Written by Clive Featherstone and Adrian Scutt   
Sep 15, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata

This report combines all the records as detailed in the Southfield Reservoirs  & Went Ings bird reports  for the years 1995-2004: inclusive.  Records of all sightings are given in The Birds of Southfield Reservoirs published in 1996  and updated and published 2003. 

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata.  

1995: One on 26th -27th January

1996: An immature on 22nd & 23rd January had fishing line tangled around its head.  An adult from 24th January was oiled on its underparts and died on the 27th.  An immature on 18th March was also oiled; it flew off north-east at 08.29 hours.  To end a remarkable year another immature was present from 19th -23rd December.

1997: A summer plumaged bird circled high over  the reservoirs on 9th September.  CF. AS.

2001: One came in low from the south & then flew west at 13.00hrs on the 10th of January, (AS.).  One flew north east at 06.30 on the 12th of May,  (CF. JS.)

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica

1996: A first winter bird on 31st December was the first for ten years.  (Remained into 1997:)

1997:  The bird stayed to the 12th January (Missing on the 4th and 5th but was probably along the canal as the reservoirs were partly frozen over.)

2001: At 07.50 on the 13th of May a full summer plumaged bird arrived from the west, it circled the reservoirs twice before leaving to the east.  The first May record & the eighth record to date.  (AM.  CF.  JC.  JS.  TR.)

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer

1996: A long awaited addition to the reservoirs list. A first winter bird was found at about 15.45 hours on the 8th January, it remained next day until 15.05 hours when it left to the north. (PG).  Incredibly another first winter bird was found on the 24th November, it remained to the 8th December.  (AS. JC.)

2000: A first year bird spent the day on the reservoirs on the 30th November. (CF. AS) the third record.

2004:  On 14th November one circled high to the west of the area, before leaving to the north-west.  This represents the fourth record for the site.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

1995: Two were present in January between 10th & 28th. In February one from 1st -9th and one on Went Ings on the 24th. Singles on 4th, 23rd  & 31st of March and 13th of June. Singles on six dates in August.  A single throughout September and a second bird 29th. Six were noted on the 10th -12th October, five on the 6th  & 20th November finally in December five on the 5th, 8th  & 18th.

1996: Present daily during the first three months of the year, with a maximum of six on, four dates between January and 15th February. In May singles on 5th & 15th, in June two on the 6th was the only record. Began to appear daily again from September, with good numbers for the last three months, with ten on the 18th & 19th October being the years best count.

1997: Five  on 19th January, one on 8th May the next were two on 8th   & 27th August.

1998: Maximum count for the year was seven in December, none in June or July. Otherwise 1-4 birds

1999: Max count was of nine on 15th  & 18th December.

2000: recorded in every month.  Singles on 4th May & 14th June, were the only records for those months.  Maximum count for the year was of seven in November and December, five in September, four in January and October.

2001: The maximum counts for the year were seven in January and December, six in February and November five in March.  Four in August otherwise singles were noted. 

The maximum counts for each month were.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

7

6

5

1

1

0

1

4

1

3

6

7

2002: Single birds on the 19th of May & 16th of July were the only records for those months.  In August, birds were present daily between the 14th & 17th on the flooded Went Ings, with five here on the 15th & another on the reservoirs.  The only other August record was one on the reservoirs on the 27th. 

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

5

3

1

0

1

0

1

6

2

4

8

7

2003:  Recorded regularly in the first three months of the year.  Single birds on the 24th of June & 16th of July were the only records in those months.  Single birds were recorded on nine August dates & recorded regularly from September to the year-end, with a record winter count of 12 on the 11th of November.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

7

6

1

0

0

1

1

1

3

8

12

11

2004:  A single bird on 20th July was the only record for that month.  There was one on five August dates, then recorded regularly from September to the year end.

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

8

7

4

3

0

0

1

1

3

8

8

6

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

1995: The highest monthly totals were, three on 30th January and 14th of February.  11 on 13th March & 13th April, eight on 2nd, 5th  & 19th May, 13 on 21st June, 12 on        23rd July, five on 10th August, four on 14th September, eight on 28th October, 16 on 5th   November and eight on 9th December

1996: The peak count was of 14 on 29th May.

1997: Recorded every month.  Maximum count was 14 in June and July.

1998: A count of 16 on 20th November was an unseasonably high count, between four and 12 were recorded otherwise.

1999: Max count 16 on 27th November.

2000: The peak count for the year was of 28 on 12th November.

2001: The highest count of the year was 31 on the 25th of October.

Monthly maximum counts were.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

12

15

16

16

20

18

20

6

10

31

29

22

2002: The year's highest count was 26, on the 28th April..

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

7

12

15

26

19

15

11

14

11

17

23

21

2003: Maximum count was 28 on the 24th of October.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

19

20

12

10

21

11

6

14

12

28

19

16

2004:  This species continues to increase; a new record count of 38 was achieved on 30th April. Also new record monthly counts were set in seven other months. 

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

15

22

24

38

29

28

13

9

14

22

36

34

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena.  

1997: the first record for almost eight years occurred on 7th January.  CF. AS.

2004: One was found on the 21st of January, it wasnt seen next day; and observations on the 23rd up to 14:00 hours failed to find the bird.  However it came on the pager service as being present late that afternoon.  The bird also failed to appear while late afternoon the following day, which was the last sighting.  This was the first record since January 1997: and the sixteenth overall.

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus.  

1995: One on the 5th December, was the seventh record.

1996: One on 23rd February, another from the 25th February to 27th March, it disappeared for two days but was seen again on the 30th March, it remained until 3rd April.  One was present from 24th October to 9th November.  Tenth record

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis.

1995: Five were present on the 2nd September this is the highest ever total.

1996: Two adults in. summer plumage on 3rd & 6th April, a winter plumaged bird on 10th April, a summer plumaged bird on 16th July and a juvenile on 30th July.

1997: A summer plumaged bird was present on the 18th April.  CF.

1998: A juvenile/immature was present on 3rd July and one on 5th October. 

1999: One in summer plumage on 1st April & one on 24th August. 

2000: A summer plumaged bird on 11th April was the only record for the year.

2001: A summer plumaged bird was present on the 14th of April, single moulting birds on the 24th of April & 9th of May.  Finally a summer plumaged bird was present on the 13th of June.

2003: Recorded in September with 1 on the 2nd & 2 on the 20th. There are now 31 records on 32 dates involving 43 birds.

Leachs Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa:

An addition to the reservoir list, it was found just after dawn, on the 24th of November.  The bird remained all day & gave superb views, but it was probably not well, as it just sat on the water all day, giving only two brief flight views.  A.M. C.F. A.S. P.G.- who also photographed it. 

2004:  The reservoirs second record occurred just nine months after the first.  The bird was present on August 31st from 08:25 until 10:10 when it flew off north.  This bird was a much healthier specimen than our first, which just sat on the water all day; the bird gave regular flight views during its stay.  

Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis.

1996: Two on 8th March during strong easterly winds, one left to the north the other remained to the 11th but was found dead on the 18th March.

1997: One flew east along the canal on 14th September and is the third record.  PS. AS.

Gannet Morus bassanus

Very rare passage migrant, There have now been four records 

1995: A Juvenile flew west on 25th October, was the second record.  (AS)

2001: One flew east along Went Ings on the 19th of September, during a spell of strong northerly winds.

2002: A first year bird flew west on the 25th of May, the fourth record for the area & the second in May.  AM.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

1995: Recorded on every visit throughout the year.  Peak counts were of 21, on 6th  & 19th January, 20 on 2nd February, 15 on 2nd March, 12 On 19th  & 21st April, 12 on 28th July, 16 on 5th August, nine of which flew north, 16 on 19th November & 22 on 23rd December.

1996: A new record count of 38 on 20th February.

1997: A new record count of 39 on 17th January & 5th February.

1998:  maximum count was 31 on 28th January.

1999: Max count was 35 on 24th & 26th December.

2000: A peak count of 45 on 9th November was a new record count.

2001: Recorded regularly all year.  The maximum count for the year was 38 on the 17th of September.

monthly maximums were as follows.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

34

22

16

15

9

11

15

10

38

21

30

27

2002: A new record count of 47 birds on the 1st of September involved a party of 38 flying east & nine present on the reservoirs.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

27

25

19

19

14

12

13

24

47

37

30

33

2003: A new record count of 54 was obtained on the 30th of September. 

Monthly peak counts were:

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

17

29

23

41

48

29

18

15

54

42

37

28

2004: There was a new record count of 65 on the 16th September, but nearly all the monthly counts were down on last year, apart from September and December

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

28

25

n/c

33

30

18

15

30

65

39

35

34

Continental Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis

1995: There were a number of records involving the continental race (Sinensis) Between February and April, with one to three birds noted.

1997: Sinen­sis  type  birds were seen in January one on 25th, two  on  26th, three on 27th, one on 31st.  In February singles on four dates, two  on  two dates, between 3rd  & 18th.  In March between  3rd   & 31st, singles on six dates, two on three dates.  In April singles on the 4th  & 9th  & two on the 8th.

1998: Sinensis type birds were first noted on  4th February with three, then two on 20th.  Singles on 25th  & 26th. Regular in March from the 7th usually one or two but three on 19th. In April two on 3rd and singles 7th  & 8th.

1999:  Sinensis type birds were recorded as follows, January one on 18th, two on 22nd & 27th.  February one on 1st, 2nd, 5th, 7th, 16th,  two on 8th & 18th & three on 6th, 23rd.  March one on 16th, 19th, 30th, three on 26th & four on 22nd.  April one on 6th two on 10th & three on 1st.

2000: Sinensis type birds were recorded regularly between 4th January & 15th April, usually one or two, except for three on 11th March.  Singles were also recorded on 21st, 29th & 30th of April & lastly on 2nd May

2001: Sinensis birds were recorded in January with two on the 1st & one on the 26th.  One was present on the 6th February.  In March three on the 5th, two on the 9th & singles on 14th, 15th, 20th, 24th, 25th & 30th.  In April two noted on the 20th & lastly one on the 25th.

2002: Sinensis type birds were recorded regularly between 14th January & 19th April, usually one or two birds, except three on the 24th of January & the 6th of March.

2003: Continental/Sinensis type birds were recorded on twenty-five dates between 12th of January & 9th of April.  Usually 1-2 birds, maximum was 4 on the 18th & 23rd of March.

2004: Sinensis types were recorded regularly between 16th January and 29th February; with an increase in numbers during February, with 4 on the 19th, 24th & 28th and 6 on the 29th.  No counts were taken in March, when the sites main enumerator was away on a birding holiday. There were single birds on three dates in April and two dates in May the 7th & 13th.

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

1995: Three records for the year, singles on 1st & 18th February and 29th September.

1996: One flew north-east on 14th April

2001: An immature was present from the 21st - 25th of October.

2002: An immature bird present from the 21st-24th October.

1999: Cormorant X Shag Hybrid.  Close views of this bird on  the  boat jetties, revealed features of both species. It was a rather  tatty looking  bird  with its head and neck being  partially  bald,  it showed  an  oily greenish gloss to its plumage, green  eyes  and slender bill of a of a Shag, but it had bold white thigh  patches of  a Cormorant.  It was first noted on 6th April, though it  may have been present a week before, it was last seen on 16th April.

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

A first summer plumaged bird was flushed from a small willow bush on the middle bank, on the evening of 9th May 2000: and was last seen on the 13th May. 

It was rather elusive, as its name suggests it is a bird of the night, only becoming active in the late evening until dawn.  It spent its days roosting among willows, somewhere on Went Ings and was seen flying from there to the canal gap on the large reservoir, where it secreted itself at the waters edge among the overlying vegetation and tree roots, where it was observed feeding.  Needless to say not many birders caught up with this one, which was in fact only the second record for the Doncaster district.  (AM. R & D. P. CF.  JS.)

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Very rare, an addition to the reservoirs list 

One roosted from 11th October to 11th November 1996:, it was also seen distantly in flight on 27th December.  The bird spent its days where it was initially found on the 11th, -about 3km south-east of the reservoirs at Marsh Farm, adjacent to the A 614, in a field with a herd of Charolais cattle.  This represented the sixth record in Yorkshire.  (AM) at reservoir.  (BW) initial finder at Thorne 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Very Rare passage migrant.  The first record was on 19th October1994.

On the evening of 27th April 2000: at 19.10 hours one circled the reservoirs & was seen to alight on Went Ings, but could not be relocated. (CF. JS. TR.).  At 06.20 hours on 20th 2000: May one arrived from the east & was seen to alight in the area of the new junction canal, this also could not relocated.  (AS).  These sightings represent the second & third records for the site.

2003: One on the evening of the 11th of September.  It was first noted very distantly in flight, then over the reservoirs, It was also seen sat in the west fields briefly, among gulls when almost dark; it took flight again back over the reservoirs & was eventually lost in the dark. 

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

1995: Recorded in every month, with breeding suspected to the south-west of the reservoirs. One to three noted on many dates, higher counts involved, five on 15th April, 6 adults on 12th, May, five juveniles and one adult on 12th June, six on 20th June and ten on 23rd July.

1996: Two records of five were on 4th June & 27th September.

1997: Recorded regularly, maximum counts were five on 17th April & 1st November.

1998: Ten on Went Ings on 10th November

1999: Max seven on 14th June.

2000: This species was suspected of breeding somewhere to the east of the reservoirs.  Peak counts were of 11 on 18th May & 3rd September.

2001: Maximum for the year was twelve on the 21st of May.

Monthly maximums.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

6

4

4

7

12

7

5

6

5

4

5

6

2002: Seventeen birds were seen on Went Ings on the 19th of August.  This is a new site record.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

5

6

7

6

7

6

6

17

7

7

6

5

2003: The maximum count for the year was 11 on the 31st of March & 7th of May.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

3

4

11

10

11

6

6

6

7

6

5

5

2004:  Maximum counts were 13 on the 17th of May and 11 on the west bank next day.

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

5

5

5

7

13

7

7

8

6

5

4

3

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

Very rare migrant still just the record  of 26th-27th August 1982

 

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

Very rare passage migrant An addition to the reservoir list, there have now been five records.

1996: One flew west on 29th April.  (CF. WHP.)

1997: One flew north east on 19th April.  CF. AH. AM. RP.

1998: On 2nd November an adult bird flew over the reservoirs and was seen to alight onto the flooded Went Ings, west of the aqueduct. No doubt this was the bird that had spent some time at Blacktoft Sands.  C.F.

1999: One landed on floodwater on Went Ings on 23rd April.  (AM)

2000: One flew west at 13.15 hours on 12th April. (AS).

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

1995: Recorded throughout the year and present daily during July-August. The highest counts for the year were, 18 on 8th January, 20 on 3rd June, between five and 13, from July-August, 11 on 12th September, 19 on 6th October and ten on 31st December.

1996: Twelve on 21st April & 26th December.

1997: Eighteen on the 25th of January was the highest count for the year.  Two adults with four cygnets were at the River Went footbridge on 18th July.

1998:19 on 1st June.  A pair with four cygnets appeared on the reservoirs on 7th July and remained until 4th September.

1999: Twenty on 12th September was the max;  a  pair  was noted on the canal with two cygnets on 20th August.

2000: The maximum count for the year was of 38 on 21st & 25th July.  A pair appeared on the reservoirs with three cygnets on 25th July.

2001: A pair bred at the reservoir for the first time & had five cygnets on the 29th of May.  They moved off along the canal & were not seen for some time.  What was presumably the same family were Seen on the 12th of July when the cygnets were well grown, but only four young remained, they stayed around the reservoir until late into the year.  A second pair might have bred on Went Ings as a cygnet & two adults appeared on the 18th of June.

Maximum monthly totals were.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

24

12

12

13

11

22

30

36

5

6

10

14

2002: The peak count of 40 on the 10th of November was a new record. On August the 8th a pair appeared with five well-grown cygnets, they were seen intermittently until the year-end.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

9

5

8

7

9

14

17

17

13

22

40

31

2003:  Table shows maximum counts for each month.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

30

27

40

42

9

15

18

20

6

11

10

11

2004:  Monthly maximum counts were;

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

9

12

n/c

9

12

24

31

18

15

22

4

7

Bewick's Swan/Tundra Swan Cygnus bewickii

1995: An adult flew west on 26th October the only other record was of two adults on the reservoirs for 45 minutes on 20th November.

1996: In January five adults on the frozen reservoir on the 4th remained next morning until 08.25. Two adults west on 6th and ten at dawn on the 16th flew off north west at 08.40. In December two adults & two immatures for ten minutes on the 14th left west, finally nine on 21st spent the day on the flooded Went Ings, leaving to the north at 16.20 hours.

1997: In January five on 2nd, six adults on 3rd, further adults  were one on 17th  & four on 24th.  In October three  west on 29th  & two adults on 1st November.

1998: No records

1999:  No records

2000: On 22nd December seven including one immature, were on the reservoirs & later left to the east, two other birds flew south-west later the same day.

2001: Two adults & two immatures were on the frozen Resevoir on the 1st of January they left to the east late in the afternoon.  Probably the same family reappeared on the13th January. 

2002: An adult on the reservoirs on the 9th October was our earliest ever.  A good series of records in November started on the 3rd when five adults flew west.  Birds were then present on the flooded Went Ings.  Starting with two adults on the 8th & three from the 9th-14th.  On the latter date the farmer who owns the oil seed rape field, where the Tundra swans & 27 Mute swans were, began to let off maroons to scare the birds off, consequently the Tundra swans were not seen again.  Finally two birds were seen to fly onto Went Ings on the 21st of November. 

2003: An adult was on Went Ings on the 2nd of January.  A new record count was obtained on 14th of March, when Herds of 14 & 18 flew west in the evening.  Finally an adult was present with 5 Whooper Swans on the 14th-15th of November

2004:  A single bird arrived from and departed back to the east on the 2nd of January.

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

1995: In January two were present on the 4th and two flew west on the 12th.  In February ten flew west on the 1st, two adults and two immatures on the 6th and two east on the 26th. One on 11th May was the first record in that month. The first to return was one on 30th September, then on 2nd November there were two adults in the morning and one in the afternoon, followed by seven east on the 17th. There was just One record in December of three adults east on the 9th.

1996: A good year for this species. In January two on the 12th, eight west on 14th and three north on 18th. February four on 22nd & 23rd. March ten, on 26th.  April two on 1st. May two on 7th. October four south on 12th, six adults west on 19th. An adult on reservoir briefly left east on 24th, three adults & three immatures present for about half an hour on 30th and four adults present for quarter of an hour on 31st. November two adults & two immatures for half an hour on 1st, three adults north west on the 6th one adult west on 11th, two adults on 16th and immatures on 4th  & 22nd. December two adults & an immature on 4th, four adults on Went Ings on 24th left to the south-east.

1997: Two adults & two immatures on  3rd January.  An adult  east  on 23rd October & west on 26th.  Three adults  &  an immature on the reservoir on 12th November.

1998:16 flew east on 19th March.  The next was six  south  on  20th October,  an adult on the reservoirs on 14th November  then  five adults  on 29th  & 30th.  In December five (2 immatures) on 28th and 31st.  21 swans seen distantly heading north, to the east of the  reser­voirs on 4th April were thought to have been this species.

1999: Three adults & two immatures remained from 28th December 1998: into 1999:, but only four birds seen from the 16th January, (adult missing this was found shot dead on Went  Ings).  The remaining four stayed to 2nd March.  Also in March ten on the reservoirs  on  26th & 14 west on 16th, the last was 15 flying north-west on 19th April.  Three immature birds on 18th November was the only record in the latter part of the year.

2000: An adult from 9th January, was joined by another adult on the 17th January, one remained to the 15th of March & the other to the 22nd March. Two adults flew south on 6th October.  In December 11 on the reservoirs on the 3rd later left to the east.  Five (two adults) occurred on the 7th, on the 20th two adults flew east, later the same day two adults & two immatures flew south. Then on the 27th five birds flew east.

2001: A single adult was seen on the 6th, 9th & 11th of January, then five adults on the 19th & 20th of January.  An adult flew east on the 19th of March.  Single adults were present from the 2nd to the 6th of May & from the 26th of June to the1st of July. The first June & July records. Three adults & two immatures were on the flooded Went Ings on the 29th of October.  In November four adults remained for just ten minutes on the 5th & four adults & an immature flew south on the 10th.  On the 12th of December three adults & two immatures flew east & later a single adult appeared on the reservoir.  Three adults & three immatures flew west on the 15th & next day two adults flew north-west, also a party of nine swans flying west were thought to be Whooper swans.  The last were two adults north on the 18th & west on the 24th.

2002: In January three adults were on the reservoirs on the 14th.  Four adults flew west on the 18th; an adult & an immature flew east on the 29th.  In March 20 flew onto the reservoirs at dusk on the 13th, next day 14 flew north over the reservoirs just after dawn.  In April 12 flew north-west on the 4th.  In October an adult on the 19th, two south on the 20th, four on 22nd, six adults 23rd, seven north-west on 27th & five east on the 31st.  In November, three adults on the 4th, on the 12th three adults were present on Went Ings, along with Tundra & mute swans, also on the 12th, 14 flew west.  Next day the three on Went Ings were still present & a party of six flew north.  A single adult bird flying east on the 5th December was the final record of the year. 

2003: On the 2nd of January 2 adults were on Went Ings & an adult on the reservoirs on the 21st.  On the 9th of March 2 adults arrived from the north & joined a party of Mute swans on Went Ings.  On the 14th 2 adults & an immature were on the reservoirs early morning leaving to the North-west later, also 3 adults were present that evening.  On the 24th an adult arrived & joined the Mute Swans, remaining until the 6th April.

In October 5 flew south on the 3rd.  3 were on the reservoirs for thirty minutes on the 4th then flew off west.  1 present for ten minutes on the 11th & 2 flew south next day, 4 (1 immature) present for twenty minutes left to the north on the 24th.  In November 3 adults present on the 2nd, then 5 adults present on the 10th, 11th, 14th & 15th.

2004:  Six adults flew east on the 2nd of January.  In April an adult was on the reservoirs on the 3rd and an adult flew west on the 16th.  In October two flew north on the 28th and five flew south on the 31st.  In November an adult on the 2nd and on the 7th six flew north in the morning and 16 flew south in the afternoon.  Six flew west on the 14th and two adults were on the reservoirs on the 17th.  In December three flew south-west on the 5th, seven east on the 6th and finally three flew west on the 26th.      

Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis.  A new species for the site for one lucky observer, as a single bird flew south on the 21st October. (A.M).

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus

1995: Recorded January-March and September- December. Three were grounded in the north fields on 11th January.  Skeins passing over were c175 north-west on 15th, 600+ west in three skeins of 200+ on the 19th. Two circled the reservoirs before leaving east on the 22nd. In February c130 flew north on the 16th. In March c180 & c85 flew west on the 13th. The first of autumn was a single on 28th September, then 60+ east on the 29th. In October 450+ flew east on the 5th and a single north on the 30th. 200+ north on 1st November. There were smaller numbers noted through December, with 19 south east on the 4th, four east next day. One on the reservoir on the 14th, 23 west next day, birds were heard overhead on a foggy 28th. The last of the year was two on the 30th. Unidentified distant Grey Geese, which were probably this species were noted on 25th November when 45 & c60 passed near Thorpe Marsh.

1996: January, c105 north west on 10th , one south east on 11th  , three south on 20th . 80 north-west and five present on Went Ings on 25th, two in stubble field off east bank on 31st remained to 3rd February.  February, c250 north-west on 23rd. March, 69 west on 20th, c120 west on 26th and four north next day. October 22 south on 4th, c.65 east on 10th, c50 north west on 11th, c70 east on 26th and 96 south-east on 30th. November, c80 south-east on 1st, 25 south east on 7th and skeins of 21 & 109 west on 29th. December 25 flew west on 8th  & c100 east on 14th. 

GREY GEESE Skeins of unidentified grey geese were recorded as follows. January 7th c80 flew south-east. 22nd 50 south-east, 28th eight east with c30 Barnacle Geese. March 26th 17 north, 27th c28 north. October 15th skeins of c150, c150 & 20 all east distant.

1997: January.  Skeins of 250+ & 150+ west on  14th, 36  west next day, one circled the reservoirs and flew  north  on the  30th.   February.  200 west on 1st, c60 west  on  23rd,  c30geese  seen  distantly flying east on 9th.  March.  c70  west  on 4th ,  c40  geese  were seen distantly flying west on 3rd .   May. 100+west  on 1st.  June.  Two on 4th. October.  14 west on 2nd,  one south  on 3rd, four west on 5th, c50 south east on 23rd.   Novem­ber.  Skeins of c150 & 30 south east & 23 west on 9th , 78 west  & 30 south on 16th .

1998: January 50+ east on the 6th, c480 west in six skeins then a single West on 15th, one north east on 25th. February 50 north- west on 20th.  September eight east on 29th.  October 26 west on 15th, the same numbers was reported down on Thorne Moors a few days earlier & were seen arriving from that direction.  November c150 west on 11th, 100+ 0n 16th. December 31 west on 16th.  100+  geese seen distantly flying south- east on 1st January  were probably this species.

1999: January 1st, 40+ west, 7th, 34 east, 9th 32 east, 26th 50+ west.  February 6th, 24 west, 8th 300+ also 27 & 1 all west, 12th 120+  west, 23rd 100 north-west.  March 11th three south, April 4th 34 west, September 30th 36 east, October 15th 70 east, November 3rd two.  Twelve unidentified Grey geese north- east on 27th October were probably this species.

2000: In January seven flew east on the 20th & 68 west on 23rd. Seventy west on 11th February, c480 flew north-west in three skeins on 24th April & one north on 15th May.  In October 54 east on 13th, 11 north-west on 27th & 34 north-west on 29th.  In November 107 south-east in two skeins on the 3rd, c120 south-east on 10th, 41 north-west on 18th.  Two were down in the east fields on 19th, c80 east on 24th. Skeins of 100 & 90 east on 27th.   In December on the 10th skeins of 52, 120 & 5 flew east.  38 north on 15th, one south on 17th & one on the reservoirs on 27th.         

2001:  In January one on the 1st, then skeins of 36 & 17 east on the 6th, 42 north on the 12th, 48 north & one on the Reservoir on the 13th & one present on the 28th.  In February birds heard moving north-west in the fog on two occasions on the 1st.  One was present from the 6th -11th.  21 flew south-east on the 8th, then skeins of 23, 60 & 200+ west on the 10th & 45 west on the 25th.  In March 140 west on the 15th.  One present with four Greylag geese, on the 13th  & 14th of April.  In October c50 flew east on the 11th, 18 west on the 17th, one north-west on the 22nd  & 37 west on the 28th.  In November 14 flew west on the 1st & 60+ west on the 11th.  In December 33 north-west on the 2nd, then on the 3rd heard moving west in low cloud, 42 flew west on the 6th, 50 east on the 7th & six west on 9th.

2002: In January 39 south-west on the 1st, 23 east on the 14th, 125 west on the 27th & c200 east on the 31st.  In February skeins of 52 & 36 flew north-west on the 3rd & ten north on the 14th.  In March skeins of 250+, 120+, 70+ & 65 flew west on the 1st.  In May four arrived from the west & left to the north.  Also in May one was present from the 17th-21st.  In September five east on the 17th was our earliest return date, followed by skeins of 150+ & 30 south-east on the 22nd, 36 east on the 25th & 28 east on the 27th.  In October 26 east on the 1st, & three next day, 12 south on the 3rd, five west on the 8th & 14 east on the 27th.  In November c30 geese seen distantly moving west on the 3rd were probably this species. 12 flew west on the 4th & c100 moved east on the 11th.  In December 35 east on the 5th, 15 west on the 6th & 40 east on the 25th.

2003: In January 39 flew north-west on the 3rd, 73 geese seen distantly flying west on the 6th, were probably this species & on the 21st c.110 flew west.  In February skeins of 150+ & 120 flew north-west on the 6th.  2 arrived onto the reservoirs on the 15th & 46 flew west on 28th.

The final record for the period & the only record in March was c.60 north-west on the 14th.

In September 22 flew east on the 25th & 63 west on the 28th.  In October 22 flew south on the 3rd.  On the 5th a large easterly movement through Yorkshire, produced skeins of 7, 120+ & 150+ over Southfield.  On the 11th a skien of c.120 flew west, next day 14 east & 80+ west, then 24 east on the 14th.  In November, 6 on the reservoirs & adjacent east fields on the 1st.  200+ south-east on the 15th, c50 north on the 25th, 86 west 27th & 55 west on the 28th.  In December heard moving east in fog on the 2nd.  41 north-west on the 7th, c.100 east on the 15th, 17 east on the 22nd & finally skeins of c.65 & c.90 west on 31st.

2004:  The only January record was of 83 flying west on the 11th.  In February skeins of 80 & 55 flew west together on the 12th, next day at dawn three were on the middle bank before flying to the west fields; later that morning one arrived low from the east and continued westwards.  On the 15th 108 flew west.  The only March record was of 36 north-east on the 26th.  In April nine flew north on the 14th and on 11th May a single arrived from & departed back east.  The first to return was 31 flying north-west on the 28th September.  In October c.110 flew east on the 3rd, 77 east on the 5th and on the 27th a total of 340 birds in six skeins flew west (largest skein 95); also on this date four birds arrived from the north-west and alighted for a short time just before nightfall departing eastwards.  180 flew west on the 28th and 21 west on the 29th; then Skeins of 750+ & c.150 flew north-west on the 30th.  In November 51 west on the 1st, some were heard calling as they moved south-east in fog on the 7th 35 south on the 10th.  On the 14th skeins of c.190, c.190, & c.120 flew east finally for November 45 flew west on the 19th.  In December a skein of 300+ flew west on the 9th, 65 west on the 22nd, a skein of 320+ on the 29th and finally on the 30th one east and 33 west.            

White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

1996: In January one from 10th-13th, 15 were on the reservoirs on 21st, nine on 31st arrived from north and left north-west, four west on 5th March & one on the res. on 6th May.

1997: One circled the reservoirs then flew east 0n 27th January.  CF. AS.

2001: Four flew south on the 31st of October.  The first October record

Greylag Goose Anser anser

1995: One present from 1st -15th January, one on 9th February, two on the 14th  & 23rd March. In April singles on 2nd, 8th, 13th  & 28th, Two on 4th  & 9th, four on 11th   & 29th and eight on 12th. In May singles on the 3rd, 12th, 20th  & 24th, two on 5th & 8th. Two on 4th & 12th June. Eight on 17th August, the last of the year was one on 6th September.

1996: c40 north-east on 26th July.

1997: C60 on 22nd February.

1998: Maximum count for the year was seven in June, recorded in January and March-June

1999: Max ten on 24th September

2000: In January singles on 1st & 10th & ten on the 7th.  Two on 23rd February.  In March singles on 19th, 22nd & 30th.  Recorded on twelve April dates & twelve May dates, with 12 birds on the 22nd of May being the best count.   In June three on 6th & two on 15th.  Twelve flew south-east on 15th July.  Two north on 14th August.  In September, one on 4th, seven on 21st, five east on 23rd.  Five on 16th October.  In December eight on 19th, 25 west on 24th, two on 25th & 12 west on 27th.

2001: In January seven noted on the 20th, two on the 23rd  & 26th, In February one seen on the 23rd  & 27th.  From the 9th of March a pair took up residence & remained to the 25th of May.  In April eight seen on the 1st, three on the 10th, seven on the 12th, four on the 13th  & 14th, five on the 15th, four on the 21st  & five on the 26th.   Sixteen geese in flight at dusk on the 30th were probably this species. In May 10 (eight north) on the 2nd, five on the 6th, six (four south) on the 19th  & four on the 30th. In June seven flew north on the 1st & two on the 17th.  One noted on the 10th of July. In October 15 flew south on the 2nd & one east on the 14th.  In December five flew west on the 1st, seven flew east on the 2nd  & three north-west on the 13th.  None were recorded in August, September or November.

2002: Recorded every month except January & November.  In February two on the 4th, nine on 23rd & four on 27th.  Recorded regularly from March 1st-30th of May.  The best counts of the year were in May, with 11 on the 7th, 12 on the 6th, 8th & 9th.  A pair attempted breeding on the middle bank but they were unsuccessful.  The only June record was of seven east on the 14th.  Recorded on four July dates, two August dates, with 11 birds on the 18th, two dates in September, six dates in October & singles on three December dates.

2003: In January recorded on five dates between the 4th & 31st maximum was 3 on the 10th.  In February recorded on eight dates from the 2nd-28th with a of maximum of 8 on the 21st.  Present daily from March 2nd to the year-end.  A record five pairs bred, producing 28 young, 22 of which survived to become fully fledged.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

3

8

11

15

13

31

31

33

35

40

33

64

 

2004:  The feral birds which colonised the reservoirs last year remained throughout 2004:. Five pairs bred again, producing 29 young of which 28 survived to become fully fledged.  New site monthly maximum counts were set for every month MarchDecember.  In September a new record count of 83 was set; the birds were then present throughout the month. The previous maximum was 80 on 1st January 1990.

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

64

32

32

28

26

56

51

50

83

76

51

55

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

1995: In March two on the 18th, and singles on 14th  & 26th in April three on the 1st and singles on 9th, 11th  & 15th, - three on the 12th. two on the 24th  & 28th , 12 on the 27th . In May singles on the 1st  & 20th. In June 24 south on the 4th. In September. 35 on the 6th, seven on 7th October and one on 3rd of December.

1996:15 on reservoir  on 11th June and 11 on 25th September were the highest counts of a poor year for this species

1997: A  poor year for this species 33 on 5th June & one remained from 23rd to 25th October.

1998: Recorded March-August  with a maximum counts of 18 in March, 17 in April and 10 in August.

1999: One on Went Ings on 11th March then two on 16th, this pair became resident into June, they may have attempted breeding on the middle bank.  13 flew north on 14th June.

2000: A single bird recorded on four January dates & five dates in February.  From 1st March to 19th May recorded almost daily, with a count of 17 on 16th April the most.  In June 13 south on 8th & 31 unidentified geese flying north-east on the same day were probably this species, three flew south next day.  One on 27th July & in August 11 on the 23rd then on the 28th 31 unidentified geese flying south-west were probably this species. 

2001: In March two on the 14th, five on the 15th, two on the 17th & 18th, & singles on the 26th, 27th  & 30th.  In April five on the 1st, four on the 10th, one on the 13th & 14th, three on the 16th & 24th, one on the 27th   & two on the 29th.  In May two on the 2nd, one on the 3rd & 13th -15th, two on the 27th  & four on the 31st.  In June six flew south on the 4th & seven east on the 7th.  From the 16th a pair were resident & remained to the 2nd of August.  A flock of 18 flew south on the 17th of June.  Two on the 1st & 3rd November were the last of the year

2002: . Recorded every month except December.  One was seen on the 9th of January.  In February two seen on eight dates & four on the 17th.  In March two on six dates & four on the 8th.  In April two present on the 9th, one on the 14th & four on the 16th.  On the 8th of May two adults appeared with two goslings, down to one gosling on the 15th, these remained to the 18th of July.  Also in May three adults present on the 19th.  In June nine flew north on the 10th, 16 south on the 11th & one on the 25th.  In August three were on Went Ings on the 5th.  In September one on the 3rd, 14 on the 25th & 26th & 15 on the 27th.  In October ten were present between the 11th and 16th, (except the 13th).  In November three were on Went Ings with the swans, from the 12th-14th, until scared off by the farmer.  They reappeared on Went Ings on the 19th & remained to the 22nd.  Four birds appeared on the 24th-25th, three remained next day.  These were the last of the year.

2003: The year's maximum count was 22.  A pair became resident from the 27th of March & eventually bred, producing 3 young; the party was last seen on the 20th of July.  On the 1st of June 8 were present & 14 flew north.  A party of 22 became resident from 5th of December to the year-end falling to 21 from the 27th. 

On 7th of March one flew west, showing pale upperwing patches, suggesting it was a hybrid.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

0

4

2

7

4

22

5

9

0

0

1

22

No of bird days

0

5

8

Present daily

20

1

0

0

1

26

 

2004:  For the first time birds were recorded during every month of the year.  A new record count of 75 was set on the 3rd of October, beating the previous 51 from 9th June 1986.  Two pairs bred this year and produced 12 young, 11 surviving to fledge.

New record monthly counts were set in six months of the year, the previous best for January being just one, February and November-four and July five.  

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

22

14

13

12

8

17

26

20

71

75

30

14

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

1995: Two on 28th September and three flew north on 4th December.

1996: Four from 21st-27th January, one of which was colour ringed. (ringed Gotland Sweden as juvenile on 13th July 1994). The party was down to three on the 28th; they remained in the area until 3rd February.  c30 flew east on 28th  January which was  a record count.

1997: Fourteen south on 29th October.

1999: Two present for half an hour on 12th June.  12 circled the reservoirs before leaving north-west on 4th October, they were part of an influx of this species into north east England.

2000: One on 23rd May with 12 Greylag geese was of suspect origin.

2001: The only record was of one on the 4th of July.

2002: Three flew west on the 8th of December.

2004:  In April one was present from the 1st to the 4th

Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla  

1995:   Two on the 1st and 4th of December.

2000: Two on the reservoirs on the 25th December remained for fifteen minutes before leaving to the north.  CF.

2008: Four present on January 4th & 5th & Two on December 8th

1999: BLACK GOOSE Sp. 120 either Brent or Barnacle geese were seen distantly, south of the reservoirs flying east on 6th November. 

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus

2002: On May 11th one arrived early morning and had departed by the evening, almost certainly the same bird reappeared on the 28th of May.

2004:  One present on the 2nd of November; was the fourth Southfield record.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

1995: Recorded every month except August. One pair bred, probably on Went Ings, representing a new breeding record. Two adults and ten young were first seen on the reservoirs on 6th June, falling to nine on the 26th and eight by the 29th. In July eight were seen up to the 5th when only six were noted with no adults.  A second pair was also present on Went Ings between, May 16th & June 20th. The highest counts for the year were 15 in January and 12 in September, other records involved between one and six birds on 32 dates.

1996: Recorded on seventeen days in May. 15 flew east on 18th June, ten juveniles south east on 8th August. 21 circled the res. and flew north-east on 4th September. 26 present on 17th November & 21 next day, finally 11 on 20th December.

1997: A pair was resident in March, mostly on  Went  Ings. Breeding was noted for the second time ever when a  pair appeared with seven young on 11th June, they were last seen on the 15th swimming  east  along the canal away from the reservoirs.  August produced counts of 22 on 19th, 35 on 29th, 23 on 30th  & in December 27 on 26th.

1998: 56  on the reservoirs on 23rd January was a new record count.  In August 19 east on the 1st, 13 east next day, then 15  were  on  the reservoirs on 2nd October.  A pair appeared on the reservoirs with seven young on 10th June, they  were  seen on Went Ings next day but only  five  young  re­mained,  they were seen for the last time on 22nd June.   Another pair was seen on the reservoirs on 20th June with nine young but were never seen again.

1999: 15 on 1st February, ten on Went Ings Floods on 22nd April, 13 on the reservoirs on 19th May.  A pair with 13 young on 28th May were not seen again after this date.

2000: In January five on the 10th, four on the the17th, three on the 20th & one on the 27th. In February two on the 9th, one on the 10th & three on the 25th.  In March recorded on nine dates with a maximum of four on the 12th.  Recorded regularly in April & May, with 11 on the 19th April & eight on the 24th May being the highest counts.  On 2nd June a pair appeared on the reservoirs with 11 young falling to nine by the next day, they were not seen again after this date.  Four adults on the 15th June were the last until July.  During July two adults & two juveniles on the 18th, four juveniles on the 25th & one on the 26th.  In August two on the 12th & eight on the 28th.  In September one on the 3rd & 13th, four on the 27th.  There were no records in October.  In November 20 on the 7th, one on the 23rd.  In December one on the 19th, six on the 22nd one on the 23rd  & two on the 26th & 30th.     

2001: Recorded every month, but on only one date in October & December.  The best counts were 20 on the 30th of August & 17 0n the 19th of September.  There was no other double figure counts.

2002: Recorded in every month.  Records were obtained on fifty-eight dates in the first half of the year, but on only fifteen dates during the second half.  There was only one double figure count during the year & that was of a party of 16 that flew south-west on the 9th of January. 

2003: On the 11th of May 11 were on the Went Ings barrier bank & 12 were flying around Went Ings on the 20th.  The maximum counts for the year were 14 on the reservoirs on 3rd of July these left to the east & 12 on the 23rd of August.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

3

6

3

4

12

11

14

12

0

9

0

1

No of bird days

4

9

5

12

31

8

2

2

0

2

0

2

2004:  The maximum count for the year was 13 on 25th August.

Shelduck

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

5

7

5

8

9

7

4

13

9

1

1

7

No of  bird days

5

12

10

16

20

7

4

5

5

1

1

3

Wigeon Anas penelope

1995: Peak counts during the early part of the year were 75 on January 28th, 89 on February 24th and 109 on March 10th. A pair was present on 11th -12th May. The first autumn arrivals were two on September 1st, then 15 on the 3rd and 17 on the 11th. In October the maximum count was 20 on the 30th followed by 46 on November 2nd and c85 on December 27th.

1996: 211 on 29th January was a record count, this was then broken on 1st February with a count of 229.  A male was present from 9th -12th of May. The first to return was on 30th July. c190 were present on 25th  December, with a further record count next day of c275.

1997: 170 on 1st February.  A male on 1st June & 11 on 2nd July.

1998: Maximum counts were 144 in January, 151 in February and 138 in December.  No records from May-August. 

1999: Maximum counts were 210 in January 180 in February and 197 in December.

2000: A pair on 15th May, four on 6th July & maximum counts of 180 in January and 200 on 16th December.

2001: There were no records from May - July.  maximum counts were 262 in January, 292 in February 167 in March and 140 in December.

Monthly maximum counts were as follows.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

262

292

167

8

0

0

0

15

25

32

84

140

 

2002:   A male bird with a damaged wing was present from the 5th of April to the year-end.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

220

263

180

11

1

1

1

1

43

25

180+

257

2003: A new site record of c.485 was achieved on 6th of January.  In April after 7 on the 8th, there were none until a male on the 17th, which remaind to the 28th.  In September recorded on fourteen dates between 3rd & 25th.  There was a passage of 144 birds, which arrived from the east on the 12th, with flocks of 41 & 29 continuing west & 74 alighting on the reservoirs.  Recorded on just nine dates in October, then regularly to year-end.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

c485

273

68

8

0

0

0

0

144

39

47

119

2004:  In April a pair on the 8th, a male on the 24th & 25th; and noted on Went Ings on the 1st of May.  In the second half of the year, one on the flooded Went Ings on 26th August.  In September present daily from the 2nd-12th, then none until the 26th, thereafter present daily to the 30th.  In October after 70 on the 1st just six remained next day.  The next best count was in October with 30 on the 30th.

Wigeon monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

216

218

136

2

1

0

0

1

14

70+

118

214

Gadwall Anas strepera

1995: Recorded on 34 dates and in all months except January and July. The maximum count was of three birds on nine dates.

1996: Regular from January to 24th May, with 7 on 1st May. One on 15th June was the only record in that month. The next was two on 4th August, then recorded on 25 days to the year-end, with eight on 29th October the most.

1997: Maximum nine on 4th January.  A male on 5th  & 6th June, the next were two on 28th August.

1998: Records of this species have been increasing during the 1990s and breeding was confirmed this year for the first time, a female with nine  well grown young was seen on 10th July, another female was seen with one small chick on 28th July but was not seen again. Maximum count for the year was 21 in December

1999: Max counts were 32 on 2nd February, 33 on 18th December.

2000: Two on 27th July was the only record for the month.  32 on 14th October was a sudden increase, after 12 the previous day.  A record count of 40 on 30th December was another dramatic increase after 15 the previous day, probably due to the cold frosty weather.

2001: A new record count of 51 was obtained on the 16th of January.  Two broods seen on the 6th of July consisted of two well grown young & six small ducklings. Monthly counts were-

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

51

23

48

10

5

1

6

4

2

11

27

25

2002: Recorded regularly all year.  On the 18th of June a party of 10 were seen to arrive early morning & depart soon afterwards at 07:30.  A female was seen with four young on the 10th of July.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

30

37

34

6

5

10

1

8

2

8

22

37

2003: Maximum count was 45 on 6th of January.  Recorded on single dates in June (2nd) & July (3rd).  Noted on two August dates 22nd (2) & 31st.  In September 2 on five dates & 3 on four dates. Noted on ten October dates, on four November dates & on fifteen-plus December dates.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

45

33

17

14

5

3

1

2

3

4

9

11

2004:  A female was on the reservoirs with eight young on the 8th of June, falling to six on the 22nd.  Another female with two young was seen on Went Ings on the 5th of July.  On the 23rd of June 10 flew east and a single flew onto the reservoirs later that morning.  In September recorded on just six dates.    

Monthly maximum Gadwall counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

22

25

24

9

4

11

1

9

4

13

10

20

Common Teal Anas crecca

1995: Generally recorded in single figures, with one or two records in all months except April and May. The highest count was of 145 on Went Ings on February 24th. The only other double figure counts were of 41 in January, 75 in March and 20 in December.

1996: Maximum counts were  75 on 12th January, 63 on 16th November, 112 on 24th December.

1997: All counts were from Went Ings floodwater, except 21 on the reservoirs  on 13th April & 83 came off Went Ings onto  the  reser­voirs on 3rd December.

1998: 104 on Went Ings on 18th April.

1999: maximum 70 in January 77 in December. No records in June or july

2000: A peak count of 78 on 1st January.

2001: In October Teal were recorded on only seven dates to the 22nd, then flooding occurred on Went Ings overnight 22nd-23rd; they were then recorded daily with a peak of 120+ on the 26th.

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

104

93

80

22

1

0

7

17

7

120+

5

11

2002: Unseasonable flooding on Went Ings in August meant birds were present there from the 10th onwards & a record month count of 82 was obtained on the 20th.  Unusual evening only counts in September involved 39 arriving from the north & flying east on the 10th & 40 flew through on the 16th.   

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

86

165

72

4

0

0

0

82

120

35

65

155

2003: Noted regularly in the first three months, with a maximum of 150+ on the 5th of January.  In April noted on seven dates.  In May a pair on the 3rd & a male on the 30th.  The only June record was of 7 on the 27th.  In August recorded on four dates, with 10 on the 25th & 12 on the 18th.  Noted on ten dates in September & October, eight dates in November & twelve-plus dates in December.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

150+

42

37

10

2

7

0

12

6

10

13

14

2004: The only March record was a pair on the 1st.  Recorded on five April dates; the only May records were on Went Ings with a pair on the 1st and a male on the 7th. One on 22nd July was the only record for the month.  In August one on the 12th was the only record before the Went Ings flooded, then present on the Ings from the 16th and throughout September and into October.  100+ on Went Ings on the 28th of October was the maximum count for the year

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

55

53

2

17

2

0

1

90

91

100+

59

32

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

1995: Recorded throughout the year. Peak counts were of 476 on January 3rd and 475 on the 28th, 237 on February 2nd and 148 on March 4th. Smaller numbers were noted during the summer months. At least eight broods of ducklings were seen. Numbers increased from September with 105 on the 22nd. 136 in October. 174 in November and c440 on 27th December.

1996: The highest counts were of c328 on 1st February & c365 on 26th December. Breeding success was very poor with just five broods of ducklings noted. Monthly peak counts were.

1997:274 was the highest count, on 18th January.

1998: A  nest containing 11 eggs was found on 3rd April, a female with 13 young was seen on 14th April, all together eight broods  were counted, 24 young were on Went Ings on 15th May. Maximum counts 276 in January and 375 in November.

1999: There were record counts in December, 535 on 20th, 605 on 28th, 674 on 29th.  Seven broods were noted during  spring  & summer, including a yellow duckling one of a brood of nine,  this is still present as an adult, it is mostly white with a dusky head and a few dark markings.

2000: On 15th September a record autumn count of 620 was obtained.  Then on 31st December a new site record count of 800 birds were counted.  During the breeding season 14 broods were counted.

2001: Nine broods of ducklings were recorded.  There was heavy predation of eggs this year, mostly if not all of it down to Carrion Crows.  Maximum totals were 650+ in January 342 in March. Maximum month totals are as follows.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

650+

320+

342

29

47

110

72

155

133

252

242

242

2002: Only five broods of ducklings were noted this year.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

400+

247

110

45

75

42

37

180+

180

147

260

270

2003: Maximum count for the year was 730 on the 6th of January.  Eight broods of young were noted.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

730

425

63

48

90

99

63

53

173

81

124

c280

2004:  This years maximum count of 300 on the 28th of January was well down on last years maximum of 730.  Seven broods of young were noted on the reservoirs in the breeding season.

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

300

182

90+

31

57

70

59

180+

134

228

157

270

Pintail Anas acuta

1995: Recorded January to March and September to December, on 29 dates. The highest counts were of 13-(8Bs) on February 6th and 16-(9 Bs) on February 13th. Other records involved between one and eight birds. An eclipse male was present between July 24th and August 18th, on the latter date it was joined by another eclipse male, both had departed by next morning.

1996: Seen in all months except May-August on 36 dates. The maximum count was of six on 9th October otherwise one-three were noted.

1997: January 5th a female, five three were  males on 21st.  February only males recorded this month, two on 2nd singles on 5th, 9th, 12th &13th.  March female on 3rd.  September seen regularly from 2nd to 26th, singles on eleven dates. 36 flew west on 12th in flocks  of 2,  15  & 19.  October two on 7th & 13th eclipse male 25th  &  a female  28th.  December two pairs on 23rd. Three, one male,  from 29th -31st.

1998: In January three (1 male) on 1st & 2nd, three males on 4th,  a pair on 5th & 13th , seven (2 males) on 15th , six (5  males) on 20th , single male 23rd & 24th.  No records in February. In March male on 6th, three (1 male) 12th & 13th, a pair from 17th-19th, a male on 23rd.  The next was in September with one on 12th & 18th and four on 22nd.  In October one on 1st & 30th, in November two females on 5th, in December two females on 16th, 17th, 26th & 27th  and a male on the 29th.

1999: In January a female on 6th, two female & a male on  7th, two  female  on 10th, two male & two female on 12th,  male  13th, pair  on 21st, three pair on 31st. February a pair on 1st & 2nd, two  pair  6th, a male 7th, 11th & 12th. September two  on  11th, five on 13th, one 15th. October two on 6th, one on 22nd. December two males from 16th -19th.

2000: In January four Bs & 2 @s on the 2nd, with a single B next day & on the 13th, then a pair on the 14th.  Two Bs on 5th February & a pair on 21st March.  In September recorded on seven dates between 12th & 30th, with singles on three dates, two present & 15 west on the 12th, 10 on the reservoirs on 16th, three on the reservoirs & 16 west on the 20th then five on the 24th. In October singles 3rd, 8th & 14th, two on 12th & 24th with a count of nine north-west on the 9th.  In November a B on the 7th, a @ on 19th, 27th, 28th & 30th. In December single @s on four dates, two @s on three dates, Three @s on 24th, & a single B on three dates.  A pair on 19th & two Bs & a @ on the 14th.      

2001: In January, a single B on seven dates & a pair on the 9th & 15th.  Three (two Bs) on the 11th & 12th.  An excellent showing in February started with a pair on the 6th, then 15 (10 Bs) on the 9th, next day a party of 16 (10 Bs).  Then seven (4 Bs) on the 11th, 26 (14 Bs) on the 12th, seven (3 Bs) on 13th, a single B on the 20th, finally a pair on the 25th.  In March a pair on the 3rd, 25th & 26th & a single B on the 5th.  The last of spring was a pair on the 10th of April.  In August three present on the 17th, nine west on the 22nd & 20 west on the 30th.  In September eight flew west on the 19th, nine east & two on the reservoir on the 25th, 12 west on the 26th & one south on the 28th.  In October two present on the 14th, three on the 16th  & one on the 22nd.  In November an eclipse B was present on the 1st, seven (6 Bs) next day, two Bs on the 6th & one on the 9th.  In December, a pair on the 11th & a B on the 29th. 

2002: . The only January record was a B on the 25th.  In February single birds on five dates, then seven on the 23rd, four on the 10th (3 Bs), five on the 1st (2 Bs), five on the 14th (4 Bs), six on the 3rd (3 Bs).  In March four on the 1st (3 Bs), a pair on the 7th, single Bs on the 11th 12th & 22nd.  The first ever June record was obtained on the 18th when three birds arrived (1B), with a party of 10 Gadwall, they all remained only a short time & departed at 07:30.  In August seven flew east on the 16th & two south-west on the 18th.  In September one on the 1st, two on the 19th, singles on the 20th & 25th, four on the 22nd & 12 on the 30th.  In October 20 on the 3rd, one on the 11th, a B on the 20th.  In November a @ on the 1st, five on the 3rd (2 Bs), a B on the 15th, a pair on the 17th, a @ on the 20th & two Bs on the 21st.  In December a pair on the 24th, 25th, 28th & 31st.

2003: Present daily In January to the 28th, with a maximum count of 14 (2@s) on the 4th.  In February 4 (1B) on 11th, three pairs on the 14th, a B 25th.  The only March record was of 3 (2Bs) on the 2nd.  Two @s on 6th April was only the third April record since 1995:.  In September 1 on the 4th then on the 12th a total of 34 flew west in flocks of 17, 9, 4 & 4, (the same day as Wigeon passage). Also Singles on 21st & 28th & 6 on 30th.  In October 3 on the 3rd, 4 on 5th, @s 14th & 25th & an eclipse B 18th.  In November 6@s present on 17th flew off west early morning this was the only record for the month.  In December a B on 3rd & & 23rd, then 6Bs on 28th, 1B on the 30th & 6 (4Bs) on 31st

2004:  In January recorded on six dates between 10th & 25th, with a good count of 21 (13Bs) on the 19th, and 12 (6Bs) on the 23rd.  In February recorded on eleven dates between 3rd & 19th, with counts of 14 (7Bs) on the 11th, 15 (8Bs) next day.  In March recorded on four date between 1st & 12th, with three (2Bs) on the 1st the most.  One over Went Ings on the 30th August was the first bird in the second half of the year.  In September recorded on nine dates from the 4th29th, with a maximum of five on the 25th.  In October noted on nine dates from 1st12th, maximum count was 17 on the 7th.  In November a female on the 1st & 2nd and a male on the 26th.  In December single males 13th, 18th & 27th lastly a female on the 30th.

Garganey Anas querquedula

1995: A male on April 30th was the only record.

1998: A pair on Went Ings on 18th April.

1999: A fine drake on 13th May, spent all day on the  reser­voirs but had departed by next morning.

2000: A pair on Went Ings from 13th April.  The B was seen intermittently through April into May, the pair were seen together on 29th April, 1st & 8th May.  Two Bs were seen on 5th & 6th May & a single B was last seen on 30th May

2001: A B flew east on the 18th of May.  An eclipse drake on the reservoir with two Wigeon on the 22nd of October was the first ever-autumn record.

2003: On the 20th of April a B arrived at 14:50 in the company of a B wigeon & remained into the evening.  On 16th of May a B arrived from the west at 06:40 alighted on the large reservoir for just two minutes before leaving to the west.

2004:  In May a male was present for 25 minutes on the 17th departed north and another male was present on the morning of the 24th.  One in the company of nine Teal was seen flying over the reservoirs on the 16th August and descending onto Went Ings where it was seen later that day; this was only the second autumn passage record.  

ShovelerAnas clypeata

1995: Recorded on 29 days none were seen in January, May or June. Generally recorded singly or twos. The highest counts were of five on April 30th and eight on November 2nd.

1996: Recorded every month except June, on 31 dates. Maximum count was eight on 4th April.

1997: Five circled & flew north on 7th August.

1998: Five males and a female on Went Ings on 24th April.

1999: Four pairs on 31st January, in February a pair on five dates.  From March to 8th May recorded regularly on Went Ings floods,  with 11 (nine males) on 26th March.  In April  nine (five males)  on 3rd, a pair on 8th May was the last until 28th  July when one was seen.  Recorded in the last four months of the year, with  11 (1 male) on 21st October, a good count of 27 on 29th December completed a good year for the species.

2000:  A good January with eight sightings including 11 on the 1st. In February two Bs on 4th & a single B 25th.  From March to 23rd May recorded on 33 dates, with a maximum count of five.  Singles recorded on two dates in August & September, six dates in October, two dates in November & six dates in December, with a maximum of four birds.   

2001: Highest count of the year was 13 on the 30th of August.  Recorded regularly in spring as birds were attracted to the floodwaters on Went Ings.

Monthly maximums were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

2

3

2

9

3

2

8

13

2

4

4

7

2002: A good showing this year with birds recorded in every month, for the second year in succession.  During the period 13th April-3rd May, birds were recorded daily.  The best counts for the year were 10 on the 24th September.  In October 11 on the 14th, 16th & 17th, 12 on the 18th & 19th & 14 on the 15th.  Finally In November 12 on the 15th.   

Shoveler

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

3

3

9

8

2

1

1

6

10

14

12

6

No of  bird days

7

4

13

19

12

1

1

4

5

16

7

6

2003: Between the 3rd of January & 1st of May recorded on thirty-two dates.  The only double figure count was 20- (12Bs) on the 6th of January.  There were no records in June or July.  Recorded on twenty-two dates between 8th of August & 14th of December the only double figure count was 13-(5Bs) on the 8th of December.

2004:

Shoveler

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

8

3

2

2

2

0

1

10

7

3

4

7

No of  bird days

8

4

3

6

6

0

1

5

9

7

10

2

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina

2000: A @ present on 17th, 26th & 31st March & 1st to 6th of April.  An immature B was present on 9th December.  These were the second & third records.

Pochard Aythya ferina

1995: After 80 on the 1st of March, just single figure counts were obtained between the 13th March & 30th August, when 11 were present. Then on 28th September 66 were noted. The highest total for the year was 182 on the 24th February. The only other counts exceeding a hundred were 108 in January and 119 in October.

1996: The maximum count was c380 on 10th February.

1997: 247 on 16th October was the highest count.

1998: Four on 5th June & two on 25th August were the only records for those months. Only started to appear daily in the second half of the year from November. Maximum counts 148 in January and 105 in November.

1999: Three on 1st April & five flew west on 11th May were the only records  for those months; the maximum count was of 365 on 12th November.

2000: On 8th October 203 were present & c145 flew west.

2001: Maximum counts were 202 in February, and 201 in December.

Maximum counts were as follows.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

189

202

87

3

6

14

8

5

37

127

187

201

2002: A Lingering female In April on the 15th & 16th.  In June two flew north on the 14th & two were present on the 30th.  In July recorded on five dates with three on the 18th the most.  Recorded on five August dates with a maximum of seven on the 23rd.  During September noted on eight dates with 33 on the 27th the most.  Peak counts for the remaining three months of the year were disappointing failing to reach 100 in any month.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

205

226

78

1

0

2

3

7

33

60

98

52

2003: A poor showing in the first nine months of the year, with only three records in April, two in May, one in June, five in July, six in August & thirteen in September.  The highest October count was 194 on the 31st.  In November 220 on the 5th increased to 260 by the 10th, 315 on 11th/12th & c.350 on the 14th, numbers then decreased until a new record count of 401 on the 26th, falling to 308 next day, (this was also the lowest count to the year-end).  December produced new record counts with 415 on the 2nd, 445 on 3rd, 478 on 4th, 487 on 6th, 528 on 12th, c.530 on 16th, 538 on 17th, 604 on 18th, 628 on 20th finally peaking at 688 on the 23rd.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

115

69

40

2

1

2

3

1

21

194

401

688

2004:  In April single birds on the 1st, 28th & 30th and in May single males  on five dates.  The only June record was two males which circled the reservoirs and left to the east on the 7th.  In July one on the 12th, three on the 20th and two on the 24th & 30th.  The only August record was of one flying west on the 20th.

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

619

341

108

1

1

2

3

1

40

164

186

207

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris

2001: A long awaited new addition to the reservoir list.  In October a B in partial eclipse appeared on the 10th & 11th & again on the 17th -19th.  (AS. CF.  JS. AM.)

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

1995: In January 40 were present between the 2nd and the 7th. In May 18 were seen on the 5th, the next double figure count was not until September 9th when 22 were present, finally in December 45 were logged on the 11th.

1996: Maximum count was 63 on 10th February. A male Tufted x Pochard hybrid on 29th November

1997:92 on 26th January was the highest count.

1998: A very poor showing for this species this year. Maximum count was 28 in January

1999: Maximum  count was 96 on 9th October.

2000: maximum of 46 in January and 45 in December double figure counts in all months except June and August.

2001: Maximum count for the year was 106 on the 18th of January.

Monthly highs were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

106

75

27

31

15

11

7

5

8

10

35

57

2002: Recorded regularly into May, but on only five dates in June, four dates in July, twelve in August & eight in September.  Noted regularly from October to the year-end.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

78

52

20

28

8

4

6

3

6

17

38

86

2003: A dissapointing year with no counts reaching 50.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

42

47

17

28

12

6

7

3

22

39

43

43

2004:  The maximum count was 75 on the 2nd of January.

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

75

26

44

14

14

8

7

6

13

15

41

54

Scaup Aythya marila

1995: The first record of the year was two males on July 9th In August juvenile male and female on 15th -16th. Four males and a female on 18th September, one male remained until the 27th. In October a female and an immature male from 2nd -8th, followed by a female on the 22nd. A female was recorded on November 16th, 22nd and 24th, and also 3rd and 10th of December.

1996: Recorded regularly from January to 27th March. Maximum counts were ten on 7th & 9th.  January, five on 2nd -11th February and two in March. There were no more records until December with singles on 14th, 24th & 28th 

1997: In January a female & immature from 2nd - 6th were joined by another female on the 3rd only.  A female on 10th, then two and an immature  male  13th, 18th, 25th, then the two females  on  26th, 31st  & 2nd February.  Also in February singles on 5th, 11th, 12th  & 23rd, two on 9th.  In March female on River Went 3rd  & 5th  and on the reservoirs 11th -13th.  An immature female on 20th September, female 20th October - 26th November.  An immature female  4th -9th & 13th December remained to the new year.

1998: An immature female from 14th December 1997: stayed into the new year until 26th February, it was joined by an adult female from 10th -14th February.  The next was a juvenile on 13th -18th  August & another juvenile on 5th October, an adult female on 5th and adult male on 15th of November.

1999: A male from 12th-16th October.  Three immature females from 12th November-19th December, then two to the  year end.  They were joined by an adult female on 16th November, a first year male from 29th November to the year-end and another first year male from 14th December to year-end.  Only four birds (two  male) could be seen on 14th & 17th December, five (two male) on 18th & 19th December and four (two male) from 20th to year end.

2000: Two Bs & two @s from December 1999: remained into the new year, the @s to 23rd March & the Bs to 6th April.  Eight Bs two @ on 20th September, one @ remained to the 23rd.  A @ from 7th November to 2nd December, then a @ & an immature B on 15th December, the immature remaining to the 17th, then seen again from 30th into the new year.

2001: An immature @ from the 30th of December 2000: remained to the 10th of March.  It was joined by a an adult @ from the 6th - 9th of February.  A first summer B lingered from the 21st of May to the 7th of June.  An immature @ flew in at 07.15 on the 3rd of August but stayed only briefly before flying off east.  A @ on the 9th of October remained to the 19th, though it was not recorded on the 13th.  It had returned on the 24th and stayed to the 28th.  In November a first year @ from the 15th remained into 2002:, it was joined by another first year @ from the 28th of November to the 5th of December.  It reappeared on the 13th of December & remained into 2002:.  Two immature Bs joined the two @s on the 29th December only.

2002: The two @s from December 2001: remained until the 3rd of January, when most of the reservoirs froze over.  Also in January, a @ on the 20th & two @s on the 27th.  In October 11@s & immatures were present on the 20th, just two remained next day, then one from the 22nd-27th.  A first year B from mid November, remained into 2003:.

2003: The 2 immature Bs from November 2002: were looking more like adults by February.  Just one remained on the 14th of February; it stayed until 10th of March.  The only other Scaup was a @ present on the 2nd of February.  In November an adult @ & 2 immature @s present from 10th-27th, there were no other records. 

2004:  A meagre year with just an adult male on the 31st of March and an adult female on the 19th & 20th of November. 

A female Scaup x Tufted Duck hybrid was seen on six dates between the 1st & 21st of December.

Common Eider Somateria mollissima

Very rare winter visitor

Three records all in November, none since 1993.

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

1996: Two males and a female in summer plumage were present, on 23rd April; they left to the south at 07.20 hours.

1999: Two first year birds on 14th October down  to one from 19th October to 5th December, the seventh record.  (CF)

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

1995: An immature male was present 10th-12th July and was joined by three females and two males on the 11th, the only other record was of a female on July 25th.

1996: Recorded in six months of the year on twelve dates, all singles except for a party of four on 16th November.  One on 18th January was only the second record for that month.

January 18th, June 6th-9th, July 19th & 30th, August 21st, October 11th & November 13th,16th & 29th.  

1997: A male on 29th September was the only record.

1998: Single adult males on 22nd July then 31st July to the 3rd August.

1999:  Six females on 11th November & five next day. (CF-AS)

2000: Two on 27th June, followed by 12 Bs one @ on 30th June, these had departed by the evening.  A B & three @s on 25th July & four Bs on the 27th July.

2001: Six (5 Bs) on the 26th of March.  A B on the 4th of July, then four (2 Bs) on the 18th of July.  A @ on the 7th of August finally five (2 Bs) on the 22nd of September.

2002: A pair on the 2nd of April was the only record.

2003: Two pairs present on the 6th of April & 2 Bs present on the 29th of September.

2004: A female on the 7th of July, followed on the 1st of August by six (3Bs), then a male flew in on the evening of the 12th; the last was a female on the 10th of October.

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca

1995: An immature male was present on the 3rd of December, the fifth record for the reservoirs. (SB.RP. Et-al)

1999: A female/immature  from 23rd  November-18th December, was the sixth record.  (AS)

2001: Four were reported to birdline at 10.45 on the 21st of October (observer not known).  Later in the day probably the same four appeared at Anglers Country Park Wakefield.

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

1995: Recorded in small numbers, of between two & five, from January to March and October to December, with an unusual record of two males on June 25th. Higher counts in January were of 12 on the 2nd and 16 on the 13th (6 Bs on each date). In October ten on the 31st. In November 23 (10 Bs) on the 1st and 22 (12 Bs) next day. Finally Six-(4 Bs) were present on 18th and 26th December.

1996: Recorded in all months except June-August. The highest count in the first part of the year was 15 on 10th February. Late birds were an immature male, which lingered to 8th of May, it was joined by a female on the 5th. Maximum count for the second half of the year was 14 on 26th December.

1997: Eleven on 3rd January. Five female/immatures on 18th April. Two female/immatures on 13th October were the  first  to return, then 11 including six males on 28th November.

1998: Eight female/immatures on 11th January, seven on 14th January (four males). The first one back was a female/immature on 30th October 22 (eight males) on 3rd November.

1999: The first part of the year was poor with just a pair on 1st January (the adult male was the only one recorded in  this period).  There  were five birds on 28th January,  this  was  the maximum for the period, two immature males on 3rd May were the last until, three female/immatures on 15th October, increasing to eight next day.  In November eight on 9th increased to 27 next day,  then  down to 13 on 11th & nine on 15th.  Eight on 18th December was the most for the month. 

2000: Nine (two Bs) on 28th January 11 (three Bs) on 15th February, Nine (two Bs) on 1st, 2nd & 7th March, an immature B on 13th April was the last until the autumn.  The first to return was a @/imm. on 24th October, this was the only one until November when 13 @/imms. arrived on the 7th, falling to seven by next day, then two on the 9th.  Ten (three Bs) on 18th, with four remaining next day (two imm Bs).  In November 12 (two Bs & two imm Bs) on the 20th. In December 10 (one B) on the 26th was the most to the year-end.

2001: A @/immature on the 25th of April was the last recorded during the first part of the year.  The first to return was three immatures on the 19th of October.  A record count of 57 on the 9th of November easily beat the long-standing record of 32 from the 26th of November 1978.

Monthly maximum counts were-

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

14

16

14

3

0

0

0

0

0

3

57

10

2002: The last & first recorded dates were 11th of April & 11th of October.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

15

12

8

3

0

0

0

0

0

3

5

12

2003: In April an immature B from 1st-6th was joined by another immature B, plus 2 adult Bs & a @ on the 6th these were the last until October, when the first to arrive was a single on the 12th.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

9

11

13

5

0

0

0

0

0

6

5

11

2004:  The last of winter was a female/immature on the 4th of April.  In October three on the 11th were the first to return, then only one or two birds on four dates from the 25th30th.  

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

8

15

16

1

0

0

0

0

0

3

8

8

Smew Mergellus albellus

1995: A redhead on 30th October and a male for two and a half hours on 2nd December.

1996: A female from 4th -6th  February, two males & two females flew in at dusk on both the 10th & 11th  February, lastly a male briefly on 21st  December.

1997: Single  females on 9th, 10th & 18th January,  & two  on the 11th.  Three males on 12th January, finally a  female on 19th December.

1998: A female from 11th December stayed into 1999:.

1999: A female from December 1998: remained to 11th March.

2000: Two redheads present on 1st March one remaining to the 5th.

2001: A drake from the 22nd - 25th of January was the only record.

2003: A drake on the 10th of February & a pair on the 18th of December.

2004:  A redhead was seen to land on the reservoirs briefly on the 19th December before leaving westwards.

Red-breasted MerganserMergus serrator

1995: A female first seen in November 1994 remained until the 2nd of April. An immature male briefly on June 12th. Four circled the reservoirs and left north- east on September 9th, lastly two female/immatures on 1st of November

1996: A female on 19th & 20th  January. In February an immature male on 3rd, four including two males flew in at dusk on the 4th, Three were present (two Bs) on the 8th, 10th & 11th. A male on 12th April, two females on 2nd May were the last until an eclipse male on 3rd October and a female on 29th November.

1997: A male on 13th April.  Two  female/immatures from 13th - 20th October increased to three on 21st,  these remained  together to 28th, then one lingered to 7th November. A female on 30th November lastly an immature male on 30th Decem­ber.

1998: A female/immature briefly on 15th October was the only record.

1999: Single females on 19th & 23rd April,  an immature male on 5th December. 

2000: A @/imm on 4th May flew off west at 07.00 hours.  Next an imm B on 17th October.  Then four including one B on the 7th November & a @ on the 20th December.

2001: The only record for the year was of two birds that were present for about ten minutes on the 20th of September

2002: The only record was of four birds on the 21st of November & included one male. 

2003: 2 immatures on the reservoirs for about twenty minutes on the 3rd of July, this was only the second ever record in that month.  On the 23rd of September a party of 6 eclipse/immature birds arrived from the south-east, circled the reservoirs & then left south-east before turning westwards.  Lastly one was present on the 17th of October.

2004:  Two female/immatures were on the reservoirs for 90 minutes on the 16th April and two immatures were on the reservoirs on the 30th of September. 

Goosander Mergus merganser

1996: Recorded in every month except June-August. the first three figure count of the year was on 31st January when 111 were counted (42 Bs). These increased to 117 on 1st February then a record count was achieved of 202 on the 4th & 8th of February, numbers then fell to below 100. May records involved a male on 2nd  & 14th then three males flew north-east on the 15th.  The first to return was a female on 27th September.  Numbers gradually increased, becoming daily from 18th November. In December there was a sudden increase in numbers after Christmas with 85 on the 28th & 30th.

1997: 198 on 13th January.  In May a pair on 2nd - 4th & 9th,  an immature 10th.  In September four on 4th, the next  were four  west on 24th October, then two was the maximum count  until 2nd December when 11 were seen peaking at 60 on 19th.

1999: Single females flew south on 12th May & west on  20th May.  In October a female from 6th-12th, only started to  appear daily from 10th November, maximum count was 49 on 20th December.

2000:  On the 8th January 43 (17 Bs).  On the 18th 42 present (18 Bs).  Two  Bs & a @ flew north on 21st May.  The first to return was not until 14th November when two @s occurred, the maximum count to the year-end was 26 on 21st December. 

Maximum monthly totals were.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

43

33

26

10

0

0

0

0

0

2

20

25

2002: The first of the autumn was one, seen flying north on the 11th of September.  In October one on the 23rd & two passed through on the 31st.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

37

27

35

4

0

0

0

0

1

2

14

31

2003: Maximum counts continue to decline, there hasn't been a count of 50 or more since February 1998:.  The last record in the first half of the year was a @ flying east on 27th of April.  The first to return was 4 @/immatures for just ten minutes on the 24th of October there were no further records until the 8th of November, thereafter noted daily to the year-end.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

29

25

16

4

0

0

0

0

0

4

15

24

 

2004:  The decline in maximum counts which has been on-going since 1997: was halted in 2004: when a count of 40 was achieved on 1st of March, beating the 29 of last year.  In May single females on the 1st-5th and one was seen flying south-west on the 24th.  In September a female/immature flew north on the 25th and six females/immatures again flying north on the 29th.  The only October records were three females/immatures present on the 28th, with two still present the next day.

Monthly maximum Goosander count

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

29

38

40

4

1

0

0

0

6

3

5

21

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

1995: The first of the year was a female on February 16th. There were three records of single birds in April. In May two records of a single and a party of three. The next was a single in August followed by twelve records in September with a maximum of five birds. One October record was a female on two days. The last of the year was a single female on November 19th.

1996: Recorded in every month except July & August, on c54 dates, birds were present throughout most of May. The maximum count of the year was of five on 21st of May.

1997: A male on 27th January.  In April a female 1st  &  a pair 13th, a male 23rd  & 28th.  In September one on 18th  &  20th, two  on 22nd, four on 23rd, down to three next day then two  from 25th -27th.  Eleven  (two males) on 28th. In October a female  3rd - 5th   and again on 18th, 20th   & 23rd.  seven on 15th  November.  In December a pair on 1st, just a female next day and finally one on 14th    

1998: Four females on 30th January.  In April single males on 16th, 19th & 29th, a pair on 6th, three (two males) on 27th,  increased  to seven (five males) next day.  A male on 15th May, three males on 5th June, a male on 11th July & a female on 3rd August. 

1999: Max eight on 12th & 13th October.

2000: In February a B on the 20th & a @ on 23rd.  A @ on 7th April, these were the only records in the first half of the year.  Recorded in every month during the second half of the year, with July the best month, with seven records, with a peak count of five on 20th & 25th.

2001: Recorded on 56 dates and noted in every month, with a maximum count of six in February

Ruddy Duck

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

2

6

1

1

3

3

4

2

4

2

3

2

No of days

12

6

2

7

6

4

1

4

3

2

4

5

2002: Monthly peak counts were:

Ruddy Duck

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

1

0

1

1

2

0

0

1

2

6

5

2

No of  bird days

7

0

1

3

2

0

0

1

1

16

4

1

2003: No records until March, when 2 Bs were present on the 18th followed by a @ on the 31st.  In April noted on seven dates, maximum 3 (2Bs) on the 9th & 3 again (1B) on 22nd.  May produced a single record of a @ on 10th & in July 3 (1B) on 11th.  Not recorded in June.  Between 28th August & 12th November recorded regularly, only absent on six September & three November dates.  Noted daily in October with a maximum of 10 @/immatures on 4th & 5th.  In December the only records were a @ on the 16th & 2@s on 21st.

2004:  A poor year for this species with a maximum of four on the 25th of September.

Ruddy Duck

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

2

0

1

3

0

0

0

1

4

3

0

1

No of  bird days

2

0

1

4

0

0

0

7

7

2

0

1

Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus

1995: One was seen soaring north west of the reservoirs on July 5th. In September an adult on the 6th, flew along the sailing club hedgerow and alighted in a tree, followed on the 11th & 12th by one seen in the area north of the reservoirs.

2000: One flew low over the reservoirs to the south-west on the evening of the 27th August. (AM).  From the 20th29th September records coincided with a large influx of this species into the country, as follows.  One to the east of the reservoirs, drifted south-west, then north on the 20th (CF).  On 22nd one to the east of the reservoirs drifted south. (CF. AS. AM.).  On the 27th three individuals gave good views as they moved south between 08.25 & 10.30 hours. (CF. AS.). Lastly one south east over Went Ings on the 29th. (CF.).

2001: One soaring to the east of Went Ings on the 20th of September drifted south.

2002: The first ever spring record was obtained on the 10th of May, when one was seen over the eastern side of the reservoirs. A.M.

Black Kite Milvus migrans

1996: One flew north-west over the reservoirs at 17.30 hours on 4th April.  This was the second record for the site.  (JW)

Red Kite Milvus milvus.  Very rare passage migrant and probable birds from the release scheme An addition to the Southfield list.

1996: One was seen arriving from the south east on the morning of 1st April, as it flew behind the sailing club it began soaring giving excellent views for over twenty minutes as it gradually drifted north. (CF.)

2000: On 16th May one was seen to go down onto Went Ings & approximately ten minutes later was seen to rise from there  & move off east clutching a fairly large prey item in its talons. (CF).

2002: A wing tagged bird flew south on the 19th of March. This was the third record for the site.  CF.  AM.

2003: On the 15th August a juvenile was watched for an hour as it sat in the field adjacent to the West Bank.  It was seen in flight three times around the field before finally rising, soaring & moving off north-east.  The fourth Southfield record.  C.F.

Marsh HarrierCircus aeruginosus

1995: A very good year with ten records, starting with a female west on April 21st, and south on the 24th. In May females on the 8th south-east and north 13th, followed by a male hunting along the north west side of the reservoirs on the 26th. August produced juveniles south on the 10th and east 14th, a female east 18th, then on the 25th a juvenile with distinctive white feathering, which was flushed from the area of sweet flag along the west bank and flew east. The next morning the same bird arrived from the east and alighted in the sweet flag again. It remained there for an hour, before flying to the west field where it spent half an hour sat in the field. It then moved to a bush on Went Ings for ten minutes, where it was mobbed by the resident crows before leaving to the west, it was observed for a further fifteen minutes. Lastly another juvenile flew west on the 29th.

1996: Recorded on five dates, the first was a female west on 21st April, then an immature on 4th May, a juvenile on 16th August, a female & two juveniles together on 14th September, finally a female/juvenile on 16th September.

1997: In May a female north east on 3rd & a male  east next day.  A female/immature south on 16th September & a juvenile south on 28th October.

1998: In August a female/juvenile on the 2nd  & a juvenile west on  the 8th.

1999: The best year yet with thirteen records.  In April an  immature male flew east on 17th, single creamcrowns  west  on 19th & 29th.  In May single creamcrowns east on 7th, 10th, 12th, 13th & 18th, a male north-west on 24th.  A male south on 8th June.  In August creamcrowns on 11th  & 15th, finally a male  east on 3rd September.

2000: A cream crown bird flew west on 21st April, followed by single C.Cs. east on 1st & 6th May.  On 21st July a C.C. hunting along the sweet flag iris along the west bank of the reservoirs alighted in it.  In August a C.C. flew west on the 9th & a juvenile on the 15th.  On 26th September a juv. around the reservoirs for 25 minutes before leaving to the north. Probably the same bird was seen going south east on the 28th, then again on the 29th was noted three times during the morning between 10.25 & 12.25 hours.

2001: Our best ever year with no less than 21 records. There were eight spring records between the 28th of April  & 26th of May; two cream-crowns flying north-east on the 9th of May was the only record involving more than one bird.  There were thirteen records of single birds between the 24th of July & 29th of August.  A cream-crown over the west fields on 10th of November was the first ever record for that month.

2002: All records are as follows: April.  Cream crown south-east on the 8th, is the earliest recorded.  Adult B east on the 18th.  May.  Cream crown west on 9th, first summer B west on the 17th.  August.  Single cream crown birds, on the 11th-east, 13th, 15th & 16th-east, a juvenile on the 27th- west.  A juvenile next day was noted twice at 10:15 & 11:20. 

September.  A cream crown along the West Bank at 10:15 & a B over the west fields at 11:55 on the 2nd.  Another cream crown on the 3rd; & on the 6th a cream crown was seen to land in the sweet flag reeds on the West Bank at 08:00 & was seen flying off west at 10:05; & another cream crown over the east fields flew off east.  A juvenile west on the 20th was the last record of the year. 

2003: In April an immature east along Went Ings on 13th.  A cream crown flew low, north-west over the reservoirs on 25th, next day a male flew east.  In May a cream crown high up, to the north of the reservoirs moved east on the 1st.  Cream crowns over the reservoirs on 7th (west) & 26th (south).  The next, all juveniles occured in August.  1 on the 1st, then on the 6th 1 was seen early morning & later 2 were together over Went Ings (possibly one being the previous bird), they split up & one began quatering the sweet flag reed along the west bank, it was later seen to the east of Southfield.  On the 22nd another was seen quatering the sweet flag reed.  The final record was an immature flying west on the 30th of September.

2004: The first ever March record was an immature male on the 18th.  In April a Creamcrown flew south-west over Went Ings on the 22nd and a male flew west next day.  Surprisingly there were no May records; the next was a Creamcrown the 17th of July, then a juvenile on the 31st of August.  In September a juvenile on the 1st, a male west on the 22nd and finally an immature west on the 29th.  

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

1995: A ringtail flew north east on 23rd October.

1997: A male west on 28th October, it was seen only five  minutes before the Marsh Harrier above.

2002: An adult male was noted over the east & north areas of the reservoirs on the 18th of March.  AM.AS.

2004:  A rare bird at Southfield and to have two records in May was exceptional; the first a ringtail flew east over the north-fields on the 5th and another ringtail flew east over the reservoirs on the 30th and quartered the east fields briefly.  

Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus

Very rare passage migrant, an addition to the Southfield list in 1995

1995: A female flew west on 26th May.  On the 20th of June a male was seen about 3 Km east of the reservoirs, flying in the direction of Southfield.

2000: A @ over the east fields for 35 minutes on the 9th June flew off west at 13.10 hours. (AS).

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Very rare passage bird. The first record was in 1994

1995: A female flew east on 29th August, the second record.

1996: Two sightings for the year, the first a female to the north of the reservoirs flew east on 3rd April, the second a female briefly near Beevers Bridge on 29th September.

1997: Two  were displaying over Went Ings on  8th March before finally leaving to the east   CF.AS. RP.

2001:  On the 14th of November a @ was seen to knock a Mallard out of the air into the east fields, it flew low at the stunned Mallard in the field before it recovered & flew off.  The Goshawk then flew a short circuit over the east bank & flew to a tree briefly before leaving to the east to avoid the mobbing Crows (RP.)

2002: A female flew west on the 22nd of September.  AM

2003: On the 24th of March a male rose from Went Ings, & flew south-west, giving two bouts of display flight as it went.   

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

1995: Three together drifted north, high overhead On 12th April. Singles were seen on 82 dates and two on four dates.

1996: Singles on 81 dates and two on 21 dates. There were two females and a male seen on 29th March and three birds on 21st September. A female was seen plucking a Lapwing kill on 6th September and a female was seen killing a Wood Pigeon on Went Ings on 10th November.

1997: Singles  on 81 dates, two on nine dates,  three  on three dates & four were soaring together on 17th March.

1998: Records  from every month except July, there were singles on 58 dates, two on 14th October & three on 18th September & 9th  Octob­er.

1999: Singles  recorded on 57 dates, two on six  dates  & three on 3rd  & 19th April.

2000: Recorded on 90 dates during the year, five were noted soaring together on 17th September.

2001: Singles were recorded on ninety dates.  Two on ten dates, three on three dates, four on the 1st & 25th of September & the 27th of October, but all were eclipsed by seven seen soaring on the 1st of April, three over Went Ings & four over the western side of the reservoirs. 

2002: Singles on seventy-one dates, two on fifteen dates & three on the 16th & 28th of April the 6th of August & the 8th & 17th of September.  

2003: Two pairs were displaying on the 26th of April.  Singles were noted on 81 dates, 2 on 13 dates, 3 on the 25th of March (all @s) & 3 again on the 18th & 21st of April & the 11th of September.  Finally 4 birds on the 13th of September. 

2004:  Singles on 86 dates, two on ten dates, three together on Went Ings on the 23rd of August and in November three birds on the 7th and 10th.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

1995: On 24th September one flew over the west reservoir and began soaring to the north, gradually drifting north-east. One soaring to the north of the reservoirs on the 28th moved off to the West.

1996:  A record year for this species.  One west on 19th February one seen on 23rd March sat in a tree off the east bank for quarter of an hour before flying east. The next was on 8th September. Then one flew west early in the morning of the 14th November; lastly two flew south on 21st December.

1997: Singles on 3rd April & soaring over  the  reservoirs on 27th October moved off north east Birds  identified only as Buzzard Sp; were two distantly to  the north on 5th February & one on 29th March.

A large Marsh Harrier/Buzzard type raptor was noted on 15th May & was thought to be wearing jesses.

1999: Singles were recorded on 6th April south-west, 28th June east, 4th September south and 4th October south.

2000: One on 11th & 12th March & again on 22nd & 23rd April.  Two at Cowick Gorse on 12th September remained in the area until 17th October.  One on the 22nd September to the south east of the reservoirs drifted east & was probably a migrant.  In December singles on the 3rd & 15th.       

2001: There were eleven records this year starting with, one south-west on the 28th of January, one on the 8th of February, one west on the 29th of April & one in trees along Southfield lane & over the east fields on the 11th of June.  In August singles south-west on the 5th, low over the west fields on the 24th & north on the 28th.  In September one on the 14th & one flew north on the 25th.  In October one flew south on the 12th, finally one was seen to the north of the reservoir on the 16th.

2002: The first records came in March with birds on the 12th & 26th, both these birds flew north, low over the reservoirs.  In April single birds on the 16th & 23rd & in May on the 17th.  In August one on the 3rd was noted both morning & evening.  One was seen distantly moving south on the 18th & one on the 30th in the Cowick Gorse area.  One was over Cowick Gorse again on the 1st of September, also that month on the 29th.  During October two juveniles at Cowick Gorse on the 8th, an adult at Went Ings on the 11th, lastly single birds on the 18th, 20th, 23rd & 29th. -

Buzzard species (common/Honey) One flew west on the 29th of August.    

2003: In April 1 flew low south-west on the 7th, 1 over Cowick Gorse on the 23rd flew off north-west, 1 seen to the south of the reservoirs, moved west on 30th.  In August 1 first seen over the west side of the reservoirs moved to Went Ings & alighted In a tree on 22nd & 1 flew south on the 27th.  In September singles on the 17th, 19th & 20th.  1 on the 28th of December flew low northwards, later the same, or another bird was seen to arrive from the east along the canal & then fly south.

2004:  The first of the year was one north-west on the 29th of February.  In March one on the 9th, then on the morning of the 22nd two were seen; one distantly to the west, the other was seen on three occasions over Went Ings up to 11:00 hours.  In April one flew north-west on the 5th and one south on the 22nd.  In May singles on the 22nd seen soaring over the west side of the reservoirs and moving off north-east, then on the 24th one moving east passed over high.  In August one soaring over the clubhouse on the 14th moved off north-east.  On the 31st a record count of five all seen at the same time consisted of a group of 2 soaring to the north of the reservoirs and three over Went Ings.  In September singles on the 7th, 14th and 29th were the final records of the year.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Rare passage migrant

1995: One north on 29th April and one south on 16th May.

1996: One north on 21st April and one south on 1st May.

1997: Singles on 1st June soaring towards Cowick Gorse &  south on 7th September.

1998: One flew north on 12th May, & one south on 27th August.   C.F.

1999: Singles on 23rd April, south on 5th June, & one  soaring over the reservoirs on the 8th may have been the same bird, the last was one west on 13th September.

2000: On 25th  April one north at 06.45 hours.  One over the reservoirs on the 27th flew south; it had a radio transmitter attached to its back & was possibly one of the released birds from Rutland Water.  In May one flew south on the evening of the 15th.  In September one distant to the south-west on the 20th, lastly one over the reservoirs for ten minutes on the 25th.

2001: Singles north-east on the 13th of April & 16th of May, this one was seen arriving from the west in the company of a Marsh Harrier.  The only other record was one on the 4th of August; it was picked up very distant & very high & watched as it passed east of the reservoirs.

2002: The only record of the year was obtained on the 19th of May, as one flew south at 14:45, a time when the reservoirs are usually unwatched.  RP.

2003: One quatered the reservoirs for about ten minutes on the 25th of April, it took a dead or dying fish before flying off north.  In September single birds flew south on the 10th & 19th, finally the first ever October record was one flying quickly west over the reservoirs.  

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

1995: Recorded throughout the year, In August three on the 17th, five on the 18th and four on the 30th. In September five on the 1st and three on the 19th  & 28th.  Also three on October 17th  & 28th.

1996: A pair may have bred on Went Ings. One or two birds were seen on most visits during the year, counts in excess were four together over Went Ings on 15th April. In July eight on 22nd, five of which were juveniles and ten on the 31st.

1997: One or two daily.  Three on 8th March, three + on  19th.  Two males on 23rd April.  In May three on 1st & 6th.

1998: Records  from every month except July, there were singles on 58 dates, two on 14th October & three on 18th September & 9th  Octob­er.

1999: A pair bred again in a nest box erected by the  hawk  & owl trust situated along the canal side.  Three birds were recor­ded on seven dates.

2000: Five birds on the 23rd April & three on 24th November.  A pair bred again in a Hawk & Owl Trust nest box along the canal side. 

2001: A pair bred again in a Hawk & Owl Trust nestbox, at the canalside.  Five birds were seen on the 26th of August & seven on the 1st of September.

2002: A pair was resident all year & bred again, in a Hawk & Owl trust nestbox.  Seven birds were noted on the 3rd of August.

2003: Usually 1-2 are noted; other Counts were 3 on the 11th of January & 10th of September & 4 on the 14th of May.  A pair bred again in a Hawk & Owl Trust nestbox.  Adults were seen to bring in prey items when feeding young, but the success of breeding is not known. 

2004:  Kestrels remain a fairly common sight at the reservoirs usually noted singly, except for three birds seen on the 23rd of March, 24th of August and 11th & 23rd of September.  Birds used the Hawk & Owl Trust nest boxes but there was no evidence of breeding success this year.

Merlin Falco columbarius

1995: Recorded on 24 dates between January-March and August-December. November was the best month with eight sightings. A long dead bird was found in the canal on 30th October

1996: Recorded on eighteen dates between January & April and August-October. All singles except two birds on 1st April. In January a female was seen attempting to catch a Skylark.

1997: There was a decrease in records for the third year running.  Sightings were as follows. January.  Female on 1st   & 11th, then a pair on the 3rd.   February. Female on 9th & 13th.   May. Female 5th  &  male on the  7th.  August. One on the 29th.  October.  Immature male 2nd, female 5th   & 23rd.

1998: A decrease in records for the fourth year running.  Singles  were recorded on the following dates, 23rd July, 1st August,  8th  & 15th September, (imm. male). 19th October & 11th November (females

1999: Singles were recorded on 3rd February, 12th, 16th & 22nd -(female) of April.  In August male 2nd, female 6th, in  September on 27th & 29th, females on 7th & 12th October & an immature  male 8th November.  A good return to form for this species after the decline in records here over the past four years.

2000: One on 19th April was the only record until August, when single @s were noted going west on the 7th, north on 28th & a B seen on the 30th. In September a B on 12th, a @ 22nd took a Skylark & probably the same @ was seen again on the 23rd & 25th. In October a @ on 14th, and a pair on 17th.  In November a @ on 7th & 19th, and a pair on 24th. In December one on the 15th & a @ on 23rd.    

2001: A @ on the 24th of February, in March a B on the 13th, a @ 17th & a B 18th, 30th & 31st.  The next was on the 30th of April.  In August @/immatures were seen the 23rd & 28th.  In September, a juvenile on the 14th, 18th & 19th.  In October a @ on the 9th & singles on the 21st, 22nd & 25th.  In December a @/immature on the 25th, 30th & 31st.

2002: In January one on the 1st, and a B on the 20th.  A series of records involving single @s were; on the 22nd, 26th & 29th of march, on the latter date was seen to catch a Skylark.  On the 1st of April, caught another Skylark, then one north on the 4th, - these records may have involved the same bird.  There was also one on the 10th of April.  In August one north-west on the 8th & singles on the 27th & 28th.  In September single @/immatures on the 11th, 27th & 30th.  In October a B on the 23rd & one on the 31st.  During November an immature was seen on three occasions on the 3rd: & attempted to catch a Skylark;  & a @ was seen on the 21st.  In December one on the 27th & a @ on the 31st.   

2003: In January singles on the 4th & 7th.  In March 1 on the 7th, an immature B on the 20th tried without success to take a Skylark.  A @ on the 23rd, 25th & 26th was seen chasing prey over the east-fields.  In August single Bs on the 17th & 27th.  In September between 1st & 27th, single birds recorded on seven dates.  The only October record was a @ on the 16th.  November produced a B 2nd & a @ 15th.  Finally in December @s on the 23rd & 27th.  

2004:  Birds were noted on twenty-four dates, equalling the records in 1995:.  In February a female on the 3rd and singles on the 22nd & 27th.  In March a female on the 15th, on the 24th one attempted unsuccessfully to catch a Skylark and a distant bird was noted on the 31st.  In April singles on the 8th & 12th, the next sightings were in August with single females on the 25th & 31st.  In September a male on the 22nd and a female on the 27th.  In October females on the 1st & 26th and females on the 21st & 28th.  In November single females on the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 14th & 17th. Finally in December females on the 20th & 28th.  

Hobby Falco subbuteo

1995: Recorded on 18 dates, between May & September, two together, were noted on eight dates. The first record was of two north on the morning of May 10th they returned back south two hours later. The last of the year was on 19th September.

1996: Single birds seen on the evening of 29th  & 30th April. In May two on the 6th and one 27th. August singles on 9th  & 19th. Finally September singles on 3rd, 4th  & 17th.

1997: Singes on 26th April & 5th May were evening sightings, one on  23rd May, a probable on 3rd June, an adult on the evening of  16th July, the last was a juvenile west on evening of 29th August.

1998: A very poor year, single birds recorded on 1st & 13th August, the latter was an adult chasing Sand Martins over the reservoirs.

1999: On May 5th one was seen to catch a swift & one on 17th.  In June one north on 9th, on the 14th two were  present in the area north of the reservoirs.  In August single adults  on 20th, 23rd, & 26th.  In September one on 11th & an adult on  24th was the latest ever recorded here.

2000: One south on 29th April, in May one on the 6th was noted morning & evening, one on the 7th & one low, east over the reservoirs on 11th. Two other records of easterly flying birds in May were on 13th & 14th.  In June one east on the 30th.  Single adults on 7th & 14th July & again on 25th August.  In September singles on 2nd & 21st & a juvenile on 23rd.

2001: The first to arrive back was seen flying south on the 29th of April.  In May one south on the 5th, one on the 18th caught a Sand Martin, then two together on the 19th & 23rd.  In June one on the 1st, two on the 18th & singles on the 26th & 28th.  On the latter date was seen to be carrying prey to the east & breeding was suspected.  In July singles noted on the 10th, 17th & 19th & two on the 20th.  In August singles on the 3rd & 4th, on the latter date was seen mobbing a distant Osprey, an adult on the 17th two adults east on the 26th.  In September a juvenile on the 1st, one on the 2nd, two on the 3rd & finally two adults on the 10th.

2002: In April single birds west on the 28th & east next day.  In May singles west on the 15th, north of the reservoirs on the 17th & on the 21st was seen low over the reservoirs; & it was then watched soaring for ten minutes.  In August an adult was over Went Ings on the 11th & an adult east on the 18th.  In September an adult south on the 8th, one west on the 16th, then a juvenile on the 17th, 19th & 22nd, the last of the year was on the 23rd.

2003: The only spring record was 1 flying south on the 16th of May.  Next was 1 over Went Ings on the 3rd of July.  Things improved from August with an adult 7th, juvenile 16th, 1 on the 19th, adults 22nd & 29th, 2 together over the reservoirs 30th.  In September an adult & a juvenile together over the reservoirs on the 1st, then single adults on 3rd, 4th & 7th, an adult & a first year 9th, 1 on the 10th, a first year 14th & finally an adult 20th.  

2004:  Recorded on twentyone dates equalling the previous best count in 2001:.  In May a first year bird on the 3rd and two together on the 22nd.  In June single birds on the 8th & 24th.  In July singles on the 8th, 9th 13th, 18th & 19th.  August produced an adult south on the 16th, two were noted daily from the 24th-27th unsuccessfully trying to capture a Swift on the 25th.  An adult was noted on the 28th and there was a record count of three together on the 31st.  The final records were of single birds in September on the 1st, 7th, 11th, 14th, & 23rd. 

  

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

1995: A male on 7th  & 22nd January, one east on 1st February and a Juvenile east on 1st September.

1996: Recorded on a total of nineteen dates from January, March, September, November and December. Usually singly but two males together on 12th November. In December on the 1st, three individuals were identified as immature female & immature & adult males. Then immature female plus adult male on 4th, adult male & female on 14th. Also during the month an immature female was seen on six occasions spending up to twenty minutes at a time flying over the reservoirs chasing and harrying the gulls and crows, it also spent twenty-five minutes sat on the frozen reservoirs on the 30th.

1997:  January.  An immature female on, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th & 15th  & a male on the 13th.  February. imm. Female 13th. March. Immature female 2nd.  April. Imm. female east 20th.  September.  Adult female  east 12th.  November. Adult female 1st & 21st & one 0n 30th.  December.  Adult female 12th & an adult male on 23rd.

1998:  An adult male on17th September attacked feral pigeons unsuccess­fully as it flew off east, it was harassed by three smaller falcons  thought to have been hobbys, but too distant to be certain.  An adult female flew west on 1st October an immature female over the reservoirs on 26th December flew off east.  A male on 27th March was wearing jesses.

1999: An immature male on 13th & 14th October,  two immature males together on 23rd November & one on 12th December.

2000: An immature B on 23rd & 26th September.  An adult B on 17th October.  In November an adult B on the 3rd killed and ate a Stock Dove, adult B again on 12th & 17th.  In December adult B 5th & 6th & again on 9th when it took a Lapwing.  Finally adult @ 8th & adult B on 26th.

2001: An adult B on the 21st & 26th of January, an adult @ on the 9th of February, an adult B on the31st of March.  A juvenile @ on the 20th of July, then the 4th & 20th of August & 22nd & 26th of September.  Whether this involved the same bird is difficult to be certain. Also in September an adult B on the 25th.  A B south on the 28th was not aged nor was a B on 30th of October.  In November a @ age not known on the 5th & an immature B on the 11th & 21st.

2002: An adult B flew west on the 1st of March & was the only record in the first half of the year.  An immature @ over the reservoirs on the 3rd of October, flew off south.  In November an adult B on the 3rd flew south; a B was seen on the 10th & a @ on the 20th.  In December single adult Bs on the 21st & 26th.

2003: In January an adult B on the 3rd, 4th, 7th & 18th.  February adult B 2nd, adult @ 21st.  August first-year 7th, immature B 19th. Single adult Bs 1st September & 25th October.  Adult @ 25th of November.  On the 21st of December an immature B over the reservoirs both morning & afternoon & twice the following morning.  An immature @ over reservoirs briefly 28th then a @ on 30th which was too distant to age.

 2004:  In January an immature female on the 13th & 16th on which date it caught a white Feral Pigeon, luckily for the pigeon it managed to break free and escape, also in January an immature male  on the 28th and 30th.  In February the only record was an adult male on the 29th.  In March an adult male on the 9th, an unaged male on the 15th and a distant male on the 23rd flew east.   One seen flying away on the 13th of April could not be aged or sexed. The first ever May record occurred on the 14th when an unaged male was seen.  Single birds were seen on the 15th August, 8th of September adult male and 2nd of October immature female.  In November immature males on the 4th & 9th, the only December record was an adult male on the 30th.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

1995: None were recorded in January, only started to appear regularly from 19th March. Four on 10th April was the highest count until 23rd August when 22 were seen, there were no counts higher than this to the year-end.

1996: Eleven on 1st February was the only double figure count during the first part of the year. 19 was the highest count of the year on 15th October, then became scarce in the last two months of the year, One pair of birds bred in the area. 

1997: Ten on 8th  & 9th January was the most until September  when  counts  of 21 on 22nd  & 42 on  27th.   A  steady decline then (attributed to shooting) to the year-end, a count of 11 on 24th December being the highest count.

1998: Eleven on 4th February was the best count in the first  half  of the year, 33 was the highest count for the second half of the year.

1999:20 on 18th January, 29 on 6th October down to 25 next day, 22 on 28th December.

2000: The best counts for the year were 14 on 31st January, 22 on 22nd September & 9th November.

2001: Thirteen on the 1st of January was the years highest count.  On the 2nd of September an adult was seen with eight young, as well as a separate group of five birds.  On the 14th of September two broods were seen two adults & six young & one adult & seven young.  Nine on the 10th of October was the best count during the latter part of the year.

2002: A very noticeable decline, in counts & records.  The most notable records, were seven on the 20th of January, an adult with two young on the 21st of August & four adults on the 22nd.  Two on the 25th September & four on the 9th of October were the only records in those months.  A party of eight on Went Ings, on the 3rd of November was the best count of the year.

2003: Just 42 records for the year, none were recorded in August.  The maximum count was 6 on the 1st, 8th & 10th of January.

2004:  All records for the year are listed; January two on the 15th four on the 29th, February one on the 11th, April two on the 8th, June two on the 30th, July one on the 5th, October four on the 1st lastly one on Went Ings on the 5th of December.

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

1995: Four was the highest count of the year until 2nd August, when an adult was seen with 11 young. 18 were counted on the 7th  & 19th. In September c45 on the 1st was the highest count of the year. The only other large total was 21 on 3rd October, otherwise just single figures were seen to the year end.

1996: Twelve on 17th January was the highest count in the first half of the year, The highest count of the year was 42  on 24th October, became scarce in the last two months of the year one pair was proved to have bred ,

1997: In January 15 on the 8th was the most until  26th August when 18 were logged, then 27 on 12th September, 40 on 26th &  27th October & 1st November. Then as with the last  species  a steady decline in numbers to the year end with 18  on  25th  December  the most.

1998: Nineteen on 2nd January, 26 on 14th  & 22nd September  were  the best counts for the year.

1999: A noticeable decline for this species, 13 on  7th January was the best count of the year.  12 on 12th October &  on a further five dates to the year end.

2000: The highest counts were 13 on 20th January 18 on 1st September.  After eight on 16th & 28th October seven was the most seen to the year end. 

Both species of Partridge have declined over the last five years, the peak winter counts are nowhere near there former status, add to this the shooting of both species from September onwards, it is difficult to see Partridges after December.

2001: Seven were seen on the 7th of January.  A pair was seen with at least six young on the 13th of July.  A family party of two adults & nine juveniles was seen on the 26th of August.  Three adults & 12 young were along Southfield lane on the 1st of September.  Some good counts from October onwards were 26 on the 31st of October, 34 on the 2nd of November & 21 on the 21st of November & again on the 12th of December.

2002: For the second year in succession, counts & the number of records appears to be on the increase, after the low counts & sometimes-scarce sightings of the recent past.  Ten on the 2nd of January was the highest count in the first half of the year.  Sightings involving broods were, two adults with 11 flying young on the 30th of June, a brood of 13 along Southfield lane on the 11th of July, a party of eight birds on Went Ings on the 15th of August & an adult with six juveniles on the 21st of August.  There were regular double figure counts in the latter part of the year, the best were, 25 on the 31st August, 24 on the 23rd of October, 26 on the 4th of November, 21 on the 25th of December.  Also during December a party of 15, fed regularly at the feeding area at the Sailing club.       

2003: During January 15 regularly fed at the sailing club feeding area & there was a further 6 in the east-fields.  A total of 22 birds were counted on the 6th of February.  Other counts for the year were 21 (2 adults) on the 31st of July.  25 in the west fields on the 29th of September, 29 in the east-fields on 25th of October & 26 on the 10th of November & 23rd of December.

2004:  A good count was of 42 on the 1st of January, ten were at the feeding area on the 28th and also on the 8th & 9th of February.  Two adults were noted with six young on the 16th of July.  In November, 27 on the 1st declined to 22 on the 5th, there were only single figure counts in December.

Quail Coturnix coturnix

1995: One was heard calling on 4th  & 5th May but only distantly and briefly. One was heard calling from an oil seed rape field alongside the east reservoir on 13th May the next day two were seen in a set aside field adjacent to the rape field, the last record was of one calling on 26th May. (AS.CF.RP.SB.)

1998: One  possibly two calling from fields on the east  side of the reservoirs on 17th May, heard calling both morning & evening.  C.F. W.H.P.

1999: One calling from fields at east side of the reservoirs  on 31st May.

2002: One or more calling from the old Turf field area on May 29th & 30th.

2002: One, probably two, were calling from a wheat field (the former turf field) on Went Ings, on the 29th of May; & one was heard the next day.

2003: One was calling from Went Ings on the 18th of May.

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

1995: Just single records in January and February, appeared more frequently from 22nd March. Three males were noted on 11th, 13th  & 20th November. A pair was noted at the feeding station on 1st December.

1996: One to two birds were noted fairly regularly during the year, On Went Ings on 12th July there were two males & two females, one with two young, the other with five young. Three males were on Went Ings on 7th November.

1997: One on 25th January was the only record  until  March when  records  became more frequent, mainly on  Went  Ings.   Two males  on  12th March & through April, three males  here  on  1st November and around the reservoirs on the 12th.

1998: One or two throughout the year, three  males on 25th November was the most.

1999: A  pair  present on Went Ings for most  of  the  year. Three birds were present on the Ings on 14th  & 25th December.

2000: Three (two @s) on Went Ings on 15th February, four Bs on the Ings on 22nd March & three Bs on 12th & 28th April.  Six (two Bs) were along Southfield lane on 3rd October, then five Bs on 24th October.  Nine Bs with a small white individual in the north fields on 7th December.

An increase in counts & of sightings this year will be attributed to the rearing & releasing of birds for shooting in nearby Cowick Gorse

2001: Following on from last year when an increase in the number of Pheasants was noted, which was most likely due to released birds for shooting interests at Cowick Gorse, they were once again recorded regularly, with a maximum count of seven on the 18th of October.

2002: Seen or heard on most visits throughout the year.  The best counts were, five- (4 Bs) on Went Ings on the 27th of March.  A female with eight young, along Southfield lane on the 19th of June, eight on the 27th of August, includes some juveniles, five juveniles on the West Bank on the 5th of September, finally six at the north end of the reservoirs on the 28th of November.   

2003: Noted on most visits, maximum counts were, 5 (3Bs) on 5th of January, 5 Bs on Went Ings on 21st of May, & a @ with 5 young on the west-fields on the 12th of June.

2004: Has become a more common bird around the reservoirs with sightings of two or more in a day becoming a regular occurrence.  The best counts were in November with eight (3Bs) on the 4th and on the 29th nine (2Bs) of which eight were on the Went Ings.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

1995: One on 8th January (no location) and one on the middle bank on seven dates between 13th March and 1st April. One was seen again on 23rd August, 8th September and 28th  & 29th December, two were seen on 25th November.

1996: Singles on 1st January, then 13th, 24th, 26th & 27th November. The last was on the 9th December.

1997: Singles on 4th, 7th, 23rd, 25th & 26th January.  2nd February,  31st October 7th  & 13th November & 2nd, 4th, 14th & 22nd December.

1998: One on Went Ings on 5th January, singles at the reservoirs on 14th & 25th February, 13th March, 16th & 22nd December.

1999: One on 22nd January, one on the middle bank on 13th & 29th November, in December two on the middle bank on 14th & 18th and one seen on 19th, 20th, 24th  & 29th.

2000: One on the middle bank on 1st January; & here again on 4th, 15th & 29th February, then again on 17th, 20th & 26th March.  One was present from 3rd December to the year end.

2001: In January one on the 1st, 2nd, 7th, 11th & 16th.  In February on the 1st & 6th.  This single bird was also noted on the 5th of March & 8th of April which is the latest date recorded.  One returned onto the middle bank on the 1st of November & was seen here during November on the 10th, 14th & 22nd.   

2002: Singles were seen on six January dates.  In February on the 8th & 14th.  In March, on the 17th & 26th.  November produced just one sighting on the 4th, finally in December, one on the 4th & two were seen on the 6th.

2003: In the first half of the year noted on the 4th of January, 15th, 17th, & 21st of February.  During the last week of October (date not known) 1 was flushed from the southern end of the middle bank.  In November 1 was on the middle bank on the 15th & 27th.  In December 1 calling at the southern end on the 7th, then seen on middle bank 8th, 12th, 14th & 17th.  2 birds were definately present from the 22nd to the year-end at the locations mentioned.

2004: In January two birds were present-one on the middle bank, which was last seen on the 1st of March, the other was along the south-bank until the 15th of January.  None returned to the middle bank in the second winter period, perhaps because most of the vegetation had been flattened by the Greylag geese, the only record was of one on Went Ings on the 5th of December near to the aqueduct.  

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

1995: Recorded throughout the year in ones and twos, higher counts involved, ten on Went Ings on 24th February, an adult and five young on 13th June, eight on 30th October. In December nine around the jetties on 24th, 15 on the unfrozen canal on 27th, 20 on Went Ings and five at the reservoirs on the 18th.

1996: Two were noted at the feeding area at the sailing club on 1st January. 16 were on Went Ings on 18th March, one pair proved to have bred.

1997: 23 on Went Ings on 3rd March was the highest count.

1998: Recorded  regularly, the highest count was of 13 on Went Ings  on 5th January.

1999: In March 12 on Went Ings on 11th  & 11 here on 22nd.

2000: Seven on Went Ings on 17th March.  Very few records came from the reservoirs

2001: The highest count for the year was 14 on the 13th of March.

2002: The best count of the year was six, on the 27th of September; five of these were on the middle bank.

2003: Noted regularly, there was a noticable increase of birds on the reservoirs from early September, normally 1-2 are noted but 9 were seen on the 10th of September.  On the 8th of December 8 were seen crossing the canal to the reservoirs, at dusk & 8 crossing the canal to Went Ings on the 29th.

2004: Noted regularly with a maximum of seven, they were seen along the dyke which runs southwards on Went Ings, as viewed from the fishermen's car park on the 6th of September.

Coot Fulica atra

1995: 27 on the 12th February was the highest count in the first hall of the year. After 11 on 10th April the next double figure count was not until 9th December when 14 were present. In September two on the 13th was the only" record during the month. The highest count of the year was of 59, on 26th December

1996: The highest count of the year was 54 on the 4th of January numbers dwindled to single figures by 4th April, until 18 on the 20th May single figures were noted from the 25th May until 11th November when 15 were present. The highest counts to the year-end were 33 on 29th November and 44 on 30th December.

1997: 74 on 9th January during hard weather.  A pair built a nest in  early May but deserted before laying.  After two on  6th   May the next was one on 21st July & 4th August, with 10 on the  26th.  Only  occurred  regularly from the end of August with 18  on  20th October the most.

1998: 31 on Went Ings floods on 18th April, decreased to 26 on the 30th.  The high level of flooding encouraged some birds to  build nests, which were deserted as the floods receded.

1999: A pair built a nest and laid eggs on Went Ings in May  but later deserted the nest. Maximum count was 21in August.

2000: There were 18 on flooded Went Ings on 23rd April.  18 on the reservoirs on 19th May & 35 on 31st December during severe cold weather.

2001: Four nests with eggs on Went Ings in May, all failed when the flooded areas dried out. Maximum counts were 30 in January and 23 in December.

Monthly maximum counts are as follows.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

30

18

15

11

7

2

1

10

9

10

14

23

2002: The peak count of 50 occurred on the 11th of January, during cold frosty conditions.

Monthly peak counts were:

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

50

29

25

16

10

5

4

2

2

13

18

14

2003: A nest along the middle bank contained two eggs on the 12th of May.  Two more pairs built nests during May, just one brood of 5 was seen on 17th June but none survived. 

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

19

22

9

10

12

18

14

18

22

23

16

12

2004:  On the 1st of May on Went Ings, to the west of the aqueduct, one was sat on a nest surrounded by quickly receding flood water.  Another Coot was seen on a nest on the middle bank in late May but no young were ever seen. 

Monthly maximum counts were

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

18

20

17

4

10

10

12

23

20

16

5

8

Common Crane Grus grus. One flew low northwards on a wet & breezy 5th of July.  This was the second record for the site the first being in 1994.  AM.

2003: On the 19th of May 2 arrived from the east & gradually made their way westwards, they were in view for some 40 minutes.  The third Southfield record.  A.M. A.S. C.F.

 

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

1995: The first of the year was on 9th February. A pair was present in the Went Ings area from March into June. Three were seen on 24th March, four on 12th April, three on 9th  & 10th May, five on 14th May, 2 south west on 9th August and two north on 17th August.

1996: The first was on 16th  March, then four on the 20th . Two took up residence On Went Ings from the 23rd. In April seen on the 11th & 15th, One was noted sitting on eggs on Went Ings on the 20th April, subsequently one chick was seen with two adults on 17th May. This bird fledged successfully, this was the first positive breeding record, The last or the year was one west on 7th September.

1997: Singles on 1st January, 22nd  & 26th   February,  a pair on the 27th became resident.  In April three on 1st, six  on 10th,  four on 23rd.  Three on 8th  & 16th May, four on 5th   June.  A  bird was on eggs on the turf field, but this clutch was  lost, thought  to  be  on eggs again in early June, but  the  site  was levelled and the clutch lost.  After three on 2nd July there were singles  on  four July dates & two on the 9th.   Further  singles were  on 9th  & 12th August, 9th September and east on 5th  November

1998: The  first  of the year was on 16th February, then  a  pair  were present  from  24th, three present on 23rd April, on the  30th  a pair present and four flew north east.  Three on 4th  & 10th May, four on 10th June & three on the 16th, records decreased in July.  In August singles on 1st & 24th, with two on the 3rd, In Septem­ber one on the 8th and two on 27th were the last of the year.  Two pairs were in the area during the spring & summer but no conformation of breeding.

1999: One  resident from 16th February & two  from  5th March  three on 8th  & four from the 10th March.  These two  pairs were resident mostly on Went Ings into June.  Five birds seen  on 19th April & 14th May, there was no proof of breeding  and the last of these birds was seen on 2nd July.  Singles were seen on 6th August & 15th September.

2000: First to return was one on 20th February, then two present from 25th. In March five on the 3rd, four on 12th, 17th, 18th then five again on 25th.  In April three on 1st, 12th, 15th, 18th & 19th & four on the 20th. In May three on the 6th & 12th.  Only one bird was seen in June.  In July three on the 8th & one on the 11th & 17th, was the last of the year.

2001: One on the 23rd of January was unusual at this time of year.  From the 16th of February a single bird was resident, then two were present from the 5th of March.  Also in March four on the 10th & 19th.  In April, three birds on seven dates & four on the 14th.  In May six on the 4th, five on the 13th  & eight on the 21st.  In June three on the 13th, five on the 18th, one on the 28th & three next day.  In July recorded regularly with maximum of three on the 13th  & four west on the 27th.  In August one on the 10th & 19th.  One on the jetties & the reservoir bank near the sailing club on the 11th of November was a most unusual record at this time of year.

2002: In February one noted on the 19th & 23rd.  Recorded regularly from the 2nd of March-18th of May, with the best counts of, five on the 22nd, four on the 26th, 29th & 31st of March.  In April, five noted on the 1st & four on the 8th.  In June, three on the 17th: one on the 18th & two on the 24th.  In July two on the 1st, then one on six dates between the 2nd & 31st.  During August, singles on the 10th & 28th & two on the 17th.  The last of the year were singles on the 1st & 10th of September.

2003: First to return was 2 on the 23rd of February.  Noted regularly from 3rd of March to 31st of May.  Maximum count was 3 on the 25th of March, 23rd of May & 4th of July.  Singles were recorded on five June dates, six July dates, one in August & the last was on the 17th of October.

2004:  The first of the year was one on the east bank on the 8th of January.  Next were single birds on the 18th, 28 & 29th of February and 1st of March.  After two on the 6th of March, birds were then recorded regularly to the 3rd of June, with a maximum in this period of four on the 4th & 12th of April, 9th & 28th of May and five on the 16th of May.  In June single birds on a further four dates and two on the 18th.  In July singles on five dates to the 20th, in August singles on the 4th, 14th & 20th were the final records of the year.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Very rare passage migrant. Just one record in 1991

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

1996: One flew east along the canal on the 27th of April, the second record for the site. AH.

1999: On June 7th one on the jetty at 07.30 it flew off  south but returned shortly after & remained until 08.30 when it left to the east.  (CF. JS)

2000: A record count of five, flying north-west on 11th August, was the fourth record.  (AS)

2004:  In May two flew west on the 16th, on the 18th one circled the reservoirs then flew south-east. On the 22nd one spent an hour on the middle bank; these represented the fifth-seventh records.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

1995: Recorded on the following dates, 9th, 11th & 15th April 4th, 10th, 15th, & 23rd May, 13th   & 30th June, 1st  & 12th July and 5th August.

1996: The first was on 11th April, with further singles on 22nd, 23rd  & 26th, two on 15th  & 20th. In May three east on 14th one west on 27th July, finally six north east on 6th September.

1997: In April singles on 8th, 11th, 12th, 15th  & 28th.  In May two on 14th  & singles on 9th  & 25th. In July singles on 7th, 17th, & 27th, the last was on 6th August.

1998: Singles on 15th  & 25th April, 30th May & 18th August.

1999: In April singles on 1st 2nd,  5th,  16th 19th & 24th.  In May singles on 5th, 11th, & 23rd, also on 23rd August & 26th September

2000: In April two on the 2nd, followed by singles south on 18th & east on the 24th.  In May singles on 1st, 5th north, 6th west & 10th & 12th east.  In June singles on 9th & 14th. In July one on the sailing club jetties on 5th, then two on the 8th were the last of the year.

2001: In April one flew north on the 20th & one west on the 25th & 26th.  In May singles east on the 22nd & north-west on the 31st.  In June singles east on the 1st & 26th  & further singles on 18th & 30th.  In July one west on the 4th, a juvenile on the jetties for forty minutes on the 5th, the last of the year was one east on the 13th of August.

2002: All records were of single birds, passing through, on the following dates: 16th, 18th & 21st of April.  8th, 20th & 21st of May.  16th of July, finally on the 5th & 20th of August.   

2003: All records were of single birds as follows: 29th of March.  21st, 23rd & 30th of April.  5th, 6th & 17th of May, 2nd of July, 18th of August & 3rd & 7th of September.    

2004:  A poor year with just three records, one west on 17th of April, one north on 21st of May and two west on 29th of June.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

1995: Recorded on 27 dates, the first of the year was on 31st March and the last on 12th November. Noted singly on 22 dates, other counts were of two, three, eight, nine and seven.

1996: Birds were noted on a total of twenty-four dates between 5th March and 25th October. Singles were noted on eighteen days, two on three days and three on three days

1997: The first was on 27th February with further  sin­gles  on 21st  & 22nd March.  In May three on 4th  & 13th,  two  on 9th,  15th,  18th  & 19th  & Singles on 16th, 20th, 22nd.   One  on 11th   June  & 7th  & 25th July.  In August singles on  9th, 15th, 17th, 21st, 26th, two on 11th.  In September singles on 3rd, 7th, 10th, 11th, 18th  & 19th  & three on west on 9th. Lastly one on 3rd November.

1998: In March singles on 8th, 15th  & 19th.  In May singles on 13th, 20th  & 26th, in July singles on 1st & 7th, in August singles  on 1st, 7th, 11th & 12th, two on 10th & 21st, three on 22nd.  Sep­tember produced two on 2nd, five on 12th & singles on 18th, 21st, 23rd & 28th, October & November produced singles on 2nd  & 4th respectively.

1999: In March singles on 16th & 22nd.  The next were in May with singles on 6th, 7th, 15th & 28th & four north on 19th, five north on 14th, a flock of 16 north on 22nd was a record count.  In August three on 10th, singles on 12th, 19th, 29th & 31st.  In September singles on 1st & 4th, three on 15th, five on 16th were down in the west fields with golden plovers, three over the reservoirs on 21st lastly one on 6th October.

2000: In April singles on 1st, 10th & 25th.  In May one on the 7th, three on the 6th, two on the 9th then singles on 10th, 12th & 19th.  A single north on 4th June.  Four west on 5th July, in August singles on 18th, 19th, 21st, 24th, 26th & 27th and two on the 22nd.  In September two north on the 4th, a party of 14 west on the 9th, followed by singles on 12th. 17th & 18th, two west on the 22nd, three on the 25th, one on 26th & lastly one on 14th October

2001: One in the flooded east fields on the 6th of February.  In March two on the 6th & one on the 9th.  In April one on the 9th, one east on the 26th & one on the 27th.  In May one on the 14th, nine (eight north-east) on the 15th, two on the 16th, one 18th & five north-west on the 31st.  A single passed through on June the 12th.  In July one flew west on the 1st & again on the 3rd.  August was the best month with singles on nine dates, two on the 4th, three east on the 7th, seven on the 18th & five on the 30th.  The last records of the year were in September

2002: The first to return were in March, with singles on the 12th & 13th.  On the 28th of April two flew west, with, three Dunlin & a Ruff.  In May one west with three Dunlin on the 15th, one north-east on the 17th & one on the 21st.  In June one flew north-east on the 10th.  In August one flew east on the 10th & six east next day: one on the 13th, ten flew east on the 20th, & one south on the 27th.  In September, one on the 5th: two east on the 8th & one on the 9th.  12 flew west on the 10th, the last were singles birds on the 12th, 17th, 19th & 30th.

2003: The first was 2 on the 25th of February, then singles on 24th & 25th of April & 8th, 14th &16th of May.  In June 1 spent all day of the 11th on the jetties, remaining until late morning the next day.  The only other June record was on the 17th.  There was just one record in July on the 31st.  In August 1 on the 4th, 6 on 8th, then 4 were in the west-fields with Golden plovers on the 14th.  Singles each day between the 23rd-26th.  Lastly singles In September on the 3rd, 10th, 12th & 14th.

2004:  In dull wet conditions on the morning of 13th March a party of 10 birds flew north and two more birds were on the middle bank, also in March singles on the 21st & 29th.  In April two on the 16th and singles on the 17th & 26th.  In May two flew east on the 6th, one north on the 18th, five on the 19th-(4 north-east & 1 on the jetties which later flew north).  One over the reservoirs next day was joined by a Turnstone and a Dunlin, all three then landed on the jetties for a short stay before they all flew off north together.  Finally in May one east on the 27th.  In June one on the 6th and two east on the 8th.  In July two west on the 6th and three north-west on the 8th.  In August singles on the 4th & 7th, two arrived and departed back eastwards on the 11th, one on the middle bank on the 14th flew off east, also in August singles on the six other dates to the 31st.  In September five west on the 1st, one west on the 4th and a flock of 20 flew north on the 6th and a further flock of 17 flew north on the 9th.  The final record of the year was one east on the 8th of October.  

European Golden PloverPluvialis apricaria

1995: Around 220 were present on 13th March, single birds were noted on 15th  & 20th April, 15th May and 28th June. The highest count was of 600+ on 28th November.

1996: 350+ on 27th March, one south east on 16th May three on 13th July and a peak count of 1500+ on 25th October,

1997: Single figure counts during January after a  cold spell, c70 on 3rd February & 21st March.  One on 1st May  comple­ted a poor showing for the first half of the year.  The next  was on  21st July, then 13 on 30th August being the best count  until September  when  there was a dramatic increase with 680   on  8th, 1000+ on 9th, 1300 on 12th, then declined to 650+ on 14th  &  350+ on  17th.  Numbers then remained around 100 until  400+  on  15th October.  200+ on 24th November was the highest count to the year end.

1998: Sightings were few and far between in the first half of the year, the  best count was of 48 on 9th March, there were no more  until July when three were seen on the 13th  & six next day.  The best counts for the rest of the year were 400+ on 19th August, 700+ on 26th October & 750+ on 16th November.

1999: Very scarce in January there were 40 on 18th, becoming regular from February with 400+ on 18th & 410+ on 9th March, the last was on 24th April.  Two north on 10th August were the first to return, then110 on the 31st.  In September 1,000+ on 11th & 1,500 on 16th.  In October 1,200+ on 7th & a white indi­vidual was seen on this date, 1,450 on 12th & 1,000+ on 15th.  In November 2,000+ on 2nd & 3rd down to 1,000+ on 12th, 700+ 0n 12th December then declined to the year-end.

2000: On 4th February a count of 120, this was the highest number for the first half of the year, four on 23rd April were the last.  First to return was one on 17th July.  Noted regularly in August, with 150 on the 23rd slowly building to 400+ on the 27th September, then large increases in October & November as birds were attracted to extensive flooding around the River Went and surrounding fields. 900 were present on 30th October, a 1,000+ on 3rd November, 1,300+ on the 8th & 1,500+ on the 9th, then on the 29th 2,300 flew in from the north, numbers gradually decreased,  the highest count for December was 1,000+ on the 3rd.

2001: Six hundred were present on the 11th of January.  In February 1000+ on the 6th, 1200+ on the 10th & 11th, 1500 on the 12th & 16th.  In March 1300 on the 15th, falling to 250+ on the 5th of April.  150+ east on the 4th of May then singles on the 12th of May & 29th of June.  In July one on the 5th, then recorded on a further nine dates during the month, with 15 on the 30th the most.  In August a slow build up to 750+ by the 24th & again on the 26th.  Some big counts in September started with 1000+ on the 1st, 1300+ on the 14th, 1000+ on the 21st, 3000+ next day fell to 2000:+ on the 25th, but recovered to 3000 on the 26th.  In October 1800+ on the 11th, 2000:+ on the 22nd & 3000+ on the 25th.  In December a count of 1000+ on the 9th was the last big count of the year.

2002: Scarce in the first three months of the year, the flocks of birds that were seen were generally noted well to the east of the reservoirs.  The best counts in the recording area during this period were 60 on the 14th of January, 70 on the 14th of March & 200+ on the 21st.  In April 60 on the 2nd, 40 on the 7th & 29 north-west on the 30th, were the last of winter.  The only July records were seven east on the 30th & one next day.  In August there were single figure counts until the 12th, when 70 were seen, numbers then increased to 1,100 on the 29th, 1,200 on 30th & 1,500 on the 31st.  The September peak was 1,000+ on the 23rd & October's peak was 2,500 on the 31st.  A massive build up of birds produced 4,000+ on the 1st of November, then a new record count of 8,000+ north of the reservoirs  on the 3rd, but only 4,000 the next day.  The best December total was 300+ on the 3rd.

2003: The only January records were of 11 on the 27th & 5 next day.  Recorded on six February dates, with c50 on the 28th the maximum.  In March 134 on the 5th, 400+ on 14th, were well to the north of the reservoirs.  In April 17 on the 6th was the only double figure count, the last one of spring was noted on the 27th.  Returned in July with 14 west on the 11th, there was a further six single figure counts for the month.  Recorded on nine dates In August, with 1,000+ on the 15th.  September began with 550+ on the 2nd, numbers declined until 1,500 were seen on the 29th, falling to 1,100+ next day.  The best counts were in November with 1,000+ to the east of the reservoirs on the 4th, 2,000+ next day, c.3,000 on the 18th, falling to c.1,000 on the 22nd.         

2004:  Between New Years day and the 24th of April this species was scarce, with just low counts, the only record in excess of 75 was a count of c.200 on the 19th of April.  The first birds to return were in July with one on the 30th and 13 next day.  In August numbers increased slowly with 19 on the 4th & 12th, 35 on the 17th, 57 on the 21st & c.170 on the 28th.  The maximum September count was 350+ on the 23rd & 25th.  In October 1,500 on the 21st, 2,200 next day falling to 2,000 on the 27th & 28th.  After 2,000+ on the 4th of November there was a rapid decline, the maximum December total was of 100+ west on the 29th.      

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

1995: There were eleven records for the year, the first on 6th January when two flew west. The next were in August on the 7th  & 11th, followed by five records in September- singles on the 9th, 10th, 27th  & 30th and two on the 17th, further singles on 4th November and 7th  & 9th December.

1996: Recorded on no less than twenty-four dates, mainly singles except three on the frozen reservoir on 1st January and two on 19th May. Records were obtained in the months January to March, May, August to October and December.

1997: A very poor year especially after last years  record of 24 dates, 1997: produced only three sightings, singles on 18th & 20th May & 24th November.

1998: In August six flew west on the 12th & three next day, a single on 20th & three next day, further singles on 28th September & 24th November which circled before flying east.

1999: In August singles noted on 9th, 12th & 14th, six west on 19th.  In September singles on 12th, 21st & 27th, two with golden plovers on 15th.  In October one on 1st & 6th.

2000: One in the east fields with Golden Plovers on 7th November, one flew east on 21st December.

2001: Singles on the 6th of February (north), 11th of May (heard calling) & 30th of May (north).  Four were seen flying into the west fields to join Golden Plovers on the 25th of September.

2002: One flew east on the 14th of May, two west on the 10th of August & one east on the 22nd of September.

2003: A single flew north on the 10th of January, next was a party of 7 west on the 6th of August & 3 flew west on the 11th, finally 1 flew  east on the 14th of October.

2004: One flew around the reservoirs on a dull, misty and wet morning of the 13th of March.  In August singles passed through on the 7th, 12th & 30th.  In September singles on the 6th, 22nd & 27th and two on the evening of the 30th, the final birds were singles on the 28th of October and 19th of November.  

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

1995: The highest counts were 450+ on 7th February, c45 on 17th June, 800+ on 13th September and 600+ south-east on 12th November.

1996: c150 on 10th January & 20th March, were the highest counts ill the first half of the year. Four pairs attempted to breed in the west fields, but this was ploughed on 22nd April.  One pair did manage to have four young in this field on 28th May. Peak counts to the end of the year were 1060+ on 27th August and 850+ on 7th November.

1997: February produced the best count for the first half  of the  year with c310 on the 13th.  Two pairs were resident on  the north  side of the reservoirs from 13th March,  breeding  success unknown.  September saw 1200+ on 4th , 1300+ on 17th , in  November1100 on 28th , & 500 on 25th December.

1998: 300+ on 15th January & 14th February ties in with the low numbers of Golden Plovers.  410+ on 24th August was only bettered by 413 on 14th October & 500+ on 12th December.

1999: In the first half of the year 800+ on 18th February was he most, five pairs attempted breeding in one field on the north boundary  of the reservoirs in May, though the success  rate  was unknown.  Summer counts were 350+ on 7th July & c400 on 12th August.  The highest counts were in November with 1,000+ on  the 2nd increasing to 1,500 on the 29th. 

2000: The highest count for the first part of the year was of 180+ on January 25th.  Seven birds were on breeding territory from 7th March, but breeding was not confirmed.  520 on 23rd August was the best count until November flooding attracted 1000+ on the 3rd & 1100 on the 14th.  Peak count for December was 1000+ on the 11th.     

2001: In January 700+ present on the 26th, during February 900+ on the 6th increased to 2500+ on the 10th & 3000+ next day, then after 2500 on the 16th numbers started to decline & c200 on the 9th of March was the best count for the month.  There was one other significant count for the first part of the year of 150+ on the 12th of June.  There were 500+ on July the 11th & again on the 3rd of August, larger counts in August were 1500+ on the 19th, 2000:+ next day & 1000+ on the 24th & 25th.  A count of 800+ on the 14th of September was the best count until November when 900+ were present on the 20th & 1100 next day.  700+ on the 1st of December was the best count to the year-end.     

2002: Birds started to return after a cold spell during the first two weeks of the year.  600+ on the 3rd of February was the peak count in the first half of the year.  Breeding took place in set aside fields along Southfield lane, where two young were seen in June: also in June 150+ in the east fields on the 24th.  The best counts in the second half of the year were, 400+ on the 26th of July, 800+ on the 10th & 22nd of August, 950+ on the 8th of September.  There were no large counts during October.  November produced 600+ on the 2nd & 22nd & finally on the 3rd of December 800+ were logged.

2003: The maximum count in the first three months was c.160 on 27th February.  Seven pairs attempted to breed in a set-aside field at the eastern side of the reservoirs & 3 chicks were seen on the 1st of May & 1 on the 27th & 31st.  In June 130+ were seen on the 23rd.  Peak counts during the second half of the year were, 750+ on 23rd of July, 900+ on 2nd & 4th of August.  September was very poor with none at all on some days, otherwise only small numbers were logged & the same was true in October, until the 27th when 50 were seen increasing to 220+ on the 31st.  November sightings were better, with peak counts of 600+ on 15th & a 1,000+ on 16th & 18th, falling to 900+ by the 21st.  In December 400+ on the 25th was the maximum     

2004:  During the first half of the year Lapwings were more numerous than Golden Plovers, with a maximum count of c.500 on the 25th of January.  Seven pairs attempted to breed in set-aside fields around the reservoirs and three small chicks were noted on the 9th of May.  Maximum counts in the latter half of the year were c.60 in July, 500+ in August, 250+ in September, 280+ in October, 800+ on the 4th of November and a maximum of 130+ in December.   

Knot Calidris canutus

1995: Six flew west on 7th January, two east on 16th September and one east on 4th November.

1996: Logged on a record six dates during the year, all singles except for a party of 17 on the 31st December.  All were flyovers except for one, which landed on a jetty briefly and along the west bank on 16th November. One was also noted twice on the morning of 19th December in flight with 11 Lapwings,

1997: Five records compares well with last years six.  Three  on 3rd January.  One with Golden Plovers on 11th September flew  off east.   Three east on 21st November, singles east on 1st   &  17th December.

1998: One on 5th October circled the reservoirs before flying east.

1999: Three west on 19th August was the only record.

2000: Three on 2nd April two east on 6th May, then one circled the reservoirs & flew off east on 20th December.

2001: One on the flooded east fields on the 6th of February, Five flew east on the 17th of May.  In August one flew into the west fields with Golden Plovers on the 23rd & one flew south on the 29th.  In October two south on the 15th, one east on the 18th, then on the 20th seven in the morning & three in the afternoon, the last were three on the 23rd of December.

2002: One circled the reservoirs for five minutes on the 9th of September, before flying off east.  And another circled the reservoirs on the 1st of November before it also flew off east.

2003: A party of 5 flew west on the 12th of January, 1 landed on the canal bank, then flew over the reservoirs on the 23rd of March. On the 25th of December 1 among a flock of 400+ Lapwings over the reservoirs, flew off north-east.

2004:  The first birds did not appear until August, but what an exceptional passage it turned out to be with record numbers seen.  It started frustratingly on the 10th when in heavy rain and limited viewing conditions a flock of 35 waders flew quickly north, although not positively identified it was thought that they were most likely to be Knot.  On the 13th a moulting adult circled the reservoirs for ten minutes before flying off south-east, later that morning a flock of 18 juveniles flew east.  On the 20th, nine arrived from & departed back eastwards and 28 from the west flew out east.  The final record in August was of one west on the 31st.  In September a flock of 19 flew west on the 22nd.  On the 11th of October one landed on a jetty for an hour before departing east and two flew east on the 29th.  The final record for the year was one over the reservoirs with Golden Plovers on the 2nd of November.         

Sanderling Calidris alba

1996: Singles north on 1st & 24th May. On 17th November one through in the morning and two in the afternoon,

1997: Five records were a good total for this species.   In May  two  west on 3rd, one south east 5th, one east  16th   &  two 26th .  The last was one south east on 29th August.

1998: Two on 29th April was the only record.

1999: A good spring passage started with one on 16th April. In May one on the east bank & the jetties on the 1st, two  north on 7th, one on jetties 13th, singles north on 19th  & 23rd.

2000: Another good spring for this species, started with one on 18th April, in May two on the 6th, then three on the evening of the 11th landed on the jetties, two of these remained for forty minutes, the other one until dark, two west on 21st. Further records were one north on 3rd June & one west on 29th October.  

2001: Singles flew, east on the 13th of May & north-east on the 15th the final record was one east on the 18th of August.

2003: A record day count of 4 (3+1) circled the reservoirs on 20th of May & left to the north, 2 on the 27th of May flew in from & departed east.

2004:  On the 19th of May two landed on the middle bank briefly before flying off north.  On the 21st one flew in and landed on the middle bank and was still present four hours later.  A record count of five circled the reservoirs and departed east on the 28th of August.

Temmincks Stint C. temminckii

2004: A new species for the Reservoirs, one was seen flying west on the evening of 18th May (R.P.)

Little Stint Calidris minuta

1995: One on the sailing club jetty briefly on 17th September, was the second record.

1996: During September there was a big influx of this species into the country, there were a number of records at the reservoir, all concern birds passing through, one on 18th, nine on 21st and singles on 22nd, 24th & 25th.

1998: One  calling  over the reservoirs on 2nd September & three flew west with three Dunlin on the 18th September

2001: Five flew west on the 20th of September, then two west with three Dunlin on the 27th of September.

2003: The earliest ever record was obtained on the 6th of August when 1 flew west.

2004:  One flew west on the 26th of August.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

1996: Singles east on 8th & 21st of September and two north-west on 11th October.

1999: Three were flying around the reservoirs on the evening of 11th September.

2000: One flew west with five Dunlins on 26th August.

2001: One flew north-west with two Dunlin on the 20th of September & one flew east on the 18th of October.  (AM).

2002: A party of three & a single bird, flew-north east on the 16th of September.  (a new record count).

2004:  A record flock size of four, flew west on the 1st of September, equalling the highest day count total of a single and a party of three in September 2002.  Also one flew north with nine Snipe on the 10th.

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima

Very rare.  A new species for the reservoirs, one was seen over the reservoirs before departing to the north on 6th October1999:.  (CF. AS.)

Dunlin Calidris alpina

1995: Recorded on many dates throughout the year, highest counts were of 23 in both January and February 20 in March 22 in September 30 in October and 15 in December.

1996: There were no more than five, until 22 on 17th March, then nine on 5th May and two on 1st June. The next were 16 on 31st August, 15 of these were in the west fields. In September there were counts of 16 on 5th, 17 on 11th, 20 on 12th, 17 on 17th, 39 on 21st and 23 on 25th. Eight were in the west fields on 18th October, 15 west on 4th November and 38 were attracted to floodwater on Went Ings on 24th December.

1997: In January 15 on 1st  & 16 on 3rd.  In April 13  west  on 23rd.  Seen regularly in May with a count of 10 on 26th. In  June singles on 5th, 10th  & 19th.  Noted frequently from July  onwards with  October  producing counts of 14 on 3rd, c40 on 15th   &  c25 next day all west.  Two on the middle bank on 30th October, 11 on 4th November & 4 on 23rd December.

1998: November was the best month of the year producing the most sight­ings, eleven in total, it also produced the only double  figure counts of the year with ten on 3rd, 21 on 5th  & 15 0n the 13th.

1999: Four on 9th February were the first of the  year,  next were  singles in March on 5th & 10th, recorded on six dates in April, with five west on 22nd the most.  Almost daily in May the highest count being 10 north on 23rd.  The next record was not until 10th August & a party of 11 were seen on the 12th.  In September eight were flying around with golden plovers on 21st & again  on the  6th October, also in October 27 west on the 7th & nine on 22nd.  In November nine on 15th & in December seven on 15th were the highest counts for those months.

2000: Singles on 18th January, 5th & 28th of February with two on the 12th.  In March one on 5th, a flock of 22 west on the 9th.  Only began to be recorded with any regularity from 19th April with three, then 27 on the 22nd, 10 on the 25th included six on Went Ings floods, six east on 26th & a single on 28th. Regular in May with 12 on 21st the most.  Singles on 4th & 9th June were the only records for that month.  Records were more regular in the latter part of the year, in October 10 on the 16th, a flock of 30+ west on 31st.  In November 30+ west & 24 in the flooded east fields on the 8th, 17 on the 12th, 45 in from the north on 29th.  In December recorded daily to the 26th, birds flying in from the north were c65 on 5th, 65+ on 6th & c60 on the 9th.

2001: Recorded every month except June.  The highest day count was seven on the 19th & 31st of July, until the 18th of September when 32 flew west, followed by 26 next day then 11 on the 20th, ten on the 24th & 22 next day.  In October 15 passed through on the 18th & 18 flew west on the 25th.  In November 20 on the 8th, 25 next day & 29 on the 10th.  In December recorded on nine dates, with five on the 3rd.

2002: The vast majority of records relate to birds passing through; There was a total of seven records, of birds on the flooded Went Ings; in February on the 14th & three on the 28th, these remained into March & were seen on the 1st, 2nd & 6th.  In August two on the 14th & two on the 20th of December.  Also two records of singles on a cleared area of the middle bank on the 28th of April & the 20th of May.  The best count in the first half of the year was 26 passing through, with the largest flock size of 12 on the 15th of May.  In the second half of the year 16 passed through on the 9th of September & 29th of October.  These were eclipsed on the 3rd of November by a new record day count of 145 passing through, the largest flock being 39.  Most of these passed in the morning, with a few during the evening watch.

 

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

1

10

9

5

26

1

3

6

16

16

145

9

No of bird days

2

4

7

5

7

1

4

13

7

10

12

9

2003: A very poor year in general.  In January singles on four dates to the 11th, then 5, (3 on the frozen reservoirs) on the 12th.  Singles on just two dates in February & March.  In April singles on four dates from the 23rd includes 1 on the middle bank on 25th, then 2 east on 21st.  Recorded on eleven dates in May, with the years only double figure day count on the 19th, when 16 flew west (7 in the morning & 9 in the evening).  In June 6 east on the 20th, 1 east on the 23rd.  In the latter part of the year recorded on only thirty-seven dates, with a maximum of 8 west on 11th of October & 1 grounded on the middle bank on 30th of September.   

2004:  The years maximum count was 40+ birds flying around the reservoirs on a dull-wet morning on the 13th of March, three others were also present on the middle bank, as was two Ringed Plovers.   Nine of the years records were of birds grounded either on the jetties or the middle bank.

Dunlin

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

1

5

40+

11

17

0

23

2

16

8

15

1

No of  bird days

2

5

5

7

9

0

13

9

9

14

11

6

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

1995: On 19th January 13 flew east. Three flew onto Went Ings on 14th February. In August singles on 9th  & 31st & two were noted on the 14th, 22nd, 26th and two on the 13th with Lapwings off the west bank

1996: Singles on 23rd January & 3rd Apri1 were the only records until August When there was one on the 8th & three on 31st, There were a number of sightings in September with three on 1st, two on 4th, four on 7th & singles 18th  & 19th, two 20th and 13 on 21st. In October five on 29th the last was one on 18th November.

1997: Four west on 21st April, two on 28th July.  In August  one on 29th  & 30th, then one east on 8th September

1998: In August three on 19th , 20th  & 22nd , two on 23rd  & 25th ,  seven on 1st September & finally two on 5th  November

1999: Nine were circling the reservoirs at dusk on 31st March, another party of nine flew west on 10th April.  In July a male west on 12th and two more on the 19th.  On 20th August three joined lapwings in the west fields and four flew north, the last were two on 21st September.

2000: Eleven flew east on 27th February.  In August three west on 7th, two on 9th, one on 12th, four on 23rd, one 24th 13 south 26th & two south 27th.  In September two on 1st, 4th, 20th & 22nd & singles on 21st & 28th.  In December seven on 1st, two on 5th, 21 on 6th, four on 9th, two on 10th, one on 11th & 15th & 14 0n 27th.  

2001: The first record was of three Bs flying north on the 3rd of July.  In August three on the 9th, two on the 24th  & singles on the 25th, 26th & 30th, followed by five next day.  In September singles on the 2nd, 22nd & 25th two on the 20th, four on the 28th alighted in the west fields.  In October 17 flew north-west on the morning of the 22nd  & flew back east that evening.  11 in the west fields with Golden Plovers on the 24th & next day flew over the reservoirs.  A record count of c40 flew east on the 28th of November then in December 23 flew west on the 2nd; the final record was one on the 29th.

2002: At least seven possibly ten were seen on the 17th of February, involving a party of seven on the middle bank & three, seen later on Went Ings.  In April eight circled, then flew east on the 8th & one flew west on the 28th, along with three Dunlin & two Ringed Plover.  The last of spring was one on the 6th May.  In August one flew west on the 6th.  Birds were attracted to the flooded Went Ings with five here on the 13th & 14th, three on the 16th, 14 on the 17th, eight on the 18th, three on the 19th, 13 on the 20th & the last here was seven on the 21st.  Single birds were seen on the 13th of September & 16th of October, also in October 12 were on the flooded Went Ings on the 31st.  In November singles on the 1st & 3rd, two on the 4th, 10 flew east on the 20th & one on the 23rd.  

2003: Singles on the5th & 7th of February, in March on the middle bank on the 17th & probably the same bird on Went Ings to the west of the aqueduct on the 20th.  A party of 6 flew west on the 8th of April.  On the 30th of July 1 was in among a Lapwing flock.  In August 1 north-west on the 1st, 1 with Golden Plovers & Lapwings on the 7th, 8 flew north-west on the 11th & singles on the 19th & 25th & 3 flew west on the 27th.  There were only single records in September & October; - 3 flew north-west on the 2nd of September & 1flew east on the 14th of October.  On the 25th of December 2 circled the reservoirs then flew off north-east.

2004:  A disappointing year with no more than two seen on any one day.  In March one west on the 16th, one on the middle bank on the 24th, in April one through on the 3rd, two north-west on the 28th, the remainder were single birds on the 8th, 9th & 19th of July, 26th of August, 3rd & 7th of September and east on the 12th of October.

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

Very rare winter visitor

2001: One was flushed from the middle bank & flew to Went Ings on the 29th of December.  The seventh record (AM.  JC.)

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

1995: 14 on 26th January. 12 on Went Ings on 19th March. One was displaying over the Went on 3rd April, three on 15th May.  In August there were seven records, with four birds the highest count on the 30th. In September eleven records all singles except one record of two birds. Seven sightings in October with five birds on the 1st  & 3rd. Four records in November, with one count of six on the 1st. Finally four records of singles in December.

1996: Recorded every month except June & July. There were only one-three birds on just five dates for the first two months, there were eight records in March with eight birds on Went Ings on the 10th.  In April, one-two birds on two dates. There was May records on 2nd & 6th with drumming on the latter date. Recorded on 34 occasions from August to the year-end. With 10 on 26th December the only double figure count of the year.

1997: In January singles on 2nd  & 3rd, three 9th  & four 25th. In  March singles on 12th & 13th & two on Went Ings  on  3rd.  One  on 19th April.  Between August 4th  & November 23rd   recorded on 28 dates. The best counts were in September with 12 on 5th   11 on 10th  & 10 on 12th.

1998: Two on 19th March was the only record in the first half of the year.  The next was one on 24th July.  Then recorded on  fifteen dates from August to the year-end, with peak counts in each month of six, one, eight, nine (17th Nov) & one. 

1999: From January to 19th April recorded on  thirteen  dates, with  eight on 3rd April the most.  The next was three on 15th July.  From 10th August to the year-end recorded on thirty-six dates,  the  best counts were of 12 on 11th August, 15 on 12th September, 13 on 6th October & 10 on 18th December.

2000: One to three birds recorded on twenty one dates between January & August except for 11 on Went Ings on 22nd March.  Recorded on 42 dates from September to year end, the best counts were, in September 20 on 16th, 22 on 22nd, & 11 on 25th.  In October 23 on Went Ings on 26th.  In November 11 on 7th, 28 on 24th & in December 15 on 17th, 13 on 28th & 30th.

2001: Between the 1st of January & 30th of July, Snipe were recorded every month, on a total of nineteen days, but one on the 29th June was the only record in that month.  A count of 20 on the 16th of February was the best & only double figure count during this period.  Recorded on 57 dates from the 1st of August to the 30th of December, the best counts were 24 in the west fields on the 27th of September, in October 16 on the 18th & 13 on the 26th.  In November 12 on the 2nd & 10th.  Nine on December the 29th was the most for the month.

2002: From the 1st of January to the 8th of April, single birds were recorded on seven dates, two on four dates, eight on the 22nd of March & 12 on Went Ings on the 7th of April.  The next records were singles on the 30th & 31st of July.  Recorded regularly from the 1st of August to the 25th of December, with some good counts from the Went Ings floods in August, as follows: 13 on the 15th, 12 next day, 12+ on the 17th, 28 on the 18th, 30 on the 20th & 40 on the 21st.  The only other double figure count was of 40 over Went Ings on the 29th of November.

2003: Recorded on twenty-three dates between 4th January & 30th April, with a good count of 33 on Went Ings on 20th March, this being the only double figure count in the period.  There were no records from May-July.  Noted on twenty-seven dates from 13th of August-23rd December, the best counts being in September; 16 north on the 12th & 10 on the 22nd, the only other double figure count was 11 flushed from a drainage dyke on the eastern side of the reservoirs on the 23rd November.

2004:  A maximum count of c.65 on the 9th of September was the best count since 7th of March 1980.

Snipe

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

6

1

1

3

0

0

7

36

c.65

28

31

11

No of  bird days

2

1

2

4

0

0

1

15

18

11

8

7

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

1996: One on Went Ings on 31st March.

1998: One on Went Ings on March 19th, this is only the seventh record for the area.

1999: On the 5th December one came off the middle  bank  and flew into the east fields.

2000: One flew onto Went Ings on 18th November. One came from Went Ings & flew to Southfield lane on 23rd December

2001: One on Went Ings on the 19th of October, one flushed from the same area on the 29th of October, it flew across the canal to the hedgerow at the south-east corner of the reservoir. There have now been twelve sightings

2002: One was flushed from the bottom of the barrier bank on Went Ings on the 22nd of August. & was our earliest sighting.

2003: One was flushed from the hedgerow at the fishermen's car park on the 14th of November.

2004:  One was flushed on Went Ings on the 28th of October, one was at Southfield Lane on 19th of November and one on Went Ings on the 25th of December.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

1995: A good year with five records. One on 10th March, in May one north east on the 8th and four on the 26th, three east on 28th August and two south on 19th September.

1996: Two on 23rd April and one east on 5th August

1997: An amazing year with eleven records  involving 56 birds.  One south on 1st February, 24th March & 6th June, nine west on 29th June. In July three west on 7th one east 9th   & 16  on 28th.  One east on 9th August, 11 on 22nd and two  on  6th September  arrived and departed east.  On the 30th   September  10 circled for five minutes and left north east they returned short­ly afterwards and flew east.

1998: In April flooding on the Went Ings attracted birds down onto  the turf  field, with four on 17th, then next day a party of 28  was seen to alight, they remained for just over an hour  before  departing to the west.  A single was attracted to flooding west of the Ings aquaduct on the 20th and one joined a Bar Tailed Godwit on the turf field on 29th.

1999: In April seven flew west on 5th  & three west on 14th.  In May two east on 2nd, three west on 10th & four west 13th.  In July six flew south & in September one on 13th & one east  on 15th.

2000: In April three west on the 9th, two were down on Went Ings on 13th & six here on 18th, with three still present next day, when also a party of 32 flew west.  In May seven west 4th & seven east next day the last were 19 flying east on the 21st.

2001: After last years-good spring passage, this year was very poor, with the only records being of singles, in May on the 12th east & 15th west.  Six flew north-east on the 6th of July, then four west on the 4th of August, finally one flew out of the west fields with Golden Plovers on the 24th of October

2002: The first birds of the year were not until the 5th July, when five flew west, along with a party of 34 Curlew, then a flock of 12 flew west on 11th.  A good showing in August, with three east on the 1st, one on Went Ings & in the east fields on the 5th, two west on the 10th & one east on the 14th.  On the 15th one in the morning & three in the evening, one east on the 16th, 10 east on the 17th, singles on the 18th & 19th, seven east on the 20th, 13 east on the 23rd & one east on the 27th.  The only other records were two west, on the 8th of September & five west on the 4th of October. 

2003: In April 25 flew west on the 17th, followed by a new record count of 41 north-west next day. On the 15th of May 17 flew north-west.  On the 23rd of July 7 arrived from & departed back eastwards.  During August parties of 6 & 11 flew east on the 12th & 5 east on the 25th.  The final record was 1 east on the 4th of September.

2004: In April four flew west on the 17th and c.22 flew west on the 27th.  On 6th May 21 flew east (3+18).  In June a party of 10 passed through on the 10th and on the 19th of July three flew south-west.  In August 12 flew east on the 5th and 14 also east the next day.  On the 22nd, 10 flew west and nine came from the flooded Went Ings and flew east.  The last of the year were In September with four on the 4th, these landed in the west-fields and eight flew east on the 5th.   

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

1995: Eight west on 6th January and one east on 29th August.

1996: There were eleven records for the year. In January singles on 4th, 20th & 23rd.  In March singles on 17th, 19th and one in east fields 31st. In August three on the 1st, two on 13th and one 29th.  September one on 1st. December one landed on the frozen reservoir on 30th. 

1997: Singles west on 4th July & 9th August, east on 17th December  & two circled the reservoirs and flew  east  on 19th.

1998: One on the flooded turf field on 29th April, three west on 12th August

1999: One east on 5th May was the only record

2000: In April one circled & flew north west on the 1st & one north next day, then three on the 25th & one west on 27th.

2001:A good year with seven records  & a new record count.  In April two on the 24th & five next day were seen dropping onto Went Ings.  In May two flew east on the 13th, two more north-east next day along with four Whimbrel.  In August three north-west on the 23rd, then on the 30th a record count of 42 circled the reservoir & flew off north-east, none of them showing any trace of summer plumage.  On the 22nd of October a single bird flew low over the west fields heading north during the morning, what was probably the same bird flew low over the reservoirs later that afternoon

2002: Two flew south on the 20th of March; one flew north-east on the 4th of August & one circled before leaving to the north-east on the 8th of September.

2003: Two records for the year, 1 flew north on 23rd of April & 1 flew east with 2 Curlews on the 25th of August.

2004:  On 28th April one in winter plumage was on the middle bank, it later flew off south-east, another in winter plumage flew west on the 30th.  On the 22nd of June one flew west with three Curlews, half an hour later it returned and flew around the reservoirs for 35 minutes before leaving to the east.  A summer plumaged bird flew east on the 12th of August.  In September one east with eight Black-tailed Godwits on the 5th and four flew west on the 25th.  Finally one spent an hour and 45 minutes on the middle bank on the 24th of December.   

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

1995: Five records all of single birds, the first on 28th April, then 2nd  & 5th May, all north. The next on 22nd  July west, one came off went Ings and flew over the reservoirs on 24th  August, finally one west on 8th  September.

1996: Twelve records for the year starting in April with singles on 16th, 17th and on the sailing jetty 24th. May singles on 3rd  & 14th.  July two on the 25th and one 29th.  August two on 6th  & 31st and singles on the 8th & 9th. The last was one on 8th September.

1997: Three on east bank 19th April flew off east & one  east on 22nd. In May seven west on 2nd, three south on 6th  & one  flew onto Went Ings at dusk, & again on the 9th. In August singles on the 8th, 12th, 15th & 19th.

1998: Singles west on 28th July & 2nd August, three west on 21st August and one next day.

1999: One on 5th April.  In may One east on 5th, three on 6th,  one north-east on 10th, two down in the sailing  club  car park all morning on 11th, one circling on 13th & one in the north fields on 25th.  In August one north on 3rd, one west on 12th, on the 26th three either whimbrel or curlew circled the  reservoirs at dusk.

2000: In April one west on 18th, on the 24th a flock of 13 flew north west & later one flew onto Went Ings, another single on 27th & a flock of nine flew east on the 30th. In May two east on the 3rd, one west on 6th, two on the 8th & one on 15th.  In July singles on 11th & 17th. Then singles on August 23rd & 29th & west on September 6th & 12th. 

2001: In April two flew east on the 21st & one north on the 30th.  In May one north on the 1st, two east on the 6th, one on the 13th, four north-east on the 14th & one west on the 21st.  In July singles west on the 6th, circling the reservoir on the 9th & east on the 23rd.  In August singles west on the 1st, south on the 7th, north-west on the 14th, the last was six west on the 19th.

2002: A poor year for this species, with just three records as follows; three north on the 2nd of May, two south-west on the 26th of July & five west on the 18th of August.

2003: The only spring record was one heard calling as it flew east on the 25th of April.  In August 2 flew south on the 6th, followed by 3 west on 16th.  The final record of the year was a new site total of 26 south in a single flock on on 23rd.

2004:  In April one flew west on the 17th, two flew west on the 22nd and one north on the 25th.  On the 3rd of May one landed briefly in the east-fields before leaving eastwards, two flew east on the 10th and single birds were noted on the 11th, north-east, and on the middle bank 24th.  In July one flew east on the 9th, on the 20th one west and one east.  Three flew west on the 20th of August and the last of the year was one west on the 2nd of September.     

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata

1995: The first of the year was one south on 9th February. Two pairs bred in the field behind the sailing club & three young were seen on 23rd May and four the next day. Three chicks from the second pair were seen on 2nd June, one of these was found dead on the reservoir bank on the 4th Passage birds were noted from July numbering from one to five up to September, except for 14 down on 29th August. In September nine on the 1st and from one to five on a further eight dates. Eleven records in October the largest party was ten on the 23rd, there was a single in November, finally in December singles on three dates and two on the 30th.

1996: Recorded in every month, the first was on 8th January then singles on nine dates to the end of February. Breeding birds were in residence from March with two pairs present, seven birds were noted on the 20th, four of these flew north.  In April five noted on the 13th. A pair was seen with three young on 23rd May. In July 16 west on 3rd, in October 13 west on 2nd. There were three records in November, two singles and three on the 12th. The last birds were on 22nd December & two on the 30th.

1997: Four on 1st January, first breeding birds back on  12th February, then two pairs resident from 22nd.  Nine around  reservoirs  on 3rd March, 4+ on 25th March.  Five on Went Ings on  8th April.   Two  young were seen on 13th June & three on  24th.   In June 11 on 19th  (4 resident 7 west).  A very poor showing in  the second  half of the year with only nine records from July to the year end, the highest count was six west on 4th July.

1998: A pair displaying on 14th February were the  first  to return, increasing to five birds on the 20th, but only one-three to the month end.  Up to three birds noted during March, in April  seven were on Went Ings on 14th.  One pair was resident on Went  Ings during  the summer into July.  26 flew west on22nd June, the last of the year was a single on 26th October.

1999: The first was on 7th February, then two next day, this pair became resident.  13 birds were on the turf field on 11th March & eight on Went Ings on the 22nd.  Two pairs were resident on  the Ings from 26th March, but there was no proof of successful  breed­ing.  The last resident bird was seen on 2nd July, also in  July ­six  migrants  west on 1st     & one west on 6th.  Singles on  four dates in August. In September singles on six dates, six on 4th & 21st, 15 on 11th.  In October singles on 17th & 19th. In November five west on 27th, three west on 29th and in December three on 17th  & one east on 20th.

2000: The first bird was back on its breeding grounds by 13th February, also there were six on the 25th & four on the 29th. In March 13 in the west fields on the 1st, & seven on 10th.  In June, five on the 5th & five west on 30th.  In July, seven west on 14th, two north on 17th.  In August singles on 11th & 21st & 10 dropped into the north fields on the 22nd, two next day then four on the 28th.  In September six north on the 3rd,  three west on 4th.  There were no other sightings to the year-end.

2001: Record every month except December.  The majority of the records came between the 8th of February & the 28th of September, however there was no positive proof of breeding. The first was on New Years day.  In February four flew south on the 24th, then 12 south & one present next day.  March was the best month of the year with twelve records, which included, four on the 2nd, two present & seven flew north next day, & eight were on Went Ings on the 5th.  In April five flew east on the 1st.  On the 3rd of July parties of four & three flew west & two were on Went Ings.  The only other significant records were four west on the 30th of August & nine on the 25th of September. Six south-west on the 2nd of October & one west on the 11th of November were the only records for those months.

2002: Recorded in every month.  Breeding almost certainly occurred, as birds were seen displaying over Went Ings, from the first week of March onwards, & noted chasing intruding Carrion Crows, in June & July.  The first of the year was on New Year's day.  In February singles on the 3rd (west), & the 10th, four on the 14th, five on the 17th & 22nd & singles on the 23rd & 25th.  Birds were then present from the 1st of March to the 17th of July; with the best counts in this period being in March, with seven on the 25th, next day, seven west & two on Went Ings.  On the 25th of June two were on Went Ings, one over the west fields & five flew west.  On the 5th of July a new record day count of 74 was obtained, with parties of 34, 21 & 17 flying west & two on Went Ings.  A party of nine flew west on the 11th of July.  Between the 3rd of August & the 19th of December, the best count was a party of nine that spent some time around the reservoirs on the 1st of November.    

2003: The first breeding bird was back on territory on Went Ings by the 27th of February & was noted regularly to the 18th of March.  2 flew over the Sailing club on the 21st of March  & 2 were on Went Ings on the 30th they remained here in April & May, also 3 flew west on 9th of May.  In June 3 flew west & 1 was present on Went Ings on the 20th, 12 (6+6) flew west on the 23rd.  In July 12 west on the 1st with single birds west on a further five dates.  In August singles west on the 7th & 22nd, 2 east 25th & 4 west next day.  No records in September November or December, the final sightings were in October with 4 north on the 12th & 1 west on the 31st.    

2004:  Present from the 9th of February, with five birds flying around on the evening of the 17th and four in the west-fields and flying around on the 19th.  Between the 22nd of June and 6th of July a total of 78 birds flew west, with a maximum day count of 16 on the 24th of June.  A further five birds flew west between the 8th & 30th of July plus two south on the 31st.  In August singles on three dates and two flew west on the 31st.  In September records on seven dates, with nine flying around the reservoirs on the evening of the 30th.  The last of the year was single birds on the 12th of October and 2nd of November.  

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

1995: One heard on 16th September

1996: Two circled the reservoirs and flew north on 4th September, & another one on the 8th.

1997: One heard on 8th September.

1998: One flew east on 2nd September and one was heard calling over the reservoirs on 12th September

2000: One flew east on 1st September, one present on the morning of 7th October & one flew east with Redshanks on 5th December

2001: One took off from the middle bank & flew south on the 20th of August.

2002: One flew west on the 6th of August, along with a Common Redshank & a Ruff.  One was calling as it flew east over the reservoirs on the evening of the 10th of September.

2003: Single birds flew north on the 25th of August & west on the 30th of September.

2004: One flew east on the 9th of March, the first March record.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus

1995: Singles were recorded on 37 dates, two on six dates, three on four dates, four on two dates and five on two dates.

1996: Recorded every month, usually just one or two were noted, but three occurred on four dates, four west on 1st October.  28 were attracted to floodwater on Went Ings on 24th December.

1997: A  good  year recorded in every month,  three  on  1st January  increased  to 23 on the 25th, then 32 on  5th   February, down  to 22 by the 11th.  Between 3rd March & 9th December One-three  birds  were recorded on 45 dates.  Numbers increased in December  with 12 on 12th, 19 on 19th, 27 on 23rd  & 40+ on  26th, these alighted on the middle bank.

1998: 46 on Went Ings on 30th October, was the years maximum count

1999: Recorded regularly in the first four months of the year,  in January 16 on 1st, 60 on 9th & 46 next day.  In Febr­uary16 on 1st & 32 next day, after this four was the most until 17th April when 11 were seen.  In May singles on 2nd & 6th & four on 28th.  Two on 23rd July.  From 5th August to year-end recorded on 28 dates, with 14 on 12th December the only double figure count.

2000: From January to October recorded on a disappointing 39 dates, with a count of eight on 7th January the highest.  Recorded regularly in November & December as birds were attracted to the floodwaters.  The best counts were, in November 27 on the 14th, 39 on the 18th.  In December 52 on the 15th, 55 on the 17th & 29 on the 26th.

2001: Recorded every month, singles on the 18th of June & 29th of August were the only records in those months.  The best counts were c50 on the 6th & 11th of February & 46 next day.  In November 23 on the 1st & ten flew east on the 11th.  Birds were recorded on 77 days during the year.     

2002: The only double figure counts of the year were 17 on Went Ings on the 31st of October.  In November 12 were on Went Ings on the 22nd, 18 over the reservoirs next day & 10+ on the 19th of December.

 

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

1

1

1

2

1

0

2

6

2

17

18

10+

No of bird                                            days

1

1

8

5

4

0

3

5

5

6

12

6

2003: A poor year, table of statistics as follows;

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

3

2

3

4

2

0

2

1

3

4

5

1

No of bird days

5

2

7

9

5

0

6

2

3

8

6

5

2004:  Another poor year with records on 63 dates - five more than last year.  Counts just managed to reach double figures, with 10 on Went Ings on the 28th of October.  Last year the maximum was a meagre five. 

Redshank

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

1

2

3

2

2

1

2

8

1

10

5

5

No of  bird days

3

1

3

4

6

1

5

6

3

8

14

9

GreenshankTringa nebularia

1995: The only spring bird was one flying along Went Ings on 2nd May. One on 23rd July, followed in August by singles on 2nd  & 5th, two on 19th  & 21st and two flew onto Went Ings and one west on 22nd. In September two on the 6th and singles on 12th, 18th  & 19th.

1996: The only spring records were in May singles on 14th  & 26th and two on the 15th. In July singles noted on 17th  & 19th. There were ten records in August, with four on 4th  & 11th, four on the 16th included three in the west fields, three on 13th & 27th, the rest were single birds. There were nine records in September with three on the 2nd the most. The last was one on 2nd October.

1997: Spring records were singles on 16th April, 4th May  & 4th June. In August singles on five dates, then two on 11th, five  on 15th  & 29th and eight on 28th.  In September singles on eight  dates with two on the 1st.  Lastly one on 15th October.

1998: The first was on 24th April, in May singles on 14th & 20th, one on 14th June was an unusual record.  In July just one record on the 17th.  Between 10th & 25th of August singles on eight dates & two on 12th.  In September two on 5th and one from 18th -20th.

1999: One alighted onto  Went Ings on 5th May. In August two  on 10th then singles on five dates to month end &  three  on 26th.  In September singles on five dates between 1st & 21st.

2000: In April singles on 18th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 30th.  In May two on 3rd & 6th, one on 15th.  In July singles on 5th, 12th, 17th, 18th & 28th.  In August singles on 4th, 7th, 9th, 11th & 28th, with two on 21st & 23rd In September two on 17th, one north on 22nd.  A much better spring than usual, but a disappointing autumn.

2001: One on the 23rd of May was the only spring record.  Autumn passage began with singles on the 13th & 26th of July.  In August one flew south on the 14th.  A record count of 11 on the 19th involved flocks of seven & four.  Next were three south on the 20th, one on the 22nd, four west on the 23rd, one present with Golden Plovers on the 24th, three on the 25th, one on the 27th, three next day & one on the 30th.  The last of the year were Singles in September on the 1st, 16th  & 27th.  

2002: The first bird of the year flew north on the 25th of April.  In May singles flew east on the 8th & 11th.  Two early returning birds flew west on the 28th of June.  In July one on the 17th & three flew west on the 31st.  A good showing in August, with birds present on the flooded Went Ings & east fields, began with two in the east fields on the 1st, one on the 2nd, five on the 3rd, four of which landed on Went Ings briefly, before leaving to the south-west.  Next were four east on the 6th, & four again next day, two east on the 8th, three on Went Ings on the 9th.  Next day, seven were in the flooded east fields, two were on Went Ings on the 11th & 13th & one here on the 12th.  Five were present on the 14th & one next day; ten were on Went Ings on the 17th but only one next day.  Four here on the 19th, six on the 20th, eight on the 21st & two next day.  These were the last records from Went Ings as the floods receded.  Single passage birds were noted on the 29th & 30th of August.  The last records came in September with singles on the 1st & 10th & three on the 9th.

2003: Single birds on the following dates; 15th, 20th, 23rd & 27th of April.  15th of May.  23rd of June & 14th of July.  In August on the 14th, 16th, 22nd & 25th, 2 on the 4th, 7th & 27th, 3 on the 9th & 5 on the 11th.  The final records of singles were the 23rd of September & 13th of October.

 2004: There were no spring records; the first to appear was in July with singles on the 17th, 20th, 23rd & 29th.  In August two on the 2nd, seven (6 together) on the 7th and singles on the 8th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 15th & 24th and two on the 18th, 22nd & 26th.  In September the final records were singles on the 7th & 14th. 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

1995: One flew east on 21st April. In August singles on 19th  & 21st and two arrived from the east & departed north-east on the 22nd.

1996: One on Went Ings on 5th May, one landed on the sai1ing jetty on 30th July, in August singles on 9th & 21st, the last was one on Went Ings on 26th December

1997: The only record was one heard on 17th August.

1998: The only record was of one heard calling on 4th September

1999: One was heard on Went Ings on 25th April.  In August two west on 5th, one flew onto Went Ings on 16th & 29th, the last was one on 25th September.

2000: A record count of three together, flew east on 19th April.  Singles were recorded on 30th June & 24th & 30th August.

2001: One west on the 7th of August & one landed on the east bank the 30th.  One north-east on the 2nd of September, one on the 22nd of October was probably the same bird that was present on Went Ings from the 24th of October - 4th of November.

2002: One on the 30th of July was the first of the year.  There was a good series of records in August, mostly from the flooded Went Ings.  On the 6th a record count of four together flew south-east.  Other records were singles on the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 13th, 18th, 23rd, 24th & 28th.  Two on the 7th, 10th, 15th, 20th & 22nd  & Three on the 14th, 17th, 19th & 21st.  In September one on Went Ings on the 8th, one on the sailing clubs jetties next day & one on the 11th.  Two flew east on the 19th, & one was on Went Ings on the 20th.  In October one on the 2nd & the last of the year was on Went Ings on the 8th.

2003: Two records for the year, 2 west on 23rd of August & 1 north-west on the 23rd of November.

2004:  In August single birds on the 5th & 12th and one present on Went Ings on the 24th & 25th.  In November single birds on the 2nd & 10th and in December one on the 5th & 6th.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

1999: One on 4th May.  (AM)

2002: In August one flew east on the 5th.  On the 20th one flew south-west over the reservoirs & was later relocated on Went Ings, to the west of the aqueduct, where it remained to the next day.  These were the seventh & eighth records for the area.

2003: An unknown observer reported one to the birdline pager service on 26th of May.

2004:  A record count of three flying west on the 17th of August.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

1995: Recorded on 31 days, the first was on 18th April and the last on 19th September. Noted singly on 24 days, with two on five days, three on one day, then on the evening of 18th August a record count of 12 birds in flight over the east reservoir, they alighted briefly before leaving to the north-west

1996: The first was on 11th April with five further singles during the month. There were singles on six dates in May and two on the 5th & three next day. In July singles on 13th & 27th In August singles on five dates, then two on the 8th and three on the 24th. The last was on 9th September.

1997: Recorded every month between 12th April &  24th September.   Five  on 26th April & four on 26th August  were  the years highest counts.

1998: The first was on 15th April with a further five singles during the month up to the 27th, also two on 24th & 26th.  In May singles on 7th, 13th  & 29th and two on 12th & 14th.   Singles on four July dates  and two on 22nd.  In August singles on four dates to the 13th, with two on 2nd & 3rd.  Singles in September on 2nd & 24th and in October on 1st & 5th these being the latest dates for  the site.

1999: In April singles on 12th, 14th, 22nd, 24th & 28th, two on 23rd & 30th.  In May singles on eleven dates, two on the 5th & four on 19th.  In July singles 7th, 12th, 13th & 19th, two on 14th.  Singles then recorded on 2nd, 9th & 13th August,  10th September & 13th October.

2000: In April two on the 16th & 27th, one on 20th & 24th.  In May singles on 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 13th & 24th, two on 11th & 12th. In July singles on 3rd, 5th, 8th, 12th, 26th & 27th.  In August singles on eight dates & in September on five dates, two on the 3rd. One was present from 6th to 10th October.

2001: In April the first one was on the 2nd, then two on the 15th, followed by singles on 25th, 26th, 29th & 30th, then two again on the 27th & three next day.  In May Singles on the 11th, 12th & 15th, two on the 6th, 13th & 21st.  One was present on the 27th of June.  In July singles on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 15th, 17th, 19th & 27th.  Two were seen on the 11th, & 12th & three on the 18th.  In August just two records of singles on the 3rd & 31st.  In September singles on the 25th & 28th were the last of the year.

2002: There was a decline in records this year, all records for the year are as follows: In April singles on the 19th, 22nd, 28th & 30th.  In May, singles on the 3rd, 6th, 7th, 9th, 14th & 15th & two on the 4th.  In July, singles on the 8th, 9th, 25th & 29th & three on the 30th.  In August, singles on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 12th & 13th: Two on the 9th & three south on the 5th & three again on the 19th.

2003: In April singles on 22nd, 24th, 26th-28th & 2 on the 29th.  In May singles on five dates, 2 on the 21st & 3 on the 4th.  1 on the 24th of June was the only record in that month.  In July singles on eight dates.  In August 3 on the jetties on the 1st, then singles on three dates to the 13th, then daily from the 22nd August to the 6th of September, the final record was one on the 21st of September.

2004:  Birds occurred between the 11th of April and 15th September. The maximum count was five on the 12th of August.

Comn  Sandpiper

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

     

3

3

1

3

5

2

     

No of  bird days

     

11

12

4

9

26

12

     

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

1995: Two north-west on 26th May and a single on 24th August.

1996: One on 22nd April, in May one on 12th, and two on the 15th. In August five on the 18th, three on 28th, the last was one in the west fields and on a jetty on 3rd September.

1997: One on jetty briefly on 16th May flew off  east, followed by one on 26th May, two west on 13th August & two recorded on 20th August.

1998: One over the reservoirs with Lapwings on 20th February flew off west. One on 14th May & six west on 30th May, lastly two on 21st August.

1999: One flew west on 22nd April & three east & one north on 19th May.

2000: A record year for this species, in May one circled then flew east on the 1st, One on the jetties for four & a half hours on the 6th, flew off south, then one east on the 13th.  A flock of nine circled the reservoirs then flew east on 23rd August.  In November three on floods at Went Ings & in the east fields on the 18th.  It appears some of these birds remained in the area to the north of the reservoirs attracted by the floods, as singles were seen on 24th & 29th November & in December two on 3rd & singles on 5th, 9th & 10th.

2001: Two flew south on the 18th of May.  One on the evening of the 27th of July was flushed from a jetty, one east on the 20th of August & one south-east on the 15th of October.

2002: One passed through on the 6th of May.  One was flushed from the jetties, at dusk, on the 29th of July.  In August one circled then left to the east on the 4th, then one flew west on the 20th.  One was present on the jetties for five minutes on the 16th of December; it then flew off west

2003: On the 20th of May 1 arrived from the east & spent five minutes on the middle bank before leaving to the north.  1 flew west on the 26th of July.  In August 3 on the 7th, 1 west on the 8th, 4 north-east 24th.  The 25th brought an amazing sight of 25 flying north-west together, which was a site record & a remarkable inland count.  The final record was 1, which arrived from & departed back east on the 22nd of December.

2004:  Another good year for this species with ten records, three more than last year. 

In May two on the middle bank on the 1st remained until dusk, one on the middle bank on the 20th flew to the jetties with a Ringed Plover and a Dunlin before all three flew off north.  In August one on the 4th and eight flew east on the 10th, on the 13th three circled, one of them landing briefly on the middle bank before leaving eastwards.  Finally in August three flew west on the 25th.  In September single birds on the 1st, west, 2nd, east, 3rd, on the middle bank later flew north; finally In November one on the middle bank on the 8th. 

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus

Very rare passage migrant

An addition to the reservoir list, in 1995: One flew in over the sailing club, circled the reservoirs and left, back over the clubhouse, on 3rd September. CF.  It was also noted at Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

1996: A pale phase bird aged as a third year was present for ten minutes on 30th September before flying off north-east. (CF..JC)

1997: One on 25th August.

2002: Two dark phase birds came in low from the south & flew east on the afternoon of the 9th of May.  This was the eighth record for the area.

Interestingly two dark phase birds also flew through Blacktoft sand RSPB reserve that day.

2004:  A juvenile was present from the 22nd-23rd of September; during its prolonged stay it was noted stealing fish from the Black-headed & Common Gulls.  The ninth record for the site.

Great Skua Catharacta skua

1995: One flew west on 14th September. (CF)

2001: One was present from at least 07.20 to 09.20 on the 18th of September (CF.).  Next day two flew north-west at 12.02 (AS.).  The second & third records for the site, they were part of an inland influx of this species, due to strong north/north-easterly winds.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus

1995: In January a first winter 4th, second winter 22nd  & 29th. February, second winter 7th  & 26th, first winter 8th  & 28th. March, first winter 29th, 30th  & 31st. Also a second summer 31st April, first winter 1st October, first winter 15th, and second winter 29th.

1996: A substantial increase in records this year, starting in January with second winter 13th  , adult on 23rd  & 29th . February first winter 18th, adult in summer plumage on 27th  & 28th and again on 1st, 2nd  & 7th March followed by a second winter on the 27th March. In April second summer on the 2nd & a second winter on the 4th. In May a first summer on 23rd. In September a second winter bird on 1st, 7th, 8th, 12th  & 17th, also a first winter on the 16th. In October a first Winter on 25th & 26th, an adult on 13th November and finally an adult on 5th December & a second winter on the 28th.

1997: An adult on 1st  & 12th January. In  April  a first  summer on 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th  & two  adults flew north on 15th.  A first summer bird on 10th May & a first  summer moulting to second winter on 9th August.

1998: No records   

1999: An adult & a first winter on 25th January.  In February first winter 5th & 16th, adult 4th, 7th & 8th.  An adult  seen in summer plumage on 10th March.  A second winter on  13th August, juvenile on 2nd September & an adult on 27th November.

2000: All records involve birds at the evening gull roost.  An adult on 3rd January, a first winter on 11th February, a summer plumaged adult on 2nd & 3rd April & a juvenile on 9th September. 

2001: In January single adults on the 1st, 11th & 26th  & a first winter on the 7th.  In March an adult in summer plumage on the 3rd & 23rd.  A first summer moulting to second winter was seen on the 23rd of July.  In August a juvenile on the 13th, then a second summer, moulting to adult winter on the 23rd.  A first winter bird on the 24th of October.  Finally an adult on the 11th & 22nd of November.  All records are of birds at the evening roost.     

2002: An adult in almost full summer plumage was in the gull roost on the 23rd of February.  A second winter bird in the roost on the 16th of September, then a first winter on the 9th of November.  In December two adults on the 8th & single adults on the 16th & 30th.  

2003: In the gull roost In February were 2 adults on the 14th & 1 adult on the 25th.  A first-summer bird on the 25th of July flew from the reservoirs onto adjacent fields, this was only the second ever July record.  Last was an adult in the roost on the 9th of November.

2004:  A first year bird flew east on the 19th of May.  Two first winter birds were in the gull roost on the 24th of October and one next day.  An adult found just after dawn on the 20th of December had obviously roosted, it was seen in the roost again next day and also on the 26th & 28th. 

Little Gull Larus minutus

1995: An immature on 2nd June, then an adult briefly 26th, the only other record was an immature on 26th October, which remained for only five minutes.

1996: Recorded in January for the first time, on no less than three occasions, on the following dates 6th, 7th  & 25th, all were adults.  More usual were single birds in April on 12th & 18th first year bird present 21st-22nd  & four on 23rd. In May an adult 2nd & immature 25th. Two adults on 26th July, an adult 4th August, four on 8th September. Four records in November was exceptional, an adult on 12th, immatures 14th & 15th and two adults & an immature 20th December provided the first ever records in this month with an immature & an adult 20th.

1997: An adult flew west on the 9th of February, an adult  in  winter plumage on 14th  & 15th April, an immature on 10th June.  A second year  bird  on 8th  & 9th August was joined by a juvenile  on  9th with two juveniles present on 10th  & one remained to the 16th. Eight juveniles. West on 2nd September, finally nine adults present on  4th November.

1998: The only record for the year was of an immature on  27th April from 11.00am to the evening.

1999: An adult on 4th January, five including one adult on 24th April, a first summer on 7th & 22nd May. In October one seen on 15th & a first year west on 22nd.

2000: In April a second summer bird on 22nd & two adults on 25th, then an adult on 8th May. In July an adult on 10th & 11th, another adult on 21st. In August three juveniles on 27th & one on the 30th.  One on 6th September.  In December a first year on the 7th, adult & second winter on 8th, a first year on 19th as well as three adults, flying south-east.  

2001: In May a party of seven, including two adults on the 5th, then two immatures on the 13th & an adult east on the 18th.  In July an adult flew east on the 5th of July.  A juvenile on the 17th of August & another juvenile on the 20th of September left to the east.     

2002: A first year bird on the 29th of April.  An adult flew west on the 16th of July.  In August, an adult on the 2nd, then a moulting bird, from second summer to adult winter, on the 8th & 10th.  One was on the reservoirs on the 17th & a second winter on the 23rd of September.

2003: All records were of single birds; first of the year was an adult west on the evening of the 4th of August.  In September first-year birds on the 3rd & 13th & a second-year 4th.  The final records were of first-years on the 14th of October & 15th of November.

2004:  Four were on the reservoirs late afternoon of the 2nd of January.  In May an adult on the 18th, left south-east early morning and a first year flew north-east on the 25th.  An adult was noted on the 10th of June.  In July three immatures over the reservoirs for ten minutes on the 1st, departed east and an adult flew west on the 23rd.  In August a juvenile on the 9th and on the 31st 10 were seen, (2 first summer + 2 juveniles in the morning) and six (2 juveniles + 4 second year, or adults) in the evening.  In September a second year on the 1st, in October a first year on the 6th and two adults for ten minutes on the 27th left to the north-west. 

Sabine's Gull Larus sabini

Very rare migrant.

In 2000: the surprise bird of the year was an adult, in full summer plumage, it was found in the gull roost on 28th August, unbelievably it reappeared again the following evening, but to the dismay of the 100+ birders who gathered the next evening it was not seen again.  This was the second record. (AM. AS. TR.  et-al.)

Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia

A first winter bird on 27th March 1996:, The first truly North American species to be recorded at Southfield. The bird had been seen the previous evening at Wheldrake Ings.  The three of us noted its elegant flight as it began to feed over the reservoir in a similar manner to Little Gull, however the Black Headed gulls persistently harassed it so it flew to the canal. It disappeared from view for a while, but was then seen flying along the canal, it then settled in the east fields with a group of gulls. We drove from the sailing club to the southern end of the reservoirs, unfortunately the gulls took flight as we approached and we could not relocate the Bonaparte's. (AS.CF.AH.)

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

1995: Roosting birds, numbered 1,000+ on 29th March, an albino/leucistic bird was seen on the 31st. The only other high count is 6,000+ on 6th November.

1996: Roost counts were of 5500 on 9th October, 9000 on 5th November, 7000 on 18th November and 9500 on 6th December.

1997: 5000+ roosting on 4th February & 10000  flying west  early morning on 9th February were no doubt  birds  leaving the Humber roost.  An albino was noted on 31st December.

1998: An albino/leucistic bird on 15th April and again on 19th  August. There were no roost counts.

1999: 10,000 roosting on 29th November.

2000: Maximum counts were 10,000 on the morning of 29th January & 6,000 roosting on 27th November

2001: Roost counts were 4000+ on the 20th & 22nd of February.  In March 6000+ on the 12th, fell to 1500+ on the 14th.  In August 4000+ on the 31st, in November 5000+ on the 22nd, rising to 15,000+ on the 30th.  In December 20,000+ on the 11th & 24th.

2002: Counts at the gull roost, were 10,000 on 11th of January, 15,000 on 12th February, 10,000+ on 5th of March, declining to 2.000 by the 18th of March.  The roost starts to form again in July & 1,500 birds were present on the 22nd.  The only count undertaken in the latter part of the year was 3,000 on the 14th of September.

2003: Counts at the gull roost were 4,000+ on the 10th of March, 1,100 on the 24th of July, 4,000+ on the 16th of August & 25th of October & 8,000+ on the 25th of November.

2004:  In January roost counts increased, with 7,000 on the 3rd, 7,600-10th, 8,500-17th and a maximum of 15,000-24th, falling to 8,650-31st.  The February maximum was 7,000 on the 22nd.  Post-breeding the gull roost began to reform, with 800+ on July 13th.  In August 4,000 on the 7th & 6,000 on13th. In October 10,000 roosted on the 27th and 8,000 on the 26th of December.

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis

Just one lucky observer saw this addition to the reservoir list.  Close views of an adult in the gull roost on 11th February 2000:.  (A.M.)

Common Gull Larus canus

1995: Roost counts were of 350+ on 13th March and 250+ on the 29th March. 1,100+ were present on 6th November.

1996: No counts for the first part of the year. 19 immatures on 1st May, seven west on 11th June, eight (four adults) on 12th July. 100+ on 9th October, c480 on 14th November 700+ 18th November and 1000+ 6th December

1997: 500 west early morning on 9th February & 55 imma­tures west on 16th May.

1998: Status unchanged, no roost counts done.

1999: no roost counts done.

2000: Maximum counts were 1,000 roosting on 29th February & 750 roosting on 27th November.

2001: Roost counts were 2000:+ on the 20th of February, 1350+ on the 14th of March & 1300+ on the 12th of December.

2002: Roost counts were 1,600 on the 24th of January, 1,000+ on the 18th of March.  There were no June records this year & there were no significant counts in the latter half of the year.

2003: Recorded regularly, the only roost count was 370+ on the 25th of October.

2004:  The years maximum roost count was 2,000 on the 16th of January.  In May, June and early July only immature birds were noted.  The first adults were two on the 7th of July, then noted regularly in small numbers throughout the month.  There were double figure counts in August from the 2nd onwards.  Roost counts in the latter half of the year were 900+ on the 15th of October and 1,000+ on the 26th of December.    

Lesser Black-backed GullLarus fuscus

1995: Thirteen on 29th March & 123 east on the evening of 3rd June. In September 1,400+ on the 14th, 3,150 on the 21st, 2,000+ on the 28th. In October 1,200+ on the 3rd.

1996: Singles on 13th  & 20th January & 10th February with two on the 18th.  In March 20 on 27th, then 48 on 3rd April. In August 680 were in the field behind the sailing club during the morning of the 13th. There were some large counts in September of 4850 25th, 4020 next day and 4960 30th.  In October a record count for the year of 5050 1st, 4850 next day, 4000 9th, 4700 10th, numbers declined quickly with 2900 on 17th to just two on 26th November.  In December three on the 4th, two 20th and six on the 6th.

1997: Eight on 7th January, nine east on 20th March.  700+ on 4th August, 96 on 21st November down to four  on 2nd December.  One found dead on 10th September had a  Norwegian ring,  it  was  ringed as a nestling on  28/06/91  at KjellingenMandal Vest-Agder, a distance of 710km.

1998: Singles  on three dates in January, one on 13th February two on 24th, then increasing in March with 15 on 17th.  On 5th June 250+ were on the turf field, 214 west on 13th July, 350+ on 21st August, 1000+ roosted on 11th September, increasing to 1800+  on 2nd October.  Two on 15th December was the only record  for  the month.

1999: One to three in the roost during  Jan­uary & February, then increasing in March.  High roost counts were 1,600 on 12th & 1,500 on 26th August, 1,250 on 15th September then up to three roosting during December

2000: One or two during January, 14 on 29th February, 38 on 23rd March, 69 on 1st April, 120+ west on 24th April, 900+ on 18th September & 400+ on 27th October.

2001: In January singles on the 6th & 9th, three on the 16th & 19th & six on the 31st.  In February four on the 20th, then five on 22nd.  Increasing in March with 25 on the 5th & 12th, a record count for March was 125 on the 23rd with 85 next day.  In August roost counts were 580+ on the 19th, 3500+ on the 27th  & 5000+ on the 31st.  In September the maximum was 2500+ on the 3rd.  On the 2nd of December a count of 22 was a record for that month, numbers declined to seven on the 23rd.

2002: In January three noted on the 12th, two on the 23rd & one on the 24th.  In February one on the 1st, two on the 2nd, three, on the 12th, four on the 14th & three on the 23rd.  In March 26 on the 5th, 49 on the 20th.  In April 87 flew east on the 8th.  In June, 360+ flew east at dusk on the 28th.  In august 802 flew east on the evening of the 5th, also in August, 710 roosted & 159 flew east on the 22nd.  In October 600+ roosted on the 12th.  In December there were singles on the 4th & 18th & seven on the 14th.

2003: A single bird on the 4th of January, in February singles on 4th & 5th, 3 on the 6th & 14th, 6 on the 17th, 4 on 25th & 2 on 27th.  Noted regularly in March with a maximum of 15 on the 30th.  The only count in the latter half of the year was 400+ roosting on the 10th of September.  The maximum during November& December was 2 birds. 

2004: Small numbers were noted in the gull roost during January and February, with a maximum of five on the 31st of January and six on the 27th of February.  There were 10 on the 1st of March and In April 38 flew west on the 17th and 215+ flew east on the evening of 27th of May.  There were very low roost counts in the latter half of the year, with a maximum of only 300+ on the 6th of September.  32 were still to be seen in the roost on the 5th of November and a maximum of three on the 28th of December.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

1995: 19 flew east on 26th April, in March 210 were in the roost on the 29th. Single birds were noted on June 1st  & 17th and August 1st  & 24th. The highest roost count was 800+ on 29th November.

1996: No roost counts in first part of year.  Singles 20th & 26th of May singles on three dates in July & four adults on 13th August. In September 50 on 30th.  In October 100 on the 9th. A record count was achieved on 12th & 18th of November with 5600, on the latter date 40% of these were of the race Argentatus.  Lastly 5400 on 26th November and 2700 on 6th December.

1997: Recorded regularly to 15th May.  One on 15th  June.  750+ on 2nd December with 900 next day.

1998: The only roost count was of 200+ on 15th December.

1999: No counts made.

2000: On 29th & 30th December 1,500 roosted

2001: Roost counts were 600+ on the 31st January, 500+ on the 2nd March & a record count of 5500+ on the 31st of December

2002: On the 2nd of January there was a count of 2,000+, 1,500 of these flew east from the frozen reservoirs.  A first winter leucistic/albino bird, which looked very like an Iceland Gull, except for its shape & all black bill was seen on the 3rd, 9th & 26th of February & the 5th of March, also roosting birds on 5th March numbered 500+.  The only other count is of 1,000+ roosting on 14th December.

2003: The best counts in the first half of the year were 1,500+ on the 10th of January & 1,300+ on the 4th of February.  An adult on the 11th of July & 2 adults on the 4th of August were the only records in those months.  Roost counts were 200+ on the 25th of November & 2,200+ on the 16th of December.  

 2004: The maximum roost count in the first half of the year was 4,500 on the 3rd of January and 1,800 on the 27th of February.  One or two birds were recorded on three May dates, one in June, two in July and four in August.  There were no significant counts in the latter half of the year.  

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

1995: A big increase in sightings at the roost as follows, two on 30th August, one 8th September, nine 21st, one on the boat jetty on the morning of 27th and five 28th. In October two on the 3rd, five on the 9th, then singles to the year end on 21st, 26th  & 29th October, November 6th  & 11th and 17th December.

1996: An adult on 26th March. Two present on 18th, 19th  & 22nd of August & one on 29th.   September produced three on 3rd, 4th & 6th, seven on 8th, four on 12th, one 15th, six 16th, five 17th, four 18th, 12 (ten adults) 19th, four 21st, five 22nd  & three 30th. In October six on 1st, 12 on 4th, two 9th  & 10th, three 17th, two 25th, & one 26th. November singles on 6th  & 22nd and again on 27th December.

1997: All records were from the roost,  in  August one  on 6th  & 8th, four on 11th flew off east.  In September  two on 6th, three on 14th, one on 15th.  In October two on 4th,  21st & 23rd.  In December one on 2nd  & two on 31st.

1998: One on 3rd October, two on 25th November & one on 7th December.

1999: In January four plus at the roost on 4th, two on  5th   & 24th.  One on 7th February, in September one  on  2nd, four  on  11th,  three on 12th  & two on 25th, lastly  one  on  14th October.  (JC. AM.)

2000: A first winter on 5th February, single adults in the gull roost on 23rd & 26th August & 9th September

2001: Birds at the roost were a second winter on the 7th of January, an adult on the 19th of February.  The next was in August with two on the 16th, an adult on the 22nd, two adults & two third years on the 29th.  In September there was an adult on the 1st & a sub adult on the 20th & 21st.  In October a third year on the 15th, two adults & a third year on the 19th, three adults & a first year on the 22nd, finally an adult on the 5th of November.

2002: Two adults were in the roost on the 22nd of January.  A first summer on the 3rd of May, three on the 16th of August, three sat on buoys on the 14th of September, 12 at the roost on the 16th of September, two adult on the 4th of October & finally an adult on the 3rd of November. 

2003: An adult reported in the gull roost on the 5th of February.  Between the 14th of May & 1st of June an adult which was usually in the company of a Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen on eleven dates, the June record was the first ever in that month.  Further records were 12th & 31st of August 13th of September & 30th of December.

2004: A third-year bird was in the roost on the 11th of January and a second-year bird flew through on the 21st of May.  In July a third-year flew west on the 13th and one flew west on the 20th.  In August an adult in the roost on the 24th & five (3 adults) on the 31st.  Five roosted on the 6th of September and an adult was in the roost on the 3rd of October.  Single adults were in the roost on the 20th & 21st of December.

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans

2000:. An adult on 2nd, 14th & 17th February. (A.M).

2002: A first winter bird in the roost on the 11th of March & an adult in the roost on the 16th of September A.M.  C.F. 

2003: An adult in the gull roost on the 19th of December.  A.M. R.P.

IcelandGull Larus glaucoides

1995: A second winter on 22nd January. In March a first winter on the 27th and a second winter on 29th -31st. The next was an early returning bird, a first winter on 18th November and lastly first winter on 12th December.

1996: In January an adult on 4th, 6th, 7th  & 9th.  In February a first winter bird on 4th, 15th, 19th, 24th  & 25th, a second winter on 9th.  March at least two first winter birds were seen on eleven dates between 10th  & 31st.

1997: An adult in the roost on the  4th  & 10th January.

1998: The only record was of a second winter bird on the flooded  turf field  on the evening of the 10th January, It later left  to  the east.  A.M.

1999: In January an adult on 28th & a second winter on 31st, both these left the reservoirs & flew east before dusk,  as did  another second winter on 8th March.  A first summer west  on 5th April.  A first winter roosted from 29th December  into  the new year.

2000: In January a first winter bird roosted from 1st to 20th, an adult on the 13th & a very pale looking immature was seen on 17th & again on 2nd, 4th & 5th February.  Also in February another first winter on 12th & 13th & an adult on the 29th & 1st March.  A first summer was seen on the morning & evening of the 31st March & a first or second summer flew east on the 5th April.  An unidentified white winged gull flying west out of the west fields on 7th April was probably this species.  Finally a first winter roosted on 30th December.

2001: The only records in the early part of the year were in January, a second winter on the 3rd & a first winter on the 31st.  In December a first winter in the roost on the 24th, 27th, 29th & 30th. 

A second winter unidentified white winged gull flying east in the late afternoon of the 2nd December was thought to have been an Iceland Gull.

2002: There was a big influx of birds into the country, during the first three months of the year.  This gave the reservoirs a record 20+ birds, in this period.  On the 14th of January a second winter flew in at 09:50 & remained on the large reservoirs until 10:35, when it flew to the west fields; a first winter also roosted that night.  Another first winter roosted on the 20th, 22nd & 23rd, it was also seen on the morning of the 24th.  In February two first winters roosted on the 1st  & a single on the 22nd.  March was the best month, with a first summer on the 5th, a first winter on the 6th & 7th was joined by a second winter, on the 7th; & both were seen on the 9th.  Two first winters & a first summer, on the 10th, two first summer on the 11th, two first winter & a first summer on the 12th.  Two first years, on the 13th, first summer 14th, first winter 20th first summer 21st & finally first winter on the 23rd          

2003: In January a second-year bird in the roost on the 7th was the only record for the month.  In February an adult on the 1st, an adult & a third-year bird on the 4th, a first winter on the 5th, & an immature 8th.  1 on the 10th (not aged), a third-year on the 11th, adult 25th & the only other record for the year was an adult on the 6th of March.

2004:  The only records for the year were in January, a second-year on the 11th and an adult on the 21st & 23rd

Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni

On the evening of 27th December, an adult Kumlien's Gull, (the Canadian race of Iceland Gull,) was seen flying east over the reservoirs & alighting in the east fields briefly, before leaving to the east. Interestingly a few days later an adult Kumlien's was reported from a site further south.  (AM. CF. TR. JS. KC.)

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

1995: A first winter bird first seen on 5th January, was last seen on 4th March. A second winter on 13th January, and an adult on 17th February. In December an adult on the 9th, a first winter on 16th  & 17th, lastly second winter on the 30th.

1996: In January second winter on 4th, 6th, 7th  & 13th. February third winter 4th, 6th  & 7th.  March second winter on nine dates between 13th & 27th. Two first winters joined it on 20th  & 26th and a single first winter on 21st  & 23rd.  A first summer bird on 3rd & 4th April, lastly a second winter on 5th & 9th December.

1997: Records of first winters were one in the roost  on 13th January, one east late morning on 26th January  and  again late morning on of 1st February remained for fifteen minutes. An immature south-west on 17th March.

1998: The only record was a first winter bird on the flooded turf field at 08.00 also on 10th January. R.P.

1999: A first winter at dawn on 6th February had roosted, this  bird  continued  to roost until 9th March, another first winter roosted from 10th -24th February.

2000: A second winter in the roost on 3rd February was the only record, a very poor year for this species.

A first winter Glaucous X Herring Gull hybrid was seen well, in the roost on 29th February.

2001: In January a second winter for twenty minutes on the 1st, flew off east.  A third winter on the 5th, then a first winter & a second winter on the on the 16th.  The next birds were in March with a first winter on the 15th & 21st, an adult with heavy streaking on the head on the 25th, next day an adult with faint head streaking, then an adult on the 29th & 30th.  A first winter on the 20th November was the first ever record for that month.  The final records were of a sub adult on the 24th & 26th December  

2002: In January a first winter in the roost on 1st, 2nd & 3rd, was joined by a second winter on the 2nd & 3rd.  Another first winter bird on the 12th & 14th, & a second winter on the 20th.   In February single first winter birds on the 2nd, 8th, 9th & 14th.  A small looking first winter on the 24th was seen again on 5th of March.  Also in March first year birds were seen on the 2nd, 7th & 12th flying east.

On the 25th February an immature bird was seen flying west, early morning, c3 miles from the reservoirs & may have left the Southfield roost.  

2003: During January single first-year birds (thought to be 2 birds involved) were in the gull roost on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th & 11th.  In February single first-years on 1st & 4th & a third-year on the 5th.  The only March record & the only other record for the year was a first-year on the 6th.

2004: The only record in the first winter period was a first winter bird roosting on the 17th, 18th, 20th & 27th of February; it was noted for the last time on the morning of the 29th flying off east from the roost.  The first ever May record was of a first or second-year bird flying west along Went Ings on the morning of the 3rd.  There were no records in the second half of the year.  

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

1995: In January c190 on the 1st & 10th. In March 43 on the 29th.  In June two immatures flew west on the 12th and adults were seen on 5th  & 7th August and 1st September. 85 were present on 20th November and c140 on 18th December.

1996: In January 310 on the 6th. In May 19 flew West on 6th.  Ten on 30th September was the next double figure count. In November a new record count at the roost of 1800 on the 12th and 1000 on the 18th.

1997: c100 on 3rd December.

1998: The only significant number was 400+ at dawn on 27th December.

1999:205 roosting on 6th January & 150 on 9th December.

2000: Maximum counts were 200+ in the roost on 8th January & 500+ on the 30th December.

2001: Maximum roost count was 600+ on the 31st December.

2002: On new years day 330 roosted, next day 350+ were counted, though 320 of these flew east from the frozen reservoirs.  In May 40 flew west on the 3rd.  The only other roost count was 280+ on the 14th of December.

2003: Maximum counts in the first half of the year were 650+ on the 8th of January & 550+ on 4th of February.  Throughout May there was daily passage of mostly immature birds moving west, with maximum day counts of 62 on the 8th, 67 on the 21st & 53 in one hour on the 23rd.  During the latter part of the year peak counts at the gull roost occur in December, with counts of 380+ on the 16th & c.460 on the 29th.

2004: The maximum roost counts in the first half of the year were 1,250+ on the 10th of January and 350+ on the 27th of February.  A party of 40+ flew east on the evening of the 27th of May.  In July, there were four on the 2nd and one on the 14th.  In August 16 were present on the 10th.  Roost counts in December were 600+ on 26th and 550+ on the 29th.

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

1995: There were four records all of single adult birds starting with one east on 10th February, then 25th March, 3rd April and one flew from the turf field and left to the south on 12th of June.

1996: A record year for this species with sightings on twenty-one dates, starting in February on the 12th followed by four on the 19th. In March on 7th, two on 19th & 20th singles 24th, 26th, and 27th, three on 28th, five 29th, & one 30th.  In April seen on 1st, 6th, 11th & 15th. In May on the 3rd, then 24th when four were present. November 23rd -24th, this bird was sick and probably died on the latter date, the remains of a Kittiwake were found in January 1997: near where this bird was last seen. Finally in December singles 3rd & 24th.

1997: An immature on 1st January, an adult on 21st February & an immature on 15th October.

1998: Single adults on 17th March & 14th April and a juvenile on 2nd September.

1999: In February an adult on 5th, 14 on 6th (three imms), ten (two imms.) 7th, then single adults on 5th & 20th March & 6th November.

2000: An adult on 4th April, in May an adult on the 3rd & two adults north on 4th.  An immature on 7th November & an adult west on 30th December.

2001: Single adults in the gull roost on the 15th & 26th of March.  Single adults on the 4th & 17th of April & again on the 11th of May.  In July single adults on the 4th & 19th.  Two adults on the 16th of August, finally an adult on the 8th of November flew west.

2002: An adult was seen on the morning of the 24th of January.  In April, an adult, present for an hour on the 4th & an adult present for twenty minutes on the 12th.  Finally an adult on the 6th of May.

2003: An adult seen on the 2nd of March.  On the 6th April 3 adults present for an hour, left to the east, the final record was an adult for ten minutes on the 21st of June. 

2004: Single adults occurred on the 11th of January and 22nd of March. In April single adults on the 5th, 7th & 21st and three adults on the 27th.  An adult flew south on the 1st of July and in August an adult on the reservoirs on the 13th flew off north-east, then a juvenile was seen on the evening of the 26th and an adult on the 31st.  The final record was a first year on the 6th of September.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia

Very rare still just the record of 13th May 1993

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis

1995: Two stayed for just three minutes, before leaving to the east on 3rd May, the only other record was of one briefly before flying off east on 26th July.

1996: in April one on 11th, two on 15th and further singles on 16th  & 21st. In September three on the 6th & one briefly on the 21st.

1997: Two on the jetty on the morning of 19th September flew off east at 07.35, presumably the same two returned at 10.00 circled and flew east.

1998: On 13th May a record count of six birds arrived at 09.45 they spent an  hour resting on the moored R.O.D. boat before leaving to the north.  C.F.

1999: In April two flew north on 1st these were the earliest ever by ten days & another was seen on the 24th.  In September, singles on 5th & 23rd.

2000: Two on 16th April, 10th May & 19th, September, followed by three east on 23rd September.

2001: Two flew north on the 2nd of April.  Two on the evening of the 14th of May, the final record was of one on the jetties in the early morning of the 27th of August, which left to the east & was the first ever recorded in that month

2002: Three flew north on the 17th of April; & two on the 8th of May flew off north.

2003: On the 15th of April a party of 4 flew in from the south & headed east, the only other record was one flying north on the 17th of May.

2004: One was present for twenty minutes on the 16th of May before flying off north-east.  Two, present for ten minutes on the 9th of July also departed north-east. 

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii

Very rare passage migrant

No further records since 17th May 1994 the second record.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

1995: The first was six on 28th April, then regularly through May-July. A count of nine was the highest day total for the year on 12th July. Two juveniles and an adult were seen on 23rd of July. There were four records in August, the last sighting was a juvenile on 14th September. A total of around 68 birds were seen on at least 43 days.

1996: Recorded on some 50 dates during the spring-autumn. The first was on 16th April with records on a further nine dates to the end of April, five was the maximum count on the 26th & 27th.  One to three were regular throughout May & June & up to the 17th of July. Exceptions were six on 15th May, four on 25th June and five on 28th. Four on 9th July, five on 20th, six on 22nd two of these being juveniles & still being fed by the parents, seven (3 Juvs) on 26th, 12 (3juvs) on 31st. In August nine on 2nd, ten on 8th, ten present and a further nine flew west on 10th. The last of the year were an adult and juvenile on the 27th August.    

1997: Seven on 17th April, also in April singles on  21st, 22nd, 24th  & 28th, two on 25th, then daily in May & June, with  a count  of seven on 19th May the most. Regular in July &  August, with  14  adults  on 8th July, 13 (9 juvs.) on  17th July. In September 12 on 1st with the last on the 17th.

1998: In April singles on 26th & 28th then two next day. In May singles on three dates & two on 26th, three on 12th & 14th, five on 22nd, seven on 30th, the highest count was  35  on  the 13th.  Recorded regularly in June, July & August, the peak counts for each month being 4, 4 & 7.  In September five 0n 1st & 4 on 10th were the last of the year.

1999: One on 24th April was the only record for the month.  In May two on the 3rd, then six on the 6th, after this one to three were recorded into June, with four on 21st & six on  24th.  In July five adults on 2nd, 12th & 19th with six on 5th, then two juveniles with two adults on 15th.  In August three juveniles with two adults on 10th & 11th and eight birds on 12th.  In September two juveniles on 24th & one on 29th

2000: The first of the year was two on 18th April & remained until next day, birds were recorded on a further seven dates to the month end, with six on the 25th the most.  From May to 15th August birds were present almost daily, with a monthly maximum of 21 on 7th May.  Seven adults on 30th June & eight (one juvenile) on 5th July.  There were four in August & single birds in September on 7th & 19th & two on the 20th.

2001: After the first one on the 23rd of April they were recorded every day to the month end, (except the 28th) there was one on one date, two on two dates & three on three dates.  Then recorded regularly to the 28th of August, with the best counts being 16 on the 16th of May, 13 on the 18th of June 11 on the 23rd of July, 10 (nine, south-west) on the 17th of August, the last of the year was three on the 18th September.

2002: Recorded regularly between the first & last dates, which were the 17th of April & 1st of September.  The only double figure counts were 12 on the 17th of May & 10 including one juvenile on the 23rd of August.

2003: The first to return was 1 which was present from the 11th-14th, birds were then noted daily to the 21st, with a maximum of 5 on the 18th & 6 (5 east) on the 21st, then singles on three dates to the month-end.  Recorded regularly during May & up to the 21st of June, with a maximum of 11 on the 28th of May.  Noted regularly In July  & up to the 26th of August, with 8 adults on 8th August.  The final birds of the year were 1 on the 11th & 3 juveniles on the 13th of September.

2004: Recorded regularly and almost daily between 18th of April and 26th of August.  The maximum spring count was eight on the 11th & 20th of May.  The best autumn passage counts were 12 on the 5th of July, (9 north-east), in August 17 on the 10th, 39 on the 12th, (largest flock 30), 18 on the 20th, (largest flock 15).  The Final records were in September with first-year birds on the 5th & 25th.

Commic Tern. sterna hirundo/ paradisaea 

1995: Single unidentified sterna terns were seen on May 1st. & 14th and 18th August.

1998: A party of 16 Common/Arctic's flew north on 1st August.

2002: On the 28th of April a Commic tern flew north.

2003: Unidentified Common/Arctic Terns were singles on 18th May, 3rd September & 16th October.   

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

1995: The first on 11th April, the next was four on the 24th, two 26th, 37 north, on the morning of the 27th, with another eight present in the afternoon, finally in April three on 28th  & four on the 30th.  Just one May record a single on the 10th.  Autumn produced a single bird on the 8th-9th August. A total of 61 birds for the year.

1996: Recorded on twelve dates between the 11th April & 19th of May.  There were one-five birds in April. In May 24 on the 1st, next day brought 11 in the morning, 16 in the afternoon, 13 of which flew north & then five were noted in the evening, then12 on the 4th. On the 8th 19 flew north in the morning then 28 present in the afternoon. The only other records were of four on the 9th  & singles on the 14th & 19th.   Unidentified (Commic Terns) was of one on 17th Apri1 and three on the 6th May.

1997: In April three on 17th, 19th, & 23rd  then  36  on 26th.  In May two on 1st & one on 7th  & 8th.

1998: Singles on 15th, 20th  & 28th April.  In May 39 on 1st with just singles on 4th & 7th.  The best autumn passage ever for this species came in August with three on 1st, five on 7th &  two on 8th.

1999: Eleven on 20th April, two were remaining on the 21st & 22nd.  In May one on 1st, 12th & 15th, two on 4th & 25th & eight on 5th.

2000: In April three on the 12th  one on 20th & 22nd, two on 25th four on 28th & one 29th.  In May three on 1st, 90 north on 3rd, 21 north on 4th & singles on 5th & 7th. The last was an adult on 25th July.

2001: In April one north-east on the 17th, four on the 23rd, & singles on the 26th & 29th.  In May five on the 1st, eight on the 4th, 11 on the 5th, six on the 7th, singles on the 8th & 12th, three on the 14th & eight east on the 15th.  An adult in summer plumage was present from the 9th -15th of October & was the latest record by eight weeks. 

2002: In April singles birds on the 13th & 16th, then four on the 29th.  In May one on the 1st, 18 north-east, on the 5th (largest flock eight).  One north on the 6th, next day 38 flew north (largest flock 13). One north on the 9th, three on the 15th & eight next day flew off east.  Four flew east on the 17th, one east on the 21st & two on the 26th.  In August an adult on the 2nd & two on the 9th & 13th.

2003: A poor spring passage began with single birds on the 28th & 30th of April.  In May 6 on the 13th, 3 on the 20th & 2 on the 22nd.  The only other record was 1 on the 13th of September.  

2004: Recorded on seventeen dates for the year between the 14th of April and the 11th of May. The best passage days were 27th of April when 71 passed through (maximum flock 22) and the 28th when 37 passed through (maximum flock 11), these were the only double figure counts. 

Little Tern Sterna albifrons

1995: Two on 5th and one on the 16th May, the only other record was of one on 13th June.

1996: Three on 7th June and two flew north on 9th September this was the first ever record in this month

1997: One on 19th  & 22nd May. AS.

1999: Two north-east on 10th May, one north on 2nd  June, one stayed for ten minutes on 12th June before leaving to the south.

2000: One on 28th April, two on 3rd June & four on 12th September, which is a record count for autumn & the latest ever date

2001: The only record was one on the 16th of May, it was seen flying around the reservoir & also spent forty minutes sat on a jetty.

2003: On the 25th of August 5 were present for 45 minutes before leaving to the north-west.

2004: The first of the year was on 16th April, it was the earliest ever and only the second recorded in that month.  On the 18th of May two stayed briefly and then flew off east. One on the 22nd caught a fish before flying off north; the last was another brief stayer on the 18th of June.   

Black Tern Chlidonias niger

1995: The first was on 30th April, followed by three on 3rd May & one on 12th July. Autumn produced one on 8th -9th September, on the latter date it left to the south, finally two flew north on the 11th September.

1996: The only spring record was of four on 21st April. In August a Juvenile on the 9th, six birds on the 23rd, two juveniles on 27th and an adult plus a juvenile on 28th.

1997: In May 11 on 3rd  & one next day, one on  25th, two 26th. In June five on 1st, one on 3rd.  In August 20  juveniles on  22nd, 20 adults on 27th.  In September two juveniles on 1st & three juveniles on 11th.

1998: A poor year, in May three on 13th & one on 22nd were the only records.

1999: In May one on the evening of the 6th & one flew in next day, then two east on 19th.  In August a juvenile stayed from  9th-12th, two juveniles briefly on 26th.  In September  one on 11th & five briefly on the 12th.

2000: In May one north-east on the 6th, ten passed through on 7th & one next day, three on the 9th, singles on 12th & 14th  & six on the 13th.  In July an adult on the 25th.  A juvenile on 29th August, finally 11 on 20th September.

2001: In April the first arrivals were two on the 29th & one next day.  In May three on the 11th, six on the 12th, singles on the 13th & 14th, two on the 15th & 16th & four on the 23rd.  The only autumn records were, one on the 26th & 27th of September, then one for fifteen minutes on the 15th of October.

2002: One during a spell of north-westerly winds on the 29th April was one of the first birds for the year in Yorkshire.  The only other spring record was three flying east on the 17th of May.  In August two on the 17th, then one was present on the 24th until the 2nd of September; the last was two on the 28th of August.

2003: A very poor year the only records were of singles on the 15th of April & 29th of May.

2004: The only spring record was one on 20th May.  In August 19 on the 10th and singles on the 13th, 14th, 23rd & 24th.  One was present for ten minutes on the 21st of September before flying off east; the last was one on 13th of October. 

White-winged Black TernChlidonias leucopterus

Very rare passage migrant

No further records since the first on 5th August 1994

Northern Razorbill Alca torda

Very rare no further records since March 1983.

Little Auk Alle alle

Very rare winter visitor

One briefly on 4th November1998, left to the east. The second Southfield record. (AM)

Rock Dove Columba livia

1995: There were c50 on 29th November and 130 on 4th December. Both records are of birds feeding on adjacent farmland.

Stock Dove Columba oenas

1995: A count of 12 on 1st January was the highest until 28th August when 14 were noted. On 12th October there was c50. In November 141 were seen on the 29th, next day c125 flew north to a pigeon roost finally in December 170+ were logged on the 5th.

1996: Maximum count for the year was of 32 on 16th November,

1997:60+ on 4th January.

1998: The only significant count was of 29 on 26th November.

1999: A count of 33 on 8th February & c40 on 25th September were the most.

2000:Recorded regularly through the year, maximum counts were of 30 on 29th January, 50+ through October, increasing to 80 on 9th November, falling to 60 by the 28th November.

2001: The best count in the first half of the year was 52 on the 27th of February.  Both of the Hawk & Owl Trust nestboxes at the canal side were occupied by Stock Doves & a pair bred in each, two fully feathered young were noted in one box on the 5th of July.  During the second half of the year set aside fields at the eastern side of the reservoir proved attractive to this species & a flock steadily built up during November & December.  Numbers had reached 100 on the 6th & 7th of December & in the same month peaked at 140 on the 21st & 150 + on the 24th.

2002: In January, counts of c80 on the 2nd & 160+ on the 3rd were noted.  Pairs were present in both Hawk & Owl Trust nestboxes from the 12th of March.  60 on the 11th of October was the best count in the latter part of the year.

2003: In March 18 in the east fields on the 10th & 5 were around the two Hawk & Owl Trust nestboxes on the 31st.  (Two pairs nested in the nestboxes.)  The best count in the latter half of the year was 26 flying to roost at Cowick Gorse on the 6th of November.

2004: Recorded regularly during the year. The highest counts were 80 flying along Went Ings on the 3rd February and six were around the Hawk & Owl Trust boxes on the 29th.  In October 30+ on the 22nd increased to 40+ on the 24th; and in November 75 were on Went Ings on the 18th. 

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

1995: The highest counts of the year were of c1, 000 on 4th January and 500 on the 1st February. The year ended with 4,800+ flying to roost on 29th December.

1996: The highest count in the first part of the year was 4OOO+ on 29th January. During late November a roost at Cowick Gorse was estimated to contain at least 5000+ birds.

1997:2500 flew to roost at Cowick Gorse on 21st November.

1998: Recorded regularly, 1000+ flew to roost at Cowick Gorse on 13th November.

1999: On 26th November 800+ flew to roost in Cowick Gorse.     

2000: Maximum count was of 1,700 on 8th January

2001: On the 4th of January 1500+ were noted.  500+ were at Cowick Gorse on the 7th of May.  592 flew south on the morning of the 1st of November.  Birds flying to roost in Cowick Gorse during November produced counts of 1600+ on the 20th & 2400+ on the 22nd.

2002: The best counts for the year were 1,500+ on Went Ings on the 25th of January & 2,000+ in the west fields on the 15th of December.

2003: On the 5th of January 800+ flew to roost at Cowick Gorse.  600+ were at the northern end of the reservoirs on 20th of April.  In November 1,000+ were on Went Ings on the 5th falling to 800+ by the 11th, finally on the 6th of December 2,500+ flew to roost at Cowick Gorse    

2004: Maximum counts were, January 1,500 on the 10th and 3,000 on the 17th.  In October 1,000 on the 29th and in November 1,300 on Went Ings on the 16th.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

1995: Just one or two records per month, except for seven sightings in September and eight in November. The highest count was of seven east on 12th November.

1996: There were 34 records for the year, the maximum was three on 14th May. One-two were seen at the feeding area on five dates between 29th November & 10th December

1997: No records in April or June.  Recorded on a  total of 24 dates, four on 24th September the most.

1998: There were no records in February, July, August or December.  Recorded on just fourteen dates, the maximum number being three on 19th May & 14th November.

1999: Singles on 15 dates, two on 22nd & 28th May & 4th October, all records were during the period April-December.

2000: Recorded on 26 dates during the year, all singles except two on two dates, three west on 15th August.  There were no records in July, August, October or November.

2001: Recorded every month except March & April.  There were singles on twenty-two dates, two on the 18th of January & three on three dates.  On the 18th of October a flock of 45 were seen to fly up from the west side of the River Don then fly east over it.  

2002: Recorded infrequently.

 

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

1

0

2

1

1

2

1

3

2

2

2

4

No of bird days

1

0

3

4

1

3

2

5

5

5

6

1

2003: The best count for the year was 11 near Beever's Bridge on the 25th of October.

Collared Dove

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

1

3

3

2

1

0

2

1

2

11

1

1

No of bird days

2

7

12

3

2

0

2

3

3

3

5

6

 

2004:  Bred at Beever's Bridge, where two adults were seen with a juvenile on the 25th of August.

 

Collared Dove

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

1

2

1

1

1

2

1

3

2

2

2

0

No of  bird days

2

3

1

3

3

5

1

4

4

4

3

0

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

1995: The first was on 2nd May, five flew west on the 22nd May and was the highest count of the year. The last record was on 15th September.

1996: The first of the year was two on 26th April, just one or two were noted regularly. Five on 8th August was the most. The last record was on 5th September.

1997: Recorded on 30 dates between 3rd May & 17th   September, four on 3rd  & 9th & 4th August the most.

1998: The first was on 23rd April with three on 30th, recorded on three dates in May, two dates in June, with three birds on the 10th,  four dates in July & on seven days in August, with three the maximum on the 22nd

1999: An increase in sightings this year, the first was on 3rd May, then singles on a further six dates, with two on 6th & 7th.  In June one displaying over Went Ings on 14th & two dis­playing here on 24th, two seen on 30th.  Just one record for July one on the 5th.  A good August & September, with three on 10th & 11th, nine on 12th, two 14th, five 20th, two 24th & 26th  &  three 31st.  In September one 1st, six on 12th, three 13th, one 14th two 15th, three 24th & the last was one on 25th. 

2000: Recorded regularly between 25th April & 13th September, with nine on 24th August the most.  Two were displaying over Went Ings on 22nd May.

2001: The first was not seen until the late date of the 12th of May then birds were recorded on a further eight days during the month, with six on the 20th the most.  The only June records were four on the 12th & one on the 19th.  From the 4th of July to the 5th of September birds were recorded on twenty-one dates, with nine on the 1st of September the most. 

2002: Recorded on thirty-three dates, between the 2nd of May & 9th of September.  Three on the 10th of August & 1st of September were the highest counts.  One was seen in display flight over Went Ings, on the 15th of May.  Recorded on fifteen dates in August, this was the most sightings in any month.

2003: The decline of this species continues, between the 6th of May & 11th of September, single birds were recorded on just sixteen dates with 2 birds on nine dates.  The total of twenty-five records is eight less than last year.

2004: The worst year ever for this species; between 3rd of May and 1st of September a mere fourteen records were accrued, all were single birds, seven of which occurred in May. 

 

Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri

2002: On the 14th of August a male arrived from the south, at 08:00, it landed in a dead tree on Went Ings for five minutes, before continuing eastwards.  This was the third record for the area & was the first one to be seen down.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

1995: The first was on 21st April, followed by three on 30th May. A juvenile was seen on 14th July and 23rd 30th  & 31st of August.

1996: The first was on 14th April one-two were noted regularly. A juvenile was found with an injured wing along Southfield lane on 24th August, it was taken to the RSPCA but it had to be destroyed. September records involved singles on 7th on Went Ings & 10th.

1997: The first was on 26th April, with three next day & on 5th May.  A juvenile on 27th August was seen on four September  dates the last sighting was on 17th.

1998: One or two recorded from 24th April to 22nd July.

1999: The first was one on 22nd April, then three on 29th May (two males), the last was one on 23rd June.

2000: The first was on 19th April, after this one or two recorded to the end of June.

2001: A poor year, with very few records.  All records for the year, are, one on the 25th  & 26th of April.  In May singles on seven dates between the 13th & 27th.  In June recorded on seven days between the 1st & 14th.  In July two adults on the 2nd, one adult on the 7th & 10th, then a juvenile on the 1st August was the last one. 

2002: A notable decline in sightings, all records for the year are given.  In April, one on the 20th & 28th.  In May, singles on eleven dates.  In June singles on the 3rd & 4th were the last of the year.

2003: The first was on the 22nd of April with further singles on three dates to the month end & 3 on the 26th.  In May sightings were regular throughout, with 2 birds on the 7th. The final records for the year were in June, with singles on six dates to the 15th.

2004: Present between 25th of April and 22nd of June, with two together over Went Ings on 26th of April, 1st & 21st of May.  

 Barn Owl Tyto alba

1997: One on evening of 27th August on Went Ings,  was  only the fifth record for the recording area.

2000: There had been just five records of this species until the 13th April when a pair were flushed from an area near a nest box erected by the Hawk & Owl Trust.  This pair took up residence in the box & bred producing four young, which were ringed presumably by the Hawk & Owl Trust.  One ringed youngster was seen sitting on top of the box on 1st August.  Singles were seen on 26th November & 3rd December.

2001:Unfortunately no breeding took place this year & there were no birds in the area after March.  Singles were recorded on the 7th & 13th of January 9th of February & 3rd of March.

2002: At dusk on the 1st of September, one flew west along the canal & over Beevers Bridge, passing the observers at close quarters.  On the 12th one was picked up barely alive from the road near to the entrance to the Sailing club; & was an obvious road traffic casualty, the bird died a short time later.  The bird carried a ring & was found to have been ringed 76 days previously, as a nestling, on the 28th of June 2002:, at Goole, a distance of 8km.

2003: Single birds were seen on the evenings of 3rd of July & 4th of September.

2004: One was seen at the junction of Sykehouse road and Southfield Lane on the 12th of March.  One was present from the last week of July (R.D.) using the Hawk & Owl Trust nest boxes.  This was joined by a second bird on the 24th & 28th of August. The final sighting for the year was one on 1st of September. 

 

Little Owl Athene noctua

1995:  Singles on 30th April, 13th  & 18th May and 14th September.

1996: Records from Went Ings were singles on 18th March, 29th July, 7th, 17th & 22nd September and three on the 14th. Records from the reservoir singles on 28th May, 13th November and 27th December

1997: One at Southfield Lane on 1st January, two  on  Went Ings on 3rd January & one here on 12th March.  One at an  unspecified location on 15th October.

1998: Singles were on Went Ings on 19th March & 28th April.

1999: One on Went Ings on 10th & 22nd March & 18th July, one on East Side of reservoirs on 12th October.

2000: In April singles on Went Ings on 13th & 24th, further singles were seen on 11th May & 4th September.

2001: Singles on Went Ings on the 7th of January 23rd of May 30th of June & 4th of July.  One perched on the turf field barn at Beevers bridge on the 5th of July, finally one on Went Ings on the 1st of September.

2002: One was seen on the barn in the old turf field on the evening of the 15th & 20th of June & again on the 28th of August.  Also in August one was calling from Went Ings on the 13th.  One was along the northern hedgerow of the reservoirs just west of the sailing club on the morning of the 3rd & 4th of October. 

2003: On the 20th of March 1 was at the eastern end of the Went Ings barrier bank.  In April a single bird was discovered adjacent to Southfield lane on the 15th & was seen again on the 17th, 22nd & 24th.  In June 2 on the 18th & 1 on the 15th, 20th & 26th.  In July 1 on the 9th & 11th.  In August 1 on the 14th & 2 on the 21st, the last record was on the 8th of December.

2004: One on the Barrier Bank on 24th of August, one near Beever's Bridge on 30th of September and lastly one at the copse along Southfield Lane on the 17th of October.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

1995: One was calling from Went Ings on 3rd June and one seen on the Went on 18th December.

1996: Locations given where known, singles on Went Ings 3rd May, west of the clubhouse 28th May. Single birds heard calling on 30th September, 2nd October & 5th November. One was on Went Ings 10th November and two along Southfield lane on 20th December.

1997: A big increase in sightings of this species.  Two  on Went  Ings on 3rd January, one on 13th no location, one  on  Went Ings  on  1st, 2nd  & 9th February & 11th  & 12th   March.   One  at Southfield  Lane 20th March.  In June two at Southfield  Lane  on 5th,  9th  & 10th with one on 13th.  In July records  from  Southfield  Lane were two on 2nd, one on 6th  & 7th.  One calling  from Went Ings on 1st  & 14th September.  One on 3rd October, no loca­tion. One called from Southfield Lane on 15th October & 7th November. One on Went Ings on 9th & 22nd November & one took up residence in an owl box from 2nd December into 1998:.

1998: One was resident in the owl box we erected, from the beginning of the year to 20th March, then from 2nd October to the year end.  There were singles on Went Ings on 25th February & 16th June.

1999: One was seen regularly at the owl box from January to 30th April, with two here on 16th February & 5th March.  Singles on Went Ings on 22nd, 26th & 31st March & 22nd & 27th April, then again on 3rd May.  One was back at the owl box on three dates in September, two in October & three each in November & December.

2000: Singles were recorded on 17 dates up to the 28th September, but not recorded from May to July.  One was noted in a box erected for it on January 25th & February 22nd, but Grey squirrels occupied it for part of the winter, however it was re-occupied by the owl as it used the box from 24th November to the year end.  One was along Southfield Lane on 27th & 28th of October. Birds were heard calling from Went Ings on 23rd September & 3rd & 10th December.    

2001: Recorded every month except March.  One was in our owl box on nine dates between the 3rd of January & 9th of February; also one was on Went Ings on the 7th of January.  Between the 27th of April & 9th of November, singles were recorded along Southfield lane on ten dates & singles from Went Ings on five dates.  Finally one was in the owl box on the 12th & 31st of December. 

2002: Recorded in every month except May.  Singles were heard or seen on forty-one dates, with records from around the recording area.  A box put up for Tawny Owls a few years ago was once again occupied during the winter-early spring period only.  Two birds were seen on the 12th & 31st of March & the 27th of August.

2003: An extra nesting box was sited on the 9th of March & it was noted as occupied by the 7th of April.  Both boxes were in use throughout the year, although the original box seems to be used only as a winter roost.  It is not known for certain if breeding took place in the new box, but a bird was seen at the box during the breeding season & to the year-end.  Most records except one on Went Ings on 20th of March, involved birds at or near the boxes, however a bird was noted on roadside electricity poles on some evenings.  Singles recorded on thirty-nine dates, with one at each box on 4th of December.

2004: Our two nest boxes held birds during January and February and maybe into March.  The bird in the oldest box was last seen on the 15th of April, this was the last sighting here in the first half of the year.  The only other April record was one on Went Ings on the 22nd. In May one was at the newest box on the 18th, 22nd & 30th.  There were no records in June.  Between the 9th of July and the year-end, recorded on 32 dates; heard calling from Went Ings on three of these dates and two were at the reservoirs on the 2nd of September.    

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

1995: The only record was of one on Went Ings on 14th March.

1996: All records came from Went Ings, all singles unless specified 13th March, 5th, 6th  & 20th April, seen hunting on 1st, 13th & 20th May, then on the 24th an adult and three juveniles were noted.  Seen subsequently on 28th May, 14th June, 22nd October, 9th, 11th  & 13th November, two noted on 7th  & 27th November.

2001: One was seen in flight & perched on posts near Beevers Bridge on the evening of the 4th of July & one was hunting the east bank on the evening of the 16th of September.  These were the first records since the 27th of November 1996:. 

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

1995: Single birds recorded on the following dates were 15th January, north on 25th February, 3rd April, 14th September, 21st  & 28th October and 9th December.

1996: In March singles on 11th, 16th, 27th & 31st.  One noted on 30th April.  In July a single bird on six dates between 12th  & 29th. In August one seen on five dates between 1st & 18th. In September one seen on 1st, 15th & 25th and two on 30th.  Seen regularly from October to the year-end and was noted roosting in hawthorns during the day on Went Ings, where Six birds were seen on 1st December this was the highest count for the area.

1997: In January seen regularly with four on the  2nd the  most. In February one on seven dates,  seen  regularly  in March  to the 21st with two on 12th, 14th & 17th.  There  were  no sightings in the second half of the year.

1998: The only records were on 26th, 28th & 30th December

1999: Singles on 7th, 16th, 27th & 31st January.  In February on 8th, 10th & 11th, then 26th March, 23rd April, & one north-west during the solar eclipse of 11th August

2001: One on the 16th of August in the east fields was the first record for two years.

2002: One was present during September & was seen on the 1st, 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 23rd & 29th.  The bird was first seen over Went Ings during the evening of the 1st.  Subsequently noted around the east fields where it was seen emerging from a hedgerow on a couple of occasions.  It was seen both morning & evening of the 8th, in the evening it got up high & flew off west until nearly lost from sight, it then U turned back to the reservoirs where it remained flying around, high up.  It was noted flying high up again, for a considerable time on the evening of the 23rd, being mobbed by Carrion Crows.  It was last seen on the evening of the 29th,

2004: One was on Went Ings on the evening of 28th August.  Single birds were then noted on the 28th-30th of October and 1st-7th of November.

Common Swift Apus apus

1995: The first back was on 1st May, c175 on 12th June, 600+ flew north in two hours on 8th August, the last was on the 17th September.

1996: The first migrants were two on 23rd April.  Counts included 220+ on 20th June and 200-300 on the 22nd. The last were three on 12th September.

1997: The first was on 1st May.  c140 on 6th  June was the  years highest count.  Two on 16th September were the last.

1998: Two on 25th April were the first to return, followed by one on 30th.  High counts were of c175 on 30th June, 250+ on 22nd July, c365 south on 3rd August, there were no September records  this year, the last birds were seven on 28th August.

1999: Three on 30th April were the first, 200+ on 11th July, 150+ on 11th August, the last was one on 27th September the latest ever recorded

2000: Two on 23rd April, 11 were seen on the 28th April.  250 were counted on 3rd June & 8th July, then 600+ on the 14th July, decreasing to 400 next day, 73 on 4th August, with the last one on 25th September.       

2001: The first to return were two on the 25th of April.  The best counts were 500+ on the evening of the 15th of May, 1000+ on the 15th of June, 1500+ moved east on the 5th of July & 1500+ east on the 5th of August.  The last one was on the 10th of September.

2002: The first of the year was on the 28th of April.  The year's best counts were 350+ on the 10th of June & in July, birds gathering at dusk numbered 300 on the 11th & 320 on the 22nd.  The last bird was on the 9th of September.

2003: The first appeared on the 23rd of April, then 3 next day & 12 by the 26th.  Monthly peak counts were-40 on the 18th of May.  100+ on 11th of June.  220+ on 11th of July.  80+ on 1st of August.  In September 14 on the 3rd, with the last bird on the 12th.

2004: The first to return was on the 20th of April this is our earliest ever record, the maximum month count was 33 on the 30th.  The years maximum counts were in July with 150+ on the 8th & 9th and 220+ on the 13th.  The last birds of the year were singles on the 1st & 2nd of September

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

1995: Single birds were seen on 2nd & 20th February, 27th July, 23rd  & 30th August and regularly from September to the year-end. Two were seen on the 30th October.

1996: Singles on twelve dates between 1st January & 31st March, with two on the 20th March. Singles on 23 dates between 4th August & 26th December, with two on 4th December.

1997: All records were of single birds, recorded on 36 dates.

1998: Singles on five dates in January, then no records until 11th June when one was at the Went aquaduct.  September produced singles on 3rd, 8th & 19th.  In October singles on four dates between 9th & 20th, in November singles on three dates between 20th & 30th,  finally in December two on 1st, and singles on four dates to the 11th.

1999: Singles on 1st & 22nd January. 9th, 10th & 12th February, two on 10th March then daily from the 20th.  A nest hole was located on 21st April but breeding was unsuccessful, probably due to disturbance by anglers.  Recorded every month to the year-end, with two birds on 2nd July & 11th September.

2000: A pair was present all year & excavated a new nest hole, about ten feet from the one used last year, but again breeding failed, probably due to disturbance by anglers.

2001: Recorded in every month, though one on the 18th of June was the only record in that month.  A pair was present from January - May & attempted to breed for the third year running, but failed once again due to disturbance by anglers.  Recorded on three dates in July, then regularly from the 1st of August to the year-end, involving one-two birds.

2002: A pair was present during the first three months.  A single bird recorded on five April dates, up to the 19th.  There were no records in May & only one June record on the 21st.  From the 8th of July to the year-end one or two birds were recorded regularly. There was a new record count of three birds, seen around the jetties on the 4th of November.  A first year bird was found dead in the rescue boat pens on the 23rd of November.  

2003: During the first three months of the year 1 was seen regularly & 2 were noted on 11th of January, 17th February, 16th & 27th of March.  There were sightings of single birds on five April dates.  There were no records in May or June.  In July singles on six dates from the 8th onwards, then seen on ten August dates between the 1st & 25th.  In September singles birds on ten dates & 2 on the 7th.  From the 3rd of October seen on almost every visit to the year-end, with 2 on 27th & 29th October & 2 on five November dates & six dates in December.

2004: Birds were noted almost daily from 1st of January to 31st of March, with two birds noted on ten dates.  In April single birds on five dates between 1st & 20th.  In May singles on four dates between 2nd & 18th and singles in June on the 1st & 30th.  Occurred intermittently in the second half of the year; recorded on five July dates, with two on Went Ings on the 11th.  In August on ten dates, with two on the 29th.  In September on four dates, with two on the 8th. Singles on just three dates In October & November.  December proved to be the best month with singles on 13 dates.    

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

1995: Single birds were recorded on 15 dates during the year, there were no records in April May or June.  July was the most productive month with six sightings.

1996: Singles on 7th February, 6th & 23rd May, 8th June & 13th & 26th July.  A juvenile on 7th August & further singles on 22nd September 10th & 14th October 13th  & 16th November and 22nd  & 27th December.

1997: Singles on 17 days, none recorded  in April-July, January was best with records on five days

1998: One on 14th February & 18th April, recorded every month from July to the year end with singles on twenty dates.

1999: Singles on 24 dates during the year, a first year bird was trapped and ringed on 29th October.

2000: One on 10th January & 19th & 22nd March, five dates in April & four dates in May, then one present from 27th July to the year end.

2001: A single bird that had been present last year from the 27th of July remained to the 20th of May.  There were no June records, but in July there were singles on six dates between the 3rd & 28th with a juvenile seen on the 26th.  Also in July two flying north on the 27th was the first time that more than one bird has been recorded.  Records for the latter half of the year were singles on the 2nd of August & 23rd of September.  22nd - 24th of October, recorded on six dates in November between the 1st  & 12th, Then on five dates in December to the 30th.   

2002: Single birds were recorded on a total of 48 dates, sixteen of these between, the 1st of January & 19th of May.  The rest between the 6th of July & 31st of December.

2003: From January to 16th April 1 was recorded regularly, after this period the only records were on 10th & 26th of May, 8th of June, 29th & 31st of July, 18th of August, 11th of September & 4th, 7th & 13th of December.  There were no records in October or November.  

2004: Singles birds were seen on the 2nd, 4th & 15th of January; 15th of February; 7th of April and 24th & 29th of May.  The second half of the year produced singles on, August 5th, 11th & 26th; September 3rd & 28th; October 26th & 28th; November 4th & 13th; and December 14th, 21st & 30th. There were no records in March, June or July.

Great Spotted WoodpeckerDendrocopos major

1995: Single birds on 14 dates, as with the last species none were noted April-June. August produced three records.

1996: Recorded every month with singles on 32 dates and two on 30th September.

1997: Recorded every month except June. Two on 9th February, 30th March & 4th April was seen at a nest hole on Went Ings but breeding not proven.

1998: Recorded every month except June & November, the best  month  was December with singles on seven dates.

1999: Singles on 18 dates during the year

2000: Three together on Went Ings on 22nd March was the first multiple sighting.  Recorded every month to the year end, with singles on 36 dates & two on seven dates.

2001: Recorded in every month, with two birds on the 18th & 20th of January, then the 25th of April 3rd of August & the 25th of September. 

2002: Probably breeds on Went Ings.  Singles were recorded on fifty-six dates throughout the year, with two together on the 9th of June. Was noted regularly feeding on peanuts at the feeding area at the sailing club.

2003: A pair was regularly noted from the beginning of the year up to the 6th of May, often feeding on peanuts at the feeding area. 1 was on Went Ings on the 21st of May.  On 21st of June a @ was accompanied by a juvenile along Southfield lane, also 1 was seen on the 27th.  In July singles were seen on the 8th, 30th & 31st, also 2 on the the 26th.  Between the 1st of August & the 29th of December noted in every month, with single birds on thirty-seven dates, 2 on the 12th & 19th of September & 29th of December.     

2004: Noted regularly in January and February, with two birds on four dates.  Between the 9th of March and 23rd of June recorded on ten dates, (noted in each month), with two birds on two dates.  Between the 5th of July and 30th of December recorded on 57 dates (seen in every month) with three birds on the 31st of August and 1st of November.  The best months were November and December with 16 & 13 records respectively due to birds visiting peanut feeders.   

 

Lesser Spotted WoodpeckerDendrocopos minor

Previous records are one on Went Ings 7th November1987, one on an unknown date in February 1992. and one on Went Ings on 8th April 1996. 

2003: The fourth Southfield record was obtained on the 18th of December when a B flew across the canal from Went Ings, to the hedgerow at the fishermen's car park, it gave superb views for half an hour as it was feeding in the hedgerow.  A.S.  C.F.  J.S.

2004: A male was seen well on Went Ings on the 26th of March.  One was seen distantly, flying along Went Ings on the 26th of August.  A juvenile was seen at the north-west corner of the reservoirs on the 1st of October, this was the first record at this side of the recording area.  These represent the fifth-seventh records. 

Skylark Alauda arvensis

1995: In January 100 on the 27th  & 28th were the highest counts of the year. 67 south with 13 present on 8th November was the largest autumn total.

1996: 200 flew south in heavy snow on 27th January. During September there were 140 on 28th  & c150 on 30th. In December 203 south-west in an hour on 27th and c170 south during heavy snow on the 31st.

1997: 117 south on 1st January.  A poor autumn with  just  56 south on 3rd November the most.

1998: A small number were noted singing around the peripheral fields in Spring,  the only counts of passage birds were of 45 on 20th January, 40 on 26th October & 30+ on 25th  November.

1999: A count  of 60 on 1st October was  the  highest for the year.

2000: In September 35 south on 23rd, 45 south on 25th, 70 present on 16th October, 20 on 8th November & 43 on 28th December

2001: In the first half of the year 34 on the 19th of January was the best count.  Southerly passage counts were 333 on the 28th of September & 253 on the 11th of October.  On the 23rd of December when cold weather & snow set in 244 flew south & a flock of 50+ were present in set aside fields on the eastern side of the reservoir.  A flock of 220+ were in these fields next day- 24th, falling to 150 on the 30th.

2002: Good numbers were present during a cold spell in the first two weeks of the year; 120+ in the east fields on the 2nd had risen to 250+ the next day, 100+ here on the 12th, falling to 16 on the 29th.  From the 1st of October birds were noted passing through, the best counts being, 80 south on the 8th & 100+ west on the 31st.  The November & December peaks were, 15 & 21 on the 3rd of both months.

2003: The best counts in the first half of the year were in January with 25 south-west on the 4th & 27 south on the 31st.  Counts in the latter half of the year were not much better; the maximum figures were 29 on 25th of September, in October 30 on the 4th & 35 on the 10th.  The best count of the year was 46 south on the 8th of December.    

2004: In January c.40 on the 1st and 160+ flew south on a cold and snowy 28th.  The best autumn counts were 57 south-west on the 24th, 53 south-west & 40+ present on the 26th.  The winter maximum to the year end was 26 on the 20th of December.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

1995: Five north on 22nd March were the forerunners. The highest April count was 250+ on the 26th  & 27th.  May totals were poor with 100 the most on the 8th. 200 were seen on 15th July. August produced some good counts with 600+ on 7th  & 8th, numbers fluctuated until 1,000+ on the 23rd dropping to 300 + on the 31st.

1996: The  earliest ever flew north on 27th  March and another next day.  50+ on 1st May was the highest spring count. The highest autumn count was c500 on 7th September over Went Ings. The last of the year was three on 3rd October.

1997: The first was on 13th March with two next day & 11 on  the 31st.  In April 200+ 0n 12th  & 17th with 250+ on  25th   & 26th.  A poor autumn with c50 on 30th August the highest  count. Two on 17th September were the last.

1998: The first was one south on 30th March, then 100+ on 29th April, 100+ on 26th August, these were the highest counts of the  year, the last was on 3rd October.

1999: The first was on 30th March, the best spring counts were 275 on 12th April & 250 on 30th, then 400 on 7th May.  250+ on 14th July was the best count for the rest of the  year, the last was four on 27th September. 

2000: The first to return were 11 on 19th March, then 17 on 25th.  In April 80 on the 9th & 13th, 200+ on 21st & 500+ next day, then 450+ on 24th.  In June 100+ on the 2nd. In July 220+ on the 5th & 400+ on the 14th.  300+ on 28th August & 1st September increased to 700+ on the 3rd, with 300+ on the 6th.  Three south on 23rd September were the last.

2001: The first were three on the 29th & 30th of March.  In April 200+ flew north early in the morning of the 4th, then 300 were present on the 25th & 29th.  In June 100+ on the 1st & 120+ on the 17th were very high counts for this month.  In August 250+ on the 7th, increased to 400+ next day, there were 250+ on the 3rd of September, there were no late birds the last one was in mid September.

2002: The first was on the 17th of March, recorded almost daily to the month end , with counts of 30+ on the 24th & 31st.  In April 70, on the 4th & 5th, 140+ on the 6th & 300+ on the 8th & 18th.  In May & June counts ranged from 50-70.  There were larger counts from July onwards, with 220 on the 11th & 200+ on the 22nd.  In August 250+ on the 27th, 100+ on the 8th of September & the last record was one south on the 1st of October

2003: A new early arrival date was set when 2 were seen on the 10th of March, (Previously 13th).  Recorded on four other March dates between the 23rd & 30th.  The best spring count was 120+ on 21st of April.  The best counts in the latter part of the year were in July with 120+ on 1st & 2nd, increasing to 180+ next day.  In August 120+ on 16th, 150+ on 29th, finally 120+ on 1st September, there were no late birds this year.

2004: The first was on the 16th of March, followed by two on the 18th & 29th and three on the 30th.  April produced 600 on the 16th & 700 next day.  In July 500+ on the 8th and in August 300+ on the 21st.  The final record was on the 25th of September.

 

SwallowHirundo rustica

1995: The first was on the 6th of April, with c65 on the 24th. There were 120+ on 17th July, cl00 on 14th September, the last to be seen was on 8th October.

1996: The first were three on 2nd April, then 600+ on the 27th April increased to 800+ on the 30th. In July 500+ on the 19th was the largest gathering in the latter part of the year c300 south on 23rd August, a poor autumn for this species.

1997: In April three on the 6th were the first, then 100+  on 25th  & 80 next day. In August 150+ on 11th  & 130+ on 22nd,  c25 south on 6th October & two south on 28th were the last.

1998: First  on 7th April, c200 on 12th May was the highest spring count.  450+ south on 18th September & five on 9th October were the last.

1999: The first was on 2nd April, then 65 on the 16th April.  The best counts were during September with 250+ on 3rd  & 150 on 27th.  The last was two south on 4th October.

2000: The first was on 2nd April, with 30 on the 9th.  In August 200+ on the 4th, 1,000+ on the 24th & 500+ on the 30th.  145 flew south on 23rd September. In October 14 on the 3rd & four south on the 14th were the last.

2001: The first to arrive back was on the 30th of March & is only the second ever March record for Southfield.  The next was on the 4th of April; then c40 on the 26th of April was the highest count for the spring.  In July 60 were at Beevers Bridge & 83 flew south on the 23rd.  100+ were at Beevers Bridge next day.  192 flew south on the 28th of September.  In October 20 on the 11th six on the 14th & the last was one south on the 17th. 

2002: The first to return was on the 31st of March.  In April singles on four dates to the 6th, increasing from the 7th onwards with 25 on the 28th the peak count, until July, when there was 31 on the 30th.  In August 100+ on the 2nd & 50 on the 10th.  In September, 45 at the sailing club on the 9th, then 100+ present on the 11th & 70+ on the 17th.  In October recorded on eleven dates, with 15 on the 14th the maximum.  The first ever November records, was of two on the 1st & one on the 3rd.  

2003: First to arrive back was on the 5th of April; maximum spring count was 22 on the 19th of May.  The only significant count in the latter part of the year was 400+ on the 4th of September.  The last records were in October with 9 on the 3rd, 2 on the 4th & 1 on the 9th all flying south.

2004: Three on the 5th of April were the first of the year.  The maximum spring count was in May with 30+ on the 22nd and c.30 on the 27th.  The autumn maximum count was 300+ on the evening of 3rd of September.  In October 17 flew south on the 2nd, one on the 4th, eight south on the 5th and two on the 24th were the final records.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica

2001: A new species for Southfield, It was found at approximately 19.00hrs flying along the east bank of the reservoir on the 17th of May.  It was watched for about an hour by just one extremely lucky observer.  (SM.)

House Martin Delichon urbica

1995: The first arrival was on the 12th of April, 24 on 16th May was the largest spring total. 50+ on 6th September was the most in autumn the last was four on 5th October.

1996: The first was on 15th April, c20 on 1st & 28th of May were the best spring counts.  c200 were over Went Ings on 7th  September,  the last was on 16th October .

1997: One on 11th April, c20 on the 10th May, c25 on 15th June & four south on 1st October were the last.

1998: Two on 19th April were the first, in September 60 on 3rd  & 50  on 18th   were  the years maximum counts, the last sighting was  six  on  3rd October.

1999: One on 8th April was the earliest ever for the site.  70+ on 15th September was the best count & 11on 1st October were the last.

2000: Two on 2nd April were the earliest ever by six days. 36 moved south on 23rd September & was the years highest count. The last was on 12th October.

2001: The first was not until the 24th of April, then 10+ on the 25th of May was the peak spring count.  56 south on the 28th of September was the years best count.  In October two on the 14th, 17th & 25th were the last records.

2002: First to return was on the 19th of April.  There was just single figure counts until the 20th of June when 20+ were noted.  In August there was 30 on the 10th & 12th with 50 on the 11th.  In September 35 was the maximum on the 17th.  The last of the year was five on the 11th of October & was the only record in that month.

2003: The first was on the 9th of April.  20 on the 16th of May was the best spring total.  The best year count was 100+ on 4th of September; there were no October records.

2004: The first was on the 5th of April.  The years best counts were in September, with 50+ on the 12th, 40+ on the 14th and c.35 on the 16th.  The final records were in October with two south on the 5th and one east next day.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

1995: One south on 15th September was the only record.

1997: One west on 5th September.

2000: The only record was one on 25th August.

2001: One east on the 28th of August & one south on the 1st of September, were the thirteenth & fourteenth records for the site.

2002: A calling bird arrived from & departed back south on the 10th of August; & another flew south on the 11th of September.

2003: The only record was of 1 south on the 2nd of September.

2004: A calling bird was seen to go into the field behind the sailing club on the 13th of August and was still present next day, also in August one south-west on the 30th.  In September single birds were noted flying south on the 10th & 19th.  Four records in a year is extraordinary and brings the reservoirs total to twenty records.    

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

1995: In January two on the 6th and four on the 28th were feeding on ice covered floodwater on Went Ings. In February records of three and six on the 2nd  & 6th respectively. 65 north on 1st April was the highest count of the year, the only other total was of c45 on 15th September.

1996: Single figure counts until 22nd March when c40 were on Went Ings, 200+ feeding in fields on the north side of the reservoirs on 26th March & 12th April. At least two pairs bred. In September 443 south on 28th and 820 south on the 30th.  six  on the 15th  November was the most to the year end .

1997: Singles on 13th  & 20th January & 6th March.  Two on 27th February.  Recorded daily from 12th March with 30 north  on 13th  & 31st.  c165 south on 17th  September was the  best  count, the last was two on 19th  December.

1998: Two on 14th February were the first of the year, ten north on 13th March & 89 south on 12th September were the highest counts.

1999: In September 350 south on 21st, 221 south on 25th.  In  November 22 in stubble fields on 23rd, this was a high  count for this month here.

2000: In January 19 in the east fields on the 20th increased to 35 on the 31st.  In September 136 south on 21st & 159 south on the 25th.

2001: In January singles noted on four dates & three on the 5th.  In February one on the 11th two on the 16th & 22nd.  In March northerly passage was noted on the 15th when 18 passed through, followed by 110 north on the 24th. A count of 670 south on the 28th of September is the second highest count at Southfield.  Southerly passage in October produced counts of 187 on the 11th & 42 on the 25th.  A party of 70+ were in the set aside fields on the east side of the reservoir on the 31st of December, which is a good count for this month.  

2002: In January, one was present on the 1st, two on the 2nd & 20+ on the 3rd.  In February one on the 3rd & five on the 8th.  In March, after one on the 1st, birds were seen more regularly, as they moved north, with 39 on the 22nd, the most.  Southerly passage began in September, with the peak count of 57 south on the 17th.  Recorded on nine dates in December, with a peak of 33 on the 16th.

2003: Recorded regularly in January & February, with the maximum count in the first half of the year being 40 in the west fields on 3rd of January.  Began to be noted daily from the 4th of March.  In September c.150 flew out of the east fields on the 8th, with 200+ in these fields on the 10th, 11th & 19th.  In November 3 on the 21st was the maximum.  On 5th of December 23 came from Went Ings at dusk & flew east.   

2004: In January singles on five dates and two on the 28th.  In February singles on three dates, with two on the 29th.  Noted regularly in March, with a maximum of 50 flying north on the 29th.  The autumn passage maximum was a meagre 35 south on the 21st of September.  In November 13 on the 4th, five on the 15th and in December one or two birds on eight dates.

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus

Very rare no further records since the first on 4th April 1990.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

1996: Singles on 20th March, 4th April, 8th & 9th October & 16th November. A Rock/Water pipit flew onto Went Ings on 10th March.

1997: One on 17th & 19th October,

1998: One on 18th March, three north-east on 30th September &  singles on 15th & 20th October.

1999: In October a record count of five were together on the jetties on the 14th, three present next day & singles on 18th & 20th.

2001: All records were of single birds.  One on the roof of a car at the fishermen's car park on the 19th of October, on the 25th of October one was seen to land briefly then fly off south & one was seen later that day on the middle bank & the jetties.  Birds were also present on the 26th  & 29th on the middle bank & 2nd of November on the east bank.

2002: The only record was of one around the reservoir edges on the 31st of October

2003: All records were in October; 1 on the jetties on the 10th, 2 on the reservoir bank at the sailing club on the 21st flew off north & 1 on the jetties on the 24th flew off west.

2004: One was at the southern end of the middle bank on the 16th of September.  In October two were on the middle bank on the 12th, then one on a jetty briefly, before flying off south on the 21st; one flew north on the 25th, one south next day, also one was on the east bank the same day, with two here on the 28th and finally three on the 29th. 

 

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

Very rare, first was 6th April 1994.

2004:  On the 1st of April, a bird still in mostly winter plumage was around the sailing club jetties briefly before flying off east; the second site record.  (A.M. C.F.)

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

Earliest April 3rd 1999:

1995: First to return was one on 9th April, with 19 along the west bank on the 27th. The highest count was 60 on the turf field on 5th August, the last record was on 18th September.

1996: The first was on the 8th  April, then 40 on the turf field on the 19th & 80+ on Went Ings on 29th July.  The last was on 23rd September.

1997: Eleven on 11th April, then 33 on the 27th, 30+ on 4th August.  Two south on 6th October were the last. A female

1998: The first was on 7th April & the last flew south on 21st September. There was only single figure counts this year.

1999: The first was on 3rd April and was the  earliest ever here.  20+ on 19th April & 26th August were the years  best counts.

2000: The first was on 7th April, then 30+ on the 23rd.  15 on 21st July was the autumns best count, the last was on the 23rd September. 

2001: One on the 4th of April is the second earliest record.  The highest spring count was 11 on the 26th of April.  In the autumn 90 on the 5th of August was a good count, the last of the year was on the 25th of September.

2002: First to return was on the 8th of April  & a pair was present next day.  In May, 43 on the 2nd was a good spring count.  In July 70+ in the east fields on the 5th.  48 were around the Sailing club on the 16th, 31 were on Went Ings west of the aqueduct on the 22nd of August.  Finally 30 were at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 2nd of September.  

2003: First to return was 2 on the 8th of April, then 10 on the 15th.  17 were at the northern end of the site on the 8th of June.  In September 21 on the 1st was the maximum count for the year, the last record was on the 17th.

2004: The first occurred on the 3rd of April, and 18 were noted on the 22nd.  Maximum counts were in September with 40+ on the 1st and 30+ on the 6th.  The last off the year was on the grass in front of the sailing club on the late date of 24th of October, which is the second latest recorded.  

Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava

1996: A female Blue Headed Wagtail was noted on 27th April & 3rd May.

1997: A Blue Headed Wagtail was noted on 3rd May & 4th  & 16th June.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Uncommon passage migrant

Recorded more frequently over the last few years and in 1998: was recorded in every month of the year, with singles on 39 dates, two on 18th March and 16th of November.  Records usually of singles occasionally two and three on three dates  

1995: The first record was a juvenile on 10th  & 11th July, there were three records in August with two birds on the 23rd. There were many sightings in September with ten singles, two on three dates and three juveniles on the 13th. In October there were single birds on six dates.

1996: Singles on 21st, 22nd, 27th & 29th of March. A juvenile seen on the 29th June. Between 11th -29th September singles on ten dates, with two on 28th, singles on five October dates three November dates and the last on 21st December.

1997: Singles on 6th January, 20th March, 8th July & 22nd August.  In September after one on the 4th there were singles  on a  further nine dates. Singles in October on 16 dates  and  seven dates in November, finally singles on 12th & 14th December.

1998: Recorded  in  every month of the year for the first time, there were singles on thirty dates & two on 18th March & 16th November.

1999: One on 7th January, in February two on 7th, one on 9th, in March singles on 11th  & 23rd, in July two on 5th & 15th & one 16th.  In August singles on six dates, in September recorded regularly, with three on the jetties on 13th & 22nd.  There were singles on six October dates & in December one on 18th-20th

2000: In March singles on four dates, in June an adult on the 16th.  Further singles were recorded on 33 dates from July to November & in the same period two on 17th September & 17th October.

2001: Single birds on the 23rd of February on the jetties, west on the 14th of March & in June on the 23rd & 29th these were the only records in the first half of the year.  Recorded in every month during the second half of the year, with singles on 26 dates & two on five dates in September.

2002: Singles on the 27th of February the 1st of March & two juveniles were on the jetties on the 25th of June, these were the only records until the 22nd of August.  They were then recorded on 43 dates & in every month to the 11th of December.  Three birds were seen on the 26th of August, on six dates in September & again on the 20th of October.

2003: Recorded all months except May & December, with singles on 52 dates & 2 on six dates.

2004: In March single birds on the 15th & 17th, then one on the 3rd of April.  One north on the 13th of May was unusual.  Two juveniles were on the jetties on the 28th of June.  Recorded in every month from June-December; with a new maximum count of five, on the jetties, on 6th of July.  

Grey Wagtail

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

-

-

1

1

1

2

5

2

1

2

1

1

No of  bird days

-

-

2

1

1

1

14

3

12

8

5

6

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

1995: Eleven were feeding on ice covered floodwater on Went Ings on 28th January, with 12 noted on 2nd February. One pair bred and raised six young at the sailing club. 21 north on 23rd August were flying to roost. 15 were feeding on ice covered floodwater on 27th December, with 16 noted on the 30th. 

1996: Twenty-one were present on Went Ings on 6th January. A pair raised two broods with five young in June and three in August noted. 60 flew south on 29th September & 40 were on Went Ings on 24th November.

1997: There were 13 on 10th September & 10 on Went Ings on 4th December.

1998: Two pairs bred in the area, 10+ on the jetties on 24th July included some young birds. 

1999: Two recently fledged young were on the jetties on 16th May.  The maximum count was 20 on 20th August.

2000: One pair bred & four juveniles were on the jetties on 5th July.  Ten were seen on 27th September.

2001: Recorded regularly throughout the year.  Two pairs on the east bank on the 9th of April, four juveniles on the jetties on the 12th of June, being fed by the adults.  16 birds on the jetties on the 6th of July involved two broods of juveniles.  The last high count was 25 birds on the jetties on the 6th of September.

2002: Recorded regularly all year, peak counts were; Twelve adults on the jetties on the 9th of May.  On the 11th of July ten on the jetties included, seven juveniles.  The only other noteworthy count was 20 on the jetties on the 9th of September.

2003: Maximum counts were of 7 on 6th February & 14 on the jetties on 1st of August.  A pair bred in the R.O.D. boat, according to members of the sailing club four eggs were laid, three hatched, one nestlig died & two young fledged.  An amazing achievment as the boat was in use every weekend & on Wednesday evenings.

2004: Six were on Went Ings on the 3rd of January.  Six juveniles were noted on the 1st of July.  A pair nested in the R.O.D. boat again, their second nest contained five eggs on the 11th of July. A party of eight flew south on the 3rd of October.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba

1995: White Wagtails were noted in April, a male on 19th-21st, in May a male on the 2nd then singles on 4th, 8th, 12th, 13th  & 19th.

1997: There was a good spring passage of White Wagtails in April starting with four on the 15th, two 16th, one  17th, 18th, 20th & 21st, five on 22nd, one 23rd, four 24th, six 25th, five 26th, nine 27th and a single on 1st May the last.

1998: There was one record of White Wagtail on 19th  & 20th April.

1999: White  Wagtails were  seen in April with single males on nine dates, two males on 17th, 18th & 21st, three (one female) on 20th and the only May record of one on the 7th.

2000: The only White Wagtail was one on 22nd April.

2004: Single birds were noted on the 14th, 16th & 19th of April. 

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

1996: Four records all from the southern end of the reservoirs. Five on 20th January, one with Fieldfares on 26th and seven north on the 31st these probably came from the canal side hawthorns.  The last was one heard calling on 1st of February. (AM.AS)

1999: A calling bird flew east on 23rd November.  (AS)

2000: One on 9th January, observer unknown, this record was found in Yorkshire Birding magazine.  A record count was a flock of 28 flying east on 22nd December. (AM).

2001: One alongside the canal on new years day, it showed well for a time in the canal side bushes, before dropping out of sight & was not relocated. AS CF AM SB.

2003: Two records both in January, on the 3rd 1 landed very briefly in canal-side trees & then flew north & another flew north-west on the 31st. 

2004: A flock of 21 flew over the sailing club on the 13th of November.  A party of eight flew north on the 30th of December; these are thought to have been in the hedgerow at the fishermen's car park. 

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

1995: Nine on the 28th December was the highest count.

1996: Four birds were ringed at the sailing club two on each date 7th & 20th.  In March Eleven on Went Ings on 11th December.

1997: Seven on Went Ings on 21st March.

1998: Six on Went Ings on 25th February & 19th March, then five there and one at the reservoirs on 16th November.

1999: Seen regularly, maximum count was seven on Went Ings on 10th March.

2000: Six at the reservoirs & 11 on Went Ings on 22nd March. Six were singing around the reservoirs on 28th April.     

2001: Recorded regularly throughout the year.  Four were on Went Ings  & four at the reservoir on the 13th of March.  Five at the reservoir  & four on Went Ings on the 11th of May & three singing at the reservoir on the 12th of June.

2002: Recorded regularly.  Five singing on Went Ings on the 27th of March was the year's only noteworthy count

2003: Noted regularly all year, maximum counts were In May, with 9 singing around the reservoirs on the 15th & 14 singing in the recording area on the 21st.

2004: Maximum counts in the recording area were of, 15 (10 singing) on the 22nd April and 16 (14 singing) on the 5th of July.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

1995: Highest counts were eight on 11th April and 11 on 27 & 28th December.

1996: Eight ringed on 7th  March & two on the 20th . Eight present on 7th November.

1997: Five on 27th February.

1998: No counts recorded, though it still remains common in the area.

1999: Five on the northern side of the reservoirs on 5th March & five on Went Ings on 10th March.

2000: Five at the reservoirs & three on Went Ings on 22nd March.

2001: Recorded regularly throughout the year.  Five were at the reservoir & two on Went Ings on the 13th of March.

2002: Noted regularly the only count was of five on the 12th of March.

2003: Noted regularly all year, maximum count was 10 around the reservoirs on the 15th of May.

2004: Recorded regularly with a maximum of 10 in the recording area on the 22nd of April.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

1995: Eight on 6th March and 12 on 27th December were the highest counts.

1996: Four ringed on 7th  March & one on 20th.  Eight were on Went Ings on 11th December.

1997: Eight on Went Ings on 3rd March and at reservoirs on  18th September then nine on 19th October.

1998: Eight on 16th November includes five on Went Ings.

1999: Eleven on Went Ings on 10th March.

2000: Ten on Went Ings on 11th March. 

2001: Recorded regularly, maximum counts were 13 (9 on Went Ings) on the 13th of March & 12 (6 on Went Ings) on the 11th of May.

2002: Remains common, one to three birds being noted.

2003: Noted regularly all year, 9 around the reservoirs on 11th of January, maximum was 10 (8 singing) in the recording area on 21st of May & 10 on Went Ings on the 1st of August. 

2004: Recorded regularly a maximum of 10 in the recording area on the 22nd of April.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

An addition to the reservoir list.  A female on the turf field area on 19th April 1996.  (AM)

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

1995: A female was present on 27th April.

2000: A male was alongside the canal on 22nd April.

2001: An adult B was present at the north-west corner of the reservoir on the 14th of April & was the tenth record for Southfield.

2002: A juvenile on the 4th of July was first seen behind the sailing club & later along Southfield lane.  This was the eleventh record for the area.

2004: A female/juvenile was seen near the sailing club on the 17th of August.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

1995: Single birds, recorded on nine days as follows, 2nd May, 19th & 28th July, 8th 10th, 22nd, 23rd, & 28th August, lastly on 11th September.

1996: In April a male on the 19th  another bird on 20th & two on 26th. In May a female on 2nd  & one on 26th. There were no autumn records this year.

1997: Singles on 4th May & 26th August.

1998: One at the reservoirs on 25th April, another on Went Ings on 28th April. One at reservoirs on 2nd September, were the only records.

1999: Single males on 24th April & 3rd May, one on the middle bank near the clubhouse from 23rd -26th August

2001: Just one record, an adult B on the West Bank on the 4th of May.

2002: The only record was of a male on electricity cables & in the hedgerow at the sailing club, on the 24th of April.

2003: Four sightings for the year, all in August, first was on the 24th, then along the west bank on the 27th & on the middle bank on the 29th-30th.

2004: In August singles on the 25th & 26th, two on the 31st and one on the 10th of September.

Stonechat Saxicola torquata

1995: A male on the 24th February was the only record

1996: A juvenile was along the west bank on the 23rd & 24th of October

1998: A female on 9th & 10th March alongside the canal bank.

2000: One was along the west bank on the 3rd & 4th October

2001: A male on the east side of the reservoir on the 26th of October, was with a female the next day.  The female remained to the 22nd of November & the male to the 28th of November.  They favoured the east bank area, but were also seen working their way along the middle bank as well as the northern & southern banks.  This brings the total number of records for Southfield to eighteen, with only six of them since 1977; it was also only the second time that two birds have been seen together.

2002: One was along the East Bank on the 19th of October.

2003: In October a B along the east bank on the 12th, another B along the west bank on the 28th & a @ along the east bank on the 4th of November. 

2004: A pair was present from the 10th-23rd of November, then a single male from the 7th of December into the New Year.

Common Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

1995: The first was on 30th March, with a pair noted next day. There were four April records all single except two on the 25th.  In May seven records, singles on four days, pairs on two days and three birds on the turf field on the 12th. Just one autumn record a single on 3rd September.

1996: The best ever spring for this species, the turf field being a favoured area. Three on 1st  & 11th April, singles on 15th, 17th & 18th, eight on the turf field on 20th and nine next day, six on 22nd, five 23rd, one 24th, three 25th, ten 26th, seven 27th, three 28th, and a record count of 14 on 30th.  In May two 1st, nine 2nd, eight 3rd, ten 4th, two 7th these were the last of the spring records, in the region of 35-50 birds were noted. One on 28th September was the only autumn record.

1997: One on the turf field on 25th March.  In April singles  on 7th, 8th, 13th, 19th, 21st, 25th  & 26th.  In May singles on 1st & 4th   and a pair on 14th .  A better autumn showing this year  with singles on 4th  & 18th August.  3rd, 17th  & 22nd September

1998: In April two on 23rd & four next day.  In May two on 9th, &  one 14th, singles on 28th August & 2nd September

1999: A very poor year with just two records, a male on 24th April & two females on 7th May.

2000: Single males in April on the 5th & 19th & further singles on 23rd & 26th.  The last a male was on 23rd September.

2001: In March two Bs on the east bank on the 30th, one remained to the next day.  This was only the fourth March record.  The only other records for the year were singles on the 25th of April & the 17th of August. 

2002: No records  

2003: A B in the east fields from the 17th-19th of March, beat the previous earliest date by eight days.  1 was at the junction of Sykehouse road & Southfield lane on the 14th of April.  In August 2 on straw bales in the east fields on the 16th & 1 at the sailing club on the 27th. 

2004: No records until August, then singles on the 17th, 25th & 26th.  In September one present on the 10th &11th and another on the 15th.   

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

1999: A male flew west on 23rd May. (AS).

2001: One flew south-west across the reservoir on the 27th of October, this was the fourth record for Southfield & was also the latest recorded date.  RR.

Blackbird Turdus merula

1995: Twelve on 2nd January, eight of these at the feeding area, ten at the feeding area on 20th January.

1996: A count on 18th March revealed 31 on Went Ings and 11 at the reservoirs, also in March ten were ringed at the sailing club on the 7th and a further two on 20th.  One of the birds ringed on the 20th was controlled on 17th April at Ryng Cobin fjord Denmark.  34 were around the reservoirs on 16th November and 23 on Went Ings on 11th December.

1997: Ten at the feeding station on 22nd & 27th  January. 12 on 17th January included nine at the feeding area

1998: A count of 30, 18 of these were on the Went Ings on 5th January, A recently fledged bird was noted on 1st May.

1999: A total of 29 on 18th January, 25 of these on Went Ings & four at the feeding area, 27 around the reservoirs on 27th January.  In March, 28 on Went Ings on the 10th.  11 juveniles &

One adult on the west side on 13th  August, then 22  around  the reservoirs on 23rd  November.

2000: On 15th February 14 were noted, then 15 on Went Ings & two at the reservoirs on 11th March, 14 were on Went Ings on the 22nd March.

2001: Recorded regularly, Maximum counts were of 14 (six Bs & 1@) at both the reservoir & Went Ings on the 11th of May, then 15 on the 12th November.

2002: Remains very common, there were no noteworthy counts.

2003: On eight dates between the 2nd of January & 27th of February, counts ranged between 11-13.  On the 20th of March a count of 21 was obtained - (17 on Went Ings).  On the 21st of May 15- (14Bs) were noted in the recording area.  On the 27th of May 11 were around the reservoirs, 8, of these at the south-west corner (included 6Bs)

2004: Maximum counts were 12 on the 28th of January and 8th of March, then 15 (13Bs) in the recording area of the 5th of July.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

1995: The early part of the year produced a maximum of 40 on 14th March. April counts included 100+ on the 1st  & 2nd, 200 on 25th, 300 on 26th  & 27th, one on 4th & 6th May was the last until autumn when a single flew west on 28th October. The highest count to the year-end was 700+ on 18th December

1996: Peak counts were 800+ on 23rd January, 1000+ on 8th February, 500 on March 1st  & 29th, 200+ on 6th April down to 125 on 13th, these were the last until the autumn.  The first to return was on 14th October; a count of 317 on the 22nd was the highest count to the year-end.

1997: On  5th March c1000 on Went Ings, 13 on 25th  April. The next was 21 on 13th October with 600+ on the 23rd.  Increased to 700+ on 1st November, then down to 4-500 by the 9th.

1998: In January 155 on 10th  & 170 on 15th were the best counts in the first half of the year.  Two on 18th April were the last of winter.  Returning birds were four on 14th October, small  numbers were noted until an increase in November brought counts of 200 or more, the highest counts were 400+ on 16th & 320+ on 20th.

1999: Scarce in the first part of the year with 100 north on 4th April being the highest count, the last was a single on 29th April.  First to return were ten on 14th October, the highest counts were in November with 400+ on 8th, 700+ on 12th, 1,000+ on 16th fall­ing to 300+ on 27th  & declined further into December.

2000: In January 65 on the 8th 31 on 20th & c300 on the 31st.  Then the monthly maximum counts were 45 in February, 72 in March & just five in April on the 28th these were the last seen.  In October 35 on the 28th were the first to return, with 140 the next day. In November westerly passage counts were 470+ on 3rd, 1,450+ on 8th, 560+ on 9th & 600+ were on Went Ings on 27th November.

2001: In the first half of the year c200 on the 12th of February, was the peak count & 100+ on the 25th of April were the last.  In October three on the 14th were the first to return.  Westerly passage commenced on the 15th, with 500+, then 514 south on the 18th, 1066-west/ south-west on the 24th & 1262 in the same direction next day.  600+ were present on the 27th of October, then 400+ on the 10th & 22nd of November, finally 750+ on the 1st of December.

2002: In January 100+ on the 8th, 200+ on the 27th & 160 on the 29th.  In February one west on the 23rd was the only record.  In March between the 6th & 27th; 180+ were on Went Ings on the 18th, increasing to 300 next day, only 43 noted on the 21st, but increased to 237 on the 22nd, then only five seen next day.  400 were in the east fields on the 24th, then 200+ on Went Ings on the 26th & c100 north next day.  The only April records was 40+ on the 4th, one next day & finally 35 on the 6th.  Autumn passage began with five on the 16th, 30 west on the 24th, these were the most until 200+ on the 31st.  In November 580+ on the 3rd, 1,000+ on the 9th, & 600+ on the 19th.  The peak count in December was 600+ on the 14th.

2003: Maximum counts in the first three months were 150+ on the 31st of January, c.300 in the east fields on the 28th of February & 1st of March.  The only April counts were 21 north on the 23rd & 5 west next day.  In October 3 west on the 10th were the first to return, then c.60 west on the 13th, c.315 on the 24th, 500+ on the 25th & 900+ on the 31st.  In November c.400 on the 2nd & in December 100+ on the 18th were the maximum counts in those months. 

2004: In January 80+ on the 7th and c.145 on the 28th (of which 120 flew south).  Higher counts in March produced a maximum of 250+ on Went Ings on the 26th.  In April c.100 west on the 9th then seven on the 14th being the last ones in the first winter period.  In October first to return was 26 south on the 12th.  Good counts towards the month end were a total of 1,453 west on the 27th & 550+ on the Went Ings late afternoon of the 27th.  1,450 flew west next day and 800+ on the 29th followed by c.1,000 on the 31st.  The maximum for November was 500+ present on the 2nd and in December c.1,200 on the 5th and 600+ on the 21st.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

1995: Recorded sporadically through the year, three were singing on 19th May.

1996: Eight on 16th November was the best count, generally records concerned one-two birds. One pair bred along Southfield lane, two juveniles were seen during July.

1997: Becoming increasingly scarce, five on 30th October, was the most.

1998: Singles on two dates in January, five dates in February, two on 19th March, singles on three dates in April with two on 30th.   No records  in May or August.  Singles on four dates in September, one on 5th October & two on 9th & 30th.  Noted regularly in Novem­ber & December with three on 5th & 10th of November. (A noticeable decrease in records.)

1999: Recorded regularly & probably two pairs bred.  Three birds on Went Ings on 27th January & two at the clubhouse on 23rd June & 5th July.  Present daily from October to year-end,  with six on 23rd November & five on 14th December.

2000: Seen regularly throughout the year, with three the most in January, February & June.  Four flew west on 8th October & six were present on 14th November.

2001: In January there were 12 on the 7th & seven on the 16th.  On the 21st of May single birds were singing at Southfield lane, Went Ings  & one was seen at the canal.  12 on the 25th of October coincides with the passage of Fieldfare & Redwings

2002: Five on the 2nd of January was the best count in the first half of the year.  During the second half of the year, there was six on the 7th of August & ten on the 19th of November.  A constant presence was maintained by this species, at the southern end of the reservoirs, In both winter periods;  there was many broken snail shells as evidence of this.

2003: The maximum counts for the year were 8 on the 17th of February & 3 were singing along Southfield lane on the 20th of June.

2004: Five on the 7th of November was the maximum count for the year.

Redwing Turdus iliacus

1995: There were just four records, of one to three birds during the first half of the year. The first to return was one on 16th October, the highest count was of c70 on 1st November.

1996: c100 south on 5th January 100+ on 10th February were the only significant totals. In April just two records on the 9th & 11th.  The first to return was on 5th October, then c150 on Went Ings on 11th December

1997: 23 on 9th January, 27 on 15th October were the first  to return, then 40+ on 23rd October & 42 on the 27th.

1998: Very scarce in the first winter period, the only records were six on 5th January, three on 4th & one on 25th February, 10 on 18th March & 2 next day. First to return were 13 on 8th October, 40+ on the 10th was the highest count, becoming scarcer in December

1999: Very scarce during the first part of the year. In January 28 on the 7th, this being the highest count for the whole year.  There were no records in February, in March 20 on 22nd & one on 1st April was the last.  Six on 18th October was the only record for the month.  In December 13 on 9th & 11 on 20th were the  best counts for the latter part of the year.

2000: In January two on the 4th & 31st & one on the 8th.  Singles on 5th & 10th February, then nine on 18th April completed a poor showing.  In October one west on the 15th, 90 on the 24th  & 40+ on the 29th.  In November 450+ west on the 3rd & 8th, 50+ were on Went Ings on the 18th.  20 were seen on 20th December.

2001: A count of 35 on the 25th of January & 100+ on Went Ings on the 22nd of February, were the only counts above six in the first four months of the year.  Two on the 4th & 5th of April were the last until October, when the first to return was seen on the 14th.  Inland movements began on the 18th with 313 south-west.  A large count of 905 south-west on the 24th is the second highest total for Southfield & 607 flew in the same direction next day.  The best count in the last two months of the year was 27 on the 10th of November.

2002: What seems to be normal now, is for redwings to be scarce in the first three months of the year.  The only records were; in January six on the 1st, two on the 3rd; & one on the 8th of February; in March two on the 12th, one on the 21st & 22nd, two on Went Ings on the 27th & a late bird was seen on the 16th of April.  In October the first to return was on the 4th, then 56 flew south-west on the 8th, 140 south on the 11th & 730 west on the 17th.  After this, the best counts were of 40+ on the 19th & 30 west on the 24th.  The November & December peak counts were 13 & 11 respectively.  

2003: Counts of c.40 on the 3rd of January & 70 in the east fields on the 5th of February were good totals for those months.  March was poor with 2 on the 4th & 1 on the 29th.  The latter part of the year was also poor; the first to return was 23 west on the 14th of October, this was the maximum count to the year-end.

2004: All records in the first half of the year were as follows; in January, eight on the 2nd, 10 on the 7th and singles on the 10th & 28th.  In February two west on the 27th and three on the 28th.  The only March record was of two on the 29th and the only April record was of two with a flock of c.100 Fieldfares on the 9th.  In October 21 flying south on the 12th were the first to return.  Next were 32 on the 19th, then good counts towards the moth end with 143 west on the 28th and 120 west next day.  The maximum counts for November] and December were 20 & 27 respectively 

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

1995: Four records in the first half of the year involved just one or two birds.  Recorded in every month from June to the year-end on 20 days, the maximum count was of seven on 30th August.

1996: Recorded every month except March & April.  Singles noted on five dates up to the 1st February.  Between 21st May & the year-end recorded on 17 dates. A count of 15 on 13th August was the highest count for the year.

1997: Records for the first half of the year were one on 27th January. In May four flew west on the 20th & one east 22nd, then one on  6th June.  In the second half of the year there were sixteen records, with three on 8th July, 28th August, 8th, 18th & 22nd September & 17th October being the most.

1998: In the first part of the year two birds recorded on three  dates.  There  were no sightings in March, May or June.  The next record was three seen on 17th September & a single on 19th.  One on 30th October, in November singles on five days, with two on 24th, in December singles on 1st & 7th & two on 27th.

1999: Recorded more frequently this year,  the  highest count for the year was 16, which flew onto Went Ings on 20th July.

2000: No records in March, June, July or December. Singles were recorded on eleven dates.  Seven flew south west on 11th August & in September two on the 17th & 10 on the 22nd.

2001: Recorded every month except March & April.  Recorded on 29 dates which was a good total & equaled the 1999: tally.  The only double figure counts were in September with 11 on Went Ings on the 1st  & 15 on Went Ings on the 14th.

2002: Recorded in every month except February & May.  Birds were noted on 25 dates, which is four less than last year.  The best count of the year was eight on the 19th of August.

2003: There were twenty-nine records for the year, four more than last year.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

2

1

1

2

2

1

1

2

1

2

2

1

No of bird days

3

6

2

1

1

1

1

1

2

6

2

3

2004: Records in the first half of the year were of singles on seven dates, two on four dates and three on the 1st of June.  In the second half of the year recorded on twelve dates with counts in August of 11 on the 22nd and 17 on the 31st.  

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

1995: Singles on 29th April and 1st & 2nd of May, then two on the 12th. One was seen carrying food on 8th June, one on the 29th, then a single bird on 17th, 18th  & 23rd July.

1996: The first was noted on 23rd April, with one on three dates to the month end. In May one on five dates, with two on 20th & 26th.  In June just one record on the 11th  & one  on July 12th .  In August one on 16th & 30th and three on 20th.  Recorded for the first time ever in September with one on 2nd  & 5th and two on 6th.

1997: The  first was one on Went  Ings  on  22nd April, two on the Went & one on north side of reservoirs on 26th, then three singing on the Went next day.  One at Southfield  Lane on 15th & 16th May.  One sang on Went Ings throughout the  summer to 13th August and two were heard on the 11th August.

1998: Two reeling on Went Ings on 19th April was the only record  until one there on 30th June.  In July singles on 1st, 2nd, 28th  & 31st and two on 17th & 23rd, these were the last records of the year.  All records came from Went Ings and a decrease in records was noted since the loss of a favoured area on the north side of the reservoirs.

1999: No records for the year.

2000: After no records last year, there was a welcome return this year.  In April one on the 19th equaled the earliest date, two were present on the 24th, 25th & 27th, three on the 29th & 30th included a pair along the east bank, the last noted was one on 9th June.

2001: On the 6th of May two were present, one seen at the reservoir & one heard reeling from Went Ings.  In July one near Beevers Bridge on the 4th & one west of the bridge on the 10th.  One by the roadside, just north of Beevers Bridge on the 7th of August.

2002: Two were alongside the new junction canal, on the 24th of April.  One was singing at the aqueduct on the 2nd of May.  One was reeling on Went Ings from the 20th of June to the 11th of July.

2003: One was on Went Ings adjacent to the canal on 21st of April - 1st of May, one was singing briefly from the same area on 27th of June.

2004: The only record was one reeling on Went Ings on the 17th of July.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

1995: The first was on 25th April. 16 on the 3rd & 24th May. 24 on 28th July, the last record was of two on 13th September

1996: Extreme dates were 19th April & 23rd September.  The highest count was eight on 23rd April.

1997: The first was on 22nd April.  Eight  pairs  were noted  in the recording area.  A late bird was seen on 6th October

1998: The  first was on 23rd April, on 1st June 18 were noted, 15 of these in song, the last was on 21st September

1999: In April singles on 9th (the earliest ever date) 15th & 18th.  22 on 13th May was the maximum count. Recorded into September, but there were no late birds.

2000: One on the 15th April, 24 were singing on the 28th.  In May a record count of 41 on the 2nd increased to a record 45 on the 9th.  21 on the 17th July, the last one was on 25th September.

2001: The first was not until the 24th of April.  On the 11th of May, 37 were at the reservoir & four on Went Ings.  The last was one on the middle bank on the 28th of September.

2002: In April the first was on the 18th & the next was on the 23rd.  The last sighting was on the 21st of September.  Numbers were down after the good counts of the last two years; the maximum count was of 15 singing around the aqueduct area on Went Ings on the 2nd of May.

2003: First to return were 2 on the 16th April; the maximum count was 16 around the reservoirs on the 15th of May. 

2004: The first was on the 17th of April and a count of 25 in the recording area on the 5th of July was the most.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

1995: The first birds of the year were in August with three on the 10th, two on 11th, four on 14th, one on 15th, 19th, 21st, & 24th, lastly singles on 4th  & 6th September.

1996: Singing birds on 15th & 29th June, records of single birds on four July dates, one of which was singing from the sweet flag along the west bank.  Single records on five August dates with two on the 9th.  The singing bird in the sweet flag remained into September and was seen carrying food although breeding was not proven.  Also in September two on the 3rd  & 6th, one on 10th  & 14th, & five on the 16th.  A late bird was seen 10th October.

1997: Singles on 5th  & 8th August, in September  one  on 5th, 9th, 10th & 18th  & two on 17th.

1998: Bred for the first time.  In June two on 11th & three on 20th.  A pair became resident on the south side of the reservoirs & evidence of breeding came on 2nd September when an adult  was seen feeding a youngster.  The last of the year was on 3rd September.

1999: One on 23rd April was the earliest ever for the site.  In May one on 3rd then 13th-16th, with two on 31st, one on 7th June and In July singles on 2nd, 5th, 9th & 22nd & two on the 14th.  In August one on 20th & 25th.

2000: In May one on the 2nd & also from the 10th to the 15th. Then two were singing on the 24th.  In June one on the 14th & two on the 15th.  In July one on 17th, 21st & 25th, in August one on 11th & 26th, in September one on 1st, 4th & 25th.

2001: Two present on the 21st of May, one at the north end & one at the south end of the reservoir.  One in the clubhouse hedgerow on the 7th of June, in August singles on the 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 20th & 30th.  The last were two on Went Ings on the 1st of September.

2002: In May one at the southern end of the reservoirs on the 11th & one at the northern end on the 20th.  In June birds were singing at each end of the reservoirs on the 10th.  One was singing on Went Ings on the 25th & one singing on the middle bank on the 30th.  In July one singing on Went Ings on the 1st & 10th, two at the reservoirs on the 26th, (one singing).  In August singles on the 18th, 19th & 24th.  In September one present on Went Ings on the 2nd & two on the 9th.

2003: In June 1 singing along the west bank on the 23rd & 1 at the north-west corner on the 27th.  In August 2 on the 24th & 27th & in September 2 on the 2nd & 1 on the 12th & 15th.

2004: One was singing from willows at the southern end of the reservoirs on the 7th of May and one singing on Went Ings on the 5th of July.  Autumn migrants occurred on the 15th of August and the 3rd, 6th & 14th of September.

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

1995: The first was on 1st May, then three together at the sailing club on 2nd & 3rd may. One was singing at Went Ings on 26th  & 30th May and 29th June. One was carrying food at the clubhouse in early June. There were three on 19th, 27th  & 28th July, five on 10th August, four of these at the clubhouse, four on 15th  & 23rd August, three on the 19th, and three again on 16th September.

1996: The first was on 26th April, one-two were recorded throughout the spring and summer, with three on 31st July, 2nd & 17th August. Six were seen on 3rd September and the last of the year were two on Went Ings on 22nd September.

1997: The first one was near the clubhouse on  6th May  & a pair remained here for the summer but breeding not  pro­ven.   One  at  southern end of reservoirs on  13th   May.   Three were singing  on Went Ings on 14th May.  In August three on 5th,  four on 17th, three on 26th.  In September one on 17th  & 22nd

1998: The first was on 28th April then two next day.  As usual a pair became resident near the clubhouse, with four birds here on 30th May.  In July four near the clubhouse on 23rd, then five on  28th were  attributed to success of the regular breeding pair.  There were five here again on 7th August and three on 8th, the last one was on 18th.

1999: In April one on Went Ings on 27th  &  two  at the  reservoirs on 30th. One still at the Went Ings site on 3rd May & two at the reservoirs on the 8th.  One was singing at a second site  on Went Ings on 28th May & also on 1st, 13th & 23rd  June, with one at the clubhouse on 13th, 15th  & 23rd June.  Five around the reservoirs on 5th July, then recorded almost daily in  August with three on 26th.  Two on 14th September were the last. 

2000: One on the 22nd April was the earliest ever & two were on Went Ings next day.  In May three on the 2nd & 3rd & a pair were seen mating along Southfield Lane on the 9th.  There were singles on four June dates.  In July three on the 15th & 20th & four on the 17th.  In August three on the 5th, then two to the month end.  In September three on the 1st & the last was one on the 12th. 

2001: The first to return was on the 24th of April.  Two birds on the 4th of May- one at each end of the reservoir & one was on Went Ings on the 11th of May.  Two pairs bred - one at either end of the reservoir; an adult was seen feeding a juvenile at the southern end of the reservoir on the 27th of June.  Two at either end of the reservoir on the 23rd of July.  Recorded regularly from August to the 17th of September, with nine on the 24th of August the most, which equaled the record count.  One on the 26th of September equaled the latest date.

2002: The earliest ever recorded for the site, was found on the 8th of April.  The next was on the more typical date of the 23rd at Beevers Bridge: & one at the sailing club on the 25th & 27th.  In May five were on Went Ings on the 2nd, three at the sailing club on the 3rd.  One was singing at the southern end of the reservoirs from the 8th.  Two pairs held territories, one at each end of the reservoirs.  On the 14th of June an adult was seen feeding three young, in the willows at the southern end of the reservoirs.  In July four adults were at the northern end on the 4th, there appeared to be no breeding success at this end of the site.  Also in July birds began to gather in the willows at the southern end of the reservoirs along with other warbler species; & eight Lesser Whitethroats were here on the 26th & 30th & nine on the 31st.  Seen daily in the willows throughout August & into September, to the 11th.  The final record of the year was one on the 23rd of September

2003: Singing birds were at the northern end of the reservoirs from the 23rd of April & at the southern end from the 26th of April, a third singing bird was at the northern end from the 30th.  2 others were singing on Went Ings in May.  The maximum count for the year was 5 on the 2nd of August, the last bird was on the 9th of September.    

2004: The first was on the 24th of April; three singing males were present in the recording area in spring and early summer.  Another pair was seen feeding fledged young on the 5th of July.  The best post breeding count was seven on the 31st of August and six were seen next day.  The final sighting of the year was one on the 14th of September. 

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis

1995: Data not recorded

1996: One on 18th April followed by six on 22nd. A pair reared four young in the clubhouse hedgerow in June. The last was on 23rd September.

1997: The  first was on 24th April, 16 on Went Ings on 14th May & four on 17th September were the last.

1998: The first was on 23rd April with three next day.  No counts were made and the last was noted in September.

1999: One on 9th April was the earliest ever for the  site & a count of 12 on 13th May was the highest count of the year.

2000: The first was on 21st April then 10 on the 28th.  In May 18 0n the 2nd, recorded into September, but no late birds.

2001: The first was on the 24th of April, there were 15 at the reservoir & six on Went Ings on the 11th of May, & the last was on the 25th of September.

2002: The first was on the 17th of April.  The maximum count of the year was 20 on the 26th of July & the last record was on the 12th of September.

2003: The first to return were 2 on the 17th of April, maximum count was 18 on the 21st of May.

2004: The first was on the 17th of April.  There was a count of 28 in the recording area on the 5th of July.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

1995: Singles on 19th July and 1st, 5th, & 19th August.

1996: Singles on 7th, 21st & 26th May.

1997: The best year ever for this species, with singing birds on Went Ings for the first time in May & June.  Two were singing near the aquaduct on 14th May & one on 19th, 20th  & 28th  & 10th  & 19th   June.  One at Southfield Lane on 18th May & near the  clubhouse on 8th September.

1998: One on 22nd & 23rd July, 18th August & 2nd September.

2000: One on 13th, 14th & 18th of May alongside the canal & one on 17th July. 

2001: One singing at the southern end on the 1st & 4th of May, was probably the same bird at the northern end on the 5th & back at the southern end next day & also on the 9th.  Two were on Went Ings on the 11th of May, the last were singles on the 7th of August & on Went Ings on the 1st of September.

2002: One was singing at the southern end of the reservoirs, on the 25th & 26th of May, one was also singing in that area on the 19th of June.  Two in willow trees at the southern end, on the 26th of July, with one here on the 30th & again on the 1st of August.

2003: In May 1 singing on Went Ings on 15th/16th, then 3 here on the 21st.  2 singing on Went Ings on the 27th of June, finally 1 at the reservoirs on 2nd of August.

2004: One was singing on Went Ings on the 13th of May.  The only other records were single birds at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 23rd & 27th of July and the 30th of August.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

1995: Three males in the same bush on 20th April, and two next day. One was singing at the clubhouse on 2nd  & 6th May and on Went Ings on 23rd, also again in June and early July. In September singles on five dates & two on the 21st. A male and a female on 13th October, the last was on 30th October.

1996: The first record was of three males on 22nd  April. One sang on Went Ings through the 5pring & summer and one sang at the clubhouse hedgerow on the 26th May.  There were singles on four dates in September, the last was on the 27th September.

1997: Two singing on Went Ings on 8th April were the first to return.  A male at the reservoirs and two were singing on the Went on the 16th  April three singing On the Went on 14th May  &  one singing at Southfield Lane on 16th, 18th  & 24th May.  A pair was feeding  a juvenile on Went Ings on 17th August, final  sightings were one on 15th, 17th  & 18th October.

1998: First back was on 8th April, then one or two daily from 19th to month end.  One on Went Ings on 30th May was the only May record.  One or two recorded from 5th June with four  female/juveniles on 23rd July,  three, one male on 25th August, three, two  male on 28th August, then one or two recorded in September, the last was on 14th October.

1999: The first was on 4th April, then three males on Went Ings on 22nd, eight males in the area 27th, seven of these on the Went,  with  five  males on the Went on 3rd May.  Three females/juveniles on 20th July, a pair on 3rd & 14th  September were the last sightings.

2000: In April a B on the 8th, five Bs & two @s on Went Ings & a B at the reservoirs on the 23rd, five on Went Ings (one @) & a B  at  the reservoirs on 28th.  In May three Bs on Went Ings on the 3rd. In July two Bs on the Ings & two @s at the reservoirs on the 5th.  Five @/juvs around the reservoirs on the 25th.  One or two recorded through August & September, the last was on the 25th of September

2001: In April a @ on the 24th was the first of the year, followed by two Bs on the 27th & one on the 30th.  Recorded regularly in May & June, with breeding birds present.  Four were singing on Went Ings on the 11th of May.  A B sang from Southfield lane on the 22nd of May to the 27th of June.  In July four together (one B) on the 23rd & 27th, the last singing B was on the 28th.  In August recorded regularly, with four on the 30th the most.  In September six (five Bs) were on Went Ings on the 1st, two at the reservoir on the 10th & one on the 25th, the last was one on the 11th of October.  

2002: In April one was singing on the 16th & 18th.  Three were singing on the 19th, (two on Went Ings & one at the sailing club).  Birds were then present regularly until the last one on the 9th of September.  The maximum count for the year was of five birds, on July the 26th & 30th & a family party of five on the 6th of August.

2003: Two Bs in the willows at the southern end on 18th of April were the first to return.  A B at the fishermen's car park on on the 23rd of April, 5 singing Bs & a @ on Went Ings on the 21st of May.  Present daily, feeding in the willows along the south bank of the reservoirs during July & August, with a maximum count of 6 on the 2nd of August.  The final records were in September with a B on the 12th & a pair on Went Ings on the 20th.

2004:  The first was a male on the 11th of April, then three males (1on Went Ings) on the 17th and three males (2 on Went Ings) on the 22nd.  On the 5th of July 11 (10 on Went Ings inc. 7Bs).  Four were at the sailing club on the 27th of July.  Birds were recorded into September but no late dates.

Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

1995: Recorded on five March dates, the first on the 14th. There was one on 1st July, the first ever in this month. There were seven records all of singles between 12th  & 31st August. In September there were many records of one to three birds, followed by a record count of five on 14th, in October there were singles on three dates, the last was on the 13th of that month.

1996: The only spring record was on 22nd April. The next was on 2nd September, then singles on five dates to the 2nd of October. Two were noted on 19th & 27th September, three were on Went Ings on 22nd September and two there on 5th October.

1997: The first was on 5th March, then four on Went  Ings on  the 30th.  In April six on Went Ings on 4th  & four next  day.  Two  here on 14th May & 8th July.  At the reservoir  singles  on seven September dates, with two on the 22nd, the last was on 1st & 6th October.

1998: In April one on 7th, two on went Ings on 16th & 19th,  one at the reservoirs on 13th  & 21st July.  In August singles on nine dates, in September, singles on eight dates, two on 22nd  & three on 12th.

1999: In April singles on 3rd, 4th & 9th, two on Went Ings on 22nd then five here on 27th  & two on 3rd May.  Singles recor­ded  on 20th May & 4th August & in September on 1st 3rd, 6th, 11th & 14th, three on 12th & 16th four on 13th, two on 15th.  In October two on 1st & 6th & a single on the 4th. 

2000: Two on Went Ings on 22nd March were the first, the next was not until 13th April.  Further records in April were one on the 22nd, two on Went Ings 23rd & 28th.  Three on the Ings on 3rd May, the next was one on 25th July, then two on the Ings on 24th August.  In September one on four dates, two on five dates & five on the 25th.  In October three on the 3rd one next day & the last was on the 13th. 

2001: In March singles on the 9th  (second earliest) then the 13th & 26th.  In April singles on the 1st, 5th & 14th.  In May three were singing on Went Ings on the 11th & one on the 30th then three singing on Went Ings again on 18th of June.  In July one near the clubhouse on the 23rd, then singles at the fishermen's car park on the 24th & 27th.  In August singles on six dates, two on the 28th, three on the 30th, all the August records were from the 15th onwards.  In September singles were noted on nine dates, two on four dates, with three on the 26th.  In October two on the 9th, four on the 11th, one on the 12th & one from the 22nd - 26th is the latest ever record.

2002: During March one at the reservoirs & three on Went Ings on the 27th.  One was at the southern end of the reservoirs from the 28th-30th & three on Went Ings on the 31st. In April one at the southern-end on the 1st & 2nd, the next record was not until the 14th of June, when one was seen in the willows at the southern-end.  In July one at the sailing club on the 6th, 11th & 15th.  From August the 1st & into September, birds were present almost daily.  The peak count was seven on the 11th of September.  The last birds of the year were In October, with two on the 1st & one on the 2nd & 9th.

2003: In March all records came from Went Ings, with 2 on the 20th, 5 on 23rd & a site record of 9 on the 31st.  In May 5 (4 singing) on Went Ings on the 21st.  In July 1 on five dates between the 2nd &11th in the hedgerow west of the sailing club.  5 were singing on Went Ings on the 3rd, & 1 at the reservoirs on the 24th.  From the 1st of August to the 30th of September there were singles on sixteen dates, 2 on seven dates & 3 on the 20th of September, the last records were in October with singles on the 1st & 5th.

2004: In March there were three on the 28th and one next day.  There were nine (7 on Went Ings & 6 of these singing) on the 22nd of April and a singing bird was at Southfield Lane from the 17th April into July.  On the 5th of July seven (6 singing) were found in the recording area.  On the 10th of September three were at the northern end of the reservoirs.  The final records were singles on the 1st, 6th & 8th of October.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

1995: The first was on 6th April, maximum count of singing birds was 13 on 25th. The last of the year was one on 20th September

1996: The first was on 11th April increasing to seven on the 22nd. Two pairs bred at the reservoirs. There were 10+ in the hedgerow at the fishermen's car park on 30th July. The last of the year was two on Went Ings on 14th September

1997: Three  on 8th April, 15 on Went  Ings  on  16th April, 10 here (8 singing) on 14th May.  The last was one on 12th September

1998: One on 3rd April was the earliest ever record, 12 on Went Ings on 20th April, nine around the reservoirs on 7th August,  the  last was on 8th September.

1999: One on 3rd April was the earliest ever for the site, recorded into September but there were no late records

2000: The first was on 10th April, the last on 12th September

2001: The first to arrive back was on the 2nd of April & was the earliest ever recorded.  In August c15 on the 7th in one flock had increased to c20 on the 22nd.  Two on the 15th of September were the last.  

2002: Recorded regularly the first & last dates were the 3rd of April & 24th of September; there were no significant counts.

2003: First to return was on the 8th of April.  On the 21st of May 15 were counted (14 singing on Went Ings).  Recorded into September, but no noteworthy records.  

2004: The first was on the 12th of April; the maximum count was of 21 (16 on Went Ings & 14 singing) on the 22nd of April.  No late records were obtained.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

1995: Two records in March, the next were in September with a total of six records, followed by ten records in October and two in November, usually single birds, but two on five dates and three on 17th October.

1996: Two was present on Went Ings on 31st March. In October one on the 10th  & two on 22nd.  Lastly one on 7th November.

1997: One on Went Ings on 12th March. Birds present at the reservoirs from 8th September-12th November, with three on 9th & 11th & four on 10th September.  One at the southern end of reservoir on the 13th, 25th  & 30th December.

1998: Singles on 15th January, 3rd February & 7th April was a good start to the year. In September one on 2nd & 3rd , the next was on 18th  then recorded regularly to 14th November.  The highest count was three on 19th September, 20th October & 5th November

1999: In September recorded on six dates between 3rd & 16th, with three on the latter date.  Regular in October with five on 7th,  regular  again in November with one or two recorded most days.  In December one noted on 7th, 18th  & 20th.

2000: In January one on five dates, in March one on three dates & two on the 23rd, in April one on the 23rd.  Singles on 24th August & 6th September.  Recorded regularly from 16th September to 30th November, with three on 25th September & 28th October the most.

2001: Two on Went Ings on the 7th of January was the only record in the first half of the year.  The next was in September with one on the 20th & two on the 22nd.  In October One on the 14th, 22nd, 29th & 30th  & two on the 9th, 11th, 25th & 27th. In November singles on eight dates & in December one on the 1st & 3rd & two on the 2nd & 7th.

2002: The first of the year was one at the reservoirs on the 12th of August, then one on Went Ings on the 21st &22nd.  Recorded on ten September dates from the 5th, with three on the 16th & five on Went Ings on the 21st.  Noted on eight October dates, three on the 20th was the most.  In November singles on the 3rd, 4th & 14th, these were the last of the year.

2003: Two birds on 20th of March (1 on Went Ings 1 at reservoirs).  Recorded every month from the 24th of August to the 17th of December, with singles on nineteen dates & 2 on five dates.

2004: The only records in the first half of the year were two on Went Ings on the 2nd of January and one at the southern end of the reservoirs on the 29th of March.   Recorded on 38 dates between 10th of September and 30th of December; with a maximum of three on the 26th of October and 4th & 12 of November.

Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus

2003: One was found on the 20th of December along the south bank of the reservoirs.  It was noted on several occasions & remained into 2004; this was the second record for the site, the other being on the 9th of April 1994.  A.M. C.F. et-al

2004: The bird present from the 20th of December 2003: was seen again on the 2nd & 3rd of January and the 9th of February.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

1995: Two on 15th August and one 31st, then singles on 4th & 15th September.

1996: Singles on 21st May  & 7th & 16th of September.

1997: Five appeared on 5th August near the clubhouse, down to four on the 8th then two on 14th & the last one on 17th.  This record involved a family party with at  least  three juveniles noted.  One other record on 9th September.

1998: Just singles on 19th & 28th August.

1999: Singles on 19th May, 1st & 4th September.

2000: Singles on 19th May, 1st & 4th September.

2001: One in the hedgerow behind the clubhouse on the 23rd of August was the only record.

2002: In August singles were seen on the 16th at the canal-side & the 29th at the sailing club. 

2003: The only record of the year was on the 2nd of August at the sailing club. 

At Plaice Hills, just outside the recording area 2 were seen on the 23rd of May. 

2004: One was seen near the sailing club on the 15th & 16th of August and one was at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 2nd & 3rd of September. 

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

1995: Ten on 19th January and 1st February, two on 30th May, c6 on 2nd June was a family party. The highest counts of the year were 14 on 14th September, 15 & 30 on 13th  & 28th October respectively and 19 on 10th December.

1996:12 on 6th January & 14 on 14th October

1997: Highest counts were 13 on 17th January, 21 on 5th October & 16 on 14th October.

1998: Twenty-three on 1st & 2nd January, 15 on Went Ings on 10th June & 26 on 22nd September.

1999: Highest counts for the year were 32 on 6th July & 30 on 21st September.

2000: Maximum counts were of 10 on 25th January, 32 on 5th June & 21 on 16th October.

2001: Recorded regularly the maximum counts for the year were of 13 on the 24th of August & 26 on the 11th of October.

2002: Twelve were seen on the 8th of January.  Pairs were at either end of the reservoirs on the 16th of April.  The peak count of the year was 30 on the 4th of June.  The only other large gathering was 23 on 29th of September & again on the 4th of October.   

2003: On the 2nd of August a flock of 35 was seen, which was a new site record.

2004: Maximum counts were 12 on the 13th of February and  in July 16 on Went Ings on the 5th and 15 on the 17th.

Willow Tit Parus montanus

1995: One at the reservoirs and three on Went Ings on 24th February, then three on 30th August and 28th October.

1996: one ringed on the 7th of March. Three on Went Ings on 11th December.  

1997: Not recorded in April, May or November. A noticeable decline in records this year.

1998: A noticeable decline in records.  One on Went Ings on 25th February was the first for the year, the next was 19th March on Went Ings, one along the east bank of reservoirs on 3rd April.  Two on 2nd July, singles on four August dates, with two on the 7th, singles on 2nd & 17th September, 14th October, 1st, 16th & 17th December.

1999: All sightings for the year are as follows, singles on 7th & 16th January, 1st February, 26th March, 13th & 23rd June, 8th July, 5th September, 6th, 7th & 15th October, 23rd & 29th November, 9th, 29th & 30th December.  Two recorded on 13th & 16th September & 28th December. 

2000: Recorded regularly from 1st January to 15th May, with three on the 7th, 18th & 23rd of April. No records in June & just one record in July on the 5th.  One or two record regularly from 1st August to 27th September, one on 17th October was the only one for the month, then between 14th November 26th December singles on eight dates & two on three dates. 

2001: Recorded in every month usually singly, but three were together at the fishermen's car park on the 28th of November & again on the 6th of December.

2002: During January birds were seen on ten dates, feeding on peanuts, at the southern end of the reservoirs.  After this, appearances were more erratic, with absences of a few weeks between sightings, although August & September were more productive.  

 

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

2

1

2

1

1

2

3

3

2

1

1

1

No of  bird days

10

1

3

2

2

1

3

20

8

2

3

2

2003: Recorded on just twenty-six dates, a marked decline after last years total of fifty-seven.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

1

0

1

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

0

1

No of bird days

5

0

1

0

0

2

4

6

4

1

0

3

2004: The decline of this species continues, after last years low of 26 bird days, there were only 18 bird days this year.  The maximum count was three on Went Ings on the 15th of August

Willow Tit

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

1

2

1

0

0

0

2

3

2

0

0

1

No of  bird days

4

2

2

0

0

0

3

3

3

0

0

1

Coal Tit Parus ater

1995: Just one record on 13th September.

1996: In September singles on 7th  & 23rd  & two on Went Ings on the 11th , one there on 5th of October, also noted on the 25th at the reservoir.  Finally one on Went Ings on 11th December

1997: Three on Went Ings on 5th March, one there 21st March & 9th September.  One on 23rd September

1998: Just one record one on 1st December.

1999: One on 30th September was the only record.

2000: On Went Ings one on 22nd March, two on 28th April, one on 24th August.  At the reservoirs one on 23rd September, two on the 18th October flew off north.

2001: Two were on Went Ings on the 7th of January & one here on the 13th of March.  Singles at the reservoir on the 9th of April & 2nd of July.  In September two were on Went Ings on the 1st & one along Southfield lane on the 4th.  In October singles on the 2nd at the clubhouse & the fishermen's car park on the 10th & 12th.

2002: One was at the northern end, on the 19th of March & one at the southern end on the 28th & again on the 7th of April.  In September three on Went Ings on the 2nd, then one at the southern end, on the 17th, 20th & 27th, these were the final records of the year.  

2003: Just four records for the year, single birds on the 25th of August, 4th & 30th of September & 3rd of October.

2004: A total of six records was two more than last year.  All records are as follows; one on the 3rd March, the next was three together on Went Ings on 5th of July.  In August singles on Went Ings on 14th, 15th & 28th, lastly one on Went Ings on 4th of September. 

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

1995: 20 on 11th September was the maximum count. Bred at the sailing club.

1996: Eight at the feeding area on 24th January, 2nd February & 30th December. In March 12 birds were ringed ten on the 7th and two on the 20th.  A pair of the ringed birds reared young at the clubhouse.

1997: Ten on Went Ings on 21st March.  At least three  pairs bred  in nest boxes put up around the reservoirs though only  one brood known  to have fledged.  12 on 13th September  was  the last significant count.

1998: Ten on Went Ings on 19th March, 10+ around reservoirs on 21st August.

1999: Eighteen were on Went Ings on 10th March.  0n 20th December 12 were caught & ringed at the feeding station.

2000: Maximum count was of 12 on 16th October.

2001: Recorded regularly throughout the year & one or two pairs bred at the clubhouse.  Maximum counts for the year were 12 on the 30th of August & 10 on the 12th.

2002: Recorded regularly all year, 14 were seen on the 29th of January & 25th of February & 13 on the 16th of December.  Bred in a nest box at the sailing club.

2003: A count of 20 on the 17th of February (10 at each end of the reservoirs) & 17 (2 on Went Ings) on the 20th of March. 

2004: Breeding resident; maximum counts were 16 on the 28th of January, 16 around the area (10 on Went Ings) on the 22nd of April and 21 around the reservoirs on the 9th of December.

Great Tit Parus major

1995: Bred in an old fall pipe on the clubhouse, the highest count was six on 12th June.

1996: Ten on 12th July includes a party or eight, 12 on 23rd September were the only interesting counts. In March four were ringed two on each date 7th  & 20th.

1997: Twelve on Went Ings on 21st March, one pair bred at the clubhouse

1998: Nine on Went Ings on 25th February, bred at the sailing club in an old fall pipe.

1999: Six on Went Ings on 10th March & six at the reservoirs on 12th June.  One pair bred in a nestbox.

2000: Four at the feeding area on 15th February, five on 23rd April, a family party of six on 14th June.

2001: Recorded throughout the year, maximum counts were six at the fishermen's car park on the 24th & 25th of March, then eight here on the 10th of April & a family party of eight on the 12th of June

2002: Recorded regularly, peak counts were six on the 4th of February & a family party of seven along the West Bank on the 14th of June.

2003: Maximum counts for the year were 10 (2 on Went Ings) on the 20th of March and 8 (7 on Went Ings) on the 21st of May.  A very pale-grey individual was present at the feeding area on the 1st of April. 

2004: Breeding resident six (5 at fishermen's car park) on the 16th of November and six at the fishermen's car park on the 8th of December.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Very rare passage migrant.  A new addition one seen on Went Ings on 7th September1996: (AM)

One was calling from Went Ings on 17th September 2000;  The second record.  (A.M. T.R)

2004: The third record for the site was discovered on Went Ings on the 14th of August, it was probably this bird that remained and was seen on the following dates to the year end; 28th & 29th of August, 4th of September, 28th of October and the 23rd of December.  (Now 8 records )

 

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

1995: One on Went Ings on 24th February.

1996: All records came from Went Ings. Singles on 5th April, 3rd May, 22nd September, 5th October, 10th November and 11th December. Two birds were noted on 4th May and three on 4th September.

1997: All records from Went Ings.  One on 3rd   January & 1st February.  In March four on 5th, two on 21st & three on 30th.  In  April  two  on the 4th, one on 8th.  Three on 14th  May, one carrying food on 8th July, two pairs probably bred on the Ings.

1998: Four on Went Ings on 25th February and two there on 19th March, 16th & 19th April and 30th October.

1999: One on Went Ings on 10th March & 9th July.

2000: Records from Went Ings were one on 22nd March was seen going to a nest site, one on 13th & 28th April & two on the 23rd April, 3rd May & 24th August.  One at the fishermen's car park on 23rd & 30th November & 17th December.

2001: Records from Went Ings were of two on the 7th of January & singles on the 27th of February, 13th of March, 11th of May & 18th of June.  Records from the fishermen's car park in June were one on the 24th & two on the 27th.  In July singles on the 1st, 4th & 31st, then in August four including two juveniles were on Went Ings on the 5th, then singles at the fishermen's car park on the 7th 18th & 25th.  Two on Went Ings on the 1st of September then singles at the fishermen's car park on October 14th & 18th, the 2nd of December & two on the 7th of December

2002: One was at the southern end of the reservoirs on the 13th of January.  A family party of five was on Went Ings on the 30th of May.  Single birds were on Went Ings the 19th & 25th of June.  In August one was on Went Ings on the 20th & one at the southern end of the reservoirs on the 30th.  In September one at southern end on the 9th & 16th & again on the 20th of October.  One was seen at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 31st of October, this was the first here since the late 1980s.  In November there were three records, with two birds on the 1st & 9th & one on the 3rd, all from the southern end.  In December one on the 5th & 16th at the northern end.  The final record was one at the southern end on the 25th.

2003: Singles at the reservoirs on the 14th & 21st of February.  In March 1 at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 9th & 1 on Went Ings on the 23rd & 31st.  1 on Went Ings on 3rd of July & single birds seen from the fishermen's car park looking across the canal onto Went Ings on the 24th of August, 10th of September, 7th & 13th of December.  

2004: A record year with sightings on 30 dates; eight of which were single birds at the northern end of the reservoirs.  The rest of the sightings came from Went Ings or from the fishermen's car park, looking onto Went Ings.  A new maximum count of five, on the Ings on the 2nd of January and the 5th of July.   

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor

This addition to the reservoirs list was found in the east fields on the evening of the 7th May 2000. It remained to the 14th May and attracted many visiting birders during its stay, one of these said the bird had killed & eaten a Linnet.  (JS. AS. CF. AM.)

Jay Garrulus glandarius

1995: Four on 26th October was the best count.

1996: An influx in September produced a record count of 16 on the 28th.

1997: Present all year on Went Ings, with six on 6th April.

1998:Regular on Went Ings in small numbers with nine  there on 9th October.

1999: All records for the year were, in January one on Went  Ings on 7th & three here on 27th, in March one on 10th, two  on Went Ings  on 11th & 16th & three on 26th.  Singles were recorded on 10th, 14th & 22nd April, 3rd & 6th May.  In August four on Went Ings on 26th & one here 31st.  Recorded daily in September & October,  with  five on 25th & 29th of September the most.  A single  bird on five November dates, the last record was  one  on 5th December.    

2000: A single bird recorded on three dates in January & five dates in February, eight dates in March, with two birds on the 12th, & three on the 22nd.  Recorded regularly in April with nine on the 1st four on the 18th & five on the 23rd.  In May one on three dates & two on the 6th June.  One on 28th August then recorded on twenty dates from 7th September to year-end, with seven birds on the 23rd November.

2001: Recorded in every month with one-two birds seen.  The only records involving more than two birds were three on the 26th of April, six on Went Ings on the 25th of August.  In September four on the 20th, 22nd & 25th followed by five on the 16th & 18th of October & finally three on the 7th of December.

2002: Recorded fairly regularly.

 

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

2

1

1

3

2

1

1

2

3

3

3

5

No of bird days

5

2

4

7

4

1

2

11

10

9

4

6

2003: Maximum count for the year was 7 on the 12th of September.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

2

1

2

2

2

2

0

2

7

4

2

3

No of bird days

4

7

7

9

8

4

0

6

18

15+

8+

14

2004:  Recorded in every month, the maximum for the year was a meagre three on Went Ings on the 5th of July.

Jay

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

2

2

2

1

1

1

3

1

1

2

1

2

No of  bird days

10

8

5

5

2

1

3

5

4

9

7

4

Magpie Pica pica

1995: At least two pairs bred, there were no large counts

1996: A pair once again nested near the sailing club, with at least a further two pairs on Went Ings. Highest count of the year was 15 on 6th October.

1997: 17 on 20th March, four pairs bred in the area.

1998: Eleven on 13th & 19th March

1999: Maximum count was eight on 12th April.

2000: On Went Ings 23 gathered to roost on 10th March.

2001: Recorded all year, nine on the 5th of January was the most.

2002: On the 12th of March 21 were counted, including a party of 17 together.  10 on the 4th of November was the only other double figure count. 

2003: Recorded every visit maximum counts were 7 on Went Ings on the 25th of March & 5 at the southern end of the reservoirs on the 27th of April.

2004: The years maximum count was 11 on the 4th & 22nd of October.

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

1995:115,on 20th January and 150+ o 19th July.

1996:150+ flew to roost at Cowick Gorse on 11th December.

1997: Low numbers of this species ties in with the poor  year for Rooks. 19 on 21st November was the most.

1998: Recorded regularly, Highest count was 90 on 2nd October.

1999: Maximum  counts  were 100 on 12th August & 65 on 4th September.

2000: The highest count of what was a poor year for Jackdaws was 18 on 29th January.

2001: Maximum counts were 20 on the 6th of February & 40 on the 25th of October.

2002: Recorded regularly, the only significant counts were 50+ flying south to roost, on the 23rd of February & 20 north on the 24th of October.

2003: Noted most visits scarce in summer.  Maximum count for the year was 115 flying to roost with Rooks on the 4th of February.

2004: The years maximum count was c.45 flying south-west to roost on the 8th of February.

Rook Corvus frugilegus

1995:320 on 19th July.

1996: c450 flew to roost at Cowick Gorse on 25th November.

1997: A poor year for this species c95 on 13th October was the highest count.

1998:200+ on 13th January was the years highest count.

1999: Maximum count was 250 on 4th September.  Mixed  corvid flocks occurred on 5th January, 500+ mostly Rooks  & Jackdaws & in August 400+ on 2nd & 500+ on the 5th .

2000: The best count of the year was 120 on 31st January, as with the last species recorded regularly but in small numbers.

2001:Recorded regularly maximum numbers were 78 north on the 7th of August & 80 on the 10th of November.

2002: Recorded regularly, the only significant count was 300+ flying to roost on the 23rd of February.

2003: Recorded regularly but not in great numbers, 100+ on the 18th of July was the years maximum.

2004: 120+ flew south-west to roost on the 8th of February and c.130 flew to roost on the 30th of September.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

1995: c150 flew to roost on 2nd October and 113 were scavenging on the frozen reservoirs on 27th December

1996: 100 were scavenging on the frozen reservoirs on 4th January and again at the end of the year on 31st December.

1997: c70 on Went Ings on 16th July.

1998: Remains as common as ever, counts of 70 on 13th March & 100+ on 2nd October were the highest

1999: One  of the commonest birds  at  the  reservoirs, though no large gatherings were noted this year.  

2000: Highest counts were 57 on 10th March & 63 on 31st December.

2001: Common resident with a few pairs breeding in the area, maximum counts were 100+ on the 6th of February, 100 on the 9th of March & 76 on the 3rd of July.

2002: Recorded regularly, the only significant count was 75 on the frozen reservoirs on the 2nd of January.

2003: A common breeding resident, there were no significant counts.

2004: Very common, there were no interesting counts for the year.

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix cornix

Recorded on a total of five dates. None since 1993

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

1995: 2,000+ on 21st October and c1,000 west next day.

1996: Counts of birds flying west in October were 1500-2000: on 17th, 800+ on 19th, c1170 on 20th  & 2080 on 22nd, in November c1000 west on the 1st.

1997:1000+ on 27th October was the best count.

1998: The years highest count was 400+ on 26th January.

1999: Westerly  heading birds were 2,000 on 20th October & 1,900 on 8th November.

2000: The west fields held 700+ 0n 25th September & 750+ on the 9th November.

2001: Maximum counts were 1000+ on the 12th of February, 700+ on the 18th of October.  650+ west on the 9th of November were thought to have been leaving a roost, as flocks flew back east in the evening.

2002: Recorded regularly, significant counts were 450+ in the flooded east fields on the 10th of August, 500+ on the 8th of September & 850+ on the 3rd of November.

2003: Best count for the year was 500+ in the east fields on the 20th of March.

2004: The years maximum counts were of 800+ flying around the reservoirs at dusk on the 28th of October and 400+ were feeding in the west-fields on the 9th of December.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

1995: Single males on 19th April and 18th September. From 25th October birds were seen daily at the feeding station, a maximum count of 12 was recorded on 24th November.

1996: Recorded regularly at the feeding area January to 13th April, then again from 20th  October to the year end.  The highest count was 11 on 28th October. Away from these periods there were just five records with five the maximum count on 9th August. Four were ringed on the 7th of March.

1997: Seen regularly at the feeding area to 26th  March, with seven on 7th January & 3rd February the most.  Other records came  from  Beevers Bridge, one on 28th May. two  on  10th   June, three  on 30th  July, two on 26th  August.  Present at the  feeding area again from 25th October to year end, with six on 25th Decem­ber the most.

1998: Recorded daily at the feeding area from new years day to 1st May, then 12th October to 31st December.  The highest count was  seven on  4th January, 26th February, 13th March & 27th December.   The only other records for the year came from Beevers Bridge, in June six on 10th, four on 11th, five+ on 20th, two on 30th and two  on 11th July.

1999: Noted daily at the feeding area to 22nd April, with five the most on several dates.  Other records were one  at Beevers Bridge on 1st May, two on 23rd June & one on 9th   July.  One at the clubhouse on 13th & 18th October, then regular at  the feeding area from late October to the year end, with six on  the 6th of November & again on 6th & 17th December.  

2000: Present at the feeding area to the 3rd May, monthly maximum counts were Jan 5, Feb 5, Mar 6, Apr 5 & May 2.  One at Beever`s Bridge on 20th June & 15th July, 10+ at the

same location on the 24th, August.  Six at the sailing club on 22nd September, then regular at the feeding area from 24th October to the year end, with eight on 11th December the most.

2001: Recorded regularly to the 6th of May, with nine at the feeding station on the 14th of March & the 10th of April the most.  The next records were in July with one on the 5th, two on the 7th & five on the 28th.  Recorded in August at Beevers Bridge with 10+ on the 1st, 7th & 25th.  In September five on the east bank on the 4th & recorded at Beevers Bridge on the 22nd but no information on numbers.  In October a pair were at the clubhouse on the 22nd  & one on the 28th.  The feeding station was started again on the 29th & four birds were here next day.  Birds were then present daily to the year-end at the feeding area with a maximum of seven on the 9th of November.

2002: Recorded in every month of the year.  Birds were present at the feeding area, from January to the 18th of April, when feeding stopped.  The maximum at the feeding area was eight In January & March.  From May-September all records came from the house at Beevers Bridge, where small numbers are present.  Birds were present daily at the feeding area again from October the 23rd to the year-end.  The maximum number was eight, in November & December.

2003: Present daily at the sailing club feeding area to the 20th of May, with a maximum of 8 on the 4th of March.  From the 3rd of October present daily at the feeding area to the year-end, with a maximum count reaching double figures for the first time ever, with 17 on 29th of December.

Records from Beever's Bridge were 1 on the 31st of March & 3 on the 15th of May.  A pair on the 20th of June & 1 on the 24th.  Singles on the 4th of July 17th of August & finally 4 on the 12th of September.   

2004: Recorded on nine dates at Beever's Bridge between the 17th of April & the 3rd of September, with a maximum of five on the 5th of July.

Monthly maximum counts at the feeding area

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

15

11

n/c

10

5

-

-

-

-

6

11

17

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

1995: From January to April birds attended the feeding station and peaked at 75 on 10th  & 11th January.  There were no records in May-.July or September-October, the only August record was of ten on the 19th. 12 were at the feeding area on 1st November increasing to 37 by the 20th, there were no higher counts to the year-end.

1996: Present daily at the feeding area, January to April with 15 the maximum count. 50 were at the south-west corner on 12th April. There were just eight sightings then, numbering one to four birds except for 20+ on 9th August and 40 on the 27th. The feeding area was started again on 18th October and birds were seen daily to the year-end, maximum counts were 29 in November & 30 in December. In March a total of 28 birds were ringed.

1997: Present daily at feeding area into April, with  47 on 4th  & 5th February.  A pair were seen taking nesting  material into a nest box near the clubhouse on 31st March & a second  pair in another nest box on the 9th April & 1st May, though no  breed­ing was confirmed.  Two on 28th May, one on 10th June.  In August & September began to appear regularly, with 20 on 7th   September. Present  daily  in feeding area from October, with 20 on  27th   & 28th, with 40 on 3rd, 4th  & 30th December.

1998: Recorded  every  month and one pair bred in a nest box.  Noted daily at the feeding area in the same periods as House Sparrow.  50 were recorded here on four January dates, this being the highest count of the year, 45 were still present on 20th April, eight on 1st   May & five on 10th June.  One or two recorded in July.  Numbers rose again to 45 by 25th November and the same number  on 5th & 15th December.

1999: Recorded every month.  Present at the feeding area to 27th April, with 40 on 11th March & 1st April.  One pair bred in a nest box.  100+ birds were seen at Beevers Bridge on 26th August,  then birds were present at the feeding area from October to year-end, with 25 on 24th December the maximum.

2000: Present at the feeding area during the winter months, monthly maximum counts here were. 26 in January, 34 in March, 42 in April  and 25 in November.

Other records were at the sailing club on 30th May, one at Beevers Bridge on 20th & 24th of June.  In August three on 18th, 24th & 25th & one on 17th September

2001: Recorded in every month, with 33 on the 10th of April the most in the first half of the year & 30 on the 23rd of December the most in the latter part.  A pair bred in a nestbox in the clubhouse hedgerow & at least two broods were raised, an adult was seen feeding a juvenile on the 22nd of May.  Two juveniles were seen on the 17th of June & an adult was seen carrying food on the 9th of July.

2002: Recorded in every month of the year & were present at the feeding area from January to the 19th of April, with a maximum of 31 on the 2nd of January.  One around the sailing club on May the 3rd, 7th & 29th, but no positive proof of breeding in the nest boxes in this area.  From June-September small numbers were recorded at Beevers Bridge & 10 were on Went Ings on the 25th of June.  One-four birds returned to the sailing club from the 1st of October, increasing to 10 on the 29th.  Present at the feeding area through November & December, with maximum counts of 40 on the 29th of November & 35 on the 20th of December.

2003: Recorded daily at the sailing club feeding area, with a peak count of c.30 on the 6th of February.  2 birds were present at the feeding area at the fishermen's car park from 18th March-21st April. 

Maximum at the sailing club feeding area in the latter part of the year was 38 on the 29th of December.  Two pairs bred in nestboxes around the sailing club & In August an adult was seen feeding a juvenile here on the 22nd.  20 birds were also at this location on the 24th.  Small numbers were seen at Beever's Bridge with 6 on the 25th of August the most.  

2004: Three or four pairs bred in nest boxes, some having two broods.  Birds were noted going into four boxes on the 21st of May.  Sightings at Beever's Bridge in June were one on the 23rd and two on the 29th.  In July two on the 5th and one on the 30th.  The maximum count in August & September was 11 & 16 respectively.  On the 12th of October a flock of c.30 sparrows, the majority if not all of them being Tree Sparrows flew out of the hedgerow at the sailing club.  Two were feeding on seed at the fishermen's car park on the 7th & 8th of December and one on the 30th.   

Monthly maximum counts at the feeding area

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

44

c.50

n/c

c.30

16

-

-

-

-

11

c.50

50+

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

1995: Ten at the feeding station on 2nd January. 29 feeding in fields on 17th November, then 15 at the feeding area on 31st December.

1996: c25 on Went Ings on 12th of April & 20 were noted next day. Ten were along Southfield lane on 8th July and included some young birds, the only other notable figure was 20 on 2nd October, in March seven birds were ringed.

1997: Eleven at feeding area on 31st January.  10+ on  17th September.

1998: Nine at the reservoirs and 20+ on Went Ings on 5th January, 13 at the feeding area on 9th April and 17 here on 26th November.

1999: Maximum count was of 26 on 20th August & a maximum of 16 were at the feeding area on 20th December.

2000: Counts at the feeding area were 17 on 14th January, 22 on 3rd April & 19 on 12th & 13th.  A male was feeding a juvenile on 30th May.  The best count to the year end was 17 on 27th October.

2001: On the 11th of May 11 Bs & two @s were at the reservoir & three Bs were on Went Ings.  18 were along Southfield lane on the 5th of September & 23 flew south-west on the 25th of October. 

2002: Recorded regularly, the best counts of the year, were 25+ on the 2nd of August & a new record count of 45+ in one flock on the 29th of November.

2003: Maximum for the year was 30 (13 on Went Ings) on the 31st of March & 32 at Southfield lane on the 1st of April.

2004: 28 were in the recording area (14 on Went Ings) on the 22nd of April and 17 on the 5th of July.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

1995: A male on 28th January, a female on 27th October and a male 30th, male again on 1st November, finally singles heard on 2nd, 3rd  & 13th.

1996: Single birds were seen on 22nd September, 2nd ,14th & 22nd October. In November at the feeding area on the 10th, 15th & 25th, in December on 21st & 29th. Two flew west on 24th October

1997: In October singles on 18th, 20th, 27th south, two on 30th, one in feeding area on 31st October & 22nd November

1998: One calling as it flew west on 14th February, in October  parties of four & two west on 9th and one east on 26th.  A male at the feeding area on 6th November, a female here on 23rd, 25th & 26th.

1999: A male at the feeding area on 1st & 2nd April & one heard at the fishermen's car park on the latter date

2000: Singles on 29th September 8th , 9th & 13th October & south on 9th November.

2001: In October one flew north on the 10th, one south on the 18th, four west on the 22nd three west on the 24th, then a record day count of 12 south-west on the 25th, two west on the 29th & a final bird on the 1st of November.

2002: Single females at the feeding area on the 8th of January & 23rd of February.  In October singles east on the 14th & south-west on the 20th, finally four flew south-west on the 9th of November.

2003: A calling bird flew east on the 30th of March.  Birds were noted flying over In October, on the 3rd, 21st (2), & 27th & in November 2 on the 6th, & 1 on the 21st.  Finally a @ was at the feeding area on the 25th, 27th & 28th December. 

2004: A male was at the fishermen's car park on the 1st of January.  In October seven flew west on the 26th and one east next day, then two over on the 30th.  In November one on the 1st; and one in the sailing club hedgerow on the 8th, also the 9th & 23rd.  The only December record was one in the hedgerow at the sailing club on the 4th.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

1995: c40 on at the feeding station on 2nd January.

1996: Five were ringed on 7th of March & 11 on the 20th . The highest count of the year was c70 on Went Ings on 7th September.

1997: 22 on 22nd September, was the peak count.

1998: Fourteen at the feeding area and 11 on Went Ings on 16th November was the  maximum count for the year.  22 on 17th December at the feeding area was the highest count here.

1999: 23 were at the feeding area on 20th December.

2000: The largest gatherings were 28 at the feeding area on 14th January, 51 flew to roost from stubble fields on 27th October.

2001: Maximum count for the year was of 28 at the feeding area on the 13th of December.

2002: Recorded regularly, the best count of the year was 27 (25 at the feeding area) on the 13th of January.

2003: Recorded regularly.  Counts from the feeding area were 25 on the 27th of January, 28 on the 4th of September & 32 on the 27th of November.

2004: In January 18 were at the feeding area on the 19th.  Counts at the feeding area in November & December were 30+ & 26 respectively; the only other significant count was of c.70 feeding in stubble on the 15th of October. 

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

1995: 19 on 19th January and 40+ on 23rd August.

1996: c150 on Went Ings on the 7th of September and 110 at the reservoirs on the 23rd.

1997: Singles on 7th, 27th  & 31st January.  The  next  was seven on Went Ings on 3rd March.  Began to appear regularly  from March onwards, highest count was c50 0n 9th  & 13th September.

1998: 22 on 30th January, 26 on 28th July, 55 on 3rd September and  25 on 15th October.

1999: Eight on 1st & one on 16th January, three on 6th February, one on 10th March, these were the only records in  the first three months, becoming regular from April.  In August 16 on the 10th & 30 on 26th, 20 on 6th October, 12 on 2nd  November  & 14th December.

2000: The only records to the end of March were singles on 8th, 9th & 10th January & 10th February.  In March one on 22nd, three on 23rd.  Began to appear a little more often from April, with nine on the 28th.  The best counts were in September with 40 on the 1st & 70 on 23rd.

2001: A count of c70 on the 22nd of January was excellent for the time of year.  Other counts were of 52 on the 4th of August, 100+ on the 30th of August & 47 on the 7th of December.

2002: Seen regularly in the first three months of the year, with six on the 14th of January the most.  The peak counts were in October, with 35 on the 2nd & 20+ on the 17th.

2003: The only records in the first two months were 2 on the 6th of January & 1 on the 5th of February.  In March there were singles on four dates & 2 on the 31st. Noted regularly from the 8th of April, with 7 birds on the 19th of April.  On the 18th of July 2 adults with 4 juveniles were seen.  Counts in August were 12 on the 18th & 23 on the 22nd.  A count of 10 on 26th October was the last double figure count for the year & 8 on 12th December was the maximum count during the last two months.  The maximum count of the year was 48 on 10th September. 

2004: Recorded on four dates in January and a maximum of nine were recorded on the 27th.  In February one on the 3rd, and four on the 29th.  Four on the 29th of March was the only record in that month.  Began to appear more regularly from April onwards.  In the second half of the year the only double figure counts were c.10 on the 5th of August, 25 on the 6th of November and 14 on the 8th.  Recorded on seven December dates with a maximum of four on the 30th.

Siskin Carduelis spinus

1995: One flew west on 12th September, three west 12th October. In November one north on 2nd and two on 3rd, the last was one west on the 7th.

1996: Recorded on eleven dates between February then September to December. Counts were of one-four except for 15 west plus 14 on Went Ings on 22nd September and 16 north on 26th December.

1997: In March two on Went Ings on 12th & one  there on 21st.  11 flew north over reservoirs on 31st March.  Recorded  on 36  dates from 4th September to year end, with best counts  being in  September,  17 south on 4th, 12 south 11th, 12+ south17th, also  two on the Went bank on 13th were noteworthy.  In October nine on 24th.  In November six north on 13th & in December 21 on 30th.

1998: In January one on Went Ings on 5th , four south on 10th , two south on 26th February.  In April three north on 18th & seven north on 30th, one west on 18th September and in October singles on 15th & 20th.

1999: In January two on the 7th, three north on 11th then one south on 6th February.  In September three south on 21st, two west  on 25th, one east & two south on 27th.  In October three north on 15th, five south on 26th, five west on 27th.  In November one on 8th, five south on 24th & in December 19  west  on 10th, five on 15th  & one on 20th. 

2000: All the records for the year were four north on 22nd March, four west on 1st April, singles on 7th, 9th & 15th April, one north on 24th June was a very unseasonable record.  In September six on Went Ings on 17th, one south on 21st & seven west on the 22nd & four next day, followed by six west on 26th & singles 27th & 28th.  In October four south on 3rd & singles on 8th & 13th then two on the 18th. In November one north on 7th, eight south on 18th.  In December two on 2nd, singles on 6th & 9th, finally eight on 26th. 

2001: One on the 9th of March, followed by singles in April on the 5th & 14th & four east on the 20th.  One on the 24th of June, was the second ever June record, the first June record was on the same date last year.  Between the 10th of September & the 6th of December birds were recorded on thirty-one dates.  With a record count of 49 that included a record flock size of 37 birds on the 28th of September.  In October 14 flew onto Went Ings on the 9th & a mixed flock of 20 Siskin & Redpoll flew onto Went Ings next day.  Next was 18 flying south on the 16th & 45 on the 25th. On the 4th of November 31 were noted & included a flock of 30, finally nine flew south on the 10th.

2002: In March 10 were on Went Ings on the 31st.  In April one east on the 2nd, one north on the 6th & two near the sailing club on the 17th, flew towards Southfield lane.  In September one flew north on 8th, three west on 11th & one south on the 17th.  In October singles on five dates to the 9th, seven flew south on the 16th, eight on the 20th, then singles on the 23rd, 24th & 31st & seven on the 26th.  In November one on the 3rd & 4th, 34 north & one south on the 9th, four on the 15th & two north on the 19th.  In December two flew east on the 3rd, one on the 8th & finally 16 on the 25th.

2003: A party of 4 on the 3rd of January & in February singles on the 17th & 21st.  In March singles on the 18th, 19th & 20th.  In September noted flying over on six dates with 5 the maximum count.  In October 3 on the 4th, 1 on the 17th & 11 flew west on the 26th.  In November two records of 2 on 2nd/3rd, finally 1 on the 7th of December.

2004: In the first half of the year eight flying east on the 19th of February was the only record.   In October singles on the 24th, 26th & 28th on Went Ings.  In November one flew west on the 6th.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

1995: Not available

1996: c400 on Went Ings on 7th September.

1997: Singles on 9th January & 5th February, began to appear daily from March. Highest counts were 350+ on 23rd August & c70 on 26th October.

1998: One on 10th January was the only record until 14th February when three were seen, then 13 on 25th February & one next day.   Began to appear more frequently from 8th March, 18 on 7th April and 100+ on 2nd September was the years maxima.

1999: In January two on 7th & one on 22nd, in February 23 on 6th, one on 23rd.  Noted regularly from March, 50+ on 22nd April 150+ on 12th August, 65 on 27th September & 30 on 16th November.

2000: One on 9th January then singles on four March dates to the 17th, from when sightings increased with 18 on 18th April. In the latter half of the year a flock took up residence & fed in stubble fields, maximum count was 100 on 9th & 27th November.

2001: At the beginning of the year a flock was present in set aside fields on the east side of the reservoir & numbered 58 on the 11th of February, then 70 on the 14th & 30th of March.  The best autumn counts were 130+ on the 4th of September, in October c200 on the 18th & 100+ in the east fields on the 29th.  A flock was present again for the winter in set aside fields adjacent to the east bank with 30+ present on the 24th of December

2002: A flock was regularly seen in the east fields, with 17 on the 24th of January & 33 on the 8th & 14th of February.  In March 50+ on the 12th & 70 on the 26th & 27th.  On the 6th of April a peak of 100+ was reached.  In August the flock began to build up again in the east fields, with 120+ on the 20th, 150+ next day & 200+ on the 24th & reaching a peak of 500+ on the 27th.  The flock then began to decrease & 200+ were logged on the 22nd of September, this was the maximum for the month.  c30 in the east fields on the 29th of November was the best count to the year end.    

2003: The only January record was 1 on the 6th.  In February 25 were in the east fields on the 5th & 11th falling to 22 on the 25th.  The flock then increased during March to 40+ on 7th & c.50 on the 18th.  In April 25 were at the northern end of the reservoirs on the 8th & 15 were in the east fields on the 10th & 19th.  Numbers increased from July onwards with 100+ on the 26th of July, 600+ on the 12th of August, which was also the years maximum count.  In September 350+ in the west fields on the 3rd increased to 400+ on the 23rd.  After this the best count to the year-end was c.60 on the 4th of October.

2004: The only January record was one on the 1st.  Recorded on seven February dates, with a maximum of four on the 9th.  c.100 fed at the waters edge on the flooded Went Ings on the 8th of April.  On the 5th of July 40+ were on Went Ings.  There were 30 on the 10th of September and 66 flew south on the 26th of October.  In November & December only one or two birds were recorded except for three on the 19th of December.  

Twite Carduelis flavirostris

1997: Three were on the east bank on 31st March briefly before flying off north.

1998: Seven were seen briefly in the sailing club compound on 20th April 1998:.  C.F.

2002:  One on the East Bank on the 20th of October flew of south.  This was the seventh record for the site.  AM.

2004: One on Went Ings on 24th of December was the eighth record for the site.

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

1995: Only eleven records for the year, the highest count was 38 over on 22nd November.

1996: Singles on eleven dates and two on three dates,

1997: Two east on 25th January, singles on 31st March & 9th April.  One west on 25th July.  From 9th September recorded on 38 dates with the best counts being 12 on 26th September  &  27th October, 11 on 20th December

1998: Singles on four dates in January and also on 14th April.  In October two on 15th and singles on 26th & 30th,  in November singles on three dates & two on 16th, two on 7th December were the last.

1999: In October two on 1st, three on 6th  & two next day,  one on 18th, two on 22nd, one on 26th.  In November one on 2nd  & 8th, three on 27th, in December three on the 20th.

2000: The only record for the first half of the year was one on 23rd April. The next was one on 23rd September, in October singles on 8th, 9th & 13th & two on 14th, 17th & 18th.  In November singles on 3rd, 14th, 15th & 27th, two on 20th & five on the 30th.  In December singles on 5th, 6th, 9th, 11th & 15th.

2001: In the first half of the year the only records were of singles on the 4th & 6th of January & the 13th of March.  Two were on Went Ings on the 14th of April.  The next were In September with two on the 25th & 26th, six on the 27th & seven next day.  In October recorded on thirteen dates between the 10th & 29th, with the best counts being 10 on the 16th, 11 next day & a good count of 21on the 25th.  In November recorded on six dates between the 1st & the 12th, with seven on the 1st the most.  One-three birds were recorded on four December dates  to the 16th. 

2002: In January singles on the 12th, 14th, 18th & 20th.  In April one flew west & six were in the willow trees at the southern end on the 4th, then singles on the 5th & 6th, the last of spring was eight on the 7th.  In September one on the 17th, two on the 22nd & four on the 30th.  In October two on the 1st & 2nd, six on the 3rd, singles on the 12th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 29th & 31st, also a peak count of 25 on the 20th.  In November six logged on the 1st, two on the 2nd & 3rd, one on the 4th & 14th & nine on the 9th.  In December singles on the 25th & 31st.

2003: Singles on the 8th of January, 15th of February, 19th, 20th & 31st of March.  Between the 4th of September & 27th of December there was singles on twelve dates, 2 on five dates & 5 were feeding in an Alder tree on Went Ings on the 13th of December.

2004: All records for the year are as follows; in January one on the 1st & three on the 22nd.  In February two on the 3rd & one on the 9th.  The only March record was one on the 29th.  In April singles on the 16th & 30th; then one north on the 12th of May.  October produced singles on the 15th, 26th & 30th, finally singles on November 8th & 9th.

Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea

The only record is from December 1972

Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

1997: Seven south on 25th July and seven west on 6th October.

2003: A B was calling, as it flew south-west on the 20th of March.  The first ever in that month & the ninth Southfield record.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

1995: The best counts were of three birds on 7th January, 13th November and 28th December.

1996: Four on Went Ings on 21st April was the highest count until ten were seen in this area on 11th December

1997: Twelve on Went Ings on 3rd March.

1998: In the first three months singles on seven dates, two on 14th February, three on 24th January, no records during the next three months, then recorded every month in the second half of the year on 20 dates, with seven on Went Ings on 16th November.

1999: A male on 11th March was the first of the year,  three- (two males) on Went Ings on 22nd March.  A Pair was seen on 26th March, 1st, 27th  & 28th April, 3rd, 23rd  & 24th May.  One on 9th July, two on 31st August, five on 26th September.  In October a pair on 12th, a male 18th, in November two on 2nd, three on 12th & in December one on 14th & 29th.

2000: In January one on the 7th, a pair on the 25th.  A female on Went Ings on 22nd March.  In April a pair on four dates, in May a male on five dates.  Singles recorded on 17th & 30th September & 19th November.  In December a male on 6th a female 15th & a pair on 24th & 30th.

2001: Singles on three January dates & also the 1st of February.  Six were on Went Ings on the 22nd of February & two on the 13th of March.  A pair on the 9th & 15th of April & again on the 4th of May.  Singles on three June dates & two July dates.  A better showing in August with singles on six dates, three on the 5th & five on the 30th.  In September four seen on the 1st & one on the 26th.  In October singles on three dates, two on four dates, five on the 29th & six on the 19th.  In November three on the 1st & 4th, one on the 2nd & four on the 12th.  The only December records were one on the 6th & 23rd & six on the 16th.

2002: From January 13th to July the 30th there was just thirteen records, with just single records in January, February & June.  The peak count was three on the 31st of March.  Between the 6th of August & the 27th of December, there were 43 records, with a party of five juveniles together on the 11th of August & 8th of September.  Nine birds were seen on the 31st of October.  

2003: Recorded on forty-two dates, which is fourteen less then last year.

Month

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

4

3

1

2

2

0

1

3

2

3

2

3

No of bird days

6

1

1

4

4

0

3

6

2

4

2

9

2004: Nine on Went Ings on the 2nd of January was the years highest count.

Bullfinch

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Max count

9

3

0

2

2

0

4

2

2

3

4

2

No of  bird days

3

1

0

2

3

0

4

5

2

5

8

4

LaplandBunting Calcarius lapponicus

One record in 1993

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

1995: One in the sailing club compound on 10th November.

1996: On 26th March one flew east off the middle bank. A good series of records began with a juvenile on 22nd & 23rd of October, In November singles on 11th, 16th, 17th, 22nd  & 23rd. In December singles on 5th, 6th & 11th these autumn/winter records were thought to involve only two birds though it is difficult to be sure.

1997: One flew over the clubhouse and alighted in the north fields on 12th November.

1999: In November two on 2nd & singles on 16th & 29th.

2002: Singles flew west on the 9th of November & 25th of December.

2003: A calling bird was flying over the reservoirs on the 21st of November, another doing the same on the 12th of December then flew east.

2004: One was heard calling over the reservoirs on the 19th of February and one flew north on the 16th of November.

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

1995: 30+ present on 24th February.

1996: 50+ on 6th February was the highest count. A pair was seen feeding young along Southfield Lane, date not known.

1997: Eight at feeding station on 27th  January & 5th February.

1998: 13 on 25th February was the years only double figure count, a very noticeable decline.

1999: Ten at the feeding area on 7th  January & 19th March.

2000: Daily at the feeding area from January to April, with nine birds in March, the most.  One was seen carrying food on 17th July.  Present at the feeding area again from November to year end, with 15 on 27th November the most.

2001: A flock of 75 on the 19th of January in set aside along Southfield lane.  20 in the east fields on the 4th of November & 15 along Southfield lane on the 18th of December.

2002: Present at the feeding area from January to the 19th of April, with 12 here on the 23rd of February.  There was nine at the feeding area & five on Went Ings on the 27th of March & was the years peak count.  Present at the feeding area from the 24th of November to the year-end, with a maximum of six birds.

2003: Present daily at the feeding area to the 1st of May, with a maximum of 13 on the 16th of February.  21 were along Southfield lane on the 29th of March & 23 (17 at Southfield lane & 6 at feeding area) on the 8th of April.  40+ were at Southfield lane on the 17th of December, this was the maximum for the year.

2004: Recorded regularly; Maximum counts were 20+ on the 29th of January and 16 on Went Ings on the 8th of December.  The maximum number at the feeding area was eight on the 29th of December

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

1995: Recorded throughout the year, there were no good counts.

1996: Eight on 1st February and 18th March were the only counts, a few pairs probably bred around the reservoirs. In March three birds were ringed.

1997: Five males on 11th March.

1998: Ten plus on 20th March and 12 together on 22nd August.

1999: Seven on Went Ings & three at the reservoirs on10th March, six males together on east bank on 30th March, five singing males a in rape field on 1st June & eight on 12th Novem­ber.

2000: In January three on the 2nd & 31st.  In March started to increase as birds took up their breeding territories.  Five males & a female on 1st April & five males on 9th May.  Seven on 23rd September, three on 27th November, then one or two birds to the year end.

2001: Recorded regularly all year, maximum numbers were a party of twelve including 9 Bs on the 13th of March.  Nine (7 Bs), on the 11th of May & four along Southfield lane on the 18th of December.

2002: Recorded regularly in small numbers, the maximum count was five along Southfield lane on the 8th of February.

2003: Only a maximum of 3 birds was recorded up to the 18th of March when a flock of 28 was noted in the east fields, increasing to 30 on the 29th, after this the flock gradually dispersed.  A count of 14 on the 2nd of July was the most in the latter part of the year. 

2004: A flock of 40+ were in the east-fields on the 1st of January.  After this the flock decreased and 20+ was the highest count on the 28th & 29th of January.  On the 1st of March six were the last noted of this flock.  In November 20 in the east-fields on the 7th and 20+ here on the 11th.

Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra

1995: 150+ on 11th  & 12th February and c150 on the 24th. Three juveniles on the east bank on 1st August, finally 66 on 18th December.

1996: 200+ were in the north fields on 28th January, c45 noted on 22nd May. The autumn/winter period was very poor with just three birds the maximum. One bird was ringed on 20th March.

1997: 16 on 18th January.  Singles on 26th April 4th & 5th August, 10th September & 9th November.

1998: One on 24th April and one on 22nd August were the only records.

1999: In April singles on 5th & 24th then seven on 4th May.  One was singing from northern end of reservoirs on  8th  July, the last was one on 16th September. 

2000: The only records were one on 3rd May, one singing on 30th June, two on 28th November & one on 7th December.

2001: All records for the year are as follows, 40 feeding in stubble on the 21st of January. Singles on the 22nd of February & 5th, 7th, 10th & 22nd of July.  In August one seen on the 3rd  & three next day.  One noted on the 4th of September, two on the 11th of October & finally one on the 22nd of October.

2002: All records for the year are given.  One on electricity wires at the sailing club on the 22nd of April, one on wires along the east boundary/Sykehouse road & two flew east on the 28th of April.  One flew south on the 17th of May.  In July one along the east boundary/Sykehouse road, on the 1st, 4th, 5th & 11th.  Two south on the 18th of August.  In November, nine were seen on the 3rd & one on the 22nd. Finally in December two on the 20th & one on the 25th.

2003: There were just four records during the year, which is the worst ever.  2 flew west on the 27th of April, 1 was in the east fields on the 27th of May, 1 was singing alongside the sykehouse road on the 18th of July & one near the sailing club on the 14th of August.

2004: One at Beever's Bridge on the 28th of March.  One was in the east-fields on the 27th of September.  In November four on the 4th, seven on the 6th and one on the 18th.  In December nine on the 5th and singles on the 24th & 30th.

Feral/Escaped Species

Black Swan Cygnus atratus

1998: A new bird for the reservoirs when one arrived on 30th  November, it joined five Whooper Swans  and  later flew off with them.  It was seen again on 7th  & 31st December.

1999: One in January on 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th & 16th.

2001: Two were present on the 6th of July

2003: One present briefly on the 13th of September, left to the south.

Bar Headed Goose Anser indicus

1996: One on the reservoirs on 26th March. 

1998: One flew south on 18th March.

1999: Two on the reservoirs on 2nd May.

2000: Four on the reservoirs for twenty minutes on 26th June left to the north.

2002: On June the 18th one arrived from the north, it remained for forty minutes, before leaving to the south.

2004: One recorded on the 25th & 27th of October.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

1996: One of suspect origin present on the 3rd January. (CF. JC.)

2002: A party of six flew east on the evening of 16th August.  This was the second record for the reservoirs.

ChiloeWigeon Anas sibilatrix

1996: One was seen at the end of February and  again on the 8th of March.

Saker FalconFalco cherrug 

2000: One over the reservoirs briefly on 25th November flew off north

Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 

1996: One at the sailing club hedgerow on 17th April.

2001: One mobbed by Swallows flew over the canal & Went Ings on the 4th of August.

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus.

2001: A fine B was seen intermittently between the 7th of January & the 25th of December, noted in all months except November.  It was seen at a small copse adjacent to Southfield lane, along Southfield lane, & was also present for a while in the sailing club compound.   

2002: The male from 2001: was seen on the 2nd of February, it was reported later as being killed on the nearby M-62.

Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus 

2001: One was seen over Went Ings on the 18th of August.

OF NOTE

Pectoral Sandpiper calidris melanotos A probable flew west on 12th September 1999:; this coincided with a small arrival of this species into the  country.  This would have been an addition to the Southfield list.

Raven Corvus corax One was heard calling from Went Ings on 29th December 1999:.  The record was not counted in the main list, as it was a call only record.  This would have been a new species to  the reservoir list if seen.

2003: European NuthatchSitta europaea: 

Birds were reported as being present at a site just outside the Southfield recording area, at Shearburn Plantation, adjacent to the M-62 Motorway for much of the year.  They are attracted to a feeding area at the motorway maintenance depot.

Footnote

Dark-bellied Brent GooseBranta bernicla

2002: Two birds were seen distantly on the 13th of April were possibly this species.