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Category: ANNUAL REPORTS, PAPERS
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SOUTHFIELD & WENT INGS BIRD REPORT 2018

Clive Featherstone, Adrian Scutt

A new species was added to the Southfield list proper, when a Cetti’s Warbler was present from July to September it frequented the area along the south bank in the trees. The only previous record was of one that was only heard in July 2016 along Sykehouse Road.

A year list of 150 species was achieved. Yet again there were no records of Grey Partridge, the last record of this species was in November 2016!

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis. There was an excellent count of 20 birds on the very last day of the year, this is the best count since August 1984 when they bred. Birds were present during the first three months and into April, with the last one on the 13th. After no records in May, it made its way onto the June list when a juvenile appeared on the 31st. In July the juvenile remained on the 1st, then two adults on the 16th, lastly an adult and a juvenile on the 20th. In August recorded on five dates, with a maximum of three on the 30th. In September recorded regularly from the 4th, with a maximum of six on the 15th, thereafter birds were present during the final three months of the year.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

9

6

6

2

0

1

2

3

6

9

10

20

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. Recorded throughout the year. There was a good series of counts into the forties during the year, with 43 on the 31st of March. 47 on the 1st of April. 48 on the 30th of September and 46 on the 20th of October. The monthly maximum counts are as follows.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

9

18

43

47

37

27

29

30

48

46

37

26

Black-necked Grebe P. nigricollis. One on the 2nd of May was the only record.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. Recorded throughout the year, with maximum counts of 62 on the 28th of September and 68 on the 10th of October.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

30

23

28

22

15

12

25

33

62

68

39

40

Little Egret Egretta garzetta. The maximum count was of six, on Went Ings on the 15th of May and the 16th of July. Six flew west on the 13th of August.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

2

0

1

5

6

2

6

6

1

3

1

5

No of Days

5

0

1

8

Regular

5

12

3

3

4

3

3

Great Egret Egretta alba. There was one on Went Ings on the 19th, 20th & 29th of October and one on the middle bank on the 5th of November.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. The maximum count for the year was of 12 on the 17th of July.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

2

1

1

5

6

7

12

5

8

3

3

3

Mute Swan Cygnus olor. The maximum count for the year was of 21 on the 15th of September. Two nests were found on Went Ings in May. A pair with two cygnets was on Went Ings on the 17th & 21st of July. Broods of four and five immatures were on Went Ings on the 15th of September.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

16

15

11

15

10

13

8

Small numbers

21

10

6

7

Whooper Swan C. cygnus. In January six flew west on the 1st and four adults flew south on the 9th. There were no records during February. In March seven were on the reservoirs up until 09:00 on the 5th when they departed to the east. A total of 51, (flocks of 30 & 21) flew west on the 31st. In April 12 were on the reservoirs on the 1st, they were seen to fly off north-west at 08:50. On the 6th a party of 16 flew north-west. The final April record, was of one on the reservoirs for around fifteen minutes on the 24th. To close the first half of the year an adult was on the reservoirs on the 24th of May.

In October six adults were on the reservoirs for 90 minutes on the 18th they then flew off east. On the 20th there was a total of 11 (8 flew east & 3 flew south). Two on the reservoirs for ten minutes on the 26th flew off south. A further 12 also flew south on the 26th. Finally in October, a party of ten flew south on the 28th. In November. nine (4 east & 5 south) on the 13th. Four (2 adults) were on the reservoirs on the 15th. Finally for November six adults flew east on the 28th. On the 10th of December one flew in and landed on the reservoirs during the morning and remained until 16:10, when it flew off to the east.

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus. In January, on the morning of the 5th up until midday 1,480+ flew west in eight skeins, also a party of six flew east. One flew east on the 8th. One was on the reservoirs with the Greylag Geese and a gaggle of 19 flew north on the 13th. One was on the reservoirs with the Greylag Geese on the 29th, 30th & 31st. In February 250+ flew east on the 3rd, 19 flew west and two flew in and alighted on the reservoirs on the 16th. A party of 43 flew east on the 27th. The only March record was of two flying east on the 2nd. After none were recorded in April, one was on Went Ings and the reservoirs on the 3rd of May.

In September, recorded on six dates between the 14th & 30th. The highest count was 290+ on the 29th, with a breakdown of birds as follows, 110+ in fields to the north, 110+ flew west, and flocks of 30 & 37 also flying west. In October recorded regularly from the 9th to the 29th, with the best count being of 1,630+ ,on the 10th ; of these 1,250+ were in seven skeins up to 08:40 hours; then from 17:25 hours, a further 380+ birds flew west in two skeins. In November recorded on seven dates, with a maximum count of c.800 on the 27th. In December recorded on eight dates, with a maximum count of 380+ on the 4th, of which 350+ were seen to land in fields to the east of the reservoirs.

Greylag Goose Anser anser. The maximum count was of c.565 on the 15th of November. Six pairs bred and raised 23 young.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

403

Nc

c.85

19ads

56ads

240

200+

170+

380+

505+

c.565

380+

Canada Goose Branta canadensis. The maximum count was of 116 on the 31st of December. Four pairs bred and raised 14 young. Two adults were seen on the River went with 4 young on the 19th of May. These probably made it to the reservoirs and were one of the four pairs mentioned previously.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

80

65

33

16

47ads

67

71

62

40

37

97

116

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis. One on the evening of the 6th of April was the only record.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla. In December, a Dark-bellied Brent was present with the Greylags from the 3rd to the 8th.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiac. Just one record of three flying south on the 8th of November.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. Recorded in every month except September, November and December. May was the only month when they were recorded regularly. The maximum count was of five on the 15th of April.

Wigeon Anas penelope. The maximum count for the year was of c.300 on the 26th of December. Birds were recorded in every month except August. They were present daily during the first three months of the year. In April the only records were of three (2 males) on the 5th, eight on the 6th and four (3 males) on the 18th. In May there were single males on the 3rd, 4th & 8th and in June a female was present on the 3rd. In July a pair was present on the 1st.

In September there were five on the 29th and six the next day. In October recorded on eight dates between the 11th and 29th. In November recorded on seven dates between the 10th and 28th, and in December birds were then present daily.

Gadwall A. strepera. The years maximum count was 67 on the 28th of February. A female was seen on Went Ings with three well grown young on the 25th of June, but was down to two young on the 1st of July.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

54

67

21

9

10

6

6

7

3

14

35

45

Teal A. crecca. The maximum count for the year was of 280+ on the 13th of January. Of these 230+ were on Went Ings and 48 on the reservoirs.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

280+

nc

5

2

3

7

5

25

22

24

52

c.140

Mallard A. platyrhynchos. The maximum counts were of 620+ on the 4th of August and 621 on the 3rd of October. There were around fifteen broods of young noted in the recording area.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

500+

c.275

nc

nc

82 adults

45+

210+

620+

350+

621

nc

535+

Pintail A. acuta. In January, a female on the 14th. Three (2 males) came from Went Ings onto the reservoirs on the 19th and there was a pair on the 24th. In February single males on the 1st & 3rd, a female on the 10th and four (2 males) on the 12th. In March, there was just one record of a male on the 5th. In April a pair on Went Ings on the 1st.

In September, one on the reservoirs on the 5th and two were flying around on the 14th. in October, three on the 12th. There were no more records until December, when a male was seen on the 15th, a pair on the 21st, a male on the 29th and lastly four (2 males) on the 31st.

Garganey A. querquedula. A male was seen on the middle bank on the 22nd and 24th of May.

Shoveler A. clypeata. Recorded in every month, with a maximum count of ten on the 30th of March and the 5th of April.

Many of the records for this species relies on flooding on Went Ings, and this is certainly increasing.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina. A female was present on the 29th of January.

Pochard Aythya farina. The years maximum counts were of 95 on the 21st of February and c.100 on the 26th of December.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

78

95

82

2

1

3

2

1

6

16

52

c.100

Tufted Duck A. fuligula. The years maximum count was of 40 on the 8th of January.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

40

35

25

19

16

8

15

5

10

5

23

31

Scaup A. marila. In March four (2 adult males) were present from the 1st to the 20th, and just a pair were present on the 21st. in November an adult female was present from the 23rd and remained until the 20th of December.

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis. A male in summer plumage was present on the 30th of May.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra. A female on the 27th of July was the only record.

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. In January the only records were of an immature male from the 1st to the 4th and he was joined on this date by a female/immature. There were no more records until the 12th when an adult male was present, after this there were no more records for the rest of the month. In February, the only records were of an adult male from the 3rd to the 9th, and a female/immature on the 27th & 28th, this remained until the 3rd of March and was the final record for the first half of the year.

In October an immature male on the 17th, a female/immature on the 20th, 26th & 27th, five (1 adult male) on the 28th, two immatures on the 29th and four (1 adult male) on the on the 31st. In November present all month, with a maximum of four on the 11th, 22nd, 23rd & 26th. In December present from the 5th, with just single birds to the 12th, then two from the 13th to the 21st and finally one from the 24th to the 26th.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator. A male was present from the 30th of April to the 4th of May, but it couldn’t be located on the 3rd. On its final day, it was seen to fly off west at 07:20.

In September, an immature was present from the 28th to the 30th.

Goosander Mergus merganser. Present in the first three months of the year, with a maximum count of 25 on the 15th of February. In April the only records were of three, which included one male on the 1st, and a single male on the 3rd. In August a flock of 14 flew south on the 7th, then on the 13th, a female/immature bird circled the reservoirs before it flew off north.

In October the only records were of three female/immatures on the 28th, two immature males on the 29th and a single immature male on the 31st. In November, birds were present all month, and 22 were seen flying east on the 28th. In December, the maximum count was of 24, which included 13 males on the 14th.

Red Kite Milvus milvus. In May there were singles south on the 1st and east on the 8th. One flew south on the 6th of July. In August one was over Went Ings on the 6th & 7th.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. Recorded in every month except April and May. Singles were recorded on twenty-seven dates, and two were seen on the 6th & 19th of July, and the 7th & 13th of August.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. There were sightings of singles on fifty dates, with two birds noted on the 5th of January and the 10th of September.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo. Recorded in every month, with maximum counts of ten on the 29th of March and 14 on the 5th of April. One was seen at the end of Southfield lane carrying a large Grass Snake on the 29th of June.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus. One flew north on the 3rd of April. In May one over the reservoirs on the 24th flew off north and another flew north on the 29th.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Recorded regularly and once again bred in the Hawk & Owl Trust nestbox. Three juveniles were being fed by an adult male on the 16th of July. Four birds were seen on the 24th of July and five on the 30th of August.

Merlin F. columbarius. In January single males were recorded on the 19th flying west and on the 24th was seen perched on cables. The final record was of a female which flew east on the 10th of October.

Hobby F. subbuteo. In May there were singles on the 15th, 21st, 23rd & 27th. In July an immature bird flew west on the 9th. In August, just one record of one on the 16th. In September there were two on the 11th and was the final record for the year.

Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus. There was a healthy total of nineteen records for the year. The only records of more than one, was of two adult males together on the 19th of January.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa. Generally becoming scarcer to see. However there were counts of 35+ on the 12th of September and c.40 on the 11th of October. These counts came after birds were released for shooting interests.

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. Recorded throughout the year. The maximum count during the year was ten (5 males) which were seen on Went Ings on the 9th of October. Also of note a female with 5 young on the 5th of July and nine juveniles on the 5th of September.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus. In January one on the 9th & 13th. In October one on the 10th and is probably the bird that wintered here, with further sightings in November on the 22nd & 26th, then again in December on the 4th, 10th & 16th.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. Recorded regularly, but the largest count for the year was of 16 on Went Ings on the 15th of September.

Common Coot Fulica atra. One on the 9th of January was the only record until two were seen on Went Ings on the 29th & 30th of March. Birds were then present until the 15th of October, with a maximum count of 18 on the 8th of August. In November the only records were of one on the 12th and three on the 13th. In December the only records were of singles on the 16th & 26th.

Nest building was seen on the Went Ings floods, but as usual the nests were deserted as the floodwater levels receded. A pair bred at the reservoirs and had three young on the 20th of July, but only one young one was seen on the 23rd.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. In February one on the 10th and two on the 21st were the only records. From the 5th of March to the 22nd of July birds were recorded regularly with a maximum count of six on the 15th of May.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta. One on Went Ings on the 16th & 17th of July. Two flew in from and back out to the east on the 16th of August. One was swimming on the reservoirs amongst the Black-headed Gulls on the 29th of September.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius. One flew north on the 18th of May. On the 30th of June an adult flew in and joined a juvenile on the jetties for five minutes, then they both flew off to the north. The final record was of two on Went Ings on the 13th of July.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. There were singles on the 19th & 21st of February. One flew east on the 24th of April. In May one on the 3rd and three flew north on the 31st. In June singles on the 8th, 11th & 29th. The next record came on the 13th of August when one flew north, followed by one which flew in from and back out to the east on the 31st. In September one flew in from and back out to the east on the 4th. Finally one flew west on the 20th of October.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria. In January the only records were of six flying east on the 8th and 22 flew south on the 24th. In February there were singles on the 19th & 20th, 17 on the 21st, 38 on the 27th and 23 on the 28th. In March the only record was of one heard calling on the 5th. Finally in the first half of the year one flew north on the 27th of June.

In August singles on the 24th & 31st. In September there were nine on the 1st and four on the 3rd. A party of 17 flew east on the 15th. Recorded on seven dates in October, between the 10th and 28th, with a maximum count of 82 on the 16th. In November recorded on four dates between the 9th and 18th, with a maximum count of 27 flying west on the 18th. The only record in December was of one flying east on the 26th.

Grey Plover P. squatarola. The only record was of a summer-plumaged bird that flew north on the 8th of June.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. The decline in numbers of this species is very noticeable, this years maximum count was of only 200+ birds on the 23rd of November. In previous years counts in winter would be in there thousands.

Dunlin Calidris alpina. During the first half of the year the only records were of one on the middle bank on the 28th of February. In March two were on the middle bank on the 1st and one on the middle bank on the 8th. The next records came in May, with one flying around on the 11th, two on Went Ings on the 12th, one on the middle bank on the 14th & 15th and one flew through on the 27th.

In the second half of the year recorded in every month except December, with records on twenty dates, with a maximum count of four on the 26th of July.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax. The only records came from Went Ings with one on the 11th and three flew west on the 26th of August.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago. In January all the records were of birds heard before dawn as they were leaving the Went Ings, with three on the 4th and singles on the 6th & 29th. In February singles were heard after dusk at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 10th and before dawn on the 19th. Again at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 28th, there were six, three of these were at the edges of the reservoirs and were the first sightings in daylight hours. One was at the southern bank of the reservoirs on the 1st of March and was the final record in the first half of the year.

In the second half of the year recorded in every month except December. There was a total of seventeen records and the only double figure count was of 12 that flew north-west on the 30th of September.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola. One flew across the canal onto Went Ings on the 26th of December.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. A party of nine flew in and landed on Went Ings on the 28th of June. In July, one on the 2nd, 11 on Went Ings on the 6th and seven on there on the 8th. Nine flew in and landed on Went Ings on the 9th, then one on the 10th and three on the 13th. A total of 16 were on Went Ings on the 17th which then increased to 18 the following day, of which 17 flew off east at 07:25. Finally in July six flew in from and back out to the east on the 26th. The final record of the year was a juvenile which was flying around the area on the 4th of August.

Bar-tailed Godwit L. lapponica. Just one record for the year, when a total of five were seen on the middle bank on the 1st of March during a spell of strong and cold easterly winds, which became known as “The Beast from the East”.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. One was seen on the middle bank on the 16th of May. One was present on the evening of the 16th of July. The final record was of one heard calling on the 30th of August.

Curlew Numenius arquata. Sadly this species continues to decline in numbers. Records came from every month from January to August, with a maximum count of only seven which flew west on the 27th of June. A party of seven flew in and landed in the east fields on the 8th of August.

The next record came on the 16th of October when one was seen flying around the area and this was the final sighting of the year.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus. One was seen flying west on the 14th of September and was the only record of the year.

Redshank Tringa totanus. On the 3rd of August eight flew in from the west, they flew around the reservoirs a few times before finally departing to the east.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

No of records

0

1

3

2

3

2

5

3

0

2

1

0

Max count

0

1

2

1

1

1

2

8

0

1

1

0

Greenshank T. nebularia. One seen over the reservoirs landed on Went Ings on the 8th of June. In July one on Went Ings on the 7th flew off to the west. There were further singles on Went Ings on the 25th and 30th. In August there was two on the 3rd, one over on the 8th, one circling on the 13th and another the following day; three flew west on the 15th, then singles on the 16th, 24th and 31st. In September singles on the 1st and 18th. The next and final record for the year was on the 14th of November when a late bird flew onto Went Ings.

Green Sandpiper T. ochropus. In June there were singles on the 11th, followed by one from the north-east which landed on Went Ings on the 27th, then the same or another one on Went Ings on the 28th. The next records came in August, with one flying from Went Ings and heading east on the 3rd. One heard calling as it flew east on the 5th, one west on the 17th, one heard on Went Ings on the 20th, followed by three which flew in and landed at the reservoirs edge on the 21st. In September there were singles on the 1st and 3rd. The final record was of one was on Went Ings on the 20th of October.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos. In April there were singles on the 14th and 23rd and three on the 24th. Two were noted every day from the 25th to the 30th, except the 28th when no observers were present. In May there were singles on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 17th and 22nd to the 24th.

In July there were singles on eight dates and two on the 16th and 18th. in August, singles on six dates and two on the 14th, 20th and 22nd. In October singles on the 5th and 10th were the final records of the year. Note: On the 13th of December a wader was seen and heard but only briefly. The observer strongly believed it to be this species, but there was insufficient observation to claim the record.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres. There were two records for the year, the first was on the 18th of April when two flew in from the east at 18:55 hours and landed on the middle bank. The other was of one flying around the reservoirs on the 27th of May.

Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus. In January an adult was in the gull roost on the 8th and 12th. Single first year birds were in the roost on the 10th of October and the 14th of November. Also in November single adults in the roost on the 16th, 23rd, 26th & 27th; these records were thought to be of the same individual. In December birds were noted on the 4th, 6th, 26th & 31st.

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus. There were just two records for the year. An adult flew south on the 17th of March and another adult flew east on the 6th of April.

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus. No gull roost counts were done this year. Five pairs nested on the Tern raft and raised a total of seven young. A sixth pair may have attempted to breed but failed on what was a rather crowded raft.

Common Gull Larus canus. There was a count of 2,000+ in the gull roost on the 14th of January, this was the only count undertaken during the year.

Lesser Black-backed Gull L. fuscus. In January single adults were in the gull roost on the 7th & 8th, two in the roost on the 12th and one on the 22nd. To end the January records an adult and a first year flew west on the morning of the 24th. In February in the gull roost, two adults on the 21st, one adult on the 26th and three adults on the 27th. In March six adults in the roost on the 11th and five adults on the 15th. In April two adults were present from the 23rd to the 26th and one adult on the 29th. in May two adults present on the 1st and single adults present on the 11th, 12th, 15th, 27th & 30th.

In the second half of the year there were c.40 on the reservoirs on the 30th of July. In August 55+ flew west on the 16th. On the evening of the 10th of September 220+ were in the gull roost and a further 20 flew east. In October 620+ were in the roost on the 10th, falling to 250+ on the 18th. In November 42 in the roost on the 13th and 35 the next day. Followed by 19 on the 15th, then 15 on the 16th and just one on the 26th. in December there were singles in the gull roost on the 4th, 6th, 14th, 16th & 31st

Herring Gull L. argentatus. The only gull roost count in the in the first half of the year was of 460+ on the 12th of January. In November there were roost counts of 750+ on the 9th and 900+ on the 14th. In December the only roost count was of 390+ on the 4th.

Yellow-legged Gull L. Michahellis. In July there were three adults present on the evening of the 16th and an adult was on Went Ings on the 21st. An adult was on the reservoirs along with ten Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the 23rd of August. The final record was of an adult on the 10th of October.

Great Black-backed Gull L. marinus. The only roost count in the in the first half of the year was of c.170 on the 12th of January. In October there were 75 on the reservoirs after dawn on the morning of the 27th. In November there was a roost count of 280+ on the 13th. In December the only roost count was of 400+ on the 11th.

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. There were two adults on the reservoirs on the 17th of March and an adult on the 19th of July.

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis. Just one record for the year of a single bird on the 1st of September.

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii. Early morning of the 13th of May a Roseate Tern was seen resting on the tern raft, but the Black-headed Gulls on the raft kept scaring it off, causing it to make a number of short flights, it would then land back on the raft again.

It also flew around the reservoirs and on a couple of occasions it seemed it was going to leave to the east, but it returned and gave some incredible close views. After a while the weather started brightening up and it was last seen at 08:20. (Photo by Andrew Marshall)

Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Birds were recorded regularly from the 16th of April to the 4th of September. The maximum count during the year was of 18 on the 30th of May.

Arctic Tern S. paradisaea. The first to arrive back was on the 20th of April. In May there were five on the 2nd and 12 on the 30th, these lingered around the reservoirs from 11:50 to 12:10. Single immature birds were recorded on the 21st of September and the 15th of October.

Little Tern S. albifrons. One was present during the early morning of the 13th of May, its disappearance coincided with the departure of the Roseate Tern.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger. It was a poor year for this species, the only records were of an adult in winter plumage on the 29th of June, followed in September by three on the 2nd and two on the 3rd & 4th.

Stock Dove Columba oenas. Recorded regularly throughout the year, with a maximum count of 25 on the 5th of September.

Wood Pigeon C. palumbus. Recorded regularly throughout the year, with a maximum count of 1,300+ which flew to roost in Cowick Gorse on the 24th of January.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto. The first records for the year were not until May, when singles were recorded on the 4th & 8th and two on the 18th & 23rd. The next records were not until July when two were recorded on the 7th, 23rd, 25th & 27th followed by a single on the 30th. In August there were singles on five dates. In September, five on the 2nd and two on the 3rd & 21st. In October there were four on the 12th and five on the 20th. the final records for the year were, one on the 13th of November and two on the 17th of December.

Note: On the 19th of May (RD.) saw a Collared Dove at a nest in the upper open part of one of the Hawk & Owl Trust nestboxes. It is assumed it went in there briefly and the nest was in fact that of a Stock Dove as there were no records of breeding of Collared Doves.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur. It is disheartening to say that there was just one record of one bird on the 26th of July.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. The first returning bird occurred on the 4th of May. On the 19th three were seen on Went Ings, a single and two together. On the 23rd three were together on Went Ings. In June the only records were of a male on the 1st and 8th and were the last records of the year.

Barn Owl Tyto alba. Sightings of a single bird on the 23rd, 28th, 30th and 31st of January, were thought to be of the same individual. There was just one record in February when a single was seen on the 21st. In July one was hunting the west fields and over Went Ings on the 7th at 08:30. In October singles were recorded on the 10th and 15th. The final record was of one over Went Ings on the 10th of December.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco. Two birds were present at their separate daytime roost sites during January and February, then on and off into March; the bird that roosted on Went Ings remained up to the 18th of April. There were no more records then, until one was seen on Went Ings on the 25th of June. Then no further sightings until one at Southfield Lane on the 21st of September. One was heard calling from Went Ings on the 10th of October and the 15th of November. In December records came from the 15th, 16th & 25th.

Short-eared Owl Asio. Flammeus. There was a late bird seen on Went Ings on the 24th of May. One arrived from and departed back to the north on the 15th of October. In November there were singles on the 13th, 15th, 16th & 29th and in December singles on the 3rd, 4th, 10th, 20th, 25th & 26th

Swift Apus apus. One on the 24th of April was the first record of the year. The maximum count during the year was of only c.100 on the 10th of July. In September one on the 14th was the final bird of the year.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis. Recorded during every month of the year, but there was only two records during April. Two birds were seen on the 1st of March and again on the 4th of May and the 31st of August. Birds were then seen in every month from September to December. There was also one record of three birds together on the 28th of November.

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis. Recorded in every month except June and December. All the records were of single birds on a total of twenty-four dates for the year.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major. Recorded regularly throughout the year, with two birds noted on the 29th of March, 17th of April and 28th of June. There was one record of three birds together on the 29th of June.

Skylark Alauda arvensis. In the first half of the year the maximum count was of 30 in the east fields that were flushed by a Kestrel on the 8th of January. In the second half of the year the maximum count was of 68 that were seen flying south on the 16th of October.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia. The first bird to return was a single on the 5th of April, a count of 120+ on the 23rd was the maximum count for the year. The final record was of two on the 21st of September.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. In April one on the 4th was the first bird for the year, then 28 on the 13th was the maximum spring count. A total of 73 flying south on the 18th of September was the maximum count of the year. The final record for the year was of five birds flying south on the 16th of October.

House Martin Delichon urbicum. A bird seen flying west on the 6th of April was the first of the year. A total of 46 flying south on the 18th of September was the highest count of the year, it was also the final sighting of the year.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. A count of 150+ in the west fields on the 9th of January was a most unusual total for mid-winter and was by far the highest count of the year.

Rock Pipit A. petrosus. In October there were singles on the 11th, 16th & 18th and two on the 17th.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. The first record for the year was a male on the 13th of April. A juvenile was seen on the 21st of June. There was a count of three, two of these being juveniles and were seen on the Sailing Club jetties on the 7th of July. Ten birds flew from Went Ings on the 21st of August, then ten again on the east bank on the 31st of August. The final record for the year was one on the 20th of September.

Grey Wagtail M. cinerea. Recorded in every month except June. There were daily sightings of a male on the Sailing Club jetties from the 24th of April and it was seen collecting food on the 29th and then flying off to the north-east. On the 16th of May a male was seen feeding two recently fledged juveniles on the jetties and these remained until the 24th of May. So it is assumed that breeding took place to the north-east, but outside of the recording area.

From the 5th of July until the year end birds were recorded regularly, with the best counts during September, when three were on the jetties on the 3rd and four here on the 5th.

Pied Wagtail M. alba. Recorded throughout the year. The best counts were of 25+ on the flooded Went Ings on the 24th of January and 20 on the Sailing Club jetties on the 3rd of September and 19+ on the 11th of September.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes. Recorded throughout the year, with a maximum count of nine on the 9th of October..

Dunnock Prunella modularis. Recorded throughout the year. The maximum count was of five at the southern feeding area on the 30th of January.

Robin Erithacus rubecula. Recorded throughout the year with a maximum count of nine on Went Ings on the 20th of October.

Redstart Phoenicurus Phoenicurus. A female or juvenile bird was seen at the Fishermen's car park and then flew onto Went Ings on the 11th of July. Another female or immature bird was seen on Went Ings on the 15th of September.

Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus. Two males were seen on Went Ings on the 9th of October. The only other record was of one on Went Ings on the 26th of November.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe. There were three together, including one male on the 24th of April. The following day there were four, with three of these being males. The only other record was of two males on the 1st of May.

Blackbird Turdus merula. Recorded throughout the year. A party of 21 left the southern feeding area to roost on the 9th of January. There were 18+, ten of which were in the east fields on the 24th of January. A total of 26 on the 27th of February, eight of which were at the northern end of the reservoirs and 18 at the southern end of the reservoirs. Lastly were 15 at the southern feeding area on the 25th of December.

Fieldfare T. pilaris. On the 24th January there was a maximum count of 130+. In February 400+ flew south during a spell of cold weather with snow on the 28th. In March the maximum count achieved was just 32 on the 11th. In April the maximum was 180+ on Went Ings on the 16th. A single bird was on Went Ings on the 17th and was the final record for the first half of the year.

In October 20+ on the 15th was the first record of birds returning. Counts during October were of 600+ flying west on the 16th and 620+ flying west on the 17th. After this the maximum count to the end of the year was 500+ on Went Ings on the 3rd of December.

Song Thrush T. philomelos. Sightings were rather scarce and only recorded in ones and twos.

Redwing T. iliacus. All records during the first three months of the year were as follows; In January five on the 1st, then singles on five dates between the 9th & 29th. In February two east on the 5th, one on the 20th, nine on the 26th and eight south on the 28th. In March the only records were of singles on the 8th, 11th & 21st.

In October the first returning bird was a single on the 10th. A total of 980+ flew west on the 16th and 640+ flew west on the 17th. The maximum for the final two months of the year was 18 on the 8th of December.

Mistle Thrush T. viscivorus. The only records for the year were as follows, singles on the 9th of April, the 12th of May and the 1st of June. The final record was of two which flew west on the 17th of October.

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti. This species was added to the Southfield list proper, when one was present from the 25th of July (AS CF) to the 10th of September. It was both seen and/or heard on a number of occasions.

These are the dates when it was recorded. July 25th & 26th. August 30th & 31st. September 1st, 3rd, 4th & 10th. it frequented the area along the south bank among the trees. The only previous record was of one that was heard briefly in July 2016 along Sykehouse Road.

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia. The only record for the year was of one at the River Went road bridge the 8th of May.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. The first record of the year was of three on the 23rd of April. Noted throughout the summer months, the final sighting of the year was a single on the 4th of September.

Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus. All records for the year are as follows; in May one near the south-west corner on the 14th. One singing on Went Ings on the 24th & 31st. In June one singing along the canal bank on the 1st and one singing near the south-west corner on the 18th. In July one singing along the canal bank on the 5th. In August, at the southern end of the reservoirs, were two birds on the 31st, one of these birds remained until the 4th of September. There was also a record of one at the northern end of the reservoirs also on the 4th of September.

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca. One was heard singing at the northern end of the reservoirs from the 14th of April until the 17th of May. One was heard singing at the southern end of the reservoirs from the 9th of May until the 10th of June. Two birds were seen together at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 18th of June. The final records of the year, were singles on the 1st & 10th of September.

Whitethroat S. communis. The first record of the year was of one on the 18th of April. Noted throughout the summer months, with the final records being on the 12th of September.

Garden Warbler S. borin. There was just one record for the year of one seen on the 25th of July.

Blackcap S. atricapilla. Noted throughout the Spring and Summer months. In April a male on the 3rd was the first record of the year, followed by four males at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 18th. Seven males were recorded on Went Ings on the 27th of May. The final record was of one on Went Ings on the 15th of September.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. One on the 22nd of March was the first of the year. Four were on Went Ings on the 15th of September. The final record for the year was a single on the 12th of October.

Willow Warbler P. Trochilus. Noted throughout the Spring and Summer. One on the 10th of April was the first record of the year. Three were singing at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 18th of April. The final record for the year was of one on Went Ings on the 15th of September.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus. There were no records until October when there was one at the reservoirs on the 18th and one on Went Ings on the 20th. In November there were singles at the reservoirs on the 5th & 12th, then two together on the 13th, with the final record of one on the 15th.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. Recorded regularly during the year. Two were seen nest building on the 22nd of March in the sailing club compound. The highest count for the year was c.20 on the 7th of August.

Willow Tit Poecile Montana. This species is becoming increasingly rare at Southfield, the only record for the year, was of one on Went Ings on the 20th of October.

Coal Tit Periparus ater. Another increasingly rare species at Southfield. The only records were of one on the 28th of September. And in October singles on the 3rd & 10th and two on Went Ings on the 20th.

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus. Recorded throughout the year but there were no notable flock counts.

Great Tit Parus major. Recorded throughout the year, the only notable count was of five on Went Ings on the 20th of October.

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris. There were no records until August when there was one on the 15th. Then one on the 15th of September and the 20th of October. In November there were singles at the reservoirs on the 12th, 15th, 16th & 22nd, this was the final record of the year.

Jay Garrulus glandarius. Recorded in every month except June. The highest number recorded was three on the 14th and 15th of September.

Magpie Pica pica. Recorded in every month, the highest count was of 13 together on Went Ings on the 20th of February.

Jackdaw Corvus monedula. The maximum count for the year was 120+ with Rooks at dusk on the 14th of January.

Rook C.frugilegus. The maximum counts for the year were 300+ at dusk on the 14th of January. c.300 on the 28th of June and 400+ on Went Ings on the 5th of July.

Carrion Crow C. corone. There were 35 at dusk on the 18th of January. At the Corvid roost at Cowick Gorse, a mixed flock of Crows and Rooks numbered 400+ on the 31st of January.

Starling Sturnus vulgaris. The best counts were of birds flying west in October as follows, 1,000+ on the 18th and 1,620+ on the 28th.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Recorded in every month except June. From the 1st of January to the 18th of May birds were present daily at the feeding areas at the northern and southern ends of the reservoirs; with a maximum count of 18 at the southern end on the 10th of January. One at the Fishermen's car park on the 2nd of July was the only record during that month.

In August, one at Beever's Bridge on the 20th, then c.five here on the 31st. Seen daily at Beever's Bridge from the 1st-3rd September, with a maximum of four+ here on the latter date. Birds were again present at both feeding areas in November and December, with a maximum count of 22 on the 25th of December.

Tree Sparrow P. montanus. Birds were present at both feeding areas during the winter months. with a maximum of 50+ on the 4th of March. Another count of 50+ at Beever's Bridge on the 31st of August, then increased to 150+ by the 2nd of September.

In May an adult was seen feeding a juvenile on the 17th. An adult was feeding four juveniles along the east bank on the 22nd. There were three juveniles at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 24th, the following day there were two adults and four juveniles at the northern end, where later in the day one of the juveniles was found dead.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. Recorded all year, the best count was of 25+ at the southern feeding area on the 26th of February.

Brambling F. montifringilla. Birds were present from the 1st of January to the 22nd of March at the southern feeding area, where two males were seen on the 24th & 30th of January. In February two males were seen on the 3rd, 10th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 26th & 27th. In March one male was present to the 22nd. The only April record was of one on the 6th.

In October birds noted flying west were as follows, five+ on the 16th, four the next day and seven+ on the 20th. In November one was at the southern feeding area on the 12th was the only record. In December there were singles at the southern feeding area on the 4th & 8th. One was at the northern feeding area on the 10th, followed by singles at the southern feeding area 15th, 16th, 21st & 26th.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris. Birds were present at both feeding areas in the winter months. The best counts were in January with 70+ on the 1st and 100+ on the 13th.

Goldfinch C. carduelis. From January present daily at the feeding areas. The first double figure count of the year was of 11 on the 3rd of April.

In August there was a count 25 on the 23rd and 60+ on Went Ings on the 30th. In September there was 50+ on the 10th. The best count during the final three months, was of c.30 on Went Ings on the 9th of October.

Siskin C. spinus. The first record for the year was not until a party of four flew south on the 20th of September. In October there were singles overhead on the 9th & 10th, then 5+ flew south-west on the 16th, a single flew west on the 17th, two overhead on the 18th and singles on the 26th & 29th. In November one on the 5th was the last of the year.

Linnet C. cannabina. There were 11 in the west fields on the 9th of January, this was the only double figure count until 11 on the 13th of August, followed by 15 on the 30th of August. In September 70+ were in the east fields on the 1st & 3rd and a count of c.80 flew south-west to roost on the 10th. After these, a count of 14 flying west on the 16th of October was the only double figure count to the year end, however there were no records in December.

Lesser Redpoll C. cabaret. All the records for the year are as follows, in January one in a hedgerow on the 10th, three in Willows on the 24th. In February one flew onto Went Ings on the 5th and one in a hedgerow on the 20th.

In October there were 11 on the 16th, one flew west on the 18th, five flew east on the 20th and one on the 29th. In November there were singles on the 5th & 9th. In December one on the 6th was the final record for the year.

Crossbill Loxia curvirostra. Just one record of one flying north on the 1st of June.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Recorded in every month except February. The only records of more than one, was of four on the 24th of January and three on the 26th of July.

Yellowhammer Emberiza citronella. Birds were present daily at the southern feeding area with a maximum count of 30+ on the 15th & 16th of February.

Reed Bunting E. schoeniclus. Birds were present daily at the southern feeding area with a maximum count of c.20 on the 18th of March.

Sub Species

Continental Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis. White headed birds were once again present during the winter until early spring.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba. Just one record for the year, of two birds which were seen on the middle bank on the 1st of May.

Other Species Feral/Escaped Species

Chinese Goose Anser cygnoides. The resident bird remained throughout the year.

Cape Shelduck Tadorna cana. A female was present on the 14th April and was a first for the site.

Wildfowl Hybrids.

Greylag/Canada Goose Hybrid. Singles on the 31st January, then 11th & 25th of June. Four on the 20th of July. In August three on the 3rd, on the 4th an adult Greylag and an adult Canada with three hybrid juveniles and four on the 20th of September. In October six on the 1st, four with their parents an adult Greylag and an adult Canada on the 2nd. In November singles on the 5th, 7th 9th, 12th, 18th & 22nd. Finally one on the 16th of December.

Wigeon/Mallard Hybrid. In April a female on the 23rd & 25th and a male on the 27th.

Gadwall/Mallard Hybrid. A male was present during January and February and from April to July.

List of observers who submitted records for 2018

A. Marshall

A. Scutt

C. Featherstone

J. Snowdon

R. Dresser

R. Collis

R. McClarnence

S. Furber

Apologies for any omissions

Other wildlife.

Field Vole

Fox

Mink

Rabbit

Hare

Stoat

Weasel

Roe Deer

Toad

Frog Spawn was noted in surrounding ditches

Butterflies. Compiled by Roy Dresser.

Clouded Yellow:

Comma: 

Common Blue: 

Gatekeeper: 

Green Veined White:

Large Skipper:

Meadow Brown:

Orange tip: 19th May were numerous over rape fields

Peacock:

Purple Hairstreak: 

Red Admiral:

Ringlet:

Small and Large White:

Small Copper:

Small Skipper:     

Small Tortoiseshell:

Speckled Wood: