Rod Key's News Page

 

Rod is one of the Joint County Recorders, click here for contact details for the recorders

 

• GREAT GREY SHRIKES The bird was still near Bumper Castle on 29th Jan and the Leash Fen bird also present on 28th Jan along with up to 3 Short Eared Owls.
• CARSINGTON WATER The adult Great Northern Diver still present on 30th Jan.
• WILNE LANE, SAWLEY-GREAT WILNE An adult Whooper Swan was with the Mute Swan flock on 24th Jan and was still present on 28th Jan. This flock is in fields towards the bottom end of the lane. Also here were 5 Grey Lag Geese on 24th Jan. A Short Eared Owl was hunting here late afternoon on 24th Jan and has apparently been here for about a fortnight although it does not show every night. There are reports of possibly up to 6 birds in the Warren Lane/Trent Valley Pit area just over the border in Leicestershire.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 28th Jan 6 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 10 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Shelduck, 148 Wigeon, 64 Gadwall, 75 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 36 Pochard, 240 Tufted Duck, 46 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander and 4 Common Gulls
• FOEMARK RESERVOIR An adult Caspian Gull roosted on 25th Jan along with a reported 20+Yellow Legged Gulls.
• KEDLESTON HALL Still 3 adult Whooper Swans on 30th Jan along with 2 Oystercatchers
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS Up to 6 Curlew and 2 Oystercatchers on 29/30th Jan along with a Little Egret and a Pintail on 30th Jan.
• LANGWITH A Red Kite on 25th Jan.

• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The near adult Glaucous Gull again roosted on 20th Jan along with an ad. Caspian Gull and a reported 10+ Yellow Legged Gulls. On 23rd Jan in a small roost only 2 adult Yellow Legged Gulls along with c10,000 Black Headed Gulls , c250 Common Gulls, c305 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c260 Herring Gulls and c235 Great Black Backed Gulls. Also here were 11 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Cormorants, 2 Teal. 1 Tufted Duck, 22 Goosanders, a Common Buzzard and 3 Stock Doves.
• CROMFORD WHARF 2 Hawfinches in large Hornbeams near the Rugby club on 22nd Jan.
• KEDLESTON HALL LAKE The 4 adult Whooper Swans still present on 22nd Jan.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 4 Little Egrets and 6 Pintail on 22nd Jan.
• WRAGGS QUARRY The Great Grey Shrike still along Bent Lane on 22nd Jan.
• DRAKELOW DWT RESERVE A 2nd winter Caspian Gull on 22nd Jan
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 21st Jan 5 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 5 Grey Herons, 80 Canada Geese, 1 hybrid Grey lag x Canada Goose, 120 Wigeon, 48 Gadwall, 59 Teal, 20 Shoveler, 51 Pochard, 130 Tufted Duck, 29 Goldeneye and 7 Snipe

• LEASH FEN The Great Grey Shrike still present late yesterday afternoon-19th Jan-along with 3+ Short Eared Owls.
• CARR VALE DWT RESERVE The Cettis Warbler is still present below the mound yesterday morning-19th Jan
• CARSINGTON WATER On 19th Jan the wintering adult Great Northern Diver was still present. Also here were 25 Great Crested Grebes, 10 Cormorants, 1 Pink Footed Goose with the Canada Goose flock, 119 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 329 Teal, 2 Pintail, 2 Pochard, 76 Tufted Duck, 12 Goldeneye, c250 Lapwing, 10 Dunlin, 10 Meadow Pipits and c25 Tree Sparrows at the WLC. On the Paul Stanley Hide feeders were a Marsh Tit, a Willow Tit, 2 Coal Tits and 2 Nuthatches.
• R.DERWENT, CROMFORD BRIDGE A pair of Dippers are showing well and singing here on 19th Jan.

• DRAKELOW DWT RESERVE A Bittern was found by Mike Williams late on the afternoon of 15th Jan. The reserve is apparently open again.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE An adult Iceland Gull was found on the reserve at 9.30.a.m. on 17th Jan but flew off North at 9.35 a.m.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS On 17th Jan 15 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Cormorants, 5 Grey Herons, 24 Wigeon, 25 Gadwall, 44 Teal, 48 Shoveler, 103 Pochard, 98 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye, 9 Goosander, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Common Gulls, c30 Fieldfares and c10 Redwing.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR On 17th Jan 14 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 7 Canada Geese, 11 Gadwall, 16 Teal, 18 Pochard, 196 Tufted Duck, 24 Goldeneye and 182 Coot.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS On 18th Jan 1 Little Grebe, 11 Great Crested Grebe, 29 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret flew West, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Shelduck, 256 Wigeon, 29 Gadwall, 196 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 27 Pochard, 69 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, c50 Lapwings, 3 Common Gulls, 1 Caspian Gull-2nd winter briefly then flew West, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Long Tailed Tits and 2 Bullfinches

• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The adult (or near adult) Glaucous Gull was still coming into the roost on 15th Jan. It is still coming in very late after 4.30.p.m. On 13th Jan the roost held c15,000 Black Headed Gulls, c300 Common Gulls, c575 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c490 Herring Gulls, 6+ adult Yellow Legged Gulls, 1 adult Caspian Gull and c435 Great Black Backed Gulls. Also here were 13 Great Crested Grebes, 19 Cormorants, only 3 Tufted Ducks and 11 Goosanders.
• WRAGGS QUARRY The Great Grey Shrike was still in this area along Bents Lane on 16th Jan. On 15th Jan c30 Bramblings near here at Bumper Castle.
• LEASH FEN Still up to 5 Short Eared Owls in this area on 13th Jan and the Great Grey Shrike has been seen here recently.
• CARSINGTON WATER The adult Great Northern Diver still present on 15th Jan along with 3 Redshanks.
• GOYT VALLEY At least 40 Crossbills near the Street Car Park early afternoon on 15th Jan.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A pair of Red Crested Pochard on the fishing pits on 12th Jan. A Green Sandpiper on 14th Jan and a report of 9 adult Whooper Swans on the Windsurfing Pit on 12th Jan.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 14th Jan 2 Little Grebes, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 17 Cormorants, 5 Grey Herons, 66 Canada Geese, 1 hybrid Grey Lag x Canada Goose cross, 287 Wigeon, 61 Gadwall, 390 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 76 Pochard, 260 Tufted Duck, 71 Goldeneye, 2 Smew-drakes, 9 Goosanders, 8 Snipe, 12 Common Gulls, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest and 5 Long Tailed Tits. The Smew were very flighty and were only ever on private pits which cannot be seen from the gateway.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS On 11th Jan 2 Little Grebes, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 29 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 62 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 92 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 28 Teal, 7 Pintail-4 drakes and 3 females, 5 Shoveler, 18 Pochard, 112 Tufted Duck, 10 Goldeneye, 4 Goosanders, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon, c500 Lapwing, 5 Common Gulls, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Cettis Warbler singing occasionally near Platform 4, 3 Long Tailed Tits, 1 Jay, c25 Goldfinches, 3 Bullfinch and 7+ Reed Buntings.
• R DERWENT, RAYNESWAY-DERWENT MEADOWS DWT RESERVE On 12th Jan 1 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 52 Cormorants going in to roost at Acordis Lakes, 5 Grey Herons, 5 Tufted Duck, 23 Goosander, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Common Gulls, c1595 Wood Pigeons and 8 Stock Doves going in to roost at Acordis Lakes, c380 Jackdaws and c150 Carrion Crows also going in to roost at Acordis Lakes.

• WAXWINGS Still very scarce this winter so the opportunity to see a small party of 6/7 in Kirk Hallam proved very popular. They normally frequented 2 berry bushes at the junction of Oliver Road and Lime Tree Rise. They have been present here since 1st Jan and were down to 2 birds on 9th Jan.
• GREAT GREY SHRIKE The Wraggs Quarry bird still present on 7th Jan with 1 still at Leash Fen on 2nd Jan.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A flock of 52 White Fronted Geese flew SW at 121.30.p.m. on 7th Jan, one of the largest flocks seen in the county for some years.
• CARSINGTON WATER The adult Great Northern Diver still present on 8th Jan although it can be elusive at times. On 4th Jan 16 Great Crested Grebes, 10 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Shelduck, 166 Wigeon, 321 Teal, 2 Pintail, 6 Pochard, 160 Tufted Duck, 10 Goldeneye, c45 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 1 Yellow Legged Gull-ad, c40 Meadow Pipits, c40 Pied Wagtails, 1 Willow Tit on the feeders at the Wildlife Centre, c30 Tree Sparrows, c80 Linnets and a Lesser Redpoll.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The near adult Glaucous Gull still roosting here on 9th Jan. This bird comes in very late virtually at dusk. It was found at 4.30.p.m. on 9th Jan. On 6th Jan 12 Great Crested Grebes, 17 Cormorants, 41 Tufted Duck, 21 Goosander, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel and a Grey Wagtail. The Gull roost consisted of c15,000 Black Headed Gulls, c300 Common Gulls, c400 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c400 Herring Gulls, 3 Yellow Legged Gulls-a first winter and 2 adults, 3 Caspian Gulls-a first winter and 2 adults and c200 Great Black Backed Gulls. On 9th Jan 1 Little Grebe, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 20 Cormorants, 33 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 1 Pintail-drake, 23 Tufted Duck, 11 Goosanders, 3 Long Tailed Tits and 2 Goldcrests. The Gull roost consisted of similar numbers of Black Headed and Common Gulls with c765 Lesser Back Backed Gulls, c650 Herring Gulls, 8+ Yellow Legged Gulls and c 585 Great Black Backed Gulls.
• KEDLESTON HALL LAKE On 4th Jan the 4 adult Whooper Swans and they were still present on 8th Jan. Also on 4th Jan c95 Grey Lag Geese, 1 Mandarin, 4 Shoveler, 25 Pochard, 22 Tufted Duck and 4 Goosander. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on 8th Jan
• BRADLEY DAM On 4th Jan 3 Goosander.
• DRAKELOW WILDFOWL RESERVE A drake Smew on 2/4/8th Jan. Please be aware that there is no access to this DWT Reserve during the week due to work being carried out on the access road but it will be open on Saturdays/Sundays.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on 8th Jan in pines by the temple.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS On 5th Jan 10 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Grey Herons, 12 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 68 Pochard, 64 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Sandpiper and 5 Common Gulls. On 10th Jan 16 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 12 Grey Herons, 9 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 6 Shoveler, 1 Red Crested Pochard-female, 50 Pochard, 108 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 1 Green Sandpiper, 14 Common Gulls, 8 Redwing and a Bullfinch.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 7th Jan 9 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 178 Wigeon, 54 Gadwall, c150 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 21 Pochard, 207 Tufted Duck, 37 Goldeneye, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpipers and 2 Common Gulls.
• WILNE LANE NEAR SAWLEY On 10th Jan 1 Little Owl, c10 Fieldfare, 6 Long Tailed Tits and c50 Chaffinches.
• ST.CHADS WATER On 10th Jan 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 18 Wigeon, 2 Pochard and 19 Tufted Duck.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR On 10th Jan 6 Little Grebes, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 27 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 32 Pochard, 209 Tufted Duck, 26 Goldeneye, 1 Sparrowhawk, 179 Coot and 8 Common Gulls.
• KIRK HALLAM LAKE 2 Shoveler and 2 Goosander on 5th Jan .

• WAXWINGS The first few of the winter have recently been seen in the county. On 1st Jan at Kirk Hallam 5 were seen opposite the lake with 6 on 2nd Jan by 142 Oliver Road at 12.10.p.m. but they then flew off. In the Goyt Valley on 2nd Jan at least 1 was by the Street Car Park. These follow on from the small flock seen in Barlborough mid Nov.2011.
• CARSINGTON WATER The adult Great Northern Diver still present on 1st Jan along with the Eurasian White Fronted Goose, 2 Pintail, a Redshank and 37 Golden Plover.
• KEDLESTON PARK The 4 adult Whooper Swans still present on 1st Jan.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The near adult Glaucous Gull which spends the day at Albert Village Land Fill Site and Lake rooste3d at Foremark Reservoir from 4.10.p.m. on 30th Dec and was again in the roost on 31st Dec and 2nd Jan, at 4.30.p.m. on the latter date. An adult Kittiwake roosted on 31st Dec and up to 11\ Yellow Legged Gulls recently roosting here. Birders trying to see the Glaucous Gull be aware that the gates are being locked at 4.00.p.m. Therefore it may be best to park outside in the lay-by just up the Ticknall Road and walk in.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 31st Dec. 1 Little Grebe, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 9 Grey Herons, 5 Shelduck, 324 Wigeon, 58 Gadwall, 241 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 43 Pochard, 183 Tufted Duck, 40 Goldeneye, 4 Goosanders, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Snipe, 11 Herring Gulls flew SW and c20 Redwing. On 2nd Jan similar numbers of common Wildfowl with 9 Grey Lag Geese, 72 Gadwall, 53 Goldeneye, 2 Goosanders and a Raven. No sign of the Smew from Boxing Day.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK LAKE A drake Goosander on 1st Jan.
• GOYT VALLEY c30 Crossbills on 2nd Jan
• POOLS BROOK MARSH REED BED A recent report of a Bittern picked up dead by a dog under power lines

• GREAT GREY SHRIKES The bird which has been in the Wraggs Quarry/Bumper Castle area was still present at Wraggs Quarry on 28th Dec. Another bird was found at Farley just north of Matlock in the second clearfell area on 27th Dec moving to the first clearfell area mid-afternoon.
• OGSTON RES A 2nd winter Glaucous Gull was found off the west bank at 3.50.p.m. on 27th Dec.
• CARSINGTON WATER The wintering ad. Great Northern Diver still present on 27th Dec with the lone Eurasian White Fronted Goose also still present.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A pair of Smew present on 25th Dec. On 28th Dec 7 Great Crested Grebes, 33 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 92 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 60 Teal, 77 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 10 Pochard, 40 Tufted Duck, 6 Goldeneye, 1 Common Buzzard, c600 Lapwing, 2 Common Gulls-ads, 10 Herring Gulls, 1 Yellow Legged Gull-1st winter, 2 Great Black Backed Gulls, 17 Blackbirds, c75 Fieldfares, c45 Redwings and a Bullfinch.
• R.DERWENT, SPONDON SLUICE A female Common Scoter briefly here on 26th Dec before flying off West and could not be re-located
• KEDLESTON PARK The 4 ad Whooper Swans still present on 24th Dec.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 24th Dec1 Little Grebe, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Cormorants, 7 Grey Herons, 248 Wigeon, 67 Gadwall, 234 Teal, 7 Shioveler, 37 Pochard, 180 Tufted Duck, 51 Goldeneye, 5 Goosander, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Snipe, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 3 Common Gulls, c200 Fieldfares and c500 Redwings. On 26th Dec3 Little Grebes, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 26 Cormorants, 13c Grey Herons, 308 Wigeon, 69 Gadwall, 232 Teal, 29 Pochard, 216 Tufted Duck, 59 Goldeneye, 2 Smew-a drake and a “redhead” separate, 4 Goosander, c100 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 8 Common Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, c350 Fieldfares, c250 Redwings and a Lesser Redpoll. Please note that the Smew cannot be seen from the A50 gate which has been badly damaged by ramming and a presence appears to be on site at all times at the moment.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR On 27th Dec 4 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Gadwall, 32 Pochard, 230 Tufted Duck, 29 Goldeneye, 1 Sparrowhawk and c80 Fieldfares. The Gull roost consisted of c30,000 Black Headed Gulls, c1500 Common Gulls, c50 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c40 Herring Gulls and 5 Great Black Backed Gulls.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE An ad. Mediterranean Gull on 27th Dec.
• LOCKO PARK On 25th Dec 1 Cormorant, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Common Gulls, c400 Wood Pigeons, c10 Fieldfares, c119 Jackdaws and c40 Rooks.

• FOREMARK RESERVOIR The near adult Glaucous Gull which has been at Albert Village Lake and Tip since early December was finally found in the roost at 3.40.p.m. on 21st Dec and showed well to the 2 hardy Gull watchers present. Also in the roost were 2 adult Yellow Legged Gulls and 2 Caspian Gulls-an ad. and a third winter. The roost itself consisted of c20,000 Black Headed Gulls, c500 Common Gulls, c1100 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c640 Herring Gulls and c 260 Great Black Backed Gulls. Also present were 2 Little Grebes, 21 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 35 Tufted Duck, 7 Goosander and 108 Coot.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS On 20th Dec 1 Great Crested Grebe, 32 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 19 Mute Swans, 3 Shelduck, 69 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, 227 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 12 Pochard, 51 Mallard, 52 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, c750 Lapwings, 1 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 24 Blackbirds, c400 Fieldfares, c10 Redwings, 1 Raven and c15 Goldfinches.
• KEDLASTON PARK LAKE The 4 adult Whooper Swans still present on 20th Dec.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS On 22nd Dec 16 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Cormorants, 6 Grey Herons, 11 Mute Swans, 23 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Red Crested Pochard-female still on Pylon Pit, 99 Pochard, 108 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander-redhead, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Sandpipers-Conservation Pit, 13 Common Gulls, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, c400 Fieldfares, c10 Redwings and c60 Linnets.
• ST CHADS WATER On 22nd Dec 2 Cormorants, 1 Gadwall, 2 Pochard , 20 Tufted Duck and a Common Gull.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR On 22nd Dec 8 Little Grebes, 8 Great C rested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 22 Pochard, 213 Tufted Duck, 23 Goldeneye, 1 Sparrowhawk, 193 Coot, 5 Common Gulls and a Herring Gull.

• CARSINGTON WATER A Red Throated Diver was found by Mark Pass off Stones Island at about 8.30 a.m. on 17th Dec and remained here for a couple of hours before it disappeared to be re-found in Staffordshire at Rudyard Lake early afternoon in company of the long staying drake Eider there. The ad. Great Northern Diver still present on 17th Dec. This means that all 3 common Divers have been seen here this year.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A male Merlin on 16th Dec. On 13th Dec. 7 Great Crested Grebes, 35 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 4 Grey Herons, 22 Mute Swans, 2 Shelduck, 43 Wigeon, 41 Gadwall, 80 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 22 Pochard including a French bill saddled drake, 37 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Golden Plover, c500 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Common Gulls, 4 Meadow Pipits, 20 Blackbirds, c25 Fieldfares, c10 Redwings, 2 Lesser Redpolls and 2 Bullfinches.
• FOREMARK RESEVOIR 2 ad. Caspian Gulls and 11 Yellow Legged Gulls roosted on 14th Dec, on 16th Dec 12 Great Crested Grebes, 24 Cormorants, 64 Tufted Duck and 121 Coot. The Gull roost consisted of c20,000 Black Headed Gulls, c500 Common Gulls, c1500 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c400 Herring Gulls, 4 ad. Yellow Legged Gulls and c100 Great Black Backed Gulls.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS On 15th Dec. 22 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 4 Wigeon, 13 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Red Crested Pochard-fem.-on Pylon Pit, 65 Pochard, 75 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel, c350 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper on Conservation Pit, 2 Common Gulls, 17 Meadow Pipits and c30 Fieldfares.
• ST CHADS WATER 3 Cormorant, 2 Pochard and 18 Tufted Duck on 15th Dec.
• WILNE LANE, WILNE c30 Feral Pigeon and c200 “Corvids”-mainly Rooks-in a field by the R.Derwent on 15th Dec.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 8 Little Grebes, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Gadwall, 22 Pochard, 96 Tufted Duck, 8 Goldeneye, 12 Common Buzzard, 130 Coot on 15thy Dec.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 1 Little Grebe, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorant, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Shelduck, 184 Wigeon, 74 Gadwall, 127 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 45 Pochard, 179 Tufted Duck, 30 Goldeneye, 7 Snipe, 3 Common Gulls, 1 Kingfisher, c180 Fieldfares, c55 Redwing, 2 Long Tailed Tits and cc30 Lesser Redpolls.
• WHOOPER SWANS 7 at Combs Reservoir and 4 at Kedleston Park on 18th Dec. Also a Water Rail and an Oystercatcher at Kedleston Park.
• LANGLEY MILL A Bittern reported on 18th Dec.
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS 6 Cormorants, 7 Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Peregrine Falcons, 1 Common Gull, c400 Wood Pigeons, c20 Fieldfares, c15 Redwings, 2 Goldfinches and c15 Lesser Redpolls on 18th Dec.
• AMBASTON VILLAGE A Sparrowhawk and 10 Redwing on 18th Dec.
• R,DERWENT, AMBASTON 4 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron,1 Goldeneye and 11 Golden Plover flew West on 18th Dec.
• BEELEY TRIANGLE 2 Short Eared Owls can be seen hunting in this area most evenings. Please watch from a sensible distance.
• Nearby in Notts a very showy juv. Rough Legged Buzzard can be seen in the Gedling Tip area/ This bird can be accessed from Lambley along Spring Lane.

• CARSINGTON WATER The ad. winter plumage Great Northern Diver still present on 11th Dec. A Red Breasted Merganser on 9th Dec and the ad.Yellow Legged Gull still present.
• WRAGGS QUARRY The wintering Great Grey Shrike still present on 10th Dec and nearby a Short Eared Owl on Beeley Triangle and c100 Brambling at Bumper Castle.
• EREWASH MEADOWS DWT RESERVE A Short Eared Owl on 11th Dec.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 4 Whooper Swans on 6th Dec. On 9th Dec 1 Little Grebe, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 17 Cormorants, 3 Teal, 108 Tufted Duck, 20 Goosanders, 86 Coot and 5 Long Tailed Tits. The Gull Roost consisted of c15,000 Black Headed Gulls, c375 Common Gulls, c870 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c80 Herring Gulls, 3 Yellow Legged Gulls-ads, an ad. Caspian Gull and c50 Great Black Backed Gulls. Please be aware at the moment the barrier is broken and everybody was asked to be out the gates by 4.00.p.m.-just when all the gulls were arriving. It may be better to park outside-sensibly-if you want to watch this roost.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS The 4 Tundra Bean Geese were still in fields near Thrumpton, Notts viewed from the bank of the R.Trent at the east end of the gravel pits on 12th Dec. On 6th Dec 2 Little Grebes, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Wigeon, 18 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 34 Pochard, 67 Tufted Duck,1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Gulls, c200 Fieldfare, c20 Redwing and a Willow Tit.
• ST CHADS WATER 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorants, 2 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 20 Tufted Duck on 6th Dec.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 7 Little Grebes, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 17 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 22 Pochard, 168 Tufted Duck, 13 Goldeneye, 171 Coot and 8 Common Gulls all on 6th Dec.
• R,DERWENT, WILNE A Sparrowhawk and c30 Yellowhammers on 6th Dec.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 10th Dec 2 Little Grebes, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 19 Cormorant, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Shelduck, 123 Wigeon, 55 Gadwall, 32 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 54 Pochard, 292 Tufted Duck, 26 Goldeneye, 5 Goosander, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 6 Common Gulls, 11 Herring Gulls flew SW, 2 Kingfishers, c20 Redwing and 5 Fieldfare.
• ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK The escaped Harris Hawk still present on 11th Nov.

• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS On 30th Nov. 2 Little Grebes, 17 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 10 Mute Swans, 20+ Grey Lag Geese, 8 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 25 Teal, 77 Pochard, 71 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Common Gulls and c20 Fieldfares including one with a completely white head.
• ST CHADS WATER On 30th Nov. 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorants, 16 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 1 Pochard and 37 Tufted Duck.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR An ad. Great Northern Diver was found by Roger Carrington on 30th Nov and was still present on 1st Dec until it disappeared during the afternoon
• CARSINGTON WATER A Great Northern Diver-presumably the Ogston bird found here late afternoon by Clive Ashton and Roger Carrington and was still present on 3rd Dec. An ad Mediterranean Gull and 2 Yellow Legged Gulls also present. A Scaup on 3rd Dec.
• MAPPERLEY 4 Eurasian White fronted Geese found here on 30th Nov and still present feeding in fields just East of the village on 2nd Dec.
• SHIPLEY LAKE At the opening of this new DWT Reserve a Bittern was seen flying over during the official opening by Richard Spowage on 2nd Dec.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR On Dec 2nd 1 Little Grebe, 17 Great Crested Grebes, 23 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 83 Tufted Duck, 129 Coot. The Gull roost consisted of c20,000 Black Heaed Gulls which included a leucistic bird, c500 Common Gulls, c1740 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c160 Herring Gulls, 6 Yellow Legged Gulls-all ads., 1 Caspian Gull-ad and c100 Great Black Backed Gulls. On 3rd Dec 2 adult Caspian Gulls and 8 Yellow Legged Gulls roosted. There was no sign of the sub adult Glaucous Gull found at Albert Village Lake, Leicestershire on 1st Dec and seen again there on 4th Dec.
• BUMPER CASTLE A Great Grey Shrike was seen here on 3rd Dec, presumably the bird from Wraggs Quarry. Also c100 Brambling here recently.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 3rd Dec 4 Little Grebes, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Cormorant, 3 Little Egrets, 7 Grey Herons, 22 Mute Swans, 1 Shelduck, 53 Wigeon, 35 Gadwall, 50 Teal, 47 Pochard, 199 Tufted Duck, 32 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander-drakes, 3 Snipe, 3 Common Gulls-ads, c30 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 1 Herring Gull-ad, 1 Yellow Legged Gull-ad, 2 Great Blasck Backed Gulls flew SW and c20 Fieldfares.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS On 4th Dec. 3 Whooper Swans and the leucistic Black Headed Gull.
• CHATSWORTH PARK 6 Whooper Swans flew through on 4th Dec.

• CARSINGTON WATER A Snow Bunting flew along the dam wall at about 11.30.a.m. on 28th Nov. A Mediterranean Gull and 2 Yellow Legged Gulls on 27th Nov. A Black Redstart on 22nd Nov.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A sub-adult male Hen Harrier came in late morning on 28th Nov and remained for about an hour before leaving to the NW. This is the second record of a Hen Harrier here in just about 10 days. On 24th Nov 1 Little Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 24 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 4 Grey Herons, 1 Shelduck on the Canal Pit, 55 Wigeon, 12\ Gadwall, 73 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 40 Pochard, 52 Tufted Duck., 9 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander briefly, 2 Kestrel, 25 Golden Plover, 272 Lapwing, 1 Herring Gull-ad, 1 Green Woodpecker and 3 Bullfinches.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR On 22nd Nov 14 Great Crested Grebes, 20 Cormorants, 20 Grey Lag Geese, 5 Teal, 1 Pilchard, 93 Tufted Duck and 128 Coot. The Gull roost consisted of c15, 000 Black Headed Gulls, c300 Common Gulls, c1305 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c120 Herring Gulls, 13 Yellow Legged Gulls-all ads, 3 Caspian Gulls-2 ads and a 3rd winter, c75 Great Black Backed Gulls
• OCKBROOK 1 Sparrowhawk on 22nd Nov.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS On 23rd Nov Keith Barker found a small party of 4 Tundra Bean Geese feeding in fields opposite the East end of Long Eaton GPS at Thrumpton which is just in Notts. They could be watched from the cycle track on the Derbyshire side of the R.Trent. Also present were 2 Little Grebes, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 28 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Lag Geese, 14 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 19 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 28 Pochard, 46 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 8 Grey Partridge, 81 Lapwing, 3 Common Gulls, c80 Fieldfares and c20 Redwings. On 26th Nov a female Red Crested Pochard and a Green Sandpiper.
• ST CHADS WATER 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorants, 15 Wigeon, 13 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 20 Tufted Duck and a Kestrel on 23rd Nov.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR On 23rd Nov. 4 Little Grebes, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 25 Wigeon, 15 Gadwall, 57 Mallard, 24 Pochard, 175 Tufted Duck, 27 Goldeneye, 143 Coot and 2 Common Gulls, On 28th Nov 5 Little grebes, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 18 Canada Geese, 11 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 21 Pochard, 156 Tufted Duck, 14 Goldeneye and a Goosander, Also a Common Buzzard and 133 Coot. The Gull Roost consisted of c20,000 Black Headed Gulls, c500 Common Gulls, c20 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c10 Herring Gulls and 2 Great Black Backed Gulls. Also 80+ Pied Wagtails roosting in bushes by the offices.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 26th Nov 3 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 3 Little Egrets, 11 Grey Herons, 20 Mute Swans, c150 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, c55 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 63 Pochard, c230 Tufted Duck, 21 Goldeneye, 7 Goosanders, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Snipe, 6 Common Gulls, c170 Wood Pigeons and c250 Fieldfares.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A report of 7 Waxwings flying over on 21st Nov.
• TUNDRA BEAN GEESE 1 was seen flying West over the Swarkestone area at 8.30.a./m. on 18th Nov and appeared to have joined up with the 6 at Willington GP as 7 were seen there during the morning of 18th Nov. These birds flew out and were re-found in fields by the R.Trent at Newton Solney near the R.Trent/Dove confluence but were quite flighty often only being seen in flight. They were still there on 19th Nov and again flew round Willington GP before being last seen at about 3.20.p.m. when they flew off from Newton Solney towards Foremark Reservoir. No news on 20/21st November with poor visibility not helping.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 2 Red Crested Pochard-1 male-briefly on 21st Nov with a Black Tailed Godwit also present.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE A Snow Bunting flew North at 9.40a.m. and may have landed in a field west of The Peter Fiddler Reserve.. Also a Cettis Warbler by the North Hide.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 19th Nov 5 Little Grebes, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 10 Cormorants, 4 Little Egrets, 7 Grey Herons, 26 Mute Swans, 62 Wigeon, 30 Gadwall, 39 Teal, 17 Shoveler, 95 Pochard, 227 Tufted Duck, 37 Goldeneye, 2 ad. Peregrine Falcons, c90 Lapwings, 2 Snipe, 4 Common Gulls, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, c100 Fieldfares and 2 Chiffchaffs.

• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A small flock of 6 Grey Geese flew into this site mid-morning-17th Nov-and dropped onto the main pit but at the back. Watched by 4 regulars-Pete Hutchinson, Dave Oulsman, Keith Walker and Malcolm Brocklehurst it was noted that these birds has a small amount of orange on the bill and were thought to be Bean Geese. They flew out SW after a short amount of time and appeared to swing round and head for the Canal Pit. At 11.30 the same flock re-appeared flying back in and flew low across the main pit swung round and flew back close to platform 4 and landed amongst the Lapwings and Gulls where they showed well. A party of 6 Tundra race Bean Geese. They remained on the deck until 12.07 when they took off and appeared to fly low SW towards the fields by the R.Trent. This is the third record within the last 5 days and the first ever record from here. Also present late morning was a “ringtail” Hen Harrier quartering the “Cattle” field, only the second ever sighting from this locality. Also present were 3 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 40 Cormorants, 3 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 88 Wigeon, 48 Gadwall, 94 Teal, 1 Pintail-drake, 22 Shoveler, 21 Pochard, 46 Tufted Duck, 11 Goldeneye, 3 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk-female, 1 Water Rail, c100 Golden Plover, c400 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 4 Common Gulls, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Cettis Warblers and 1 Willow Tit.
• RENISHAW PARK The party of 4 Tundra Bean Geese were reported to be here during the afternoon of 15th Nov along with 6 Eurasian White Fronted Geese, c200 Pink Footed Gees-a large number to be down on the deck in Derbyshire-and 2 Whooper Swans.
• GREAT GREY SHRIKES The Wraggs Quarry bird still present on 16th Nov with the Leash Fen bird still present on 17th Nov.
• CARSINGTON WATER A Bar Tailed Godwit and a Greenshank on 15th Nov.
• WYVER LANE A very late House Martin on 17th Nov.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A Bean Goose flew East watched by Mark Pass on 13th Nov. 5 Little Grebes, 20 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 36 Mute Swans, 17 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 24 Teal, 66 Pochard, 70 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel, 95 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Common Gulls and a Green Woodpecker on 15th Nov.
• ST CHADS WATER 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorants, 88 Canada Geese, 45 Wigeon, 22 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 26 Tufted Duck including the Czech nose saddled bird and a Kestrel on 15th Nov
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 2 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Gadwall, 27 Pochard, 160 Tufted Duck, 7 Goldeneye, 115 Coot and 4 Common Gulls all on 15th Nov.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR On 16th Nov.2 Little Grebes, 17 Great Crested Grebes, 109 Tufted Duck, 136 Coot. The Gull roost consisted of c5000 Black Headed Gulls, c100 Common Gulls, c135 Herring Gulls, c815 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 3 Caspian Gulls-2 ads and a 1st Winter, 6+ Yellow Legged Gulls and c50 Great Black Backed Gulls.

• RENISHAW PARK 4 Tundra Bean Geese with 10 Eurasian White Fronted Geese by the A6135 just north of Staveley this afternoon-14th Nov. These are part of what looks like a good influx of these 2 species of Geese over the last few days into the UK.
• BARLBOROUGH The first Waxwings of the winter were on Midland Way opposite Yeomans Offices this afternoon-14th Nov.
• CARSINGTON WATER The fem/imm Common Scoter still present on 13th Nov along with the ad. Mediterranean Gull and 2 Yellow Legged Gulls. The regular ad.Yellow Legged Gull still present fro0m Sheepwash Hide on 14th Nov.

• GLOSSY IBIS One was seen briefly by Ron Turner and a friend at Avenue Washlands DWT Reserve at 2.00 p.m. on 11th Nov before it flew off SE. What was presumably the same bird was seen by Richard Pittam at 8.00.a.m. on 12th Nov as it dropped into Willington GP onto the mud left of platform 4. Whilst alerting regulars etc that the bird was here it flew out towards the R.Trent with Gulls but was then quickly re-found on the spit where it remained for about 30 minutes before it again took off and flew off high to the West. It then swung round and circled the Canal Pit fairly low and was thought to have landed but when the first observers got over there the bird was not present much to the great disappointment of all the top county birders who arrived on site very quickly. Only Richard James managed to get to Platform 2 quickly enough to see this bird. By about 2.00.p.m. the bird was seen in Cheshire at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB Reserve where it was still present today-13th Nov. This is the 4/5th Society Record and certainly repays Richard Pittam’s time put in at Willington GP and the amount of time Ron Turner puts in at The Avenue Washlands DWT Reserve.
• GREAT GREY SHRIKES Both the Leash Fen bird-last seen on 12th Nov-and Beeley Moor/Wraggs Quarry bird-last seen on 10th Nov-still in residence.
• NORTH WINGFIELD A Crossbill flew East on 11th Nov.
• CARSINGTON WATER A fem/imm Common Scoter on 12th Nov with 2 Pink Footed Geese, an ad. Mediterranean Gull and 5 Yellow Legged Gulls also noted. On 13th Nov a herd of 11 Bewick’s Swans between Stones Island and the Wildfowl Centre at 11.20.a.m.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS A Bean Goose flew East at 10.50.a.m. on 13th Nov and was later located at Thrumpton, Notts opposite Attenborough NR in a stubble field with 8 European White Fronted Geese. This field lies opposite the Conneries pit outflow. On 12th Nov a Spotted Redshank and 4 Green Sandpipers on the Conservation Pit. Also a female Red Crested Pochard on 9/12th Nov. On 9th Nov 5 Goldeneye, 10 Grey Partridge, c60 Golden Plover and a Green Sandpiper.
• ST CHADS WATER 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorants, 33 Wigeon, 18 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 3 Shoveler and 42 Tufted Duck on 9th Nov.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 7 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Pochard, 120 Tufted Duck, 9 Goldeneye and 132 Coot on 9th Nov.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 1 Little Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 30 Cormorant, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 54 Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 40 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 19 Pochard, 65 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye, a female Goosander flew SW, 2 Water Rails, 81 Golden Plover, c470 Lapwings, 1 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1\ Willow Tit and 10 Lesser Redpolls on 10th Nov. On 12th Nov 3 European White Fronted Geese flew into the Canal Pit at about 9.00.a.m. but then flew off SW about 30 minutes later. On 13th Nov similar numbers of common ducks etc but 70 Cormorants, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Pintail, 10 Goldeneye, a juv female Peregrine, a Goldcrest and a Tree Creeper. Also 3 Black Tailed Godwits were claimed.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 1 Little Grebe, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 21 Cormorants, 17 Grey Herons, c230 Wigeon, 48 Gadwall, 16 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 53 Pochard, 307 Tufted Duck, 32 Goldeneye, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 11 Snipe, 2 Kingfishers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and 5 Lesser Redpolls all on 12th Nov.

• SQUACCO HERON/GREAT WHITE EGRET It appears that both these birds may have moved on as there was no sign on 7th Nov of the Squacco on the River Erewash or the Great White Egret at Barrow GP
• BEELEY MOOR Three lucky observers had a Lapland Bunting fly over the Triangle on 5th Nov. which appeared to land on the Moor. When trying to locate this bird they stumbled across a Woodlark which they unfortunately flushed and it flew off.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS At least 4 Cettis Warblers heard this morning-8th Nov. Also a Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, a Redshank and 9 Golden Plover here. On 7th Nov the 2 ad. Whooper Swans were still present on the fishing pit.

• SQUACCO HERON The juv. bird still present on it’s favourite patch just under the railway bridge over the R.Erewash near Attenborough sailing club on 6th Nov. No news, so far, today on this bird.
• GREAT WHITE EGRET Still present at Barrow GP on 5th Nov. Only view from the South side of the R.Trent from the public footpath from Ingleby to Anchor Church. Also up to 3 Little Egrets here.
• GREAT GREY SHRIKES Both the birds at Leash Fen and near Wraggs Quarry still present on 6th Nov.
• WHOOPER SWANS The single adult still present at Swineshaw Reservoir on 6th Nov. At Willington GP 2 ads. on 6th Nov and a herd of 20 flew East over Pleasley Colliery CP at 2.40.p.m. on 6th Nov.
• CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE The Cetti's Warbler still present and showing well from North Hide on 7th Nov.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS The Short Eared Owl still present over Trent Meadows at 4.20.p.m. on 6th Nov.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAAVEL PITS 4 Little Grebes, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Cormorants, 7 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 40 Mute Swans, 46 Canada Geese, 141 Wigeon, 87 Gadwall, 71 Teal, 21 Shoveler, 1 Red Crested Pochard-fem. 66 Pochard, 277 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, c100 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 2 Snipe all on 5th Nov.
• AMBASTON GRAVEL PITS 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 6 Long Tailed Tits all on 6th Nov.
• R.DERWENT, AMBASTON 3 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher and a Green Woodpecker all on 6th Nov.

• SQUACCO HERON The juv. bird is still on the R.Erewash which straddles the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border at Attenborough Sailing Club on 4th Nov. It regularly flies into the feeding area from the Derbyshire side of the River.
• GREAT WHITE EGRET Still present at Barrow GP this morning-4th Nov-along with 2 Little Egrets and 2 Grey Herons. Please view the site only from the footpath from Ingleby-Anchor Church on the South side of the R.Trent. The pits are strictly private.
• GREAT GREY SHRIKES The bird was still at Leash Fen on 3rd Nov with the Wraggs Quarry bird still present this morning-4th Nov. Best viewed from the layby just beyond entrance.
• CARR VALE NR A first year Ring Ouzel on 2nd Nov. Only the 7th record for the site and its latest ever.
• CARSINGTON WATER An ad.. Mediterranean Gull plus the regular adult Yellow Legged Gull on 2nd Nov.
• SWINESHAW RESERVOIR An ad. Whooper Swan on 3rd Nov.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 5 Little Grebes, 34 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 13 Mute Swans, 9 Grey Lag Geese flew East, 11 Wigeon, 22 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 47 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 125 Lapwing, 2 Green Sandpipers, 5 Common Gulls-ads, 1 Green Woodpecker and a Jay on 1st Nov.
• ST CHADS WATER 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorants, 50 Wigeon and 24 Tufted Duck which included a Czech yellow bill saddled bird on 1st Nov.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 4 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 28 Pochard, 167 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 127 Coot and an ad. Common Gull on 1st Nov.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 2 Little Grebes, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 27 Cormorants, 17 Mute Swans, 85 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 41 Teal, 33 Shoveler, 12 Pochard, 78 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Water Rail, 96 Golden Plover, 454 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 645 Black Headed Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Herring Gull-2nd winter and a Grey Wagtail on 2nd Nov.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 13 Great Crested Grebes, 19 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 117 Tufted Duck and an ad. Great Blacked Backed Gull on 4th Nov.
• STAUNTON HAROLD RESERVOIR 26 Great Crested Grebes, 33 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, c70 Grey Lag Geese, 104 Canada Geese, 52 Tufted Duck,1 Kestrel, 113 Lapwing, 1 Common Gull-ad, 1 Yellow Legged Gull-ad, 1 Great Black Backed Gull-ad and 5 Tree Sparrows on 4th Nov.
• RENISHAW LAKE The 2 adult Whooper Swans still present here having arrived in September.

• SQUACCO HERON This juv. bird was still present this dinnertime-31st Oct-and showing well just under the Railway Bridge over the R.Erewash as it fed in the patch of greenery on the Notts side of the River. It does fly off round the corner and with patience can be seen in Derbyshire.
• GREAT WHITE EGRET Still present yesterday-30th Oct-on Barrow GP viewed from the public footpath from Ingleby to Anchor Church with 2 Little Egrets and 4 Grey Herons.
• GREAT GREY SHRIKES There are currently 3 in the County. One at Wraggs Quarry, Beeley Moor was still present this morning-31st Oct. Another was found late yesterday afternoon-30th Oct-at Leash Fen and was again still present this morning-31st Oct. A third bird was found at Froggatt Edge late on 30th Oct in a hawthorn bush by the road on the first bend below The Grouse Inn.
• EREWASH FIELDS A Short Eared Owl from 29-31st Oct with a Stonechat on 30th Oct.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 11 Little Grebes, 37 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 21 Mute Swans, 12 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 7 Pochard, 56 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 46 Golden Plover and 9i6 Lapwing on the Conservation Pit, 1 Green Sandpiper on the Pylon Pit, 4 Common Gulls, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay and 1 Bullfinch all on 29th Oct.
• ST CHADS WATER 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorants, 84 Wigeon, 15 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 27 Tufted Duck and a Kestrel on 29th Oct.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 6 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 26 Pochard, 142 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye and 125 Coot on 29th Oct.
• BARROW GP 5 Great Crested Grebes, c100 Cormorants, 3 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 18 Mute Swans, 43 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 1 Pochard, 112 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Buzzards, c60 Lapwings, 1 Common Gull, 1 Caspian Gull-ad flew E, 1 Kingfisher and c20 Fieldfares flew S on 30th Oct.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GP 2 Little Grebes, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 32 Cormorant, 3 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 31 Mute Swans, 344 Wigeon, 76 Gadwall, 64 Teal, 18 Shoveler, 35 Pochard, 306 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Water Rails, 286 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Common Gulls and 13 Long Tailed Tits all on 30th Oct.
• WILLINGTON GP 3 Little Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 42 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 64 Wigeon, 24 Gadwall, 68 Teal, 34 Shoveler, 20 Pochard, 51 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye on the Canal Pit, 25 Golden Plover, 512 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Gull, 3 Meadow Pipits, 3 Redwing, 1 Cettis Warbler singing in front of Platform 4, c60 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Bullfinch all on 30th Oct.
• INGLEBY c20 Goldfinches on 30th Oct.

• BARROW GRAVEL PITS A Great White Egret was found at about 9.45 a.m. on 29th Oct on the private part of these pits. It moved onto the large pit by the R.Trent where it showed well before being flushed by a “Wildfowler” at 10.15 a.m.. It flew off East but then circled and seemed to drop close to the R.Trent between Barrow GP and Swarkestone. It went missing for about 4 hours until it was re-found back on these private pits at about 2.15 p.m. and was still present and showing well at 3.30.p.m. Please only view the gravel pits from the south side of the R.Trent from the footpath between Ingleby and Anchor Church.
• This is the second record this year and the 15th County record in all and provided some observers, including the finder, with the chance to see 4 species of Heron and Egret in Derbyshire with a space of 24 hours or so.
• SQUACCO HERON This bird was still present at Attenborough NR along the R.Erewash first thing this morning-29th Oct-until unfortunately flushed by 2 anglers. It was later seen still on the R.Erewash near the sailing club-where it roosted last night with Little Egrets-but by early afternoon was re-found on the R.Trent on an island in the River near Barton.

• NOTTS/DERBYSHIRE BORDER, R.EREWASH ATTENBOROUGH GRAVEL PITS A juv. Squacco Heron was found early afternoon on 28 October standing in a field on the Notts side of the R.Erewash between Connieries Pond, Attenbprough NR and the R. Erewash by the Sailing Club. It flew up river towards the sewage farm and was re-found again just in Notts catching small-and not so small-Sticklebacks from a small area of reeds and vegetation just past the Railway bridge. It was seen by Paul Buxton on the Derbyshire side of the river and then later flew into Derbyshire as it did a circle and flew off back down the R.Erewash towards the R.Trent. This is the 4th record for Notts and the first Derbyshire record since 1874 when one was shot on the banks of the R.Dove in May. Thus this a new bird for the DOS since the formation of the Society back in 1954.

• To access this bird park in the main car park at Attenborough, walk back up the road to just before the railway crossing and take the metalled road towards the Sailing Club on the left. After about 800yards this road crosses the R.Erewash, look up river from this bridge under the railway bridge towards where the River bends left and the bird frequents the small area of reeds/vegetation on the Notts side of the River just in front of the concrete culverts where it shows well.

• BEELEY TRIANGLE A Short Eared Owl was hunting here late afternoon of 25th Oct and a Whinchat was present. The Whinchat still present on 26th Oct and a Great Grey Shrike was photographed by a Notts birdwatcher but not seen subsequently.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 4 Little Grebes, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 36 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 18 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 47 Teal, 19 Shoveler, 22 Pochard, 62 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye on the Canal Pit, 1 Kestrel, 127 Lapwing, 10 Golden Plover flew through, 2 Dunlin, 1 Snipe,1 Redshank on the Canal Pit, 2 Common Gulls-ads, 1 Herring Gull-ad flew SW, 2 Grey Wagtails on the Canal Pit, 23 Redwing, 10 Long Tailed Tits and 2 Jays on 25th Oct.

• PLEASLEY VALE 2 Ravens flew NE on 23rd Oct.
• R.BRADFORD NEAR BAKEWELL A report of an Osprey taking a fish from the river on 23rd Oct watched from a car driving along the B5056.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 22nd October 6 Little Grebes, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 25 Cormorants, 3 Little Egrets, 15 Grey Herons, 25 Mute Swans, c480 Wigeon, 40 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 6 Shoveler, 18 Pochard, 295 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 1 Water Rail, c210 Lapwings, 2 Snipe and a Kingfisher.
• KEDLESTON PARK The Cape Shelduck still present on 20th Oct.

• CARSINGTON WATER A juv. Arctic Skua was found at Carsington Water 19th Oct at 5.40 p.m. by Mark Pass flying in at Lane End Hide and disturbing all the Gulls. It flew towards the dam wall and was thought to have flown through as the Gulls then became settled again. Also 3 adult Whooper Swans there yesterday-19th Oct. On 20th Oct. 11 Little Grebes, 26 Great Crested Grebes, 20 Cormorant, 5 Grey Herons, 16 Mute Swans, 56 Grey Lag Geese, 145 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 220 Teal, 135 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 1 Oystercatcher, 11 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 1 Common Gull, c135 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls-imm., 1 Yellow Legged Gull, c30 Meadow Pipits, 15 Long Tailed Tits and 1 Jay.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 5 Little Grebes, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 51 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 49 Teal, 13 Pochard, 68 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye on the Canal Pit, 128 Lapwing, 122 Black Headed Gulls, 1 Caspian Gull-2nd winter and 3 Bullfinches all on 18th Oct. On 20th Oct 2 adult Whooper Swans.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 8 Little Grebes, 25 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 17 Mute Swans, 1 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 17 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 3 Red Crested Pochard-1 drake still on Pylon Pit, 72 Tufted Duck, 3 Kestrels, 2 Green Sandpipers and an ad. Common Gull all on 19th Oct. Recently 2 singing male Cettis Warblers here with a Common Sandpiper on 18th Oct.
• ST CHADS WATER 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorants, 24 Mute Swans, 64 Canada Geese, 71 Wigeon, 18 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 20 Tufted Duck and a Kestrel all on 19th Oct
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 5 Little Grebes, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 21 Pochard, 94 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye-drake and 138 Coot all on 19th Oct.

• CARSINGTON WATER An adult Great Northern Diver was found here this morning-17th Oct-from Sheepwash Hide. This, now the commonest Diver sp. in Derbyshire, continues the long list of occurrences for this species at this site. Also an ad. Yellow Legged Gull present still. At least 3 Rock Pipits on the dam wall on 13th Oct.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS Still 6 Red Crested Pochards including 3 drakes on the Pylon Pit on 15th Oct.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS Still 4 Little Egrets and 3 Dunlin on 14th Oct with 2 Dunlin on 16th Oct.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 15th Oct 17 Little Grebes including a very late brood of 3 small young, 49 Mute Swans, 27 Shoveler, 39 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, 12 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper and a Raven. On 16th Oct 11 Little Grebes, 20 Great Crested Grebes, 39 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 6 Grey Herons, 43 Mute Swans, 177 Wigeon, 79 Gadwall, 52 Teal, 43 Shoveler, 195 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye-drake, 1 Gooseander-redhead flew SE, C165 Lapwing, 6 Stock Doves, 4 Fieldfares and c30 Long Tailed Tits.
• STAUNTON HAROLD RESERVOIR A fem/imm Goldeneye on 16th Oct.
• Locally at Rutland Water there is a drake American Wigeon and a White Rumped Sandpiper both on show from Lapwing Hide and still present on 17th Oct whilst in Staffs at the South end of Croxall Lakes near Alrewas a Great White Egret present today-17th Oct.

• OGSTON RESERVOIR A fem/imm Common Scoter on 11/12th Oct with the Ruff still present on 12th Oct. A Whinchat and 6 Whooper Swans on 13th Oct.
• CARSINGTON WATER A juv. Curlew Sandpiper still present on 12th Oct.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS 6 Little Grebes, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 20 Cormorants, 5 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 23 Mute Swans, 3 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 78 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 10 Pochard, 96 Tufted Duck, 2 Kestrel, 420 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, c540 Black Headed Gulls, 1 Herring Gull-2nd winter, 2 Cetti’s Warblers singing from Platform 4, 3 Goldfinch and 2 Bullfinch all on 12th Oct.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 7 Little Grebes, 17 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 4 Teal, 1 Shoveler-drake, 6 Red Crested Pochards-3 drakes, 3 females including a leucistic bird on the Pylon Pit, 38 Tufted Duck, 1 Sparrow Hawk-male, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Sandpiper on Conservation Pit, 1 Common Gull-ad, c60 Fieldfares flew S and a Bullfinch on 13th Oct.
• ST CHAD'S WATER On 13th Oct 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Mute Swans, 33 Wigeon, 29 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler and 18 Tufted Duck,
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 3 Little Grebes, 24 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 38 Pochard, 166 Tufted Duck, a drake Goldeneye on the Ski Pit, 139 Coot and a first winter Common Gull all on 13th Oct.

• CARSINGTON WATER An unusual looking Pipit found by Roy Frost and Mick Taylor which had a grey head and pink legs here on 5th Oct has finally been identified as a Water Pipit. A small number of Water Pipits can apparently show pink legs. No sign of this bird on 6th Oct but 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 1 Little Stint, 3 Whooper Swans, a Rock Pipit and an ad. Yellow Legged Gull. Still 1 Curlew Sandpiper to 10th Oct with 1 Rock Pipit still present on the dam wall on 9th Oct. A Grey Plover from Sheepwash Hide on 9/10th Oct. Also present on 9th Oct were 4 Little Grebes, 30 Great Crested Grebes, 36 Cormorants, 7 Grey Herons, 3 Whooper Swans flew NE at 08.30.a.m., 236 Grey Lag Geese, 802 Canada Geese, 13 Barnacle Geese, 310 Wigeon, 32 Gadwall, 217 Teal including a female with a lime green coloured nose saddle, 2 Pintail, 1 Shoveler, 2 Red Crested Pochard-drakes, 13 Pochard, 335 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 1 Ringed Plover-juv, 29 Dunlin, 2 Ruff flew SW, 5 Common Gulls, c300 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 2 Yellow Legged Gulls-1 ad and a first winter, c170 Meadow Pipits, c65 Redwing flew SW, 1 Chiffchaff, c30 Goldfinch, c10 Linnet, c40 Siskin an d a Lesser Redpoll.
• OGSTON RESERVOIR A 2nd winter Kittiwake and a Ruff on 8th Oct with 3 ad. Whooper Swans flying NE at 08.55 a.m on 9th Oct.
• MIDDLETON MOOR 4 Whooper Swans on 7th Oct.
• “CENTRAL DERBYSHIRE” A pale phase ad. Arctic Skua was apparently seen flying over a “secret location” in Central Derbyshire by an ecologist carrying out a survey on 6th Oct. This would be the second record this year if details can be obtained of this bird.
• LOCKO PARK 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, c135 Grey Lag Geese, c74 Canada Geese, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Buzzard and a Kestrel on 6th Oct.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS 9 Liitle Grebes, 23 Great Crested Grebes, 47 Cormorants, 11 Little Egrets, 8 Grey Herons, 33 Mute Swans, c170 Wigeon, 98 Gadwall, 50 Teal, 15 Shoveler, 23 Pochard, 288 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 2 Snipe, 20 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 1 Yellow Legged Gull-ad and an ad. Caspian Gull on 8th Oct.
• PLEASLEY PIT NR A Pintail, a Jack Snipe and the usual Kittiwake on 9th Oct.
• ST.CHADS WATER A Hen Harrier flew West at 10.50.a.m. on 10th Oct.

• CARSINGTON WATER 2 Curlew Sandpipers and a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull on 30th Sept. The 2 Curlew Sandpiper still present on 1st October with 4 on 3rd, 8 on 4th and 7 on 5th. A juv. Little Stint from 3-5th Oct and 4 Ruff on 1st Oct with a juv. Ruff on 3rd Oct. Still 14 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plover on 4th Oct along with 2 Rock Pipits and a Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall late evening before they flew West with Meadow Pipits.
• WILLINGTON GRAVEL PITS A 1st winter Mediterranean Gull from Platform 4 on 2nd Oct. Two juv. female Ruff on 4th Oct and also a Dunlin. On 5th Oct still 1 juv. female Ruff along with a juv, Black Tailed Godwit. Also present on 5th Oct were 6 Little Grebes, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 19 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 14 Mute Swans, 4 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 82 Teal, 42 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 115 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 208 Lapwing, 315 Black Headed Gulls, 66 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 1 Yellow Legged Gull-ad, 1 Jay and c40 Linnets.
• ASTON-ON-TRENT GRAVEL PITS On 1st Oct 11 Little Grebes, 17 Great Crested Grebes, 23 Cormorants, 4 Little Egrets, 6 Grey Herons, 57 Mute Swans, 53 Canada Geese, c190 Wigeon, c70 Gadwall, c105 Teal, c70 Shioveler, 264 Tufted Duck, c160 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher and a Raven.
• LONG EATON GRAVEL PITS 4 Red Crested Pochard-3 drakes and a female on 4th Oct. Also 10 Little Grebes, 15 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 19 Pochard and 87 Tufted Ducks.
• ST CHADS WATER 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorants, 28 Grey Lag Geese, 140 Canada Geese, 12 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler and 15 Tufted Duck all on 4th Oct.
• CHURCH WILNE RESERVOIR 2 Little Grebes, 27 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Gadwall, 48 Pochard, 246 Tufted Duck, 147 Coot and a Grey Wagtail all on 4th Oct.
• FOREMARK RESERVOIR 1 ad. Common Gull in the roost on 4th Oct. Also a Grey Lag Goose

 

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