February 2009 Bird Report

February began with a period of overnight frosts followed by a very wet day on the 9th, then dry and mild for the rest of the month.

The Great Crested Grebes seem to have dispersed and Little Grebes have returned to their breeding locations on the workings. Little Egrets have been scarce since the cold spell finished. Grey Herons have not returned to last years nest site.

The Geese don’t seem to be in a hurry to start breeding – regular flocks of up to 28 Greylags, 100’s of Canadas, the 20 Barnacles and 50+ Egyptians. A Shelduck present at dawn on the 28th.

Duck numbers change through the winter. This month Tufted Duck have increased to 200+ and Shoveler to more than 100. 43 Goosanders recorded in the evening roost on the 3rd, less than last month; and just two male Goldeneye remain. The number of Goosanders spending the day on Colebrook Lake has increased to 25+ for some reason, possibly increasing numbers of fish to feed on?

The resident Kestrels, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard have been seen regularly, including a pale Buzzard. A juvenile Peregrine was seen on a number of days, it often hunts the workings and further west and has been seen feeding on its kill on the pylon south of Horseshoe Lake. Two Barn Owls have been seen regularly, especially when it is cold or wet and food is more difficult to find.  

Up to 200 Lapwings in the first half of the month, but numbers dropping as the weather improved. Only one Green Sandpiper seen during the month. An early Redshank present on the 20th, un-countable numbers of Common Snipe hiding in the marginal growth and reports of a Jack Snipe. One Water Rail seen on Grove.

Gull numbers are down and consist mainly of Black-headed Gulls, which are beginning to hog Tern Island during the day, and some Common Gulls.  A fly-over Great Black-backed Gull on the 7th could be the only record of the year.

A few Skylarks, Stonechats, and Meadow Pipits present. Thrush numbers increased during the cold spell, as did the number of Goldcrests along the river where it is slightly warmer and there are more insects.  Siskin and Lesser Redpolls numbers have reduced. Bullfinches are more visible in the lakeside trees now and can be located by there simple whistling calls. Reed Buntings are also “singing” in the reedy areas.

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