Nottinghamshire Birding [Archive]

davebenj

Tuesday 10th October 2006, 11:13

Is there a "county" thread for Notts birding?

It seems I've just started one.

Where to go in Notts?
The links below are as good a place to start as any:
They contain lists of sites & map references for them, plus some info on what sort of stuff you can expect to see at what time of year etc. etc.
What more do you want? :D

http://www.nottmbirds.org.uk/

http://www.fatbirder.com/links_geo/europe/england_nottinghamshire.html

Cheers
Dave

Ben M

Wednesday 11th October 2006, 17:01

oriole_lad_beds

Friday 13th October 2006, 01:18

The westwood area and erewash meadows NR are excellent for Little Owl, Grey Partridge, Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit etc. Its very much on the derby border but in all my visits up there i always found these species easily, the Little owls in multiples - up to 12 in one evening during a concentrated search (but that included a family party of pair+4young). The Erewash meadows have also produced single nightjar, barn owl and little egret for me in the past 2 years, as well as excellent views of several singing grasshopper warbles in april and may. And there was the Great Grey Shrike in the Brinsley area of the reserve which i was fortunate to see well on its last evening in April 2006:) Id recomend the area anyway........

christineredgate

Saturday 14th October 2006, 00:47

I think you just started one |=)|

I tried a few searches within this section but didn't find any others.

I was thinking of starting another for my local patch - Bestwood Country Park.

There's already something in:
BirdForum > Information Wanted > County By County Index > Midlands > Nottinghamshire (http://www.birdforum.net/forumdisplay.php?f=219)

But the Bestwood Country Park thread is locked for replies.
If you are puttin info for the Bestwood area of Nottingham,ie Bestwood Country Park,great for Woodpeckers and Jays,don't forget the area which is situated in Bestwood village.I lived in Nottingham for 30yrs,and for the last 20yrs we lived at Top Valley.I only found the park in Bestwood village 2yrs before we re located to Cumbria.I saw my first KF ,in the lake,also Herons,and lots of other birds.A delightful place.

Mike Feely

Sunday 15th October 2006, 15:51

Does anyone know the Bentink Opencast site is any good?

I've seen a couple of reports metioning it recently (there was a reported Richards Pipit there yesterday). How do you get to it and which are the best parts? I've had a look on Live.Local.com and it looks a pretty big site.

It is only a few miles away from me, certainly within cycling distance (my only mode of transport), but wonder if it might be a wasted trip.

Any info would be greatfully appreciated.

Cheers

Mike

Ben M

Monday 16th October 2006, 00:21

Does anyone know the Bentink Opencast site is any good?
I don't know anything personally, but there have been some sightings there, as it's listed here:

http://ccgi.huskisson.free-online.co.uk/NBW/Gazmaps.php

Ben M

Monday 27th November 2006, 12:19

In a bid to liven things up a bit...

Last Saturday morning I took a walk to the Mill Lakes via the lane around the edge of the Pit Top. Most of the usual suspects were about, but a few new birds on this patch for me (been watching it for two months now).

Birds seen (37):
Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Greater Canada Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Kestrel, Peregrine, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting

Birds I should have seen (5):
Kingfisher, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Dunnock, Greenfinch

Notable for me were:

Wigeon: Saw one, but it was the first I've seen here.
Cormorant: One in flight heading SE and 1 perched on a post by Tern Island. I don't think they're all that scarce here, but it was the first time I've seen them here. I'm pretty sure they're a regular winter visitor.
Reed Bunting: A pair by the Water Meadow gate. It's the first time I've seen them in Notts.
Bullfinch: Also a pair by the Water Meadow gate. It's the first time I've seen a female in Notts.
Peregrine: Star of the day. It was around for the best part of 5 minutes, swooping about over a farmer's field and trying to avoid being mobbed by a BHG. As far as I know it's the first record of Peregrine at this particular site.

Ben M

Thursday 11th January 2007, 23:37

Went to have a look at the two female Goosander on the lake at my work today (Nottingham Uni, Jubilee Campus). They've both been there since Sunday and very close views are possible. Surprised they've hung around as it's quite busy now the students are back.

christineredgate

Friday 12th January 2007, 00:08

Ben,when you next take a walk around Bestwood country park listen for the Woodies,and see if you can spot the Jays.

stew the smew

Friday 12th January 2007, 00:50

Ben M

Friday 12th January 2007, 01:09

Ben,when you next take a walk around Bestwood country park listen for the Woodies, and see if you can spot the Jays.
Hi Christine, I often see the Jays in the main woodland, but not so much at the Mill Lakes. I see Green and Great Spotted Woodies all the time, but haven't put bins to the Lessers yet. I'm going out there again tomorrow (weather permitting) to look for Lesser around the lodge area, where I hear they're most commonly seen.

Latest find at the Mill Lakes is a group of 6+ Snipe close to where the Leen enters the lake. The Kingfisher has stayed around for winter |=)|

Ben M

Friday 12th January 2007, 01:19

Hi there,

Like to keep an eye on this thread as I lived in Nottingham for 10 years during and after University, although I wasn't birding then which I now think was an opportunity lost.

Could anybody tell me the best place and time to go to Wollaton Hall for Hawfinches?

Cheers,

Stew
Hi Stew,

Snap! I've been here since '97 for uni and only just started birding in Notts!
I'm not sure that Hawfinch are recorded at Wollaton. I know it's well watched, but there are no sightings reported since records started on Notts Birdwatchers website (2000).

The best two sites in Notts for Hawfinch are Clumber CP (around the chapel) and Rufford CP (around the car park). The best times are Jan and Feb.

Ben M

Friday 12th January 2007, 14:39

I see Green and Great Spotted Woodies all the time, but haven't put bins to the Lessers yet. I'm going out there again tomorrow (weather permitting) to look for Lesser around the lodge area, where I hear they're most commonly seen.
I need to tempt fate more often!

Just 10 minutes into my walk, a little black and white bird flies out in front of me... I wasn't even half way to the lodge! Watched and filmed (out of focus!) the little fellow for about 10 minutes before it started drumming.

A few Great Woodies and Nuthatch about. Watched two Treecreeper chasing each other in flight round and round a tree trunk. Also saw a Long-tailed Tit without a tail!

A good morning |=)|

Ben M

Saturday 17th February 2007, 17:31

A single Waxwing has been seen a few times over the past week feeding on the berries in the trees around the Top Valley Tesco in Nottingham's suburbs. It's only five minutes from where we live so I popped along today as we needed a few bits of shopping anyway.

I was a little surprised to see a couple of birders around when we got there, mainly since it was a Saturday afternoon and the shop was busy. No sign of the bird when I arrived, so I had a quick walk about and having seen nothing except a Song Thrush, I walked back to the car park. One of the other birders was signalling to me that it was back, so I went over for a look.

Apparently it had flown in with a flock of Starlings and was conveniently perched at the top of a tree for all to see. It didn't seem to mind all the shoppers around, so we were able to get close for some good views.

When I left the store it had moved on to the patch of trees where I'd seen the Song Thrush (opposite the golf course) and a group of birders from Yorkshire had their scopes on it. Please post if you went to see it too.

Here are a couple of low-quality pics taken from my video camera through my bins!

Ben M

Sunday 25th February 2007, 18:20

...last recorded sighting was Monday. This afternoon one turns up outside my bedroom window (just a mile away).

davebenj

Sunday 25th February 2007, 22:20

We made a trip to the "watchpoint" for the buzzards on Friday afternoon. Parked at the side of the road next to the "feeders" - the various pots and trays that people have nailed to the fence.

Over a period of about an hour and a half we saw a total four buzzards - too far away for my inexperienced eyes to tell if they were anything other than common. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in a tree about 10 yards away from the car was a nice bonus. Also the very (around 3 feet away!) close views of Treecreepers, Nuthatches, Long Tailed Tits and Coal Tits.

List for the day:

Buzzard
Chaffinch
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Long Tailed Tit
Black Headed Gull
Great Crested Grebe
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Mallard
Carrion Crow
Lesser Spotted Woodepecker
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Mute Swan
Coot

Ben M

Monday 26th February 2007, 00:22

Also the very (around 3 feet away!) close views of Treecreepers, Nuthatches, Long Tailed Tits and Coal Tits.
My dad really rates this spot... the Nuthatches might as well be in your car, you can get that close (apparently). I've only driven past myself, not had chance to stop yet. Close views of LSW can't be bad |=)| Feb is meant to be good for Goshawk here.

davebenj

Monday 26th February 2007, 08:23

My dad really rates this spot... the Nuthatches might as well be in your car, you can get that close (apparently). I've only driven past myself, not had chance to stop yet. Close views of LSW can't be bad |=)| Feb is meant to be good for Goshawk here.

We had to drive up and down the road two or three times before the fishermen packed up and bu99ered off.

Its about 4 miles from where I live, so I'd expect we'll be there quite a bit over the next few weeks. Especially on Fridays. Look out for a pale blue Honda Accord with a 51 registration. ;)

Ben M

Thursday 1st March 2007, 01:10

My only birding trip of February proved worthwhile, despite the rain. Set out at dawn to see my first patch Skylark of the year singing high above the Pit Top. A male and female Kestrel showed well hunting at the bottom of the Pit Top.

A single Ruddy Duck at the Mill Lakes added another year tick, and it appeared to be the same bird I saw last year... still "attached" to a female Pochard. A large finch flock (c.60) was mainly Goldfinch, with some Lesser Redpoll, Chaffinch and a single Bullfinch. Single Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe were more difficult to locate than usual. The island at the north end of the lake was almost submerged, so I was a little surprised to see at least four Snipe still there.

Headed up to the Water Meadow to see a single Willow Tit on the almost-empty feeder and five Jay were screeching together in a nearby tree. After standing still, watching the feeders for a few minutes a Long-tailed Tit landed in a hedge just two feet away from my face - great views! A Great Spotted Woodpecker came to the feeder for some peanuts (as did the squirrels).

The disused railway line got me a patch tick in the form of two Grey Partridge, and the golf course on the other side had three Meadow Pipit. From the bridge on my way back, I got my first Kingfisher of the year as it darted downstream and then out over the field to get to the lake (to avoid passing underneath me!?).

Took an alternative route home to try and get some easy woodland birds for the trip list, seeing another Skylark singing above a farmer's field. Then the heavy rain began, thus ensuring I saw nothing new before reaching home. Still managed to break my species record by one (it's now 44).

davebenj

Saturday 3rd March 2007, 10:28

Usual culprits:

Buzzard x6 (may have been more, but we can only be certain of 6)
Goosander x2
Chaffinch
Cormorant
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Black Headed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Crested Grebe (several pairs displaying)
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Mallard
Carrion Crow
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Mute Swan
Coot
Moorhen
Pheasant

There are 2 or 3 unusual pheasants around this area.
They are the same size and shape as a common pheasant but they are the same colour (iridescent green) all over as a common phesants head.
Any suggestions?
Simply mutants or some species that I've never heard of?

Ben M

Saturday 3rd March 2007, 14:38

There are 2 or 3 unusual pheasants around this area.
They are the same size and shape as a common pheasant but they are the same colour (iridescent green) all over as a common phesants head.
Any suggestions?
Simply mutants or some species that I've never heard of?

How about Green Pheasant (would be escaped, though)?
Here's a photo: http://www.birdforum.net/bird_view.php?bid=9982

davebenj

Monday 5th March 2007, 09:39

How about Green Pheasant (would be escaped, though)?
Here's a photo: http://www.birdforum.net/bird_view.php?bid=9982

Possibly. No brown wings on these though. A quick google found some variations on green pheasant that appear green all over.
There's quite a bit of rough shooting in north Notts, so I'd guess they've got something to do with that.

Ben M

Friday 16th March 2007, 13:35

Headed to the Lamins Lane area on the edge of Bestwood CP on Wednesday afternoon (14th March).

Plenty of woodland birds to see on the way there, including 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, and the usual suspects, including the four typical tits.

Along the lane a few Skylark were singing over the fields and my first patch Pheasant (a male, not a weird green one!), 5 Lapwing and a single Golden Plover (patch tick) all in the same fallow field.

Ben M

Sunday 25th March 2007, 16:23

Set off at 5:30am (BST) today to see in dawn at the Mill Lakes. No owls to be seen (typical!). 2 male and 1 female Shelduck had roosted at the north end which was a patch tick for me and the first Shelduck record for the year apparently.

Other notable sightings were plenty of small Lesser Redpoll groups, 2 Snipe, a few Chiffchaff, a single Grey Wagtail and a single Reed Bunting.

Also picked up a copy of the park's annual bird report for 2006 (just out), to discover my Peregrine sighting would have been the only record for the year, had I known to submit it!

Ben M

Friday 20th April 2007, 01:06

So far I've had the following around Bestwood Country Park, but I haven't checked the Mill Lakes since last month:

Chiffchaff (25/3)
Barn Swallow (15/4)
Willow Warbler (19/4)

Ben M

Monday 23rd April 2007, 01:05

More arrivals...

House Martin (21/4)
Whitethroat (22/4)
Blackcap (22/4)
Lesser Whitethroat [Heard only] (22/4)

7 patch ticks today!

Ben M

Wednesday 16th May 2007, 22:05

Possibly. No brown wings on these though. A quick google found some variations on green pheasant that appear green all over.
There's quite a bit of rough shooting in north Notts, so I'd guess they've got something to do with that.
This recent thread discusses green pheasants around here and includes a useful link:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=86169
http://www.hy-fly.co.uk/pheasant.htm

Ben M

Tuesday 19th June 2007, 18:05

Despite the awful weather, my dad and I went along to the Nightjar walk at Budby Common, which was organized by Notts Birders. The weather put most birders off, and only four cars turned up. As we set off, the weather was beginning to clear, and even some blue sky appeared.

Along the first trail we had a Jay, Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer, several Tree Pipit and Linnet, and heard a Blackcap and juvenile woodpecker. On the MOD land there were more Tree Pipit and a male Kestrel was hunting over the heathland. Here we had some reasonable views of Wood Lark, and one sang for us as we continued along the path. A Red-legged Partridge was crossing the cattle grid at the far end of our path before we heading into the woodland. A juvenile Long-eared Owl was calling, and we continued down the track until we were approximately parallel with the bird. After a minute or so, my dad was the one to locate the bird, and we got everyone on to it before heading back down towards the Nightjars.

Here we had a pair of Woodcock in display flight and finally a Nightjar, which displayed for a couple of minutes before disappearing behind the trees. It later settled in a tree and began to 'churr', which was extremely impressive. A brilliant trip for both my dad and myself, with a few great life ticks for both of us.

James_Owen

Wednesday 5th December 2007, 14:19

Found an odd warbler today at Brierley Forest Park.

Too large for a Chiffchaff, with faded eye-stripe, pale throat contrasting with slightly buff breast, complete pale eye-ring, dark legs, fairly large bill, nothing noticeable in the wing, vent or back, overall giving the impression of a bird somwhere between Chiffchaff and a sylvia. It's got me stumped.

Was around 1100-1200, gave two moderate views in the area of bramble above the visitor centre, between the golf course and football pitch.

Otherwise usual suspects for the sight, only individual Lesser Redpoll and Siskin banding along with LTTs and Goldcrests, plenty of Bullfinch everywhere, more Stock Dove gathering in the wildflower meadow now. Very quiet for anything else.

Ben M

Thursday 6th December 2007, 22:10

A good sized flock of 50+ Siskin at Bestwood Country Park on Tuesday morning.

Any ideas with the warbler James?

Great blog |=)|

Lawts

Saturday 22nd December 2007, 21:43

Ben M

Saturday 22nd December 2007, 22:59

Any of you Notts. birders know if the Caspian Gull still frequents the Great Lake at Clumber? It used to be a regular stealing the fish off the grebes, but it appears to have gone quiet in the last couple of winters?

It was my first Caspian, so just curious.
The 2006 Notts Report suggests the one first recorded in 2003 that frequents that area was around in the first part of the year, but not through the mid-part of the year. Another (presumed different) bird was recorded there on one date in August. Can't give you any info on this year (yet!).

James_Owen

Saturday 5th January 2008, 18:51

Had the Great Grey Shrike at Budby Common today. To begin with it showed fairly well a bit south of where the footpath from Budby opens out onto the common. One of the regulars there said it favours that area between noon and one (which is when I saw it), and this bird likes to keep to the top of trees like a good shrike should.

Early afternoon, the same individual later flew over into what I understand is called the east plantation. What that does for the two bird theory I can't say.

Otherwise the usual suspects, Green Woodpecker, Jay, Buzzard, and a birder who came from the Sherwood direction mentioned passing a pair of Stonechat.

caz sonic

Wednesday 9th January 2008, 21:26

new to bird watching so excuse me if i'm a little unshaw of my posting eticate

i have seen 2 small groups of what i believe are redwings on holmepier pont campsite over the past few days around the reception area in the morning around 9 ish also what i believe to be a lesser woody along with the canadian geese,coal tits and blue tits and sparrow hawk patroling the the edge early morning.there is also 2 owls in the area one of them has a chilling screach.

just thought i would share hope thats ok

Ben M

Wednesday 9th January 2008, 22:07

Thanks for sharing. I don't know that area myself.

I've not come across any Redwings locally this year, they seem to be thin on the ground here. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is a good find, there aren't too many of them about, and they're hard to see, even when they are around. Well done, and keep posting, especially if you have photos to post.

Any thoughts on what type of owls they were? Probably Tawny, but if you're unsure, try the recordings on the RSPB website for comparison.

caz sonic

Thursday 10th January 2008, 13:42

thanks ben for the info on the rspb site and the bird calls . sounds like a tawny with abit more higher pitch really did go right through me.

as for your local patch bestwood country park and the mill lakes know it very well had the fourtune to live in the village for a long time ;)

have you seen the kinfishers down near the lakes?

Ben M

Thursday 10th January 2008, 18:29

have you seen the kinfishers down near the lakes?Many a time. There were two together on a branch last Sunday.

Mark Harper

Saturday 19th January 2008, 17:05

The Attenborough Red-necked Grebe was showing superbly this afternoon, close to the Kingfisher Hide. There were plenty of people taking the opportunity to get photographs, so I am sure that there will be some better than mine to come.

Mark

Ben M

Saturday 19th January 2008, 17:12

Excellent photo. Thanks for sharing it here.

Lawts

Tuesday 22nd January 2008, 18:35

The 2006 Notts Report suggests the one first recorded in 2003 that frequents that area was around in the first part of the year, but not through the mid-part of the year. Another (presumed different) bird was recorded there on one date in August. Can't give you any info on this year (yet!).

Ben, we think he was there in early 2006 then? This is in sync. with Birdguides, (just done a search). Nothing since, and given the recent status change for CG I thought we might have some more news, so looks like it's gone.

James_Owen

Wednesday 30th January 2008, 18:31

Heard from family today, they were quite surprised to see the albinistic Blackbird (http://www.pbase.com/02purser/image/60810723) at Rufford CP. It's been there around 2 years now, what a survivor!

James_Owen

Sunday 3rd February 2008, 01:50

Just a couple of shots of the aforementioned Blackbird. What a star! Found him today around the main entrance, between the wooden arches and the big green wheelie bins to the right.

Otherwise quiet at Rufford, a small flock of Siskin about, a Kingfisher on the lake, and a handsome pale-shirted Common Buzzard on a fencepost just south along the A614.

Venturing into Derbyshire house-hunting tomorrow, perfect excuse to swing by Heanor for that Fudge Duck.

Talisker

Sunday 3rd February 2008, 19:39

Old Wood Reserve on Bunny Hill (SK 587 284)

There are several buzzards (definately 3) that regularly patrol the ridge and arable areas to the north-east towards Keyworth (close to Rancliffe Wood), but I haven't seen them in the past three weeks.

The usual woodland birds can be heard in the Bunny Old Woods at present, but because there are large areas without pathways, sightings are a bit difficult apart from the more common birds.

A bit farther afield:

Swithland Reservoir, nr Loughborough, Leicestershire (SK 559 143)

Several little grebe and two groups of pintails, but precious little else today.

Alan

areed

Wednesday 6th February 2008, 22:16

Went up to the golf course earlier today,Had the following-
1,5+Sisken feeding in trees round the pond on course.
2,1 mistle Thrush.
3,7+Skylark
4,11 B.H.gulls in surrounding fields.
5,2 Goldfinch

This is my first time up there,Fingers crossed for more species over next visits.

Ben M

Saturday 9th February 2008, 21:36

Most notable on Pit Tip were:

2 Bullfinch
1 Kestrel
3 Skylark [single males]
6+ Reed Bunting

... and at the Mill Lakes:

c.25 Greylag Goose
6 Teal
6+ Pochard
1 Little Grebe
1 Grey Heron
13 Snipe
2 Green Woodpecker
2 Great Spotted Woodpecker
2 Mistle Thrush
8 Goldfinch
7+ Siskin
2 Bullfinch

Also recorded 8 singing male Song Thrush along the whole route, and a single [I]Brown Hare on the Gold Course.

areed

Monday 18th February 2008, 00:52

Regarding the recent fem/imm Ferruginuous Duck at Sttetley Quarry which sported a yellow ring on one of it’s legs in the just published journal “Bird Ringing for Science and Conservation” Roy Frost has pointed out that there is a photo in this edition which shows a drake Ferruginuous Duck being ringed with a yellow colour ring on it’s right leg and a less obvious metal ring below it. Although it does not state where the photo was taken the photo is attributed to an Eastern European sounding name. Thus it is possible that the Steetley bird which is now in N. Notts could well be a wild bird.

I have just seen this on the Derbyshire web site,does any one have a close up of this right leg at all,as it may be from the same area that is quoted above.
It might be that we all have missed a metal ring on the same leg,Lets hope so would be truely fantastic record,
Heres hoping
The bird has not been reported that last couple of days,Does any one know if it is still present?

Mike swims like a fish

Thursday 21st February 2008, 21:53

Hi Anthony

I'm led to believe that it did indeed have a metal ring on the right leg below the yellow one, which if true would certainly add credence to it having been a wild bird.....if so how glad am I that I made the effort to go and see it despite the ridicule of my peers of it being a clear escape!

I might try and get in touch with Frosty to see if we can find out where this ringing scheme is/was and get any form of confirmation

Mike

areed

Monday 25th February 2008, 08:59

Armani

Wednesday 2nd April 2008, 17:37

Hey
Just come back from my local fishing reservoir/nature reserve,where i noticed and observed for 30 mins to make sure, and it was a Jay has nested and is sitting bless er' ...thought it was a lil early but weathers proper all over the place here.
Also got a Dunnock(Hedge sparrow) building a nest in a climber about 10 feet from my bird table in my back garden..

Posted sum pictures(not my work sadly) incase anyone doesn't get these species around visit.

Ben M

Wednesday 2nd April 2008, 23:29

Hey
Just come back from my local fishing reservoir/nature reserve,where i noticed and observed for 30 mins to make sure, and it was a Jay has nested and is sitting bless er' ...thought it was a lil early but weathers proper all over the place here.
Also got a Dunnock(Hedge sparrow) building a nest in a climber about 10 feet from my bird table in my back garden..
I've recently noted more pairs of Dunnock and Jay together locally, but nothing more suggestive yet on my local patch.

In other news, had my first Blackcap of the year on Monday... not bad for last day of March.

Armani

Friday 4th April 2008, 21:25

We took a 4 hr long route round Moorgreen Res and surrounding forests and fields today,footpath under m1 is now open again so able to do the 10 mile circuit lol ..here's the species we spotted:

Blue Tits
Canada Geese
Carrion Crows
Jackdaws
Chaffinches
1x Common Buzzard
Dunnocks
Coots
Moorhens
Tufted Ducks
1x Garden Warbler
Goldfinches
Great Crested Grebes
Great Spotted Woodpeckers (flock of 8)
Great Tits
House Sparrows
Jays
1x Kestrel
Long-tailed Tits
Mallards
Mistle Thrushes
Mute Swans
Nuthatches
1x Pheasant
Robins (40 ish)
Rooks
Skylarks
1x Song Thrush
Swallows
Tree Sparrows
Treecreepers
Tufted Ducks
Wood Pigeons
Wrens

Everywhere we looked there seemed to be robins,highlight was the group of Great Spotted Woodpeckers all 8 were drilling together sounded like the two trees were being snapped very loud and very close to us.
Nice to see a huge flock of my favourite birds (Goldfinches) balancing on the tops of tall grasses,all round a decent long eventful walk.

Ben M

Friday 4th April 2008, 22:18

1x Garden Warbler

Nice list. I love the walk around Moorgreen, but not had chance to do it for some years now.

Could the Garden Warbler have been a Chiffchaff? (Far more common and likely at this time of year.) Loads of Chiffchaff back in my local patch now.

Armani

Saturday 5th April 2008, 01:24

My better 1/2 said she thought it was a chiffchaff 8-P .. but in my not so humble opinon its head wasn't round enough and was house sparrow sized with very dull underneath no yellowy buff colour..anyways what ever it was we had a great day out.
I never see many bullfinches now days,used to see dozens a few yrs back ..
anyone hit me up with sum known bully haunts areas greatly appreciated :t: used to see odd pairs stanton by dale golf course area,but im going back a while sadly..

Ben M

Saturday 5th April 2008, 13:05

I never see many bullfinches now days,used to see dozens a few yrs back ..
anyone hit me up with sum known bully haunts areas greatly appreciated :t: used to see odd pairs stanton by dale golf course area,but im going back a while sadly..
In Bestwood Country Park they are localized to a few areas. My two most reliable areas are:

Mill Lakes: They can be seen all around the path that circles the lake, but the small Reedbed Boardwalk (SK547475) at the southern end is good for parties of 2-5 birds.

Dawson's Corner (SK551470): This is a much smaller area at the bottom of the Pit Tip. I pass through here early morning on most of my visits, and have a 4/5 connection rate with parties of 2-6 birds.

Good luck, wherever you try |=)|

Armani

Saturday 5th April 2008, 16:33

Ben M

Saturday 5th April 2008, 20:51

Thanks Ben,
You dont get much better info than that :t:
Just come back from a walk round Bestwood and near the pit tip i heard then saw a lone hen Bullfinch,a little further down i stood watching a pair (cock n hen) Bullfinches feeding for about 15 minutes,wish i'd have taken the camera now as i was only 10 feet or so from them....
Bestwood park also showing us a couple of Green Woodpeckers, pair of Jays and a trio of Song Thrushes on the damp short grass as i walked round.
Dozens of squirrels,Wood Pigeons and Great Tits as always,fantastic to spot 3 Bullies and will deff be back there on a regular basis.
Thanks again Ben....Respect mate
No problem. Glad you had some success - and surprised you were so quick of the mark!

I've only just managed a half-decent shot of Bullfinch in the past few weeks. Despite some great views, I never seem to have a camera to hand! The Pit Tip is also the best area of the park for Green Woodpecker... In my first 30 or so visits to that area, I had a 100% connection rate! It's gone down a little now, but I tend to pass through that area too early in the morning, on my way to the Mill Lakes for sunrise. |=)|

James_Owen

Tuesday 13th May 2008, 12:09

Where are all the Nottinghamshire birders?

Anyway, pootled over to Budby Common for a walk last evening, and it was stunning as per usual. At least 3 Cuckoos, good views too, a Hobby screamed through at low level, so many Woodlarks you almost walk on top of them, a few Tree Pipits too, plus regulars like Green Woodpecker and Jay, and in the nearby farmland toward the village were a Yellow Wagtail, Red-legged Partridge and Lapwing.
Still a bit early it seems for the Nightjars, at least if they are about they're not calling yet and didn't show before dark last night.

Cracking sunset across the common too. Properly beautiful.

Ben M

Tuesday 13th May 2008, 23:03

Not sure how much you have to watch what you post re:Budby's birds, but sightings of some species are kept quieter on the Yorkshire thread ;)

I've had a productive couple of weeks on the local patch... Cuckoo, LSW, Sedge and Garden Warbler, and another interesting bird (see my signature) |=)|

James_Owen

Sunday 25th May 2008, 09:45

Mike Feely

Monday 26th May 2008, 01:12

Black Tern was still as King's Mill late yesterday, been around since Thursday. Elegant bird, it properly impressed the girlfriend.

Bad news is I'm told by the rangers that the pair of Egyptian Geese have been shot, at least they think that's what happened. Typical for a site where I described a Common Sandpiper as being 'just the to left of the TV (somebody dumped in the shallows)'. Shame really, we get some cracking birds through.

James

Which TV was that, the large one near the boot, or the one next to the pram?!!

The amount of junk in the "marsh" area of KMR is getting a bit ridiculous. I mentioned it to the Water Bailiffe a couple of weeks ago and she was going to arrange for some of it to be removed.

The last time i saw the Egyptian Geese, they were harrasing the Common Terns and "commandeering" thier raft, which i was a bit worried about. I wouldn't have wanted them shot though.

Whilst i'm on the subject of shooting - can anyone clarify the law with shooting pigeons? I've always thought that a, it was against the law to shoot on a Sunday, and b, shooting was only permitted at least 50 meters from a public highway. For several weeks now, there has been a young chap shooting pigeons from a den in the hedge between the set aside field and the arable (rape) field at Kingsmill - usually on Sundays. He claims he has permission from the landowner and sets dead birds as a decoy. Often, he is less than 20 meters from the main road. (Although watching him, he does not seem to be a very good shot - i've not seen him hit one yet (thankfully), but surely this activity cannot be right so close to a popular public amenity site).

PS James - did you see all the young Long-tailed Tits? Smashing aren't they?

Mike

James_Owen

Friday 30th May 2008, 13:28

James

Which TV was that, the large one near the boot, or the one next to the pram?!!

The amount of junk in the "marsh" area of KMR is getting a bit ridiculous. I mentioned it to the Water Bailiffe a couple of weeks ago and she was going to arrange for some of it to be removed.

The last time i saw the Egyptian Geese, they were harrasing the Common Terns and "commandeering" thier raft, which i was a bit worried about. I wouldn't have wanted them shot though.

Whilst i'm on the subject of shooting - can anyone clarify the law with shooting pigeons? I've always thought that a, it was against the law to shoot on a Sunday, and b, shooting was only permitted at least 50 meters from a public highway. For several weeks now, there has been a young chap shooting pigeons from a den in the hedge between the set aside field and the arable (rape) field at Kingsmill - usually on Sundays. He claims he has permission from the landowner and sets dead birds as a decoy. Often, he is less than 20 meters from the main road. (Although watching him, he does not seem to be a very good shot - i've not seen him hit one yet (thankfully), but surely this activity cannot be right so close to a popular public amenity site).

PS James - did you see all the young Long-tailed Tits? Smashing aren't they?

Mike

Nah, the girlfriend was complaining of the cold and wanting home, and I couldn't really blame her. Never mind, off to Wales next week via the Cheshire stilts, there's hope for at least one cute baby bird left alive there.

All the rubbish in the SW corner must have made for a great introduction to the res for all those folks who came during the wildlife day the other weekend. Jesos!

mattsharps

Friday 7th November 2008, 23:38

Thought I'd nudge this up the table a bit;)

Im from NG9, near to Attenborough Nature Reserve. Anyone nearby?

James_Owen

Sunday 30th November 2008, 21:45

Hi Matt, odd that the Notts thread doesn't get more action isn't it? Come on, there's a flaming Penduline Tit in the county!

Personally I'm spending most of my time in Derbyshire these days, but to make this post relevant... had 50 Pinkies go over Sutton-in-Ashfield today, bang on time too, about 10:40, presumably after a morning departure from somewhere like Martin Mere.

Also had news of a Barn Owl wintering at a certain LNR in Ashfield not previously much noted from the species, who knows, could be one of the Kings Mill offspring. That's going to be something to I'll be checking out over the next week.

Ben M

Sunday 30th November 2008, 22:16

I'm pretty much Bestwood Country Park only, so there's not much to shout about of county interest, except the Waxwings that I've been blabbing about on Notts Bird News.

Cheers

Birding Rover

Sunday 30th November 2008, 22:29

Steve Dunn

Sunday 30th November 2008, 23:00

James- I know on my location it says Doncaster but I am a Notts birder. I some times think that its not a bad thing that this forum is under used, some folks seem to spend more effort on the computer than on birds. Do Notts birders spend more time out in the field than "surfing"

I think it now looks like there "was" a Penduline Tit in the county. It may sound mean- but never mind I saw it thats all that matters! lol

Yep, too right! I'm just glad it's gone so that the lazy casual so called birders couldnt connect with it. I've heard too much complaining recently from birders stating that certain birds didnt linger long enough to connect with them. If you want to see a certain species enough then, in my opinion, you go straight away and f**k the consequences!

Pete Mella

Friday 16th January 2009, 12:31

Does anyone know if there's a winter, weekend bus service from Worksop to Clumber Park? I'm thinking of a trip soon to hunt down the hawfinches, but I'm reliant on public transport from Sheffield. I can get to Worksop easily, but all the buses to Clumber park I can find seem to be summer only...

Ben M

Sunday 18th January 2009, 21:53

Does anyone know if there's a winter, weekend bus service from Worksop to Clumber Park?
Hi Pete,

I've never done it myself, but the Stagecoach website says this timetable is valid from 4th Nov 2008:

http://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables/33SHERWOODARROW.pdf

This doesn't say whether the bus stops at Carburton (for Clumber), but this (older?) timetable I found does:

http://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables/WORKSOP33.pdf

However, the "sherwood Arrow" timetable on the council website suggests it does stop here:

http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/timetable-j.htm

I guess you'll have to call up to be sure. Some extra info on the Notts Birders' Site:

http://www.nottmbirds.org.uk/sites/ClumberPark.html

If you can't get to Clumber, but can find transport to Rufford CP, I think it's as reliable as Clumber these days.

Good luck.

Pete Mella

Monday 19th January 2009, 11:29

Cheers for the info, Ben.

If all else fails, it looks like Clumber's only an hour or so's walk from Worksop so may do that.

grumps

Monday 19th January 2009, 12:59

Pete. They are showing well at Rufford at the moment and the Nottingham bus stops there.

Hugh

davebenj

Monday 19th January 2009, 19:06

Cheers for the info, Ben.

If all else fails, it looks like Clumber's only an hour or so's walk from Worksop so may do that.

...or...

If it's a Saturday or Sunday, I may be able to give you a lift.
I live in Worksop. When are you planning on going?

Thinks..
Saturday would be better - the trains are rubbish on a Sunday.

Pete Mella

Tuesday 20th January 2009, 11:45

Cheers for the extra info! I think I've worked it out now.

Dave - many thanks for the offer - not really sure when I'll get chance in the next few weeks, it may be I take a day off mid-week to have a trip up. I may give you a shout if it is a Saturday.

Pete Mella

Thursday 29th January 2009, 13:38

Steve Dunn

Thursday 29th January 2009, 16:31

I've managed to persaude my dad he fancies a trip to Clumber, but I'm thinking of pushing the envelope a little further and seeing if he's up for a detour to Lound GPs to see if the Smew and Red-crested Pochards are still there.

I've got directions sorted, but I've read references to Chainbridge Lane being a less than good road - I'm presuming it is perfectly drivable if you'e careful?

Hi Pete
Chainbridge is fine to drive down apart from being a little bumpy in place. The 'bad' road/track at Lound is the one which follows the river when you get to the bottom of Chainbridge. You can drive down it to Neatholme Lane but it is extremely bumpy and can be tricky to negotiate. I'm not sure where the Red-c.Pochards are at the moment, but in the past i've always seen them off of Neatholme Lane so if they are there you either take the risk with the drive down the river or walk, which can take probably a good 30 minutes.

There is an alternative route tho to Neatholme Lane. When driving down Chainbridge, you will go over a very obvious raised hump. In this area, there is a track on your left which runs alongside Chainbridge Scrape. Walk down here and this takes you to Neatholme.

Cheers
Steve

Pete Mella

Thursday 29th January 2009, 16:56

That's brilliant, Steve, many thanks.

Ben M

Thursday 29th January 2009, 20:52

Hey Pete... the RCP were recently reported to have left the area due to works disturbance/shooting (I think), but I see they're reported back again now on the Lound Bird Club web site.

Check it out for what's around before you visit:
http://www.loundbirdclub.piczo.com/?cr=5

Cheers

Birding Rover

Thursday 29th January 2009, 21:14

Hi Pete,
If you go to Lound, would you please pass on any sightings you have to us at the Bird Club via the LBC web site. Do check the web site out as it will give you all the info you need and there is a map to help you find your way round.

Stu.

Pete Mella

Saturday 31st January 2009, 14:38

Thanks all - didn't get any of my targets at Lound (and no sniffs of hawfinch at Clumber or Rufford!), but discovered some great new sites that I'll be visiting again in the future.

Very good selection of wildfowl at Lound - goldeneye, shelduck, goosander, wigeon, teal, shoveler etc. No signs of RCP, smew or little egret though!

James_Owen

Sunday 15th February 2009, 10:45

Had the early afternoon at Hoveringham yesterday, the best of it were the odd Egyptian Goose, Shelduck and Redshank, plus displaying Goldeneye on most waters, Green Woodpecker, several GBB Gulls, and the Tawny Owl was in the normal tree, plus zillions of Canadas, Greylags and Woodpigeons - quite eyecatching in those numbers.

Ben M

Tuesday 5th May 2009, 09:28

Best thing so far this year at Bestwood.

Johnny Allan

Friday 22nd May 2009, 18:06

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

WCA

Sunday 16th August 2009, 22:26

Steve Dunn

Sunday 16th August 2009, 23:00

Does anyone have a grid ref for viewing Collingham New Workings. I am working in the area this week and am looking for some sites to check out in my spare time.

If it is a sensitive site re viewing/access, then please say so. I wouldn't want to cause any problems for local birders.

Cheers,

Bill.

Bill
The pits are viewed from Carlton Ferry Lane at roughly SK 814634.
Best to take the A1133 towards Collingham and after driving over the level crossing, pass a cricket pitch, turn left at a small village green. Follow the road round the right and after a while take Carlton Ferry Lane on the left. Follow this track for perhaps a mile, and the large pits are on the right. Abit further on you pass a dog grooming place on the left and opposite this is a small bridge which allows you access to explore the area. Also, instead of taking this bridge, continue along the 'dirt' track and park up next to some gates on the left and view the silt bed to the right.

Hope that gives you a bit of help.

Take it easy
Steve

WCA

Sunday 16th August 2009, 23:13

Steve, thanks very much for the prompt reply. One further thing, are all the pits viewable from close to the car, only I have some valuable work equipment with me and don't want to risk being broken into!

Cheers,

Bill.

ChrisLuv

Tuesday 1st September 2009, 22:40

Walked down to Bennerley Marsh tonight on an owl hunt - as a short eared was reported on Sunday - but not much about tonight. :-C

Did get a pleasing silhouette shot of a Little Owl on my way down through Awsworth though.|=)|

Mark Harper

Saturday 10th October 2009, 18:19

My Dad had a Peregrine fly over his house yesterday afternoon, heading towards Bennerley Marsh which is about a mile away. The Peregrine was carrying something that was struggling, itt eventually freed itself and revealed itself to be a Merlin. The Merlin swooped to the deck only to then reappear and mob the Peregrine for 5 mintues over the garden, before the Peregrine headed off in the direction of Eastwood and the Merlin towards Bennerley Marsh.

Certainly more interesting than my day in the office.

Mark

Ben M

Saturday 10th October 2009, 21:58

Nice one Mark - surely worthy of sending details to the county recorder if you or your dad get the chance.

I've been off this week for my birthday... didn't get as much birding done as I would have liked, but that's always the case.

Sun 4th
1 LBBG [2nd winter on Mill Lakes]

Mon 5th
195+ Goldfinch [flock on Pit Tip]
1 Stonechat [f/1st winter on Pit Tip, present 4pm onwards]

Tue 6th
No sign of Stonechat after rain

Wed 7th
Still no sign of Stonechat - presumed to have gone
3 Redwing [over Pit Tip]
2 LBBG [2nd winter and adult on Mill Lakes]
1 Kingfisher
2 Willow Tit
1 Common Buzzard

Sat 10th
1 Common Buzzard [in woodland]
2 Sparrowhawk
1 Kingfisher
1 Grey Heron
1 House Martin [over to S]
Installed new feeding station at Leen Pastures - visited by:
2 Jay
3 Blue Tit
2 Great Tit
1 Coal Tit
2 Willow Tit

walt-m

Monday 12th October 2009, 15:53

Hi folks
This may be a little daft to you all, but i live in Hucknall which is a hop/skip&jump
from bestwood C P, and i have NOT been to this parkin the last 10 years. I have only
just found this thread today, oh what a wally to miss some great birds on my own
doorstep, i have now put this thead in my bookmarks, Thanks Ben for some of your
sighting.

Reguards

Ben M

Monday 12th October 2009, 23:11

Hi Walt,

Nice to have the Mill Lakes on your doorstep. If you have any recent, or old sightings from there or any other part of the park - especially if you have dates, I'd be very interested. Send me a private message, if you prefer - happy to hear about anything locally. Check out my Bestwood sightings by clicking on the link to my blog below my posts. If you get chance contact the ranger station for copies of their annual reports 2006-2009, 2010 should be out in March.

There were 2 Red-crested Pochard on the lake yesterday morning.

Cheers

ChrisLuv

Monday 19th October 2009, 13:44

Had a walk down Bennerley Marsh with the little 'un and missus yesterday, my lad was rather noisy so limited the amount of birding that was possible but we did get at least one (male) stone chat, a green woodpecker, kestrel (eating prey on a lamppost). On the marsh itself were lapwing and black-headed gulls that I could see (its very difficult using a hand held scope while a 13 month old is jigging and shouting on your back).

No sign of the Short-eared owl that I saw a few weeks ago, though it has been reported recently.

Sounds like the stone chat numbers are good this year, up to six at "chat corner" have been reported.

Chris