South Lincolnshire Patching

[josh jones]

A brief intro - my patch is Baston & Langtoft Pits in South Lincs. An average gravel pit really, its been a working site for 40 years at least now, so the range of maturity over the site is pretty extensive - useful for a wider range of species to be recorded. Further details can be found here (http://pbc.codehog.co.uk/site_reports/baston_langtoft.htm).

I'm pretty bored (2006 - the worst year for birds in Britain ever?!), so I thought I'd set this up while I remember, and then I'll keep adding to it.

There's always something to see - even on the worst of days you can fall back on the resident Red-crested Pochard population. And they're not bread-munchers.

Anyway, enjoy - hopefully you will.

[josh jones]

Sunday 3rd September
Weather: mainly sunny, warm (circa 24c), but a brisk NNW wind

Not alot going on today, as often happens at this time of year (late August and early September often sees a lull locally before passerines start picking up in a week or so).

Large numbers of Red-crested Pochards have been hard to come by over the past year or so, so it was a nice surprise to encounter 26 messing around on the Corner Pit. Stupidly I forgot to look for immatures, but didn't see any 1w males in my scan of the flock. It was immediately noticeable that in the past 10 days or so since my last visit that wildfowl numbers had rocketed. The pits were stuffed with Mallards, and a single drake Teal was most unusual for this particular area. Northern Pochards had increased, and several females and juveniles were blogging around. Small numbers of Yellow Wagtails were also going through overhead. Encaptivating stuff.

I followed my usual route through the workings and saw naff all. A good flock of Teal were noted grilling the mud on the Slurry Pit - there are alot about this autumn. Most arrived the day after we watched a good westward passage on the Norfolk coast. That's what I love about patching, national movements reflected on a local scale - and to me there's nothing like it - it's a great feeling. The wader hotspots produced absolutely no waders, but more Teal. Otherwise, there was absolutely nothing. Still no hoped-for Spotted Crake. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

[josh jones]

Sunday 10th September
Weather: sunny, hot, light to moderate SE breeze

What a stunning day weather-wise! It was boiling down the patch. Still, despite this, winter continues to creep in to view bird-wise. Due to getting back to school this week I have been rather busy, and so haven't been down the patch since last Sunday. It was remarkable just how much has changed over the past 7 days.

Not as many Red-crested Pochards on the Corner Pit today (only 18), but I decided to have a better look at them and, to my delight, I found a 1st-winter drake amongst them. Good to see they have bred again. Also on here a female Shoveler, and good numbers of Northern Pochards. I was pleased to find the first Eurasian Wigeons of the autumn on the New Workings, with a skittish flock of seven accompanied by two drake Gadwall and a drake Shoveler (the latter is always a notable species here by the way!). Once again, there were no waders present. The New Workings also produced a juv-type Northern Wheatear right on cue - these should be passing through in small numbers for the next few weeks. A few Yellow Wagtails went over, and Meadow Pipit numbers seem to have increased.

Once again, did my usual route. Two more Wigeon (a pair) were on ARC Pit, and Slurry Pit held good numbers of Lapwings and small gulls, but lacked anything scarcer. 12 Teal were asleep in the heat on the small pond next to Slurry Pit, and a Green Sandpiper was probing around in the mud here. Two further Green Sands flushed from workings near the Sand Martin bank, but bird of the day goes to the Curlew that flushed from by Pocket Park and flew off calling - this species is rather scarce here.

I have attatched two crap pics: one of the Wheatear, and the other showing three Red-crested Pochards - two adult drakes and the 1st-winter drake (note the bill beginning to turn red).

That was about it, more of a day to appreciate the cloudless skies than the quality of the birding. Hopefully I will get out more this week - Pec, anyone?

[josh jones]

Tuesday 12th September
Weather: overcast with light showers, very humid, light SW breeze

Only a brief visit this evening amongst homework and other things. All the usuals present, still good numbers of Red-crested Pochards showing on Corner Pit, and a Snipe flew over the road by the New Works. No waders again this evening.

[josh jones]

Saturday 16th September
Weather: sunny, warm, still, slightly misty at times

Brief visit again this evening, but that did not prevent some superb birds being seen. A dark-morph Honey Buzzard drifted south just before 18:00, and a little after a Tree Pipit flew south calling. Both were patch ticks, with the latter especially being highly-anticipated. Aside this it was the same old, with a single Green Sandpiper still, and good numbers of returning Eurasian Wigeon and Teal.

[josh jones]

Sunday 17th September
Weather: very warm, sunny, light SW veering more W by evening

Today was the first WeBS count of the 'winter', and so naturally I spent quite alot of time wandering around this afternoon, counting exciting species such as Coots. Actually to be fair, I did see quite alot that wasn't water-based, with the highlight being a passage of Common Buzzards. The now-resident adult was hanging around in the Slurry Pit area as usual, but just before this put in an appearance, a fresh-looking individual flew SW at very high altitude. About 15 minutes later, a second individual went SW at equally high altitude - only just visible to the naked eye. Three Buzzards in an afternoon here is quite something! In addition to this, a female Sparrowhawk went high south, and an adult Hobby also went through - quality raptor movement in addition to yesterday's Honey Buzz.

Bird of the day goes to a superb Spotted Crake however, which is sadly on private land. Picked up immediately after scanning an area and thinking "wow, why has this never had Spotted Crake before?!". We will see if it is still present tomorrow, but it has rounded off a quite fantastic September weekend (the 17th is a bit of a red-letter day, with such gems as Manx Shearwater in 2003).

Passerines included several flocks of Meadow Pipits over, and four flava wagtails south. I was amused by a Sparrowhawk attacking a Green Woodpecker aswell, the woody made one hell of a racket!

Anyway, waterbird counts for today's survey:
Little Grebe 12
Great Crested Grebe 14
Cormorant 6
Grey Heron 4
Mute Swan 8
Greylag Goose 233
Canada Goose 76
Barnacle Goose 2
Eurasian Wigeon 78
Gadwall 12
Common Teal 54
Mallard 132
Shoveler 4
Red-crested Pochard 22
Northern Pochard 34
Tufted Duck 55
Moorhen 7
Coot 235
Golden Plover 1
Lapwing 16
Common Snipe 2
Green Sandpiper 1
Kingfisher 1

... and thats about it!

[josh jones]

Apologies for the lack of updates. Last time I went out was Tuesday 19th, when the Spotted Crake was still present...... going out later today though.

[Joe Ray]

Excellent stuff Josh, keep it coming.

[josh jones]

Monday 2nd October
Weather: mild, partly cloudy, moderate SW wind dropping by dusk

Really not getting out as much as I would have liked at the moment. Anyway, definitely the coolest evening of the autumn so far, with it being the first time my ears have got cold since April! Quite an eventful evening out again though, as usual Corner Pit held a healthy number of Red-crested Pochards (20), with some now almost fully moulted. Wigeon are still very prominent, with most pits holding good numbers. A couple of Snipe were also feeding on the Corner Pit island.

New Works produced the bird of the evening, a small adult Peregrine bombing through terrorizing the newly-arrived Golden Plovers. A nice sign that winter is only just around the corner...

Not alot doing otherwise, a Ringed Plover flying south calling was quite an unseasonable surprise, and a few flocks of Meadow Pipits moved through. Still no Redwings.

Check out the attatched - shows the first-winter drake Red-crested Pochard as of 2nd Oct - note how much it has moulted since my last image.

[josh jones]

Tuesday 3rd October
Weather: cool, sunny intervals, moderate W breeze

Very little to report from a brief outing this evening, aside an increase in Wigeon numbers. Still 16 Red-crested Pochards performing admirably on Corner Pit.

[Jono L]

Tuesday 3rd October
Weather: cool, sunny intervals, moderate W breeze

Very little to report from a brief outing this evening, aside an increase in Wigeon numbers. Still 16 Red-crested Pochards performing admirably on Corner Pit.

ayup!
We got a manky RC Poch at Grafham Water today. Sexed as a male due to the red beak, but I am not sure whether it is a bird coming out of eclipse or a juvenile just acquring a few adult feathers. It has quite a lot of black mottling on the breast, otherwise female-like.
Any thoughts??
Cheers Jono Leadley
www.indybirder.com

[Jono L]

ayup!
We got a manky RC Poch at Grafham Water today. Sexed as a male due to the red beak, but I am not sure whether it is a bird coming out of eclipse or a juvenile just acquring a few adult feathers. It has quite a lot of black mottling on the breast, otherwise female-like.
Any thoughts??
Cheers Jono Leadley
www.indybirder.com

By the way there is a photo on the Grafham Water Photos 2006
section of www.indybirder.com
ta

[josh jones]

By the way there is a photo on the Grafham Water Photos 2006
section of www.indybirder.com
ta

Jono - only just seen your post, sorry. Looks like a 1st-winter drake to me. The adult drakes retain the bright red bills, and are generally brighter-looking than this even in eclipse.

The first-winter is still here at BLGP today, and is beginning to look more adult like aside the dull bill and poor head markings.

[josh jones]

Thursday 12th October
Weather: mild, sunny, light westerly wind

More ducks today than last week, with 81 Wigeon on Corner/Long Pits - this place usually holds no more than 10!

Still 12 Red-crested Pochards showing including the 1w drake - an educational bird if anyone cares.

Plenty more finches and thrushes about now.

[josh jones]

Sunday 29th October
Weather: mild, sunny and still at first, but cooling off rapidly towards dusk

After missing October's WeBS, I decided to do one for my own personal records today. As it happened, I got too distracted by other birds, and so only a partial count was undertaken. Still, a count of 386 Coot on the New Works/Hanson areas was exceptional - this is an excellent total even in mid-winter for the particular area of the complex. Compare this to about 150 in September.

Anyway, today's highlight was a singing Cetti's Warbler deep in the 4-ways fishery complex. This is presumably the same bird as the one that sang here in the spring. A female Stonechat was only about the third I have ever seen on the patch, so also a very good record. This little cracker was performing well along the road to the reedbed.

Perhaps the most encouraging sighting was a vocal flock of at least 15 Tree Sparrows, loafing in the hedgerow opposite the New Workings, and giving great views amongst other finches and buntings. Also, a Brambling showed nicely by Park Farm. Up to 6 wintered here in 2003/04, so it was nice to see one back again (most of the more recent records have involved flyovers or passage birds).

A Siskin flew west over the Pocket Park just after 14:00 - always a good bird here (apart from last winter where there were over 150!).

As for wildfowl, Teal numbers have plummeted (as expected), but Wigeon continue to increase. Red-crested Pochards numbered 21 today on Corner Pit, of which three were first-winter drakes. I wonder where the extra two immatures have been all autumn.. it just shows how easily things disappear on the complex.

Anyway, check out the crappy pictures attatched for now, and enjoy...

[josh jones]

Monday 30th October
Weather: mild and cloudy with a moderate to brisk WSW wind

Remarkably, I made my second visit to the patch in as many days today - something quite unheard of in recent times, I am ashamed to say.

Much less action today, presumably due to the rather unsettled weather conditions, but a cracking Merlin (the first of the winter and a rather scarce bird here) flew east over the crossroads mid-afternoon. The first Fieldfares of the autumn for the patch flew west in one flock of 46, pausing only briefly.

I had a walk round some of the private pits today (I'm allowed, don't worry), and wildfowl levels were pretty low. However, a congregation of over 25 Great Crested Grebes on the Ocean was very notable.

[josh jones]

Saturday 4th November
Weather: clear, sunny, cold and a moderate NW wind

At last! I finally find a real rarity on the patch, in the shape of the first site record of Richard's Pipit! A real shock, picked up on call as it flew in to the paddocks, where I had it twice in five minutes but then we could not relocate it all afternoon.

Excitement aside, there were two noisy Water Rails in the reedbed (the first of the winter), and at least eight Red-crested Pochards still knocking about. Wigeon numbers had once again swollen.

The first Goldeneye had arrived back today (although more likely some time in the week), with three female-types around; one on Gull Pit and two on ARC Pit.

[josh jones]

Thursday 9th November
Weather: sunny, cool, moderate to brisk NW wind

A very nice day weather-wise, but very little birds to show for it. The highlight was a movement of Fieldfare. Although I saw only 50 or so go through west at BLGP, along the A15 between Langtoft and Bourne I recorded three large flocks going west totalling over 300 birds.

The only other significant occurrence was a near full summer-plumaged Black-headed Gull on ARC Pit. This phenomenon has become annual in November and early December of late, with several birds often moulting in to partial summer plumage before moulting in to winter plumage again by late December - most odd, and comments very welcome!

Gadwall had increased, with 12 on Corner Pit alone. However, only one Red-crested Pochard (a drake) showed.

Check out the attachments - this is the typical state of these partially-plumaged Black-headed Gulls, although I have seen some with much more extreme 'black' heads. There are typically one or two in a flock of BHGs ranging in size from 100 - 300 birds.

[josh jones]

Sunday 19th November
Weather: sunny, cold, moderate S to SW wind

Today saw me attempt to do the WeBS count. Sure enough I got two of the four areas done, but sadly was distracted by a large flock of some 800 Golden Plovers on the southwestern side of the complex. After much stalking, I eventually got a look at about 400 or 500 of the birds, but there was no hoped-for American Golden Plover. I will hopefully go back for better views of all the birds as soon as possible...

Aside the plovers, there wasn't really much happening. A couple of flyover Siskins were pleasant, including a male in some kind of subsong. Highlight for me was a Chiffchaff (the first wintering bird I have located), calling regularly on the western side of ARC Pit.

The first Jack Snipe of the winter was flushed from the meadow, which quite interestingly uttered a single soft note - I don't recall hearing them before.

[josh jones]

Sunday 26th November
Weather: sunny, mild, moderate westerly wind

After a late night the previous evening, my walk around round the pits was more of a slow stumble today. After an hour or so, the only real bit of quality I had encountered was a brief fly-through juvenile Peregrine, and my concentration and energy levels were waning.

After a count of 29 Red-crested Pochards made by local birder Trev Williams last weekend (the highest so far this year), I was spurred on to spend a little more time grilling the Corner Pit to see just how many there were. A number (at least four) of first-winter drakes appeared, and it was encouraging to note several new birds. As I worked my way around the pit, I was amazed to encounter no less than 36 birds on the pit alone and, in addition to a single adult drake on Long Pit, this made a record count of 37+ birds! An excellent result considering I had no evidence of breeding this year until September.

Anyway - check out the attatched pochard images. The first image shows an adult and a first-winter drake, and the second shows a pair of adult birds in the foreground with two first-winter drakes in the background. The immature birds are now so adult-like that a brief scan is not enough to distinguish them. Black on the bill is now extremely limited, and aside a few brown feathers and a slightly duller look, they may well be identified as adults.

Incidentally two Little Egrets were seen last Sunday (19th) by Trevor Williams, perhaps returning birds as they are favouring the same drains as the birds of last winter/spring.

[josh jones]

Sunday 3rd December
Weather: sunny, but a bitter and strong (gale force at times) SW wind

After last night's almost storm-force winds battering the area (and the nation it seems), I was keen to get down the pits to see if anything interesting was going to put in a performance. I spent all afternoon traipsing round, and considering the effort I put in, the reward was very small.

Everywhere was very quiet (but duck numbers, especially Mallard and Tufted Ducks have increased greatly), with no hoped-for divers, skuas or even petrels. However, the first Smew of the winter put in an appearance - a quality first-winter drake on the old wader scrape. Plumage was a bit scruffy, with upperparts and the nape retaining grey juvenile feathering and a scruffy crest. Always a great species to see though, and for me a real sign of winter.

There were good numbers of Wigeon and Gadwall also, but surprisingly no Goosanders - three flew over our house on Tuesday evening (they regularly do this as we lie on the flight path between BLGP and the roost site at nearby Tallington), so they have presumably been present here already despite me failing to record them.

[Joe Ray]

That's a great patch you've got Josh, I'm mega jealous. What's your lifelist, btw.? Couldn't find it on your website.

[josh jones]

Sunday 10th December
Weather: cold, overcast with rain later, strengthening SW wind

After a promising morning weather-wise, things deteriorated quickly as I hit the patch, and immediately I regretted wearing nothing warmer than a jumper.

It was WeBS count day, and for once I actually surveyed the whole complex and got all four sections of the pits completed. Very little of interest was seen, although Wigeon numbers were impressive considering we have had no cold snaps so far this winter. Totals included the following (totals for 18/12/04 in brackets):

770 Coot (922)
373 Wigeon (187)
23 Red-crested Pochard (29)
12 Goldeneye (9)

It is fascinating (now I have done the WeBS for three winter periods at the site) to compare how totals differ from month to month, and how they fluctuate over the years. 2004 was considerably colder than 2006 has been so far, and so this almost certainly accounts for the larger count of Coot in '04.

Anyway, I am going to stop rambling. In short, very little to see today. The first Bullfinch for a few months showed up opposite ARC Pit, and a couple of Sparrowhawks made their presence felt amongst the large flock of the thrushes opposite the New Workings.

[josh jones]

Saturday 16th December
Weather: cold, sunny, light SW breeze

For me this evening was the first real taste of winter - very cold as the sun was going down. I spent the afternoon wandering round the pits with a few bits of interest to show for the effort.

On arrival at the New Workings, a familar (but seldom heard at BLGP!) call met my ears - Tree Sparrows, calling from the hedge I had seen and photographed them in back in October. I managed to see at least four, although with difficult light conditions and a thick hedge, there could have easily been more. Also in the same hedgerow were about 30 Chaffinches, 80 Fieldfares, 20 Redwings and a few Yellowhammers - clearly this flock is worth keeping an eye on.

There were 23 Red-crested Pochards on Corner Pit, with 7 more on the Ocean. I wonder where the rest have got to. Three Goosanders (including one fine drake) on the old wader scrape were the first I have seen at the site this winter, and three Shovelers (1 drake), 45+ Teal and at least 250 Wigeon generated an impressive chorus of calling wildfowl.

Not too much else today, but wildfowl numbers (especially Wigeon) are currently very healthy. A first-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull lingered briefly around the old wader scrape, but then flew SW. Aside the semi-resident adult bird, this species is always notable in winter. The usual pair of Barnacle Geese were again present with the resident Greylag flock.

A couple of photos attatched.

[josh jones]

Sunday 17th December
Weather: cold, sunny, light to moderate WNW wind

With settled conditions overnight (and nothing new reported this morning on the news services), I was essentially expecting a quiet afternoon stroll around the pits, with very little change from yesterday. However, it turned out to be a much better walk than I had expected!

Starting by the New Works, I immediately noted several Tree Sparrows again in the hedgerow opposite - very vocal today. Oddly, there were no Red-crested Pochards on show on Corner Pit today however.

I took a slightly different route by heading northwards from the crossroads (for a bit of a change), and found a good flock of finches feeding in the alder stands. Alas, all it contained were Goldfinches and Chaffinches. A single Brambling did fly in after a while, but I could only hear it and never saw it perched - still, always a great bird to have on the patch.

Interestingly, it appeared there had been a small arrival of diving ducks, with many more Tufties around than of late, and also the first two drake Goldeneyes of the autumn joining the increasing numbers of females.

As I was wandering along, I continued to check the large, open fields thinking "why are there no White-fronted Geese here, ever?!". Despite constant watching for the past four years, I was still yet to record the species on the patch. Remarkably, just five or so minutes later I located an adult of the Eurasian race albifrons in the Greylag flock on the old wader scrape! A second, and then a third adult also appeared out the long grass of the far island, and continued to feed alongside the plastics (inc. the two Barnacles from yesterday) and plenty of Wigeon. Several local birders appeared within ten minutes, as this was a much-needed Deepings tick for many. The birds continued to show until sunset drew near, and we all left. It will be interesting to see if they are still around in coming days.

To put it in to context how rare they are here, this was only the second site record following four for one day only way back in March 1993!

[josh jones]

Monday 18th December
Weather: very cold, still, overcast, misty

I took advantage of an afternoon off school today, and visited the pits chiefly in the hope of relocating yesterday's White-fronted Geese. No luck with them however, although the main goose flock was in an area where I could only see a few of them (inaccessible part!), and so I imagine they are probably still present.

There was however:

1 Water Rail - squealing from reedbed pit
15 Goldeneye - highest count this winter so far
2 Brambling - NW corner of old wader scrape
24 Red-crested Pochards
4 Herring Gulls (flew W)
4 Snipe

... and not alot else! Numbers of Tufted Ducks and Pochards are finally beginning to increase, and there were well over 400 Wigeon today across the pits.

As the birding wasn't great and the sunset was, enclosed are a few photos for you all to marvel at...

[josh jones]

Wednesday 20th December
Weather: cold (5 celsius), still, sunny

Couldn't be bothered with the last day of school (it involving a two-hour carol service and no work), so I stayed in bed and then went down the pits. Again no Whitefronts but the geese weren't on show.

Highlights from today:

Pintail: 4 (2 drakes) on the New Workings
Little Egret: 1 in the cross drain
Woodcock: 1 flushed from NW corner of the old wader scrape
Goosander: drake on old wader scrape from late morning
Buzzard: adult hunting on the fen to the east
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 1st-winter flew west

The Pintail is the highest number I have ever recorded at the pits (a very scarce bird here indeed), and the first of this winter. Not alot else on show.

Wigeon numbers have plummeted, with little more than 100 present across the pits today - quite odd considering the recent cold snap. Perhaps they have moved on to nearby Baston Fen NR, away from midweek disturbance from gravel extracters/fishermen etc. Gorgeous day though.

Today's photos - the old wader scrape as viewed from the SW side, and an adult drake Goldeneye on the Corner Pit.

[josh jones]

Friday 22nd December
Weather: very cold (-2 celsius), still, misty

It was remarkably cold this morning until about quarter to 11, with the temperature remaining firmly below freezing until about half an hour ago when it just popped over the freezing mark (currently about 2 here now). Yesterday was a complete write-off for birding, with a pea-souper fog dominating all day! I did try, though.

Sadly, the birds weren't doing alot today. Three Pintails remain (2 drakes), including a pair now on the old wader scrape and the third bird on the New Works still. A couple of Shoveler (ad & 1w drakes), and 17 Goldeneye (now 4 drakes) were also showing - this is the highest count of Geye so far this winter.

Excellent numbers of thrushes congregating in the Paddocks, with 150 each of Redwings and Fieldfares, perhaps as many as 200 Blackbirds, and smaller numbers of Song Thrushes, as well as a few Reed Bunts, Chaffinches and Yellowhammers.

Will we be getting any more Christmas treats? Who knows. Incidentally, the White-fronts are currently spending most of their time on Langtoft west end pits, on the other side of the village! Come back, please....

[mat]

hi, we're planning a visit to the pits on 27th jan on our way back from norfolk- any special bits we should go to and can we do a circular walk around them??
regards
Mat

[josh jones]

Saturday 23rd December
Weather: cold (3 celsius), still, overcast, slightly misty

First of all Mat - hopefully you got my PM.

Anyway, today proved to be somewhat of a red-letter day at Baston & Langtoft. On arrival at the New Works, the first oddity of the day was an Oystercatcher flying around calling. I didn't think much of it, despite it being the first December record for the pits in the time I have been covering them. Plenty of Wigeon and Gadwall were also in the Corner/Long/New Works pits area.

Quickly to the highlight of the day (and what a bird it was!), a first-winter drake Long-tailed Duck was present on the Ocean! It wasn't feeding, and constantly looked alert. It clearly wasn't settled, as it kept getting flushed by the local Coots, and I finally left it as it flew down to the other end of this huge pit. Sharing the pit were the four European White-fronted Geese once again, after their brief holiday on the other side of Langtoft village.

There was an excellent fall of marine birds in the local area today, presumably the product of overnight fog in the area. Other birds around BLGP included:

Dunlin: 2 on Slurry Pit
Curlew: 1 on Slurry Pit late afternoon but flew west
Redshank: 2
Green Sandpiper: 1 in the drain by Slurry Pit
Pintail: 1 female remains on the old wader scrape
Goosander: now 2 drakes on the old wader scrape
Goldeneye: now 18+ across the complex, but only 2 drakes today
Buzzard: same bird as recently still on the fen behind the New Works

Will be interesting to see if the LTD is still around tomorrow - I have a feeling it won't be, especially if it continues not to feed. It turned out to be a stunning day locally, with other local sites bagging Common Scoter, large numbers of Knot, Barwits, Grey Plovers, Sanderling, Dunlin, and a few more Oystercatchers - remarkable stuff!

The Long-tailed Duck represents the first site record, and the first in the local area since November 2004 when one was down the road at Deeping Lakes. A very rare species locally.

[josh jones]

Sunday 24th December
Weather: slightly milder, light easterly breeze, overcast

Another good day down the pits. Yesterday's first-winter Long-tailed Duck took alot of refinding, but eventually reappeared at the western end of the Ocean. It spent most of its time asleep, but did occasionally wake up when attacked by Coots. However, it certainly looks more settled than it did yesterday.

Also around today:

White-fronted Goose: 4 adults still on the Ocean with Greylags
Little Egret: 2 on Slurry Pit
Goosander: drake on old wader scrape
Shoveler: 4 drakes around
Redshank: 1 on Slurry Pit
Golden Plover: 1 with Lapwings
Barnacle Goose: the usual pair with the Greylag flock.

Another excellent day's birding. Find enclosed some closer pics of the LTD in very poor light.

[josh jones]

Monday 25th December
Weather: overcast, light SE breeze, mild

No sign today of the White-fronts or Long-tailed Duck, although the following were noted on a much quieter day than of late:

Grey Wagtail: 1 on northern side of pits
Green Sandpiper: 1 on pit just north of Gull Pit
Water Rail: 2 on the same pit
redpoll sp: at least two over calling - the first of the winter
Shoveler: 3 on the Ocean
Chiffchaff: one by the Ocean
Red-crested Pochard: at least 21 on the Ocean

Also a good movement today of large gulls with about 50 Lesser Black-backed, 25 Herring and 25 Great Black-backed all over in a southerly direction mid-late morning. In addition to this, Will Bowell recorded a small number of LBB and GBBs loafing on Slurry Pit.

[josh jones]

Wednesday 26th December
Weather: overcast, cold, light - moderate southerly breeze

Started to complete my areas in the forthcoming Deepings Area Winter bird Atlas today. The following were noted:

White-fronted Goose: 4 adult albifrons again on the Ocean
Chiffchaff: 2 around complex
Green Sandpiper: 1 on pit north of Gull Pit
Redshank: 1 on same pit
Water Rail: 1 squealing from reeds on the same pit
Grey Wagtail: 1 over Slurry Pit
Barnacle Goose: usual 2 adults with 460+ Greylags

Pretty gripping bird down the road with a Red-throated Diver at Deeping Lakes - this species is missing from the BLGP list. Didn't get for it, but hopefully it will still be there tomorrow.

Photo of one of the White-fronts attached.

[josh jones]

Thursday 28th December
Weather: mild, still, overcast but clearing later to leave a mild, sunny afternoon

First of all, note the above is meant to read Weds 27th December!

Another pretty routine day around the pits (and no Red-throated Diver down the road either!):

Little Egret: 2 in field SE of Jet Ski Lake
Common Buzzard: 1 by the egrets!
Goosander: 3 drakes on old wader scrape
Red-crested Pochard: 31 around complex
Shoveler: 5 on the ocean
Green Sand: 1 in usual spot
Water Rail: 1 squealing
Redshank: 1 on Slurry Pit
Treecreeper: 1 by the old wader scrape
Bullfinch: pair in the paddocks

Check out the attached photos - the sunset got the better of me again (as those that view surfbirds galleries may have found out).

[josh jones]

Saturday 30th December
Weather: dull, moderate SW breeze, strengthening and becoming rainy by early afternoon

Well, this was my final visit to BLGP of the year, and to say the very least it was unremarkable. Wigeon numbers have risen once again (400 dotted around the pits now), and a drake Pintail was with them. The usual Green Sandpiper was about. Other than that, not a lot!!

Its been an excellent 2006. Highlights have included Richard's Pipit, Spotted Crake, Honey Buzzard, Long-tailed Duck, White-fronted Geese, Black-necked Grebes (3), Black Terns (17+), loads of spring waders and so on. Hopefully there will be more of the same for 2007. As I am off to Norfolk tomorrow, my next post will be next year! A Happy New Year to all....

[josh jones]

Tuesday 2nd January
Weather: cool, bright, strong westerly wind

A brief scan on the way to North Lincolnshire produced my first Red-crested Pochards (3) of 2007 on the old wader scrape, along with the drake Pintail still and loads of Wigeon.

Hopefully my first proper birding visit to the pits will be made this weekend!

[josh jones]

Saturday 6th January
Weather: mild, still, overcast

Good to meet Nick Sismey today, sorry I couldn't show you anything remarkable, but its always nice to see the RC Pochards...

Sightings today:

Cetti's Warbler: 1 singing
Green Sandpiper: 1 in usual spot
Lesser Redpoll: 1+ over with 50+ Goldfinches
Treecreeper: 1
Woodcock: 1 flushed
Tree Sparrow: a few still
Red-crested Pochard: 7+ on old wader scrape

[josh jones]

Sunday 14th January
Weather: mild, sunny, moderate W breeze

The balmy (but windy) January continues, and yesterday saw the following at the pits:

Smew: 2 (drake & redhead) on old wader scrape
Siskin: 3 knocking about
Shoveler: 3
Barn Owl: 1 hunting the old wader scrape
Bullfinch: 1 high west calling


I also visited the pits today (15th) as dusk approached, but saw nothing of interest.

[josh jones]

Friday 2nd February
Weather: mild, sunny, still

My goodness, its been ages since I visited the pits! I spent an impressive and very productive 50 minutes doing the usual spots this evening.

Mealy Redpoll: 1 with 6-7 Lessers
Smew: 1 redhead on old wader scrape
Goosander: pair on fishing pits
Redshank: 5 just north of Gull Pit

Loads of birds singing now - also absolutely piles of midges buzzing about. What has happened to winters these days?!

[josh jones]

Sunday 4th February
Weather: sunny, still, cool

A welcome return from two European White-fronted Geese (the first time they have been seen here since late December) today, with a Greylag flock totalling around 200 birds, including a number of really nasty hybrids. There was also:

Smew: 2 (m&f) on old wader scrape
Goosander: 9 (6f, 2m, 1 1st-w m)
Wigeon: 570+ around - easily the best count of the winter

[josh jones]

Sunday 11th February
Weather: generally cloudy with some brighter spells, moderate to brisk WNW wind, cool

I had hoped that the snow midweek may have brought in a few more birds to BLGP, but sadly I was wrong (certainly on the wildfowl front anyway). However, still a most enjoyable day - the highlight for me was getting within 15 metres of a pair of Smew before they woke up, saw me, and flew! Around today:

Tree Sparrow: at least 43 by the meadow - a record count for the species
White-fronted Goose: 2 adult albifrons still on the old wader scrape
Smew: 3 on the old wader scrape (1m 2f) and a further redhead on the Ocean
Goosander: 10 on the old wader scrape (6m 4f)
Green Sandpiper: 1 on pit north of Gull Pit
Redshank: 2 on the same pit as the Green Sand
Shoveler: 3 (2 drk)
Cormorant: at least 21 today


Some pretty pictures attached.

[josh jones]

Wednesday 14h February
Weather: sunny, cool, moderate to brisk NW wind

One of the first birds I saw today when I arrived at the New Works was a Little Egret - just one of three that have been in the area recently. Just a year ago this would have caused quite a stir, but winter records seem to have become the norm now.

The highlight from today's visit was a female Ruddy Duck - the first I have seen at BLGP since the last one in June 2005. With all the culling going on, I genuinely believed we weren't going to get another either, so it was a very nice surprise.

I didn't see the White-fronted Geese today, but I didn't scan the flock carefully and most were out of view anyway. Other stuff about:

Smew: 2 (1 drake) on the old wader scrape
Tree Sparrow: at least 30 still
Goosander: 4m, 3f, 1 f-w m
Snipe: 9 by the New Workings
Redshank: 1

No summer waders (e.g. Oystercatchers) yet, but they should be here within the next week! Spring is only just around the corner... pics enclosed of Little Egret, drake Smew (it just wouldn't look my way!), Goosanders, and Ruddy Duck.

[josh jones]

Saturday 17th February
Weather: sunny and cool with a cold N breeze, clouding over by late morning

Another interesting day down the pits, the highlight being the first of the summer migrants to arrive - two Oystercatchers - four days earlier than in 2006.

The extremely elusive Jay is still around today (after first being seen on Feb 4th). Today it was easily located as it was very vocal, and showed well after a while. Also around:

Smew: 3 (1 drake)
Goosander: 7 (4 drakes)
Barnacle Goose: 3 - the resident pair have been joined by a third individual
Lesser Redpoll: 3 with Goldfinches
Tree Sparrow: still loads by the meadow
Redshank: 7 in one flock
Teal: 31
Wigeon: 425+

Again no sign of the White-fronted Geese, but again I didn't really look properly as most of the geese were out of view.

Lots of signs of spring now, such as a flock of 150+ vocal Black-headed Gulls back by the colony on the ocean, many displaying and scrapping etc. Good stuff.

[josh jones]

Tuesday 20th February
Weather: overcast, still, mild

An hour-long visit late afternoon produced:

White-fronted Goose: 2 adult albifrons on Gull Pit
Smew: 1 drake on old wader scrape
Goosander: 3
Oystercatcher: 2 on old wader scrape
Tree Sparrow: several still
Barnacle Goose: 1 on Gull Pit
Goldeneye: 21 across the pits

Photos of Whitefronts and Oystercatchers attached.

[josh jones]

Wednesday 21st February
Weather: sunny spells, moderate SW breeze, very mild

Easily the most spring-like day of the year, with the bright sunshine really warming things up. Many birds are paired up now (esp ducks), with others displaying like mad. There appears to be a considerable amount of heron action at the moment, with adult birds coming and going on a regular basis - presumably birds from the nearby colony in Deeping St. James.

White-fronted Goose: 2 adult albifrons on Corner Pit today with c10 Greylags
Little Egret: 1 low over the old wader scrape
Jay: still present and very vocal near Pine Lake
Barnacle Goose: 1 on old wader scrape
Oystercatcher: 4 now in, 2 on the old wader scrape and 2 at Grummit's Scrape
Smew: 3 (1 drake)
Goosander: 9 (5m, 4f)
Shoveler: 7 today, 5 drakes
Redshank: 6 flying over ARC Pit from Slurry

[josh jones]

Friday 23rd February
Weather: generally overcast, moderate S breeze strengthening and veering SW by late afternoon, mild

A real bit of excitement today, when i discovered a drake Chiloe Wigeon on the old wader scrape with 200+ Wigeon! Yes, a clear escape but an excellent-looking creature, and it was clearly enjoying the local female Eurasian counterparts.

Shoveler: an increase to 11 today
Jay: the usual bird still about and vocal
Smew: 3 (1 drk), the drake was displaying
Goosander: 6 (3 drks)
Oystercatcher: 4, 2 on old wader scrape and 2 on the ocean
Tree Sparrow: a brief scan revealed at least 15 still
Barnacle Goose: 1 (the new bird) complete with a nasty limp
Goldeneye: at least 26 today in two groups, with 6+ males displaying

I didn't see the White-fronted Geese today but then again didn't really look properly. Photo of the Chiloe attached.

[Kite]

What a magnificently thorough, interesting and well presented thread! :clap::C

[josh jones]

What a magnificently thorough, interesting and well presented thread! :clap::C

Thanks Kite, I hope you get as much pleasure from reading about my adventures as I do from actually living them :egghead: :egghead:

[matt green]

What a magnificently thorough, interesting and well presented thread! :clap::C

I'm enjoying this one also,keep it running Josh B (:

Does the relative lack of comments mean you've got south lincolnshire all too yourself ;)

Matt

[Brian Stone]

All other South Lincs birders are under house arrest and if let out have to wear blindfolds. Keep it up Josh.

[josh jones]

I'm enjoying this one also,keep it running Josh B (:

Does the relative lack of comments mean you've got south lincolnshire all too yourself ;)

Matt

See Brian's post - that sort of sums it up!

Either that or they're charging off round the country like Will Bowell is - he's got the yearlisting disease I've had for the past two years.

Anyway, cheers for the kind comments Matt. I need sleep - too much work for one day.

[josh jones]

Saturday 24th February
Weather: sunny intervals, very mild in the sun, moderate SW wind veering W at times

Another good day down the pits, with one of the first birds I saw being a Curlew on the New Workings. I only noticed it because it started calling and flying around - once it landed it melted in to the long grass on the right hand side of the pit. This is the first Curlew I've ever had truly on the deck at BLGP! Other bits from today included:

White-fronted Goose: 2 adults still with Greylags, today on the old wader scrape before flying east
Smew: drake, redhead, and 1st-winter drake
Goosander: a pair flew over
Fieldfare: very large numbers currently around the site
Red-crested Pochard: 33 on the traditional pool next to Gull Pit

There was no sign of yesterday's drake Chiloe Wigeon today, but a pretty gruesome aythya hybrid was lurking amongst the increased number of Tufted Duck and Pochard - a female Tuftie X Greater Scaup - see the enclosed photo!

[Helenelizabeth2]

Saturday 24th February
Weather: sunny intervals, very mild in the sun, moderate SW wind veering W at times

Another good day down the pits, with one of the first birds I saw being a Curlew on the New Workings. I only noticed it because it started calling and flying around - once it landed it melted in to the long grass on the right hand side of the pit. This is the first Curlew I've ever had truly on the deck at BLGP! Other bits from today included:

White-fronted Goose: 2 adults still with Greylags, today on the old wader scrape before flying east
Smew: drake, redhead, and 1st-winter drake
Goosander: a pair flew over
Fieldfare: very large numbers currently around the site
Red-crested Pochard: 33 on the traditional pool next to Gull Pit

There was no sign of yesterday's drake Chiloe Wigeon today, but a pretty gruesome aythya hybrid was lurking amongst the increased number of Tufted Duck and Pochard - a female Tuftie X Greater Scaup - see the enclosed photo!

I should have gone with you, shouldn't I? I failed to find any of the Smew this morning (did see your Curlew though). Whereabouts were they?
Thanks
Helen

[josh jones]

I should have gone with you, shouldn't I? I failed to find any of the Smew this morning (did see your Curlew though). Whereabouts were they?
Thanks
Helen

Uncharacteristically, they were on the Ocean, which is not viewable from the road (it is beyond the old wader scrape).

Where was the Curlew when you saw it? I could only see it when it was flying around - it just completely disappeared when it landed!

[Helenelizabeth2]

Uncharacteristically, they were on the Ocean, which is not viewable from the road (it is beyond the old wader scrape).

Where was the Curlew when you saw it? I could only see it when it was flying around - it just completely disappeared when it landed!

I don't know the names of the pits. If you drive out of Langtoft towards the pits and turn right at the crossroads there are 3 pits there. The curlew was on an island in the first one with some Black-Headed Gulls. This was about 10-10.30.

Cheers
H

[josh jones]

I don't know the names of the pits. If you drive out of Langtoft towards the pits and turn right at the crossroads there are 3 pits there. The curlew was on an island in the first one with some Black-Headed Gulls. This was about 10-10.30.

Cheers
H

Thats where the b*gger got to then! No wonder I couldn't find it on the New Works. That pit is called Corner Pit.

I will do a sketch and upload it, showing all names of pits asap.

[josh jones]

Sunday 25th February
Weather: unsettled; sunshine & showers, mild, moderate N wind

Jay: still present today but very elusive
Common Buzzard: 1 drifted NW being mobbed by gulls
Little Egret: 1 on the old wader scrape but later on the Ocean
Red-crested Pochard: still 33 today
Shelduck: the first of the year flew N
Oystercatcher: 5
Barnacle Goose: 1

[Helenelizabeth2]

Thats where the b*gger got to then! No wonder I couldn't find it on the New Works. That pit is called Corner Pit.

I will do a sketch and upload it, showing all names of pits asap.

I found a nice sketch (is it yours?) in a recent copy of Limosa accompanying your site spotlight but not all the pits are named on it - if I remember I plan to get Will to fill it in for me tomorrow.

[josh jones]

Can't remember the sketch. Recent news:

Woodcock on 24th Feb (forgot to report it!)
Drake Smew on 28th Feb.

Today (1/3) the usuals were all present, including an interesting duck still. More on this to come.

[josh jones]

Friday 2nd March
Weather: sunny, light winds (changed direction throughout the day).

At least 7 Oystercatchers present this morning, and 2 Curlew flew over.

The female American Wigeon was seen this evening by moi, and has been present since 24th February. Please note there is no access to view the bird. See the attached images, showing it in a variety of postures and lights. They don't really do it justice for how obvious it is in the flesh in terms of colouring. Good idea for seeing structure though.

A pair of Smew also this evening.

[josh jones]

Monday 5th March
Weather: overcast, brisk W breeze

No Sand Martins today, but I have a feeling it will be this week some time. Stuff about:

Pink-footed Goose: one on the old wader scrape with Greylags was new in
Teal: 36
Gadwall: 17
Goldeneye: 11

As you can see, duck numbers on their way down. Not long 'til summer now...

Enclosed is an image of the Pink-footed Goose - this is not the "dodgy" adult that has appeared in previous springs (staying in to May) due to white around the base of the bill - something that bird did not show. So, quite possibly the first truly wild Pink-foot we have had since December 2003!

[josh jones]

Tuesday 6th March
Weather: a glorious day, warm, sunny and light W winds

A search for hirundines drew a blank, but the Pink-footed Goose was still present. It was showing well with the Greylags in the field on the NE side of the crossroads.

[josh jones]

Wednesday 7th March
Weather: mild, sunny, light W wind

My earliest Sand Martin by a week flew through this evening at around 16:30. Otherwise, it was pretty routine. Two Smew still, adult and first-winter drakes. Two Goosander were flushed off Pine Lake. Best of the rest included 27 Goldeneye and 11 Red-crested Pochards.

[josh jones]

Monday 12th March
Weather: warm, hazy sunshine, moderate WNW wind

Easily the warmest day of the year today, with temperatures reaching the dizzy heights of 17 celsius.

Today produced a few migrants amongst other things:

White Wagtail: male with Pieds on the New Workings
Sand Martin: 2 through
Chiffchaff: 1 singing
Little Egret: 2 in drain by the old wader scrape
White-fronted Goose: 2 adult albifrons again present on Gull Pit but then flew east
Kingfisher: 1 flew down the drain the egrets were in - the first I have seen here for a while
Fieldfare: mobile flock of c40 in landfill/old wader scrape area
Barnacle Goose: usual two adults

Spring is really noticeable, migrants aside. Dabbling duck numbers have plummeted, with no more than 100 Wigeon present and virtually no Mallards. A small group of Teal were displaying vigorously today, with the males being very elaborate and vocal. Leaves have already started to come out on the trees, almost a month earlier than 2006 (after the really cold March we had last year).

There also appear to be a few aythyas moving at the moment, with small flocks of mainly Tufted Ducks appearing every now and again on e.g. ARC Pit - presumably small flocks moving north.

Final note is that is was the first day of 2007 that I have been able to wear shorts when birding!!

[josh jones]

Wednesday 14th March
Weather: mild, sunny, light W wind

Very quiet today - presumably the weather was too good to ground any migrants. Not even a singing Chiff today! There was:

Ringed Plover: 1 flying around calling was the first of the year
Goosander: 3 (1 drake)
Oystercatcher: 3
Redshank: 2
Great Black-backed Gull: 2w south

Little else of note that I can remember.

[josh jones]

Thursday 15th March
Weather: overcast, mild, moderate W wind

A bit more life in the patch today, but again no summer migrants - can't blame them after seeing the forecast for the early part of next week. They'll be frozen solid.

Pink-footed Goose: 2 adults over with the Greylags
Little Egret: 3 around today
Smew: 2; adult & 1w drakes
Goosander: 2 redheads
Red-crested Pochard: 26+
Oystercatcher: 4

Not alot else. Little Egrets are getting ridiculous now. I seem to be connecting with them every week - today a pair flew south over the New Workings, and a third bird was in the drain on the NE side of the ocean.

[josh jones]

Saturday 17th March
Weather: mild (15c), overcast, brisk W wind

Again no Sand Martins today - after a couple of early records they have dried up. Perhaps I'm just being unlucky and missing them all. Birds today:

Little Egret: 5 together on the ocean
Smew: 1 adult drake
Goosander: 1 fem
Chiffchaff: 3+ now singing
Shoveler: 2 drakes

Photos of Little Egrets attached. A remarkable count, especially considering 18 months ago they were still a real mega at the site!

[josh jones]

Sunday 18th March
Weather: cool, sunny spells & snow showers, bitter 30mph NW wind

Isn't the wind offensive? Blasting northwesterlies coupled with snow showers gave a distinctly wintery feel to my walk today - nevertheless, out of the wind and in the sun it really was quite pleasant. Hopefully the wind will die soon.

Sand Martin: 5+ in the ARC Pit area
Pink-footed Goose: 2 still today in the field by the crossroads
Little Egret: 1 flew over
Kingfisher: 1 by ARC Pit
Red-crested Pochard: 7
Oystercatcher: 4

The Sand Martins were the first individuals that have properly lingered at the pits this year - I guess that may well have been due to the wind. 17th - 18th March is the typical arrival date for the species at the site, so from now on I expect they will be present on most, if not all visits until the autumn.

[josh jones]

Friday 23rd March
Weather: cool, overcast, bitter NE wind

Another good day today with the undoubted highlight being a single Waxwing flying around calling with a flock of winter thrushes and Starlings near the old wader scrape. I thought I heard one here back in mid-February, so perhaps this bird has been knocking about a while.

There was a quality supporting cast as well:

Sand Martin: 35+
White-fronted Goose: 2 adult albifrons still, on field by crossroads
Pink-footed Goose: 1 adult still, on field by crossroads
Little Egret: 4 on the Ocean
Dunlin: 1 moulting adult on the New Workings
Redshank: 4+
Oystercatcher: 4
Chiffchaff: 1

So all in all, despite the pretty cold weather, a good day. The water levels on the New Workings are the lowest they have been for many years (due to pumping of the pit for further excavation in the last week), and attracted the first Dunlin of the spring today - an encouraging sign for the next two months.

[josh jones]

Saturday 24th March
Weather: cool, overcast with drizzle at times, biting N wind

The wind was simply horrendous today, so naturally I was pretty miserable as I walked in to it. The birds were no better, with little present aside the two White-fronted Geese and a Pink-footed Goose in the field by the crossroads. There was only a single Sand Martin today, looking very sorry for itself as it battled in to the wind.

For the record, water levels on the New Workings are at least a foot lower than yesterday. Another White-fronted Goose image attached, probably better than yesterday's.

[josh jones]

Sunday 25th March
Weather: sunny, cool & moderate E wind, mild

Bird of the day was a vocal Common Sandpiper, which eventually settled on Slurry Pit. Other bits knocking about included:

Smew: 1 redhead on the Ocean
Little Egret: 3 today
Buzzard: 1 in field on the northern side of the pits
Barn Owl: 1 with vole by derelict house on northern side
Redshank: 3
Oystercatcher: 4 - 6

EDIT: just found out that c80 Whooper Swans flew north on this date - over Grummit's Scrape

[josh jones]

Monday 26th March
Weather: sunny, warm (15c), moderate E wind

Much warmer and spring-like today, although the chilly northeast/east wind still hasn't totally shifted.

The weather was too clear for many birds to be around, and it came as no surprise that there were absolutely no migrants this evening, save a few Sand Martins. There were a few Meadow Pipits going through this evening though, the first time I have noticed such passage this spring, so perhaps the floodgates are about to open.

Otherwise it was business as usual:

Smew: adult drake on the old wader scrape
Pink-footed Goose: 1 still in field by crossroads
Oystercatcher: 4
Redshank: 3

No sign of the White-fronts again - perhaps they have come to their senses and gone back to the continent, although the chances are they are still around, somewhere.

I also found four Grey Heron nests, two of which definitely had well-grown youngsters in. I never realised they bred at BLGP, and I'm not sure how I missed the nests either.

[josh jones]

Tuesday 27th March
Weather: warm (18c), sunny, still

The warmest day of the year so far (and also no nasty E wind for a change either), gave a distinctly summer-like feel to the ten minutes I spent trekking around the New Workings before work.

The first Wheatear of the year, a male, was seen briefly, and a male White Wagtail was also showing well on one of the islands - the first real signs of passerine migration we have had this year. There were also a few Meadow Pipits moving, as well as a few Pied Wagtails.

[josh jones]

Wednesday 28th March
Weather: warm, still, hazy sunshine

For the first time, it felt more like summer than winter. Meadow Pipits were much more conspicuous, with small flocks heading north throughout my visit. A few Pied Wagtails were littered across the New Works, and the first Little Ringed Plover of the year called as it flew low NW.

Aside the LRP, waders included several pairs of Lapwings, two pairs of Oystercatchers and at least 4 Redshanks, as well as a Ringed Plover on one of the islands on the New Works.

A Common Buzzard thermalled high over the New Workings, and the drake Smew was still present on the old wader scrape. Certainly a great day to be out and about, anyway.

[josh jones]

Thursday 29th March
Weather: cooler today but still fairly mild, still, overcast, some drizzle

A brief visit this afternoon as I had virtually no time, so I scanned the New Works, ARC Pit and the old wader scrape. A Little Ringed Plover was enjoying the New Works, and over the Ocean there were at least 100 Sand Martins. Amongst them was the first Swallow of 2007.

[josh jones]

Friday 30th March
Weather: mild, still, overcast, misty

Following reports of scarce coastal species across the midlands yesterday (mainly Common Scoters), I headed out at first light (i.e. 05:50) to see what was going on down the pits.

In short, there was very little aside a Barn Owl, a female Smew showing very well on the old wader scrape, about 80 Fieldfares, a Ringed Plover and a couple of singing Chiffchaffs.

Migration was limited to a dribble of Meadow Pipits heading northwards. See attached for a photo of the Smew - it showed to around 20 metres and didn't seem too bothered - great bird.

[josh jones]

Saturday 31st March
Weather: hazy sunshine, mild, moderate to brisk E wind

The easterly airflow still isn't budging, but at least its not bitterly cold any more. It appears the wind strengthening overnight grounded a few birds, despite the relatively clear conditions.

Today's highlight came as I walked towards the road from Slurry Pit, as a pair of Garganey flew over, dropping in on the old wader scrape. Sadly, I could not relocate them amongst the islands and willows of the pit.

Other birds 'new-in' included 3 Green Sandpipers, 2 White Wagtails and at least 150 Sand Martins.

Otherwise, it was business as usual, with all the regulars showing.

[josh jones]

Sunday 1st April
Weather: sunny, strong NE wind, mild

Today's weather could be described as useless for the production of any migrants. Crystal clear skies and a nasty NE breeze gave an unpleasant feel to birding in the more exposed areas of the pits.

Nevertheless, the birds were actually quite good today:

Cetti's Warbler: 1 singing in the 4-ways fishery complex
White-fronted Goose: 2 adult albifrons again in field by crossroads then on the ocean
Pink-footed Goose: 2 again
Smew: 1 redhead on the Ocean
Little Egret: 1 on Ocean
Green Sandpiper: 1 on pit N of Gull Pit
Shelduck: 2 in same spot as Green Sand
Red-crested Pochard: 23
Cormorant: 37
Grey Heron: 18

There was also a strong passage of large gulls today, heading NE. Gulls have been moving for the last 10 days or so, but today saw the highest quantities so far. Most were adults, the majority of which were Lesser Black-backed, but a number of Herring and Great Black-backed also moved through, with a few Commons heading through in small flocks for good measure.

Photo of the Smew attached. This is the first ever time I have recorded the species at BLGP in April.

[josh jones]

Monday 2nd April
Weather: sunny, mild, brisk NE wind

The wind had died this morning, so I was most disappointed to find it blasting once again this evening as I trudged around the pits.

It therefore came as no surprise that migrants were again at an absolute premium - the recent dribble of Meadow Pipits had completely ground to a halt, but there was a 'new' Green Sandpiper in the drain by Slurry Pit.

Larids were generally not as prominent as in recent days, but Common Gulls were still passing NE in force - several small flocks of adults battled through during the time I spent down the pits.

Otherwise it was business as usual. The 2 European White-fronted Geese were still present in the field by the crossroads, before flying off NW alone. Around 100 Sand Martins were feeding over the Ocean. And that was about it!

Attached a couple of WFG images - one a dreadful videograb of the upperwing pattern, the other a considerably nicer image of one sat in the field.

EDIT: I forgot to mention for April 1st - 19 Fieldfares and 3 Redwings still knocking about.

[josh jones]

Thursday 5th April
Weather: warm (19c), still, sunny

Again not alot of migration in crystal clear conditions, but there was a new Green Sandpiper on the New Workings, and also there appears to be a good movement of anas ducks at the moment - 15 Shoveler was the highest number I've ever recorded at the pits, and there were also an impressive 76 Teal (including 21 on the new workings).

The first Willow Warbler of the year was also knocking about in bushes by the old wader scrape - not singing though, just calling.

Otherwise it was business as usual:

Smew: 1 drake still on old wader scrape
Common Gull: 2 adults
Buzzard: 1 thermalling over north
Goldeneye: 13
Chiffchaff: 4+ singing

The white-faced wigeon, originally seen in early March, put in an appearance again today on the old wader scrape. Otherwise it was more of a day to enjoy the weather.

[josh jones]

Saturday 7th April
Weather: sunny, warm, still

Again a day lacking in birds - it was far too clear and settled. At least the wind was in the right direction, and as a result Meadow Pipits had increased from nothing to the smallest of dribbles heading north.

Thursday's Teal and Shoveler had cleared out, and in place of them were large numbers of Tufted Ducks - numbers had rocketed from around 60 to 147 overnight.

Four Redwings were by ARC Pit, as was a Snipe. Otherwise it was routine fare with 4 Chiffchaffs about the best of the rest!

[josh jones]

Sunday 8th April
Weather: sunny, warm, moderate NW breeze

Another migrant-free day in the clear skies and warm sunshine. Highlight was the continued presence of the drake Smew on the old wader scrape - this bird seems to be enjoying the summery weather!

The New Works had a bit more life in it today, with 3 Redshanks, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Ringed Plover and a pair of Shelducks.

A second Green Sand was by Slurry Pit, where two Common Gulls (adult, 2CY) loafed.

Three Buzzards were also thermalling together over the Ocean, which is the most I have seen together at BLGP.

Otherwise it was pretty quiet yet again!

[Helenelizabeth2]

Can't bear it. I went at 5ish. Didn't see it! Am now thinking I just didn't try hard enough as I expected it to be gone. Am going again at dawn tomorrow and standing there all day till the b***dy thing shows itself!

[Chris Monk]

Sunday 8th April
Weather: sunny, warm, moderate NW breeze

Another migrant-free day in the clear skies and warm sunshine. Highlight was the continued presence of the drake Smew on the old wader scrape - this bird seems to be enjoying the summery weather!

The New Works had a bit more life in it today, with 3 Redshanks, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Ringed Plover and a pair of Shelducks.

A second Green Sand was by Slurry Pit, where two Common Gulls (adult, 2CY) loafed.

Three Buzzards were also thermalling together over the Ocean, which is the most I have seen together at BLGP.

Otherwise it was pretty quiet yet again!

Hold on in there Josh! The wind is forecast to swing from N to E to SE over next few days which should allow migrants across from Europe.

[josh jones]

Thursday 12th April
Weather: warm, hazy, light SE wind

Just got back from 1600 miles of UK birding which was pretty productive, so this was my first visit since Sunday.

Again pretty quiet. There are now 2 Little Ringed Plovers on the New Workings, where there were also 2 Redshanks and a few Red-crested Pochards knocking about.

Highlight today were two groups of Golden Plovers heading NW - they totalled 2 and 12. Nothing ground-breaking but a decent record for mid-April.

Otherwise not alot - c200 Sand Martins, one or two Swallows and a singing Willow Warbler by ARC Pit completed our visit.

[josh jones]

Friday 13th April
Weather: cool, light E wind, foggy

At last, a bit of murk to bring down the migrants! Well, thats what I thought. Sure enough, the morning started well with a male Ring Ouzel putting in an appearance at the moat at 06:25, as well as a singing Corn Bunting there.

Things went downhill from then on, with very little else to show for my efforts. The highlight was an arrival of Willow Warblers, with at least 7 singing alongside 4 Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap this morning.

Other bits and pieces included a pair of Shelduck, a Green Sandpiper, and c20 Golden Plover heading NW in the fog.


Afternoon update: Went down to Grummit's Scrape this afternoon. Not alot happening aside a drake Gadwall mating with a female Mallard. 3 Swallows and 3 Sand Martins trickled through northwards and 2 Shelducks were on the scrape.

Photo of the lovers attached.

[josh jones]

Sunday 15th April
Weather: sunny, very warm (23c), very light E breeze

Things picked up today, with the early morning fog bringing in a stunning adult Little Gull on the New Workings, nearly in full summer plumage. I watched it from about 10:20 until 11:00, but when I returned half an hour later it had gone. However, alot of the gulls were feeding high up on insects, so it could still be knocking about.

The first Yellow Wagtails of the year (some 14 days late!) were seen, with c10 heading north. A new Green Sandpiper appeared on the New Workings before it flushed and went and sat on Long Pit. There had been another good arrival of warblers, other sightings were as follows:

Lesser Whitethroat: singing along Outgang Road, first of year
Willow Warbler: 13
Blackcap: 4
Chiffchaff: 6
Shelduck: 1 south
Little Ringed Plover: 2 on New Works
Redshank: 3 on New Works
Oystercatcher: 2

Certainly a great day to be out, early morning would have been pretty good I imagine - never mind! Record shot of the Little Gull attached.

[josh jones]

Monday 16th April
Weather: overcast, mild, moderate ESE wind

The first decent fall of the spring this evening, with two male Wheatears on the New Workings amongst at least 6 grounded Yellow Wagtails and c10 Pied Wagtails.

The first Nightingale of the year was singing in the traditional area, amongst at least 15 Willow Warblers now on territory. A male Corn Bunting was singing just south of the New Works.

Highlight of the day goes to the lingering drake Smew - how late it is lingering is getting ridiculous. It had come in to roost in its favoured willow on the old wader scrape by mid-evening.

Waders included yesterday's Green Sandpiper still, as well as 2 Redshanks, 4 Oystercatchers and 2 Little Ringed Plovers.

[josh jones]

Tuesday 17th April
Weather: clear with hazy sunshine, moderate N breeze, cooler

Today was a real disappointment, considering the promise that yesterday evening held. Clear skies and a northerly-based wind meant there was nothing new grounded.

Yesterday's two Wheatears were still on the New Workings, where a single Yellow Wagtail and the Green Sandpiper remained.

New-in was a Reed Warbler in subsong in reeds and willows on the drained pit - this is the first time I have recorded Reed before Sedge before. The Lesser Whitethroat singing by ARC Pit was presumably the bird from further along Outgang Road on Sunday.

Goldeneye numbers have plummeted to just a single female which remains on ARC Pit, and a pair of Shelduck were around. The only Wigeon left on the complex was a drake on the old wader scrape.

Both Wheatears are first-summer males (i.e. 2nd calender-year) - the image attached shows the more advanced bird of the two.

[Helenelizabeth2]

Tuesday 17th April
Weather: clear with hazy sunshine, moderate N breeze, cooler

Today was a real disappointment, considering the promise that yesterday evening held. Clear skies and a northerly-based wind meant there was nothing new grounded.

Yesterday's two Wheatears were still on the New Workings, where a single Yellow Wagtail and the Green Sandpiper remained.

New-in was a Reed Warbler in subsong in reeds and willows on the drained pit - this is the first time I have recorded Reed before Sedge before. The Lesser Whitethroat singing by ARC Pit was presumably the bird from further along Outgang Road on Sunday.

Goldeneye numbers have plummeted to just a single female which remains on ARC Pit, and a pair of Shelduck were around. The only Wigeon left on the complex was a drake on the old wader scrape.

Both Wheatears are first-summer males (i.e. 2nd calender-year) - the image attached shows the more advanced bird of the two.

No mystery about why the Smew wasn't there this evening. That would be because I was. :(

[josh jones]

Wednesday 18th April
Weather: sunny, light N wind, warmer once again

Another Ring Ouzel this afternoon, this time a mobile and elusive female which was first found in the NW corner of the old wader scrape and eventually ended up near the landfill by Park Farm (which was where I lost it).

The first terns of the year came through today, with four Commons (one high east and three more lingered briefly on the old wader scrape) and a single Arctic Tern which came through with the flock of three Commons.

Other stuff included the drake Smew still (and one very happy observer) and the Green Sandpiper still on the New Workings.

[josh jones]

Friday 20th April
Weather: overcast with high cloud, cooler, light to moderate SE wind

Late news from 18th: a male Montagu's Harrier seen at Grummit's Scrape, early afternoon - it flew through low. Gripping or what?!

Anyway, today was quite good. A few more migrants in, but nothing incredible:

Common Sandpiper: 1 on New Works
Golden Plover: 1 moulting bird at Grummit's Scrape - an odd record
Common Tern: 11+ inc 5 back at the Grummit's Scrape colony
Lesser Whitethroat: 1
Cuckoo: 1 (first of year)
Garden Warbler: 1 (first of year)
Willow Warbler: 18+ now in
Shelduck: 3 at Grummit's Scrape

[josh jones]

Saturday 21st April
Weather: warm, hazy sunshine, moderate S wind

I failed to awaken at half 5 as planned, so missed the best part of the day. Therefore, a brief drive around at about 10:00 was all I had time for.

Nevertheless, there were two site year ticks in the form of 2 Swifts over the Ocean at 10:10, and a Sedge Warbler singing in the reedbed.

Other bits included even more Willow Warblers now singing (the density of them is now quite tremendous in some places), and the Lesser Whitethroat still giving it all by ARC Pit.

Plenty of Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns over the old wader scrape feeding on hatched flies, but nothing unusual amongst them.

[josh jones]

Sunday 22nd April
Weather: very warm, overcast, light S wind veering SW by mid-evening

A cracking Wood Warbler was a most surprising record today, singing on and off between 17:05 and 17:20 at least, but no further sign by 19:15. It was in the area of the drained pit.

Otherwise it was pretty quiet. Two Nightingales were giving occasional subsong in the usual area, and there was a decent arrival of warblers including 4 Reed Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers, and there are now 2 Lesser Whitethroats singing. For some reason, there still aren't any Common Whitethroats in.

Two Green Sandpipers were on the pit next to Slurry Pit.

[josh jones]

Monday 23rd April
Weather: humid, overcast, rain at times, light SW wind

Despite the promising conditions, it was actually fairly quiet this evening. Yet another new Green Sandpiper was on the New Works. Since early April there has been a good passage of this species - normal springs usually see only a few recorded.

Otherwise it was just an increase in common summer migrants that was of note. Three Garden Warblers were singing, and there had been a clear increase in the number of Sedge Warblers.

[josh jones]

Tuesday 24th April
Weather: warm, sunny intervals, light SW wind

A bit more activity this evening, with the highlight being an adult Little Gull hawking insects with Black-headeds over oil seed rape fields just NE of Long Pit, before it flew west towards the main complex presumably to roost. It showed very few signs of summer plumage, with black limited to around the eye and the back of the head.

Other birds included:

Common Sandpiper: 1 on Long Pit
Green Sandpiper: yesterday's bird still on New Works
Turtle Dove: 1 singing late evening
Cuckoo: 1
Whitethroat: 2 (new in)
Lesser Whitethroat: 3; 2 ARC Pit and 1 by 4-ways fishery
Nightingale: 1 in usual spot
Sedge Warbler: 8+
Reed Warbler: 6+
Shelduck: 1
Little Ringed Plover: 3 on New Works
Red-crested Pochard: 15+
Barnacle Goose: 1 adult still in the paddocks/Corner Pit area with Greylags, it has been here since 21st

A beautifully warm evening and, with a much higher density of warblers around now, it seems quite safe to say that summer has arrived! Poor quality videograbs of the Little Gull attached.

[josh jones]

Wednesday 25th April
Weather: warm, sunny (some high cloud), brisk SW wind

Pretty poor this afternoon. The New Works is being pumped still, and will probably be dry within the next week, sadly. It looks really good at the moment. The Barnacle Goose was enjoying it today, having a bath in one of the small pools.

A Swift flew through (they have been really thin on the ground, so far), and about 250 Sand Martins and 30 Swallows were over the old wader scrape. No House Martins yet though, which is odd - guess the weather has just been too nice to drop them in.

Whitethroats had increased to four, and an LRP was on the New Works. That was about it!

[josh jones]

Thursday 26th April
Weather: cool, overcast with drizzle at times, moderate to brisk NE breeze

A bit of precipitation did the business this evening, with the New Workings coming alive. Waders included a Greenshank (first of the year), a Snipe (very late record for here), 2 LRPs, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshanks and good numbers of Lapwings all enjoying the newly-exposed mud.

As well as this, the rain dropped in 3 female Wheatears, all superb Greenland-race individuals.

Otherwise, it was pretty routine, with no hoped-for Bar-tailed Godwits or Black Terns, yet. See how the next few days progress.

[josh jones]

Saturday 28th April
Weather: cool, misty, brisk NE wind early morning, clearing to leave a sunny and warm day

A quick look at the New Works at 07:10 on the way to Norfolk revealed another Greenshank, a summer-plumaged Dunlin, and a Common Sandpiper amongst commoner waders.

Afternoon Update: 4 more Greenshanks dropped in at 17:31 and settled on Corner Pit, 2 new Dunlin were briefly on the New Works, 2 new female Wheatears were there, and also the Greenshank and Common Sandpiper from this morning still present. 2 Pink-footed Geese were the same birds from March.

Late News for 27th April: drake Garganey at Grummit's Scrape in the evening (Nicholas Watts).

[Helenelizabeth2]

Isn't it beginning to look like that Smew hung around just for me and then left as soon I'd seen it? ;)

(...which hopefully shuts up the vicious Merseyside lister who suggested it must be plastic and untickable and would be there all summer ;) )

[josh jones]

Sunday 29th April
Weather: overcast and cold at first, but clearing to leave sunshine later, moderate NE breeze

Rather inevitably, today's talking point were Bar-tailed Godwits - 5 were seen by Mike Weedon early on but moved on, and then two more were located late afternoon. All were on the New Workings.

Greenshanks also featured, with one present from recent days in the morning, and then two on the New Works late afternoon. A third bird also flew through mid-evening.

Other odds and sods included the two female Wheatears still, the two Pink-footed Geese, and a Barnacle Goose.

[josh jones]

Monday 30th April
Weather: sunny, mild, cool E wind

Certainly not the heatwave predicted last week, but there is no doubt that large quantities of birds are on the move.

There were no waders at all early morning, as Mike Weedon did the pits some time before 08:00 and saw nothing. I arrived at around 08:10 in a brief visit before school, and by that time there were 3 male Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Greenshanks, a Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper all on the New Workings.

This evening, four Arctic Terns dropped in at 20:29. They flew in in a tightly-packed group from the SW, and joined large numbers of Black-headed Gulls over the old wader scrape. The Barwits and Greenshanks were still present on the New Workings, and had been joined by a moulting adult Dunlin.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring!

[josh jones]

Tuesday 1st May
Weather: sunny, cool E wind

Despite the sunshine, birds were again good, with the highlight being 2 Little Gulls - an adult and a 2CY. A female Wheatear also remained from last week's arrival. Lesser Whitethroats have increased to an excellent 5 singing males, and at least two Turtle Doves and a Cuckoo were also noted this evening.

Waders on the the New Works today:

Bar-tailed Godwit: 2 still from yesterday but flew NE at 19:20
Greenshank: 2 still from yesterday but flew NE at 19:20
Redshank: 3 new-in today but flew NE at 19:20
Dunlin: 1 moulting bird from yesterday still
Common Sandpiper: 1 yesterday's bird still
Snipe: 1 new-in
Little Ringed Plover: 2

May 1st generally produces some good birds, so today's stuff was not entierly unexpected - still, another good evening down the pits. A few record shots attached.

[josh jones]

Wednesday 2nd May
Weather: overcast at first but sunny later, moderate E wind

Reports today included the adult Little Gull still around, today on the New Workings, and 2 new Greenshanks also on the New Workings.

[josh jones]

Thursday 3rd May
Weather: overcast early morning, sunshine afternoon then overcast again by evening. Moderate E wind

A new (and seemingly oiled) Dunlin on the New Works this evening, also yesterday's two Greenshanks still, a Common Sandpiper still and at least 4 Little Ringed Plovers.

A drake Shoveler was a notable May record, new in on the New Works.

[josh jones]

Friday 4th May
Weather: overcast, moderate NE wind

The two Greenshanks were still present on the New Works this morning - not alot else.

[josh jones]

Monday 7th May
Weather: showers and sunny spells, mild at times, moderate W wind

Little Gull 1 adult still on New Works
Pink-footed Goose 2 still
Common Buzzard 4
Hobby 3+
Shelduck 1
LRP 2
Ringed Plover 2
Lesser Whitethroat 7
Garden Warbler 11

[josh jones]

Tuesday 8th May
Weather: overcast, some bright spells, blustery showers, W wind

The adult Little Gull remains on the New Works, where a Dunlin was new-in. The two Pink-footed Geese remain in the adjacent field, along with a Barnacle Goose.

Late news for yesterday: a pair of adult Long-tailed Tits feeding at least four fledged juveniles already, by ARC Pit.

[SueBryan]

Hi Josh
I thought you would be on your way to see Albert Ross !
They have obviously had a good cetacean watch too!
Sue

[josh jones]

Hi Josh
I thought you would be on your way to see Albert Ross !
They have obviously had a good cetacean watch too!
Sue

To be honest I didn't quite fancy the idea of year-old gen, and the RBA trip was a little pricey with a nasty deposit on top... we will see what happens regarding the 'ross....

[josh jones]

Wednesday 9th May
Weather: overcast with drizzle, light SW wind

Very quiet today. A drake Shoveler was new-in on the New Works and later flew over Grummit's Scrape. 3 Barnacle and 1 Pink-footed Goose by the New Works. Several Gadwall remain around the site.

[Brian Stone]

Tuesday 8th May
Late news for yesterday: a pair of adult Long-tailed Tits feeding at least four fledged juveniles already, by ARC Pit.

Interestingly a ringer at Bainton caught a well-fledged juvenile on 6th May. This is 3 weeks earlier than any previous juv for him.

[josh jones]

Thursday 10th May
Weather: overcast, brisk SW wind, showers by evening

The only report today consisted of 4 Dunlin were on the New Works this morning. A promising count given tallies in recent times (usually only see ones and twos).

[josh jones]

Friday 11th May
Weather: sunny spells, moderate W wind, rain by nightfall

A brief scan of the New Works late afternoon produced the adult Little Gull (not seen since 8th), but little else.

[josh jones]

Saturday 12th May
Weather: sunny spells, some showers, moderate W wind

The adult Little Gull remains on the New Workings, also 2 Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper there, and a Pink-footed Goose in the adjacent field.

A Spotted Flycatcher was calling and showing in the shelter belt by the crossroads. c200 Swifts were around the complex.

[josh jones]

Sunday 13th May
Weather: bright early on, heaving rain midday - mid evening, overcast and cool after, moderate SE wind

Days like today are either superb or absolutely rubbish for birds. Sadly today was the latter, despite the promising conditions. I could muster little more than 2 Gadwall, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Redshank....

[josh jones]

14th May
Strong N wind with rain a.m, slowly clearly to leave a bright evening with a light SE

1 Garganey (drk)
1 Med Gull (2CY)
1 Little Gull still
2 Dunlins
3 Common Sandpipers
1 Wheatear (male)
1 kite sp N at c15:50
1 Buzzard
3 Shelducks
1 Teal (drk)

[josh jones]

15th May
Rain a.m, clearing to leave a sunny and bright afternoon

Much quieter today. Adult Little Gull still. 1 Snipe dropped in on the New Works at 09:10.

[josh jones]

16th May
Overcast with light showers

Apologies for brief updates of late - currently revising for the looming AS exams. Little Gull and Common Sand still present on New Works.

Baston & Langtoft site almost up and running:

www.geocities.com/baston_langtoft

Let me know what you think...

[Helenelizabeth2]

16th May
Overcast with light showers

Apologies for brief updates of late - currently revising for the looming AS exams. Little Gull and Common Sand still present on New Works.

Baston & Langtoft site almost up and running:

www.geocities.com/baston_langtoft

Let me know what you think...

Best of luck with the exams. Site looks nice - beautiful Garganey - is it still there and where is it generally hanging out? Still needed for the year list (as is Common Sand - somewhat embarrasingly).

[josh jones]

Best of luck with the exams. Site looks nice - beautiful Garganey - is it still there and where is it generally hanging out? Still needed for the year list (as is Common Sand - somewhat embarrasingly).

As usual with Garganey at BLGP, it was a 1-day wonder. It seemed inevitable that the New Works was going to get one this spring - it looks fabulous for dabbling ducks.

The Common Sandpiper and Little Gull still present this morning (17/5), also a pair of Shoveler and 12 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

[josh jones]

19th May
Prolonged sunny spells, brisk SW wind

It was absolutely pitiful today. Nothing of note aside a pair of Gadwall and unusually high numbers of Mallards - mostly moulting drakes. At least 60 birds were on the New Works in the evening.

[josh jones]

that last post is meant to read 18th May.

19th produced a 1st-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Common Gulls, Little Gull etc.

Today was dreadful, the Little Gull just about keeping me sane.

[josh jones]

Nothing apart from 3 Shelducks this evening. Spring migration slowing at last.....

[josh jones]

22nd May
Sunny, warm

Still very slow, the adult Little Gull was again on the New Works (clearly this individual isn't going to be breeding this year). 3 Gadwall on Slurry. 2 Shelducks.

[Gavin Haig]

Today was dreadful, the Little Gull just about keeping me sane.

Nothing apart from 3 Shelducks this evening. Spring migration slowing at last.....

Still very slow, the adult Little Gull was again on the New Works (clearly this individual isn't going to be breeding this year). 3 Gadwall on Slurry. 2 Shelducks.

The joys of local patch birding! Something will happen soon Josh.......

[josh jones]

The joys of local patch birding! Something will happen soon Josh.......

Yes indeed Gavin... you can't beat it, especially inland. Everything can go quiet for ages....

Mind you we've had a purple patch since last autumn, long may it continue.

Tawny Owl yesterday evening in addition to what I put down - not often you see them here.

[josh jones]

A bit of quailty (ahaha! oh dear that was a Bowell (http://www.birdforum.net/image.php?u=4841&dateline=1134398206)-joke) this evening with a singing Quail in fields to the north of Grummit's. The bird isn't in the BLGP area but can be heard from within it - good enough for me.

A look on the New Works at 21:10 failed to produce much aside an LRP and 2 Gadwall.

[josh jones]

The adult Little Gull still today (26th). Mute Swans have 8 cygnets on the New Works.

No coverage 25th.

24th revealed very little, couldn't hear the Quail but didn't have long.

[josh jones]

Have been paying brief visits, concentrating on the New Works, when I have had the chance - had very little indeed. The highlight was a flock of 7 moulting drake Gadwalls on 27th!

[josh jones]

At last.... a Sanderling on the New Works today (about time, too), plus a the first fledged juvenile Black-headed Gull of the year.

Little else apart from a Shelduck and a Corn Bunting.

[josh jones]

2nd June: adult Little Gull again, Hobby over crossroads.

[josh jones]

Autumn is coming... Teal starting to return - 3 drakes today.

Little Gull still yesterday (12th).

[Birdbrain]

Female Hen Harrier (ringtail) at Marston Bird Hide on the 20th Jan 09, Was quite early about 8tish just been droped of at the carpark, nothing from the bird hide, but as i left a ringtail was quartering the marsh, showed well then flew south.
Then just after a pair of Stonechats (good site for these) not much else to wright about but had 45 birds in total and one new bird of the year the ringtail.
I walked from Marston to Grantham that day, Great day 7.59miles to my front door.

Very nice walk along the river Whitham

[Robert Williamson]

7 Corn Bunting
5 White Fronted Geese
Kingfisher
Marsh Harrier

River Wellend point-
Hen Harrier (Ringtail)
300+ Brent

On sea-
Southern Race Cormerant
G C Grebe
Eider
Pochard

Robert :t:

http://robertsnorfolkbirding.blogspot.com/

[Pompadour444]

Nice to see this thread up and running again, actully bumped into another birder today, thats a first for during the week. Should put that down as a sighting for South Lincs.

Sutton St James, Red House Bridge along South Holland Main Drain to Clifton's Bridge 2hr walk.
pools of water in fields by Red House bridge holding lots of birds,
Redshank x 6 on pools in field
Lapwing and Golden Plover
Meadow Pipit x 3
Grey Wagtail x 1
Stonechat x 2 pairs
Mistle thrush x 15
Fieldfare x 30+
Redwing x 4
Longtailed tits x 8
Linnet x 35
Goldfinch x 12
Reedbunting x 1 male
Kingfisher x 2 were very photogenic are used to the fishermen by the bridge.


Steve

[Pompadour444]

Lawyer's Creek Marsh north of Holbeach St Matthew. OS 131 Grid 408339
birds of note today:
Short-Eared Owl x 7 (1 group of 5 birds by the range flag in the dyke)
Marsh Harrier x 1
Buzzard x 1
Barn Owl x 2
Yellow Hammers x 5
Reedbunting x 32 (17 largest flock)

Steve

[Robert Williamson]

Lawyer's Creek Marsh north of Holbeach St Matthew. OS 131 Grid 408339
birds of note today:
Short-Eared Owl x 7 (1 group of 5 birds by the range flag in the dyke)
Marsh Harrier x 1
Buzzard x 1
Barn Owl x 2
Yellow Hammers x 5
Reedbunting x 32 (17 largest flock)

Steve

Hi Steve
Wow that is a great sighting of the SEO I thought mine was good I saw three SEO hunting together with two Barn Owls at Holme.

Robert
http://robertsnorfolkbirding.blogspot.com/

[Pompadour444]

Hi Robert

Only ever seen three togeather before and that was at Holkham last autumn, So was one of those days that make all that trudging through puddles and freezing cold worth while. I hope to be going back tomorrow with the camera if its not to wet.

Steve

[Birdbrain]

Hello fellow Lincs

Has any of you heard of the whereabouts of any Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers in our area as it is a must to try and get this year ?
Have spoken to a local birder at the bird hide at Marston Grantham and he said Londonthorpe Woods is a good place ?
I live ten minutes away but thought id ask some locals on hear for some pointers ?
I have been to the woods twice now and only managed to get GSW so this might not be good as i think the two species dont get on very well.

Cheers Chaps

[Birdbrain]

Just a quick one !
Went out yesterday over Londonthorpe Woods (five gates lane) and had some great views of Barn Owl right over the field we was walking in he/she didnt mind we were their at all and just carried on quartering the field, it was fantastic with my fiance getting some excellent shots, the bird almost circled us.
No luck with the little wood though but ended up with 39 species so not bad for an afternoons stomp.

[Birdbrain]

Just a quick one ? Went to Belton House Gardens today, had a couple of hours to waste and in the distance i could hear Little Owl calling, so mission it was, took a while to locate them, but in the end had some great views of only one bird but could still hear the other.

This is quite a good site for these little fellas.

:smoke:

[Birdbrain]

Two more today, walked from Marston to Grantham again ? 7 miles :eek!:
44 in total but Sparrowhawk ? and 4 Green Sandpipers at Marston Sewage Works, nice day, nice weather too....:t:

[Pompadour444]

Hello fellow Lincs

Has any of you heard of the whereabouts of any Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers in our area as it is a must to try and get this year ?
Have spoken to a local birder at the bird hide at Marston Grantham and he said Londonthorpe Woods is a good place ?
I live ten minutes away but thought id ask some locals on hear for some pointers ?
I have been to the woods twice now and only managed to get GSW so this might not be good as i think the two species dont get on very well.

Cheers Chaps

Hi steve,
Don't know if this is your area, but had to take the wife to Nottingham for her OU, and found Bestwood Country Park. during three hours we located three lesser-spotted Woodpeckers in the area behind the hotel and up towards the adventure park. Lots of dead trees and dying trees with lots of holes in them. They are doing some clearence towards the adventure park area. Well worth a longer visit.
Great, Blue, LT& Coal Tits all over the place.


Steve B

[Birdbrain]

Hi steve,
Don't know if this is your area, but had to take the wife to Nottingham for her OU, and found Bestwood Country Park. during three hours we located three lesser-spotted Woodpeckers in the area behind the hotel and up towards the adventure park. Lots of dead trees and dying trees with lots of holes in them. They are doing some clearence towards the adventure park area. Well worth a longer visit.
Great, Blue, LT& Coal Tits all over the place.


Steve B


Hello Steve

Thanks m8 that is just what i have been looking for ?
Been looking on Birdguides and the only Lessers seen around hear are at Bellmount Towers, Belton Park in the woods behind the tower, about two minutes from where i live, been going there every day for the last two weeks, not a sausage ! but lots of Great spot ? that is probably why ?

I will be going to Bestwood Country Park as soon as i can then...

Thanks Steve :t: i owe you one buddy :t:

[Birdbrain]

Out again yesterday back to Marston ? no new birds but 51 in total so not bad, also meet some ringers at the sewage works they was trying to catch Water Rail.
This is a very good site for these elusive bird with 6 heard yesterday.
I hung around for over two hours but nothing ?
The ringers said that there are over 30 bird at this site ??
I have had 7 bird seen there the end of last year.
So another 8 mile walk yesterday ?
It is a really nice walk along the river from Marston to Grantham with many different habitats, well worth a visit. :t:

[Birdbrain]

Yet another nice walk this morning ? Londonthorpe Woods for Lesser spot !! nothing but GSW and nuthatch, also meet a couple of birders (father and son) nice chaps one of is a birdforum member Mickyfish one for the UK200 club lol.
Had a very good view of Raven mobbing a Buzzard then two more buzzards appeared and it was some sight all chasing each other. not much more than that was only out for 4 hours.
The next few weeks will be good though when the little brown jobs start to arrive ? :t:

[Birdbrain]

Popped out with a chap called Steve, who is a member, Pompadour444 just over to Marston not much about just the usual suspects, but on the way back had great views of a Red Kite over the road then flew over Barkston Village, then tried for Lesser again ??? not a sausage, but heard Raven. :t:

[MICKYFISH]

Hi Steve

Good to meet you on Tuesday.

I picked up the buzzards as we were leaving.

Went to Rutland yesterday, picked up 5 more for the year including 3 lifers (scaup, barnacle goose and smew), so well worth it, also had the place to ourselves- very nice.

Mick

ps I thought you were looking for LSW not sausages.

[Pompadour444]

just seen 4 pos 5 (keep dirting below the river bank) sand martins over the river welland from the bedroom window. Going up river towards Crowland, spring has arrived in Lincs!

steve

[Pompadour444]

RSPB Friston 10:00-1200hrs
large flock of Knot,Ringed plover, Turnstone,Bar-tailed Godwits and plenty of Swallows about. Cornbunting,Yellowhammer and RB Merganser.
Frampton Marsh 1300-1500hrs
Wheatear by steps,Large flock of Twite in bottom car park area. along with all the normal suspects. Warden reckens that Frampton will be open from the 18th of this month. Starting to look good with all the hides and vistors centre. Be interesting to see the planting plan.

[***DIJ***]

Hi

I am a birder located in Bourne and my local patch is Elsea Woods and the area surrounding Bourne.

At the weekend I went down for a couple of hours(before the rain caught up with me).

Blackbird
Blue tit
Chaffinch
Chiffchaff
Coal tit
Great tit
G Spotted Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker
Jackdaw
Mistle Thrush
Nuthatch
Robin
Treecreeper
Woodpigeon
Wren
L. Spotted Woodpecker

Great tits by far the most common bird in the woods! Also seen Marsh tit in the woods. Lesser spots are regular there(but hard to see nonetheless!). Will be going down tomorow after school and will update soon.

Thanks
Daniel

[***DIJ***]

Hi again

Went into the woods after school as scheduled!

Blackbird
Fieldfare
Mistle Thrush
Blue tit
Great tit
Chaffinch
Reed Bunting
Jackdaw
Rook
Carrion Crow
L. Spotted Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker
Nuthatch
Chiffchaff

Chiffchaff migrant numbers going up all the time with at least 5 individuals on my journeys.

Daniel

[Birdbrain]

Hello Dan

LSW very nice m8 where abouts exactly did you get it ?

Send me a PM where m8 (^_^) if you want ?

[MICKYFISH]

Still no sign of LSW at Belmont. Loads of Chiffchaffs though. Picked up the pair of LR Plover at Marston today, the Red Kite seems to be still knocking about there too.

Mick

[Birdbrain]

RAF Cranwell
Ring Ouzel showing very well :-)

[***DIJ***]

Went to Rutland water today and the place was chockablock with migrating warblers! Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps all present. Sand Martin also present.

Waders-
Redshank
Black tailed Godwit
Oystercatcher

Wildfowl-
Mallard
Gadwall
Wigeon
Tufties
Shelduck
Mute Swan
Greylag Geese
Canada Geese
Egyptian Geese

Sparrows, Tits, Finches, Warblers etc.
House Sparrow
Blue tit
Great tit
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Bullfinch
Blackcap
Willow Warbler
Chiffchaff
Pied Wagtail

Others
Buzzard
Kingfisher
GC Grebes
Kestrel
Rook
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow

As for the LSW, if you enter the Woods by the feeding stations (on the meadows side) Head straight along the pathway infront of you and then head right when possible. Walk down there and there is a spot I have seen them often.

Best time is early, but there is no guantee of seeing them as they are very elusive at the best of times!

Daniel

[Birdbrain]

Just a quick one ! went to Marston Sewage Works to have a look and had lots of House Martins and Swallows and a (f) Ringtail quartering the marsh ? (sev obs)

[***DIJ***]

Northorpe fen was alive with birds today! The fields opposite my house were newly turned and thus attracted some nice species some of which I hadnt seen in a while...

Buntings
20 Yellowhammer
Reed Bunting

Finches
24 Chaffinches
Greenfinches
Goldfinches
c100 Linnet (first in 5 yrs)

Corvids
Rook
Jackdaw

Waders
Green Sandpiper

Also had a G-spotted Woodpecker, a first in 10 years for the garden!

Daniel

[Birdbrain]

Had a pair of Red Kites displaying over woods Tuesday (undisclosed site) (for obvious reasons ! ) as we had Raven eggs taken last year Grrr, So please if anyone around the area wants to add there sightings of "special birds" !

Please do ! but dont put any locations as THEY often look on web sites.

Also yesterday a single (m) over Belton House with two Buzzards.

I am hoping this is something we can all look forward to seeing soon these magnificent birds regular around here.

Happy Birding :t:

[Johnny Allan]

Hi there,

I'm trying to find out which Counties still use the Watsonian Vice County system to record birds in and which go by whatever the political boundary may change to (and why).

The Watsonian Vice County system was set to accurately record and compare historical and modern data and it seems that there can be/is confusion when some counties no longer use this system whilst others do. Does anyone in your county have a view on this ? Discussion here if anyone has a comment:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=142074

ps this is not about getting more or less county ticks, more a question about uniformity in recording.

Johnny Allan

[Pompadour444]

Quick look a long the Welland between Spalding and Crowland.

First pair of Grey Partridge with 4 young running along road by cattery.
Hen harrier views down to 15ft. watched the bird hunting for over an hour.
Common terns, moved up river from Spalding area from all the dog walkers and boats.

GC Grebe
Oyster Catchers
LR Plover
Tufted ducks
Yellowhammer
Corn bunting x 2
Barn owl x 3


Steve

[Brian Stone]

Where was the Harrier and was it male or female?

[Pompadour444]

It was a female Harrier,
finished work now. going over for another look and some pics.

Pichbeck 1000hrs today
6 x green woodpeckers on footpath off bear lane. all birds on telegraph pole by dyke.

why is it birds always know when you havint got a camera with you.

Brain will pm you

Steve

[Happy Hammer]

Hi all,

I'm a Staffordshire birder, but went over to see some friends at Benington Sea End last weekend. Had a walk to Frieston Shore on the Sunday. The birding was pretty good, but I must mention Blandy's Farm Teas (2 mins walk from car park). Excellent value and very tasty cakes, scones etc. 60p for a pot of tea or coffee! Scone with jam & cream £1. Apparently it hasn't been open long, but I was talking to the owner & she said she's not getting many customers, so is thinking of shutting it down!
It would be a great pity if this is the case, so please go & support it, if ever you're out that way. You won't be disappointed.

Happy birding
Neil

[Robert Williamson]

12 Grey Partridge, 1 male Scaup in eclipse, 2 Little Stint, 1 Curlew Sand, 70 Brent, 1 possible Blue winged Teal, 1 Wheater and a single Ringtail.

BUT

the main highlight had to be a female Red-veined Darter.