Local Patch Notes from STAUNTON HAROLD RESERVOIR, DERBYSHIRE – from 18th April up to 5th May.
Since returning from Varanger in Northern Norway most of the summer migrants have now arrived. Highlights of the Webscount on 21st April were 2 pairs of Mandarin, still 41 Tufted Duck, reduced to around 16 on 5th May, Pair of Oystercatcher, the roaming 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull and a single Common Snipe. Migrant warblers were Blackcap, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler all being present and 8 Sand Martin and 3 Swallow. On the 22nd April the 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull was again present briefly, also 2 male Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall, 2 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin and 2 Swallow. On 23rd April a single Swift flew through. From 25th to 29th April away in Scotland.
The next highlight came on the 1st May when I found the first Garden Warbler of the spring, also 8 Whitethroat & 2 Lesser Whitethroat. On 2nd May 2 singing Grasshopper Warbler, with one showing extremely well, a scarce bird at Staunton Harold. I heard the first Cuckoo on 3rd May and a single Arctic Tern was also present but only briefly, as it quickly departed in the warm fine weather. On the 5th May a single 2nd summer Great Black-backed Gull and still a singing Grasshopper Warbler in the morning and 2 Common Sandpiper and a single Oystercatcher early evening. There are also now several pairs of Linnet about, a bird that seems to disappear from the area during the winter months.
My year list for Staunton Harold is now at 105 up to 5th May 2013.
Above three images – Male Reed Bunting – Staunton Harold Reservoir, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Chiffchaff – Staunton Harold Reservoir, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
