SUMMARY OF BIRD RECORDS FOR THORNE MOORS 2015
Bryan P. Wainwright
Out of 12190 records there were 171 species (which includes White Wagtail and Common Redpoll). There was also one species from just beyond the recording area (by a third of a mile) Thrush Nightingale, which was new for the area. The breeding status after name if present and any records broken refers to Thorne Moors site only.
Mute Swan
Mainly outside the breeding season, maximum of seven on two dates.
Whooper Swan
Maximum was 21 on 23rd November. The new latest spring record was of a single on 23rd April.
Pink-footed Goose
Recorded in first three months and from September on. New all time maximum was 5000 on 3rd January (MW, CK, JK, BPW, RS).
White-fronted Goose (European)
The only record was of two on 26th October (TL).
Greylag Goose (domestic)
All months often in large groups. Maximum 638 on 11th September.
Canada Goose
Seen most months, maximum was 140 on 20th August.
Barnacle Goose
Two records of two in November on 10th and 16th both records were with Pink-footed Geese (TL).
Egyptian Goose
Two on 6th April at Crowle North Marsh from 13.50 and later in flight from there (2nd record for Throne Moors) (RS, BPW, BS).
Shelduck rare breeder
Recorded most months maximum eight on 26th April. On 25th June there was the first confirmed breeding record ever for Thorne Moors when a pair with four unfledged young were seen at Crowle North Marsh (BPW).
Wigeon
Recorded mainly outside the breeding season with a new maximum record of 200+ on 28th January (SH).
Gadwall rare breeder
Continues to increase and recorded every month with a new maximum record of 89 on 26th March (MW).
Teal rare breeder
Recorded every month with numbers greatly increasing post breeding with a new all-time maximum of 800 recorded on 9th November (WP, GF) and six other counts at 500 or above. At least four pairs were noted with young, but the breeding for this secretive species is poorly recorded.
Mallard scarce breeder
Recorded every month with numbers greatly increasing post breeding with a maximum of 550 recorded on 29th December.
Pintail
Six records with one or two only.
Garganey rare breeder
Six records all of a single male in April.
Shoveler rare breeder
Recorded every month with maximum of 70 on 25th August.
Red-crested Pochard
A male at Will Pits Scrape on 3rd November was the fourth record (MW).
Pochard
Reported in nine of months with the maximum being five on five dates.
Tufted Duck rare breeder
Recorded every month, with the new all-time maximum being of 25 on 16th February (SH). Bred at Will Pits Scrape with possibly two pairs involved.
Common Scoter
Two records representing the fourth and fifth records for Thorne Moors: a female on floods 19th March (BPW et al.) and a juvenile Will Pits Scrape on 11th October (BPW, MW).
Goldeneye
Seen on 2nd May and then four dates 20th November to 29th December, with no more than one except two on 21st December.
Goosander
A winter visitor, the last spring record was the latest ever on 5th May (MW). Maximum 25 on 22nd February.
Quail
A single calling bird on Goole Fields on 9th June.
Red-legged Partridge
Up to a pair at Priory Farm in spring.
Grey Partridge uncommon/rare breeder BAP
Recorded every month from surrounding fields but few records with a maximum of 10 on 16th January.
Pheasant
Maximum 50 on 24th January; several pairs bred. A record of a single male Green Pheasant on 23rd April.
Cormorant
Seen outside the breeding season, usually as singletons, maximum was six E over floods on 21st April.
Bittern rare breeder? BAP
Heard from 1st April until 10th April, breeding not proven.
Little Egret
Sixteen records all of singles except two on 10th October.
Great White Egret
Two over Goole Fields on 27th May (TL) and one feeding Will Pits Scrape on 12th November (MW) later seen in flight (GF, WP). Fifth and sixth records.
Grey Heron
Recorded every month with a maximum of six on 14th July, a new all time maximum (WP, GF).
Little Grebe rare breeder
Seen from March to early November. Probably four breeding pairs but no evidence recorded this year, maximum five on 26th September.
Great Crested Grebe
One record of a single on 24th March.
Black-necked Grebe rare breeder >1% UK
Present from 7th April to 10th August, up to three present on several dates but no evidence of breeding.
Honey-buzzard
A single on 10th over Pony Bridge Wood (SH) and 13th September from Johnny Moor Long to Paraffin Cuttings area 16.30 (JS). Sixth and seventh records.
Red Kite
Eight records all of single birds outside the breeding season. On 1st January an adult from N side of colliery tip went S over Bell's then SE over Middle Moor, Will Pits Scrape and Pony Bridge Wood 08.45 to 08.55. On 17th February, one passed S over limestone road at 11.50 (WP, GF). On 10th April one went high over Will Pits Scrape going E around 14.00. (RP, DP). This was followed by two further April records possibly of the same bird on 21st: one was soaring with Marsh Harriers and Buzzards over E end Goole Moor going N (DH, BPW) and the following day one was soaring over the east end Goole Moor with four Buzzards at 11.30 (BW, DH). In September on 13th a juvenile was on W side heading S and later over Hatfield Moors (RJS, DH, BW). The rest were in October, on 4th: one NNE over middle of moors at 17.25 (BW, RS, MW) and on 6th one N at 13.10 flushing gulls off Goole Fields (TL).
Marsh Harrier rare breeder >1% UK
Over 500 records on 286 days with maximum of nine on 12th November (MW) being a new maximum. Probably three pairs bred with juveniles seen. Also seen, on 5th August was a juvenile with a green wing tag. On 17th June a female caught and carried off a Water Vole.
Hen Harrier
There were 90 records on 72 days. No more than two birds but mainly one. Latest was 26 April and first back was 25 August. Prey noted taken involved a male quartering Inkle Flatts from 15.40 on 27th December that was chased by Short-eared Owl, which later caught a (Field) vole and ate it and continued hunting.
Montagu's Harrier
A single record on 13th May of a male going SW over W side of moors at 11.30 and seen well (IP). Eighth record since modern recording.
Sparrowhawk
Recorded all months, generally one or two rarely three. On 31st May one caught a Swift and ate it on the limestone road; surely an opportunistic catch. On 20th December a large female had caught and was eating a Wood Pigeon on the track at Creyke’s gate.
Buzzard
Recorded all months, five double figure counts the best being 16 on 26th April a new all time maximum (BPW, RJS). On 23rd May one had half eaten a Water Vole on Shoulder o’ Mutton Tram. On 7th July one was over West side Pools carrying a snake.
Osprey
On 9th April one possibly, distant moving N 08.30 (GF, WP).
Water Rail
Recorded all months, maximum seven on 18th October.
Moorhen
Recorded all months, maximum 18 on 19th April.
Coot
Not recorded in January or after August, seemingly leaving site in winter to local reservoirs. Maximum four on two dates.
Crane rare breeder >1% UK
Not recorded in January or October-November. Two pairs bred, one young raised to fledging.
Oystercatcher
Eight records maximum three on 4th June.
Grey Plover
Five records in autumn-winter with a remarkable record count of 20 3rd October a new maximum (GF, WP).
Golden Plover
Not seen May or June and winter flocks larger, maximum was 500 early October.
American Golden Plover
A juvenile on Goole Fields on 25th November was a new species for Thorne Moors (TL also photographed).
Ringed Plover rare breeder
Encounter April to October maximum five.
Little Ringed Plover
Present from 25th March (joint earliest ever with 2006 TL) till 20th August.
Lapwing rare breeder BirdLife VUN in EU BAP
Recorded all months, maximum 630 with 9th November. Breeding took place with five pairs W Pools: one with four tiny young, one with two small young, one with three well-grown young until one taken by a Fox. Survival was low or nil.
Whimbrel
Four spring records of singles in April and May.
Curlew rare breeder BAP
Fourteen records, the only double figure count being 20 on 23rd June.
Black-tailed Godwit
Seven records max 35 on 17th April.
Bar-tailed Godwit
One on W side floods on 29th July (WP, GF) the ninth site record.
Ruff
With about 48 records the maximum was 17 on 31st August (all juveniles).
Dunlin
With about 36 records the maximum was 17 on 12th May.
Little Stint
One juvenile on 1st August.
Pectoral Sandpiper
An adult with well-marked braces or juvenile was seen feeding on West side Pools on 1st August (MW, BPW) (2nd record for Thorne Moors) and again on 7th August (MW, JK).
Common Sandpiper
One on 17th July.
Green Sandpiper
Around 40 records maximum was nine on 6th August.
Greenshank
Seven was the maximum on 2nd September.
Wood Sandpiper
Eight records the maximum being three on 6th August.
Redshank rare breeder
Maximum 10 on 24th April. A very young bird was noted on 21st July.
Jack Snipe
Eleven records of one or two along New Mill Drain and at Paraffin floods mainly.
Woodcock rare breeder
A good number of records the maximum being seven flushed from stubble on 31st January to Paraffin (JH) which equals the previous maximum of 29th November 2013. Roding birds were reported from at least three areas.
Snipe rare breeder
Four counts were over 50, the first being 58 on 11th September only being surpassed by 59 on 3rd October. At least six areas of drumming birds were located.
Black-headed Gull LC but declining/scarce breeder
Generally less than 100 present with a poor showing for breeding and very few if any fledged young. Maximum was 350 post breeding.
Mediterranean Gull
An adult on 24th November at Goole Fields (TL).
Common Gull
Not seen late spring and early summer, maximum 90 on one date and 100 on 5th August and 24th November all on the N and E fields and edges. These are the highest ever counts.
Caspian Gull
One or two reported from late July generally from or to roosts at the Goole Fields area. Ninth to 14 records for site.
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Not recorded December and generally very scarce in winter post breeding flocks reached 700 on 14th September.
Yellow-legged Gull
Seen late July to November a new maximum was 32 on 14th September (TL).
Herring Gull
The dramatic declines continue with double figures uncommon and the maximum being only 41 on 17th August.
Great Black-backed Gull
Low counts peaked at only 20 on 29th August.
Feral Pigeon
A couple of records of single birds.
Stock Dove LC/scarce breeder
Up to low 40s recorded with an exceptional number being 500 on 8th February (GF, WP).
Woodpigeon
Over 1500 in early January was the maximum.
Collared Dove
All records came from Creyke’s Sidings except one which flew over the main Canals on 25th September.
Turtle Dove scarce breeder BirdLife VUN in EU BAP
Purring males reported from 15 areas with four at Bell’s/Green Belt/Durham’s Garden area and four Crowle Moor and singles then at Goole Moor E side, Will Pits Scrape, Red House Farm, Old Peat Works (disused), Limberlost Tram, Collis’s Tram and Will Pits. The latter area almost certainly held more.
Cuckoo rare breeder BAP
Present from mid-April to third week of August, generally two or three but on several occasions six.
Barn Owl rare breeder
Several pairs located in the area, with one and sometimes two seen.
Little Owl
Few records from two areas on the edges.
Tawny Owl
One or two generally, with a family of four being noted on Goole Moor on 4th June.
Long-eared Owl
One or two generally, with two squeaking juveniles and possibly an adult briefly in flight N of Will Pits being noted on Goole Moor on 3rd June.
Short-eared Owl
One or two and once three seen, with a remarkable record of seven reported by farmer (JJ?) on Goole Fields N of Creyke’s gate on 10th October.
Nightjar uncommon breeder >1% UK BAP
A total of 47 ‘churring’ male nightjars were located during the survey of Thorne.
Swift
Maximum was 570 on 7th July.
Kingfisher
Two records outside the breeding season; one from Bell’s area and the other from Thorne Waste Drain at Woodpecker Corner.
Wryneck
One was flushed from side of Fison's Road North near the S bend on25th August (5th record for Thorne Moors WP, GF).
Green Woodpecker rare breeder
Only 14 records for this vastly declined species.
Greater Spotted Woodpecker
Recorded all months maximum was three.
Kestrel rare breeder
Recorded all months, maximum and only double figure count was 10 on 24th April.
Merlin
The latest ever was on 9th May (BPW), 47 records in total, generally single occasionally two.
Hobby
First record on 9th April (joint earliest ever with 2011 MW), with 17 on 12th May and a maximum of 18 on 25th May and last record 11th October.
Peregrine
Not recorded June and the maximum was four on 19th January.
Rose-ringed Parakeet
A male watched perched in poplars at the back of Moorends Recreation Ground on 14th January and present till 17th this was a new species for Thorne Moors (BPW, IP, GF, WP).
Great Grey Shrike
The same bird was reported on 41 dates between 3rd January and 7th April in the central area of the moors.
Red-backed Shrike
The same juvenile was reported on three dates between 11th and 14th September (seventh record for Thorne Moors BPW et al.).
Magpie
Not reported in September; maximum 20 on 14th February.
Jay
Recorded all months maximum was six on 10th and 11th October.
Jackdaw
Maximum 10 on 2th October.
Rook
Up to 106 were present post breeding mainly in the fields at the NE end of the moors.
Carrion Crow
Recorded every month with 420 being the maximum on 1st October.
Goldcrest
Mostly single figure counts in winter and autumn, maximum being 19 on 15th October.
Blue Tit
Recorded every month with 27 being the maximum on 13th January.
Great Tit
Recorded every month with 13 being the maximum on 1st January.
Coal Tit
Mainly reported in winter maximum two on several occasions.
Willow Tit rare breeder BAP
Recorded every month with four on two dates being the maximum (11th and 21st October).
Bearded Tit
One heard at Blue Bridge on 4th November was the only record (MW).
Woodlark scarce breeder BAP
Three records in May all from Crowle Moor: one singing two dates and two singing one date.
Skylark scarce breeder BAP
Recorded every month with 80 being the maximum on 25th October and around 11 males held territory on the peripheral fields, with three fledged young being seen on 17th June.
Sand Martin
Present mid-March to mid-September. Over 40 was exceptional the maximum being 60 on 16th April.
Swallow rare breeder
Present first week of April to mid-October. Over 40 was exceptional the maximum being 60 on 16th April. Arrivals peaked with c300 on 2nd May and the maximum was 1500 on 8th September which is a joint maximum.
House Martin
Present mid-April to late September. No counts exceed 100 in spring and the maximum was 300 on 8th September.
Cetti's Warbler possible
A male was present in December from 7th, at E end Goole Moor Tram.
Long-tailed Tit
Recorded every month with 28 being the maximum on 8th February, with a few other counts over 20.
Wood Warbler
One seen well S side Will Pits on 4th May. The fourth modern record (RB).
Chiffchaff
Present from mid-March to late October with birds overwintering to the end of the year at least. At least 25 males held territory.
Willow Warbler LC but declining/fairly common breeder
Present April to September, maximum males counted was 79 on 19th April, but this only covered the area N of the limestone road.
Blackcap
Present from second week of April to late October, maximum was 24 on 22nd May.
Garden Warbler
Present from third week of April to late August, maximum was 18 on 26th May.
Lesser Whitethroat
Present from second week of May to third week of June at least with up to three males present all in the colliery area.
Whitethroat LC but declining/uncommon breeder
Present from third week of April to late September, maximum was 32 on 22nd May.
Grasshopper Warbler scarce breeder BAP
Present from second week of April to early August, maximum was 8 on 25th April.
Sedge Warbler
Present from second week of April to second week September, maximum was 15 on 13th May.
Reed Warbler
Present from third week of April to third week September, maximum was 12 on 23rd May.
Treecreeper
Recorded most months; present in Will Pits and N edge of Goole Moor, two or more pairs.
Wren
Recorded every month the maximum being 31 on 19th April.
Starling rare breeder BAP
Not present April and May, maximum was at roost in October-November of 6600 on 7th November. Roosts on moors depended on weather and were usually at the reedbed at Woodside.
Ring Ouzel
Recorded just outwith the recording area at Top House Farm (W of railway) from 14th to 16th April with a pair present, this was followed on 18th April with a pair in the goat field, Crowle Moor and another pair at E end Goole Moor Tram and another male E end N edge. These five are a site maximum (BPW, RP, DP, GF, BP).
Blackbird
Recorded every month the maximum being 100 on 18th March.
Fieldfare
The maximum for the first half of the year was on 1 January when 378 were present and the latter half of the year exceeded this with 1170 on 10th November.
Song Thrush LC but declining/rare breeder BAP
Recorded every month the maximum being 8 on 12th June.
Redwing
Present until 5th April and returned 3 October maximum 123 on 3rd October.
Mistle Thrush LC but declining/rare breeder
Not reported in November, maximum was nine on 25th September.
Spotted Flycatcher rare breeder? BAP
Five records all in latter part of year, with two on two dates.
Robin
Recorded every month the maximum being 52 on 29th September.
(Thrush Nightingale
One trapped early morning on 24th August just outside the recording area at Top House Farm, East Yorkshire was a new record for the area. The bird almost certainly crossed the recording area from the E to get here (BB, BPW and photographed and measured). This is possibly the only inland record in Britain.)
Pied Flycatcher
An immature on 25th August on N edge, the fifth record of modern recording (TL).
Black Redstart
A female/immature SW side Will Pits seen well on 3rd March, the seventh record for site (SH).
Redstart
Five records all of singles.
Whinchat rare and lost breeder
Twelve records of one or two birds April, May and August to September.
Stonechat
Recorded every month the maximum being 11 on many dates. At least five pairs bred with good numbers of fledged young being seen.
Wheatear
Present from late March to late May then late July to early October, with a maximum five on three dates.
Dunnock scarce breeder BAP
Recorded every month the maximum being seven on two January dates.
House Sparrow
Present (though not always recorded) all year at Creyke’s Crossing, where 30 to 60 can easily be found.
Tree Sparrow rare breeder BAP
Present and recorded all year at Creyke’s Crossing, maximum 35 on 15th February. Breeds here and nearby in good numbers.
Yellow Wagtail scarce breeder BAP
Recorded from second week in April to third week of September, maximum was 14 on 15th August, though more could be found on Goole Fields as on 21st May when 16 were seen.
Grey Wagtail
Six records all of singles.
White Wagtail (alba)
Two records of one on 15th April and two on 13th September.
Pied Wagtail (yarrellii)
Recorded every month with the maximum being 41 on 30th August. Bred with six fledged young being seen on 7th July.
Tree Pipit rare breeder BAP
Seen from third week of April to the third week of June. Five being maximum on 9th June all on Crowle Moor. Other single territorial birds were present at midway across Goole Moor N edge and one at Lonesome Pine Tram.
Meadow Pipit uncommon breeder BirdLife NT in EU
Recorded every month with the maximum in spring being 120 on 7th April and in latter half of year 130 on 17th September.
Water Pipit
One was flushed from Swinefleet Warping Drain near Goole Moor Tram pump on 21st December, then flew east over fields, this is the second record for site (TL).
Chaffinch
In the early part of the year the maximum was 416 from the colliery roost on 15th January and in the latter part of the year from the same roost 735 on 26th December.
Brambling
Four records all from the latter part of the year with two records of single birds and two records of two birds.
Greenfinch
Not recorded in June or July, maximum was only 16 on 5th January.
Goldfinch
Recorded every month with the maximum in spring being 120 on 26th August with one other count surpassing 100.
Siskin
Not many records from the early part of the year most from summer on, maximum was 30 on 19th November.
Linnet scarce breeder BAP
Higher counts were in winter with the highest being of 300 on two dates in October.
Twite
Two records, the first from just outside the recording area at Top House Farm where it was caught and ringed on 22nd March (BB, WMc, RM). The other was on Fison’s Road North on 13th April (SH).
Lesser Redpoll LC but declining/rare breeder BAP
Not present every month in the earlier part of the year, maximum 42 on 1st January and more frequent later in the year with a maximum of 60 on 1st October.
Common Redpoll (Mealy)
Three records with 18 on 7th and a single on 13th January in the colliery area, then two at Swinefleet gate on 23rd November (all BPW).
Common Crossbill
Two records with two at Will Pits on 18th August (GF, WP) and a male and four female/immatures alighting in some birch at the E end Goole Moor Tram on 3rd October (BPW).
Bullfinch uncommon declining/rare breeder BAP
Recorded every month with the maximum being 13 on 1st January and the only other double figure count being of 10 on 5th November.
(Snow Bunting
One on 10th November at Goole Fields at bottom of Helena Farm was just outside the recording area (TL).)
Yellowhammer scarce breeder BAP
Recorded every month with the maximum being 20 at Crowle Moor goat field on both 9th February and 19th April.
Reed Bunting LC/uncommon breeder BAP
Recorded every month with the maximum being 60 on 1st October.
Corn Bunting
Seven records including summer, still breeds in the surrounding area.
Mammals and herptiles to come.
OBSERVERS 2015: Rob Adams, Alan Bamford, Steve Bamford, Richard Barnard, Bev Baxter, M Beevers, Robert Broch, Mick Bruin, Ashley Buchan, Janet Canning, Kevin Clarke, Graham Cook, Carl Cornish, John Durrant, Louise Eaton, Gary Featherstone, Keith and Sandra Hannam, Keith Heywood, James Hinchliffe, Steve Hiner, Peter Hinks, Tom Jackson, Janet Jackson, Jim Johnson, Peter Kendall, Callum King, Jason King, Helen Kirk, Phil Lee, Tom Lowe, Alan Marshall, Simone Maw, Wendy McKay, Des Parmenter, Irvin Payne, Bill Priestley, Diane Priestley, Ray Priestley, John Rampling, Dirk Rigby, Lucy Ryan, Adrian Scutt, David Slack, Julian Small, Brian Smith, Mark Smith, Richard Smith, Jim Snowden, Richard J Sprakes, Ben Steel, Barry Thompson, Bryan P Wainwright, Colin Wall, Martin Warne, Rob Watson, Darren Whitaker.