Southfield Reservoirs & Went Ings Bird Report 2017
Twenty-third Annual Report
Adrian Scutt
&
Clive Featherstone
A poor year, with a total list of just 140 species recorded. There were no additions to the site list.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis. Present daily from the 1st of January to the 16th of March. Monthly maximum counts in this period were nine on the 5th of January, ten on the 10th of February and four on the 1st of March. The final record in the first half of the year was one on the 31st of March.
In July there was a juvenile on the 10th this being the only record. In August singles were on Went Ings on the 21st & 25th and were the only records. From the 14th of September, birds were present daily to the year end, with a maximum count of nine on the 1st of November.
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. Despite birds being present in good numbers in the nesting season there was once again no breeding success.
The maximum count for the year was of 55 on the 13th of October. The monthly maximum counts are as follows
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
20 |
19 |
26 |
30 |
25 |
31 |
44 |
47 |
48 |
55 |
17 |
13 |
Black-necked Grebe P. nigricollis. There was just one record of a single bird on the 23rd of August.
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. The maximum count for the year was 60 on the 9th of October.
Overall, numbers were down on last years totals in nine of the months and up in three of the months these being January with 13 more, June with 4 and July with 7. The biggest drop was in November with 37 less birds present.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
39 |
26 |
21 |
15 |
16 |
23 |
22 |
26 |
50 |
60 |
32 |
27 |
Little Egret Egretta garzetta. Recorded in every month. The maximum count, was at dawn on the 17th of March from Went Ings, where 15 birds had roosted overnight.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
2 |
9 |
15 |
9 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. The maximum count was of 12 birds on five dates in July.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
3 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
8 |
11 |
12 |
10 |
7 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Mute Swan Cygnus olor. The maximum count was of 23 birds on Went Ings on the 22nd of March. A pair bred once again on Went Ings and raised their five cygnets. A pair were noted on the Canal with six cygnets on the 10th of June and probably bred outside our recording area. It seems that only one of these cygnets survived.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
8 |
9 |
23 |
17 |
17 |
18 |
7 |
2 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
8 |
Whooper Swan C. cygnus. In January seven were on the reservoirs on the morning of the 20th and remained until 08:20. After having no records in February, March was excellent; A total of 79 on the 10th involved Herds of 29, 25 and 22 landing on the reservoirs with a further three on Went Ings, these three remained all of the following day. On the 16th 85 were on the reservoirs to 09:02 when they flew off north-west and 25 flew north-west the next day. On the 20th, 20 flew in from the east and alighted on the reservoirs and remained until 14:45. Of the 57 birds recorded on the 22nd, only 15 landed on the reservoirs, the rest continued on their northwards journey. On the 27th, 23 flew in and landed on the reservoirs at 10:15 and were still present at 13:30 when Adrian went home.
In April, 26 were found to be present at 06:25 on the 18th, they departed north-west at 08:31.
In October an adult was present on the reservoirs on the 27th. On the 30th, 21 (12+9) flew south. The final record in October was an adult on the reservoirs on the 31st.
In November an immature bird was on the reservoirs on the 1st. Two adults flew north-west on the 7th, then six (3 immatures) flew east on the 13th, On the 28th a party of four, including two immatures, flew onto the reservoirs and stayed for over three hours before flying off south. Finally in November and for the year, eight were on the reservoirs and stayed for two hours before flying off south-east on the 29th.
Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus. In January, 130+ flew west on the 2nd. The next day 15 were in the surrounding fields with the Greylag flock. On the 7th 300+ flew west, next was 94 north on the 19th, then 320+ west on the 20th and 34 west on the 24th. In February 15 flew in from the east on the 21st and landed in surrounding fields and remained until the 24th. On the 27th, 13 were in the adjacent fields, increasing to 15 the next day and they remained all of the following day. In March one was present with the Greylags from the 6th to the 8th, on which date 13 flew west.
In September, 25 flew east and two flew west on the 22nd and was the only record. In October recorded on eleven dates, with the 18th being the best day, when 1,550+ flew west during the day in various skein sizes, up to 12:21 hours. Also on this date skeins of 39 & 70 flew east. In November, recorded on nine dates between the 1st and the 24th, with a maximum count of c.407 (c.265 west & 142 east) on the 9th. In December one flew east on the 5th. On the 6th, 90+ flew west, then flew back east, one was also on the reservoirs and later flew off west. Finally c.60 flew west on the 19th.
Greylag Goose Anser anser. There was a maximum count of 480+ on the 11th of October. Four pairs bred and raised eleven young. An albino/Leucistic bird was present on the 4th of August.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
131 |
80 |
72 |
33 |
65 |
157 |
139 |
242 |
475+ |
480+ |
230 |
230+ |
The maximum count in May is of adults only; The June and July counts include both adults and juveniles.
Canada Goose Branta canadensis. Thee maximum count for the year was 137 on the 4th of October. Two pairs bred and raise ten young. There were a number of sighting of Canada/Greylag hybrids, with six on the 21st of August. In September two on the 14th, three on the 18th & five on the 29th. In October two on the 3rd & six on the 14th. In December six on the 4th, 6th & 7th.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
37 |
23 |
19 |
19 |
18 |
42 |
70 |
84 |
67 |
137 |
21 |
29 |
The maximum count in May is of adults only; The June and July counts include both adults and juveniles.
Barnacle Goose Branta Leucopsis. One was present in the east fields on the 7th & 8th of March, this was the first time it had ever been recorded in this month. This record was followed on the 22nd of May by one on the reservoirs and a further four were seen flying east.
Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. In January there was just one record of two birds on the 20th. Recorded regularly from the 2nd of February to the 3rd of May, with a maximum count of six on the 23rd of May.
From the 3rd of June, to the 26th of December, birds were recorded on only nine dates, with a maximum count of six on the 1st of November. There were no records in either August or September.
Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata. An eclipse male was present on Went Ings on the 10th, 14th & 15th of June, on the latter two dates it was joined by a female.
Wigeon Anas penelope. Recorded in every month except May and July. In June three on Went Ings on the 15th was the only record. In August an adult male was present from the 5th to the 17th, this was unusual, by the fact, that it was not in eclipse plumage. Also in August a female/immature was present on the 23rd & 24th and was joined by another female/immature on the 25th
In September the only records were of five on the 18th, one on the 21st and two on the 22nd. In October, recorded regularly with a maximum of 22 on the 9th. In November, again recorded regularly with a maximum of 26 on the 10th. In December, present daily, with a maximum count of only 52 on the 5th. The highest count for the year was of 206 on the 16th of February.
There was a Wigeon/Mallard hybrid present from the 4th to the 8th of August.
Gadwall A. strepera. The highest total for the year was on the 17th February, when a count 41 was achieved, of which 23 were males. Two pairs bred and from these two broods of young, ten birds were raised.
A hybrid Gadwall/Mallard bird was present from the 26th October to the 29th of November.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
17 |
41 |
38 |
9 |
7 |
15 |
9 |
10 |
6 |
11 |
15 |
36 |
Teal A. crecca. A maximum count of 159 was achieved from Went Ings on the 20th of February.
Mallard A. platyrhynchos. Normally the highest counts occur in winter, but this year there was a maximum count for the year of 450+ on the 7th of August. During the breeding season, around fifteen broods of ducklings were seen in the recording area.
|
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
196 |
255 |
NC |
33 |
111 |
98 |
320+ |
450+ |
400+ |
225 |
170+ |
252 |
The maximum counts in May and June were of adults only.
Pintail A. acuta. In January, there was a male on the 15th, then three (2 males) on the 19th. In February two males on the 9th, a pair on the 16th and a male on the 17th, followed by a female on the 27th. In March, there were two males on the 11th & 14th and one male on the 17th. In August there was one on the 23rd. In September one on the 2nd, two on the 4th, singles on the 6th, 12th & 13th; a male on the 18th, which was coming out of eclipse plumage. In October, there were single males on the 2nd, 4th, 11th, 13th & 17th, all these records may refer to the same individual. A female on Went Ings on the 7th of November was the final sighting of the year.
Garganey A. querquedula. There was a male on the reservoirs on the 5th of May. In August, a female was on the reservoirs/Went Ings areas on the 3rd, 4th & 5th.
Shoveler A. clypeata. Birds were recorded in every month except December. The only double figure count of the year was of 17 (7 males) on the 6th of January.
Pochard Aythya farina. The maximum count for the year was of 194 birds on the 2nd of February. In April, a male on the 29th was the sole record. In June a male on the 15th, followed on the 27th, by a total of 22 birds, two were on the reservoirs and a party of 20 circled the reservoirs before flying off south. There was a female/immature bird on the 28th of June, which remained until the 8th of July, this was joined by a male on the 2nd of July, which also remained until the 8th; on this date there was a total of three birds present (the female/immature & 2 males). In August a male on the 31st was the only record. In September, a male on the 1st, and three males on the 26th. In October, a male on the 16th and two males on the 30th. In November, present daily from the 6th until the year end.
A female Pochard/Red-crested Pochard hybrid was present on the 27th of December.
|
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
142 |
194 |
62 |
1 |
0 |
22 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
15 |
36 |
Tufted Duck A. fuligula. The maximum count for the year was of 42 on the 17th of December. Two pairs bred and raised a total of nine young.
|
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
26 |
22 |
8 |
22 |
15 |
19 |
35 |
16 |
10 |
5 |
14 |
42 |
The July count is of adults only.
Scaup A. marila. Three immatures (1 male) present from the 7th of December 2016, remained into 2017 and increased to four (another male) from the 23rd of January. All the birds then remained to the 11th of March, on which date there were five birds (3 females). The only other record was of an adult male on the 9th of June.
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis. An immature male was on the reservoirs on the 29th of April.
Common Scoter Melanitta nigra. A male on the reservoirs on the 4th of April, was followed by a female on the 12th. In July a party of 13 (10 males) on the reservoirs on the 5th, then a male on the 19th & 20th. The final record was of a pair on the 30th of October.
Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. In January, birds were present all month, with a maximum count of four (2 adult males) on the 2nd, then four adult males on the 5th. Then four (3 adult males) on the 19th, 20th & 24th. In February, birds were present up to the 22nd, with a maximum of four (3 adult males) on the 3rd. Four (2 adult males) were present on the 18th. For the first time ever there were no March records.
In October the only records were, two female/immatures on the 20th, three female/immatures on the 30th and three (1 adult & 1 immature male) on the 31st. In November, the only records were of single female/immatures on the 13th & 19th. In December, birds were seen daily from the 4th, but there was only one or two present.
Goosander Mergus merganser. Birds were present daily during the first three months, with a maximum count of 22 (14 adult males) on the 23rd of January. The only April record, was a female on the 25th.
In August an immature on the 18th was the only record. In October, a female/immature flew north on the 3rd. A female/immature flew in from and back out to the north on the 9th, then a female/immature was present on the 30th & 31st. In November and December present daily, with a maximum of 18 on the 11th of December.
Red Kite Milvus milvus. In March, one was seen distantly to the west of the reservoirs heading north on the 8th. Another flew south on the 17th. One was seen flying south on the 3rd of April. In May one on the 10th and one flew east on the 12th. The final sighting was of a distant bird to the north-east of the reservoirs on the 9th of December.
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. Recorded in every month except April. The only record of more than one individual was of two juvenile birds which flew east together on the 16th of August.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
No of days |
5 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
6 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. Single birds were recorded on a total of sixty-five dates; and two were recorded on four dates.
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo. Records came from every month and on virtually every visit. The best counts were of c.8 on the 31st of August and 12 on the 19th of September.
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Bred once again, in one of the Hawk & Owl Trust nestboxes. The maximum number of birds seen, was three on the 31st of August.
Merlin F. columbarius. On the 5th of April, a female tried unsuccessfully to catch a Skylark, it then gave good views, as the exhausted bird perched in a tree for a few minutes to recover. Single females were also recorded on the 1st of November and the 7th & 9th of December.
Hobby F. subbuteo. The years records are as follows; One on the 30th of April. In May, two together on the 4th and singles flew north on the 6th & 27th. In June, singles on the 3rd & 14th. In July, singles on the 2nd & 12th. In August, singles on the 8th & 15th and three were together on the 25th. Finally in September there were singles on the 5th, 6th & 13th.
Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus. Two males were seen together on the 7th of January. An immature male was seen on the 16th of February. The next record, was of a distant male on the 3rd of July. An adult male was seen on the 16th of August, followed by an immature female on the 26th of September. In November, single males were logged on the 1st, 7th, 12th & 28th. In December, there were single males on the 5th, 6th & 9th. Finally two males, an adult and an immature clashed with each other on the 26th.
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa. Recorded in every month in low numbers, the only time double figure counts occurred, is when birds were released for shooting interests; during September there were counts of 25 on the 19th & 26 on the 21st. In October, 22 on the 16th. In November, 12 on the 1st, then back to just single figure counts to the end of the year.
Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. Recorded in every month. A female was seen with six small juveniles at Southfield Lane on the 17th of July. Lastly five juveniles were seen on the 26th of September.
Water Rail Rallus aquaticus. One was present during the first two months of the year, it was last noted on the 1st of March. The next records came in the second half of the year, with one on the 12th of October, then one was present from the 1st of November to the end of the year.
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. The maximum number recorded, was five at the reservoirs on the 26th of December.
Common Coot Fulica atra. Eight were seen on Went Ings on the 11th of March, this being the highest count during the year.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
1 |
2 |
8 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. Recorded regularly from the 16th of February to the 25th of July, with a maximum count of five birds on the 6th & 27th of March. One on the middle bank on the 22nd of August was the final record for the year.
Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta. There was just one record, of three birds, an adult and two juveniles were on Went Ings on the 25th of July.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius. One was heard calling on the 5th of April; and probably the same individual was on Went Ings the next day.
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. One flying west on the 17th of July was the first record of the year. In August, there were singles on the 6th, 8th, 15th, 16th & 23rd. In September the final records for the year were of one on the 19th and two flew over on the 20th.
European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria. The first records of the year were in February, with singles on the 3rd & 7th and four on the 16th. In March 350+ were seen on the 21st and 110+ the next day, followed by 28 birds flying west on the 31st, were the only records. In April the only records were of eight west on the 15th & 17 west on the 24th.
From July to the end of the year, birds were recorded in every month, with a maximum count of c.500 to the north of the reservoirs on the 30th of September.
Grey Plover P. squatarola. One was seen flying east on the 6th of May and proved to be our only record.
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Birds were recorded throughout the year. A count of c.210 on the 8th of February was the years highest total.
Dunlin Calidris alpina. The only double figure count was of 12, made up of parties of 3, 4 & 5 flying east on the evening of the 30th of April.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
Max count |
1 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
4 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
|
No of days |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
4 |
2 |
Ruff Philomachus pugnax. Three males flew west on the 10th of July. In September one was on Went Ings on the 3rd. It was followed on the 4th, by four, seen over the reservoirs, then later three were on Went Ings. Three were still on Went Ings the next day, then one flew over the reservoirs on the 6th. One was on Went Ings on the 26th and five flew east on the 29th. In October two birds were flying around the area on the 3rd, then two flew west on the 9th. Finally one flew in and landed on the middle bank on the 26th.
Snipe Gallinago gallinago. Recorded in every month from January to March and from August to December. The best counts were of 28, which were flushed by a Marsh Harrier flying over Went Ings on the 29th of September. In October 31 were seen flying over Went Ings on the 11th
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. In July, there were 15 over the reservoirs on the 3rd. Then singles on the middle bank on the 4th & 17th; also on the 17th six flew in from and back out to the east. One flew in and alighted on Went Ings on the 25th, followed the next day by 17 flying east, then a single on the middle bank on the 31st. In September, one flew east on the 18th and finally in November, two flew west on the 7th.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. Just a single sighting, of one flying east on the 3rd of August.
Curlew Numenius arquata. Records came from every month except January, September and November. There may have been a breeding attempt nearby, but there was no conclusive evidence. The only double figure counts for the year were in June, with 17 (flocks of 9 & 8) flying west on the 29th. The next day 14 (flocks of 9, 3 & 2 singles) were seen flying west.
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus. A beautiful full summer plumaged bird was present on the middle bank of the reservoirs all morning of the 21st of June.
Redshank T. totanus. The maximum count was of six flying north on the 16th of August.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
No of days |
0 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Max count |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Greenshank T. nebularia. During the first half of the year, the only record was of a single bird on the 5th of May. On the 5th of July, three birds were recorded, two were seen circling the reservoirs and the other was on Went Ings. Also in July there were singles on the 8th & 20th. In August, three on the 23rd was the only record. In September, singles on the 1st & 12th. In October, singles on the 2nd & 3rd were probably sightings of the same bird. Finally one over the reservoirs and Went Ings on the 7th of November was a most unusual record, as they are rare in this month.
Green Sandpiper T. ochropus. In April, there were singles on Went Ings on the 13th & 17th. The next record was of one on Went Ings on the 31st of August. In September, on Went Ings, one was present on the 1st to the 3rd and numbers increased to three on the 4th, then decreased to one on the 5th; then three again on the 6th and singles on the 7th & 13th. Finally in October, on Went Ings, there were two on the 18th and just one the next day.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos. In April, recorded regularly from the 4th, with a maximum of three on the 24th. In May, recorded regularly up to the 16th, with a maximum of six on the 5th. Then after the 16th, there was just one on the 26th. In June, the only record was of one on the 29th. In July, recorded on only seven dates, with a maximum of four birds on the 20th. In August, recorded on nine dates, with a maximum of two on the 9th, 24th & 25th. In September, recorded on seven dates, the maximum count being of two on the 6th & 13th. One on the 29th was the final record for the year.
Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus. In January, an adult in the gull roost on the 2nd, 4th & 5th and a second year bird in the roost on the 25th. In February, a first year in the roost on the 2nd and an adult came to roost on the 12th. In April, two adults flew south at 07:15 on the 14th.
In August, a first summer bird on the 14th, the next and final sighting, was a first year bird on the reservoirs at 11:55 on the 10th of October.
Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus. The only records for the year, were of a first year bird on the 28th of June and another first year bird on the 2nd of October.
Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus. An early morning count on the reservoirs revealed 2,000+ birds on the 1st of September, this was the only count made during the year. Birds attempted to breed on the Tern Raft, but failed to hatch any eggs.
Common Gull Larus canus. Recorded regularly, but there were no gull roost counts undertaken this year.
Lesser Black-backed Gull L. fuscus. In January, singles in the gull roost on the 5th, 24th & 25th. In February, in the gull roost, one on the 2nd, two on the 12th; an adult flew west at 09:20 on the 23rd and there were two in the roost on the 27th. In March, birds were recorded more regularly and there were four adults in the roost on the 11th & 16th.
The maximum count of the year was on the 4th of September, when 300+ flew east and 42 were in the gull roost. In November, an adult in the roost on the 1st, another on the reservoirs from midday on the 10th and one in the gull roost on the 29th. In December, the only record was of one attending the gull roost on the 25th.
Herring Gull L. argentatus. The only gull roost counts were made in December, with 500+ on the 15th and 650+ on the 27th.
Iceland Gull L. glaucoides. One on the reservoirs at 15:48 on the 28th of February, this had just arrived, but stayed only 5 minutes before flying off east.
Glaucous Gull L. hyperboreus. Recorded on just two dates, an adult was in the gull roost on the 24th & 25th of January.
Great Black-backed Gull L. marinus. In January, 390+ were in the gull roost on the 5th and 475+ were on the reservoirs at dawn on the 14th. In December, 290+ were on the reservoirs just after dawn on the morning of the 17th.
Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. An immature bird was seen on the 14th & 15th of August and an adult was seen on the 22nd of October.
Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis. Two birds appeared on the 11th of September, but remained for just two minutes before flying off east.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Birds were present daily from the 26th of April to the 5th of August, with a maximum count of 22 on the 12th of May. After this period, in August there were two on the 14th, four on the 15th, two on the 17th and finally for August four on the 23rd. In September, the only record was of an adult on the 12th, this was also the final record for the year.
Three pairs attempted to breed on the raft, but failed to hatch any eggs after the birds deserted their nests.
Arctic Tern S. paradisaea. In April, singles on the 26th & 28th were the only records for the year.
Little Tern S. albifrons. One was present for five minutes on the 6th of May, before flying off to the east at 06:38. The only other record was of one on the 3rd of June.
Black Tern Chlidonias niger. In May, three were present from 08:40 to 10:03 on the 1st and flew off east. Next were two on the 12th and the final record was of one on the 26th.
Stock Dove Columba oenas. Recorded throughout the year, the maximum count was of 19 on the 22nd of February.
Wood Pigeon C. palumbus. Recorded throughout the year, the maximum counts were in February, with 1,300+ on Went Ings on the 10th and 1,100+ at the same location on the 12th.
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto. There was a total of thirteen records throughout the year, with a maximum count of three on the 19th of June.
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Single birds were recorded on the 16th & 30th of May and in June, on the 2nd & 14th.
Barn Owl Tyto alba. All records were of single birds as follows; the 17th, 27th & 28th of February. The 7th of March. On the 3rd of June, seen on Went Ings at 08:35 and again at 09:00 carrying prey items towards a nestbox. Finally, on the 9th of December, one flew across the canal to Went Ings at 07:30.
Little Owl Athene noctua. Two were seen on a stack of straw bales in the west fields on the 24th of February and was the only sighting of the year.
Tawny Owl Strix aluco. Recorded in every month except May, July, August and October. Recorded regularly in the first three months of the year, with two separate birds at their daytime roosts. In April, there were singles on Went Ings on the 4th & 17th. In June, one in a hollow Ash Tree on the 26th and again in the same place on the 29th of September.
In November and December again recorded regularly with the two separate birds at their daytime roosts.
Short-eared Owl Asio. Flammeus. Only recorded during February, with singles on Went Ings on the 24th, 27th & 28th.
Swift Apus apus. Two on the 24th April were the first returnees of the year. The maximum count for the year was of 280+ on the 28th of June. One on the 22nd of September was the final sighting of the year.
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis. Birds were recorded in every month. May was the poorest month of the year, with just three records. Three birds were seen together on the 15th of February.
Green Woodpecker Picus viridis. Recorded in every month except June, all records were of single birds, except for two together, on the 10th of February and again on the 1st of November.
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major. Recorded in every month, though one on the 14th of June was the only record during that month. A juvenile bird was found dead on the 16th of August. The only record of more than one bird, was of two on the 3rd of January.
Skylark Alauda arvensis. Birds were noted singing/breeding in the surrounding fields. The best count of the year was of 21 on the 29th of September.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia. The first record of the year was of four flying east on the 20th of March. The spring maximum was 450+ on the 24th of April. The best counts in the second half of the year, were of 700+ on the 25th of July and 600+ on the 8th of August. One on the 21st of September was the final record of the year.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. One on the 7th of April was the first of the year. Nine juveniles at the Sailing Club on the 4th of August were all being fed by the parents. The maximum count was of 100+ on the 6th of September. The final record for the year was of one flying south on the 20th of October.
House Martin Delichon urbicum. One on the 30th March, this was the first March record for Southfield and it was still present the following day. A count of 40+ on the 29th of May was the best count of the year. The final record for the year was of 13 flying south on the 29th of September.
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. In the first two months, six on the 21st of February was the most. In March, 47 were present on the 16th.
In the second half of the year, 43 flying south on the 9th of October was the most. In November 14 present on the 1st & 9th was the maximum. In December, recorded on six dates, with a maximum of three on the 7th.
Rock Pipit A. petrosus. One was on the east bank on the 1st of March, it later flew off to the west. In October, one was flying around and calling on the 9th; and three birds did the same the next day. The final record was of two present on the 13th of October.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. Four on the 17th of April were the first to return. Ten on the Sailing Club jetties on the 5th of May was the spring maximum.
In July, the first juvenile appeared on the 8th and numbers peaked at 11 (10 juveniles) on the jetties on the 10th. In August, c.15 birds were on Went Ings on the 6th, with 10+ here on the 15th. In September, four on the 14th was the last record of the year.
Grey Wagtail M. cinerea. Recorded in every month except February and May. In the first half of the year all records were as follows; In January singles on the 9th, 14th, 15th & 19th. One on the 16th of March. A male on the Sailing Club jetties on the 7th & 15th of April & the again on the 28th of June.
From the 1st of July to the 28th of December, birds were recorded regularly, with four together on the 22nd of August, then five on the jetties, four of which flew in from the north, on the 29th of September.
Pied Wagtail M. alba. Six on the 19th of March, was the most during the first half of the year. The first juvenile appeared on the 24th of May. An adult with four juveniles was seen on the Sailing Club jetties on the 29th of June. On the 1st of July nine (8 juveniles) were on the jetties, with five of the juveniles being fed by a male. A total of 14 birds were in the Sailing Club car park on the 4th of August and 17 were on the jetties on the 29th of September.
Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus. Just one record, of three flying south on the 9th of January.
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes. On the 13th of April there were 11, ten of these were singing at the northern end of the reservoirs, the other one was at the southern end of the reservoirs. On the 28th of April there were 12 on Went Ings and ten of these were singing birds.
Dunnock Prunella modularis. On the 7th of January there were nine in total, of which six were at the northern end of the reservoirs, the other three were at the southern end. On the 30th of January there was a count of ten.
Robin Erithacus rubecula. On the 28th of April there was a count of 11, eight of which were singing on Went Ings.
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra. One was seen on the 16th of August, an increasingly rare bird at the site.
Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus. One record, of one on the 30th of October.
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe. Yet another bird becoming rare at the reservoirs. There were just two records, a female on the 13th of April and one on the 16th of August.
Blackbird Turdus merula. In the first half of the year between the two feeding areas, there was a maximum count of 15 on the 4th of January. On the 21st of December, 24 birds were seen to leave the southern feeding area to go to roost.
Fieldfare T. pilaris. In the first three months of the year, the maximum count was of 100+ on the 28th of February. In April all records were as follows, seven north on the 3rd, 39 west on the 6th and one flew west on the 29th.
In October, the only records were of eight west on the 20th, 100+ on the 30th and c.50 on the 31st. In November 120+ on the 1st, 400+ on the 7th, 500+ on the 28th and 1,250+ on the 29th. The maximum count in December was of 400+ on the 7th.
Song Thrush T. philomelos. Recorded regularly as single birds. Higher counts were as follows; in January there was a maximum of six on the 30th. In February a maximum of five on the 9th. There were three on Went Ings on the 28th of April and five were at Southfield Lane on the 29th of May.
Redwing T. iliacus. In the first three months of the year, the maximum count was of 25 on the 5th of January, this was the only double figure count. The next records were of returning birds in October, when seven flew west on the 9th, then all counts were eclipsed by a spectacular count of 3,400+ flying west on the 20th. In November the maximum count was of 180+ on the 9th. In December the maximum count was of 20 on the 4th.
Mistle Thrush T. viscivorus. All records for the year were as follows; one on the 11th of March, two flew onto Went Ings on the 13th of May, one on the 9th of July, two flew west on the 20th of October and finally one on the 4th of December.
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. In April, one on the 13th was the first of the year, then nine in the recording area, five of these being on Went Ings on the 28th of April. Recorded into August, but there were no September records.
Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus. The first record was of one on the 25th of May. The next record was of three singing on the 19th of June. In July, there were two on the 12th & 27th and one on the 28th. The final record was of one on the 31st of August.
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca. In April, the first was heard singing at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 13th. Then one at the southern end of the reservoirs on the 14th & 16th. Two were heard singing on Went Ings on the 28th of April.
In July, one was singing from the canal bank hedgerow on the 1st. Next was four birds on the 2nd, three of these were at the northern end of the reservoirs and one at the southern end. In August there were three on the 16th; and the final record of the year was one on the 4th of September.
Whitethroat S. communis. One on the 14th of April was the first of the year; and one on the 3rd of September was our final record of the year.
Blackcap S. atricapilla. In April, the first record of the year, was of three males on the 3rd, then on the 28th there was a count of eight males on Went Ings. In September a male on the 21st was the final record.
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. In March, one on Went Ings on the 11th was the first to return. Then birds were recorded regularly throughout the month, with a count of eight on Went Ings on the 30th. In April, four were singing at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 13th, then seven were singing on Went Ings on the 28th; and seven again on the Ings on the 12th of May.
In September five at the reservoirs on the 2nd & 3rd, then nine in the recording area (4 on Went Ings) on the 13th. In October one on the 4th was the last of the year.
Willow Warbler P. Trochilus One was singing along Southfield Lane on the 6th of April. A total of ten were heard singing in the recording area on the 28th of April. Nine were on Went Ings on the 12th of May. Finally two on the 3rd of September was the last record for the year.
Goldcrest Regulus regulus. In January one on the 9th, then two together seen roosting at dusk on the 15th. In February singles on the 2nd, 3rd & 15th. In March one on Went Ings on the 11th.
In September, singles on the 1st, 12th, 13th, 20th & 29th. In October singles on the 9th, 13th, 16th, 30th & 31st, there was also a record of two on the 18th. In November singles on the 1st, 7th & 13th and two on the 6th, 8th & 9th. One on the 5th of December was the only record in that month.
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. Recorded regularly throughout the year. The maximum count was of c.12 on the 14th of January.
Willow Tit Poecile Montana. All records for the year were as follows; In April, singles on the 6th, 7th, 14th & 18th. In May singles on the 5th & 31st. In June singles on the 2nd, 20th & 21st. In September one on the 13th was the final record of the year.
Coal Tit Periparus ater. Recorded on four dates during the year, they were, one on the 4th of April. In September singles on the 13th & 28th and the final record was one on the 9th of October.
Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus. Recorded regularly throughout the year, but counts were around average.
Great Tit P. major. Recorded regularly. An adult was seen with at least three young on the 29th of May.
Treecreeper Certhia familiaris. The first five records for the year all came from the northern end of the reservoirs, as follows; singles on the 3rd, 5th & 30th of January, one on the 6th of February and one on the 18th of April. One was on Went Ings on the 26th of June.
In September, one was in the hedgerow at the Fishermen's car park on the 1st, next on Went Ings, there were two on the 13th and one on the 27th. The next was one along the canal bank on the 31st of October. In November one flew across the canal from Went Ings to the Fishermen's car park on the 7th. One was in the hedgerow again at the Fishermen's car park on the 9th and finally one on the 14th.
Jay Garrulus glandarius. Recorded in every month, with a maximum count of seven together on the 21st of February.
Magpie Pica pica. Present all year, the best counts were of ten together on the 10th of March and the 20th of October.
Jackdaw Corvus monedula. The maximum count for the year was 20 on the 15th August.
Rook C.frugilegus. A count of 180+ on the 21st of August was the highest of the year.
Carrion Crow C. corone. A poor maximum total for the year, was of 34 flying to roost at Cowick Gorse on the 28th of February.
Starling Sturnus vulgaris. There was a count of 800+ which flew west just after dawn on the 2nd of January. 1,000+ were seen to the north of the reservoirs on the 21st of February. Next was a record of 1,000+ distant, in the north-west on the 1st of March. An adult was seen carrying food into an old Woodpecker hole, on Went Ings on the 28th of April.
In October 830 flew west on the 20th and 1,420+ flew west on the 31st. On the 8th of November a feeding flock of 700+ were seen to the east of the reservoirs and 260+ flew south between 16:10 & 16:15. In December 430+ flew west on the 7th.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus. A pair were at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 11th of April; and three males were there the following day. Birds were present at the southern feeding area from the 19th of November to the 31st of December. Maximum counts were of 14 on the 4th of December (8 at the northern feeding area & 6 at the southern feeding area). Lastly eight were present at the northern feeding area on the 22nd of December.
Tree Sparrow P. montanus. In the first half of the year the maximum count was 22 at the southern feeding area on the 7th of April. In August 90+ were at Beever's Bridge on the 17th. The maximum count in the last two months of the year was 60+ at the southern feeding area on the 16th of December.
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. Numerous birds were present at the two feeding areas during the winter periods but it was not possible to obtain any counts.
Brambling F. montifringilla. In October, singles flew west on the 9th, east on the 16th, west on the 20th and north on the 31st. In December a male was at the southern feeding area on the 27th & 30th.
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris. There were 47 at the northern feeding area on the 27th of February, this was the maximum count in the first half of the year. At the northern end of the reservoirs a farmer had grown some Sunflowers along the edge of his field, they attracted Greenfinches to feed on them and 50+ were counted on the 31st of October and 1st of November; numbers increased to 80+ on the 7th of November, then after this date numbers decreased. On the 27th of December there was a total 65+ birds (40 at the northern feeding area & 15 at the southern feeding area).
Goldfinch C. carduelis. Birds were present at both of the feeding areas, during both winter periods, with a maximum count of 14 at the southern feeding area on the 17th of March; and 14 were at the northern feeding area on the 1st of November.
Siskin C. spinus. In the first half of the year, there were only two records, which were, two on the 15th of February (1 north & 1 west) and one flew south on the 13th of April.
In October there were four on the 9th (1 east & 3 south). Then singles on the 13th & 18th, followed by six on the 20th (3 west & 3 south), these were followed by singles on the 25th, 26th & 31st. In November there were singles on five dates, two flew over on the 10th and four flew north on the 9th. The only December record was of four on Went Ings on the 31st.
Linnet C. cannabina. In January, there were singles on the 5th, 20th & 30th. In February singles were noted on the 3rd, 15th, 22nd, 24th & 27th. In March there were singles on five dates and two on three dates. In April, at the northern end of the reservoirs, there were, eight on the 13th, seven on the 14th and ten on the 18th.
There was a count of 25+ on the 7th of August. Then a count of 40+ on the 5th of September and 28 flew south on the 30th of September. In October, there were counts of 35+ on the 2nd and c.70 on the 18th. In November, 29 were in the west fields on the 1st; after this only singles were recorded from the 6th to the month end. In December recorded on only five dates, with a maximum of 14 flying east on the 21st.
Lesser Redpoll C. cabaret. In April, single birds flew north on the 5th & 6th. The next records came in September, when single birds flew east on the 18th & 22nd. In October two flew over on the 9th, then two flew east and 26 were present on the 12th. From the 16th there were singles on three dates, two flew south on the 18th and three were present on the 20th. In November, ten were seen feeding along the west bank on the 1st, then singles on six dates between the 8th & 28th. In December the only records were of five flying north on the 5th and singles on the 8th, 26th & 27th.
Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. The last three months of the year was the most productive for this species, with five on the 20th of October (4 west & 1 present). Then four on the 2nd of November (1 male); and four (2 males) on the 21st of December.
|
Month |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
No of days |
4 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
6 |
7 |
5 |
|
Max count |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
Yellowhammer Emberiza citronella. The best count of the year was of 44 on the 14th of January, (30 at the northern feeding area & 14 at the southern feeding area). During the second half of the year birds were only recorded in small numbers.
Reed Bunting E. schoeniclus. In the first half of the year, the maximum count was of 23 on the 4th of January (6 at the northern feeding area & 17 at the southern feeding area).
In the second half of the year the maximum count was 17 on the 21st of December (10 at Southfield Lane & 7 at the southern feeding area).
Corn Bunting E. calandra. A rare bird these days, so it was nice that a visitor to Southfield got a record of one singing at Southfield Lane on the 4th of May.
Sub Species
Continental Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis. White-headed birds were once again recorded in the winter to early spring periods.
White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba. In April, two were on Went Ings on the 15th. One was on the middle bank on the 19th. A female was seen on the jetties on the 25th, 26th & 27th. A male on the jetties on the 28th & 29th. The final record was of one on the middle bank on the 1st of May.
Other Species. Feral/Escaped Species
Chinese Goose Anser cygnoides. Three birds were first seen On the 3rd of May 2016, falling to two by around the 13th of June, these two remained to the end of 2016. They continued their presence into 2017 until they were finally seen on the 31st of March.
Then on the 20th of October 2017 one reappeared and was present to year end.
Note: (Continued presence @ September 2019).
List of observers who submitted records for 2017
A & A Marshall
A. Scutt
C. Featherstone
D Hursthouse
J. Snowdon
M. Pilsworth
R. Collis
R. Dresser
R. McClarnence
S. Furber
Apologies for any omissions
