This report combines all the records as detailed in the “Southfield Reservoirs & Went Ings bird reports” for the years 2005-2013 inclusive.

 

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata. 

2005: One was present on the 14th February

 

Black-throated Diver  Gavia arctica   NOTE (this record falls just outside the recording area.)

2005: On 25th February one was seen heading east along the canal, near A614 double bridges. AM. CF.

 

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis.

2005: Present daily from 1st January to 14th March and 1st August to the year end, there was just one record between these periods of two on 26th July.

 

 

2006: In April single birds on 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, & 17th. In May one was present from 11th-17th. In June singles on 5th, 12th & 15th. In July birds present from 3rd-30th and in August singles on six dates and two birds on the 27th. Finally 10 on 22nd December.

 

 

2007: The only May record was one on the 21st. Recorded on just three dates in August. In September birds were present daily from the 18th. The maximum count of the year was eight on 30th January and 13th of February.

 

 

2008: In April singles on three dates, in June singles on two dates, in July singles on four dates and two on the 20th. In August singles on two dates, in September singles on five dates and two on the 20th; Recorded regularly from the 10th of October to the year end.

 

 

2009: Present daily during the first four months; with two present on Went Ings throughout April and up to the 2nd of May. In June an adult was on the reservoirs on the 2nd and an adult was on Went Ings on the 15th and 30th. Two (1 adult) were on the reservoirs on the 24th. The only July record was one on Went Ings on the 6th. In August single birds were seen on four dates, with two on the 3rd. In September there were single birds on seven dates. Then present daily from October to the year-end.  Monthly maximum counts were as follows

 

 

2010: There was a notable decline in records; with a maximum count for the year of four birds on the 6th November. 

 

 

2011:   A decline in records probably a result of the recent cold winters. The maximum count during the year was of five on the 11th of November.

 

 

2012:  Recorded in every month of the year; the maximum count was of eight on Went Ings on the 30th of October. All the records from March to September came from Went Ings.

 

 

 

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. 

2005: The species continues to increase with a new site record count of 52 on 16th November.

 

 

2006: Maximum count for the year was a new site record of 63 on 28th October. Five pairs bred and raised a total of eleven young, the first breeding since 1993.

 

 

2007: A total of seven nests were found along the west bank on the 2nd of July, six of these contained eggs. Five broods were successful, with a total of nine young. Monthly maximum counts were of adults only; young birds were only counted when they became juveniles i.e. fully feathered. The maximum year count was 40 on 3rd January.

 

 

2008: The maximum count for the year was 48 on the 26th and 31st of October. Seven nests were found in the Sweet Flag which grows along the west bank on the 17th of June, four of these contained eggs. There was in the end a total of five broods but only four young were reared in total. Two broods with three chicks in each were noted; and in each brood the oldest chick relentlessly attacked its younger siblings causing them to get no food and succumbed.

Monthly maximum counts were,

   

 

2009: Despite up to seven nests being built (some containing eggs) in the Sweet flag reed along the west bank, there was a complete breeding failure, which was probably caused by the wet weather. The maximum count for the year was 60 on the 7th November; monthly maximum counts as follows. 

 

 

2010:  Three young were reared from two broods. The maximum count for the year was 40 on the 5th of October. In December the reservoirs were mostly frozen over and no birds were seen until the 23rd when a single bird was seen; then two were present from the 28th-31st. The maximum monthly counts were as follows.

 

 

2011: There was no count in February as only small numbers were present. One pair bred and raised three young. The maximum count was of 53 on the 11th of October.

 

 

2012: The maximum count for the year was 45 on the 9th of October. No birds managed to breed successfully this year.  

 

 

Red-necked Grebe P. grisegena.

2010: One was present on the 15th of March and was the sixteenth site record; it was last recorded in January 2004.

2011: A bird in winter plumage was present on the 22nd of March.

 

Slavonian Grebe P. auritus. 

2010:  One was present on the 26th of January, it was the first time it has been recorded in this month, it was also the eleventh site record; the last record was in 1996.

 

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis.  

2006: One present on the 31st August, remained until the next day.

2008.  One in full summer plumage was seen on the 31st of March

2009: There were three records, all of single birds; the first one was a bird in almost full summer plumage on the 12th of March. Second was a bird in summer plumage on the 12th of August and finally a bird in winter plumage on the 8th of September.

2010:  One was present on the 26th of October.

2011:  A juvenile bird was present on the 12th of July.

2012: There was just one record of a bird in full summer plumage seen on the 16th of March.

 

Northern Gannet Morus bassanus. 

2007 on the 28th of September a day total of 13 juveniles were recorded flying west during strong north-easterly winds, in parties of 4, 2, 5, & 2 They represented the fifth-eighth records for the site. 

2013:

 

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. 

2005: The maximum count was 65 on 14th October.

 

 

2006: The maximum count for the year was a site record of 72 on 12th October  Sinensis type birds were recorded as follows; in January singles on 16th, 27th & 31st. Recorded on twelve February dates, with four on the 10th & 11th. Recorded on sixteen March dates, with five on 6th, 13th, 14th, & 31st. There were records on six April dates up to the 12th, with a maximum count of five on the 1st.

 

 

2007:  The maximum count was of 60 on the 12th October.

 

 

2008:  The maximum count for the year was 69 on the 27th October.

 

 

2009: There was a new site record count of 83 birds on the 12th September; monthly counts were as follows.

 

2010: The maximum count for the year was 58 on the 30th of September and again on the 5th of October. The maximum monthly counts were as follows.

 

 

2011:  The maximum count during the year was 68 on the 29th of September. Monthly maximum counts were as follows.

 

 

2012: The maximum count was 58 on the 26th of September.

 

 

2012: Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Our first record since October 2002; One was seen on the concrete blocks in the opening in the Western reservoirs on the 30th of April.

 

Great White Egret Egretta alba.

2006: One flew in from the east on the 28th October; it alighted briefly on the west bank before continuing westwards. A new species for the reservoirs list. (A.S. J.S.)  

2012: The second record for the site and another October record; one was present on the 3rd of October, it was seen to alight in the small Willow tree on the middle bank; known as the night Heron tree, it was then lost from sight. Later it was seen in flight approaching the middle bank where it landed for about 5 minutes before flying off over Went Ings before heading east at 08:15.

2013:

 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta.  

2005: One flew west at 19:15 hours on 31st July, the fifth record.  

2006: One flew south-west on 14th January. Another flew east on 25th July. There have now been seven recorded sightings.

2007:  A good year for this species with three records, the first was on the 17th of May. In August one was present and mainly recorded in flight over Went Ings on the 2nd, 3rd, 7th & 10th. A party of three flew north over the sailing club on the 27th of September. These records bring the total number of records to ten.    

2008: In July two on the morning of the 22nd alighted on the middle bank briefly before flying off to the south. One flew in on the evening of the 24th and landed on the middle bank, one was also here on the evening of the 26th. In August two on the middle bank on the evening of the 1st and singles birds on the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th 9th & 12th; on the 14th one flew west in the morning, that evening one flew in from the east and landed on Went Ings, the final records for August were singles on the 19th & 28th.

In September one flew in on the evening of the 14th, two flew in from and out to the east on the 18th. The next records were in December with two on the 29th & 30th and a single on the 31st.          

2009: One was seen late afternoon on the 6th and 8th of January and was seen to fly to roost on the middle bank. In July one on the east bank on the evening of the 3rd flew over to Went Ings; on the evening of the 30th one flew in from the east and landed on the middle bank, 15 minutes later it flew off east. On the morning of the 4th of August one flew in from the east and landed on the middle bank, it later flew off east. Also in August one was seen in a tree on Went Ings on the evening of the 8th.      

2010:  One was present for five minutes on the 25th June before flying off South; this was the first to be recorded in this month. In July two flew West at 07:10 on the 5th and on the evening of the 29th one flew South at 18:15; then one was found on the middle bank at 21:15. There was one on the 16th September and two flew south-west on the 4th of October        

2011:  There were four records during the year; the first was one North on the 18th of June, next was one South on the 9th of August. In September one flew West on the 10th and one West again on the 19th.

2012: Single birds were seen on the 5th of March and the 26th of April. The next record was two on Went Ings on the 29th of June. In July singles on Went Ings the 3rd, 7th, 23rd 27th & 31st; two on the 26th & three on the 24th. In August present on Went Ings all month, with five together on the 8th seven together on the 9th & 11th and eight (4+2+2) on the 18th. The final records of the year were in September, with six on Went Ings on the 3rd, three on the 12th & 13th and singles on the 16th & 21st. 

2013:

 

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. 

2005: Maximum counts were of 11 on 5th May and 27th June; and 10 on Went Ings on 24th July.

 

 

2006: A count of 19 around the reservoirs on 11th May, they were attracted by spawning fish around the reservoirs edges, the only other high count was 11 on 4th June.

 

 

2007: Maximum counts for the year were of 12 on the 21st of May, 11 on 2nd of August and 10 on 1st of September.

 

 

2008: Maximum count for the year was 11 on the 25th of May and 26th of July.

 

 

2009: The highest count for the year was 18 on the 29th of July. Monthly highs were as follows.

 

 

2010:  The maximum count for the year was 12 on the 3rd of June.

The maximum monthly counts were as follows.

 

 

2011:  The maximum count was eight on the 3rd of June.

 

 

2012: The maximum count for the year was of 22 on Went Ings on the 1st of August.

 

 

Mute Swan Cygnus olor. 

2005: The maximum count for the year was 21 on 23rd June.

 

 

2006: On the 9th June four cygnets were seen, but with no sign of any parents. By the 15th the number had fallen to three and only two remained on the 6th July. Also in June 27 adults were noted on the 15th. A pair built three nests on Went Ings in April and May, but all were unsuccessful because of flooding. A lone cygnet was seen on 4th August. Later in the month the R.S.P.C.A. were called to the reservoirs by a visitor who had reported it as being in an emaciated condition. - No further details received.   

 

 

2007:  The maximum count was 14 on the 5th of May and 7th of September. Just small numbers were recorded in November and December. 

 

 

2008: One was on a nest on Went Ings on the 6th of May. On the 23rd of June two adults with one cygnet were seen on Went Ings; and two adults with seven cygnets were seen on the canal on the 2nd of July. Maximum year count was 24 in the 4th of April. Monthly maxima were as follows.

  

 

2009: The maximum count was of 29 (8 immature) on the 14th October. A pair which bred on Went Ings was seen with six cygnets on the 30th of June. Adults with broods of 4, 5, & 7 were seen on the canal during June & July, but these did not breed in the recording area. Monthly maxima counts were as follows; 

 

2010:  There were 27 adult birds on the 19th of May. A pair bred on Went Ings and reared five young. There were also broods of four and seven young on the canal on the 8th of July which bred outside the recording area. The maximum monthly counts were as follows.

 

 

2011:  The maximum count was 20 on the 27th of March. A pair was seen with four cygnets in June, but these didn’t breed within the recording area.

 

 

2012: The maximum count for the year was 20 on the 11th of August. A pair breeding on Went Ings had their first two nests flooded out, so their third attempt was on top of the floodbank and was successful. A brood of three cygnets were noted from the 7th-18th of June but were not seen again after the latter date. A brood of five cygnets from the 19th of June to the 2nd of July were not seen again after the latter date. The counts of June & July below are of adult birds only.

 

 

Bewick’s Swan C. columbianus. 

2006: The only record was of two on the reservoirs on 14th January.

2009: There were two adults on the reservoirs at dawn on the 7th of January; they remained until 11:00am when they flew off north-west. On the 2nd of April an adult flew in with 4 Whooper Swans at 09:35 remaining until 11:45 then it along with the Whoopers flew off north-east and was later seen at Swillington Ings.  

 

Whooper Swan C. cygnus. 

2005: In January one south on 16th, three east on 29th. In February four north on the 6th. In March, on the 20th, 12 flew north in the morning and 50 flew south-west in the afternoon.  The next day passage involved 60 birds, 16 were on the reservoirs on observer’s arrival at 06:30, a further herd of 25 flew north-west; and then a herd of 19 arrived to join the others on the reservoirs.  Some 90 minutes later all 35 birds flew off to the north-west, but 10 of these returned to the reservoirs a few minutes later and remained.  Seven on the reservoirs for almost an hour on the 29th departed to the north-west. The last of the spring birds was a party of 20 birds on the reservoirs on the 3rd April.

In September returning birds were four adults on the reservoirs on 26th, three on the reservoirs 28th.  Recorded in October but the observer and date not known.  In November herds of nine and 12 flew south-east on 13th, finally an adult flew west on 31st December.  

2006: Four on the reservoirs on 14th January and two on the reservoirs on 17th February. In March seven present on the 7th and an adult flew north on the 12th, followed by 20 north on the 15th and six north on the 23rd. Eight adults flew north on the 5th October, on the 30th October 10 on the reservoirs and 11 flew south-east. Three adults flew west on 1st November. In December two flew south on the 1st. Records of an adult on the reservoirs on 22nd, 24th & 26th may relate to the same individual.

2007: The first birds of the year occurred on the 8th of March, when 33 were noted, 17 of these on the reservoirs and 16 flying north-west. Also in March a herd of 22 flew north on the 16th. In April six flew north on the 8th. In October one flew west on the 2nd. On the 12th, ten were present for two hours before flying off east. Eleven flew east on the 25th and an adult was on the reservoirs on the 30th. In November four flew south on the 1st, two on the reservoirs for an hour on the 2nd then flew off west: next day three (one immature) were present for five minutes then flew off east. There were no December records.         

2008: In January an adult flew south on the 5th and two adults were on the reservoirs on the 6th. In March seven on the reservoirs on the 9th later flew off west. A herd of 12 flew north-west on the 14th and 23 flew north on the 29th. In April an adult was present on the 28th-29th. In May an adult was on the reservoirs on the evening of the 22nd.

In the second half of the year the only record was of six on the reservoirs at dawn on the 17th of November they flew off south a short time later   

2009: Fourteen flew north-east on the 20th of February. In March between the 5th and 20th, a total of 127 birds passed through on six dates; with 46 on the 20th being the highest day count. In April a further 48 birds passed through with 33 on the 1st and 15 on the 2nd.

In October a single adult was on the reservoirs on the 21st. Six adults flew east on the 23rd and six adults also flew east on the 27th. In November five flew south on the 4th; five were on the reservoirs the next day briefly, before also flying off south-east. Three adults flew south-east on the 6th; a herd of 28 flew south on the 8th, three adults south on the 16th, three (1 immature) flew north-west on the 27th; Five (three immatures) flew south on the 29th; finally on the 30th, three flew south and nine landed on the reservoirs briefly before flying off south. There were no December records.         

2010:  Fifteen birds flew West on the 28th of January. Five were on the reservoirs on the 21st of February. In March 22 flew north-west on the 22nd. A party of ten spent five minutes on the reservoirs on the 25th before continuing westwards. In April 72 flew North on the 2nd and 76 flew North the next day. Four on the reservoirs on the 9th departed to the north-west.

In October two flew East on the 19th; seven were on the reservoirs on the 20th, they then flew into the West fields; and two were present on the reservoirs on the 21st. Five (3 immatures) flew south-east on the 31st. In November 19 flew South on the 1st; on the 6th three adults flew North & five (3 immatures) flew South. Nine flew South on the 7th. The final record of the year was of four (2 immatures) flying South on the 21st.         

2011:  The first record for the year was of five flying West on the 6th of February. In March one was on Went Ings on the 1st, then 23 on the reservoirs on the 5th. A total of 67 (7, 16 & 44) flew north-west on the 7th, finally for March 25 flew north-west on the 12th. In April 12 on the reservoirs on the 3rd remained for just over 2 hours before departing north-west. In May one was on the reservoirs for an hour on the 8th then flew off West.

In October five flew north-east on the 13th, on the 21st, 42 flew west & 13 were on the reservoirs, finally in October two present on the reservoirs on the 28th. There was just one record in November of two East on the 14th. In December eight on the reservoirs on the 2nd departed to the West and finally an adult flew West on the 31st.

2012: Two adults were on the reservoirs on the 14th of January. The next record was of 14 on the reservoirs on the morning of the 22nd of March. In April four flew north on the 13th.

In October one on the 10th, then 14 flew north on the 29th and three flew east on the 30th. In November two adults flying South on the 3rd was the sole record. The last sighting of the year was In December when 12 were seen flying east on the 27th.  

 

Pink-footed Goose A. brachyrhynchus. 

2005: In January skeins of c.80, c.100 and 90 flew west on the 1st.  One was present with Greylags on the 4th. Heavy westerly passage on the 14th totalled 826+ birds in six skeins, the highest of which was 270+ and c.250.  In February skeins of 250+, 130+ and 50 flew west on the 27th.  In March one was present with Greylags on 12th, 100 flew west on 13th, 30 north on 20th and 40 south-east on 24th.

In September returning skeins of 65, 45 and 6 were noted flying east on the morning of the 16th, also on this date 39 flew west that evening.  One was on the reservoirs 26th.  In October four flew west on 3rd, next day two came in from the east and alighted on the reservoirs.  One was present with Greylags on the 7th. One on the reservoirs on 10th flew off north-east early morning.  On the 18th nine flew west in the morning and 51 flew east that afternoon, lastly in October was 65 west on 27th.  In November, on the 4th, 24 flew onto the reservoirs from out of  the west-fields along with the resident Greylags, they stayed for ten minutes before departing westwards on their own.  On the 7th skeins of 140+ and 122 flew east. Five were present with Greylags on 9th, 10th and 13th.  50 flew south on 16th, on the 30th, 23 in from the east joined the Greylags in the west-fields. In December one was present with the Greylag flock on seven dates between the 10th and 22nd. Finally 60 flew north-west on the 24th.

2006: In January skeins of 115 & 200+ flew west on 12th, on the 22nd an unknown number were heard calling as they flew west in fog, also 35 west later that day. A skein of c.140 flew west on 24th, also one east on 27th. During February 89 flew west on 11th, c.70 west on 13th and on 17th 185+ flew west in three skeins. One was present with the Greylag flock on 22nd & 23rd and was seen on eight dates in March up to the 21st. Also in March were skeins of 220+, 50+ & 48 all westbound on the 3rd, 11 flew west on 12th and on the 22nd distant skeins of 100+ & c.20 flying west were probably this species. Finally in the first half of the year 47 flew north-east on 24th April. An unusual date record was one flying over the reservoirs with two Greylags on 6th June. On 23rd October 1,480+ flew east in seven skeins. Two were with the Greylag flock on the 28th October and remained well into 2007 and were possibly of feral origin, they were joined by another bird on 13th & 17th November. Also in November a skein of c.350 flew west on the 9th. In December a skein of 387 flew north-west on the 9th, followed by 30 south on 17th and 107 west on 21st; four birds were present on the reservoirs on 22nd & 24th December.       

2007:  A presumed feral bird was present with the Greylags from 2nd January to the 20th of May. There was two presumed feral birds on 27th March and 3rd, 6th & 17th-21st of April. Wild birds noted were 100+ west on 13th January, 46 north on 9th March and 100+ north on the 7th of April. In September 12 east on the 15th, 23 west on the 17th and next day skeins of 34, 46, & c.30 flew south-east. 40+ flew south-east on the 20th, 27 flew east on 22nd. Skeins of 21 west & 19 east on the 27th and 43 flew west on the 30th. In October 101 flew west on the 1st, c.110 north on the 2nd, 24 north on the 7th, six west on 12th. On the 15th one flew in from & departed east and probably this same bird was seen circling the reservoirs later that day. There were no November records. In December 81 flew south on the 21st and on the 31st skeins of c.160 & c.150 flew north-west.

2008: In January 40+ flew west on the 5th, five flew west on the 17th and one was on the reservoirs with Canada Geese on the 26th. On the 28th one on the reservoirs ands skeins of 170+ & c.150 flew west. In February heard passing over on the 18th in fog. ? On the 28th skeins of 64 & c.60 flew west. No records in either March or April but a late record on the 6th May when 84 flew north. The only October record was of one with the resident Greylags on the 15th & 25th. One was seen regularly with the Greylag flock from the 2nd of November to the 23rd of December; and was joined by a second bird on the 7th December only. Other November records were three on the reservoirs which flew east on the 3rd. On the 5th, 32 flew in from the east and alighted in fields at the northern end of the reservoirs and later flew off east. 600+ flew north-west on the 8th, c.80 west on the 13th, 180+ west on the 17th; on the 18th, 26 west & 48 south-west. The only December record was 120 flying west on the 23rd.   

2009: In January one was with the Greylag Geese on the 2nd & 8th. One circling the reservoirs on the 13th flew off east. In February one with the Greylags on the 6th, 8th & 9th; then on the 19th a total of 1,050+ flew west in seven skeins up to 11:30am. In March one was with the Greylags on the 17th, 29th & 31st. In April one was with the Greylags on the 22nd & 23rd. In May single birds were with the Greylags on five dates to the 15th and two birds with the Greylags on the 14th & 22nd.

The first returning birds were 56 flying east on the 15th of September. During October, on the 8th a distant skein of 150+ flying west, were probably Pink-feet, then on the 12th c.150 flew north-west, 27 flew east on the 17th and 64 flew west on the 26th. On the morning of the 28th skeins of c.120 and 300+ flew east and c.70 flew west; then in the afternoon 190+ flew west at 16:00 hrs. On the 29th, skeins of 120+ flew west and 190+ flew east.   

In November; on the 6th, four flew east, 44 flew north and skeins of 33 & 23 flew west. On the 17th, 80+ flew east; and next day 130+ flew west. On the 29th, 20 flew west and 43 flew east; finally for November 17 flew east on the 30th.

In December a skein of 350+ flew west on the 9th and the final record of the year was 51 flying west on the 21st.          

2010:  The only January record was of one with the Greylags on the 26th. In February 150+ flew West on the 10th. Five were on the reservoirs with the Greylags on the 20th. In March c.330 flew West on the 3rd and 41 flew west the next day.

In September, on the 17th 80+ distant Grey-Geese flying south-east were probably Pink-feet. On the 24th, c.140 flew East, on the 30th 94 flew north-west. In October 82 flew north-west on the 7th and c.95 flew West on the 11th. C.200 flew West on the 15th. One flew North on the 26th, on the 27th, 29 flew in from the East and joined the Greylags in the west fields and later flew off West; also on the 27th a further flock of 25 birds flew West. The last record for October was c.276 West on the 31st. In November; on the 5th 340+ flew East; and 47 flew West on the 9th. On the 16th 14 flew West; and on the 18th c.50 flew West; finally for November 86 flew West on the 30th. In December 70 flew West on the 21st and one was with the Greylags on the 26th.

2011:  On January18th a total of 880+ flew West in skeins of 550+, 250+ & 80+. Then birds were heard calling as they flew West at 07:00hrs on the 21st. 34 flew West on the 24th, finally in January 41 West & five East on the 28th. The next records were in March, with 30 West on the 4th, 27 North on the 14th; on the 22nd c.85 North & a distant skein of 100+ Grey Geese flying West were probably this species; finally in March 21 flew West on the 23rd. The only April record was one on the reservoirs on the 18th.

In October a total of 235 (in skeins of 35, 37, 78 & 85) flew West on the 7th. A total of c.335 (in skeins of c.75 West, c.200 & 60 East) on the 14th; finally in October 100 flew East on the 26th. There was one November record of three West on the 2nd. In December 100 flew north-east on the 12th & finally 23 flew West on the 30th.

2012: In January; on the 10th, 17 distant grey geese seen flying west were probably this species. Also on the 10th and the 13th one was present with the Greylag flock. On the 14th 120+ flew West and 13 flew east off of the reservoirs. The next day 30 flew west. On the 16th one was on the reservoirs and skeins of 96 & 45 flew west. In February one was present with the Greylag flock on the 14th. 200+ in Skeins of 140+ & c.60 flew west on the 16th. In March between the 6th & 16th 24 were present in the fields around the reservoirs and also on the reservoirs.

In September 48 flew west on the 19th & 73 flew south on the 21st. During October; on the 3rd, c.75 landed in the fields at the northern end of the reservoirs for a short time before flying off west. On the 10th two skeins of 100+ each flew north & west respectively; also on the 10th 85 flew west. 150+ flew east on the 14th and 11 flew east on the 24th, the next day skeins of 30 & 15 flew west and 33 flew south. In November; on the 2nd 80+ flew west & two flew east. The next day 275+ in skeins of 150+, 80+ & 45 flew west. One flew east on the 4th, 50 flew east on the 9th. On the 12th, 180+ & 17 flew west finally in November 25 flying north on the 15th was the final record of the year.   

 

White-fronted Goose A. albifrons.

2010: Five birds, 2 adults & 3 immatures flew north-west on the 5th of November. This was the tenth site record and the first record in this month; the last sighting was in October 2001.

2012: One was seen with the resident Greylag Geese on the 13th of January.

 

Greylag Goose A. anser.  

2005: The species continues to increase, with a new site record of 102 on 19th September.  A record seven pairs produced 35 young, 28 of which survived to become fully fledged.

 

 

2006: Eight broods were recorded and a total of 26 young fledged, including a pair on Went Ings.  Maximum count was 91 on 30th August. A white bird was seen occasionally from 23rd February into March.

 

 

2007:  There were seven broods this year totalling 24 young. During the autumn 27 goose eggs which had failed to hatch, were found in old nests along the middle bank, with 13 of these in one nest. There was a new record count of 131 on 15th December.  

 

 

2008: There were five broods of goslings this year, out of which 20 young were reared. There was a record count of 572 on the 5th of October (among these were 3 white birds)

 

 

2009: There was just one brood of goslings this year, of which four young were reared. The highest count was of 368 on the 2nd of January. Monthly maximum counts were as follows;

 

 

2010:  This years maximum count was 234 on the 15th of October, this was 134 birds less than last years maximum. Just one pair bred and raised seven young. The maximum monthly counts were as follows.

 

2011:  The maximum count was 181 on the 24th of December. One pair bred and raised four young; another pair appeared on the 24th June with two young, but these were not seen again. Monthly maximum counts were as follows.

 

 

2012: The maximum count for the year was 335 on the 10th of January. There were no breeding birds recorded this year.

 

 

Canada Goose Branta canadensis.

2005: The maximum count was 47 on 7th October; one pair bred and raised five young.

 

 

2006: A total of 16 young fledged from three broods. Maximum count was of 40 on 26th September, surprisingly there were no records in November.

 

 

2007: There was a maximum count of 64 adults and juveniles on the 11th of July. Three broods fledged, totalling nine young.

 

 

2008: There were five broods of goslings out of which 17 young were reared. There was a new record count of 84 on the 3rd of October; monthly totals were as follows

 

 

2009:  Five pairs reared 26 young. There was a new site record count of 101 on the 19th of September. In the following monthly-maximum-totals young birds were only counted when they became fully feathered juveniles. 

 

 

2010:  Four pairs bred this year and raised a total of 15 young. The maximum monthly counts were as follows.

 

 

2011: The maximum count for the year and a new record was 169 on the 31st of August. Four pairs bred and raised a total of 15 young.

 

 

2012: The maximum count was 84 on the 4th of February. There were five broods of goslings, of which 26 young were raised; one nest of 5 eggs failed to hatch.

 

 

Barnacle Goose B. leucopsis.  

2005: All the year’s records were thought to be birds of feral origin. Two flew in on the 4th May and joined the Greylags in the east-fields briefly before flying off east.  One on the reservoirs on 15th June flew off south with four Greylags. One flew in with a mixed flock of Greylags and Canada Geese on the 29th August, it remained in the area always in the company of the other geese, it was recorded on thirteen dates between 3rd September and 19th October.   

2009: A party of six were noted flying west with a skein of c.70 Pink-footed Geese on the 28th of October.

2011:  One was present with Greylag Geese on the 31st of May. On the 5th of June two flew in with five Greylag Geese, one continued flying north-west with the Greylags, the other landed on the reservoirs. The final record was of three on the reservoirs on the 20th of June.

2012: There was just one record of a single bird on the 1st of April.

 

Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla. 

2008:  Four were present on the 4th & 5th of January and two on the 7th of December.

2009: A Dark bellied bird was seen with the Greylag Geese on the reservoirs on the 8th & 9th 0f February.

2011:   One was on the reservoirs on the 17th of April.

 

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiac. 

2009: There were two records for the year; one on the 19th of April and two flew north from the reservoirs on the 19th of December.  

2010:  All records for the year were probably of the same individual.

One on the 21st & 31st of January, 14th & 20th of February, 24th of March, 10th & 29th of April, 19th & 21st of May, not recorded in June; the final record was on the 13th of July.   

2011:  One was on the reservoirs on the 4th of March. In May there were singles on the 23rd and 30th. In June recorded on thirteen dates, with two on five dates. In July recorded on eighteen dates with two on seven dates. In August one, (which was probably the same bird on each date) on fourteen dates, then two on the 31st. The final records for the year were in September, with two on the 1st & 2nd, then one on five dates between the 4th & 10th. This species was also recorded as new in each of the following months June, August and September.

 

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. 

2005: The years best counts were 12 (10 west) on 18th May, 11 on 7th February and a family party of 11 (2 adults with nine well grown young) on 11th July. 

 

 

2006: The maximum counts were eight on 24th May; and in August the month total of eight included four flying west.  

 

 

2007:  Recorded in every month except September, the best counts were 10 on 4th February, 15 on 12th July and 20 flew west on 23rd August.

2008:  There were records from every month except July and November, the best counts for the year were of 15 on the 16th of January and a new record count of 60 on the evening of the 14th of September, they circled the reservoirs before departing to the west. On the 9th of June a pair of adults were seen with a brood of nine young, but typically were not seen again after this date; It is thought that the adults take their brood out to the river.

2009: The only January record was of three on the 6th. In February there were single birds on six dates, two on the 10th & three on the 7th & 23rd. In March single birds were seen on the 2nd & 29th, with two on the 3rd, 11th & 30th and three on the 6th & 21st. In April one on the 2nd, two on five dates, three on the 28th & five on the 23rd. In May singles on three dates, two on twelve dates, three on the 13th and four on the 10th. In June there were six on the 1st, one on the 9th & 10th & two on the 21st. The only July record was one on the 1st. In August there was singles on three dates, two on two dates and nine on the evening of the 17th. In September singles birds on the 3rd & 8th and four on the 9th. There were no October records. In November there was one on the 8th and four on the 30th. Finally, in December, singles birds were seen on the 4th, 21st & 25th.     

2010:  The maximum count was 13 on the 26th of February.

 

 

2011: The maximum and the only double figure count for the year was of 11 flying West on the 14th of February.

 

 

2012: Birds were recorded in every month except September and December. The maximum count for the year was of 10 on the 29th of May and 11th of August. Two adults were seen with two young from the 13th-15th of June.  

 

 

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata. 

2005: On the evening of 25th September a female gave good views on the eastern reservoir; and was addition to the Southfield area.  A.M.  J.S.  C.F.

2006: The second site record involved a female on the 1st of November.

2008: The first male for the site was present on the 6th of December and was the third site record.

2009: A female was present on the 10th of March.

2011:  A female was present on the 12th & 13th of January; and was a new species in this month.

2013:

 

American Wigeon Anas americana. 

2005: A male on 19th November was last seen on the 10th December, a new species for the site.  A.S. C.F. et-al

2011:  A drake was on the reservoirs with 34 Eurasian Wigeon on the 13th of March; this was the second to be recorded at the site and was a new species in this month. (P. Adams).

 

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope. 

2005: A pair on 15th May, a female 13th June and one on 31st August, were the only records in those months.  September was also poor with nine on 3rd, two 5th, then singles on ten dates between 6th and 27th. 

 

2006: Birds remained throughout April and into May, with two males on the 1st May, one of which stayed to the 3rd. Also in May two males, one from the 9th-26th, the other (which had yellow wing tags on both wings with the letters “DC” in black) remained from the 9th-27th, these were joined by a female on 19th only. The count of 40+ on the 17th April was from Went Ings. The single July record was on the 31st.

 

After further enquiries, the tagged birds details from the ringer stated, the ring number was FP97532, date of tagging/ringing was 19/01/06, age/sex-1st year male and place of ringing was the Lower Derwent valley near York.  

 

2007:  One was on Went Ings on 10th July. In September recorded on seven dates between 12th & 30th, with a maximum of 43 on the 29th. In October recorded on nine dates with a maximum of 25 on the 3rd. The year’s best total was 306 on 30th January.

 

 

2008:  In May a pair on the 6th, then a male on the 8th & 10th; a late record was of a male on the 1st of June. Eight on the reservoirs on the 23rd of August was the only record for the month. In September recorded on six dates between the 1st & 18th. In October recorded on nine dates. In December 220 on the 26th was the highest count of the year. Monthly totals as follows.

 

 

2009: The only August records were of one on the 26th & two on the 27th. The only September records were of 34 flying west on the 10th, six on the 16th and one on the 22nd & 23rd. There were regular sightings in October, with a maximum count of 28 on the 15th; this was the only double-figure count for the month. The maximum count for the year was 280+ on the 9th of February and an exact count of 280 on the 19th of December. Monthly maximum counts as follows.  

 

 

2010:  The maximum count for the year was 275+ on the 28th of December. Birds were present daily from 1st January to the 14th of April. In May a female was present from the 21st-23rd being joined by a male on the 22nd only. In June a male was present on the 1st & 2nd. The next record the only one for the month was of one on the 14th August. Recorded on five dates in September, and then recorded regularly during the last three months of the year. The maximum monthly counts were as follows.

 

 

2011:  The maximum count for the year was 500+ on the 13th of January. In April there were no records obtained after the 7th; the next sighting was a male on the 10th of June. In July there were three on the 11th and one on the 29th. In August one on the 1st was the only record. Birds were recorded on four September dates, with 23 on the 27th the most. In October recorded on nine dates, with 16 on the 31st the most. Birds were then recorded regularly during the last two months of the year.

 

 

2012: The maximum count for the year was 428 on the 10th of January. In May a male on the 22nd was the only record. In July on the flooded Went Ings there were three on the 11th and one on the 25th. In August recorded on seven dates mostly from the flooded Went Ings, with a maximum of four on the 11th. In September recorded on nine dates with a maximum of nine on the 1st. In October recorded on eight dates with a maximum of c.85 on the 12th.   

 

 

Gadwall Anas strepera. 

2005: Maximum count was 30 on 2nd March.

 

 

2006: The maximum year count was 37 on 4th March. In July three broods of young were seen, totalling 24, they were difficult to count as they remained in the Sweet Flag reeds along the west bank, it is thought all survived to fledge as they were seen more frequently as they grew larger. 

 

 

2007:  In January there were 47 on the 25th. In February a count of 39 on the 9th. Two on 29th September was the only record in that month. In October the only records was a pair on the 20th & 24th There was no evidence of breeding this year. 

 

 

2008:  A female with nine young was seen on Went Ings on the 20th of June. In July a flock of 12 birds flew west on the 1st. A female with four young was on the reservoirs on the 16th but was down to three young by the 31st. In September recorded on six dates, in October recorded on four dates. The maximum count for the year was 24 on the 16th of February. Monthly totals are as follows.   

 

 

2009: On February 8th a new site record count was achieved of 60 birds, 32 of these were males. However in December this was beaten with counts of 73 (42 males) on the 19th and next day a total of 75 were counted (46 males). Breeding took place and nine young were reared from two broods. Monthly maxima counts were as follows.

 

 

2010:  The maximum count for the year was 41 on the 20th January. A female was seen with two fully feathered young on the 29th July. The maximum monthly counts were as follows.

 

 

2011: The maximum count for the year was 28 on the 5th of March. A female was seen with three young on the 15th of July.

 

 

2012: The maximum count for the year was 37 on the 15th of December. A female was seen on Went Ings with six young on the 23rd of July, she was down to five fully feathered young on the 1st of August. Birds were recorded on just six dates in September, three dates in October and four dates in November.