December 2009 Bird Report

The cold spell in the second half of December froze much of the open water which caused the movement of birds.

Up to 22 Cormorants, 43 Mute Swans and Little Egret were present daily. Highlight of the month was 3 Bewick’s Swans which were present on 20th; only the second record since 1993, which was of 8 seen flying over; so a “patch tick” for most of us.

Waterfowl counts on the 18th:- 14 Great crested Grebe, 16 Barnacle Geese, 52 Egyptian Geese, 175 Canada Geese, 302 Wigeon, 60 Gadwall, 35 Teal, 76 Mallard, 36 Shoveler, 17 Pochard, 140 Tufted Ducks, 20 Goosander, 25 Moorhen and 261 Coot.

The Mandarin Ducks seem to have moved to more sheltered waters in the valley. By the 30th the Goosander roost on Grove Lake contained 42 birds. There are up to 2 male Goldeneye in the area, one was seen on the river on the 13th, an unusual location. Two male Pintails were seen on the 11th, one remaining until the 12th – the first record of the year.

Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard were seen. At least one Barn Owl present on Manor Farm and at least 3 pairs of Little Owls around, including those by the paddock adjacent to the car park, which can often be seen.

Common Snipe and a Green Sandpiper were seen early in the month, but not since the freeze up. 165 Lapwing early in the month, and 50 Golden Plover on the 6th.

Gull numbers have fallen again this month, Reports of less than 50 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and just a few Herring Gulls. Less than 100 Black-headed Gulls and only 20 or so Common Gulls.

A Stonechat was seen in the early part of the month. There are still good numbers of thrushes, with up to 90 Fieldfares and fewer Redwings, Song Thrushes and Blackbirds. The Linnet flock reached 20 birds. Plenty of Siskins feeding in the Birch and Alder seeds and a report of 100 Lesser Redpolls on the 18th. Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches and a few Bullfinches present. Reed Buntings are still feeding at the feeding station by Colebrook Hide, although no reports of Brambling that I am aware of.

My unofficial count of species recorded for 2009 is 138, including the escaped Snow and Barnacle Geese.

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