Sightings for May 2010
30th May, 2010
(Straws Bridge NR, Derbyshire)
The reported Great Reed Warbler was heard on arrival. The bird was then seen in the open providing superb views for approximately ten minutes, but was unfortunately out of reach of the camera. The following three hours proved to be very frustrating as the bird remained very vocal, but only showed itself for a few seconds on only 2 – 3 occasions. Common Buzzard (1) and Osprey (1) were seen shortly before arriving at the reserve.
23rd May, 2010
(Teesside)
A Marsh Harrier and a Cuckoo were at Dormans. Common Whitethroat (2+), Sedge Warbler (2+) and Reed Warbler (10+) were also in the area (very vocal).
A very good day for butterflies at Dormans. Dingy Skipper (10+), Large Skipper (4+), Common Blue (10+), Small Heath (4+), Small Copper (6+), Wall Brown (10+), Peacock (2), Large White (2+) and Orange Tip (2+) were seen on the path to the old hide at Dormans.
Large Red Damselfly (10+), Common Blue Damselfly (10+) and Blue–tailed Damselfly (10+) were also seen.
23rd May, 2010
(Etherley Moor)
Two Swifts, four House Martins and a Sparrowhawk were seen over Croftside. The Corn Bunting has been on the wires and trees very close to the feeding station. Tree Sparrows are now feding young in both nest boxes. House Sparrows and Starlings are also feedng young.
16th May, 2010
(Etherley Moor)
Two House Martins have returned. A Corn Bunting has been on the wires every other day for the last week or two (two were seen approximately 3 weeks ago). Tree Sparrows are nesting in two of our nest boxes.
16th May, 2010
(Bishops Park)
A Common Sandpiper and a Dipper were on the River Wear. Two more Dippers were on the Gaunless. Still no Grey Wagtails this year (Bishops Park, Escomb or Low Barns)?
Two Common Whitethroats, a Garden Warbler, three Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff, five Linnets and a Yellowhammer were seen whilst walking round the area.
Swift (5+), Swallow (8+) and Sand Martin (5+) and House Martin (5+) were in the air.
15th May, 2010
(Escomb)
A Great Crested Grebe and two Coots were the only birds on Escomb Lake. Two Tufted Ducks, a Black–headed Gull and a Moorhen were on the small pond. Two Common Sandpipers, two Oystercatchers and two Pied Wagtails were on the River Wear.
Sparrowhawk (1), Swift (5+), Swallow (10+) and Sand Martin (20+) were in the air.
Sedge Warbler (1), Common Whitethroat (1), Garden Warbler (1), Willow Warbler (4+) and Chiffchaff (3+) were amongst the usual birds to be found whilst walking round the lake & river areas.
14th May, 2010
(Low Barns)
The west pond was quite quiet with Mute Swan (1), Tufted Duck (2), Coot (1) and Mallard (2) being the only birds seen. A Pink–footed Goose was on the west pasture with three Canada Geese. Two Greylag Geese were also there.
A Grey Heron, two female Goosanders, a Mallard and a Pied Wagtail were on the river. Marston Lake was very quiet with the only dird of note being an Oystercatcher on the floating island.
Curlew (1 over), Linnet (2), Sedge Warbler (2+), Reed Warbler (1+), Reed Bunting (3), Common Kestrel (1), Treecreeper (2), Song Thrush (2), Sand Martin (1), Green Woodpecker (1), Chiffchaff (4), Willow Warbler (3), Common Whitethroat (1), Blackcap (1), Garden Warbler (2), Chaffinch (2) and Bullfinch (2) were seen whilst walking round the reserve.
13th May, 2010
(Frampton Marsh, Lincolnshire)
The reported Oriental Pratincole at Frampton Marsh RSPB Reserve was seen hunting the wetland and meadow for approximtely ten minutes, before eventually settled on one of the islands. It could be viewed from the east hide, offering good views to anyone who was lucky enough to visit the reserve, but the colours it showed in flight will not be forgotten for a long time. Unfortunately, it did not present a photo opportunity for me.
A total of fifty three different species of birds were seen during a three hour stay at the reserve. Barn Owl (1), Brent Goose (16c), Little Gull (2), Greenshank (1), Little Ringed Plover (10+), Avocet (20+), Curlew Sandpiper (5, 3 in full summer plumage), Ruff (6+, 2 in full summer plumage going through courtship displays), Yellow Wagtail (1+) and Corn Bunting (3) being the pick of the birds.
The rest of the day was spent in Norfolk. The first target bird was Montagu’s Harrier, which again did not disappoint. After a short–ish wait, the male flew in from the south carrying some prey, which was passed to the female soon after arriving at the breeding ground. The second target bird was Dartford Warbler, which was also seen after a short wait. No sign of Nightingale and I surprisingly could not locate any Stone Curlews at their usual locations. By now the light was beginning to fade and the Golden Orioles were also not seen or heard, but a Hobby gave very good views as it roosted for the night.
Two female Marsh Harriers and the second Barn Owl of the day were seen before departing for home.
9th May, 2010
(Tunstall)
A Cuckoo, a Meadow Pipit and two Linnets were the only birds seen during a quick stop at Blackbank Wood (en–route to Tunstall).
A Grey Heron, three Common Sandpipers, two Oystercatchers, several Swallows and two Pied Wagtails were seen from the dam. The second Cuckoo of the day was also heard.
The wood was quite quiet and finding the target birds proved to be quite hard. A pair of Pied Flycatchers were found after hearing their distinctive call. A further two hours passed before eventually seeing a pair of Common Redstarts (not heard). A single Wood Warbler was seen soon after (not heard).
Other birds in the wood included Sparrowhawk (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1+), Wren (1), Robin (2), Mistle Thrush (2), Blackbird (3+), Nuthatch (2), Chiffchaff (2), Willow Warbler (4+), Long–tailed Tit (4), Great Tit (2), Blue Tit (4), Coal Tit (1), Chaffinch (3) and Bullfinch (2).
2nd May, 2010
(Bassenthwaite)
Two Ospreys, five Ravens and the first House Martins of the year were the highlights of this family weekend in Bassenthwaite.
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