January 2008 Bird Report

A relatively mild but wet January.

One Little Egret was present most days and a few Grey Heron plus the usual 20+ Cormorants.  It is noticeable that the fewer Egyptian Geese are paired up and I suspect there is an occupied nest on Grove Island and possibly others elsewhere on the site.  The Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese and 3 Snow Geese spend the day feeding on the pastures nearby. 17 Greylags were seen leaving CLN on the 26th.

Duck numbers increased during the month.  Wigeon were, as usual, the most numerous with 300 to 400.  Tufted, Pochard, Teal and Shoveler were in the range of 50 to 100 of each species.  Gadwall and Mallard may have reached 50 with the latter beginning to disperse during the month. The anticipated Pintail were represented by a male on the 6th and a pair on the 26th. Two male and a female Goldeneye spent most of the month on Grove Lake. The maximum Goosander count reported was 15 on the 13th.

Buzzard and Kestrel were seen regularly. A Peregrine was reported on the 13th. I did not see a local Sparrowhawk in January; the lack finches this winter may mean that they are hunting elsewhere. The Little Owls seem to be hidden. I am not aware of any sightings of the Barn Owls again this month, despite a dawn visit on the 26th; however a male Kestrel was inspecting the upstairs accommodation of the box!

Lapwing numbers have remained low in January, with counts barely above 50. Ian reported a fly-over Golden Plover mid month. Up to 3 Green Sandpipers have been seen, and a couple of reports of Common Sandpiper.  Snipe numbers approaching 30 are being reported, but they can be difficult to locate. A Jack Snipe reported by Ian on the 19th.

Less than 30 big gulls in the roosts this month, a Yellow-legged Gull on 5th and occasional Herring Gulls.  Black-headed Gulls increased to 60+ through the month with a tendency to hang around Tern Island on Colebrook Lake where they will nest in a couple of month’s time. Common Gulls were around all month.

An intriguing rumour of a Raven on the 12th, which would be a site first if a report is submitted and then accepted by the MGLG Bird Recorder.

Finch numbers are well below average this winter with small numbers of Brambling, Siskin, Redpoll and Linnets. More than usual Stonechats this year though. Reed Buntings were regularly seen on the feeding station in the last week of the month.

As always, please report your own sightings on the record sheets in Colebrook Hide or send them to Ian Brown, the Moor Green Bird Recorder.

Bruce Archer