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Weekly round-up for Monday 27th October to Sunday 2nd November.

Main highlights this week were the return of wintering Woodcock to the area, 1/2 Stonechats, a Chiffchaff and a slight increase in the numbers of Shoveler, Pochard and Tufted Duck midweek.

MALLARD - max 198 on 2nd.
GADWALL - max 30 on 31st.
TEAL - max 14 on 27th.
SHOVELER - max 118 on 19th, (12 short of the Oct record).
WIGEON - max 85 on 31st.
MANDARIN - one on 31st.
POCHARD - max 62 on 30th.
TUFTED DUCK - max 72 on 31st.
GOOSANDER - just two on 27th and one on 29th.
KESTREL - singles on four dates.
BUZZARD - one/two during the week, and three on 2nd.
SPARROWHAWK - one on three dates.
MOORHEN - max 22 on 2nd.
COOT - max 118 on 2nd.
SNIPE - max 12 on 31st.
WOODCOCK - the first of the winter was put up by Scott's Lagoon on 30th.
HERRING GULL - one drifting through NE with a small party of LBB Gulls on 2nd.
COMMON GULL - one circling and drifting SE on 2nd.
KINGFISHER - one/two daily.
GREEN WOODPECKER - one/three daily.
GS WOODPECKER - one on 30th/31st and two on 2nd.
MEADOW PIPIT - max 46 on 29th.
STONECHAT - one on 29th and 30th.
REDWING - 350 on 31st.
FIELDFARE - 80 on 29th.
CHIFFCHAFF - one on 29th.
GOLDCREST - one on 2nd.
LONG TAILED TIT - two parties on 2nd, totaling 29 birds.
TREECREEPER - one on 2nd.
GREENFINCH - 12 exiting a roost in the privet clump on 2nd.
SISKIN - max 50 on 29th.

OD = NP 9.6
MP 3.3
Opp Hut 2.6
Behind Hut 1.8
Tertiary 3.6

The nuts and seed for the feeding station has been purchased with a generous donation from the DOS, so there should be more interest in this area in the coming weeks. Hopefully in the form of Water Rail, which usually offers superb photographic opportunities from the Main (glass-fronted) Hide.

Many thanks to this week's observers; TC KW EH RS DNS RW AG

Recorded on 02/11/2008

Weekly roundup for Monday 20th Oct - Sunday 26th Oct.

Few highlights this week, but a Blackcap and a couple of Mandarin did their best to keep the log ticking over.

CORMORANT - a slight reduction in the roosting birds, after the weeks' max of 159 on 20th, counts reduced to 123 on 23rd and 127 on 26th. There is much disturbance at this time of the year due to the close proximity of fireworks in the Branston area.
MALLARD - 175 on 26th was the only count.
GADWALL - max 25 on 26th.
TEAL - max 29 on 26th.
SHOVELER - max 61 on 26th.
WIGEON - max 75 on 23rd.
MANDARIN - two on 24th was the only record.
POCHARD - max 52 on 26th.
TUFTED DUCK -max 53 on 26th.
GOOSANDER - seven on 24th, and 13 flew N over the main pool on 26th. Later that same morning two were on the main pool.
PEREGRINE - one on 26th.
SNIPE - with water levels falling there were a few on the main pool through the week, max 10 on 24th.
WOODPIGEON - up to 60 coming in to roost on 23rd.
STOCK DOVE - 12 in to roost on 23rd.
SKYLARK - one briefly singing after the rain had stopped on the morning of 26th.
MEADOW PIPIT - max 40 on 24th.
PIED WAGTAIL - 50 on 26th.
GREY WAGTAIL - one on 23rd and one NW on 26th.
DUNNOCK - very active around Reserve on 26th, including one having resumed singing.
BLACKCAP - one on 24th.
GOLDCREST - two on 26th.
TREECREEPER- one on 26th.
GREENFINCH - 30 roosting on 23rd.
GOLDFINCH - 28 on 23rd.
SISKIN - 20 on 26th.
REDPOLL - 12 on 26th.

OD = North Pool 10.0
Main Pool 3.4
Behind Hut 2.0
Opp Hut 2.5
Tertiary 2.9

Many thanks to this week's observers:- TC RW EH BS KW MB AG

Recorded on 26/10/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 13th Oct - Sunday 19th Oct.

Most of the highlights were at the weekend with large numbers of winter thrushes moving through, part of a huge invasion into England. A good group of Mandarin reappeared, a Chiffchaff lingered, Goosander numbers increased and records of up to four Raven and two Peregrine rounded off a good week.

CORMORANT - 179 was max roost count on 18th.
MALLARD - max 252 on 19th.
GADWALL - max 24 on 19th.
TEAL - 31 max on 19th.
SHOVELER - 58 max on 19th.
WIGEON - 60 max on 18th.
MANDARIN - four males and six females on North Pool on 19th.
POCHARD - 32 max on 18th.
TUFTED DUCK - 42 max on 19th.
GOOSANDER - 14 on the river on 14th, one on the Main Pool on 15th and 18 on river on 18th.
PEREGRINE - two juveniles being harried by Crows on 19th.
BUZZARD - one-two all week.
SPARROWHAWK - one-two all week.
MOORHEN - max 39 on 19th.
COOT - max 117 on 19th.
SNIPE - three-five all week.
COMMON GULL - two on 18th.
KINGFISHER - four on 19th.
REDWING - 101 NW on 18th and 263 W/SW on 19th.
FIELDFARE - 308 NW on 18th and 450 SW on 19th.
CHIFFCHAFF - one on 18th and 19th.
GOLDCREST - singles on 13th/14th/15th and five on 19th.
JAY - daily records with a max of six on 16th.
CROW - max 200 on 14th.
JACKDAW - max 100 on 14th.
RAVEN - one on 16th, four on 18th and one again on 19th.
SISKIN - max 20 on 14th.
REDPOLL - 19 SW on 19th.

OD = Tertiary 3.2
Opp Hut 2.6
Behind Hut 2.6
Main Pool 3.3

Many thanks to this week's observers; TC KP MR DG KRW RRP RWS AG

Recorded on 19/10/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 6th Oct - Sunday 12th Oct.

A nice variety of species this week including the first Stonechat of the Autumn/Winter and late Blackcap and Hobby, as well as unusually large numbers of gulls lingering in the area

CORMORANT - the roost continues to increase (as is expected during Autumn after the post breeding dispersal) with a max of 146 on 9th.
GREYLAG GOOSE - a flock of 31 flew S on 12th.
SHELDUCK - one on 6th.
MALLARD - max 169 on 12th.
GADWALL - max 24 on 12th.
TEAL - max 21 on 12th.
SHOVELER - max 22 on 12th.
WIGEON - max 60 on 6th.
MANDARIN - five on 6th, and three on 7th.
POCHARD - max 25 on 12th.
TUFTED DUCK - max 37 on 9th.
GOOSANDER - three on 9th
HOBBY - one on 7th was perhaps the last of the year.
KESTREL - a male and a female around all week.
PEREGRINE - one on 9th.
BUZZARD - odd birds through the week.
SPARROWHAWK - one-two logged daily.
COOT - max 105 on 12th.
MOORHEN - max 24 on 12th.
SNIPE - five on 11th.
BH GULL - during the second half of the week birds were congregating on the flash pools on the former station area and when disturbed came over the reserve area. 350 on 1oth and 400 on 12th.
LBB GULL - as for BH Gulls; there were 50 on 9th, 178 on 10th, 97 on 11th and 64 on 10th.
COMMON GULL - two flew through to NE on 7th.
SWALLOW - six on 9th.
SKYLARK - light passage during the week, with seven on 7th and eight on 12th.
MEADOW PIPIT - 14 S on 7th, 12 on 11th and ten S on 12th.
GREY WAGTAIL - one on 7th.
STONECHAT - two males seen briefly before they moved off west across the river on 9th.
BLACKCAP - a late male on 12th.
CHIFFCHAFF - one singing on 12th.
GOLDCREST ONE ON 10TH.
NUTHATCH - one on 9th, in the woodlandd strip along the drive in.
TREECREEPER - singles on 6th and 12th.
JAY - 2-3 all week.
BULLFINCH - five on 6th.
SISKIN - max 40 on 7th.
REDPOLL - nine on 12th.

OD = Main Pool 3.8
Tertiary Pool 3.4
Opp Hut 2.4
Behind Hut 3.4

Many thanks to this week's observers TC KW R&MW KP RMRJ RS MR AG

Recorded on 12/10/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 29th Sept - Sunday 5th Oct.

Highlight of the week was the brief appearance of a female Garganey early on the morning of 5th Oct. The first here for five years, it was obviously brought in by the atrocious overnight weather. It was first seen on the main pool at 07:50 and departed at 08:30, after spending virtually all of the 40mins either preening or in close proximity to a female Pintail.
Typical for this time of the year there were the crossover records of incoming winter migrants and departing summer visitors in the shape of Jack Snipe and Hobby.

SHELDUCK - an adult on 5th.
TEAL - max 15 on 29th.
GADWALL - max 13 on 29th.
PINTAIL - one on 29th/5th.
GARGANEY - a female on 5th.
SHOVELER - max 39 on 29th.
WIGEON - max 50 on 4th.
TUFTED DUCK - max 27 on 4th.
POCHARD - max 18 on 4th.
BUZZARD - max five on 3rd.
HOBBY - one on 29th/1st.
COOT - max 98 on 4th.
SNIPE - one on 29th and two on 1st.
JACK SNIPE - one on 30th.
SWALLOW - three on 29th and six west on 1st.
HOUSE MARTIN - three on 1st.
MEADOW PIPIT - ten on 5th.
PIED WAGTAIL - a sudden influx of 50 on 5th, no doubt also brought down by the poor weather.
CHIFFCHAFF - singles on 29th/1st/5th.
SISKIN - max 30 on 29th/1st.
STARLING - up to 500 moving into area from west and back across river again on 5th, and up to 23 in to roost on the same evening.

OD = Main Pool 4.2
Tertiary 3.7
Opp Hut 2.6
Behind Hut 3.7

Many thanks to this week's observers TC KW R&MW RS BS KP AG

Recorded on 05/10/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 22nd Sept - Sunday 28th Sept.

Highlights this week were the reappearance of Redwing and Redpoll, and the discovery of up to 38 "Long-winged Coneheads", a rare type of grasshopper in this area.

SHELDUCK - a juvenile of the "common" variety briefly on 28th, left to SW.
MALLARD - max 199 on 28th.
GADWALL - max 15 on 22nd/27th/28th.
TEAL - max 12 on 27th.
WIGEON - max 50 on 23rd.
SHOVELER - max 13 on 27th.
MANDARIN - a female on 26th/27th.
POCHARD - 3/4 from 25th.
TUFTED DUCK - max 13 on 25th.
GOOSANDER - four on river on 28th.
HOBBY - singles on 22nd/26th.
PEREGRINE - one on 28th.
BUZZARD - 1/2 all week.
SPARROWHAWK - two on 27th and one on 28th.
MOORHEN - max 20 on 28th.
COOT - max 90 on 27th.
SNIPE - two on flooded path to Scott's Lagoon on 28th.
COMMON SANDPIPER - one on 27th.
KINGFISHER - four on 28th.
GS WOODPECKER - four on 28th.
SWALLOW - four on 26th.
GREY WAGTAIL - one on river and two moving east on 28th.
ROBIN - 49 on 28th was the highest count of the year so far and must have included migrant birds.
BLACKBIRD - max 30 on 27th.
SONG THRUSH - nine on 28th were probably all migrants.
REDWING - up to 15 on 27th were the first of the year.
BLACKCAP - one on 26th.
CHIFFCHAFF - three on 28th.
LONG TAILED TIT - 33 on 28th.
RAVEN - one on 25th.
BULLFINCH - seven on 28th.
LESSER REDPOLL - nine on 28th were the first of the year.
SISKIN - 30 on 27th and seven on 28th.
JAY - two all week.

OD = Tertiary 3.3
Main Pool 4.6
Opp Hut 2.4
Behind Hut 4.0
North Pool level marker still obscured by water.

Many thanks to this week's observers TC KW M & RW EH BP BS MR KP AG

Recorded on 28/09/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 15th - Sunday 21st Sept.

Highlight of the week was the female Ruddy Shelduck on 18th, the latest ever at Drakelow by seven days. Also of note was the return of Goosander and Siskin.

GC GREBE - max three on 20th.
LITTLE GREBE - max 12 on 15th.
CORMORANT - 114 in the roost on 20th.
LITTLE EGRET - one in the roost on 20th.
MUTE SWAN - max 12 on 21st.
CANADA GOOSE - max 184 on 21st.
RUDDY SHELDUCK - a female on the north pool on 18th moved to the main pool before flying off east at 14:20
MALLARD - 139 on 21st was the only count of the week.
GADWALL - MAX 13 on 15th.
TEAL - ten on 16th.
SHOVELER - max15 on 15th.
WIGEON - max 28 on 16th.
POCHARD - max 13 on 15th.
TUFTED DUCK - max 11 on 15th.
GOOSANDER - singles on 15th/16th and eight "redheads" on 21st on river.
HOBBY - singles on 15th/18th/20th.
KESTREL - one all week.
PEREGRINE - singles on 15th/21st.
BUZZARD - max six on 18th.
SPARROWHAWK - singles on four dates.
COOT - a noticable influx during the week, up to 76 on 21st.
SNIPE - one on 15th/16th.
KINGFISHER - one on 21st.
GREEN WOODPECKER - present all week, max four on 21st.
SWALLOW - five on 15th were the last birds logged this week.
HOUSE MARTIN - one west on 18th.
GREY WAGTAIL - three on 21st.
BLACKCAP - one on 18th and two on 21st.
CHIFFCHAFF - four on 21st included two in song.
GOLDCREST - one on 16th/21st.
JAY - 1-2 all week.
JACKDAW - 38 on 18th was a very good number for this area.
RAVEN - one logged on 20th.
CHAFFINCH - becoming a little more vocal after the post-fledging/moult period and a tad easier to detect; up to eight on 21st.
GREENFINCH - 60 in the car park on 21st.
SISKIN - seven on 18th were the first returning birds, then 30 on 20th and eight on 21st.

HARE - three on 21st.
BROWN RAT - a freshly dead one on 21st, no obvious signs of it's demise.

OD = Main Pool - 5.2
Tertiary - 3.8
Opp Hut - 2.4
Behind Hut - 5.0

All going down gradually; the main pool is down 14cm in a week. The north pool gauge though is still obscured by flood water.

Many thanks to this week's observers :- TC M & RW KW BS BP EH KP AG.

Recorded on 21/09/2008

Ruddy Shelduck, female, but departed at 1405 hrs.

Recorded on 18/09/2008

The inundation of the Reserve after last weekend's rain meant that all the suitable wader areas were lost and loafing ducks were very hard to see. Nevertheless, there were records of Pintail and Mandarin during the week as well as Tawny Owl and Wheatear.

MALLARD - max 147 on 14th.
GADWALL - max 13 on 13th.
TEAL - max 20 on 14th.
PINTAIL - one on 13th.
SHOVELER - max 30 on 13th.
WIGEON - max eight on 13th.
MANDARIN - two on 13th.
POCHARD - max seven on 13th.
TUFTED DUCK - max 24 on 12TH.
HOBBY - one on 10th and three on 11th.
KESTREL - three on 14th.
PEREGRINE - singles on 13th/14th.
BUZZARD - max three on 13th.
MOORHEN - 18 on 14th.
COOT - 53 on 14th.
GOLDEN PLOVER - a flock of 16 moved through SW on 12th.
SNIPE - one on 12th.
COMMON SANDPIPER - one moving SW along river on 12th.
BH GULL - 656 on 14th, comprised 54 on coal stock flash and 602 moving through SW.
LBB GULL - 100 moving through SW during morning of 14th,
presumably the same birds (c90) moving NE the previous evening.
TAWNY OWL - one found in the mature wooded area of the "old reed bed" on 13th.
KINGFISHER - up to three on 14th.
GREEN WOODPECKER - two most of week.
GS WOODPECKER - two most of week.
SWALLOW - single figures noted most days trickling through SW.
HOUSE MARTIN - 45 on 14th.
MEADOW PIPIT - a small dribble of passage birds, two on 12th and 13 SW on 14th.
GREY WAGTAIL - three along river bank on 12th and one WNW on 14th.
ROBIN - 36 on 14th.
WHEATEAR - one by the fishing pool on 10th and two on 12th.
WHITETHROAT - one on 14th.
BLACKCAP - three on 14th.
CHIFFCHAFF - still a few around, with song most days and a max of seven on 12th.
WILLOW WARBLER - one on 12th.
WILLOW TIT - one on 14th was the first (as far as is known) since July.
LT TIT - lots of roving parties, at least 40 on 12th and up to 50 in three separate flocks on 14th.
GREAT TIT - song on 14th.
JAY- two on 13th.
MAGPIE - 23 coming into roost on 13th. Numbers earlier in the year built up to 107 in Feb.
BULLFINCH - six on 14th.

Readings taken on 14th Sept.
OD = North Pool - completely covered, up by approx 80cm
Main Pool - 6.6, up 66cm
Opp hut - 2.5, up 25cm
Behind hut - 5.4, up 62cm
Tertiary - 4.7, up 41cm

Many thanks to this week's observers;
TC KW R&MW KP KS AG

Recorded on 14/09/2008

Whinchat - juv. trapped and ringed
Reed Warbler
Hobby
Goldcrest - juv. trapped and ringed

Recorded on 14/09/2008

ALL PATHS NOW WALKABLE IN WELLIES.ALL HIDES OPEN.THOUGH WATER IS HIGH ON RESERVE IT IS DROPPING TO A REASONABLE LEVEL.
TODAY...GREAT CRESTED GREBE/6 LITTLE GREBES/2 MANDARIN/WIGEON/SHOVELER/ GADWALL/ TUFTED DUCK/SWALLOW/BUZZARD/COOT/MOORHEN/CORMORANT//GREEEN WOODPECKER/GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER/ /BLACKHEADED GULL/G B B GULL/ CARRIONCROW/MAGPIE/DUNNOCK/ROBIN/GOLDFINCH/

Recorded on 13/09/2008

Weekly round-up for 1st - 6th September

Highlights were the reappearance of Snipe, Wigeon and Pintail, a significant increase in Shoveler and large numbers of House Martins in the poor weather.

CANADA GOOSE - a large flock of 223 on 6th.
GREYLAG GOOSE - five with the Canada's on 6th.
GADWALL - 29 on 6th.
PINTAIL - three on 2nd and one on 3rd.
SHOVELER - 44 on 6th.
WIGEON - one on 3rd and five on 6th.
PEREGRINE - one on 3rd.
SNIPE - two on 6th.
COMMON SANDPIPER - two all week.
HOUSE MARTIN - 150 on 6th.
WHEATEAR - two on 6th.
GREENFINCH - 60 on 6th.

Many thanks to this weeks observers:- TC KW M&RW BS EH AG

Recorded on 08/09/2008

FLOOD REPORT

After the prolonged heavy rain of 5th-7th Sept the River Trent completely submerged the Reserve. I understand that it was still rising at midday today (8th). Very little in the way of birds apart from exceptional numbers of Swallows. TC had at least 300 over the flood waters along the river, but remarkably not a single House Martin among them.

AG.

Recorded on 08/09/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 25th - Sunday 31st August.

Probably the main highlight was the year's first record of Golden Plover on 31st as it made it's way SW in thick fog.

CORMORANT - 111 was the max roost count, on 30th.
GADWALL - max 37 on 31st.
TEAL - max 15 on 26th.
SHOVELER - max 25 on 31st.
POCHARD - max seven on 30th.
HOBBY - singles on 26th/29th/30th.
KESTREL - one on 28th.
BUZZARD - max eight on 28th.
SPARROWHAWK - singles on 26th/28th/30th.
WATER RAIL - one calling at the GFH on 27th.
MOORHEN - max 28 on 31st.
COOT - max 59 on 31st.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - a juvenile on the gravel strip 29th-31st.
GOLDEN PLOVER - one called as it moved SW in thick fog on 31st. The first record here this year.
GREENSHANK - one on 27th.
COMMON SANDPIPER - two all week, then three from 30th.
KINGFISHER - up to four on 31st.
SWALLOW - max 50 on 28th, and 30 on 30th.
SAND MARTIN - max 40 on 26th.
GREY WAGTAIL - two on 26th and three on 31st.
ROBIN - 31 on 31st.
REED WARBLER - three at the GFH and one near the north hide.
SEDGE WARBLER - one on 26th.
LESSER WHITETHROAT - one on 31st.
BLACKCAP - three on 31st.
CHIFFCHAFF - six on 31st, included two in song (briefly).
GOLDCREST - one on 31st.
JAY - two on 31st.
CROW - 230 on 30th.
ROOK - 15 on 29th.
GREENFINCH - 28 around roost site all morning.

Many thanks to this week's observers; TC KW RW MW BS EH TT DB AG.

Recorded on 31/08/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 18th - Sunday 24th August.

Highlights include a late update from last Sunday (17th) when up to six Kingfishers were seen on the Reserve, four of which were all together and most likely a new family party, and the Greenshanks were still noted all week.

LITTLE GREBE - up to 15 adults and juveniles on 24th.
LITTLE EGRET - on 19th one went SW and later one was on the muddy shore opposite the hut.
MALLARD - max 261 on 24th.
GADWALL - max 40 on 24th.
TEAL - max 18 on 24th.
SHOVELER - max 20 on 19th.
TUFTED DUCK - max 33 on 24th.
HOBBY - one on 19th.
BUZZARD - 1-3 most of week.
SPARROWHAWK - on 24th a large female was being persistently mobbed by Magpies, one of which nearly became the raptors next meal after getting a little too close.
GREENSHANK - 1-3 until the last log entry on 22nd.
COMMON SANDPIPER - 1-2 on four dates.
BLACK HEADED GULL - an influx of new birds on 22nd when up to 51 appeared, and then 77 on 24th.
SWIFT - the last log entry (so far) was four on 21st.
KINGFISHER - as mentioned above, late news of up to six birds on 17th, including four together on one of the fishing poles. These are most likely to have been a new brood. they were seen again together on 19th and 20th, and then 2-3 around the Reserve up to 24th.
HOUSE MARTIN - up to 100 massing over the river on 24th.
GREY WAGTAIL - one on 24th.
REED WARBLER - still at least one singing at the glass-fronted hide on 24th.
SEDGE WARBLER - one along the ditch on 24th.
WHITETHROAT - one on 18th/21st.
BLACKCAP - four on 24th.
CHIFFCHAFF - seven on 24th, including three in song.
WILLOW WARBLER - three on 24th, including two in song.
TREECREEPER - one around the north pool on 24th.
JAY - one on 24th.
CHAFFINCH - up to six on 24th; after their post-breeding lull they now seem to be a little more obtrusive as they vie with migrant warblers fattening up on hedgerow fruits.

Little change in water levels despite the recent rainfall.

Many thanks to this week's observers; KW KP GB BS R & MW MR EH MO AG

Recorded on 24/08/2008

4 KINGFISHERS ON THE SAME POLE.--2 GREENSHANKS--COMMON SANDPIPER--LITTLE EGRET--2 BUZZARDS--PASSAGE OF HOUSE MARTINS SAND MARTINS AND SWALLOWS.PUSHED LOW BY THE RAIN..TEAL--SHOVELER--GADWALL--MALLARD--TUFTED DUCK---REED WARBLER---BULLFINCH--GREENWOODPECKER...JAY--GOLDFINCH--42 SPECIES IN ALL...

Recorded on 19/08/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 11th-Sunday 17th August.

The week was most notable for the contnued presence of the three Greenshank which fed along the gravel strip on the main pool all week. There were also good numbers of juvenile and migrant warblers feeding on ripening elderberries and blackberries towards the end of the week along with new flush of juvenile thrushes.

LITTLE GREBE - a count of 12 adults and three broods of still dependent young (2,2 and 2) on 17th.
CORMORANT - max roost count of 125 on 11th.
MUTE SWAN - 11 on 14th.
MALLARD - max 338 on 14th.
GADWALL - max 36 on 14th.
TEAL - max 16 on 17th.
SHOVELER - max 22 on 17th.
TUFTED DUCK - max 36 on 14th.
MANDARIN - one on 11th/12th.
HOBBY - one SW at dawn on 17th suggested that it had possibly roosted on the Reserve.
KESTREL - one on 12th/14th.
PEREGRINE - one on 11th and two on 14th.
BUZZARD - max four on 14th.
MOORHEN - max 33 on 17th.
COOT - max 65 on 17th.
OYSTERCATCHER - one on 14th.
GREENSHANK - three on the main pool spit all week. By their pattern of appearance's during the mornings it would appear that they were spending the evening roosting elsewhere and coming in to the Reserve to feed during the day.
COMMON SANDPIPER - one up to 13th.
KINGFISHER - max four on 14th.
GREY WAGTAIL - one on 17th.
WREN - up to 13 in song on 17th.
DUNNOCK - a notable count of 12 on 17th.
BLACKBIRD - a minimum of 21 on 17th, of which over half were recently fledged juveniles.
SONG THRUSH - three recently fledged juveniles in two areas.
REED WARBLER - odd birds still evident in the regular reedy patches.
WHITETHROAT - two on 14th.
LESSER WHITETHROAT - two on 14th and one on 17th.
GARDEN WARBLER - one on 14th and two on 17th.
BLACKCAP - eight on 14th and 11 on 17th.
CHIFFCHAFF - eight on 14th and nine on 17th.
WILLOW WARBLER - four on 14th and seven on 17th included six in song.
LONG TAILED TIT - a minumum of 30 on 17th.
JAY - two on 16th.
CHAFFINCH - four on 14th (oddly quite scarce post-breeding).
GREENFINCH - two fledged juveniles on 17th.
BULLFINCH - two adult males and a fledged juvenile on 17th.
REED BUNTING - a family of five juveniles on 17th.

OD = NP 1.6
MP 0.0
Tertiary 0.8
Opp Hut 0.0

Many thanks to this weeks observers KW KP MW KS AG

Recorded on 17/08/2008

LITTLE GREBE / CORMORANT/ CANADA GOOSE/ GREY HERON /MUTESWAN/ TUFTEDDUCK/ GADWALL/ SHOVELER/ TEAL// MANDARIN/ COOT/ MOORHEN/ GREENSHANK/ COMMON SANDPIPER/ SWIFT/ SANDMARTIN/ HOUSE MARTIN/ BLUE TIT/ GREAT TIT/ LONGTAILED TIT/ BLACKHEADED GULL/ REEDWARBLER/ CHIFFCHAFF/ BLACKCAP /WHITETHROAT/ GREENWOODPECKER/ GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER/ REED BUNTING /
GREENFINCH/BULL FINCH.

Recorded on 12/08/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 4th - Sunday 10th August

Few highlights but they were fairly good nontheless, including a new brood of three Little Grebe on the Tertiary Pool, Little Egrets on two dates, the family of Peregrines still performing, as were a number of Buzzards, and the week was rounded off by three Greenshanks which graced the gravel strip of the main pool on the morning of the 10th.

LITTLE GREBE - the fourth brood of the year (3) was found on 10th in the Tertiary Pool. On the same date there were nine other adults and well-grown young opposite the hut along with only two of the most recent brood of four from that water.
LITTLE EGRET - one on 4th and 8th.
MALLARD - max 314 on 10th.
GADWALL - max 39 on 10th.
TEAL - max eight on 10th.
SHOVELER - max 13 on 10th.
MANDARIN - three males on 10th.
POCHARD - two on 10th.
TUFTED DUCK - on 10th there were females with broods of 6, 5 and 1, along with a further 29 adults.
KESTREL - one on 7th.
PEREGRINE - three again on 10th. One of the juveniles had caught a Magpie and the second bird was trying to take the prey in mid-air in a simulated food-pass.
SPARROWHAWK - one on 7th/8th.
LAPWING - four SW on 10th.
GREENSHANK - two on 10th on the gravel strip of the main pool at 07:00 were joined by a third bird at 09:50.
COMMON SANDPIPER - one all week and two on 5th.
COMMON TERN - three on 5th.
SWIFT - 50 on 5th and 19 on 10th.
SWALLOW - ten on 10th.
SAND MARTIN - c100 on 9th/10th.
HOUSE MARTIN - c150 on 10th.
KINGFISHER - singles throughout the week.
GREEN WOODPECKER - 2-3 all week.
GS WOODPECKER - singles most days.
MEADOW PIPIT - three dropped in in 10th.
GREY WAGTAIL - singles on 7th/8th/9th.
ROBIN - autumn song heard from 10th.
REED WARBLER - still in 3/4 areas on 10th.
SEDGE WARBLER -one on 10th.
WHITETHROAT - one on 5th/7th.
GARDEN WARBLER - one on 10th.
BLACKCAP - six on 10th including a brief snatch of song.
CHIFFCHAFF - seven on 10th.
WILLOW WARBLER - up to three on 10th, all giving brief bursts of song.
LINNET - two on 10th.

OD = Tertiary - 0.8
opp hut 0.0
main pool 0.0

Many thanks to all this weeks observers:- TC KW KP PB BS EH MW BP MR RP FP AG

Recorded on 10/08/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 28th July - Sunday 3rd August.

Little Grebe - a new brood of four appeared on 30th.
Cormorant - still two nests with dependent young on 3rd, one of which appears recent suggesting a second brood.
Little Egret - two on 28th/1st and one on 30th/2nd.
Shelduck - a juvenile briefly on 3rd.
Mallard - max 302 on 3rd.
Teal - max 14 on 3rd.
Shoveler - max 14 on 3rd.
Mandarin - 2-4 all week.
Pochard - 1-2 all week.
Tufted Duck - broods of 5 and 6 still present, max 29 adults on 3rd.
Hobby - singles on three dates.
Peregrine - on 3rd an adult was teaching two juveniles how to catch pigeons over the sidings. One of the most pectacular free shows ever.
Kestrel - a male on 3rd.
Buzzard - an adult and two juveniles around all week.
Sparrowhawk - singles on three dates.
Moorhen - the 11th brood (1) appeared on the tertiary pool on 3rd.
Water Rail - one on 3rd was the first of the autumn.
Common Sandpiper - one all week and two on 1st.
Green Sandpiper - one on north pool on 2nd/3rd.
LRP - one on 30th/31st.
Greenshank - one on 30th, called in flight on three occasions but didn't come down.

Many thanks to this weeks observers:- TC KW MW RW MR BS EH AG

Recorded on 03/08/2008

Common Sandpiper 1
Hobby 1
Greenshank 1
Mandarin 1 female
Little Ringed Plover 1 adult
Little Egret 1

Recorded on 30/07/2008

Little Ringed Plover 1 adult
Common Sandpiper 1
Kingfisher 1
Mandarin 1 female
Swifts 4
Common Tern 1
Grey Wagtail 1
Teal 4

Recorded on 29/07/2008

The missing first part of the next message.
Weekly round-up from Monday 21st July - Sunday July.

LITTLE GREBE - a new brood of two in the north pool.
MALLARD - max 322 on 27th.
GADWALL - max 41 on 27th.
TEAL - max ten on 27th.
SHOVELER - max five on 21st.
MANDARIN - four all week.
POCHARD - four on 24th and two on 25th/27th.
TUFTED DUCK - three new broods appeared during the week; 3,1 and 7.
GOOSANDER - the big surprise of the week when a juvenile spent a short while on the main pool before flying off SE on 26th. This is the first July record for Drakelow and the earliest ever returning autumn bird by 14 days.
BUZZARD - Bred in an area formerly part of the old wildfowl reserve. Two juveniles were uttering food-begging calls to an adult bird nearby.
MOORHEN - the 8th and 9th broods were found on the river on 27th.
COOT - max 54 on 27th.
OYSTERCATCHER - one on 24th/25th.
LRP - an independent juvenile on the main pool spit on 24th.
GREEN SANDPIPER - one on the river on 27th.
CURLEW - one on 24th.
KINGFISHER - max four on 27th, two birds in two different areas.
GREEN WOODPECKER - 5/6, in all areas, on 27th.
SWALLOW - the first obvious passage of the year on 26th when 29 flew W.
GREY WAGTAIL - 1/2 all week.

For rest of list see last message............

Recorded on 28/07/2008

Little Egret 2
Teal 4

Recorded on 28/07/2008

as I was saying....
WHITETHROAT - two on 27th.
GARDEN WARBLER - one on 27th.
BLACKCAP - two on 27th.
CHIFFCHAFF - four on 27th.
WILLOW WARBLER - one on 27th.
GOLDCREST - one on 27th.
TREECREEPER - one on 27th.
COAL TIT - one with Long-tailed Tits on 27th.
WILLOW TIT - one on 22nd/27th.
STARLING - 111 on 26th.
BULLFINCH - two on 24th/27th.
LINNET - two on 27th.
GREENFINCH - one singing and four going to roost on 26th. This is significant in the fact that during August a regular post breeding roost has occurred in recent years, peaking at 253 last year. They usually occupy the hedges around the car park and along towards the Bamboo Pool. Counts are best carried out at dawn when almost all of the birds tend to move off to the SW.

OD (where possible) North Pool 1.7 (down to mud)
Opp hut 0.2
Tertiary 1.1

Many thanks to this weeks observers; TC KW RW MW EH BS MR R & JS AG

Recorded on 27/07/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 14th - Sunday 20th July

Few highlights apart from a large movement of Swift during the weekend and new broods of Moorhen, Coot and the year's first brood of Tufted Duck.

MALLARD - max 168 on 20th.
GADWALL - the female and brood of three still together on 20th, and the max for the week was 28 adults on 14th.
TEAL - three all week.
SHOVELER - max four on 19th.
MANDARIN - max six on 19th.
TUFTED DUCK - a female with a brood of six on the Tertiary Lagoon on 20th, was reduced to five a mere three hours later. Also on this date was the week's max of 21 other adults.
HOBBY - singles on 16th/19th.
SPARROWHAWK - single birds on 18th/19th/20th.
MOORHEN - the seventh brood of the year (3) at the Glass-fronted Hide on 19th.
COOT - the eleventh brood of the year (1) in the North Pool on 20th.
LRP - two on main pool on 17th and singles on 14th/18th/19th.
COMMON SANDPIPER - one on main pool on 16th/17th.
SWIFT - more good movements through the area, with 201 on the evening of 19th, and a further 570 during the morning of 20th.
KINGFISHER - two on 20th.
GREEN WOODPECKER - a minimum of five, mostly juveniles, all week.
SAND MARTIN - max 184 on 20th.
HOUSE MARTIN - max 115 on 20th.
GREY WAGTAIL - singles on 17th/18th, and two on 19th/20th.
REED WARBLER - still a few singing birds in a few areas, including in odd places like the hawthorn hedges around the car park (a fairly regular occurence here).
SEDGE WARBLER - odd ones logged during the week.
WHITETHROAT - just a single bird logged all week.
GARDEN WARBLER - see above.
BLACKCAP - four singing on 20th, and few brown-capped juveniles becoming obvious.
CHIFFCHAFF - two singing on 20th along with up to three calling individuals.
WILLOW WARBLER - one uttering a typical disyllabic huuiit call on 20th; the first record this month.

JAY - one on 17th.
BULLFINCH - three on 20th.

A Grey Cockatoo was seen on 14th. The call was described as being very much like an Oystercatcher. Quite a few exotic cage-birds have calls very similar to waders; Ring-necked Parakeet being a classic example of this.

Over the next few weeks It's well-worth keeping an eye on any sheltered, or east-facing, hedgerow laden with elderberries as these are among the best areas to see good numbers of warblers feeding in full, early morning sunlight. The hedges between the car park and the Bamboo Pool are a good bet for passage Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher. and into August watch all along the way to the Reserve from the hairpin bend as Whinchat can be seen here if there is a decent passage. Finally, any count of Mandarin over eight this month would be a new July record.

OD= Tertiary Lagoon 1.4
North Pool 2.3
Opp Hut 0.6
Behind Hut below level
Main Pool obscured.

Many thanks to this week's observers; TC MR EH RS DH KP RW MW MD AG

Recorded on 20/07/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 7th July - Sunday 13th July.

It may still be summer in the Human world but autumn is certainly upon the avian world with more increases in wildfowl and good vismig counts of Swift. Fresh broods of Coot and Moorhen appeared and there was confirmation of breeding Little Grebe. Added to this were a Little Egret and intriguing records of Mandarin and Peregrine to round off a fairly good week.

LITTLE GREBE - a pair were seen feeding two small young opposite the hut on 13th, five other adults and two immatures present on the same date.
CORMORANT - a roost count of 286 on 7th.
LITTLE EGRET - one on 10th.
MALLARD - an impressive July count (by todays standards) of 198 on 13th.
GADWALL - the female and three juveniles still present to 13th, along with up to 27 other adults.
TEAL - seven on 7th and 13th.
SHOVELER - one on 10th and five on 13th.
MANDARIN - three on 7th included a pair which were still present on 13th along with two others (all on the main pool).
These may just be fresh arrivals or they could just as easily have been failed breeders.
TUFTED DUCK - max 26 on 8th.
HOBBY - singles on 7th and 10th.
PEREGRINE - after singles on 7th and 8th, a juvenile acompanied an adult on the pylons, and one on 13th was seen to mob two Ravens over the Walton Road area.
BUZZARD - singles all week and noted in three areas on 13th.
MOORHEN - up to 20 adults and well-grown young on 13th along with a new brood of three opposite the hut, the 6th brood of the year.
COOT - 34 adults and well-grown young on 13th along with the three surviving young from the brood of six and a fresh brood of three opposite the hut; the 9th and 10th broods of the year.
OYSTERCATCHER - seven NW on 7th, three on 8th and singles on 10th/11th.
LRP - an adult and a juvenile were seen from the GFH on five dates.
COMMON SANDPIPER - one on 8th.
COMMON TERN - singles on 7th and 11th.
SWIFT - some excellent passage counts of 162 SW on 7th, 200 SW on 12th and 111 SW on 13th.
GREEN WOODPECKER - on 13th there was a family of four around Minton's Lagoon, a juvenile at the pump house and an adult with another juvenile in another area.
GREY WAGTAIL - two on 7th and 8th.
MISTLE THRUSH - max 12 on 13th.
SEDGE WARBLER - juveniles in three areas, along with two in song on 13th.
WHITETHROAT - still three singing and juveniles in two areas on 13th.
GARDEN WARBLER - one singing on 13th.
BLACKCAP - three singing on 13th.
CHIFFCHAFF - four singing on 13th.
GOLDFINCH - three juveniles on 13th.

OD = Tertiary - 1.7
North Pool - 2.7
opp hut - 0.8
behind hut - water now below level marker.
Main Pool - obscured.

Many thanks to this week's observers; TC MR RW MW KW BP BS D&EG AG

Recorded on 13/07/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 30th June - Sunday 6th July

The week was probably most notable for the year's first records of Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Broad-bodied Chaser and Common Darter around the Reserve and also for the notable passage of Swift through the area.

LITTLE GREBE - a sudden upsurge in numbers, with ten on 6th.
MALLARD - max of 120 on 6th, including well-grown broods of five and ten.
GADWALL - still three juveniles with a female and a further 30 on 6th.
TEAL - one or two through the week.
MANDARIN - two females on 30th, and singles on 1st and 4th.
TUFTED DUCK - max 27 on 6th.
HOBBY - two on 30th.
PEREGRINE - one seen with prey on 1st.
COOT - a new brood of six on 4th was reduced to three on 6th.
OYSTERCATCHER - a pair still around all week.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - an adult and a fledged juvenile on the gravel spit on the main pool on 5th.
SWIFT - 123 SW on 30th and 197 SW on 6th.
GREEN WOODPECKER - a family party of four juveniles from 3rd.
SAND MARTIN - 80+ on 6th.
HOUSE MARTIN - 90+ on 6th.
GARDEN WARBLER - one still in song on 6th.
GOLDCREST - one singing around the North Pool on 6th.
REED BUNTING - males singing in six areas on 6th.

A Common Footman was noted on 1st, and on 3rd the year's first Ringlet was logged.
The 4th saw a good selection of stuff as follows;
Meadow Brown - 60
Small White - 4
Large White - 5
GV White - 4
Speckled Wood - 6
Small Heath - 8
Small Copper - 1
Ringlet - 12
Gatekeeper - 4
Small Skipper - 4
Large Skipper - 5

Broad-bodied Chaser - 1
Black-tailed Skimmer - 8
Common Darter - 1
Brown Aeshna - 6

OD = Tertiary - 1.8
North Pool - 2.9
Behind Hut - 0.0
Opp Hut - 1.1

Many thanks to this weeks observers:- TC RW MW KW MR BS EH AG.

Recorded on 06/07/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 23rd June to Sunday 29th June.

Probably the bird of the year, and a new species to the Reserve list, was seen on Tuesday 24th when a Honey Buzzard was over the North Pool. It was watched for about five minutes by one of our regular stalwarts, Keith Walker, (lucky boy, well done that man), as it was mobbed by Crows. As the species is a great rarity in the county the appropriate notes will be submitted to the DOS rarities comittee.
The other main feature of the week has been the return of a few of the regular wildowl species, Gadwall especially has begun to build up a good number for the month of June.

LITTLE GREBE - A well-grown juvenile appeared on the main pool from 28th but was not thought to have been bred at Drakelow. A second pair joined the regular pair on the pool opposite the hut on 29th.
CORMORANT - a roost count of 333 on 24th.
MUTE SWAN - up to 18 on the river on 23rd whilst six were on the Reserve. A pair of darvic ringed birds on 29th; [P7E] and [3ZT].
CANADA GOOSE - 85 on 29th were both adults and well-grown young.
MALLARD - 80 adults and 17 young on 29th.
GADWALL - The brood of six from last week was down to four by 23rd and then three by 28th. There were up to 20 other adults on 29th.
TEAL - one - four throughout the week.
SHOVELER - A pair on 23rd was a good June record.
TUFTED DUCK - max 33 on 29th.
PEREGRINE - one low along the river and then into the Reserve on 29th was thought to have been one of the Burton bred juveniles.
BUZZARD - max four on 23rd.
HONEY BUZZARD (see above)
SPARROWHAWK - a male on 26th.
LRP - odd ones on the slowly emerging gravel strip through the week.
OYSTERCATCHER - up to four around Reserve 28th/29th.
COMMON SANDPIPER - one still along the river banks on 29th.
SWIFT - up to 81 feeding around Reserve and slowly drifting through to SW through the morning of 29th.
CUCKOO - one on 24th was the only record.
COLLARED DOVE - The pair still around the GFH.
KINGFISHER - one on 24th/26th/29th.
GREEN WOODPECKER - four on 29th.
GS WOODPECKER - four on 29th.
GREY WAGTAIL - one on 24th/26th/28th.
MISTLE THRUSH - max 18 on 28th.
SEDGE WARBLER - singles on three dates and one in song on 29th.
LESSER WHITETHROAT - one on 24th/26th.
WHITETHROAT - four in song on 29th and one carrying food in a fifth area.
GARDEN WARBLER - one singing on 29th.
BLACKCAP - still nine in song on 29th.
CHIFFCHAFF - four singing on 29th.
NUTHATCH - an unusual record was of one calling in the Old Reed Bed on 29th, and there was also one in Warren Clump, near the hairpin on the same date. Probably wandering juveniles from nearby suitable woods. There is a Song Thrush on the Reserve that occasionally does an extremely good impression of a Nuthatch; maybe the real thing was attracted by the impostor.
TREECREEPER - one on 28th.
BULLFINCH - a pair carrying nest material on 24th.
REED BUNTING - six singing on 29th.

It was a good day for odonata recording on 23rd during a lull in the persistent high winds, and observations included, three Brown Aeshnas, 17 Black-tailed Skimmers, two Four-spotted Chasers and 120 Red-eyed Damselflies.

OD - Tertiary - 2.0
North Pool - 3.4? obscured by muck.
Behind Hut - 0.1
Opposite Hut - 1.2
Main Pool - ?? obscured by vegetation

Many thanks to this week's observers; TC RW KW BS AG

Recorded on 29/06/2008

Cuckoo - 1
Sparrowhawk - 1
Jay - 1
Reed Warbler - 7 (ringed)
Green Woodpecker - 1
Kingfisher - 1 (ringed)
Willow Warbler - 1 in song

Recorded on 29/06/2008

HONEY BUZZARD 12.30 FOR FIVE MINUTES.FLEW OFF NORTH WEST.
OTHER BIRDS OF NOTE .COMMON BUZZARD.KESTREL.GREENWOODPECKER.OYSTERCATCHER .LITTLE RINGED PLOVER.GREY WAGTAIL.GADWALL WITH YOUNG.TEAL.RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE.SKYLARK.LAPWING WITH YOUNG.LESSER WHITE THROAT.WHITE THROAT.SEDGE WARBLER.REED WARBLER.BLACKCAP.CHIFFCHAFF.BULLFINCH AND CUCKOO 47 SPECIES SEEN TODAY GOOD VIEWS OF KINGFISHER AND REED WARBLER FROM MAIN HIDE.

Recorded on 24/06/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 16th June - Sunday 22nd June.

A good week, and it could be argued that Autumn migration has already begun, with reappearances of Common Sandpiper, Teal, Pochard, Mandarin, Little Egret and the first Dunlin of the year.
Due to the high winds later in the week, and especially Sunday, any notion of counting any birds still in song had to be abandoned, as did the hides during the rain as the roofing felt has been blown off.

CORMORANT - a roost count of 310 on 21st.
LITTLE EGRET - one came into the main pool late on 21st, had a brief look round the Cormorant nests, and was later seen flying off to the SW.
MALLARD - A count of 90 adults on 22nd, along with four broods totalling 17 ducklings.
GADWALL - A female with a brood of 6 on 17th, then another female with a brood of five on 20th,
TEAL - four males on 20th were joined by a female on 22nd.
MANDARIN - two females on 18th/22nd.
POCHARD - two males on 222nd.
TUFTED DUCK - max 21 on 22nd.
HOBBY - one on 19th/20th.
MOORHEN - a new brood of six opp. hut on 20th, the 5th of the year.
OYSTERCATCHER - two on 20th/22nd.
DUNLIN - a new one for the year when one was on the muddy spit at the GFH on 19th.
COMMON SANDPIPER - one on the river bank on 22nd.
COMMON TERN - one fishing the main pool most of week.
GREY WAGTAIL - one on 19th.
MISTLE THRUSH - up to ten on 18th/20th.
SEDGE WARBLER - one singing in a new area on 22nd, and on the same date there were three fledged juveniles in the hedges at the Tertiary Lagoon.
LESSER WHITETHROAT - one continues to sing near the GFH.
BULLFINCH - Proof of breeding on 21st when a pair were seen with two fledged young, and another pair were seen carrying food in another area.

OD - Main pool, gauge obscured by vegetation, but may have been 2.0
North Pool 4.0
Behind hut 0.4
Opp hut 1.4
Tertiary 2.4

Many thanks to this weeks observers TC RW KW EH BS BP MR AG.

Recorded on 23/06/2008

Weekly round-up from Tuesday 10th June-Sunday 15th June

A very typical, quiet, week (especially among the waterbirds)on the Reserve. Highlights being the appearance of a good many juvenile warblers and a plethora of finches.

MALLARD - another new brood of ten ducklings on the river on 13th. On the same date there were 62 adults counted.
GADWALL - four max on 13th.
TUFTED DUCK - max 12 on 12th.
COMMON TERN - one or two up and down the river during the week.
CUCKOO - noted most days.
COLLARED DOVE - one continues to sing by the GFH.
KINGFISHER - noted in all log entries.
GS WOODPECKER - seven birds in five areas on 15th, including two juveniles.
SAND MARTIN - a fourth nest hole now in use.
ROBIN - 27 on 15th included juveniles in four areas.
SONG THRUSH - two juveniles on 15th.
REED WARBLER - the first juveniles were seen on 15th.
LESSER WHITETHROAT - one back on the Reserve, singing between the car park and the bamboo pool.
WHITETHROAT- two juveniles on 15th along with five in song.
GARDEN WARBLER - three in song and an adult alarming on 15th.
BLACKCAP - still up to 11 in song on 15th.
GREENFINCH - a juvenile on 13th.
GOLDFINCH - eight in three areas on 15th, including one in song.
BULLFINCH - one carrying food on 14th and four in three areas on 15th.
CHAFFINCH - still up to 21 in song on 15th.
LINNET - birds in two areas on 15th.

Interesting records between the Reserve and the gate this week were the two Raven on 15th, a juvenile Lapwing (at least two weeks old), LRP, two pairs of Treecreepers, Green Woodpecker, Buzzard and Kestrel.

OD = North Pool 4.8
Main Pool 2.9
Opp Hut 1.6
Behind Hut 0.6
Tertiary Pool 2.6

Thanks to this weeks observers: TC KW BS MR AG

Recorded on 15/06/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 2nd June to Monday 9th Jun.

CANADA GOOSE - on 6th the creche of 46 were on the river by the car park whgilst another new brood of two were on the fly-ash, later that day 94 adults were counted.
MALLARD - four broods noted during the week including one new brood of four. Max adult count was 39 on 9th.
GADWALL - seven on 2nd was max, and just a single male for the rest of the week.
POCHARD - a male on 4th was unusual.
TUFTED DUCK - max 15 on 6th.
HOBBY - one on 5th.
KESTREL - a male and female during the week.
BUZZARD - up to three most days.
SPARROWHAWK - one on 9th.
OYSTERCATCHER - the regular pair still around.
COMMON TERN - one NE on 6th.
SWIFT - max 28 on 6th.
CUCKOO - one all week.
COLLARED DOVE - one heard singing on 6th, very unusual on the Reserve.
GS WOODPECKER - a juvenile on the Reserve on 3rd.
WHITETHROAT - a juvenile on the Reserve on 6th.
GARDEN WARBLER - still seven counted in song on 6th.
BLACKCAP - six in song on 6th.
WILLOW WARBLER

Recorded on 09/06/2008

WILLOW WARBLER - one in song on 5th, becoming quite scarce in the area now.
GREENFINCH - a family party on 5th.
BULLFINCH - a pair from 6th.
REED BUNTING - five in song and a female carrying food on 6th.

Other interesting records from between the Reserve and the gate this week include Moorhen, a new brood of six in the fishing pool; Pied Wagtail, juveniles from 6th; Mistle Thrush, a pair and two juveniles; Jay and a pair of Linnet and two juveniles whilst a second pair were in another area.

There were logged records of Four-spotted Chasers from 2nd, Black-tailed Skimmer from 6th, Large Skipper from 7th, and Red-eyed Damselfly from 8th.

It was National Moth Night on 8th and Mike and Rose Williams logged 67 species (a few more are being identified from photographs), obviously far too many to mention here but the commonest species appeared to be the Heart and Dart with 16 being counted, followed by the Twin Square Spot with 12.

Water levels not logged this week due to being away for the week on the Farnes, Fabulous!!!

Many thanks to this weeks observers: TC/M&RW/KW/BS/EH/MR/LW/AG

Recorded on 09/06/2008

Weekly roud-up from Tuesday 27th May to Sunday 1st June.

Another summer week of observing breeding birds and hoping that just maybe some of the east coast megas might filter our way, but it was not to be (although the Barrow Red-footed Falcon was only half a mile down the river in Burton so I understand). Highlights were probably the successful breeding of GS Woodpeckers (two pairs so far)and the year's first record of Brown Argus.

MUTE SWAN - at least four pairs all week, one sitting, and a fifth pair at the outflow.
MALLARD - on 1st there were 37 adults and females with broods of ten and six on the river.
GADWALL - six males on the main pool on 31st.
TUFTED DUCK - 11 max on 28th.
HOBBY - one on 30th.
KESTREL - a male on 30th/1st.
BUZZARD - present all week, max three on 1st.
OYSTERCATCHER - two all week, with two pairs on 29th, and three birds over the main pool on 1st.
COMMON TERN - the only record was of one on 27th.
SWIFT - max 40 on 28th.
CUCKOO - a male and female on 30th.
STOCK DOVE - max 11 on 28th.
COLLARED DOVE - two on 30th/31st.
KINGFISHER - three on 1st.
GREEN WOODPECKER - four on 28th/1st.
GS WOODPECKER - on 1st there were three in three areas of the Reserve, and in addition the were adults feeding young at nest holes in two areas of the woodland strip on the drive in (PNT).
SAND MARTIN - three nest holes apparently in use on 1st.
HOUSE MARTIN - still up to 50 on 27th as the high winds of the weekend began to ease.
BLACKBIRD - the year's highest count of 12 in song on 1st.
SONG THRUSH - seven in song on 1st.
REED WARBLER - up to 26 in song on 1st.
SEDGE WARBLER - one trying to make itself heard on 1st over the din of the Reed Warblers.
WHITETHROAT - seemed to have fallen quiet, with just a single bird in song on 1st, even then not on the Reserve.
GARDEN WARBLER - seven in song on 1st.
BLACKCAP - 14 in song on 1st.
CHIFFCHAFF - seven in song on 1st.
WILLOW WARBLER - two in song on 1st.
JAY - one on 27th.
CHAFFINCH - 22 males on 1st.
LINNET - one-three all week.
REED BUNTING - ten in song on 1st was the year's highest count of singing males so far, and there was a female carrying food near the Tertiary Pool.

Interesting records from between the Reserve and the gate this week included a pair of Shelduck on 1st, a Peregrine, also on 1st, Sparrowhawk during the week, LRP, the last Wheatear of the spring passage on 29th, and a Treecreeper in song on the PNT on 1st.

Also in the log this week was the year's first record of Brown Argus, along with Latticed Heath and Silver Ground Carpet moths.

OD = North Pool 6.0
Main Pool 2.6
Behind Hut 1.0
Opp Hut 2.0
Tertiary Pool 3.1

Many thanks to this week's observers:-TC/BS/MR/KW/R&MW/AG

Recorded on 01/06/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 19th-Monday 26 May.

Just a normal week on the 'patch' really, few highlights but enough to keep the log ticking over.

GREYLAG GOOSE - a single bird reappeared on 22nd/23rd.
CANADA GOOSE - the 15th brood was noted on 23rd, and there was a count of 100 adults on 24th.
MALLARD - difficult to keep track of now, but at least six broods were in various areas during the week.
GADWALL - one-two most days.
SHOVELER - a pair on 19th and four males on 22nd.
TUFTED DUCK - max 16 on 22nd.
HOBBY - two on 20th and one on 22nd.
MOORHEN - the four young birds on the Cormorant island continue to evade the marauding Crows, and were still all present at least to 23rd.
COOT - the eight brood was seen on 26th.
OYSTERCATCHER - a pair all week.
REDSHANK - one on the main pool spit was possibley bird of the week.
LBB GULL- eight E on 23rd and 20 E on 26thy.
COMMON TERN - one most days.
SWIFT - max ten on 22nd.
CUCKOO - one on 21st-23rd.
STOCK DOVE - max ten on 22nd.
KINGFISHER - four on the main pool on 22nd were thought to have been a family party, but were not seen again. Another single bird was hawking the river on 23rd.
SAND MARTIN - two nest-burrows in use.
HOUSE MARTIN - 60 on 26th were feeding on sheltered side of tall poplars at the car park during the gales. This is a very good number for Drakelow.
GREY WAGTAIL - one on 22nd.
PIED WAGTAIL - one carrying food on 23rd.
SEDGE WARBLER - two in song on 23rd.
REED WARBLER - 25 in song on 23rd.
WHITETHROAT - eight in song on 23rd.
GARDEN WARBLER - eight in song on 23rd.
BLACKCAP - nine in song on 23rd.
CHIFFCHAFF - nine in song on 23rd.
WILLOW WARBLER - two on 22nd and one in song on 23rd.
GOLDCREST - one in song on 23rd.
COAL TIT - one in song on 23rd.
CHAFFINCH - 23 in song on 23rd.
BULLFINCH - noted in three areas on 23rd.

Interesting records between the Reserve and the gate this week included, two pairs of Shelduck, a female Wheatear lingering to the 23rd, the Lesser Whitethroat still singing near the gate, a Jay along the drive and the pair of Ravens were still around the pylons and grid steelwork till at least 23rd.

In the insect field there were the year's first records of Common Blue and Small Heath on 20th, and a Mother Shipton moth on 21st.

OD = Main Pool - 2.7 (becoming difficult to read through vegetation).
North Pool - 5.8
Behind Hut - 0.8
Opp Hut - 1.7
Tertiary Pool - 2.9
Readings taken on 26th May.

Many thanks to all observers: TC/R&MW/KW/BS/EH/R&JS/AG

Recorded on 26/05/2008

Despite the windy weather the guided walk around the reserve managed to see Hobby, Cuckoo (heard), Oystercatcher, Lapwing + young (outside reserve area), as well as the regular species.

Recorded on 25/05/2008

Weekly roundup for Monday 12th May to Sunday 18th May.

A special thanks to Richard and the team for strimming the grassy paths and for repairs to the screen at the main, glass-fronted, hide.
This last week was pretty much like the previous week, with more broods of the water birds appearing, Reed Warblers increasing and occupying virtually every scrap of reed on the site, and the enigmatic Ring Ouzel was refound on 13th along with a couple of lingering Wheatears up to 18th, probably due to the persistent NE winds.

GC GREBE - two pairs present by 18th.
LITTLE EGRET - one through NW on 13th.
MUTE SWAN - a pair with a nest had deserted it on 13th, but by 18th another was constructed nearby.
CANADA GOOSE - difficult to keep track of separate broods now, but on 18th there was a count of 100 adults and 53 goslings.
MALLARD - six broods had appeared by 18th, on which date there was a count of 27 adults and 28 ducklings.
GADWALL - four on 16th and a pair on 18th.
TUFTED DUCK - seven reappeared from 16th.
HOBBY - one over the pools on 16th.
BUZZARD - up to three all week.
MOORHEN - a new brood of four on the main pool, which the female was fearlessly defending from sneaky Crows working in tandem to distract her and take the young birds, but luckily she was too quick for them, and this time managed to see them off.COOT - four broods have appeared so far from 16 pairs on the site.
OYSTERCATCHER - the regular pair spending more time on the main pool now some mud has been exposed on the spit.
COMMON TERN - a pair up and down the river most days.
SWIFT - max of 30 during the poor weather of 17th.
CUCKOO - singles on 12th/13th/18th.
KINGFISHER - a pair along the river on 18th.
GREEN WOODPECKER - one "yaffling" on the Reserve on 18th.
SAND MARTIN - up to three pairs in and out of burrows on river bank on 16th, but no activity there on 18th.
DUNNOCK - a season's best count of 11 singing males on 18th.
MISTLE THRUSH - a pair appeared midweek in the fishing pool/field area. A typical timing for this species here.
SEDGE WARBLER - three on 18th.
REED WARBLER - a full site count of 35 singing birds from 15 separate areas of reed.
WHITETHROAT - seven singing on 18th.
GARDEN WARBLER - down to five in song on 18th.
BLACKCAP - a season's highest count of 16 singing males.
CHIFFCHAFF - singing males reducing during the month, now down to seven in song on 18th.
WILLOW WARBLER - down to just a single singing male on 18th.
GOLDCREST - one singing along the causeway on 18th.
WILLOW TIT - one on the causeway on 18th.
CHAFFINCH - another season's best count, of 25 singing males on 18th.
REED BUNTING - five in song on 18th.

Interesting records between the Reserve and the gate this week included up to two pairs of Shelduck, a pair of Kestrel, Peregrine on 18th, up to four pairs of Lapwing, LRP, up to 10 Skylark on 18th across the field, fly-ash and sidings, still two Wheatears on 18th, the Ring Ouzel was still present on 13th, the Lesser Whitethroat continued to sing near the gate, the pair of Ravens were still around the national grid steelwork and a pair of Linnet were seen.

*Late news for 11th May - the year's first records of Large red damselfly, Azure damselfly and Blue-tailed damselfly were noted, and there was a Cinnabar moth on 12th.

OD = Main Pool 2.9
North Pool 7.0
Behind Hut 1.0
Opp Hut 2.0
Tertiary Pool 3.2

Many thanks to this weeks observers; TC/RS/KW/EH/BS/R&MW/AG.

Recorded on 18/05/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 5th - Sunday 11th May.

A lovely hot and dry week, just at the right time for nesting birds. Of which, new young of Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Long-tailed Tit and Starling all appeared. The, now regular, summer habit of House Sparrows coming over from Branston to forage for food commenced and another Ring Ouzel was found.

CORMORANT - during the week four new platforms were added to the island nest colony taking the total for this year to a new high of 109. There can sometimes be new nests constructed by pairs that have lost a nest or if a first nest has become unsuitable, but it is believed that, so far, all new platforms are by fresh pairs.
MUTE SWAN - a pair sitting and three other pairs present during the week.
CANADA GOOSE - up to nine broods by 9th. By 11th some from the Drakelow side of the River seem to have crossed over to join other birds where they form a regular post fledging creche each year. Up to 55 goslings and 60 adults on 11th.
MALLARD - a female with 11 ducklings on the river on 11th. She appears to be the leucistic bird which also bred in the same area last year.
GADWALL - four on 5th and a male on 9th/11th.
SHOVELER - a male on 7th.
HOBBY - one performing aerial gymnastics over the main pool on 6th.
KESTREL - a pair around all wee.
BUZZARD - max four on 6th.
SPARROWHAWK - singles most days, and one found dead on 9th.
MOORHEN - an adult and at least three chicks on 10th in the Crake Pool/Old Hedge area.
COOT - five chicks hatched in the Bamboo Pool during the week.
OYSTERCATCHER - the regular pair still hawking around, often seen on the Main Pool.
COMMON TERN - two most days up and down the river.
SWIFT - six max on 9th.
CUCKOO - singles most days with two on 11th.
KINGFISHER - singles most days.
GS WOODPECKER - one at the GFH on 6th.
SAND MARTIN - a pair at a riverside nest-burrow on 11th, otherwise very few during the week, max 20 on 6th.
HOUSE MARTIN - ten over the pools on 6th.
SWALLOW - two-three pairs hawking around through the week.
GREY WAGTAIL - one flew east on 11th.
REED WARBLER - 29 singing from ten areas on 11th.
SEDGE WARBLER - five singing on 6th, and a very good total of 12 trapped in the nets on 10th. Notable for the fact that in one recent year only seven were caught in an entire season.
LESSER WHITETHROAT - a singing male touring the Reserve all week and one singing near the gate.
WHITETHROAT - counts of nine singing males on 6th and 11th.
GARDEN WARBLER - as with the previous species there were counts of nine singing males on 6th and 11th.
BLACKCAP - max 15 in song on 11th.
CHIFFCHAFF - max 14 in song on 6th and 11th.
WILLOW WARBLER - max three in song on 6th and 11th.
WILLOW TIT - one singing at the North Pool on 6th.
LONG-TAILED TIT - a family party of at least 11 birds on 11th.
STARLING - begging calls of young from the mature wooded area of the old reed bed.
HOUSE SPARROW - one on 7th carrying food across from the Drakelow side of the river back to Branston.
Rook - one on 6th and two on 10th were unusual.
CHAFFINCH - 24 in song on 11th was the years highest so far.

Other records from between the Reserve and gate this week included two Shelduck, up to four pairs of Lapwing, LRP, Green Woodpecker, up to seven Wheatear on 6th and still one by the hairpin bend on 11th, a Ring Ouzel found on 6th (the first May record for Drakelow) was refound on 11th in the same area, just behind the fence by the hairpin bend. Singing Nuthatch and Treecreeper were in the the woodland strip on the drive in, Raven still around the old station area and two pairs of Linnet on 6th.

Pick of the insects this week were the year's first Large White on 5th, Small Copper on 7th, Holly Blue on 9th and Banded Demoiselle on 10th.

OD = Main Pool - 3.1
North Pool - 8.0
Behind Hut - 1.6
Opp. Hut - 2.3
Tertiary - 3.6

Many thanks to this weeks observers; TC/RS/MR/J&JSp/KW/BS/EH/R&JS/R&MW/AG

Recorded on 11/05/2008

41 BIRD SPECIES HERE TODAY.SOME OF NOTE....FEMALE RING OUSEL.LITTLE RINGED PLOVER.
OYSTERCATCHER.BUZZARD.SPARROWHAWK.HOBBY
KESTREL.COMMON TERN.LINNET.GARDEN WARBLER.BLACKCAP.REED WARBLER.SEDGE WARBLER .
7 GREENLAND WHEATEAR (LOOK ON ASH ON WAY IN)
SKYLARK.WHITETHROAT.WILLOW WARBLER.CHIFFCHAFF.
AND KINGFISHER.
BUTTERFLIES....COMMA.ORANGETIP.BRIMSTONE.PEACOCK.
GREEN.V.WHITE.SMALL.T/SHELL.

Recorded on 06/05/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 28th April to Sunday 4th May.

A little quieter this week after the mad rush of migrants during the previous seven days, with the only new migrant being a Whinchat on 4th which was in the station area. Two more broods of Canada Geese appeared and there were yet more additions to the Cormorant colony. Coots are nesting in good numbers, and with female Mallards little in evidence it seems fair to assume that they are out of sight and sitting.

CORMORANT - two more nests added to the Four Islands strip making 104 in total.
CANADA GOOSE - four broods (9/4/5/8) hatched so far.
MALLARD - a count on 27th gave 27 males and two females.
GADWALL - five on 1st.
SHOVELER - four on 1st.
TUFTED DUCK - 31 on 28th, down to 19 on 4th.
PEREGRINE - one over Minton's Lagoon on 2nd.
BUZZARD - up to three during the week.
SPARROWHAWK - one on 3rd.
MOORHEN - 16 on 4th.
COOT - 22 pairs, of which 14 on nests.
OYSTERCATCHER - a pair all week.
COMMON TERN - two through on 28th and 4th.
GS WOODPECKER - four areas on 4th.
SEDGE WARBLER - four on 4th.
REED WARBLER - 18 singing in eight areas on 4th.
WHITETHROAT - nine singing on 4th.
LESSER WHITETHROAT - one singing as it moved between the Bamboo Pool and Minton's on 2nd, and one near the gate on 4th.
BLACKCAP- nine singing on 4th.
GARDEN WARBLER - 14 singing, and very showy, on 4th, matching last year's max singing total for the season.
CHIFFCHAFF - 13 in song on 4th.
WILLOW WARBLER - a very meagre two in song on 4th.
CHAFFINCH - 15 adult males in song on 4th.

Other records this week from between the Reserve and the gatehouse included Kestrel, LRP, up to nine "Greenland" Wheatear on 29th, and still four around on 4th. A Whinchat on 4th and still a pair of Raven in the area.

Pick of the week's insects were 13 Orange Tips on 3rd along with a male and female Brimstone, and there were one or two Speckled Woods and Small Whites through the week.

OD = Main Pool 3.3
North Pool 8.6
Opp Hut 4.0
Behind Hut 2.0
Tertiary Pool 4.4

Many thanks to this week's observers; TC/KW/RW/BS/EH/R&JS/AG

Recorded on 04/05/2008

Ring Ouzel - 1 male
Wheatear - 8
Buzzard - 6
Raven - 2
Cuckoo (26th April) - 1

Recorded on 27/04/2008

At last the expected flood of migrants materialized, with all the remaining regular warblers arriving, along with Hobby, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Swift and Cuckoo. Added to this was a fall of "Greenland" Wheatear and a Ring Ouzel on the station area on the afternoon of 27th. A selection of butterflies were tempted out by the warmer temperatures at the weekend.

GC GREBE - a pair displaying on 25th.
LITTLE GREBE - a minimum of three pairs.
CORMORANT - a few additions to the colony on the Main Pool this week with a minimum of 98 nests on 25th. By 27th there were at least three small bundles of twigs signalling the start of more which would take the eventual total over the 100 mark.
GREY HERON - a full count on 24th gave 20 active nests.
CANADA GOOSE - 11 nests on the Reserve on 25th, and broods of four and nine along the river bank on 27th.
MALLARD - max 35 on 24th.
GADWALL - a pair all week.
SHOVELER - a rapid decline from 20 on 23rd to just a pair on 27th.
PINTAIL - a female on 24th and again on 27th was the latest ever at Drakelow.
TUFTED DUCK - max 39 on 24th.
GOOSANDER - one or two females along the river all week.
KESTREL - one on 26th and two on 27th.
HOBBY - one on 21st was the first of the year and was present to the end of the week, and was joined by a second bird on 26th.
PEREGRINE - one moving N over the car park on 25th.
BUZZARD - one or two put off Reserve trees during the week and there were six together over Minton's Lagoon on 27th.
SPARROWHAWK - one on 25th and 27th.
COOT - up to 12 pairs, of which five were sitting by 27th.
OYSTERCATCHER - a pair all week frequently alighting on the Main Pool.
SNIPE - one by the two-man hide on 26th, rather late for Drakelow by today's standards.
COMMON SANDPIPER - two on the riverbank alongside the drive in, on 24th were the first of the year.
COMMON TERN - another first for the year when one flew through SW on 27th.
KINGFISHER - one along the river on 23rd/24th/27th.
CUCKOO - the first of the year was on 26th.
GS WOODPECKER - a pair around the old reedbed on 27th, and there were birds in four other areas of the recording area on the same date.
SWIFT - one moving throught SW on 25th was another new one for the year, and there were 28 SW on 27th.
SAND MARTIN - up to six were investigating a sand bank along the river on 27th, last used in 2005.
HOUSE MARTIN - ten on 25th.
SWALLOW - max six on 24th.
GREY WAGTAIL - the pair of the previous week were last seen on 21st. A single on 25th.
WREN - max 27 singing on 24th.
DUNNOCK - max 12 singing on 27th.
ROBIN - max 35 singing on 27th.
WHEATEAR - four males on 23rd and 25th were followed by six on 26th and eight on 27th, all identified as the sub-species known as "Greenland" Wheatear.
FIELDFARE - two late birds on 23rd.
REED WARBLER - the first of the year was singing in the Crake Pool, and there were nine in song by 27th.
SEDGE WARBLER - two singing on 23rd were the first, and up to six on 24th/27th.
LESSER WHITETHROAT - another new one for the year was singing by Minton's Lagoon on 23rd. It was present again the next day.
WHITETHROAT - the first of the year on 24th was in the same hedge at the same time as the Lesser Whitethroat, and by 24th there were four in song.
BLACKCAP - 13 on 24th was the max singing and the first female noted was also on this date at the car park.
GARDEN WARBLER - the first of the year was singing at Scott's Lagoon on 24th, and there were two in song on 27th.
CHIFFCHAFF - a max of 14 in song on 24th.
WILLOW WARBLER - max seven in song on 22nd.
WILLOW TIT - one in song on 24th/25th.
Great Tit - eight in song on 24th, and on 27th there was a count of nine singing males/pairs.
BLUE TIT - noted in nine areas of the recording area on 27th.
LONG-TAILED TIT - ten birds in four areas on 24th,
STARLING - a pair nest-building at the old reedbed on 26th.
CHAFFINCH - max 19 in song on 24th.
BULLFINCH - a pair on 27th.
LINNET - two pairs all week, a welcome return for a once common breeder at Drakelow.
REED BUNTING - males in four areas on 27th.

Interesting sightings between the Reserve and the gate this week included; a pair of Shelduck, Lapwing, LRP, Green Woodpecker, up to five Skylark singing, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Treecreeper, Jay, Raven and the Ring Ouzel.

Othere wildlife logged this week; Orange Tip - five on 22nd and eight on 26th; Peacock - 30+ on 23rd; Green Veined White - one on 23th and two on 26th; Speckled Wood - one on 23rd and two on 26th; Small White - one on 26th; Brimstone - a female on 26th, and a fox sunbathing at the Bamboo Pool on 23rd.

OD = MP 3.6
NP 8.6
Opp Hut 3.9
Behind Hut 2.0
Tertiary 4.1

Many thanks to this weeks observers:- TC/M&RW/KW/MR/EH/BS/AG

Recorded on 27/04/2008

BIRDS OF NOTE TODAY.....1 GOOSANDER. 2 OYSTERCATCHERS. GREYLAG GOOSE. 5 WHITETHROAT. 3 REED WARBLERS. 2 SEDGE WARBLERS. 1 LESSER WHITE THROAT. 3 WILLOW WARBLERS. 7 CHIFFCHAFF. 2 GADWALL. PEREGRINE.
2 BUZZARD. KESTREL AND RAVEN. YESTERDAY 4 WHEATEAR AND HOBBY.

Recorded on 24/04/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 14th - Sunday 20th April.

Despite the easterlies (usually the bringer of good things) it was another slow week until Saturday which was brightened up by another new bird for the year, a Redstart. This was followed by two more on Sunday in the shape of a Redshank and a singing Wood Warbler, the first at Drakelow for six years.

Cormorant - two more platforms added bringing the total so far to 94 active nests. A few of the early fledged juveniles have already left the nests.
Greylag Goose - max seven on 16th.
Mallard - max 34 on 20th.
Gadwall - one-two pairs during the week.
Teal - a pair up to 17th.
Shoveler - max 28 on 20th.
Mandarin - a male in full gaudy breeding attire at the glass-fronted hide was a new bird to the feeding station list by virtue of it sat on one of the tables scoffing seed.
Tufted Duck - max 49 on 20th.
Goosander - a 'redhead' on the river was calling.
Kestrel - one on 14th.
Buzzard - up to six on 15th and five on 20th, including a bird along the causeway.
Sparrowhawk - one-two during the week.
Oystercatcher - three on 17th, but usually a pair often on the small gravel islet on the main pool.
Snipe - two on 17th.
Redshank - one during the morning of 20th.
Stock Dove - 12 on 20th.
Kingfisher - two on 20th.
Green Woodpecker - one yaffling all week.
GS Woodpecker - two-four during the week.
Sand Martin - max 100 on 17th.
Swallow - max 120 on 20th, a very high number for Drakelow, obviously due to the poor weather conditions.
Grey Wagtail - a pair on the gravel islet on main pool most days.
Redstart - a male at the glass-fronted hide on the afternoon of 19th.
Fieldfare - up to 70 on 17th and 150 on 20th.
Blackcap - max eight on 17th.
Willow Warbler - max 12 on 19th/20th.
Chiffchaff - max seven on any one day during the week.
Wood Warbler - on singing all morning on 20th.

Interesting records from between the Reserve and the gate this week included; a pair of Shelduck most days, odd sightings of a single Peregrine, up to six Lapwing, Nuthatch and Treecreeper and still a pair of Raven.

A peacock and a white (sp) on 14th and a comma on 15th.

OD= North Pool - 9.0
Main Pool - 3.8
Behind Hut - 1.8
Opp Hut - 4.0

Many thanks to this week's observers - TC/KW/R&MW/EH/BS/AG

Recorded on 20/04/2008

BIRDS OF NOTE....3 BUZZARDS...SPARROWHAWK TAKING SANDMARTIN.70 PLUS SANDMARTINS...20 PLUS SWALLOWS.....2 SHELDUCK...2 OYSTERCATCHERS....12 WILLOW WARBLERS....5 BLACKCAPS....7 CHIFF CHAFF...2 GREYWAGTAILS.GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER AND MALE MANDARIN IN FRONT OF MAIN HIDE.ALSO FOUR PEOPLE WHO BRAVED THE EAST WIND WERE REWARDED WITH GREAT VIEWS OF A MALE REDSTART IN FRONT OF MAIN HIDE.WITH ONE MANAGING TO TAKE A PHOTO OF IT.

Recorded on 19/04/2008

Weekly round-up for Moday 7th - Sunday 13th April.

A week of waiting for Spring to really get going, with the only new migrant being a House Martin.

Great Crested Grebe - just a single record on 10th.
Little Grebe - up to four pairs during the week.
Cormorant - the spread of nests into new areas continues, with up to 92 occupied structures on 13th.
Grey Heron - a minimum of 19 nests, some with well-grown juveniles.
Mute Swan - max of eight on 7th, otherwise three pairs for the rest of the week.
Greylag Goose - up to four on 13th (probably two pairs).
Canada Goose - five nests on main pool on 13th.
Mallard - max 41 on 13th, including a female at the feeding station trying to eat a large frog.
Gadwall - two pairs all week.
Teal - two pairs - 8th/11th.
Shoveler - max 37 on 11th.
Mandarin - a male on 11th/12th.
Pochard - the last single was on 7th.
Tufted Duck - 43 on 13th was the only count.
Goldeneye - seven on 7th, reduced to two by 9th-11th.
Goosander - two on 11th was the only record.
Buzzard - three around all week were together on the grass field on 13th.
Sparrowhawk - one-two all week.
Moorhen - max 21 on 13th.
Coot - max 42 on 8th.
Oystercatcher - one on the main pool on 13th.
Snipe - one on the wetland by Scott's Lagoon on 13th.
GBB Gull - first winter birds SW on 12th/13th.
Stock Dove - two pairs around the Reserve, with other pairs at the pump house and the old station area.
Collared Dove - up to three at the feeding station by 11th.
Kingfisher - one along the river on 13th.
Green Woodpecker - birds in two areas of the Reserve on 13th.
GS Woodpecker - one-two pairs during the week.
Sand Martin - max 45 on 11th/12th.
House Martin - one on 11th was the first of the year.
Swallow - 14 on 8th were brought down by heavy showers.
Grey Wagtail - a pair from 11th.
Wren - 25 in song on 13th.
Dunnock - 12 in song on 13th.
Robin - 36 in song on 13th.
Song Thrush - six in song on 13th, along with one carrying food, and another not in song.
Redwing - two on 8th, may have been the last of the winter.
Fieldfare - still up to 109 on 8th, down to six on 13th.
Blackcap - 15 singing on 13th.
Willow Warbler - 5 singing on 13th.
Chiffchaff - 11 singing on 13th.
Coal Tit - two at feeding station up to 10th.
Greta Tit - max six singing on 13th
Starling - one singing on territory on 13th.
Jay - two on 8th and one E on 13th.
Chaffinch - ten singing on 13th.
Bullfinch - a pair all week.
Reed Bunting - no more than five all week.

Interesting records from between the Reserve and the gate this week included; a pair of Kestrel all week, Peregrine on the pylons, Lapwing, LRP, Skylark, four Meadow Pipit on 10th, Up to six Wheatear on 12th including birds easily seen by the road in at the hairpin bend, Willow Tit, Treecreeper, Linnet and still haunting the pylons, a pair of Raven.

OD= Main Pool 9.6
North Pool 4.1
Behind Hut 2.5
Opp. Hut 4.2

Many thanks to all observers TC/KW/M&RW/EH/BS/MR/R&JS/AG

Recorded on 13/04/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 31st March - Sunday 6th April.

New migrants appeared during the week but must have been surprised by the return to wintry weather this weekend. Song was also depressed by the lower temperatures; Song Thrush, Wren and Reed Bunting being particularly affected. Duck numbers continue to dwindle, as expected, although fair numbers of Shoveler remain, and the Cormorants are now utilising new areas for nesting as some of the older trees, previously used, become unsuitable.

Little Grebe - four pairs on 5th.
Cormorant - roost count of 246 on 5th. Juveniles excluded from count where possible; some are nearly as large as adults already. 82 nests on 6th.
Canada Goose - max 73 on 6th, and at least one occupied nest.
Mallard - max 27 on 6th.
Gadwall - max seven on 5th.
Shoveler - max 76 on 31st.
Teal - max four on 5th.
Pochard - max four on 3rd.
Tufted Duck - max 52 on 6th.
Goldeneye - max seven on 6th.
Goosander - four on 3rd.
Water Rail - one calling from Scott's Lagoon on 6th.
Oystercatcher - three on 6th.
Tawny Owl - one on 4th.
Collared Dove - two on 3rd.
Kingfisher - one on 2nd/6th.
Sand Martin - max 340 on 5th. Brought down by heavy wintery showers before quickly moving on.
Swallow - After the first one on 4th, ten were with a large group of Sand Martins on 5th, and there were two on 6th.
Grey Wagtail - one on 6th.
Redwing - three on 31st and eight on 6th.
Fieldfare - 200 on 31st, and 232 on 2nd.
Blackbird - five in song on 3rd.
Blackcap - max seven singing on 6th.
Chiffchaff - max 12 singing on 6th.
Willow Warbler - the first this year was a single in song on 5th, and then two singing on 6th.
Starling - 200 on 3rd, and 330 on 5th brought down by showers. Chaffinch - max 12 in song on 6th.
Linnet - one NE on 6th.

Interesting records from between the Reserve and the gate this week included; two Shelduck, Kestrel, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Lapwing, up to three Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Skylark, up to three Wheatear, Goldcrest, Coal Tit and two Raven still haunting the pylons.

Other wildlife reported; up to eight Hare on 6th, a Wood Mouse and Pipistrelle Bats on 4th, and a Small Tortoiseshell on 1st.

OD = North Pool 9.2
Main Pool 4.8
Behind Hut 2.5
Opp. Hut 4.7

Many thanks to all observers; TC/R&MW/KW/BP/BS/EH/AG

Recorded on 06/04/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 24th - Sunday 30th March.

Main highlights this week were the arrival of two new migrants, another record count in the duck department and the appearance of the first butterflies.

Little Grebe - a very good count of 18 on 24th.
Cormorant - now up to 78 nests with a good few pairs having hatched young.
Mallard - max 58 on 24th.
Gadwall - max six on 30th.
Teal - max 13 on 26th.
Shoveler - 81 on 26th was a new record count for the month of February.
Wigeon - max 27 on 27th.
Mandarin - a single male on 29th.
Pochard - three early in the week, and two to 30th.
Tufted Duck - max 56 on 30th.
Goldeneye - 12 on 24th, down to eight on 30th.
Goosander - nine on 26th.
Coot - max 44 on 24th.
Lapwing - two on the main pool on 30th.
Woodcock - one on 27th.
GBB Gull - two first-winter birds on the water of the main pool on 29th.
Kingfisher - one on 29th/30th.
Sand Martin - an early evening flock built up to around 140 birds which drifted around high over the Reserve as if looking to roost in one of the reed beds, but were not seen to come down.
Swallow - two on 29th were the first of the year.
Redwing - 40 on 26th.
Fieldfare - 50 on 27th.
Blackcap - one in song on 29th and two singing on 30th were the first of the year.
Chiffchaff - max seven in song on 30th.
Willow Tit - a colour-ringed bird on 29th [black over white].
Coal Tit - one on 29th.
Reed Bunting - ten on 24th.

Comma - one on 29th.
Peacock - two on 29th.
Bumble Bee - one of the early yellow/white tailed varieties [Bombus lucorum?]

Other records from between the Reserve and the gate this week included a Kestrel on 24th, a Peregrine taking an item of prey from the fly-ash area on 26th, which was most probably a snipe, of which there were 36 counted at the same time, up to five Buzzards on 27th, a Stonechat on 29th/30th, a Goldcrest on 30th and a Linnet singing on 30th.

OD = North Pool 9.4
Main Pool 5.4
Behind Hut 2.0
Opp Hut 5.4
Readings taken on 30th March.

Many thanks to this week's observers; TC/KW/R&MW/EH/BS/MR/AG.

Recorded on 31/03/2008

SEVERAL GROUPS OF SAND MARTINS. 5 SWALLOWS. GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL. MANDARIN. REDWINGS. OYSTERCATCHER. WATER RAIL. GOOSANDER. SHELDUCK. GREAT SPOTTED AND GREEN WOODPECKERS. SKYLARK. JAY. BUZZARD. WILLOW TIT. COAL TIT. BULLFINCH. AND 4 CHIFFCHAFF.
ON THE 27TH 2 PEACOCK BUTTERFLIES. SPRING IS HERE!!!!!!!

Recorded on 29/03/2008

WENT IN TO DO A LITTLE WORK AND FEED THE BIRDS AFTERNOON. HAPPY TO SEE THE MAIN LAGOON STILL POURING OUT THROUGH NEWLY LAID PIPE. EXCELLENT WORK RICHARD. ALREADY A SHORE LINE FORMING IN FRONT OF MAIN HIDE. WILL ENSURE SEED THERE TO ENCOURAGE WATER RAILS. WE'LL SOON HAVE THE KINGFISHER POSTS BACK. 5 GOOSANDER ON RIVER/STILL GOLDENEYE/WIGEON/POCHARD/SEVERAL GROUPS OF SANDMARTINS. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER AND GREEN WOODPECKER. REDWING/TREECREEPER. WATER RAIL HEARD TWO AREAS. 76 CORMORANT NESTS. BUZZARD AND KESTREL REGULAR. GOOD VIEWS OF COAL TIT/LONG TAIL TIT/GREAT TIT /BLUE TITS AND REED BUNTINGS AT FEEDING STATION MAIN HIDE. ALSO 50 PLUS SHOVELER. 8 LITTLE GREBES. GREAT CRESTED GREBE AND BULLFINCHES IN CAR PARK.

Recorded on 24/03/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 17th - Sunday 23rd March

More good work on the Reserve this week. A digger was brought in to help install a drain from the main pool under the causeway to allow water to flow into the pool behind the hut and create permanent standing shallow water in the area to the south of Scott's Lagoon, which will allow the encouragement of phragmites to develop and spread in this area. Further work was also carried out to improve the path to the North pool, and also some ground-work was carried out prior to re-erecting Scott's Hide. All in two (very cold and windy) days, Phew!!

Little Grebe - up to five pairs on the Reserve pools on 23rd.
Cormorant - a roost count of 213 on 22nd and up to 76 nests on 23rd (now 14 nests in the new area of the four islands strip).
Little Egret - one came in to roost in the North Pool on 22nd.
Mute Swan - max of 12 on 17th, but up to five most days.
Greylag Goose - two most of the week.
Canada Goose - max of 56 on 21st.
Gadwall - two on 19th/23rd.
Teal - max of seven on 19th.
Wigeon - max of seven on 17th, reduced to two on 23rd.
Mandarin - a nice male on the North Pool on 23rd.
Pochard - max of ten on 17th, down to six by 23rd.
Tufted Duck - max of 59 on 23rd.
Goldeneye - max of 16 on 17th, and 12 on 22nd/23rd.
Goosander - 1-3 along river all week.
Sparrowhawk - a male flew west low across Main Pool on 23rd.
Water Rail - one on 23rd calling from western end of Minton's Lagoon.
Moorhen - 14 on 23rd.
Coot - 41 on 23rd.
Snipe - max of 22 on 19th.
Oystercatcher - up to four on 17th, otherwise a pair all week, occasionally on the island in front of the main hide (GFH).
LBB Gull - max 15 SW on 21st.
Herring Gull - one SW on 21st.
Stock Dove - up to six on the Reserve on 23rd, also a pair around the sidings.
Barn Owl - one on 23rd was the first record at Drakelow for five years. After perching briefly on Minton's Hide it flew around the reed bed before perching in some adjacent trees. It was soon mobbed by Magpies forcing it away and was lost to view as it followed the ditch towards the hut.
Green Woodpecker - max three on 23rd.
GS Woodpecker - max three on 23rd.
Sand Martin present all week, max of 40 on 22nd.
Grey Wagtail - one on 21st/23rd.
Wren - 16 in song on 23rd.
Dunnock - nine in song on 23rd.
Robin - 23 in song on 23rd.
Song Thrush - the low temperatures and high winds this week caused a lull in song activity with only singles noted in song on any one day during the week.
Mistle Thush - one singing in the area of the old reed bed on 23rd.
Redwing - max 23 on 23rd.
Fieldfare - three flew north on 23rd.
Chiffchaff - a max of 11 in song on 23rd.
Coal Tit - one singing at the North Hide on 21st.
Great Tit - max seven singing on 23rd.
Long-tailed Tit - noted in four areas on 23rd.
Magpie - a roost count of 89 on 22nd.
Raven - one of the regular pair around the sidings flew low across the Reserve on 23rd, calling and turning upside-down, part of the display, as it moved north over the crake area.
Chaffinch - 11 singing on 23rd.
Goldfinch - max 12 on 20th.
Bullfinch - one or two pairs most days.
Reed Bunting - one singing on 21st and 6-7 regular at feeding station.

Further interesting records this week from between the Reserve and gate included a pair of Shelduck on the coal-stock flash, a Peregrine around the pylons, both male and female Kestrel, 2-3 Buzzard, Lapwing, a Jack Snipe on 22nd, up to three Skylark (perhaps the poor weather this week has kept them from betraying their full presence), up to 14 Meadow Pipit on 20th, a nice woodland selection of Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Jay along the woodland strip on 23rd, and the first Wheatears of the year on the sidings on 21st.

Up to five Hares were on the grass field on 23rd.

OD (as of 11:00 on 23rd) North Pool = 9.2
Main Pool = 5.8
Opp Hut = 5.4
Behind Hut = 3.0

Many thanks to all observers for log entries:-TC/KW/BS/BP/MR/BC/EH/C&LW/AG

Recorded on 23/03/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 10th March - Sunday 16th March

Firstly this week a note of thanks to Richard Spowage and his team of volunteers who made an excellent job of installing a section of boardwalk across a flooded section of path to the North Hide.

Highlights of the week were the high numbers of roosting Magpies and the arrival of Sand Martins.

Cormorant - Apologies for the error in last week's report, it should have read 52 nests. This week there are 63 active nests as of 16th.
Greylag Goose - the regular two birds still around all week.
Mallard - max 52 on 11th/14th.
Gadwall - max four on 16th.
Teal - max 18 on 16th.
Shoveler - still excellent numbers on the Reserve with a max of 71 on 16th.
Wigeon - max 31 on 11th.
Pochard - max 19 on 11th.
Tufted Duck - max 65 on 16th.
Goldeneye - max 21 on 10th, down to 14 on 16th.
Goosander - seven on 14th.
Kestrel - a female around all week, and a male at the pump house and then across Reserve on 16th.
Sparrowhawk - a female on 11th/14th.
Moorhen - max 17 on 16th.
Coot - max 44 on 14th.
Water Rail - one at the feeding station on 16th.
Oystercatcher - two all week.
Snipe - one on 11th and four on 14th.
Woodcock - one 12th/15th.
Curlew - one flew through NE after circling the Reserve for a few minutes.
BH Gull - 150+ along river on 16th, apparently feeding from floating debris washed downstream by rising water after torrential overnight rain. Some were seemingly walking or paddling on the surface whilst bobbing down to pick off items of food without actually touching down.
Common Gull - an adult on 12th.
Stock Dove - six on 16th.
Kingfisher - three together along river by the car park on 14th. The male of an apparent pair was chasing off a rival male.
Green Woodpecker - max three on 16th.
GS Woodpecker - max three on 14th, all together at Crake Pool area, a pair and another male calling from the old hedge.
Sand Martin - 18 on 16th equalled the previous earliest arrival date for this species at Drakelow.
Wren - max 22 in song on 14th.
Dunnock - max 17 in song on 14th.
Robin - max 40 in song on 14th.
Blackbird - still just one in song, on 14th
Song Thrush - max six in song on 14th.
Redwing - 45 in to roost on 11th.
Fieldfare - 90 in to roost on 11th.
Goldcrest - two in song on 14th.
Willow Tit - a probable pair moving along tree line, North Pool on 14th.
Coal Tit, one at feeding station 11th/15th.
Great Tit - five in song on 14th.
Treecreeper - three (inc two in song) on 14th.
Jay - two on 14th.
Magpie - an incredible 107 counted coming into the North Pool roost on 11th. A new site record count.
Chaffinch - 11 in song on 14th.
Greenfinch - song in two areas on 16th.
Redpoll - a single flew south on 14th.
Reed Bunting - 15 on 14th, including four in song.

Interesting records from between the Reserve and the gate this week included Peregrine on the national grid pylons, up to four Buzzard on 16th, two Lapwing, up to eight Skylark in song, a pair of Pied Wagtail at the pump house, three Stonechat on the old sidings area behind the hairpin bend, two Raven most of the week and two Linnets on 14th were the first of the year in the Drakelow recording area.

Up to eight Hare on 16th.

OD = Main Pool 6.2
North Pool 9.0
Opp Hut 5.4
Behind Hut 1.8

The larger waters are slightly lower but the two small waters are slightly up after the recent heavy rain.

Many thanks to this week's observers;
TC/KW/EH/BS/M&RW/AG

Recorded on 16/03/2008

Weekly roundup for Sunday 2nd March - Sunday 9th March.

Little Grebe - up to six all week.
Cormorant - the max was a roost count of 199 on 8th. As of 9th there are 64 nests occupied, including two in a new area of the main pool; along the strip behind the Four Islands. No doubt birds are having to find alternative nesting areas due to some of the original North Pool trees becoming unsuitable.
Shelduck - the recent pair last seen on 2nd.
Gadwall - max 7 on 2nd/8th.
Teal - max 14 on 9th.
Shoveler - max 56 on 3rd, still up to 44 on 8th/9th.
Wigeon - max 16 on 8th.
Pochard - max 24 on 2nd, still 17 on 9th.
Tufted Duck - max 56 on 9th.
Goldeneye - max 23 on 4th, still 19 on 8th.
Goosander - four on 4th/9th.
Buzzard - two on 4th.
Sparrowhawk - one on 2nd/8th.
Red-legged Partridge - one - two all week.
Water Rail - one on 4th was the only report.
Oystercatcher - two all week.
Snipe - 14 on 2nd, down to two on 8th.
Woodcock - one on 6th/8th.
LBB Gull - up to five moving through most days.
GBB Gull - four through on 2nd after spending several minutes circling the area, and singles on 4th/8th.
Herring Gull - one on 2nd.
Common Gull - one on 4th/8th.
Kittiwake - an adult through on 8th was the first since 2005.
Kingfisher - one/two all week.
GS Woodpecker - up to three on 9th.
Green Woodpecker - up to two on 9th.
Wren - 18 singing on 9th.
Dunnock - 11 singing on 9th.
Robin - 37 singing on 9th.
Blackbird - one singing on 9th was the first of the year.
Mistle Thrush - one on 8th.
Redwing - up to 20 all week, mainly in to roost.
Fieldfare - up to 50 most of week, again mainly in to roost.
Chiffchaff - one singing on 9th.
Goldcrest - two on 6th/9th.
Coal Tit - one on 2nd/9th.
Chaffinch - 19 singing on 9th.
Greenfinch - one singing on 9th.
Goldfinch - one singing on 3rd/8th.
Siskin - two on 2nd was the only report.
Reed Bunting - max 14 on 2nd, with lesser numbers during the week.

Interesting records this week from areas between Reserve and gate included a female Kestrel on 9th; Peregrine on 8th; up to eight singing Skylark; a Meadow Pipit on 9th; four Stonechat on 6th; a Willow Tit in the woodland strip on 9th and a singing Nuthatch along here also on 9th.

OD = NP (at last, visible again) - 9.2
MP - 6.4
Opp Hut - 5.3
Behind Hut - 1.6

Many thanks to this weeks observers;
TC/KW/BS/EH/RH/R&MW/AG

Recorded on 09/03/2008

Weekly roundup from Monday 25th February to Saturday 1st March.

An excellent week of records, with high counts of one or two species and a good selection of raptors in the area.

Cormorant - highest roost count of the week was 184 on 26th. Two new nest platforms were started at the north pool colony. How these first few twigs of the base of the structures stayed in place during the force 9 gale during on Friday night is amazing.
Greylag Goose - on 28th two were about most of the morning whilst four flew NE.
Canada Goose - max 140 on 25th.
Mallard - max 64 on 28th.
Gadwall - max seven on 27th.
Teal - max 17 on 28th.
Shoveler - 111 on 27th was a new February record count.
Wigeon - max 14 on 1st.
Pochard - max 32 on 29th.
Tufted Duck - max 57 on 28th.
Goldeneye - max 26 on 1st.
Goosander - max eight on 1st.
Buzzard - 1/2 most days.
Sparrowhawk - 1/2 most days.
Water Rail - noted in two areas during the week.
Moorhen - max 12 on 27/28th.
Coot - max 43 on 28th.
Oystercatcher - two on 28/29th.
Snipe max 21 on 27th.
Great Black Backed Gull - one SW on 28th.
Common Gull - one with BH Gulls on 29th.
Collared Dove - three on 29th.
Great Spotted Woodpecker - two all week.
Green Woodpecker - two all week, including yaffling from one area.
Grey Wagtail - one on 29th.
Wren - max six singing on 28th.
Dunnock - max 9 singing on 28th.
Robin - max 33 singing on 28th.
Song Thrush - max four singing on 28th.
Fieldfare - 100 on 26th.
Redwing - ten on 29th and three on 1st.
Goldcrest - one singing at the north hide on 28th.
Willow Tit - one near the tertiary lagoon on 28th.
Great Tit - max five singing during the week, and up to seven or eight at the feeding station most days.
Long-tailed Tit - seemingly everywhere on 28th, with pairs and small parties in all corners.
Jay - one on 28th/1st, and two on 29th.
Magpie - a new site record of 108 counted into the roost in the north pool willow scrub on 26th.
Chaffinch - max 18 singing on 28th.
Goldfinch - one singing on 28th and 1st.
Reed Bunting - song from three areas on 28th.

Sightings of note between the Reserve and the gate this week involved a pair of Shelduck on the coal stock flash, just visible behind the fence on the drive in; Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine and Raven around the old power station area and pylons; up to three Lapwing and up to ten Skylark distributed across the grass field/fly-ash/sidings area.

Four Hares were on the grass field on 1st.

OD (1st Mar) = Main Pool 6.6
Opp hut 5.4
Behind hut 2.0

Thanks to this week's observers; TC/KW/BS/EH/AG

Recorded on 02/03/2008

Weekly roundup for Monday 18th Feb - Sunday 24th Feb.

Now that last weekend's blip of a mini ice-age has gone it seems Spring is with us already, with waders starting to move through the Trent Valley and an early warbler in song.

And more good news; the problem with the flooded section of access road has been rectified this week and visitors can now safely drive in to the Reserve car park. However, wellingtons are still required to visit some areas of the Reserve as flood water continues to linger on paths to the North Pool and Scott's Pool.

Cormorant - a roost count of 170 on 23rd , and up to 41 nests on 24th.
Bittern - one seen briefly on 19th.
Greylag Goose - two all week.
Canada Goose - max 125 on 23rd.
Shelduck - two on 23/24th.
Mallard - 90 on 24th was the only count.
Gadwall - max four on 24th.
Teal - max 11 on 24th.
Shoveler - max 50 on 23/24th.
Wigeon - max seven on 24th.
Pochard - max 26 on 24th.
Tufted Duck - max 56 on 24th.
Goldeneye - max 26 on 24th.
Goosander - max eight on 20th.
Buzzard - singles on most days.
Sparrowhawk - one on 22nd and two on 24th.
Water Rail - one continues to appear occasionally at the GFH.
Lapwing - 24 moving through to the south was a nice record for this area.
Oystercatcher - two on 23rd.
Woodcock - two on 19th/23rd.
Curlew - one circled the Reserve and returned to the NE on 24th.
GS Woodpecker - two on 24th.
Green Woodpecker - two on 24th.
Fieldfare - 15 on 24th.
Redwing - 33 on 24th.
Chiffchaff - one singing on 24th was the earliest ever singing bird here, and only the third ever February record of this species.
Goldcrest - two on 24th included a singing bird at the Bamboo Pool.
Willow Tit - one of the colour-ringed birds (pink over green) seen on 19th, and two birds on 23rd.
Jackdaw - one moving N on 24th was unusual.
Raven - four moving N over the main gate area on 22nd.
Siskin - one at the FS on 2oth.
Reed bunting - 11 at FS on 23rd, and three singing on 24th.

OD = Main Pool - 6.8
Opp. hut - 5.5
Behind hut - 2.4

Many thanks to this week's observers - TC/KW/EH/BS/RW/MW/RMRJ/AG

Recorded on 24/02/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 11th Feb-Sunday 17th Feb.

Just when we think winter's nearly over, and we're looking forward to the early migrants in just over three weeks time, it turns round and bites us. Temperatures of -8C on 17th froze all the smaller pools and about 95% of the North and Main Pools.
Hardy souls that we are we still have to get out there and count them, not to mention keeping the feeding stations topped up.

Little Grebe - max 11 on 15th.
Cormorant - up to 37 pairs occupying nest platforms by 17th.
Mute Swan - three pairs hawking the area from 15th, along with two young birds from last year that seem not to want to be parted from the (presumed) parent birds, despite gentle persuasive pecks from the adults to leave them alone.
Greylag Goose - two all week, with three on 15th.
Canada Goose - max 250 on 11th.
Shelduck - two on 14th.
Gadwall - a dramatic collapse again, now down to just two birds by 17th.
Teal - Another species to decline this week, down to 15 by 17th.
Shoveler - from 96 on 11th down to 58 by 17th.
Wigeon - max 53 on 11th.
Mandarin - a pair on the North Pool on 17th.
Pochard - max 23 on 11th.
Tufted Duck - max 47 on 17th.
Goldeneye - max 24 on 17th (the highest count so far this winter) included nine males.
Goosander - max nine on 17th were all on the river.
Kestrel - one male on 15th.
Sparrowhawk - one female on 15th.
Buzzard - two calling over the Reserve on 17th.
Water Rail - one at the Glass-Fronted Hide on 16th/17th.
Moorhen - max 10 on 10th/17th.
Coot - max 37 on 15th.
Oystercatcher - two along the river banks daily from 11th. Mid-Feb is the usual arrival period for this species here.
Snipe - three on the grass field behind the GFH on 17th.
GS Woodpecker - up to three drumming males on 17th.
Green Woodpecker - two "yaffling" on 17th.
Grey Wagtail - one on 17th.
MIstle Thrush - three on 17th.
Goldcrest - two on 15th.
Willow Tit - two on 17th at the GFH.
Coal Tit - one at the FS most of week.
Jay - one on 17th.
Bullfinch - eight on 15th.
Siskin - six on 15th.

Badger - one walking along the road between the gate and the river, mid-morning on 15th, blending in superbly with the dead leaf litter along the side of the road.

OD = North Pool - Still underwater.
Main Pool - 6.9
Behind Hut - 3.2
Opp. Hut - 5.6

Many thanks to this weeks observers - TC/KW/BS/RW/EH/AG

Recorded on 17/02/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 4th - Sunday 10th February.

Cormorant - roost count of 183 on 9th and 30 nests on 10th.
Greylag Goose - three on 4th and two on 6th/10th.
Canada Goose - max 273 on 6th.
Gadwall - max 24 on 6th.
Teal - max 56 on 10th.
Shoveler - 99 on 10th, a new highest ever count for the month of February.
Wigeon - max 65 on 10th.
Pochard - max 23 on 10th.
Tufted Duck - max 57 on 10th.
Goldeneye - max 18 on 9th.
Goosander - five on 4th and one on 6th.
Kestrel - one on 7th.
Buzzard - one on 9th.
Water Rail - one on 4th.
Snipe three on 10th.
Woodcock - four on 5th.
GBB Gull - five W on 4th.
Herring Gull - 14 W on 4th.
Common Gull - one on 6th.
Kingfiisher - one on 7th/10th.
GS Woodpecker - 1/2 daily.
Green Woodpecker - 1/2 daily.
Grey Wagtail - one on 10th.
Robin - 38 on 10th.
Song Thrush - eight singing from gate and onto Reserve.
Fieldfare - 140 on 10th.
Redwing - 45 on 10th.
Coal Tit - one at FS on 10th.
Jay - two on 7th.
Chaffinch - 17 singing on 10th.
Bullfinch - six together at the GFH on 10th.
Siskin - three on 10th.
Reed Bunting - two singing on 10th.

OD = NP still submerged
MP 7.0
Opp hut 6.6
Behind hut 4.00

Many thanks to observers for log entries TC/KW/BS/EH/RS/RSP/AG

Recorded on 10/02/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 28th Jan-Sunday 3rd Feb

Little Grebe - up to 6 on 3rd
Cormorant - 25 pairs/nest up to 3rd, including a new platform as opposed to those remaining from last year and taken up.
Little Egret - one on 29th and 3rd
Canada Goose - max 221 on 3rd
Mallard - max 281 on 3rd
Gadwall - max 28 on 31st
Teal - max 135 on 3rd
Shoveler - max 82 on 3rd, a new highest ever February Reserve record for this species.
Wigeon - max 112 on 31st
Mandarin - two on 28th
Pochard - max 21 on 3rd
Tufted Duck - max 55 on 3rd
Goldeneye - max 21 (six males) on 31st.
Goosander - eight on 31st (one male), and eight on 1st (three males)
Buzzard - one on 29th, 1st and 3rd.
Kestrel - one on 1st
Coot - max 38 on 3rd
Kingfisher - one on 29th and 1st
GS Woodpecker - up to three on 29th
Green Woodpecker - two on 29th
Grey Wagtail - two on 3rd
Bullfinch - five on 30/31st
Goldcrest - one on 3rd
Coal Tit - one on 1st
Goldfinch - max 18 on 3rd.

See last posting for obs and OD details

............Syd

Recorded on 05/02/2008

additional to last posting,
(overly sensitive system- the computer, not me)

OD = North Pool still submerged
Main Pool 7.0
Opp Hut 6.9
Behind Hut 4.3

Many thanks to this weeks observers TC/KW/EH/BS/MR/KR/AG

Recorded on 03/02/2008

Little egret flew in late afternoon

Recorded on 30/01/2008

Weekly round-up from Monday 21st-Sunday 27th January

The river is returning to normal levels but the pools are still well up and will be for some time. The paths leading to the North Pool still require wellingtons and the road in from the gate to the Reserve is flooded in two places.

Despite the lack of loafing areas for the wildfowl there have been some decent numbers of duck this week and the mild weather has seen a few birds in song in regular breeding areas.

Great Crested Grebe - three on 25th/27th.
Cormorant - 13 pairs occupying nest platforms remaining from last year, and all appear to have had some fresh sticks added.
Canada Goose - max 166 on 27th.
Greylag Goose - two on 27th.
Mallard - max 300 on 27th.
Gadwall - max 66 on 27th.
Teal - max 85 on 27th.
Shoveler - max 88 on 23rd (two fewer than the January site record).
Wigeon - max 150 on 23rd.
Mandarin - two on 27th.
Pochard - max 13 on 23rd.
Tufted Duck - max 41 on 27th.
Goldeneye - 17 most of week.
Goosander - up to seven on the river on 27th.
Kestrel - one on 25th.
Buzzard - two on 27th.
Sparrowhawk - one on 23rd.
Water Rail - one calling from Scott's area on 27th.
Lapwing - 300 moving through SW on 22nd.
Kingfisher - one on 27th.
Green Woodpecker - one most of week.
G S Woodpecker - two most of week.
Song Thrush - two singing on 27th.
Fieldfare - 60 on 25th.
Great Tit - three singing on 27th.
Long tailed Tit - 36 on 27th.
Nuthatch - one at the gate on 23rd.
Treecreeper - one singing as it passed the Two Man Hide on 27th.
Redpoll - 17 on 27th.
Siskin - 10 on 27th.
Reed Bunting - 11 on 22nd.
Jay - one on 23rd/27th.
Raven - two went through SW early on 27th.

OD = North Pool - still under water.
Main Pool - 7.0
Opposite the hut - 7.2
Behind the hut - 5.0

Many thanks to this weeks observers:- TC/MR/KW/BS/AG

Recorded on 27/01/2008

ROAD IN STILL WATERLOGGED IIN PARTS BUT CARS CAN DRIVE TO THE CAR PARK WITHOUT TROUBLE. NORTH HIDE CAN BE REACHED IN WELLIES, BUT SCOTTS HIDE STILL CUT OFF BY DEEP WATER. MAIN HIDE FEEDING STATION PROVIDING CLOSE UP VIEWS OF WOODPECKERS, REED BUNTINGS, TITS AND FINCHES. OTHERS-
GREY HERON, CANADA GOOSE, LITTLE AND GREAT CRESTED GREBES, CORMORANT, 200+MALLARDS, 39 GADWALL, 27 TUFTED DUCK, 47 SHOVELER, 20 TEAL, 137 WIGEON, 14 GOLDENEYE, 29 COOT. SPARROWHAWK, KESTREL, BUZZARD, PHEASANT,
400 STARLINGS, 50+ FIELDFARE, 20+ REDWINGS, SKYLARK IN FIELD NEXT TO ROAD,
LESSER BLACK BACK GULL, GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL AND 40 BLACK HEADED GULLS. 48 SPECIES IN ALL.

Recorded on 25/01/2008

Weekly round-up from Tuesday 15th-Sunday 20th January.

Not only has the rain this week kept observations down a little, the high water levels due to the flooding of the reserve has also made some of the paths tricky. Scott's area is still inaccessible but the North Hide can be reached with wellies!
Interestingly, despite the high water levels the highest counts of the year so far were attained this weekend for Gadwall, Shoveler, Goldeneye and Coot.

Cormorant - birds have started to reclaim some of last year's surviving nest platforms. No new nest material has been seen to be added as yet, but there has been much posing and posturing from males on the Main Pool island in particular.
Gadwall - max of 58 on 19th.
Teal - max of 80 on 20th.
Pintail - a nice male on the North Pool on 20th.
Shoveler - max of 69 on 20th.
Wigeon - max 57 on 15th.
Mandarin - four on 15th and 19th.
Pochard - max 25 on 14th.
Tufted Duck - max 34 on 20th.
Goldeneye - max 17 (eight males) on 20th.
Goosander - single birds on 15th and 20th.
Buzzard - one on 16th was the only raptor noted during the last six days.
Water Rail - birds heard calling from Minton's Lagoon, opposite the hut and one still at the feeding station.
Coot - max 36 on 20th.
Great Spotted Woodpecker - up to three on 20th (including a male at the feeding station on 20th).
Green Woodpecker - one on 20th.
Dunnock - one in song along the causeway on 20th was the first this year.
Robin - up to 25 in song on 20th.
Fieldfare - up to 150 on the field with the large flock of Starlings during the week.
Goldcrest - one with L T Tits passing the North Hide on 20th.
Long Tailed Tit - 33 on 20th, in three separate parties.
Crow - max 120 on the field on 19th.
Starling - c1000 on the saturated field during the week.
Bullfinch - seven on 19th.
Goldfinch - 26 on 18th.
Siskin - 30 on 19th.
Redpoll - 10 on 15th.

OD= Main Pool 7.6
Behind the hut 5.7
Opp hut 7.4
North Pool gauge completely submerged.

Many thanks to TC and MR who also braved this week's horrendous weather to visit the Reserve.

Recorded on 20/01/2008

As a follow up to the previous entry on the water levels, the River Trent appeared to peak overnight, resulting in water inundating the North Pool. The water level post in the North Pool is completely submerged, the pool behind the hut has risen from 1.6 to 6.1, the pool opposite the hut has risen by six centimetres and the North Pool is up by four centimetres. The path to Scott's pool is impassable.

Birdwise the day was good with a second-winter Glaucous Gull through SW at 15:20, a Little Egret was feeding along the river bank, a female Goosander was on the main pool, the Water Rail was again at the feeding station and a nice male Mandarin was by the two-man hide.

Recorded on 14/01/2008

Weekly roundup for Monday 8th -Sunday 13th January.

Little Grebe - max 11 on 12th.
Cormorant - max roost count of 148 on 12th
Little Egret - one for about ten minutes on 12th.
Mute Swan - 10 came in late on 12th and left early on 13th, later that day three others were hawking the pools.
Greylag Goose - one on 11th.
Mallard - max 330 on 11th
Gadwall - max 23 on 12th
Teal - max 110 on 11th
Shoveler - max 52 on 13th
Wigeon - max 105 on 13th, the highest count of the winter so far.
Mandarin - max seven on 12th
Pochard - max 21 on 13th
Tufted Duck - 51 on 13th, the highest count of the winter so far.
Goldeneye - max 15 on 11th
Goosander - 1-2 on Main Pool most of week
Kestrel - a female on 11th by the Tertiary pool.
Buzzard - two on 11th.
Water Rail - one still regular at the feeding station.
Coot - a steady rise continues; 31 on 13th.
Common Gull - an adult winter NE on 13th.
Green Woodpecker - one "yaffling" on 13th
GS Woodpecker - one at feeding station on 11th.
Goldcrest - one along back path to Gulley on 13th.
Willow Tit - one at feeding station on 8th and 11th.
Coal Tit - one at feeding station on 12th.
Chaffinch - max 15 on 11th.
Brambling a female at the feeding station on 12th.
Bullfinch - four on 11th.
Redpoll - 2 on 12th.
Siskin - 28 on 11th and 20 on 12th.
Reed Bunting - max nine on 10th.

An interesting mammal at the feeding station was a field mouse dashing back and forth, presumably for seeds put out for the birds.

OD = North Pool - 4.8
Main Pool - 4.0
Opp Hut - 4.2
Behind Hut - 1.6

A 5-6 centimetre rise in most waters, but only a two centimetre rise behind the hut.

The River Trent is rising rapidly and was flooding onto the lower lying Staffordshire bank during the morning of 13th.

Many thanks to all observers: TC/KW/BS/EH/BP/AG.

Recorded on 13/01/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 31st Dec - Sunday 6th Jan

Great Crested Grebe - up to three during the week.
Little Grebe - max of 5 on 31st and 3rd.
Cormorant - a max roost count of 155 on 31st. Quite a few males are now appearing to occupy last year's old nest platforms and displaying, but no stick-clooecting has been seen yet.
Heron - up to 12 during the week.
Mute Swan - on 6th five left the Main Pool at dawn, whilst a pair were hawking the Tertiary Lagoon.
Canada Goose - max 156 on 6th.
Greylag Goose - three on 5th.
Mallard - max of 377 on 3rd.
Gadwall - max of 35 on 1st.
Teal - max of 107 on 6th.
Shoveler - max of 41 on 6th.
Wigeon - max 67 on 6th.
Mandarin - max 16 on 1st, one fewer than the Reserve record.
Pochard - max 24 on 6th.
Tufted Duck - max 40 on 6th.
Goldeneye - up to 12 females and four males during the week.
Goosander - max nine on 1st.
Buzzard - up to three on 6th.
Water Rail - birds in four areas on 6th including the regular bird showing well at the glass-fronted hide.
Moorhen - the high numbers of the second half of December appear to have melted away, max of 15 on 4th.
Coot - numbers continue to rise, max of 25 on 6th.
Snipe - max six on 1st.
Woodcock - one, which flew across the North Pool on 6th, was probably disturbed by ringing activities.
GBB Gull - five SW on 6th.
Herring Gull - seven SW on 1st and seven SE on 6th.
Collared Dove - the recent run of odd records continues, with one on 4th, two at the GFH on 5th (including one on the ground eating grain, and then a small flock of ten flying SE on 6th.
Kingfisher - odd singles during the week, mainly along the river.
GS Woodpecker - one continues to drum by the car park.
Green Woodpecker - one "yaffling" on 1st.
Grey Wagtail - one on 6th.
Willow Tit - one on 4th.
Coal Tit - one on 4th.
Long-tailed Tit - two/three flocks noted most days, 30+ birds involved.
Jay - two most days.
Carrion Crow - up to 70 on 6th.
Goldfinch - one singing on 4th.
Sisikin - max 30 on 4th.

OD= North Pool - 4.2
Main Pool - 3.5
Opp. hut - 3.4
behind hut - 1.4

Many thanks to all observers; TC/KW/R&MW/EH/RS/J&PE/AG

Recorded on 06/01/2008

Weekly round-up for Monday 24th - Sunday 30th December.

Great Crested Grebe - up to three by 30th.
Little Grebe - max 10 on 30th.
Cormorant - max 170 in the roost on 28th, the mild weather at the end of the week prompted one or two males to sit on last season's nest platforms and display during the late afternoon roost build-up.
Greylag Goose - one on 27th and two on 28th.
Mallard - max 501 on 28th.
Gadwall - max 35 on 28th.
Teal - max 88 on 27th.
Shoveler - max 27 on 30th.
Wigeon - max 66 on 30th.
Mandarin - max six on 30th.
Pochard - max 18 on 30th.
Goldeneye - 14 on 30th.
Goosander - as well as up to seven on the river there was a single female on the Main Pool on one or two days during the week.
Buzzard - 2 on 30th.
Pheasant - 33 on 30th in the vicinity of the hairpin bend on the road to the Reserve were obviously locally released birds.
Water Rail - noted in up to three areas during the week.
Moorhen - max of 40 on 30th.
Coot - birds increasing and returning to favoured breeding areas, max of 21 on 30th.
Lapwing - one SW on 27th and two SW on 30th.
Snipe - max 11 on 30th.
Woodcock - one over Reserve at dusk on 30th.
GBB Gull - one SW on 30th.
Herring Gull - eight SW on 30th.
Collared Dove - one on 26th and 2 on 30th.
Kingfisher - one on 27th and 30th.
GS Woodpecker - up to four on 30th.
Green Woodpecker - one heard on one or two dates.
Grey WAgtial - one on 30th.
Blackbird - up to 23 on 30th.
Mistle Thrush - one sung briefly on 30th.
Fieldfare - small parties most of week, max 55 on 27th.
Redwing - max 40 on 27th.
Chiffchaff - one on 27th and 28th.
Willow Tit - another of the colour-ringed birds was retrapped by the ringers on 30th; green over red, which was rung in 2006.
Coal Tit - one singing on 30th.
Long-tailed Tit - two/three roving parties regularly totalling 30= birds.
Goldcrest - one on 24th.
Treecreeper - one caught by the ringers on 30th.
Jay - two on 30th.
Magpie - a minimum pre-roost count of 70 on 30th was a new site record.
Carrion Crow - max 90 on 24th.
Rook - 30 on 26th was unusual.
Siskin - small parties all week, max 20 on 28th and 30th.
Bullfinch - 5-7 most of week.
Reed Bunting - 18 on 30th included 12 caught by the ringers.

OD = NP - 4.4
MP - 3.5
Behind hut - 1.5
Opp hut - 3.3

Many thanks to all observers - TC/M&RW/KW/BS/EH/C&LW/MR/AG

Recorded on 31/12/2007

LITTLE GREBE/GREAT CRESTED GREBE/90 CORMORANT/GREY HERON/MUTE SWAN/GREYLAG GOOSE/52 CANADA GOOSE/WIGEON/GADWALL/TEAL/MALLARD/MANDARIN/TUFTED DUCK/POCHARD/GOLDENEYE/GOOSANDER/BUZZARD/ SPARROWHAWK/RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE/PHEASANT/WATER RAIL(MAIN HIDE)MOORHEN/COOT/SNIPE/BLACKHEADED GULL/LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL/.STOCK DOVE/WOODPIGEON/KINGFISHER/GREENWOODPECKER/GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER.PIED WAGTAIL/WREN/DUNNOCK/ROBIN/BLACKBIRD/SONGTHRUSH/50 PLUS FEILDFARE/REDWING/CHIFF CHAFF(NORTH HIDE)LONG-TAILED TIT/BLUE TIT/GREAT TIT/COAL TIT/JAY/MAGPIE/CARRIONCROW/STARLING/CHAFFINCH/
GREENFINCH/BULL FINCH/GOLDFINCH/SISKIN/LESSER REDPOLL/REEDBUNTING.

Recorded on 27/12/2007

Weekly roundup from Monday 17th - Sunday 23rd December 2007.

Most of the wildfowl had left the area on 19th/20th due to unavoidable disturbance from working party, but had begun to return by 23rd. All of the smaller pools were completely frozen on 23rd, and the North and Main pools were about 90% iced over.

GC Grebe - the pair continue to grace the main pool.
Little Grebe - a max of six on 18th/21st.
Cormorant - the max in the roost was 176 on 17th which was a new December site record.
Canada Goose - max of 170 on 17th.
Greylag Goose - one with Canada's on 18th/21st.
Mallard - with the help of iced up pools, and a fox, a max count of 675 on 17th was the highest count of the year.
Gadwall - max of 11 on 23rd.
Teal - max of 80 on 17th/18th.
Pintail - the male from the previous week was last seen on 18th.
Shoveler - max of 53 on 17th.
Wigeon - max of 35 on 17th.
Mandarin - up to four males and two females during the week.
Pochard - max of 12 on 17th.
Tufted Duck - max of 26 on 23rd.
Goldeneye - max of 14 on 17th.
Goosander - max of 9 on 17th on river.
Buzzard - one most of week.
Sparrowhawk - one on 18th.
Water Rail - one performed at the feeding station all week again.
Moorhen - max of 46 on 18th was a new site record.
Coot - max 15 on 22
Snipe one or two most days.
Collared Dove - two through SW on 23rd was only the second Reserve record this year.
Kingfisher - one or two on 23rd.
GS Woodpecker - 2/3 all week.
Green Woodpecker - 1/2 to 21st.
Grey Wagtail - one on 18th/21st.
Stonechat - one ventured into the Reserve on 18th in the vicinity of the western end of Minton's Lagoon.
Blackbird - a good count of 38 on 18th.
Chiffchaff - one on 19th/21st.
Goldcrest - three on 18th.
Willow Tit - one at the feeding station this week was colour-ringed (pink over red) and was ringed on the Reserve on 1st Sep this year.
Coal Tit - two at the feeding station on 21st.
Great Tit - max of 12 on 18th.
Treecreeper - two on 21st.
Siskin - flocks of 30-40 all week.
Redpoll - just singles in with the siskin flocks.
Reed Bunting - up to eight at the feeeding station.

OD = North Pool - 4.2
Main Pool - 3.2
Behind the hut - 1.2
Opp. hut - 3.0

Many thanks to all observers;
TC/KW/BS/M&RW/AG.

Recorded on 23/12/2007

Weekly roundup for Monday 10th - Sunday 16th December.

Little Grebe - max of 12 on 11th.
Great Crested Grebe - a pair on main pool all week were seen displaying on 16th.
Cormorant - max roost count of 135 on 10th.
Canada Goose - max flock of 148 on 13th.
Greylag Goose - One regularly with Canada's.
Mallard - a good max count of 411 on 12th.
Gadwall - a nice influx midweek of 36 on 12th.
Teal - max of 160 on 11th.
Pintail - the single male mentioned in an earlier posting was still present to 16th.
Shoveler - max of 70 on 12.
Wigeon - max of 50 on 16th.
Mandarin - max of 11 on 12th.
Pochard - max of 10 on 13th.
Tufted Duck - max of 47 on 12th.
Goldeneye - max of 9 on 12th.
Goosander - max of 12 on the river on 16th (one fewer than the December site record of 2005).
Buzzard - up to two in the area on 16th.
Sparrowhawk - 1/2 on odd dates during the week.
Water Rail - one continued to perform at the feeding station whilst birds were heard calling in at least four other areas of the Reserve.
Moorhen - 36 on 16th was a new December site record.
Lapwing - 14 SW on 12th.
Golden Plover - one S on 16th.
Snipe - max of 9 on 11th.
Kingfisher - odd birds along the river bank.
G S Woodpecker - one continued to drum by the car park.
Dunnock - of 10 counted on 12th one was in song.
Blackbird - a very good max of 39 on 12th shows that many continental birds are still with us.
Goldcrest - two along the causeway on 16th.
Willow Tit - one on 15th.
Coal Tit - one on 10th/11th.
Jay - singles on odd dates during the week.
Siskin - max flock of 30 on 13th.
Redpoll - 12 on 13th.
Bullfinch - six on 16th.
Reed Bunting - 10 at feeding station on 10th.

Brown Rat - one at feeding station on 15th/16th.

Many thanks to all observers - TC/RW/J&DR/EH/RB/MR/KW/BS/MD/J&PE/AG

OD = Main Pool - 3.3
North Pool - 4.5
Behind the hut - 1.3
Opp. hut - 3.0

Recorded on 16/12/2007

2 GOOSANDER
12 REDPOLL
30 SISKIN
GREEN WOODPECKER
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
MANDARIN
GOLDENEYE
TEAL
GADWALL
WATER RAIL
BUZZARD
REED BUNTING
KINGFISHER
GREYLAG GOOSE
SNIPE
GOLFINCH
GOLDCREST
REDWING
FIELDFARE
49 SPECIES SEEN TODAY.

Recorded on 13/12/2007

Three Pintail stayed for an hour and a half before flying off NE, later another male was on the north pool. Also on the north pool were seven superb male Mandarin with four females. Three Water Rails were calling around the Reserve, with a fourth showing exceptionally well at the feeding station.

................Syd Garton

Recorded on 12/12/2007

Weekly roundup from Monday 3rd Dec - Sunday 9th Dec.

Great Crested Grebe - still two all week on main pool.
Little Grebe - max of 9 on 6th.
Cormorant - a max roost count of 120 on 8th.
Greylag Goose - one on 8th.
Mallard - max of 258 on 9th.
Gadwall - a welcome increase this week, with 18 from 8th.
Teal - max of 50 on 3rd.
Shoveler - max of 46 on 3rd.
Wigeon - max of 47 on 3rd.
Mandarin - seven on 4th and five males on 9th.
Pochard - up to three most of week.
Tufted Duck - max of 31 on 9th.
Goldeneye - max of 13 on 9th.
Goosander - 1-2 from 6th, usually on the main pool.
Buzzard - singles most days.
Sparrowhawk - singles on 6th and 8th.
Pheasant - up to nine regularly at the feeding station.
Water Rail - One showing well most days at the feeding station.
Moorhen max of 22 on 9th.
Coot - max 12 on 6th and 9th.
Snipe - max 21 on 8th.
Common Gull - two on 4th and singles on 6th and 8th.
Collared Dove - one on 8th was unusual.
Kingfisher - one most days.
G.S. Woodpecker - three on 4th, and one drumming in the car park/GFH area from 6th.

Recorded on 09/12/2007

Continuation of last posting....

Green Woodpecker - "yaffling" heard most days.
Blackbird - good numbers still around, a max of 30 on 9th.
Chiffchaff - one by the GFH on 9th.
Goldcrest - 1-2 on most days.
Coal Tit - two on 4th and one on 8th at the feeding station.
Jay - 1-2 most days.
Starling - up to 200 coming in to roost on 8th.
Chaffinch - max of 12 on 9th.
Siskin - good flocks around during the week, with a max of
60 on 4th.
Redpoll - 2-3 with siskin flocks.
Bullfinch - odd singles during the week.
Reed Bunting - up to five at the feeding station.

Observers - TC/RW/MW/MR/KW/BS/EH/AG

OD: NP = 4.4
MP = 3.4
Behind hut = 1.4
Opposite hut = 3.0

.................................................Syd Garton.

Recorded on 09/12/2007

7 MANDARINS (NORTH HIDE) GOOSANDER (RIVER) 70 SISKINS AROUND THE RESERVE. 4 STONECHATS. 2 LESSER REDPOLLS. KINGFISHER AND WATER RAIL SHOWING WELL IN FRONT OF MAIN HIDE.

Recorded on 03/12/2007

Weekly roundup from Drakelow NR for Monday 26th November - Sunday 2nd December

There were two Great Crested Grebes all week, with brief display on 2nd Dec.
Up to 4 Little Grebe on 30th Nov.
The Cormorant roost held a max of 118 birds on 1st Dec.
The Mallard max was a very good 465 on 1st Dec.
Teal continue to slowly increase, with 22 on 30th Nov.
The Shoveler max was 64 on 26th Nov, whilst the Wigeon max was 63 on 2nd Dec.
Nine superb male Mandarin and two females were seen late on 27th Nov during a Cormorant roost count.
Four Pochard on 2nd Dec was the weeks highest count and the Tufted Duck max was 19 on 2nd Dec.
Goldeneye only reached a max of 10, on 1st Dec, but there were up to 15 Goosander on the river on 29th Nov.
Raptors were represented by a Kestrel on 26th and 30th, Buzzard on three dates and Sparrowhawk also on three dates.
There Water Rails detected in at least three areas of the Reserve, and a very respectable 15 Snipe were viewable from the glass-fronted hide on 2nd Dec.
An adult Common Gull spent a short time on the main pool on 2nd Dec.
Kingfishers were seen everyday, as were GS Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker, the latter heard "yaffling" on 2nd Dec.
A Chiffchaff crossed in front of the north hide on 27th Nov, and up to 2 Goldcrests were noted on one or two dates.
Two Coal Tits were regular at the feeding station, and up to four Greenfinches began to visit the tables at the GFH.
Notable flocks of up to 45 Siskin were noted on a number of days, but the bird of the week was a Marsh Tit seen by the hut on 30th Nov, the first record of this species here this year.

Many thanks to all observers; AG/TC/RS/RW/MW/EH/KW.

OD = MP - 2.1
NP - 4.0
Behind the hut - 1.2
Opp hut - 2.6

Recorded on 02/12/2007

Late afternoon visit. Overcast, damp, 8.C, SW4/5

Little Grebe - 4 north pool, 1 main pool
Cormorant - 75 in roost. None with rings
Mandarin - 11 (9 males) was the highest number so far this
year
Gadwall - 2, numbers have plummeted from the highs of the
last few years.
Goldeneye - 9
Shoveler - 37
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Goldcrest - 2
Chiffchaff - One briefly at the north hide

Recorded on 27/11/2007

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