning. Another was sadly found dead on a road in Derby on the 15th. Anchor Church GP had a SHAG on the 17th which again didn't hang around for long and couldn't be found the next day. GLOSSY IBIS however put on a superb show over the county as a large influx of birds arrived from the continent, where drought conditions had forced many to seek refuge in the UK. A phenomenal record of 33 was seen flying over Long Eaton on the 8th, and photographed by one of our young birders, and was quickly followed by birds arriving at Carsington Water (two also on the 8th) and Willington Wetlands (one on the 8th). Renishaw Park struck next with one on the 11th, and then Carr Vale NR had five from the 17th to 21st, allowing most birders the chance to catch up with these visitors. Norbriggs Flash also recorded two on the 21st which were assumed to be some of the Carr Vale birds. The RUDDY SHELDUCK at Staunton Harold Reservoir showed intermittently during the month and RED-CRESTED POCHARD were seen at Carsington Water (up to 4). The Wingerworth bird remained all month and one at Mercia Marina reappeared on the 27th. A CRANE was reported over Baslow on the 14th. Single AVOCET were at Carsington Water on the 23rd, Ogston Reservoir on the 23rd and Willington Wetlands on the 25th. A FIRECREST was seen in Grinds Brook on the 7th.
A single BRENT GOOSE was seen flying south over Calow, with a large flock of PINK-FOOTED GOOSE on the 23rd. GARGANEY were well represented with birds at Carsington Water on the 6th, Willington Wetlands, two on the 10th and a single remaining to the 29th. LITTLE STINT were at Carsington Water, on 21st/22nd, and at Middleton Moor Lagoons with up to six from the 1st to 5th. A SPOTTED REDSHANK was photographed at Carsington Water on the 6th and remained until the following day. WOOD SANDPIPER were at Carr Vale NR, one on the 1st, the juvenile from last month remained at Carsington Water until the 10th, and one was at Pleasley Colliery on the 1st. ROCK PIPIT were at Willington Wetlands, 1 on the 19th, and Carsington Water on the 30th. Two BLACK REDSTART were found at Woodhead Reservoir on the 1st, with another at Buxton on the 26th, and two more at Holme Moss from the 28th
Steve Thorpe
