Two Caspian Gulls were at Attenborough NR, Nottinghamshire, during late November. Giving excellent views from one of the hides overlooking Clifton Pit, as they fed on Spiny-cheek Crayfish. A superb Jay gave me a great photo opportunity, a difficult bird to photograph. On the 20th November I discovered the 2nd record of Great White Egret for Staunton Harold Reservoir. Still present on 22nd November. On 21st November I visited Swithland Reservoir in Leicestershire. Two 1st winter Scaup had been present for several days, giving some reasonable photo opportunities.
Staunton Harold Reservoir is my local patch, being about 1-2 miles from home. I try to visit on a daily basis, usually stopping off at the main car park for 20-30 minutes first thing each week day morning before heading off for work and visiting at least early morning on a Saturday. During the migration periods of spring and autumn, visits are a little more regular. Staunton Harold Reservoir, South Derbyshire – The Dam Wall & Draw-out Tower. The Pier is usually covered in Black-headed Gulls and the odd Common Gull first thing in the morning. The 17th October saw […]
A mixture of poor weather and domestic duties lead to a pretty much “birdless” weekend. I did manage the gull roost at nearby Foremark Reservoir on Saturday afternoon. Two superb adult summer Mediterranean Gulls were in the roost. Obviously a pair, as they continued to call to each other to ensure close contact in the roost. Also 2 x adult & 2 x 3rd winter Yellow-legged Gulls & a near adult Caspian Gull. A pretty good roost considering early March. Unfortunately no sign of the adult Iceland Gull that had been frequenting the roost during the previous week. […]
The first bird for 2011 was a Wood Pigeon, rapidly followed by Collard Dove, House Sparrow, Black-headed Gull, Starling and Blackbird all in the garden and so the new years Bird List began. Throughout the day a total of 67 species was seen. Highlights included – Yellow-legged Gull; Caspian Gull, Goldeneye and Yellowhammer all at Staunton Harold Reservoir. White-fronted Goose & Little Owl at Ambaston. Kingfisher, Water Rail and Peregrine at Willington. Redhead Smew, Curlew, Goosander and Dunlin at Foremark Reservoir.