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For the first time for a while there wasn't a county rarity recorded during the month and also for the first time for a long time the bird of the month was actually a common resident. However the Swallow reported on RBA as being at Cromford on 27th would be the latest ever for the county, knocking the December 26th 1968 record of its perch (if you'll excuse the pun). It would be great if the finder would provide details of this sighting and likewise (and from the same service) we could do with more information on the Waxwing reported flying over Alfreton on the 3rd. However, although there were no rarities, there was still much to see and being winter the focus inevitably was on wildfowl and in particular Geese and Swans. In particular it was a good month for Whooper Swans with up to 8 reported from 10 sites, though perhaps as many as 15 groups were seen with some sites recording several groups. Edging close to becoming a description species, a party of 5 Bewick's Swans was seen at Willington GP and Newton Solney. Pink-footed Geese also continued to move (both east and west) but in much smaller numbers than the previous months. More notable was a party of 8 White-fronted Geese that pitched up at Carr Vale on the 22nd. Amongst the ducks, Shelduck returned to the county, up to 8 Pintail graced two sites, the 2 Red-crested Pochard remained at Melbourne Pool, a Common Scoter was at the Longdendale Reservoirs on the 1st, but the pick of the bunch were red-head Smews (possibly the same bird) that were seen at Hilton GP and then Drakelow DWT NR a few days later.
Willington GP held on to its Bittern, Great White Egrets (up to 3) were logged at 20 sites, up to 27 Little Egrets were at 32 places and a Great Northern Diver that arrived at Carsington Water on the 8th and looks set to winter as it was still present into the New Year. An impressive count of 14 Red Kites from central Derbyshire was perhaps a sign of things to come and birds were reported from 25 more sites, but on the downside just two Hen Harriers were reported. The regular Marsh Harrier at Willington GP was joined by a second bird from the 26th. A spell of harsh freezing weather brought an influx of waders, not least Lapwings with 2,000 at Milton and 1,000 at Carr Vale, which was the largest flock for 41 years. Notable waders included a flyover Grey Plover at Drakelow DWT NR, single Black-tailed Godwits were found at Carr Vale DWT NR, Carsington and Barrow GP, a Ruff joined the Lapwing flock at Carr Vale for 2 days, the Dunlin flock at Carsington Water numbered 39 on the 1st but dwindled down to 6 by the 30th whilst a Sanderling at Ogston Reservoir was very much out of season. Also out of season was a Common Sandpiper at Ingleby on the 17th, four Green Sandpipers were in the south of the county whilst up to 6 Jack Snipes were at 7 sites.
It was a poor month for Gulls with Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls logged at the same four locations, supported by single Kittiwakes at St Chad's Water and a Mediterranean Gull at Carsington Water. Just one Short-eared Owl was seen, Lesser spotted Woodpeckers encouragingly were seen at two places, lowland Merlins were at four sites (none were reported from moorland locations) whilst the burgeoning population of Ring necked Parakeets continued to grow with 60 noted at Alvaston whilst in the north-east up to 12 were seen in Renishaw Park. Carr Vale held 7 (possibly 9) Chiffchaffs, up to 3 Blackcaps were reported from at least 24 places (mainly in gardens), although the situation in Allestree is confusing as four observers reported the species from that suburb (or they all visited the same garden!). Maybe an idea to time the sightings and locations to try and ascertain just how many there are in Allestree. Up to 8 Stonechats were logged at 21 sites, up to 4 Hawfinches were seen at the traditional Cromford site and a Mealy Redpoll was reported on RBA at Erewash Meadows. So, no rarities but plenty to sift through in the New Year. Happy New Year to everyone.
Mark Beevers