• 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.

• CARSINGTON WATER A juv. Red Throated Diver again seen from Stones Island by Richard Lowe late afternoon on Mar 26th along with the Great Northern Diver and an Osprey. The Red Throated Diver again could not be re-found by dusk but the Osprey remained. It seems likely that this may be a second Red Throated Diver this week at this well watched locality.
• HARBORO’ ROCKS NEAR BRASSINGTON 2 male Ring Ouzels early-mid morning on Mar 27th.
• BUTTERLEY RESERVOIR A Ring Ouzel in the SW corner near Hammersmith Meadow on Mar 25th. The pair of Red Crested Pochard still present on Mar 25/26th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 2 Little Ringed Plovers and a Wheatear on Mar 25th. On Mar 26th a pager report of 1 Water Pipit still present late afternoon in the Cattle Field near Highbridge but there was no sign in the morning just a Meadow Pipit with a small number of Pied Wagtails. However a female Merlin showed well here perched on a fence post. Earlier it had been showing well perched on the small tree guards on the Canal Pit. Other birds here on Mar 26th were 8 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 3 Shelduck, 20 Wigeon, 47 Gadwall, 17 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 7 Pochard, 49 Tufted Duck, 8 Goldeneye, 9 Goosander, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, 14 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 6 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 8 Chiffchaffs. 1 Willow Warbler singing quietly near Platform 3, 2 Long Tailed Tits, 1 Willow Tit, 15 Jackdaws and 2 Bullfinch. The long staying adult Whooper Swan appears to have left being last seen on Mar 21st.
• R.DERWENT, NEAR AMBASTON The 4 adult Whooper Swans still present on Mar 26th along with 10 Sand Martins.
• ST CHADS WATER The long staying imm. drake Scaup still present on Mar 26th.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE 5 Egyptian Geese in the fields with the Mute Swans on Mar 24/25th with 6 on Mar 26th.
• DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE A Willow Warbler and 2 Sand Martins on Mar 26th.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE A Swallow and a Little Ringed Plover on Mar 23rd with a White Wagtail on Mar 24th.
• A53, FLASH A Red Kite on Mar 23rd.
• A38 NEAR RIPLEY A Red Kite flew South at 4.00.p.m. on Mar 23rd.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS A Scandanavian Rock Pipit on Mar 24th.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 4 Little Grebes, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Herons, 25 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Pochard, 58 Tufted Duck, 1 Tufted Duck x Pochard Aythya Hybrid drake, 5 Goldeneye, 1 Red Breasted Merganser female flew West, 4 Goosander, 93 Coot, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Long Tailed Tits and 2 Bullfinches on Mar 24th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 4 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 64 Tufted Duck, 13 Goldeneye and 42 Coot on Mar 24th.
• BARROW GRAVEL PITS 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 20 Tufted Duck, 6 Goldeneye, 6 Goosander, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 2 Oystercatchers on Mar 24th.
• ANCHOR CHURCH 1 Little Egret on a small flash with a Grey Heron on Mar 24th.

• BEWICK’S SWAN I have just received details of the colour ringed Bewick’s Swan found by Chris Brown at Swarkestone Lows on Dec 26th, 2009. The bird was ringed as a young male on Aug 16th, 2005 at Murei Island, Pechora Sea, Russia. It wintered in Holland in 2005 and was seen in Holland and Belgium in 2006 and again in 2007. It also visited Schleswig Holstein, West Germany in Feb 2007 as it made its way back to it’s breeding grounds. In winter 2007/2008 in was back in Holland and then West Germany and the same pattern of sightings were noted in winter 2008/2009. It was next seen in Noord Brabant Holland on Dec 11/15th 2009 before being seen at Swarkestone on Dec 26th, 2009. All in all this bird has been seen in the field and the ring number noted on 51 occasions in the last 4 years or so and was part of a small party of 7 Bewick’s Swans first seen at Weston Cliff on Dec 22nd.
• CARSINGTON WATER A juv. Red Throated Diver was found early evening on Mar 22nd and was still present at dusk along with the Great Northern Diver but so far today there is no sign of it although the Great Northern Diver is still present. A Wheatear was on the dam wall early morning on Mar 18th and 12 Sand Martins flew through. A Rock Pipit on Sheepwash spit on Mar 19th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The possible second winter “Mew” Gull again noted in the roost perched on the catwalk on Mar 16/20th. The 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls still roosting here on Mar 21st and up to 4 Yellow Legged Gulls have been reported in the roost.
• LONG EATON A Great White Egret was seen flying over Manchester Playing Fields at 5.25 p.m. on Mar 17th heading in the direction of Long Eaton GP/Attenborough NR but there were no further sightings of this bird.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS The 4 Water Pipits still in the cow field by Highbridge on Mar 21st but only 1 could be found on Mar 22nd. The adult Whooper Swan still present on Mar 22nd and the Bittern continues to be seen occasionally. A Merlin on Mar 15/18th. Small numbers of Sand Martins with 2 on Mar 16th, 3 on Mar 17th, 7 on Mar 18th and up to 30 on Mar 19th.
• RED KITE 1 was seen flying East over Draycott at 11.00.a.m. on Mar 17th, another flew West over the A52 between Risley and Ockbrook on Mar 18th at 12.30.p.m. One was over Duffield Meadows Primary School at 12.30.p.m. on Mar 18th and it or another circled the Pentagon Island, Derby during the afternoon of Mar 18th. On Mar 22nd 1 flew over Chellaston heading towards Derby at 9.00.a.m. and was then seen over Alvaston at 9.15.a.m.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS On Mar 16th 8 Little Grebes, 15 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Egyptian Geese, 14 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 12 Pochard, 48 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, and 106 Coot. A Wheatear on Mar 19th and 2 Sand Martins at Cranfleet Cut on Mar 18th.
• ST CHAD'S WATER The imm. drake Scaup still present on Mar 20th.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE There was no sign of the ad. Bewick’s Swan with the Mute Swan flock on Mar 16th but 7 Grey Lag Geese were there instead.. The Bewick’s Swan last seen on Mar 14th.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 7 Great Crested Grebes, 40 Wigeon, 4 Pochard, 34 Tufted Duck, 20 Goldeneye and 66 Coot on Mar 16th.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR 3 Sand Martin flew through late afternoon on Mar 17th with a Little Ringed Plover on Mar 18/23rd. A Swallow flew through at 4.45.p.m. on Mar 22nd.
• ALLESTREE PARK Up to 3 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers between the round car park and the lake from Mar 20-22nd.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE 2 Sand Martins on Mar 18th.
• BUTTERLEY RESERVOIR A Kittiwake flew NE at 2.25 p.m. on Mar 18th. A Rock Pipit flew SE at 7.06 a.m. on Mar 19th with a Red Kite flying East at 9.35 a.m. on Mar 23rd and a pair of Red Crested Pochard on the Res.
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS The drake Red Crested Pochard again here from Mar 19-22nd and showing well.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 5 Great Crested Grebes, 19 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 10 Shelduck, 74 Wigeon, 113 Gadwall-a site record, 213 Teal, 32 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 178 Tufted Duck, 19 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plover, 5 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 3 Green Sandpipers, and a Water Pipit on Mar 20th. On Mar 21st 42 Goldeneye present and a female Red Breasted Merganser flew West.
• EARL STERNDALE A Swallow on Mar 21st.
• R.DERWENT, NEAR RAYNESWAY 3 Little ringed Plover and 3 Green Sandpipers on Mar 22nd.

• ALBERT VILLAGE LAKE, LEICESTERSHIRE On Mar 4/5th Richard Lowe watched a second winter or third calendar year “Common” type Gull here which exhibited a lot of the plumage characteristics of the North American race known as Mew Gull which some authorities now consider to be a full species. The bird was looked for the following week and again seen by Richard and a few good Leicestershire birders including the Leicestershire Recorder Steve Lister on Mar 11th when news was put out about this bird. It was seen to fly off West late afternoon. It was again present here from about 1.15p.m. on Mar 12th and showed well to a small number of observers, most of whom were from Derbyshire. It is certainly a distinctive bird, especially in flight and like no second winter Common Gull I have seen before. It was again present at 10.30.a.m. on Mar 13th when it was seen to fly off North and what was thought to be this bird was found by Steve Mann and later by Martin Roome at Foremark Reservoir in the roost here although it could not be found in difficult conditions on Mar 14th. It is again present at Albert Village Lake as I write this piece mid afternoon on Mar 15th. Anybody wanting to see shots of this bid should go to Surfbirds Rarities page where there are a number of shots from Richard Lowe and Stephanie Thorpe showing what this bird looks like. Also here recently 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls-again on Mar 15th, an adult Kittiwake on Mar 12th, a adult Caspian Gull and three/four Yellow Legged Gulls.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS Still up to 5 Water Pipits in the cow field at Highbridge just SW of the Canal Pit on Mar 14th-please only view from the Canal Tow Path. The adult Whooper Swan was still present on Mar 14th and the Bittern was seen again on the same date. There was also a report of 10 Red Crested Pochard here on Mar 11th which would be a record county flock for the County.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS The Bittern was again seen on Mar 11th with the female Red Breasted Merganser still present.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls still roost here most nights but just 1 seen on Mar 14th. Also an adult Kittiwake roosted here on Mar 14th.
• OGSTON RESERVGOIR The adult Mediterranean Gull again roosted on Mar 11th. An adult Kittiwake on Mar 13th.
• CARSINGTON WATER Still 1 Great Northern Diver here on Mar 14th.
• WILNE LANE, CHURCH WILNE The adult Bewick’s Swan still with the Mute Swan flock on Mar 13th
• ST.CHADS WATER The imm. drake Scaup still here on Mar 13th.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On Mar 13th 5 Great Crested Grebes, 19 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 12 Shelduck, 262 Wigeon, 84 Gadwall, 303 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 13 Pochard, 159 Tufted Duck, 49 Goldeneye, 2 “redhead” Smew, 4 Goosander, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plover, c60 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 6 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 4 Green Sandpipers and 5 Common Gulls.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK The escaped Harris Hawk was seen again at 8.50.a.m. on Mar 15th.

• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A Little Ringed Plover present at 8.00.a.m. on Mar 10th with a female Red Breasted Merganser on Mar 10/11th. A Bittern again seen on Mar 11th.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS Still 4 Water Pipits present in the cow field SW of the Canal Pit on Mar 11th but no sign of the recently claimed White Wagtail. The adult Whooper Swan still present on Mar 11th along with the drake Aythya Hybrid. Other birds about on Mar 11th included 10 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Shelduck, 163 Wigeon, 41 Gadwall, 24 Teal, 22 Shoveler, 24 Pochard, 19 Tufted Duck, 12 Goldeneye, 10 Goosander, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 5 Common Buzzards including one showing signs of a white rump!!!!, 2 Kestrels, 2 Oystercatchers and at least 1 Curlew. Also 3 “Grey” Geese came in from the NW and flew East over the pits at about 10.45 a.m. and were thought to be possibly Bean Geese.
• CARSINGTON WATER Still 1 Great Northern Diver on Mar 10th along with an ad. Mediterranean Gull.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR An ad. Mediterranean Gull roosted on Mar 8th and was still present next morning-Mar 9th.
• NADIN’S POOL, NEWHALL The Bittern again seen on Mar 9th.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 2 ad. Mediterranean Gulls still present early morning on Mar 11th.
• DERBY SEWAGE WORKS Still 1 Cetti’s Warbler present on Mar 7th. On the R.Derwent between Acordis and Spondon Weir 11 Goosander on Mar 10th with a Common Sandpiper at the Weir.
• SUTTON SCARSDALE FLASH A Little Ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover and a Redshank on Mar 10th.
• SHIREBROOK PIT A Grey Plover was heard flying East on Mar 10th.

• 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.