Bird Watching

GARY THOBURN

A fter all the a November arrival, having Clockwise from above ‘suppressed’ bird was a Dark-
excitement of been seen from 29 November to Eastern Yellow Wagtail, eyed Junco, which spent a week
November’s ‘first’ 2 December; but, like the Steart WWT, Somerset, in a garden in Chiswick, west
for the UK (the aforementioned kinglet, news 6 December London (to 1st). Juncos do love
Ruby-crowned was not released until after turning up in gardens, it seems,
Kinglet on Barra, the event (actually about a Todd’s Canada Goose, but rarely become twitchable and
Outer Hebrides), it was too much week after its departure), for Choseley, Norfolk, also rarely linger.
to ask for December to produce lockdown reasons. 17 December
more of the same. Instead, the Also arriving late in November,
year rather drifted to a more After the long-staying (and Lesser Yellowlegs, the first-winter Sociable Lapwing
sedate conclusion, rare bird-wise. rather flirtatious, with female Wiveton, Norfolk, remained at Crows-an-Wra in
There were still plenty of rare Bitterns) male American Bittern 1 December south-western Cornwall, being
birds around, though, but not so at Carlton Marshes, Suffolk, in seen in the area until 10th. On
many ‘new’ ones and nothing the spring and summer of 2018, Boxing Day, it was relocated
really sensationally rare. not so many listers will be as a bit further north-east at Bude
upset by missing the Lincs bird. (also Cornwall).
One of the rarest ‘new’ birds But, doubtless several
was an American Bittern, at ‘Lincolnshire listers’ will feel Among the ‘best’ new birds of
Fiskerton Fen, Lincolnshire. This differently about this... December was a beautiful male
‘first’ for the county was actually Eastern Black Redstart at
Another November-arriving, Snettisham RSPB. First seen on
31st, it was still present a couple
IS YOUR AREA COVERED? of weeks into January. At one
stage Eastern Black Redstarts
If your county doesn’t currently feature in UKBS and you’d like to supply a looked like becoming a regular
regular report, email [email protected] for details of feature of UK winters, after
how you can help. You can send rare bird photos to particularly strong showings in
[email protected] 2016 and 2017. But, perhaps it
Please send unprocessed JPEGs at 300dpi was a false dawn, and they will
remain very rare (and very
desirable) visitors.

98 March 2021

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS DECEMBER

STEVE GANTLETTIn Northern Ireland, a drake
STEVE GANTLETTBufflehead was found at Quoile
Pondage (5th into January),
coinciding with a ‘mini-invasion’
of these small North American
ducks on the island of Ireland. As
usual, though, with this species,
questions will have to be asked
(and answered) about the wild or
otherwise origin of the birds.

Lingerers and
long-stayers

One of the weirdest stories (in a
good way) of the end of 2020 into
2021, was the concentration of
eastern buntings at the unlikely
spot of Thursley Common, Surrey.
The story so far: a Rustic Bunting
arrived there to join a Little
Bunting in late November and
throughout December.
But around Christmas time,
they were joined by a second
Little Bunting and the three
eastern buntings were even
photographed feeding together
(and were seen frequently,
well into January).

birdwatching.co.uk 99

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS DECEMBER

RICHARD BROOKS

How many of these rare wholly white Great Northern Above and into the New Year.
buntings are scattered across the Diver off Salcombe, south Devon, Waxwing, The start of 2021 was
rest of the UK is anyone’s guess. in the second half of the month Kelling Heath, Norfolk,
And with current restrictions on and into 2021. January marked by another national
movement (of people, not lockdown (in England) and
buntings) we will probably never Finally, mention must be made Below consequent restrictions of
come close to knowing. of a bit of a decent end of year Black Brant, movement and inevitably
influx of European (aka Russian) Salthouse, Norfolk, limited reporting of rare birds, so
A Franklin’s Gull at various White-fronted Geese at several 1 December as not to encourage birders to
sites in North Yorkshire (starting sites across the country, as well wander far. So, after a relatively
at North Duffield Carrs, on 12th), as a decent surge of Iceland Gull quiet December, January will
then East Yorkshire, was thought records (and a few Kumlien’s probably follow suit. See next
likely to be the bird seen in West Gulls) in the Christmas period month’s instalment!
Yorkshire back in September.
STEVE GANTLETT
The Crag Martin (which first
appeared in November) on the
white cliffs of Kent (between
Kingdown and Samphire Hoe),
was last seen on 4th. Fife’s
juvenile Hudsonian Godwit
(around the Eden Estuary), was
last reported on 21st. The next
day (22nd) was the last day the
Pied-billed Grebe was reported at
Chelmarsh Reservoir, Shropshire.

The Eastern Yellow Wagtail
remained in place at Steart
WWT, Somerset, at least into the
second week of 2021. The
Alaskan Yellow Wagtail also saw
in the New Year at Carlton
Marshes, Suffolk.

Meanwhile, the regular
returning adult Pacific Diver
once again appeared in the sea
near Penzance. Arguably even
more exciting was a nearly

100 March 2021

COMPILED BY GORDON HAMLETT

SOUTH WEST Sociable Lapwing,
Bude, Cornwall,
Highlights In association with December

The star birds of
the South West
were the first-winter Sociable
Lapwing, seen at a couple of sites
in Cornwall, and the wintering
Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Steart
Marshes WWT, Somerset. The
regular wintering Pacific Diver was
seen again off Penzance.

AVON

CLEVEDON-WESTON-SUPER-MARE:
Highlights included two Brent Geese, 600
Shelducks at Sand Bay, a Common Scoter
passing Weston (27th), and nine Goosanders on
the Blind Yeo. Waders at Clevedon-Yeo included
ten Avocets, seven Knot, a Jack Snipe and
Spotted Redshank. Also there were two Great
White Egrets, a Yellow-legged Gull, Marsh
Harrier and Hen Harrier.

A Woodcock was at Bleadon Levels (19th).
Sand Point logged a Merlin, two Firecrests and a
Dartford Warbler (1st).

SEVERNSIDE: Eleven Tundra Bean Geese GARY THOBURN
roamed the upper Severn and were seen four
times at Oldbury. Four Whooper Swans passed CHANNEL ISLANDS (1st-10th). A Sociable Plover was in the were at Northam Burrows. Four Glossy Ibises
several Severnside sites (8th). Waders at Crows-an-Wra area (1st-6th) before relocating to were at Fremington Pill. Lower Tamar Lake had
Northwick Warth included five Avocets and 180 JERSEY: The Wetlands Centre had a Bittern, Bude (29th-31st). A Ring-billed Gull was on six Willow Tits, 46 Goosanders, a Green
Black-tailed Godwits. Northwick and Aust Warth Little Egrets, 20 Marsh Harriers, a Short-eared Hayle all month. Iceland Gulls were seen all Sandpiper and White-tailed Eagle.
logged three Jack Snipe, two Merlins, a Owl, 100 Snipe, a few Jack Snipe, 50 Lapwings, round the coast, with two at Mousehole
Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, 50 Teal, 14 Pochards, 45 Tufted Ducks, four (20th-22nd). A Kumlien’s Gull was at Sennen SOUTH DEVON: Torbay had a Black-necked
Short-eared Owl, Firecrest, two Water Pipits Wigeon, two Whitefronts, a Tundra Bean Goose, Cove (10th). A possible Azores Gull was off Grebe, five Red-throated Divers, 14 Great
and a Snow Bunting. Oldbury had 1,000 Green Sandpiper and Water Pipits. Grouville Penzance (26th). Three Caspian Gulls and 12 Northern Divers, a Red-necked Grebe, 18 Cirl
Dunlin (7th) and 60 Blackbirds (6th). Marsh held 42 Herons, 120 Little Egrets, 12 Yellow-legged Gulls were on Hayle. Buntings, two Long-tailed Ducks, a Scaup,
Cattle Egrets, a Little Bunting, 30 Chiffchaffs, Yellow-browed Warbler, Black Redstart, eight
Stonechats were widespread and included Firecrests and a Siberian Chiffchaff. Ten reports of Glaucous Gulls included two Common Scoters, a Mediterranean Gull,
20 at Portbury Wharf. at Swanpool (17th). Pomarine Skua, four Firecrests, an Iceland Gull
Gorey had 2,000 Black-headed Gulls, a and Siberian Chiffchaff. The Plym Estuary had a
THE RESERVOIRS: Chew held a dark-bellied Swallow, 30 Common Gulls, 20 Mediterranean Yellow-browed Warblers were noted in small Great Northern Diver, Jack Snipe, 282 Dunlin,
Brent Goose (24th), 12 Red-crested Pochards Gulls, 650 Dunlin, 300 Sanderling and 250 numbers all month. Dusky Warblers were at two Firecrests, six Greenshanks, a Common
(25th), two Scaup, a Slavonian Grebe (from 9th), Turnstones. La Rocque held 15 Sandwich Terns, Malpas (10th), St Erth (6th-20th) and Penryn Sandpiper and two Grey Plovers.
with two (31st), 11 Great White Egrets, a Bittern, 15 Bar-tailed Godwits, 250 Grey Plovers and 15 (16th). A Rose-coloured Starling was at St Buryan
three Marsh Harriers, two Hen Harriers, a Merlin, Ringed Plovers. Grouville Bay logged 42 Great (1st-6th). A Red-breasted Flycatcher was at Two Hawfinches were at Longdown. Slapton
Woodcock, two Water Pipits, eight Bearded Tits, Northern Divers, Common Scoters, 40 Church Cove (1st-6th). A Richard’s Pipit was had a Ring-necked Duck, five Great Northern
eight Chiffchaffs, a Siberian Chiffchaff and Red-breasted Mergansers, 20 Red-throated around Nanquidno (2nd-17th). Lapland Buntings Divers, three Red-throated Divers, a Glaucous
seven Cetti’s Warblers. A Mediterranean Gull Divers, a few Black-throated Divers, hundreds of were at Godrevy (6th), Polgigga (7th-10th, with Gull and five Goldeneyes. Soar had 950 Sky
toured all three reservoirs. Kittiwakes and Razorbills and a few Guillemots. two on 11th) and Nanquidno (8th). Larks, 53 Cirl Buntings, 60 Yellowhammers, a
Sara McMahon (07847 967 936) Whinchat, Merlin and Black Redstart.
The main reservoirs shared 570 Pochards, La Corbiere logged up to 500 Kittiwakes and Lannacombe had eight Firecrests. Otterton,
2,000 Tufted Ducks, 80 Goldeneyes, 12 1,100 Razorbills per hour in gales. A Great White DEVON Totnes and Ottery St. Mary had Yellow-browed
Goosanders and 3,400 Coots. The Long-tailed Egret was found dead in Vallee des Vaux. Warblers. Start Point had five Common Scoters,
Duck and Great Northern Diver remained at LUNDY: Three Great White Egrets were a new two Great Northern Divers and three Black
Barrow Gurney. There were 39 Cattle Egrets A Common Sandpiper was wintering at Le species for the island. There was a Mediterranean Redstarts. Plymouth had 130 Ring necked
between Chew and Blagdon. The Backwell Lake Pulec, where 85 Rock Pipits and 150 Gull, Firecrest, Glaucous Gull, Snow Bunting and Parakeets.
roost of Little Egrets peaked at 56. Mediterranean Gulls were noted. Twenty Black Great Northern Diver.
Redstarts were around the island. There were The Exe Estuary had a Short-eared Owl, 330
OTHER SITES: Two Mandarins, a Merlin and 1,600 Brent Geese around the coast. Petit Port NORTH DEVON: Velator had three Curlew Lapwings, seven Grey Plovers, 60 Pintails, 12
Woodcock were in the Gordano Valley. Yate had had 34 Purple Sandpipers. Sandpipers and six Little Egrets. Baggy Point had Greenshanks, 12 Red-breasted Mergansers, 500
eight Goosanders and several other Avon lakes Bertram Bree 29 Red-throated Divers, 20 Common Scoters, a Avocets and a Dusky Warbler. Torpoint had a
had two or three. There were 55 Golden Plovers Black Redstart and Velvet Scoter. Braunton had a Spotted Redshank. Hopes Nose had a
at Bristol Airport, 57 north of Bath and 50 at CORNWALL Black-tailed Godwit, four Water Rails, a Ruff, two Long-tailed Duck, 18 Great Northern Divers and
Newton St Loe. There were 208 at Saltford, Spoonbills and a Pintail. Barnstaple had two a Glaucous Gull. Rippon Tor had a Hen Harrier.
along with a Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Merlin and HIGHLIGHTS: Whooper Swans were at Common Sandpipers. Four Purple Sandpipers Soussons and Vitifer Mine on Dartmoor had
Yellow-browed Warbler. Seven Woodcocks were Marazion (5th) and Hayle (6th). The Russian and a Mediterranean Gull were at Westward Ho! Great Grey Shrikes. Budleigh Salterton had 12
at Lower Woods, Wickwar, with others at White-fronted Goose remained on the Tresillian A White-fronted Goose was at Roadford Water Pipits and a Yellow-browed Warbler.
Winford and Marshfield. Marshfield also had a River. A Pink-footed Goose remained around Reservoir. Instow had six Blackcaps and a Black Topsham had 400 Avocets and good numbers of
Marsh Harrier, Merlin and 10,000 Starlings. Walmsley, with seven at Maer Lake (4th-10th). Redstart. Black tailed Godwits.
Two Ring-necked Ducks were at Siblyback all
A Short-eared Owl visited Bristol Airport month with another at Drift (23rd-29th). Isley Marsh had 180 Shelducks and five Matford Pools, Exeter, had a Green-winged
(27th-28th). One Bristol garden held eight Spoonbills were at Maenporth (2nd-11th), Loe Greenshanks. Ilfracombe had a Black Redstart Teal. Woolley Forestry Plantation, near
Blackcaps. A Portishead ringer caught two Pool (4th), Penryn (8th-21st) and on the Tamar and two Purple Sandpipers. Two Snow Buntings
Firecrests. Others were at several sites around all month. A Pacific Diver was in Mount’s Bay
Bristol. The city also had two Yellow-browed
Warblers and a Hawfinch. Black Redstarts were
wintering at five, mostly coastal, sites.
Jane Cumming

birdwatching.co.uk 101

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS DECEMBER

Bradworthy had 250,000 Starlings. Powderham SOUTH EAST Shenley Church End (19th). A Water Pipit was at Head (5th). White-fronted Geese were at 11 sites,
Marsh had 620 Brent Geese, five Bar-tailed Dorney Common (31st). A Yellow-browed including up to 23 at Farlington Marshes. Two
Godwits, five Grey Plovers, 110 Knot, 40 Cattle Highlights In association with Warbler was at Watermead Lake (28th-30th). parties of Tundra Bean Geese arrived, with three
Egrets, a Great Northern Diver, Green Siberian-type Chiffchaffs were at Tattenhoe in the Avon Valley and four at Pennington
Sandpiper, 10 Greenshanks, 300 Black-tailed Highlights in (5th), Linford Reserve (7th) and Dorney Marshes. Iceland Gulls were at Lee-on-the-
Godwits and 120 Avocets. Burrator had 40 the region Common (31st). Solent (13th), Weston Shore (13th) and Eastney
Crossbills. Starcross had 32 Cattle Egrets. included a Dark-eyed Junco in a (28th) and a Glaucous Gull passed Milford-on-
Chapmanswell had 300 Golden Plovers. A garden in Chiswick, London at the A Bearded Tit was at Willen Lake North (6th). Sea (18th). Single Leach’s Petrels were off
Rose-coloured Starling was at Stoke Fleming. start of the month (though the Hawfinches were at Baldwin’s Wood (12th & Weston Shore and in Langstone Harbour (both
news was not released until later). 19th) and at Lee Common (26th). Two 27th) and a Pomarine Skua passed Milford-on-
Salcombe had an albino Great Northern Two Little Buntings and a Rustic Short-eared Owls were at Whitehouse (from Sea (19th). Red-necked Grebes were at
Diver. Berry Head had a Great Skua, Sooty Bunting fed together at Thursley 12th), with three at Oakhill Wood (12th-14th and Barton-on-Sea (16th), Chilling (27th) and Calshot
Shearwater, Iceland Gull and Pomarine Skua. Common, Surrey. The Crag 17th) and one over Haddenham (30th). Great (27th). Slavonian Grebes were wintering in the
Brixham had a Velvet Scoter, Glaucous Gull, Martin on the chalk cliffs of east White Egrets were at several sites. western Solent and Langstone Harbour.
Iceland Gull, 14 Great Northern Divers, two Kent was last seen on 4th. Black-necked Grebes in Langstone Harbour
Eiders, two Pomarine Skuas and a Black CALVERT LAKE: A Bittern was seen regularly. peaked at 10, with others at Ibsley Water (12th),
Guillemot. A Dusky Warbler was at Exwick. BEDFORDSHIRE There was a Goosander (31st), plus a Caspian Oxey Marsh (12th) and three off Meon Shore
Dawlish had two Slavonian Grebes, a Gull and three Yellow-legged Gulls (4th). (24th). Black-throated Divers were at Black Point
Red-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver. HIGHLIGHTS: A Glossy Ibis was at Renhold (12th), Milford-on-Sea (19th) and Gilkicker Point
Goodrington had an Iceland Gull and Scaup. (12th). White-fronted Geese included 30 at DORNEY COMMON: There were two Green (22nd), while Red-throated and Great Northern
Budleigh Salterton had 100 Common Scoters Begwary Brook, 28 at Priory CP (to 4th), 19 at Sandpipers, seven Shelducks, a Mediterranean Divers were seen widely. Velvet Scoters were off
and a Velvet Scoter. Broom GP (2nd) and nine at Radell GP. Others Gull (30th) and a White-fronted Goose Chilling (6th) and Barton-on-Sea (16th) followed
were at Southill and Grovebury SP. Two Smew (2nd-12th). by presumably the same individual at Netley
THURLESTONE BAY: Highlights included four were at Brogborough Lake (31st) and three at (27th), Weston Shore (27th), Hamble Shore
Common Scoters, a Mandarin, nine Meadow Lane GP (31st). A Common Scoter was FOXCOTE RESERVOIR: There was a Caspian (30th) and Hook-with-Warsash (30th). Cattle
Red-throated Divers, a Black-throated Diver, at Brogborough Lake (24th). A Dartford Warbler Gull (5th), Common Sandpiper (10th), four Egrets were reported from several sites in the
three Great Northern Divers, 171 Gannets, a was at Astral Lake Park (from 17th). Goldeneyes and three Pintails. Avon Valley, with a high of 17 at Sopley (17th),
Fulmar, Merlin, 29 Oystercatchers, eight Ringed Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please while up to eight remained in the Warblington
Plovers, a Dunlin, 14 Snipe, six Black-tailed phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 LINFORD GP: There was a Bittern (15th), two area close to their breeding site. Great White
Godwits, 30 Curlews, a Common Sandpiper, two from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per Great White Egrets (1st), with one (15th & 17th), Egrets were reported widely, including up to
Greenshanks, seven Redshanks, 16 Turnstones, a minute plus your phone company access charge. eight White-fronted Geese (16th-17th) and two three at Blashford Lakes. Eight Spoonbills moved
Lesser Yellowlegs, Great Skua, 170 Kittiwakes, Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For Goosanders (11th). between Lymington-Keyhaven and the Beaulieu
four Mediterranean Gulls, a Firecrest, 16 enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 Estuary. A Bittern at Fishlake Meadows (27th &
Chiffchaffs, a few Siberian Chiffchaffs, a Black 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk LITTLE MARLOW GP: Highlights included two 30th). Great Grey Shrikes were at Ocknell Plain
Redstart, 20 Rock Pipits and two Water Pipits. twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia Shelducks, two Red-crested Pochards, a and Bransbury Common. Away from roost sites
Harvey Kendall and Mike Passman facebook.com/robinchittenden7 Goosander, Caspian Gull (22nd) and Hen Harriers were at Holmsley (2nd), Titchfield
(thurlestonebaybirds.co.uk) Yellow-legged Gull (11th). Abbey (15th) and Ripley Farm Reservoir (18th).
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Short-eared Owls were at Barton-on-Sea (1st),
WILTSHIRE OTHER SITES: College Lake had a Jack Snipe Overton (1st) and Keyhaven/Pennington (9th,
HIGHLIGHTS: Great Northern Divers were at (17th) and two Great White Egrets (2nd). There 11th & 17th). Merlins were reported from Lepe
HIGHLIGHTS: A Cattle Egret was at Latton. A Caldecotte Lake (24th-31st), Calvert Lake was a Jack Snipe at Stoke Common (17th). (6th), Timsbury (8th & 26th), Keyhaven (9th &
Russian White-fronted Goose was at the Water (21st-31st), Willen Lake South (21st-24th), later Twelve Whitefronts (8th-18th) and a Dunlin 17th), Yateley GP (10th), Ibsley Water (15th,
Park. Great White Egrets were at Marlborough, found dead. Another was at Startop’s End (11th) were at Rowsham. Newton Leys logged 19th), Bramshaw Telegraph (17th), Sopley (26th)
Beanacre and the Water Park. Four Whooper Reservoir before flying to College Lake (20th). four Caspian Gulls and six Yellow-legged Gulls. A and Havant Thicket (31st). Black Redstarts were
Swans were at Castle Eaton. A Kittiwake was at The Dartford Warbler remained at Hyde Heath. Jack Snipe and Pintail were at Gallows Bridge seen widely, mostly along the coast.
the Crammer Pond, Devizes. Crossbills were at Two Cattle Egrets were at Sherington (21st & Farm (5th). Whitefronts were at several sites. Tom Jordan
Chippenham, Redlynch, Stourhead and Gasper. 29th) and at Newport Pagnell GP (22nd). Two Jo Orchard (www.bucksbirdclub.co.uk)
Lesser Redpolls were at ten sites but Bramblings Whooper Swans flew over Wolverton (6th). A HERTFORDSHIRE
at just two. Golden Plovers included 300 at Bewick’s Swan was at Floodplain Forest (13th). HAMPSHIRE
Bratton and 450 at Stoford where there were Two Pinkfeet were at Hillesden (5th). HIGHLIGHTS: Ring-necked Ducks were at
also 650 Lapwings. A Ring-necked Parakeet was HIGHLIGHTS: A Penduline Tit was again at Ashley Pit (11th) and Marsworth Reservoir
at East Chisenbury. A Siberian Chiffchaff was at A Ring-necked Duck was at Marsworth Titchfield Haven (15th). The regular Ferruginous (22nd-24th). A Great Northern Diver was at
Westbury STW. A Hawfinch was at Fonthill. A Reservoir (22nd-24th). A Black Redstart was at Duck returned to Blashford Lakes (from 14th). A Startop’s End and Wilstone Reservoirs (20th). A
Firecrest was at Charlton. Whitehouse, Milton Keynes on four dates and at Yellow-browed Warbler was also at Blashford Great Grey Shrike was at Little Hormead (7th).
Rob Turner (from 11th). A Snow Bunting was briefly at Hill

Velvet Scoter,
Sovereign Harbour,
Eastbourne, East Sussex,

12 December

ROGER HAGGAR

102 March 2021

COMPILED BY GORDON HAMLETT

White-fronted Geese were at Bowyer’s Water
(5th) and Fairlands Valley Park (23rd-24th). A
Red-breasted Merganser was at Northchurch
(19th). A Smew was at Bowyers Water (from
27th). Hen Harriers were at Wallington,
Redbournbury, St Alban’s and Sandon.
Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please
phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245
from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per
minute plus your phone company access charge.
Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For
enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333
970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk
twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia
facebook.com/robinchittenden7

EAST ANGLIA

Highlights In association with

An Eastern JAMES HANLON Tundra Bean Goose with
Black Redstart White-fronted Geese,
was an Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire, METROPOLITAN ESSEX: There was an influx widespread and included 65 over Mersea. Four
attractive and brilliant find on New December of White-fronted Geese. Goosanders were Black Brants and two pale-bellied Brents were
Year’s Eve at Snettisham RSPB, widespread. Seventy Acres held two Smew, a seen. Abberton logged six Tundra Bean Geese,
Norfolk (staying well into showed characteristics of a Kumlien’s Gull. Two Bittern and Merlin. King George V Reservoir nine Great White Egrets, four Cattle Egrets, a
January). Cambridgeshire’s first Iceland Gulls were at Tanholt GP at the end of held three Scaup, two Pintails, two Red-breasted Bittern, three Long-tailed Ducks, two Scaup, six
ever Dusky Warbler was found the month. Mergansers and a Black Redstart. Other Black Bewick’s Swans, 24 Goosanders, a Smew,
on 11th at Aldreth and remained Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please Redstarts were at Holyfield Hall Farm and Fair Red-necked Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Hen
until 15th. phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 Play Farm in Upminster. A Siberian Chiffchaff Harrier, a Caspian Gull and Scandinavian Rock
from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per and Yellow-browed Warbler were at Pipit. Two Great White Egrets were at Old Hall
CAMBRIDGESHIRE minute plus your phone company access charge. Walthamstow Wetlands. Three Short-eared Marshes. The Salcott Channel held a Long-tailed
Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For Owls were at Gunpowder Park, with others at Duck, three Great Northern Divers, 28
HIGHLIGHTS: Cambridgeshire’s first Dusky enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 South Ockendon and Upminster. Red-breasted Mergansers, a Scaup, Short-eared
Warbler was at Aldreth (11th-15th). Four Glossy 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk Owl and 12 Stonechats.
Ibises were at Earith (from 4th) and three at Fen twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia A Cattle Egret was between Hooks Marsh
Drayton Lakes (to 22nd). Two were at Berry Fen facebook.com/robinchittenden7 and Cornmill Meadows. Great White Egrets were Three Jack Snipe were at The Hythe. Three
(26th), with singles at Great Shelford (1st), at the Wetlands and Weald Park. Caspian Gulls Great White Egrets were at both Brightlingsea
Woodston (2nd) and Chesterton Fen (from ESSEX were at Eagle Pond, Wanstead Flats, Seventy and Boreham. East Mersea had a Short-eared
24th). Twelve Tundra Bean Geese were on the Acres and Creekside. There were 47 Avocets, Owl, Great White Egret and Purple Sandpiper.
Ouse Washes at the end of December and five FRINTON-ON-SEA: Maxima included five seven Yellow-legged Gulls and a Water Pipit at The mouth of the Blackwater logged six
at Haslingfield (1st). Singles were at Wimpole Tundra Bean Geese, 130 Whitefronts, two Shags, West Thurrock Marshes. Red-breasted Mergansers, a Black-throated
Hall Park (from 10th) and Orwell (31st). 44 Gannets, 145 Common Scoters, 549 Diver, Red-necked Grebe, three Eiders, two
Red-throated Divers, 70 Great Crested Grebes, MID-ESSEX: White-fronted Geese were Mediterranean Gulls, 310 Great Crested Grebes,
Smew were at Needingworth Quarry Lakes, 116 Kittiwakes, seven Fulmars, four Great Skuas, three Great Northern Divers, two Slavonian
Ferry Meadows and Paxton Pits. Grafham a Razorbill and Great Northern Divers on Second-winter Yellow-legged Gull, Grebes and a Shag. Tollesbury had three
Water held four Great Northern Divers, a Scaup five dates. Wensum Park, Norwich, Norfolk, Red-necked Grebes, a Slavonian Grebe, ten
and three Common Scoters. An Iceland Gull Common Scoters and 20 Red-breasted
roosted regularly at Dernford Farm Reservoir 13 December Mergansers. A Scaup was at Lofts Farm.
and was seen around Heydon and Fowlmere. It

NORTH ESSEX: Whitefronts were widespread
and included 119 at Holland Haven. Thirteen
Tundra Bean Geese, seven Purple Sandpipers, a
Merlin, Shag and Caspian Gull were there too.
Hamford Water held a Merlin, 12 Marsh Harriers
and a Hen Harrier. Colne Point had a Hen Harrier
and Caspian Gull. The Naze had a Merlin, Purple
Sandpiper, Black-throated Diver, Short-eared
Owl, four Firecrests, nine Eiders and a Snow
Bunting. A Great Northern Diver and
Short-eared Owl were at Wrabness. Two Great
White Egrets were at Bocking. A Great Grey
Shrike was at Elmstead.

JAMES LOWEN RAINHAM MARSHES: Highlights included 46
Pintails, 1,260 Wigeon, two Barnacle Geese, the
odd Brent Goose, a Whitefront, three Tundra
Bean Geese, 1,000 Dunlin, a few Lapwings, 41
Avocets, six Ruff, six Caspian Gulls, a few
Yellow-legged and Mediterranean Gulls, seven
Marsh Harriers, a Peregrine, Buzzard, Merlin,
Short-eared Owl, Crane, Bearded Tits,
Scandinavian Rock Pipits, Water Pipits and 100s
of Fieldfares.

birdwatching.co.uk 103

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS DECEMBER

SOUTH-EAST ESSEX: Whitefronts were at Greenshank. There was a Hen Harrier, at Waldingfield. A flock of 25 Tundra Bean Egyptian Geese, three Shelducks, 249 Wigeon,
nine sites, including an amazing 442 in the Short-eared Owl, Snow Bunting, two Water Geese commuted between Blythburgh and 17 Gadwall, 194 Teal, three Pintails, a Shoveler,
Wallasea area. Several Great White Egrets Pipits, eight Stonechats and 16 Goldfinches. Southwold. A Hooded Merganser at Butley two Pochards, 89 Tufted Ducks, 18 Goldeneyes,
roamed the area and two Cattle Egrets were at (from 25th) may have been the escaped bird 12 Goosanders, a Green Sandpiper and two
West Canvey. Three Hen Harriers were at NOA HOLME: Maxima included four Eiders, from Ipswich. Iceland Gulls were at Little Cetti’s Warblers.
Wallasea. Another was at Stow Marsh along with 2,300 Common Scoters, 14 Red-breasted Livermere (19th), Thetford (19th), Felixstowe
a Merlin, Greenshank and Whimbrel. Blue House Mergansers, 19 Gannets, 13 Great Crested (20th) and Oulton Broad (30th). CARSINGTON WATER: There were two
Farm had a Short-eared Owl, Water Pipit and Grebes, two Bonxies, 62 Kittiwakes, eight Snipe, Robin Chittenden For the latest bird news please Whooper Swans, 38 Pinkfeet, a Common Scoter,
Purple Sandpiper. Canvey logged 40 40 Black-tailed Godwits, two Pintails, seven phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700245 Red Kite, Ruff, Little Egret, 321 Wigeon, 77
Red-throated Divers, 155 Great Crested Grebes, Red-throated Divers, four Ruff, two Goosanders, from a landline or mobile phone cost 65per minute Gadwall, 320 Teal, three Pintails, two Shovelers,
a Red-necked Grebe, Great Northern Diver, two two Bearded Tits, four Snow Buntings, five Water plus telephone company access charge. Service 468 Pochards, 364 Tufted Ducks, nine
Black-throated Divers and two Velvet Scoters. A Rails, four Twite, 5,350 Pinkfeet, 330 Golden provided by Birdline East Anglia for enquiries Goldeneyes, a Goosander, Water Rail, three
Great Northern Diver was off Gunners Park. Plovers, two Snow Geese, nine Whitefronts, 80 please call 0330 3336946 or 07941333970. www. Peregrines, three Dunlin, five Woodcocks, 54
Hanningfield Reservoir had a Lesser Spotted Fieldfares, 1,000 Lapwings, two Peregrines, four birdlineeastanglia.co.uk Snipe, three Redshanks, three Yellow-legged
Woodpecker and Black-throated Diver. Fulmars, three Rock Pipits, 2,500 Wigeon, two Gulls, two Chiffchaffs, ten Ravens, a Brambling
Howard Vaughan Long-tailed Ducks, three Little Gulls, a Bewick’s MIDLANDS and three Lesser Redpolls.
Swan, pale-bellied Brent Goose, Goldeneye,
NORFOLK Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Highlights In association with FOREMARK RESERVOIR: Two Caspian Gulls,
Red-necked Grebe, Shag, Great White Egret, two Yellow-legged Gulls and 14 Goosanders
HIGHLIGHTS: An Eastern Black Redstart was Merlin, Avocet, Woodcock, Pomarine Skua, The Pied-billed were noted.
at Snettisham (from 31st). A Todd’s Canada Sabine’s Gull, Short-eared Owl, Bittern, Water Grebe found late in November at
Goose was seen at Holme, Thornham and Pipit, Spotted Redshank and Barn Owl. Chelmarsh Reservoir, Shropshire, HIGH BRIDGE GP: There were two Little
Choseley (15th-23rd). Six Taiga Bean Geese were remained there until 18 December, Egrets, 297 Wigeon, 163 Teal, two Pintails, four
at Buckenham and Cantley Marshes. Black CLEY AREA: Highlights included two Pomarine after which it wasn’t reported. A Shovelers, 47 Pochards, three Goldeneyes and a
Brants were at Titchwell and Cley. Three Glossy Skuas, three Great Northern Divers, 10 Little male Parrot Crossbill was last seen Green Sandpiper
Ibises were at Hempstead (12th), with singles at Gulls, 92 Whitefronts, three Long-tailed Ducks, at Wakerley Wood,
Breydon Water (2nd), Welney (5th), Blofield four Water Pipits, 37 Snow Buntings, 14 Tundra Northamptonshire, on 1st. LONG EATON GP: There was a Redshank,
Heath (13th), Burnham Overy (15th), Sedgeford Bean Geese, three Caspian Gulls, five Smew and Caspian Gull, Ring-necked Parakeet, Chiffchaff,
(15th), Cley/Wiveton (19th-20th) and Sea Palling a Grey Phalarope, pale-bellied Brent Goose, DERBYSHIRE eight Little Egrets, 242 Wigeon, 52 Pochards,
(20th). The Lesser Yellowlegs was at Wiveton (to Little Stint, Black Redstart, Slavonian Grebe, 256 Tufted Ducks, 17 Goldeneyes, two
6th). A Grey Phalarope was at Eccles (25th). Velvet Scoter, Black-throated Diver and HIGHLIGHTS: Great Northern Divers were at Goosanders, a Peregrine, three Cetti’s Warblers
There were 18 Scaup at Hunstanton. Two Iceland Glaucous Gull. Staunton Harold Reservoir (15th-31st) and and 25 Siskins.
Gulls were between Winterton and Horsey, with Pete Allard, Sophie Barker (www.noa.org.uk) and Carsington Water (25th-31st). A Bittern was at
others between Cley and Weybourne, and Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please Willington GP. The two Cattle Egrets remained OGSTON RESERVOIR: Highlights were 70
Trimingham (17th). Glaucous Gulls were at phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 at Long Eaton GP/Cranfleet Farm (to 12th), with Pinkfeet, six Whooper Swans, a Shelduck, four
Gorleston (25th), Potter Heigham Marshes from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per one remaining (to 31st) and another at High Common Scoters, two Goshawks, two Caspian
(30th), Walcott and Sheringham (25th). minute plus your phone company access charge. Bridge (8th). Two Brent Geese were with 400 Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull,
Ormesby Broad held a Slavonian Grebe, and Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For Pinkfeet at Carr Vale (6th). A Ring-necked Duck ‘Viking’ Gull, Little Egret, 48 Mandarins, two
Black-necked Grebe (24th). A Long-tailed Duck enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 was at Staunton Harold Reservoir (17th-19th). An Wigeon, 43 Gadwall, 151 Teal, a Pintail, three
and Smew were at Filby Broad. A Red-necked 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk Iceland Gull was at Ogston Reservoir (24th). Shovelers, three Pochards, 24 Tufted Ducks, five
Grebe was at Malthouse Broad (15th). Tundra twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia Goldeneyes, 34 Goosanders, a Peregrine, Water
Bean Geese included four at Tottenhill GP. A facebook.com/robinchittenden7 A Great Grey Shrike remained in the Farley Rail, 32 Golden Plovers, a Dunlin, Jack Snipe,
Yellow-browed Warbler was at Holkham (4th. Moor/Matlock Forest/Beeley Moor area. A Black Chiffchaff and 11 Bramblings. Three Hawfinches
SUFFOLK Redstart was at Duckmanton (31st).Two Snow were in Brackenfield Churchyard.
BREYDON WATER: Maxima included five Buntings were at Kinder Low (21st), with one
Great White Egrets, 19,200 Pinkfeet, 130 HIGHLIGHTS: The Eastern Yellow Wagtail (22nd) and another at Rushop Edge (28th). STAUNTON HAROLD RESERVOIR: There
Whitefronts, 386 Greylags, 28,900 Wigeon, remained at Carleton Marshes. A Rough-legged Great White Egrets were at 11 sites, including was a Common Scoter, 114 Great Crested
4,000 Teal, 186 Gadwall, 1,252 Shovelers, 118 Buzzard was at Felixstowe Ferry (16th) before four at Willington GP. Grebes, three Little Egrets, 30 Siskins and a
Pintails, 86 Shelducks, 63 Little Egrets, 89 moving to Orfordness. The Great Grey Shrike Caspian Gull.
Avocets, 24,700 Golden Plovers, 9,170 Lapwings, remained at Upper Hollesley. The Long-tailed BARROW GP: There were two Whooper
114 Knot, 5,710 Dunlin, a record 3,810 Duck stayed at Covehithe Broad. Three Swans, a White-fronted Goose, Little Egret, two WILLINGTON GP: There were 150 Pinkfeet,
Black-tailed Godwits, 1,232 Redshanks, three Slavonian Grebes and a Great Northern Diver three Whitefronts, a Marsh Harrier, Redshank,
Ruff, seven Snipe, a Green Sandpiper and were in Holbrook Bay. A Black-necked Grebe was Green Sandpiper, Chiffchaff, ten Siskins, 45
Little Egrets, two Shelducks, 19 Gadwall, 16 Teal,
Juvenile Iceland Gull, three Shovelers, 46 Tufted Ducks, six
Weybourne, Norfolk, Goldeneyes, 17 Water Rails, ten Snipe, six Cetti’s
9 December Warblers and two Ravens.

OTHER SITES: Anchor Church had two
Whooper Swans and two Whitefronts. The
Pintail remained at Kedleston Park, with a
Shelduck and Stonechat also there. Sinfin Moor
held 120 Snipe and five Jack Snipe. Five Jack
Snipe were at Shipley Lake.
Rod Key

JAMES LOWEN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

COTSWOLDS: The Cotswold Water Park held a
Slavonian Grebe (2nd-3rd), three Ring-necked
Ducks (3rd-5th), with one (to 29th), a few
Goldeneyes and Goosanders, a Bittern (21st),
two Great White Egrets, a Marsh Harrier and
nine Green Sandpipers. A Bittern was near
Marston Meysey (9th). Three Cattle Egrets flew
over Coaley (26th). A Hen Harrier, 150 Skylarks
and 45 Corn Buntings were at Eastleach Downs
(19th). Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were at
Little Rissington and Bussage.

A Firecrest was at Woodchester Park and
Hawfinch at Didmarton. A Merlin was at

104 March 2021

COMPILED BY GORDON HAMLETT

Red-necked Grebe, A presumed Siberian Chiffchaff was along the
Colwick Park, Nottinghamshire, Welland in Market Harborough early in the
December month. A White-fronted Goose was at Thornton
(12th-22nd). Five White-fronted Geese were at
Longmoor Lake (14th-19th), with a female
Ferruginous Duck/Pochard hybrid there
(15th-16th). A Ring-necked Duck at Staunton
Harold Reservoir occasionally strayed into the
county (17th-19th). A flock of 200-plus
Pink-footed Geese went over Oakham (22nd). A
Brambling was in a garden at Dadlington (28th).
A juvenile Iceland Gull went over Grimston
(30th). A juvenile Iceland Gull was at Watermead
CP (31st).

RUTLAND

HIGHLIGHTS: Rutland Water had a
Red-breasted Merganser (5th-7th), nine Great
Northern Divers (23rd) and two Bitterns (6th). A
Hawfinch was in Pickworth Great Wood (27th).

RUTLAND WATER: There were two Barnacle
Geese, 3,131 Wigeon, 666 Gadwall, 893 Teal, 149
Pintails, 14 Red-crested Pochards, 2,764 Tufted
Ducks, 249 Goldeneyes, 22 Goosanders, 36
Little Egrets, 23 Great White Egrets, a
Black-necked Grebe, eight Water Rails, an
Oystercatcher, 2,270 Lapwings, seven Dunlin,
five Green Sandpipers, ten Smew, five Marsh
Harriers, a Knot, three Peregrines, two
Chiffchaffs, two Stonechats, 30 Siskins and 20
Lesser Redpolls.
PHIL PALMER
Chapman’s Cross (4th). Five Goosanders wereDARREN CHAPMANAshleworth Ham had a Jack Snipe and 100(25th) with one (28th), five Smew (29th), seven OTHER SITES: Fort Henry Ponds had 77
near Oakridge Lynch (1st), with another at Snipe. A Goosander was at Pittville Park, Smew (30th) and a site record of 41 Ruff (30th). Gadwall. Two Mandarins and two Goosanders
Bourton Pits. Forty Corn Buntings were at Cheltenham (27th). were on Rygate Lake. Floods between
Hazleton (15th). Ten Bramblings were near both Andy Jayne (01452 506 502) OTHER SITES: A redhead Smew was at Harringworth and Turtle Bridge attracted 25
Daglingworth and Sapperton (24th). Five Grey Swithland Reservoir (1st-28th). Stanford Pintails, 215 Teal and 1,420 Wigeon. Four
Partridges were near Calmsden. Three LEICESTERSHIRE Reservoir had a drake Scaup and four Woodcocks were in Tunneley Wood and 12 in
Short-eared Owls were near Cheltenham (31st). Black-necked Grebes (1st-12th), with a pair of Stoke Dry Wood. A Green Sandpiper was at Fort
EYEBROOK RESERVOIR: There were 13 Bearded Tits throughout, two Whooper Swans Henry Ponds (12th). A Barn Owl was at Wing
FOREST OF DEAN: A Great Grey Shrike White-fronted Geese (1st), a pair of Smew over (12th), and a Jack Snipe (20th). A Hawfinch (6th). A Little Owl remained at Normanton. A
remained at Crabtree Hill. There were 32 (1st-20th), up to 24 White-fronted Geese went over Groby Pool (7th) with one there Peregrine was at Quarry Farm (16th). Blackcaps
Goosanders and 50 Snipe at Woorgreens. A (5th-15th), a Pink-footed Goose (6th), a (20th), with a White-fronted Goose there (18th). were in gardens in Oakham and Wing.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was near Staple Mediterranean Gull (12th), three drake Smew Stonechats remained in Exton Park, maximum
Edge Wood. Four Hawfinches were at Parkend
and one near Oldcroft. Crossbills included ten at Great Grey Shrike,
May Hill. Cottam, Nottinghamshire,

December

LOWER SEVERN VALE: Highlights in the
Frampton Pools and Saul Warth area included
seven Cattle Egrets, a Red-crested Pochard,
Goldeneye, five Goosanders, two Jack Snipe, 133
Snipe, a Greenshank and Merlin. A Whooper
Swan was in the Newnham and Arlingham area
(5th-26th). Aylburton Warth had a Great White
Egret and two Jack Snipe (9th), and a Cattle
Egret (11th). Awre had a huge flock of 310 Snipe
and a Green Sandpiper (9th). Walmore Common
had a Jack Snipe and the Cackling Goose from
WWT (28th-29th).

SLIMBRIDGE WWT: Geese included a
Cackling Goose (8th-22nd), five Pinkfeet, 11
Tundra Bean and 150 Whitefronts. Also noted
were 71 Bewick’s Swans, ten Cattle Egrets, a
Bittern, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Goshawk,
Merlin, Knot, Little Stint, two Avocets, 553
Black-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank and Water
Pipit.

UPPER SEVERN VALE: A Yellow-browed
Warbler was along Bristol Road, Gloucester
(7th-8th). A Cattle Egret was between Barrow
and Staverton, with two Green Sandpipers on
the River Chelt (1st). Two Whooper Swans (30th)
and two Green Sandpipers were at Minsterworth
Ham (30th). The Black Redstart remained at
Gloucester Cathedral, with another (31st).

birdwatching.co.uk 105

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS DECEMBER

six (5th). A Grey Wagtail was regular at NORTH: A large mixed bunting/finch flock seen twice. Five Brent Geese flew up the river, held three Water Rails, 17 Goosanders, three
Fort Henry. near Woodrow attracted ten Corn Buntings, having been seen earlier at Newton. A Reed Buntings, a Kingfisher, 12 Mute Swan, three
Terry Mitcham Bramblings and a Merlin along with an Red-breasted Merganser hung around for a few Cormorants and two Marsh Tits.
unconfirmed report of Twite (14th). Two days. A Merlin was logged.
WARWICKSHIRE Goldeneyes were at Tardebigge Reservoir St Harmon had 60 Herring Gulls and two Tree
(2nd). Two Hawfinches were near Uffmoor OTHER SITES: Cosmeston hosted a Glaucous Sparrows. Great Grey Shrikes remained at Bwlch
HIGHLIGHTS: Draycote Water had two Great (20th). Crossbills were at Eymore Wood (20) Gull and Scaup. A Cattle Egret and Great White y Sarnau, Abbeycwmhir and Llanbedr Hill.
Northern Divers, a Red-necked Grebe, three and Lickey’s Hills (six). Merlins were at Stone Egret were at Sully. A Red-breasted Merganser Radnor Forest held 40 Crossbills, six Willow Tits
Shags, a Common Sandpiper, six White- (6th) and Shenstone (26th). was at Clydach Vale. Thirty Goosanders were on and six Woodcocks. A Short-eared Owl, two
fronted Geese, an Egyptian Goose, two Caerphilly Castle Moat. Fourteen pale-bellied Merlins and six Teal were at Llanwefr Pool. Ninety
Pintails, 35 Goldeneyes, a Raven, and WEST: Castlemorton Common had a Hen Brent Geese were at Aberthaw. Another was at Snipe and six Jack Snipe were at Rhiw Bottom.
Yellow-legged, Glaucous, Caspian, Great Black- Harrier (18th) and Jack Snipe. Newton, where the wader roost included 13 Grey Rhosgoch held a Great White Egret, 30 Redpolls,
backed and Mediterranean Gulls. Two Ed Betteridge ([email protected]) Plovers. A Green Sandpiper survey on the River six Curlews, 12 Lapwings, 70 Snipe, five Jack
Red-crested Pochards were at Brandon Marsh. Ely returned a significant total of 12 individuals. A Snipe, 30 Teal, a Long-eared Owl and nine
A Great Black-backed Gull was at Morton WALES Short-eared Owl was at Rumney Great Wharf. Reed Buntings.
Bagot. A White-fronted Goose and Great Black Redstarts were at Southerndown, Cwm Pete Jennings (01588 680 631)
White Egret were at Earlswood Lakes. Highlights In association with Mawr/Bach, Gileston, Cardiff Airport, Sully and
Ladywalk had a Great White Egret, Siberian Rumney Great Wharf. NORTH WEST
Chiffchaff, Willow Tit, Raven, Peregrine, Merlin, Probably the Paul Roberts
Egyptian Goose and Dunlin. Crossbills and a rarest bird in Highlights In association with
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were at Morgrove Wales during December was a GOWER AND
Coppice. A Pink-footed Goose and site-first juvenile drake King Eider, at Stack WEST GLAMORGAN A Dusky
Cattle Egret were at Salford Priors. Rocks, Pembrokeshire. With luck it Warbler spent the last 11 days of
Clare Topping will linger for years like the Welsh HIGHLIGHTS: The Little Gull was seen several the month (and into January) at
‘Queen Eider’ and become a times at Swansea Barrage. Kingfishers were at Astbury Mere CP, Cheshire, part
WEST MIDLANDS splendid male, one day. Fenrod Lake, Upper Killay and Penclawdd. There of an exceptional autumn into
were 300 Dunlin and a Purple Sandpiper on winter for this rare and elusive
HIGHLIGHTS: Two Firecrests were on the ANGLESEY Mumbles Pier (31st). Dalton’s Point had 700 Asian Phylloscopus warbler across
Streetly side of Sutton Park, with a probable Dunlin, 103 Black-tailed Godwits, 27 Brent the country. A Rose-coloured
Yellow-browed Warbler there. A Black Redstart HIGHLIGHTS: Amlwch had a Rose-coloured Geese, a Greenshank and Bar-tailed Godwit. Two Starling was at Keswick, Cumbria.
remained in Stirchley, with another on Hagley Starling, Black Redstart, Chiffchaff, Jack Snipe Willow Tits were in Pontlliw (27th). Penclawdd
Road, near Birmingham city centre. Four and Water Pipit. Four Snow Buntings, a Water Pill had a Hen Harrier, 60 Herring Gulls, seven CHESHIRE
Crossbills were on Barr Beacon. Great White Rail and Grey Wagtail were at Soldiers Point. The Golden Plovers, 30 Knot, a Great White Egret
Egrets were at Marsh Lane, Olton Reservoir, Inland Sea held four Great Northern Divers, and Common Sandpiper. WOOLSTON EYES: A reserve-wide count
Sandwell Valley and Stubbers Green. Caspian three Slavonian Grebes, a Long-tailed Duck, produced three Goldeneyes, two Peregrines,
Gulls were at Bartley Reservoir. A Red Kite was seven Scaup, a Merlin, seven Mediterranean Fenrod Lake held 250 Black-headed Gulls, 42 three Pintails, a Raven, 269 Tufted Ducks, 3,000
at Marsh Lane. Eleven Jack Snipe and 60 Snipe Gulls and a Kingfisher. Cors Ddyga had a Great Canada Geese, 21 Mute Swans, 12 Tufted Ducks, Pinkfeet, two Jack Snipe, six Snipe, two Green
were in the RSPB marsh, Sandwell Valley. White Egret, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Merlin, 16 Coots, 12 Moorhens and six Pochards. Two Sandpipers, 1,457 Teal, 120 Greylags, 75
Kestrel, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, Black-tailed Goosanders were on Nant Fenrod, Swansea Vale. Shovelers, 26 Moorhens, 74 Gadwall, four
Cetti’s Warblers were at Marsh Lane, Godwit and Water Rail. Whiteford Point (13th) had 59 Eiders, 1,000 Knot, Mandarins and a Kingfisher. No1 bed ringing
Sheepwash Urban Park and Sandwell Valley. A 200 Brent Geese, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 43 team had Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff,
Pink-footed Goose returned to Edgbaston South Stack had a Merlin, Jack Snipe, Little Grey Plovers, 13 Common Scoters and two Goldcrest, Brambling, Greenfinch and Jay.
Reservoir. Four Woodcocks were in Sandwell Owl, Black Redstart and Snow Bunting. The Alaw Red-breasted Mergansers. A Black Redstart was Sightings included a Merlin, Peregrine,
Valley with singles in Sutton Park and a Dudley Estuary held 34 Pintails, six Greenshanks, 61 on Pennard Cliffs. Ashleigh Road playing fields Woodcock, Green Woodpecker, five Water Rails
garden. A Short-eared Owl was at Blythe Bar-tailed Godwits, 19 Grey Plovers and 94 Knot. held 27 Curlews and 40 Oystercatchers. and two Grey Wagtails.
Valley, Solihull. Several Stonechats remained in Cemlyn had a Great Northern Diver, Purple Terry Tovey
Sutton Park. Sandpiper, five Whooper Swans and three Snow No3 bed records included three Woodcocks,
Pete Hackett (0121 358 2454) Buntings. Beddmanarch Bay held a Great RADNORSHIRE a Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 1,500 Woodpigeons,
Northern Diver, four Slavonian Grebes, 340 three Lesser Redpolls, eight Linnets, 15 Reed
WORCESTERSHIRE pale-bellied Brent Geese and a Black Guillemot. ELAN VALLEY: Woodcocks were at Buntings, 140 Greenfinches, 120 Chaffinches,
Dolymynach, Cwm Coel (four), Caban Lakeside three Sparrowhawks, a Water Rail, Brambling,
AVON VALLEY: Lower Moor held up to 30 Red Wharf Bay held three Great Northern (three), Glannau (four) and Penbont. A Hen 180 Pied Wagtails, 300 Starlings, 2,500 Pinkfeet,
White-fronted Geese, a Brent Goose (24th), Divers, six Red-throated Divers, a Long-tailed Harrier was at Pont ar Elan. Four Teal were on a Barn Owl, Chiffchaff, 800 Teal, five
and a Jack Snipe and four Great White Egrets Duck, Whimbrel, Jack Snipe, two Water Pipits, a Claerwen. Six Bramblings were at Caban Goosanders, ten Bullfinches, two Cetti’s Warbler
(26th). An Iceland Gull (from 15th), two Twite and three Snow Buntings. Great White Lakeside and four at Penbont. Gwaelod held 60 and 15 Meadow Pipits.
Yellow-legged Gulls and two Caspian Gulls Egrets were at Llyn Llywenan, Cors Goch, Siskins, five Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 14
were at Throckmorton Tip. Sixteen Whitefronts Aberffraw and four in the Llyn Alaw area. Black Crossbills. Eight Goosanders and six Cormorants No4 bed sightings included a Green
flew over Evesham (22nd). A Marsh Harrier was Redstarts were at Beaumaris, Holyhead Harbour, were on Penygarreg. Cwm Clyd held 240 Sandpiper, five Snipe, ten Gadwall, 25 Linnets,
at Gwen Finch (1st) with a Hen Harrier over Point Lynas and Moelfre. A late Swallow was in Fieldfares, 40 Redwings, a Kestrel and Peregrine. 80 Chaffinches, 100 Teal, 40 Coots and 120
John Bennett (4th). There were 21 Corn Llangoed on (6th). Craig Goch had a Merlin, Short-eared Owl, Fieldfares (30th). A visible migration watch
Buntings near Evesham (14th). Ken Croft Cormorant, Reed Bunting and Jack Snipe. (19th) produced 12,450 Pinkfeet, 316
Black-Headed Gulls, 4,546 Woodpigeon, 86
CENTRAL: A Black Redstart spent the month EAST GLAMORGAN WYE VALLEY: Little Egrets were at Builth Road, Meadow Pipits, 1,415 Starlings and 42 Snipe.
at Worcester Cathedral. Two Ring-necked Erwood (two), Llowes (four) and Bronydd (two). Dave Steel
Parakeets were at Cherry Orchard. CARDIFF BAY: A Ring-necked Duck commuted Twenty Goosanders and 12 Mandarins were at
between here and Cosmeston. There was a Erwood. Glasbury had 60 Fieldfares, 45 Lesser GREATER MANCHESTER
GRIMLEY: Two Great White Egrets were Long-tailed Duck, Scaup and Common Scoter. A Redpolls, two Kingfishers, two Great White
joined by a third (29th). A Marsh Harrier flew Caspian Gull and five Yellow-legged Gulls Egrets, 14 Lapwings, 42 Snipe, 80 Teal, a HIGHLIGHTS: There was a report of a
over Camp Lane Pits (10th), with two frequented the roost. Chiffchaff and two Blackcaps. Pwll Patti held Rough-legged Buzzard at Doodfield (30th). Two
Goldeneyes there. seven Little Egrets, four Herons, 90 Wigeon and Snow Buntings were on Horwich Moors (1st).
KENFIG: A Russian White-fronted Goose was three Bullfinches. The Bronydd/Clyro Mute Swan Two Caspian Gulls were on Audenshaw
LOWER SEVERN VALLEY: Ripple held seven present (from 4th). Seven Whooper Swans and a count peaked at 206. Dippers were at Brynwern Reservoirs (5th-30th), with others at Pennington
Great White Egrets, a Great Northern Diver Great White Egret were flyovers. A Great Bridge, Llanstephan and Rhayader. Six Snipe and Flash (10th) and Atherton (31st).
(5th-9th), Common Sandpiper, Pintail and Northern Diver was on the pool. Another was off two Willow Tits were at Cors y Llyn.
Oystercatcher. Four Great White Egrets were Sker, with 12 Red-throated Divers and an Eider. ELTON RESERVOIR: The Scaup remained
at Clifton Pits (1st-14th), along with 14 Little Two Marsh Harriers and a Merlin hunted. A OTHER SITES: Water Rails were at Newbridge throughout. A Jack Snipe flew over (13th).
Egrets, two Whooper Swans (1st), a Brent sinensis-race Cormorant was seen. A Black Bog, Pentrosfa, Pencerrig Lake and Downton.
Goose (30th), Merlin (31st) and two Green Redstart was a brief visitor. Llyn Heilyn held a Tufted Duck, 39 Wigeon, nine PENNINGTON FLASH: There was a Common
Sandpipers. Two Green Sandpipers were at Goosanders, a Kestrel, seven Teal, a Little Grebe, Scoter (1st-3rd), an Iceland Gull (10th and 31st),
Ryall. Longdon Marsh logged 143 Pintails and a OGMORE ESTUARY: Two Water Pipits were at seven Mute Swans and a Heron. Llanbwchllyn two Yellow-legged Gulls, three Mediterranean
Brambling. Kempsey SWT had a Siberian Portobello. Four Common Sandpipers was our had a Water Rail, four Cormorants, seven Gulls and a wintering Bittern.
Chiffchaff (from 6th) with two (9th-12th). highest winter site count. A Green Sandpiper was Bullfinches, a Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck,
A Short-eared Owl was recorded at Marsh Tit and three Buzzards. Llandrindod Lake OTHER SITES: A Short-eared Owl was at
Wellington GP (30th).

106 March 2021

COMPILED BY GORDON HAMLETT

Hindley Green (10th-15th), with two on Winter Black-throated Diver,
Hill (20th). Two Red-breasted Mergansers were Hartlepool, Cleveland,
at Piethorne Reservoir (13th-15th), with another December
at Ogden Reservoir on and off (14th-28th). A
Scaup was on High Rid Reservoir (15th).
Audenshaw Reservoirs logged a Jack Snipe (1st),
Green Sandpiper (29th), four Yellow-legged
Gulls and a Mediterranean Gull. Manchester
Mosslands held a Greenland White-fronted
Goose (2nd), a Merlin and two Peregrines.
Dr Paul Brewster (01606 590 491)

NORTH EAST

Highlights In association with

A couple of weeks
into December,
news came out of an
American Bittern, seen at Fiskerton
Fen, Lincolnshire (a little east of
Lincoln), between 29 November and
2nd. This will be the first record of
this species in Lincs, so will be
frustrating news for many in this
large county.

LINCOLNSHIRE PHIL PALMER

HIGHLIGHTS: Lincolnshire’s first American (5th), two Bearded Tits (7th), a Cetti’s Warbler Burgh-le-Marsh, Woodhall Spa, Thurlby and 126 Curlew in coastal fields, plus seven migrant
Bittern was at Fiskerton Fen (1st). A Glossy Ibis and two Shags (8th), a Short-eared Owl (8th), Fillingham Lake. A Waxwing was at Grimsby Blackbirds (3rd), and a drake Long-tailed Duck
was at Deeping Lakes (2nd), with another over Black Redstart (10th), Hen Harrier (10th), (5th). and 24 Purple Sandpipers (9th). Middle Ord
Gibraltar Point (15th). Three Cranes flew over Black-throated Diver (11th), Long-tailed Duck Pond had 38 Teal (6th), 156 (10th) and 270
Deeping High Bank (3rd). A Dusky Warbler was (20th), Great Skua (20th), three Great Northern Two Scaup were at Stallingborough (1st), with (13th), the highest total recorded here, then 140
at Donna Nook (5th). A Green-winged Teal was Divers (21st) and an Iceland Gull (24th). Two others at Freiston Shore (3rd), East Halton Skitter (20th) when four Snipe were present. There were
at Frampton Marsh (19th-21st). A Grey Bewick’s Swans were on Tennyson’s Sands (31st). (6th-20th), Cleethorpes CP (12th-24th) and 340 Herring Gulls and four Buzzards worming in
Phalarope was at Freiston Shore (28th-30th). A Tallington Lakes (from 27th). A Spoonbill was at wet fields at Gainslaw (13th). Little Beach had 23
Siberian Chiffchaff was at Baston Fen (1st). OTHER SITES: An Iceland Gull was at Saltfleet Woodhall Spa Airfield (2nd). Two Water Pipits Sanderlings, eight Purple Sandpipers and 66
(1st-17th). Covenham Reservoir held a were at Killingholme Haven (10th). Eight Tundra Turnstones (15th). Meadow Haven had five
FRAMPTON MARSH: There was a Smew (1st), Red-necked Grebe, two Turnstones (3rd) and a Bean Geese were at Anderby Creek (14th). Three Common Scoters and two Long-tailed Ducks
two pale-bellied Brent Geese (1st), three Scaup Lapland Bunting (12th). A Hen Harrier was Bitterns were at Whisby Nature Park. (15th). Cheswick Black Rocks had 32 Twite, three
(3rd), four Russian White-fronted Geese (15th), nearby (5th). Eight Bewick’s Swans were at Josh Hedley Red-throated Divers and two Guillemots (17th).
five Hen Harriers (16th) and a Short-eared Owl Holbeach St Johns. Russian Whitefronts were at A flock of c.360 mixed corvids flew south at
(from 20th). Baston Pits, Westwoodside, Saltfleetby, NORTHUMBERLAND dawn at Billylaw, Ord Moor (20th). Saltpan

GIBRALTAR POINT: Highlights included two BERWICK: Cocklawburn had 246 Lapwings and
Tundra Bean Geese (1st), three Snow Buntings
(1st), a Pomarine Skua (1st), Velvet Scoter (1st),
Great White Egret (5th), two Lapland Buntings

Adult Iceland Gull,
Saltfleet, Lincolnshire,
1 December

GRAHAM CATLEY

birdwatching.co.uk 107

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS DECEMBER

Rocks had two Long-tailed Ducks and 32 Caspian Gull was at Cullingworth (28th). Mahaick (5th) was the first for the area in four 1,836 Redshanks, two Greenshanks, two
Common Scoters (22nd). New Water Heugh had Pink-footed Geese flew over, including skeins of years. Slavonian Grebes were on Gartmorn Dam Guillemots and three Peregrines.
seven White-fronted Geese of the European 300 at Apperley Bridge (9th) and 200 at Baildon (5th) and Carron Valley Reservoir (15th). A Neil Bielby
(Russian) race (26th-30th), and there were three (28th). Barn Owls were at Glovershaw, Marsh Harrier flew over Longcarse (5th). A
Tufted Ducks there (28th). Calot Shad had 27 Oxenhope and around Bradshaw. A Long-eared Smew was on Gartmorn Dam (27th). FIFE
Goldeneyes and five Red-breasted Mergansers Owl was roosting in the Bradford area.
(28th). There were two Guillemots at Spittal CLACKMANNANSHIRE: A Mediterranean HIGHLIGHTS: A Black Redstart was at Elie
Bay (30th). There were two Water Rails and a Little Egret Gull was around Longcarse (12th). There were Harbour (15th-22nd). Snow Buntings showed at
Malcolm Hutcheson, Berwick Wildlife Group at the Keighley Reserve. A Jack Snipe was at Soil 1,296 Teal at Tullibody Inch (15th). Two Pochards Tentsmuir (48), Outhead and Boarhills. A Rustic
Hill (5th). A Woodcock was at Harden Moor (5th). and two Scaup were on Gartmorn Dam (20th). Bunting was at Kingsbarns (7th). A Scandinavian
EAST YORKSHIRE A Water Rail was at Otley Wetlands (9th). Two Fifteen Jack Snipe, 120 Snipe and five Rock Pipit was at Kilrenny Mill (27th).
Gadwall were at St Ives (26th). There were more Woodcocks were at Blackdevon Wetlands (21st).
HIGHLIGHTS: A Cattle Egret was near Tophill than ten Ring-necked Parakeets in Shipley. A Long-eared Owl was at Cambus (23rd). Three The Hudsonian Godwit remained in the Eden
Low (3rd). Chris King and Paul Morris Barnacle Geese were on Longcarse (24th). Estuary (21st), with 33 pale-bellied Brent Geese
there (31st). Whooper Swans were at six sites
FLAMBOROUGH: There was a Caspian Gull, SCOTLAND FALKIRK DISTRICT: Bean Geese at including 59 at Dunfermline (13th) and 36 at
two Mediterranean Gulls, five Great Northern Slamannan peaked at 190. Skinflats had 21 Craigluscar (29th). A dark-bellied Brent Goose
Divers and eight Long-tailed Ducks (1st), a H12iDgehcelmigbherts In association with Pochards, 417 Lapwings, a Mediterranean Gull was at Tayport.
Velvet Scoter (4th), with seven (10th), a (23rd), five Whooper Swans, 163 Pintails, two
Pomarine Skua (5th), 13 Lapland Buntings (9th), The first-winter Scaup, ten Grey Plovers, a Merlin (29th) and 14 Pintails were in Newmills Bay and Torry Bay.
three Tundra Bean Geese (12th), six Snow Hudsonian Woodcocks plus 52 Snipe (7th). A Pintail was on Ring-necked Ducks were at Kircaldy and
Buntings (15th), a Black-throated Diver (17th), Godwit Larbert Hospital ponds (12th). A Whimbrel was Cameron Reservoir (two). Kinghorn Loch held
Red-necked Grebe (22nd), Iceland Gull (30th) continued its stay (with at Higgin’s Neuk (13th). A Little Egret and Pochards. A flock of 150 Scaup commuted
and Hooded Crow (31st). Black-tailed Godwits) at the Eden Barnacle Goose were at Powfoulis (28th). A between Outhead and St Andrews, with four at
Estuary, Fife, and was last reported Little Egret, six Scaup, 400 Golden Plovers, 600 Cameron Reservoir. St Andrews Bay held good
HORNSEA MERE: There were seven Tundra there on 17th. The White-winged Black-tailed Godwits, three Bar-tailed Godwits numbers of Common Scoters, Velvet Scoters and
Bean Geese (2nd), a Mediterranean Gull (4th), Scoter was seen off the Lothian and four Greenshanks were at Kinneil (27th). Long-tailed Ducks. Smew were at Cameron and
three Smew, a Great Northern Diver and coast (Musselburgh lagoons etc) Ballo Reservoirs (28th). Red-throated Divers were
Long-tailed Duck (6th), a Red-necked Grebe on a few occasions. STIRLING DISTRICT: A Hen Harrier was in the off Ruddons Point (nine) and Kinghorn.
(20th) and Iceland Gull (29th). Forty Snow Buckieburn area (7th). Two Jack Snipe were near
Buntings were on the coast (10th). ARGYLL Doune (8th). A Little Egret was by the Allan Black-throated Divers were off Anstruther,
Water near Kinbuck (13th). A Jack Snipe was at Ruddons Point and Kinghorn, with Great
SPURN: There was a good count of 182 ISLAY: A Lapland Bunting was with Twite at Ashfield Pool (23rd), with 61 Whooper Swans Northern Divers at East Weymss, Anstruther, St
Cormorants early in the month. Passing seabirds Kinnabus (4th), with seven Jack Snipe there flying over (24th). A Scaup was on Loch Dochart Andrews, Ruddons Point, Fife Ness, Kincraig and
included eight Great Northern Divers, seven (12th). A Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull were on (24th). A Gadwall was on Loch Watston and two Kinghorn. Slavonian Grebes were at Largo Bay,
Velvet Scoters, two Great Skuas, two Iceland The Oa (24th), when two Little Egrets were at Black Grouse near Strathyre (28th). Dalgety Bay, Outhead, Fife Ness, with 20 off
Gulls, a Sooty Shearwater and Little Auk. There Loch Gruinart. Loch Indaal held 52 pale-bellied Tentsmuir (28th). A Red-necked Grebe was at
were 1,850 Pinkfeet, 15 Russian Whitefronts, 29 Brent Geese, 38 Red-throated Divers, 20 UPPER FORTH ESTUARY: A co-ordinated Kincraig Point. A late Manx Shearwater passed
Barnacle Geese, 850 dark-bellied Brents, seven Slavonian Grebes, 16 Long-tailed Ducks and 70 count produced a Red-throated Diver, 35 Great East Weymss. The Eden Estuary held Little
pale-bellied birds, and a Black Brant (from 22nd). Common Scoters. Eight Purple Sandpipers Crested Grebes, 2,300 Pinkfeet, two Barnacle Egrets, a Spotted Redshank and two White-tailed
were at Bruichladdich. A Kingfisher was at Geese, 572 Shelducks, 306 Wigeon, a Gadwall, Eagles. A Red Kite flew over Morton Lochs (1st).
Kilnsea Wetlands held two Scaup, two Carrabus (7th). 1,120 Teal, 187 Pintails, 41 Red-breasted
Red-breasted Mergansers, 35 Mediterranean Mark Shields Mergansers, a Little Egret, 110 Oystercatchers, Marsh Harriers remained at Rossie Bog and
Gulls, two Caspian Gulls and 154 Black-tailed 97 Golden Plovers, 536 Lapwings, 2,006 Knot, Newburgh. A Hen Harrier was at Cameron
Godwits. A Hen Harrier flew over Holderness CENTRAL REGION 2,856 Dunlin, a Jack Snipe, 430 Black-tailed Reservoir. Merlins were at Airdrie (Anstruther),
Field (15th). Late in the month saw two Hooded Godwits, 172 Bar-tailed Godwits, 373 Curlews, Boarhills and Crailere. Fife Ness, Anstruther, St
Crows at Sammy’s Point, a Black Redstart on HIGHLIGHTS: A Great Northern Diver on Loch Andrews and Elie held Purple Sandpipers. There
Easington Straight and a few Snow Buntings were 220 Sanderlings at Elie Harbour. Letham
along the beach. The biggest surprise was a Juvenile Iceland Gull, Pools held two Green Sandpipers. A Bar-tailed
Garden Warbler ringed at Kew Villa (17th). Lerwick, Shetland, Godwit was at Valleyfield Lagoons (1st). The
December Whimbrel remained at Kincraig Point.
OTHER SITES: A Grey Phalarope was at
Withernsea (5th), with an Iceland Gull nearby
(28th). A Snow Bunting was at Stone Creek
(13th). Great White Egrets were at Fraisthorpe
(11th), Brigham (19th) and Kilnwick Percy (25th).
A Firecrest was at Cottingham (18th). A
Black-throated Diver was off Holmpton (29th),
with 21 Snow Buntings there (31st). Barmston
had four Tundra Bean Geese (22nd), nine Snow
Buntings (28th) and 60 Twite. Smew were at
Welton Water and High Eske (30th).
Ian Marshall (01482 627 446) and
John Hewitt (07952 293 060)

WEST YORKSHIRE

LOWER AIRE VALLEY: Whooper Swans were
noted (16th and 30th). Two Russian
White-fronted Geese were in the goose flock
(10th and 12th), with a Tundra Bean Goose
(10th). Pintails peaked at 200. The Great White
Egret visited several times. There was an
Oystercatcher (31st) and six Black-tailed Godwits
(7th-12th). Several Water Pipits were present.
Fieldfares peaked at 250. Up to 9,000 Starlings
roosted.

BRADFORD: A Cetti’s Warbler at Keighley HUGH HARROP
(26th) was only the second record in the
recording area. A Common Scoter was at Otley
Wetlands (9th), with a Scaup there (31st). Three
Mediterranean Gulls were at Thornton (27th). A

108 March 2021

COMPILED BY GORDON HAMLETT

Woodcocks were at Balcomie, Cameron (7th). A Ruddy Shelduck was at Dingwall (28th). (19th-20th). A Waxwing was at Granton (6th). (7th-23rd). The Snowy Owl was reported from
Reservoir and Knockhill Quarry. Tarbat Ness recorded 11 Great Northern Divers, There were 19 Gadwall (13th) and a Shoveler St. Kilda (1st & 11th).
73 Red-throated Divers and four Black-throated (30th-31st) at Duddingston Loch. Four
Jack Snipe were at Kilmany, Cocklemill Marsh Divers. Chiffchaffs and two Siberian Chiffchaffs were at OTHER SITES: Green-winged Teal were on
and Tayport. A Pomarine Skua was off St Seafield STW (7th-18th). Another Siberian Loch Sandary throughout, and on Coot Loch
Andrews (11th). Several Mediterranean Gulls were INVERNESS: Ten Grey Plovers were at Chiffchaff was at Burdiehouse Burn (30th-31st). (15th-23rd). An American Wigeon was on Loch
noted, including four at Kinghorn Loch (21st). Whiteness (1st). Two Gadwall were on Loch Aileodair (23rd). Four Velvet Scoters were in
Iceland and Glaucous Gulls were at Kingsbarns Flemington (6th-31st). Great Crested Grebes GOSFORD BAY: An Iceland Gull was at Port Broad Bay (12th), with singles off Kilpheder
and Crail. Short-eared Owls were at Cocklemill were at Milton of Culloden (6th) and Alturlie Seton (6th-7th). Three Little Egrets were on (17th) and Eoligarry (24th-29th). A Surf
Marsh (1st) and Kingsbarns. A Siberian Chiffchaff (11th-28th). Gosford Sands (21st) when a Great Northern Scoter was in the Sound of Taransay (7th)
was at Cameron Reservoir (19th). Diver was off Port Seton. Eight Crossbills were at with two there (9th). A Black-tailed Godwit was
SKYE AND LOCHALSH: A Nuthatch was on Sandy Walk, Port Seton (30th). seen on the Range at LA2 (6th). Jack Snipe
Two Hawfinches flew over St Andrews. Twite Eigg (from 5th). There were 18 Great Northern included two at Ardvule (7th) and one on
included 120 at Kingsbarns (27th) and 60 at Kenly Divers at Broadford (22nd), with 15 at Loch MUSSELBURGH: There was a Water Pipit Eisabhal (24th). A Great Skua flew south off
Burn (6th). There were 16 Lapland Buntings at Ailort (11th). A Velvet Scoter in Glenelg Bay (6th) (9th), Great Skua (11th), Sandwich Tern (12th) Ardvule (20th).
Boarhills (12th). Fifteen Crossbills were at was an unusual record, as was a Moorhen at Loch and Short-eared Owls (14th and 22nd).
Anstruther (30th). Sauchope held 40 Corn Cill Chriosd (11th), the first on Skye for a number Glaucous Gulls included singles at Ardvule,
Buntings (31st). A Ring-necked Parakeet was at of years. TYNINGHAME: A Merlin, seven Greenshanks Ardivachar, LA2, Eoligarry, Traigh Eais,
Beveridge Park. and 180 Twite were at Tyninghame Bay. Garrynamonie, Rubh’ Arnal and Tiumpan Head.
Dave Heeley ([email protected]) SUTHERLAND: There were 23 Snow Buntings Belhaven Bay held an Iceland Gull (1st), a Shore Six were on Baleshare, with two at Cleat (28th)
at Dornoch (20th). Brora had 11 Little Auks Lark and two Great Northern Divers (3rd) and 11 and five past the Butt (30th). Iceland Gulls were
HIGHLAND (11th), 11 Little Gulls (13th), with a further seven Snow Buntings (15th-29th). Scoughall had a also widespread, and included two were at Rubh’
(20th), and a Pomarine Skua (13th). There were Brent Goose, Pomarine Skua, Merlin and two Arnal (18th), two past Cleat (28th) and four past
HIGHLIGHTS: A Green-winged Teal was at 100 Bramblings at Dornoch (19th). Snow Buntings (5th), a Pintail (19th) and a Great the Butt (30th). A Little Auk was seen off
Tain Links (14th-31st). An American Wigeon was Colin Leslie (www.highlandbirds.scot) Northern Diver, probable Glaucous Gull and Horghabost (9th). Two Siberian Chiffchaffs
at Portmahomack (13th). Three Surf Scoters Jack Snipe (25th). remained in Castlebay (to 14th). A Yellow-browed
were at Dornoch (15th). A Ring-necked Duck was LOTHIAN Warbler was at Brevig (16th). A Hawfinch visited a
on Loch Shiel (3rd-10th). The long-staying Black OTHER SITES: A Water Rail was in Penicuik Stornoway garden. Snow Buntings included 30 at
Duck remained at Strontian (9th). An HIGHLIGHTS: The American White-winged (1st-13th). A Red Kite was at Torness and a Snow Balemore (12th), ten on Baleshare (20th) and 60
intermediate-morph Snow Goose was in the Scoter and two Surf Scoters remained off Bunting on North Berwick Law (8th). A Black at Balranald (28th). Three Lapland Buntings were
Nigg area (3rd-6th). A Grey-bellied Brant was at Musselburgh. Port Seton held three Swallows (to Redstart was at Dunbar (12th-26th). A Merlin on Eochar machair.
Wester Dalziel (23rd). 22nd) and another was at West Barns (24th). was at Humbie (13th) with two more at Steve Duffield (www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk)
The previous latest recorded date was 21st Dec Elvingston terrorising a flock of 212
There were Iceland Gulls at Tarbat Ness 1994. A Great White Egret flew over Haddington Yellowhammers and 56 Tree Sparrows (22nd). SHETLAND
(2nd-3rd and 7th), Portmahomack (6th-8th), Eigg (3rd). A European White-fronted Goose was Four Mandarins were at Edgelaw Reservoir
(18th), Ullapool (13th), Bayfield (27th), Loch near Scoughall (5th-7th). Two Tundra Bean (16th-17th). In the Pentland Hills, Snow HIGHLIGHTS: Two White-billed Divers
Pooltiel (12th) and Uig Bay (four on 29th). Geese were near Fenton Barns (22nd). A Buntings were at Caerketton (22nd) and were in South Nesting Bay throughout, with
Glaucous Gulls were at Tarbat Ness (6th and possible Firecrest was at Dean Village, Allermuir (30th). A flock of 140 Lesser Redpolls another in Bluemull Sound (30th). Black-
24th) Mallaig (1st-22nd), Loch Portree (6th), Sleat Edinburgh (10th). at Whiteadder Reservoir included a Mealy throated Divers were off Uyeasound (1st),
(27th) and Eigg (28th). Redpoll (23rd). Gletness (3rd) and Gossabrough (17th-30th).
ABERLADY: There were eight Little Egrets Jim Nicholson The Glossy Ibis remained at Haroldswick (to 1st).
BADENOCH AND STRATHSPEY: There were (1st), and a Shoveler, Woodcock and Shore Lark The second-ever Egyptian Goose for Shetland
130 Snow Buntings at Coire Cas (2nd). A Scaup (14th). A Merlin was at East Fenton. There were OUTER HEBRIDES was at Fleck (24th-29th). Six Glaucous Gulls and
was on Loch Insh (8th). A Waxwing was at 18 Snipe at Drem Pools (22nd). Two Ravens were ten Iceland Gulls were recorded. A Little Gull was
Grantown on Spey (6th), with three at Boat of seen occasionally. HIGHLIGHTS: Two Cackling Geese were in the at Uyeasound (20th-30th). A Barn Owl was at
Garten (25th-28th). Only a few Bramblings were Balranald area of North Uist throughout. An Scalloway (22nd-23rd). Waxwings were in
reported, maximum ten at Boat of Garten (16th). EDINBURGH: Cramond held an Iceland Gull American Golden Plover was at Balgarva (29th). Lerwick (1st-2nd) and Brae (16th). A Little
(5th), Shoveler (19th) and 11 Greenshanks A Lesser Yellowlegs was on Eochar machair Bunting was at Baltasound (10th-18th).
EASTER ROSS: A Red-necked Grebe was off Hugh Harrop (www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk) BW
Portmahomack (5th). A Little Auk was off Tarbat
Ness (5th). There were 154 Scaup in Udale Bay

Egyptian Goose,
Fleck, Shetland,
December

HUGH HARROP

birdwatching.co.uk 109

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01387 740200 - [email protected]

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Thornham, North Norfolk Holme next the Sea Close to RSPB Titchwell &
& Brancaster Staithe Snettisham, Holme Dunes,
Holiday bungalow sleeping 5
Norfolk Coastal Path
Situated on The Green, a peaceful road and Holkham.
overlooking the marshes and the sea.
Fully equipped holiday cottages
Splendid view, perfect for with wifi and parking, in perfect
birdwatching. locations for birds and wildlife

www.northviewthornham.co.uk Booking now into 2021

Tel 07818 276264
or email [email protected]

The Tudor Arms DING DONG COTTAGES
0DJQL¿FHQW ORFDWLRQ RQ
Situated adjacent to Patch Bridge 3HQZLWK 0RRUV 1U +D\OH (VWXDU\
on the Gloucester/Sharpness Canal 0DUD]LRQ 0DUVK

Serving Real Ales and Home Cooked food all day Tel: 01736 36 36 77
17 Guest Rooms suitable for one night or more Email: [email protected]

and ideal for visiting friends and relatives www.dingdongcottages.co.uk

01453 890306 [email protected] 4XRWH %: IRU GLVFRXQW

www.thetudorarms.co.uk

Join Ruth Miller, Bird Watching Magazine columnist, Large range of Binoculars
and Alan Davies, author of Best Birdwatching and Spotting Scopes

Sites in North Wales, the local expert professional Available at
bird guides at
www.harpersphoto.co.uk
Birdwatching Trips
HARPERS WOKING
with unrivalled knowledge of North Wales
01483 756601
Daytrips, weekends, holidays and custom tours all available. 31 WOLSEY WALK, WOKING, SURREY, GU21 6XX

Tel: 01492 872407
[email protected]
www.birdwatchingtrips.co.uk

TEL: 01935-426152 or 07968188998

POPLAR HALL

The Coach HouseSELF CATERING COTTAGES, NEAR SOUTHWOLD

Rye East Sussex

In the grounds of a 16c. house, our self catering holiday homes are stylish and fully 1 mile from Rye.
equipped. Set amidst peaceful countryside they are a perfect haven for birds and Luxurious S/C accommodation
wildlife lovers, from Marsh Harriers to Muntjac or Nuthatch to Moles.
Only three miles to Southwold and twenty minutes to Minsmere for 2 people.
it is a perfect haven for a short break or longer holiday. Ample parking. £525-£675 p/w.
3 other beautiful 1 bed cottages at
Telephone Mrs. Anna Garwood on 01502 578 549 same location. £425-£575 p/w.
Frostenden Corner, Frostenden, Near Southwold, Suffolk, NR34 7JA
Short breaks available.
email: [email protected] www.poplarhallsouthwold.com
www.cadborough.co.uk
The White Cottage
Jane Apperly 01797 225426
OLD HUNSTANTON, NORFOLK

B&B from £35 PPPN.
-YLL >P Ä ;LH *VMMLL
Highly Recommended by

RSPB Members.

A Charming cottage
situated in a quiet side road
in Old Hunstanton owned

and run by Mrs Burton.
AA Gold Star Award.

Tel: 01485 532380

Titchwell, Snettisham, Holme Reserve

INTERVIEW

A quick chat with…
producer, writer and
author Mary Colwell

What first sparked Who was your birdwatching
your interest in inspiration or mentor?
birdwatching, and when? A number of people I got to
There was no sudden epiphany, know over the years, each one
rather a growing awareness brought something different. But
that the world was more than to pick just one – Clive Minton
my own concerns. My dad in Australia helped me fall in
loved nature in a broad sense. love with waders. I lived in
He was no expert, but his Melbourne for two years and
gentle enthusiasm for went ringing with him a
everything from fossils to frogs number of times. Passion is
just seeped into my soul. so contagious.

Emperor Penguin PICADE LLC/ALAMY* Do you bird alone or with Golden Plover or Dunlin? The one place you’d love to
Snowy Owl a friend? Golden Plover – for its call go birdwatching?
Usually alone, though so on its breeding area, and its Arctic in the summer.
often I wish I had a better birder lovely stance.
than me to tell me what I’m One birding or conservation
looking at! Favourite bird song or call? issue you feel strongly about?
Hmmmm – that’s a tough one... Silage cutting.
Your dream bird to see? I’ll have a think… Curlew!
Can I have two? An Emperor The bird that annoys you most?
Penguin and Vogelkop Superb Birdwatching’s biggest myth or Blackbirds when they chuck the
Bird-of-Paradise. misconception? soil out of my flower pots.
Birds are easy to see.
Your favourite birding spot? The bogey bird that still
Winter estuary. The best bird you’ve seen? eludes you?
Wandering Albatross hanging Snowy Owl.
Your classic birder’s lunch, off the back of a boat crossing
grabbed from the petrol Drake’s Passage. The bird book you’d never
station shop? be without?
Cheese and onion sandwich, Identifying gulls – nightmare or Birds Britannica.
plain crisps and fizzy water. a nice day out?
And maybe a Bounty. A nice but frustrating day out. Why do you love birdwatching,
in three words?
ILLUSTRATIONS: LAUREN NICHOLSON BLICKWINKEL/ALAMY* Your favourite bit of birding kit? Delight. Peace. Outward-
Has to be my binoculars. looking (hope that counts
MY DAD’S ENTHUSIASM FOR Actually, my husband’s, which I as three).
EVERYTHING FROM FOSSILS TO keep stealing as they are better
FROGS JUST SEEPED INTO MY SOUL than mine. One piece of advice for birders
taking part in our
How do we encourage young #My200BirdYear challenge?
people to watch birds? Enthuse others while you do it.
Tell them stories about them.
How they live, where they Connect with Mary
migrate from, the myths and
legends associated with them. Q Twitter: @curlewcalls
Stories unlock so much. Website:
curlewmedia.com
Merlin or Short-eared Owl
Merlin – fast, furious, confident,
lovely colours.

114 March 2021

Save £45
when you
book, with
promo code
OCBW45*

*Terms and conditions apply: The £45 discount applies to any Get closer
bookings taken between 27th January 2021 and 30th April 2021, From Cornwall to Snowdonia we have
on holidays starting on or before 30th March 2022. This promotional hundreds of beautiful destinations and
code is not applicable for bookings made prior to, or after this time. more than 5,000 properties with nature on
the doorstep. Our local teams will help you
plan your perfect birdwatching escape.

originalcottages.co.uk
0333 2020 899



10 OTHER GEESE 9 SMALLER GULLS
At-a-glance ID guide to UK birds
At-a-glance ID guide to UK birds
Black-headed Gull
12 Canada Goose
G Small gull
G Large, long-necked goose G Dark brown hood
G Black neck, white chin and rear cheek patch G Pale grey back and wings
G Pale breast, buff & white underparts G Black edged/smudged wings; white leading edge
G Brown upperparts G Narrow, dark red (to blackish) bill
G Largely black tail G Dark red legs & feet

Barnacle Goose Mediterranean Gull

G Small, short-necked goose G Medium gull
G Black neck, white face, black lores G Jet black hood
G Black breast, white & grey underparts G Pale grey back and wings
G Barred grey & black upperparts G White flight feathers & underwing (‘no’ black)
G Largely black tail G Medium, bright red bill
G Bright red legs & feet
DARK-BELLIED RACE Brent Goose
Little Gull
G Small, short-necked goose
G Black neck with white mark, black head G Tiny gull
G Black breast, dark grey (& white) underparts G Jet black hood
G Dark grey & black upperparts G Pale grey back and wings
G Largely white tail G Pale (‘no’ black) upperwing; dark underwing
G Tiny black bill
PALE-BELLIED RACE Brent Goose G Red legs & feet

G Small, short-necked goose Common Gull
G Black neck with white mark, black head
G Black breast, pale grey (& white) underparts G Medium gull
G Dark grey & black upperparts G White head in summer, otherwise streaked
G Largely white tail G Mid-grey back and wings
G Black wing tips with white ‘mirrors’
Egyptian Goose G Small, yellow bill (black marks in winter)
G Pale green-yellow legs and feet
G Medium-small, duck-like goose
G Pale neck & head, dark eye ‘splodge’ Kittiwake
G Pale breast, buff underparts
G Brown upperparts, white in wing G Small gull
G Black tail G Clean white head in summer
G Pale grey back and two-toned wings
G Solid black wing tips
G Small, yellow bill
G Black legs & feet

‘BROWN’ WARBLERS 11 WAGTAILS
At-a-glance ID guide to UK birds
At-a-glance ID guide to UK birds
SUBSPECIES M. A. YARRELLII Pied Wagtail
Reed Warbler
G Classic wagtail shape, long tail
G Reedbed dweller G Black, mid-grey & white
G Plain, warm brown upperparts G Back: black (male) or dark grey (female)
G Buff/white underparts G Smudgy flanks
G ‘High’ crown, plain face G Crown/nape colour transitional to mantle
G Long thin bill G ‘Chiswick’ call
G Rhythmic stuttering song
SUBSPECIES M. A. ALBA White Wagtail
Sedge Warbler
G Classic wagtail shape, long tail
G Reedbed dweller G Black, pale grey & white
G Streaked brown upperparts G Back: pale grey
G Buff/white underparts G ‘Clean’ flanks
G ‘Flat’ crown; broad, pale supercilium G Crown/nape colour contrasts with mantle
G Medium thin bill G ‘Chiswick’ call
G Virtuoso, rapid song
SUBSPECIES M. F. FLAVISSIMA Yellow Wagtail
Grasshopper Warbler
G Relatively short-tailed
G Reedbed/rank vegetation dweller (skulks) G Yellow & green
G Streaked brown upperparts G Back: green
G Buff/underparts (streaked undertail) G Bright yellow underparts
G ‘Flat’ crown, relatively plain face G Bright yellow & green head
G Medium thin bill G ‘Schweep’ call
G Insect-like ‘reeling’ song
SUBSPECIES M. F. FLAVA Blue-headed Wagtail
Cetti’s Warbler
G Relatively short-tailed
G Waterside vegetation dweller (skulks) G Yellow & green
G Plain, rufous-brown upperparts G Back: green
G Grey/buff underparts G Bright yellow underparts
G Wren-like face; narrow, pale supercilium G Blue-grey head (white supercilium)
G Short, thin bill G ‘Schweep’ call
G Explosive ‘chip! chippa chippa!’ song
Grey Wagtail
Garden Warbler
G Very long-tailed wagtail
G Woodland/parkland dweller G Black, mid grey, yellow & white
G Plain, grey brown upperparts G Back: plain grey
G Buff/white underparts G Lemon yellow (to buff) underparts
G Rounded head, plain, grey neck sides G Grey/white head, black bib
G Medium, robust bill G Piercing ‘chizzik’ call
G Beautiful, fluty, bubbling song