December 2006 Bird Report

As we slip toward winter, the wildfowl continue to arrive. Little Egrets reached 7 on the 30th – a new site record. A pair of Pintail put in a brief appearance on 6th, and a pair of Smew were seen coming to roost on Grove Lake on the 23rd, a species not recorded at Moor Green since 1999.  Goosander numbers were up to 13 by the middle of the month. Goldeneye are about, but, like Goosander the higher numbers have not yet been reached, probably because of the mild weather.

Nine species of duck can be expected on a tour of the reserve in January: Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye and Goosander. There are also up to five species of geese – none of which are truly wild: Greylag, Canada, Egyptian, Barnacle, and if you are lucky – the 4 remaining Snow Geese.

Buzzard and Sparrowhawk were present in December, but I did not see a Kestrel. The Little Owls are calling regularly and you might, if you are lucky, see one in the row of trees on the new workings. 

Water Rails are present on the lake margins, but you have to be lucky to see them out in the open. I have had a couple of sightings recently in the NW corner of Colebrook North. Snipe are more likely to be seen, but there do not seem to be many about yet. A single Green Sandpiper has been around all month and is likely to be found at the hide end of Grove Lake.

The Gull roost has been mainly on Grove Lake, with day-time roosting on the gravel diggings to the west. Good numbers of Black-headed Gulls are present, with up to 200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, some Common Gulls and a few Herring Gulls and Yellow-legged Gulls.

Redwing and Fieldfare numbers have increased through the month and Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush have been singing. A few Siskins and Lesser Redpoll can usually be found feeding in Alders, but numbers are low, with flocks of less than 20 birds. 

I have recently installed two new peanut feeders on the trees near the car park.  With some luck, the Lesser-spotted Woodpecker that was seen on the 16th will drop in.

Bruce Archer