Sightings 2009
Wednesday 16th December
Two first winter Black Redstart's still at the Lark Hill Complex this afternoon but staying distant on the roof Tops.
Tuesday 15th December
Peregrine this morning in the clifton bridge area headed over bridge towards wilford at 8am. This is the fourth recent sighting of peregrine in this area.(J.Christmas)
Sunday 13th December
Northern Lapwing numbers are rising to incredible numbers in the area, with a count this morning of well over 2600 birds. Seen on the field next to the approach road to Barton-in-Fabis, also with the flock were a count of 256 Golden Plover. The Lapwing flock dispersed into smaller groups just before midday with birds flying over to Barton Lane and Clifton Pastures.
6 Corn Bunting were seen on wires behind Plowrights Farm on Barton Lane early morning.
A return visit to Lark Hill in hope of getting some decent images of the two Black Redstarts. Today proved successful as one of the birds was showing exceptionally well down to a few feet feeding around the gardens at the back of the complex. A stunning bird.
1st winter male Black Redstart - Lark Hill, Clifton.
Saturday 12th December
A single Pink-footed Goose was found feeding in the field opposite Branshill wood this morning but it flew off east as soon as it saw me approching. 2 female Goldeneye on the river near Barton Island. A small group of 6 TreeSparrow in the hedgerow next to the horse paddock in Barton village. An exceptional number of Northern Lapwing in the area this morning with C1000 in the field at the side of the approach road to Barton-in-Fabis and a further C500 in fields on Barton Lane. Also a single male Stonechat on Gotham Lane.
A search of the Lark Hill Retirerment Village at midday produced sightings of both first winter Black Redstarts showing well but distantly on the roof tops. Both birds could disappear for long periods and were extremely elusive. When located both birds showed well for long intervals, but to distant for any decent photographs.
Pink-footed Goose - Barton-in-Fabis
Black Redstart - Lark Hill Clifton
Tuesday 8th December
Two 1st winter Black Redstart at the Lark Hill Complex seen this morning by the finder of the first bird on the 27th November, a landscaper who is working on the site. Below is the email sent to me this evening.
An update from the landscaper that first spotted the red start at clifton retierment village. We were planting the last of the trees today, on the embankment at around midday and we saw TWO first winter black red starts feeding together, this was also on the embankments. They seem to enjoy the buildings first thing in the the morning and last thing at night and the embankments during the day. Hope this has been some help to you, and that you continue to enjoy them during the winter months.
Thanks Jonathan
Sunday 6th December
Good numbers of Golden Plover in the area today with 150 birds on the Drift this morning (J.Christmas) and 57 on the field on the left side of the approach road to Barton-in-Fabis with C450 Northern Lapwing.
Large numbers of C200 Meadow Pipit and C150 Pied Wagtail were seen feeding on flooded areas of the Weir Field and on the Horse Paddock in Barton-in-Fabis village. 2 Common Gull were on Beeston Weir with larger numbers of Black-headed Gull. A group of 25 Reed Bunting in the hedge-row near the Yellow Gate.
Other sightings from James Christmas today were;
4 skylark around pastures,8 meadow pipit,large linnet flock on the drift near to larkhill,1 grey wagtail nr fairham brook,1 stonechat in dyke along footpath,1 common kestrel,26 northern lapwing nr ploughwrights,1 sparrowhawk around area facing larkhill,100+fieldfare,in fields further up the brook towards bunny,5 mute swan,1 grey heron,3 wren. No sign of black redstart.
Saturday 5th December
A female Red-crested Poachard found on the river this morning in front of Barton Island is a new addition to the species seen in area. I have long suspected that this duck would soon be seen somewhere in the area as there is now a small resident population just over the river at Attenborough Nature Reserve. It was a very confiding bird allowing close views and some excellent photographic opportunities.
Also today were good numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare on hawthorn berrys near Barton Island. a large flock of C150 Linnet in front of Branshill Wood, 231 Northern Lapwing on the field at the side of the approach road to Barton-in-Fabis village. No sign today of the Black Redstart after an hour search scanning the rooftops of the Larkhill complex from the Drift.
female Red-crested Poachard - Barton Island
Thursday 3rd December
No sign of the Black Redstart this morning but 7 Corn Bunting over heading towards the Drift.
Tuesday 1st December
The Black Redstart was still present this morning on the roofs near the reception area on a very brief visit before work.
Monday 30th November
The Black Redstart was again reported as present at the Lark Hill complex showing well on the roofs and fence line on the Drift side of the complex. (J.Christmas)
Sunday 29th November
The Black Redstart was seen this morning by myself and James Christmas showing well on the roofs and balconys of the Lark Hill complex. It was first seen distantly from the fields overlooking the complex as it flew around the roofs catching insects. Driving into the complex for a better view I again met James who thought that he had just seen two separate birds together on the roofs near the reception area. As we scanned the roof tops a Black Redstart appeared and showed well but distantly for over half an hour before it dissapeared over the buildings. The bird had a very distinct off white wing panel but no obvious black in the face and was a presumed 1st winter male. This is only the second record of Black Redstart in the area with the first record as long ago as 26th June 1997 at the Radcliff-on-Soar power station.
Also today were a small group of 52 Golden Plover in fields opposite the approch road to Barton-in-Fabis village with C300 Northern Lapwing. Also in the same field were 45 Pied Wagtail and a mixed flock of C40 Linnet and Greenfinch.
Black Redstart - Lark-hill Clifton
Saturday 28th November
No sign of yesterdays reported Black Redstart at the Lark Hill Complex on a 3hr seach of the area this morning. If anyone has any information on this bird could you please email me.
C200 Northern Lapwing with C150 Black headed Gull on fields near Barton Lane. A small flock of C40 Linnet also in the area. 3 Common Buzzard over Heart Lees plantation with a further two birds over the Drift.
Friday 27th November
A 1st winter male/female Black Redstart was reported from the Lark Hill Retirement complex at the top of the Clifton Estate this morning and again this afternoon. It will be looked for tommorow morning.
Thursday 26th November
A large flock of C200 Golden Plover seen flying high over the A453 heading south whilst I was driving, near the Thrumpton turning at 2.30pm
Sunday 22nd November
A male and female Goosander this morning flying up the river near Beeston Weir was the first of the Autumn. Smaller numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare today but still fairly numerous throughout. 2 Tree Sparrow near the Yellow Gate Pond and several Meadow Pipit. A count of 82 Northern Lapwing in fields near Barton-in-Fabis village with C200 Black-headed Gull and C100 Starling.
Saturday 21st November
A large influx of winter Thrush's throughout the area this morning with Redwing and Fieldfare feeding on almost every available berry bush. A count of 52 Tufted Duck on Holme Pit is by far the largest gathering I have seen, and is a new count record for the area. C40 Goldfinch feeding on Alders on the edge of Clifton Wood and a mobile tit flock through that included 2 Treecreeper. 3 Common Buzzard and the Red-tailed Hawk in trees near Barton Flash
Sunday 15th November
Fairly slow in the area this morning, but their was some visible migration with a mixed flock of newly arrived Fieldfare and Redwing in the hedgerow next to the river-side chalet Barton-in-Fabis. A small influx of c40 Skylark heading west was notable between Barton and Thrumpton. Also this morning were 5 Wigeon and 4 Teal on a now flooded Cottages Flash.
On a return visit this evening their were 4 calling Water Rail on Holme Pit and a single Barn Owl hunting around the wet marsh area behind Holme Pit. At dusk a large number of Corvids heading over the river to roost and c40 Reed Bunting flying into the reedbed on Holme Pit to roost
Barn Owl - behind Holme Pit
Saturday 14th November
2 Water Rail calling on Holme Pit this morning also 2 Little Grebe and 32 Tufted Duck. A small passage of 32 Skylark to the west. 3 Common Buzzard and the Red-tailed Hawk over Branshill Wood.
Wednesday 11th November
Up to six calling Water Rail on Holme Pit this evening, also 15 Reed Bunting seen to fly into the reed-beds to roost. 3 calling male Tawny Owl in Clifton Wood and a further 2 males and 1 female calling from the Grove.
Sunday 8th November
A skein of 65 Pink-footed Geese over Clifton Pastures this morning heading east. 2 Peregrines sat on a pylon then they both flew off towards Gotham Moor. 1 Stonechat along drainage dykes near Fairham Brook. c80 Skylark and c60 Meadow Pipit heading east and another small group of meadow pipit near the houses. A covet of 32 Grey Partridge in fields near the duck pond.
A Woodcock was seen by James Christmas on the pastures this afternoon and flew off towards the Drift.
A late afternoon visit around Barton produced 1 Barn Owl over set-aside, 5 Common Buzzard and the Red-tailed Hawk over Branshill Wood and up to 2000 Corvids heading over the river to roost late afternoon.
Pink-footed Geese - Clifton Pastures
Saturday 7th November
A single Chiffchaff was seen in Branshill Wood this morning foraging with a large tit flock. 2 calling Water Rail on Holme Pit but staying very elusive. c60 Goldfinch feeding on alders in the Alder Plantation. c200 Northern Lapwing over Barton Island. A massive number of Corvids flew over the river to roost on the delta possibly over 2000 birds
Thursday 5th November
A covey of 25 Grey Partridge on Clifton Pastures late evening, also c60 Fieldfare over to the west and 10 Corn Bunting seen to fly into one of the drainage dyke's to roost.
Sunday 1st November
Very quite on a breif visit this afternoon in very windy conditions. 2 calling Water Rail on Holme Pit and 2 Teal were only birds of note.
Saturday 31st October
A Woodcock was flushed from the bottom of a hedgerow near Barton Flash this afternoon. Also today were good numbers of Redwing in the area feeding on berries in various hedgerows. The first returning Wigeon were seen on the river near Barton Island. A single Peregrine was seen brifly over Branshill Wood also the Red-tail and 3 Common Buzzard in the area.
Monday 26th October
4 Calling Water Rail from the reed-bed on Holme Pit late evening also 24 Tufted Duck, 7 Reed Bunting flew into roost in the reed-beds and 5 Redwing over. 1 Barn Owl hunting over fields at the back of Holme Pit and 4 calling Tawny Owl in Clifton Wood.
Sunday 25th October
A notable passage of Skylark through the area this morning with over 200 birds through to the west between 8.30-9.30am. A single female Stonechat on willows near Barton Flash. c200 Northern Lapwing and c 500 Starling in field opposite Barton-in-Fabis at the side of the A453.
Saturday 24th October
Very slow today with little visable migration in the area. 1 Barn Owl early morning, 12 Teal on Branshill Ponds and 82 Northern Lapwing on the Drift
Thursday 22nd October
2 calling Tawny Owl's on the flower park southchurch drive Clifton this evening.
Monday 19th October
Sightings for Clifton Pastures this morning from James Christmas: Peregrine sat on pylon,2 female Stonechat along the footpath,1 kestrel,1 Common Buzzard,100+linnet flock,17 Skylark in various locations,3 Golden Plover headed over the brook,on my way back spotted a further 6 Golden Plover heading toward barton.13 Goldfinch & 8 Corn Bunting feeding on field nearest farmhouse.also 30+Redwing over to west,9 Red legged Partridge & 2 male Pheasant.
Sunday 18th October
6 Stonechat in the area this morning with 2 pairs in the set-aside facing the Rough Wood and another pair on fence post near the flood-bank at Barton-in-Fabis. A large Passage of winter thrushes through to the east this morning between 7.00am-8.00am with c100 Fieldfare and c650 Redwing. A single Barn Owl was also seen hunting over set-aside at 7.30am before retiring to roost. 12 Teal and 4 Shoveler flushed from the largest of the ponds in front of Branshill Wood and a further c70 Shoveler seen heading west up the river. 6 Common Buzzard and the Red-tail over Branshill Wood late morning. 4 calling Water Rail on Holme pit were probably newly arrived continental birds also 1 Shoveler and several Tufted Duck. Small flock of Siskin on the edge of Clifton Wood and a large Tit flock consisting of mainly Long-tailed tit but with 2 Coal Tit, several Goldcrest and 2 Treecreeper.
Sightings from James Christmas this afternoon from Clifton Pastures
2 common buzzard,2 common kestrel,8 meadow pipit,60+linnet,14 goldfinch,2 wren,2 grey heron.
Saturday 17th October
33 Golden Plover with c50 Northern Lapwing this morning in field just off Barton Lane. 3 Stonechat 1 male/2 female on the set-aside facing the Rough Wood this afternoon. A small passage of Redwing this morning and small numbers of Meadow Pipit and Skylark heading east. A Little Owl found roosting in the hedgerow between the Rough Wood and Branshill Wood was a nice find.
Little Owl - in the hedgerow between Branshill/Rough Wood
Thursday 8th October
12 Corn Bunting this evening feeding in field just off Barton Lane. Also 78 Northern Lapwing, 6 Lesser-Black back Gull, c150 Blach-headed Gull and 24 Meadow Pipit in the area.
Sunday 4th October
The first male Stonechat of the Autumn was found this morning by the river near Barton Flash. 4 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff with a mobile tit flock near the Rough Wood. 6 Common Buzzard over Branshill Wood and 5 Swallow through to the S/W. C60 Northern Lapwing on field near Barton Lane and large flock of c70 Linnet in the area
Common Buzzard mobbed by Carrion Crow - Branshill Wood
Saturday 3rd October
Very quite today with most birds staying in covery to escape the high winds.
Friday 2nd October
An adult Peregrine was again seen over Branshill Wood this evening also 5 Swallow heading S/W.
Thursday 1st October
Managed to get out for a few hours this evening for the first time this week. 2 Shoveler and 14 Teal on Branshill Ponds, 12 Blackcap feeding on Elder berries in the hedgerow near the Rough Wood. 10 Jay in the two large Oaks collecting acorns between Branshill/Rough Wood. 5 Common Buzzard and the Red-tail over Branshill Wood. A single Barn Owl hunting over set-aside at dusk
Tuesday 29th September
A Hobby this afternoon over the Rough Wood seen by Ian Blackmoor was a good sighting as they are getting rather scarce now with most birds already departed from the area. Also 4 Common Buzzard, 3 Kestrel and single Sparrowhawk over Branshill Wood.
Sunday 27th September
A Raven was seen briefly as it flew high over Branshill Wood calling this morning. A walk along the hedge-row near the Rough Wood produce 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap and a large mobile Tit flock. 7 Jay were still in the area collecting acorns from the 2 large Oak trees. 7 Common Buzzard and the Red-tail over Branshill Wood. A single Barn Owl was seen over fields early morning distantly from the back of Holme Pit. 6 Corn Bunting and a large finch flock consisting mainly of Linnet and Greenfinch near Barton Lane also 32 Meadow Pipit feeding in the ploughed field next to Plowright's farm and still large numbers of recently released feral Red-legged Partridge in the area.
Lesser Whitethroat - Rough Wood hedge-row
Saturday 26th September
An adult Peregrine this morning over Branshill Wood also 7 Common Buzzard. A walk along the hedge-row between the Rough Wood and Branshill Wood produced 12 Blackcap and 1 Chiffchaff alsoin this area for the last couple of weeks there have been up to eight Jay collecting acorns from the 2 large Oak trees. Visible migration this morning was in evidence with 33 Barn Swallow, 3 House Martin and 75 Meadow Pipit all heading east. On a return visit this evening there was a Covey of 115 Red-Legged Partridge on Barton Lane next to Plowright's Farm. As these birds are bread locally for shooting purposes I would suspect these to be newly released birds.
Sightings today from James Christmas were: 6 golden plover with 50+ northern lapwing in field next to Gotham rd on plowright's side,spotted on walk home,hope these are the first of many for this winter.also today at barton a fantastic sighting of little owl,it flew from a small tree and headed behind a hedgerow and was lost from view.also in the area was,1 hobby around ponds,4 common buzzard over branshill wood,2 sparrowhawk,1 common kestrel,1 yellow hammer,1 great spotted woodpecker,1 female tufted duck on the bigger of the 2 ponds and a jay flew branshill wood.also on way back the 4 corn bunting were still knocking about the bus stop area,and a large flock of linnet on the pastures,2 grey wagtail also flew over,7 skylark over stubble field on drift.
Thursday 24th September
A Juvenile Reed Warbler feeding in the reed-bed on Holme Pit this evening. 7 Mistle Thrush in the hedge-row near the Yellow Gate, also Treecreeper. 4 calling Tawny Owl in Clifton Woods.
Tuesday 22nd September
A single adult Hobby briefly over the Rough Wood this evening then flew off towards Barton. 1 Chiffchaff and small numbers of Barn Swallow over the Rough Wood. A count of 233 Lesser-Black backed Gull and 556 Black-Headed Gull over branshill Wood en-route to roost late evening.
Sunday 20th September
257 Northern Lapwing on fields near Barton Lane this afternoon also 5 Lesser-Black backed Gull. 8 Common Buzzard over Branshill Wood and 6 Teal on the ponds. Small numbers of House Martin and Barn Swallow near Burrows Farm.
Saturday 19th September
4 Tree Sparrow in hedge-row near Barton Flash. 1 Sedge Warbler in scrub near Beeston Weir. 2 Kingfisher on river near barton-in-Fabis.
Friday 18th September
14 Teal on Branshill ponds this evening also 6 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Common Whitethroat feeding on elder berries on the edge of the Rough Wood. 5 Common Buzzard up over Clifton Wood.
Thursday 17th September
A walk around Clifton Pastures this evening to see if i could find the large covey of Grey Partridge seen yesterday was unsuccessful, but i did see a smaller covey of 12 GREY Partridge near the duck pond just off the Gotham Rd. Also in the area were 25 Meadow Pipit, 7 Reed Bunting, a mixed flock of Linnet, Greenfinch and Chaffinch, 5 Common Buzzard, 350 Black Headed Gull, 6 Lesser-Blacked backed Gull and a single Barn Owl prior to dusk.
Wednesday 16th September
A remarkable sighting today of a covey of 60 Grey Partridge on Clifton Pastures, seen by Russ Gimson. This is by far the largest covey recorded in the area for years and will be looked for tomorrow evening.
11 Common Buzzard all up together this evening over Branshill Wood. 1 Little Owl flushed from hedge-row near Barton village. 30 Meadow Pipit in field behind Holme Pit. A female Northern Wheatear was seen just outside the area this afternoon whilst on my lunch break near the river soar at Sutton bonington.
Sightings sent in from James Christmas: Had a walk down barton this morning and walked around the stuble field on drift next to larkhill. I counted 17 Corn Bunting in a flock,also in the same area was a 30+ Linnet flock and around 50 Meadow Pipit. It was hard to keep track as the flocks kept mingling. 2 Common Kestrel were also present. Other sightings this morning were,4 Common Buzzard above branshill wood,150+Northern Lapwing at the back of barton village,1 sparrowhawk flew in front of branshill wood.on the walk over to clfton wood were,2 great spotted woodpecker,2 willow warbler,2 lesser whitethroat,1 common whitethroat and a mixed flock of linnet,greenfinch & Chaffinch,also plenty of swallow & house martin being watched by a Hobby around marshalls farm.
Monday 14th September
Mixed flock consisting of c12 Corn Bunting and c20 Linnet in stubble field on the Drift this evening but very mobile, also small group of 23 Northern Lapwing, 8 Lesser-Blacked Backed Gull, c200 Black Headed Gull and 5 Common Buzzard on Clifton Pastures. Small numbers of Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Common Whitethroat in brambles near the Rough Wood
Sunday 13th September
A Juvenile Red Kite was seen this morning at 10.15 am flying low over the flood bank at Barton-in-Fabis heading towards Branshill Wood. As it neared to where i was standing it almost flew right over my head, moving at the last minute when it saw me. It slowly drifted off over the wood and was lost from view. At midday it was relocated feeding on fields on Clifton Pastures with 2 Common Buzzard and up to 200 B.H Gull. The land was been worked by up to three tractors and the Kite and the 2 Buzzard were following picking up insects disturbed by the working tractors.
Also today was 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff and 1 Blackcap near the Rough Wood.
Red Kite - Barton-in-Fabis
Thursday 10th September
A single Redshank high over to the north from the Barton-in-Fabis flood bank this evening. 1 Lesser Whitethroat and several Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Common Whitethroat in brambles on the edge of the Rough Wood.
Wednesday 9th September
A excellent movement of passerines through the area this evening. A female Common Redstart was seen very briefly on the edge of the Rough Wood at 5.30pm. It was sat out in the open but disappeared deep into cover just as i got it in the camera lens. This is my first sighting of redstart here and was one of my most wanted to see birds in the area. 2 Spotted Flycatcher were found fly-catching from the dead trees in the Rough Wood and were still present when i left the area. Walking over to the fields near the flash i came across a presumed 1st W male Whinchat on fence posts near the flood bank just behind Barton-in-Fabis village it was still present at 8.00pm. Also this evening were good numbers of warblers including 3 Garden Warbler in the hedge-row near the Rough Wood. Still a few Barn Swallow and House Martin around barton village late evening.
Spotted Flycatcher - the Rough Wood
Whinchat - Barton-in-Fabis
Monday 7th September
3 Hobby again in the area hawking dragonflies over Branshill Wood and also over Clifton Wood. Staying very high but showing well for long periods. 2 Common Sandpiper feeding on the side of the river at Barton-in-Fabis late afternoon. Small numbers of commoner warblers still in the hedge-row near the Rough Wood. 5 Common Buzzard and the Red-tail over Branshill Wood
Hobby - Clifton Wood
Sunday 6th September
Much slower today after such an exciting day yesterday. Still a few common warblers in the hedgerow and 5 Bullfinch feeding on berries. There was a noticeable influx of Meadow Pipit this morning with c160 birds passing through east all morning
3 Spotted Flycatcher were reported from trees near Barton Flash but none could be found on a brief visit this afternoon.
Saturday 5th September
A large movement of passerines this morning that included 5 Garden Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and large numbers of Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff all in the hedge-row between the Rough Wood and Branshill Wood. A further 2 Spotted Flycatcher were found in the paddock a the side of the farm on New Road Barton-in-Fabis. 3 Hobby were hawking Dragonflies over Branshill Wood all morning plus 10 Common Buzzard and the Red-tail in the same area.
On a return visit late afternoon 1 Spotted Flycatcher was still present in the paddock next to the farm. Warbler numbers were nothing lke this morning along the hedgerow near the rough wood but there were still a good variety to be found. A walk over to Cottages flash in the corner of the cow field facing branshill wood produced 2 Northern Wheatear feeding at the side of the flash. Driving home along Barton Land there was another Norther Wheatear in the ploughed field next to Plowright's Farm.
Lesser Whitethroat - Near the Rough Wood
Grasshopper Warbler - Near the Rough Wood
Spotted Flycatcher - Near the Rough Wood
Spotted Flycatcher - Barton-in-Fabis
Thursday 3rd September
A single Juvenile Peregrine again over Branshill Wood this evening by the ponds but distant high over the wood, also 9 Common Buzzard and the Red-tail in the area. Small numbers of Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Common Whitethroat feeding in hawthorns on the edge of the Rough Wood. Noticeable movement of Hirundines heading S/W for much of the evening. 38 Lesser-Black backed Gull feeding on newly ploughed field on the Drift was noteworthy as most sighting here are mostly fly-over birds en-route to roost. A single Barn Owl was seen hunting distantly over Clifton Pastures at dusk.
Wedensday 2nd September
2 Reed Warbler in the Reedbed on Holme Pit and a party of 8 Jay on oak trees near the Rough Wood this evening but otherwise very quite.
Monday 31st August
Large numbers of Swallow, House Martin and smaller numbers of Sand Martin near Beeston Weir this afternoon. 1 Kingfisher on Holme pit and 1 Hobby over Clifton Wood. Small numbers of Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Common Whitethroat in the hedge-row near the Rough Wood.
Sunday 30th August
Still a small number of common Warblers moving through the area, but otherwise very quite today.
Saturday 29th August
Still a large passage of Warblers moving through the area this morning with 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, and many Common Whitethroat,Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Also this morning was a very impressive 10 Common Buzzard and the Red-tailed Hawk all in the air together over Branshill Wood.
Red-tailed Hawk
On a return visit this afternoon 2 Juvenile Peregrine were present over Branshill Wood for over two hours unsuccessfully hunting Wood pigeon. The speed of these birds is something else, it was just a shame that the light was so bad as they both showed very well. Also this afternoon was a brief sighting of a single Barn Owl.
Juvenile Peregrine
Friday 28th August
A Juvenile Peregrine was seen this morning at 8.00am over Branshill Wood. It was continuously mobbing 2 Common Buzzard before it flew off over towards Clifton Wood. Also on Branshill Ponds this morning were 23 Gadwall. An adult Hobby was seen perched on fence posts near the horse paddocks in Barton village but flew off when i approached.
Juvenile Peregrine - Branshill Wood
On a return visit this afternoon There was obviously some migration taking place with large numbers of Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff in the hedgerow between the Rough Wood and Branshill Wood. Walking up and down the hedgerow for the next 2 hours checking for passerines finally paid off with a single Spotted Flycatcher found sheltering from the wind and rain. This is still a very scarce passage migrant here and is the first August record. It was still present when i left at 3.30pm.
Spotted Flycatcher - near the Rough Wood
Thursday 27th August
A walk from Clifton Bridge to the Grove this evening produced a covey of 33 Grey Partridge. This is by far the largest number that i have ever seen in 10 years of watching the area. All 33 birds were seen feeding distantly in the field behind the Fairham Brook outlet but soon disappeared into the vegetation. The majority of the covey were Juveniles with at least 8 adult birds.
Monday 24th August
2 adult Hobby again over Branshill Wood hawking Dragonflies this evening. 12 Gadwall on Branshill Ponds and the adult female leucistic Mallard with 4 young, first seen on Holme Pit on the 27th June. 2 Juvenile Goldcrest and a few Common Whitethroat in the hedgerow near the Rough Wood but no other warblers seen this evening.
Common Whitethroat
Sunday 23rd August
A large movement of common warblers through the area this evening with large numbers of Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and 3 Lesser Whitethroat all in the hedgerow between the Rough Wood and Branshill Wood. 1 Hobby hawking dragonflies over the set-aside in front of the Rough Wood and 1 Barn Owl in the area.
Saturday 22nd August
1 adult Hobby hunting hirundines this morning over the Rough Wood. 6 Common Buzzard over Clifton Wood. 2 female Blackcap and 1 Willow Warbler in the hedgerow between the Rough Wood and Branshill Wood.
Wednesday 19th August
A good variety of common Warblers (Blackcap, Whitethroat, and Chiffchaff) this evening in the hedgerow between the Rough Wood and Branshill Wood feeding on elder berries. Also this evening was a large gathering of Hirundines over the Rough Wood which attracted the 2 Hobby that have been in the area for the last week.
female Blackcap near the Rough Wood
Tuesday 18th August
A single Kingfisher this evening on the Fairham Brook outlet near Clifton Bridge, also several Common Whitethroat along the river and c120 Lesser Black backed Gull over to the North en-route to roost
Monday 17th August
2 adult Hobby again over Branshill Wood hawking Dragonflies but staying distant over the top of the wood. Juv Common Buzzard over Barton Flash and 4 adults over Branshill Wood. 3 Grey Partridge in the newly harvested Wheat field in front of Branshill Wood. 12 Common Teal on Cottages Flash near the river and up to 200 Canada's,Greylags and 7 Egyptian Geese.
Juvenile Common Buzzard - Barton Flash
Saturday 15th August
3 Hobby again over Branshill Wood hawking Dragonflies plus 4 Common Buzzard and the Red-tailed Hawk. Very little else around today with no visible migration yet in the area
Thursday 13th August
2 Hobby hawking dragonflies high over Branshill Wood this evening but always distant. 1 Juvenile Shelduck high over The Rough Wood heading South. A single Barn Owl was seen leave its roost site at 8.00pm but stayed distant.
Tuesday 11th August
4 Hobby hawking dragonflies this evening over Branshill Wood showing well all evening but distant. Also 1 Barn Owl briefly near the river. c60 Herring Gull high over to the North.
Monday 10th August
7 Grey Wagtail feeding on the stepson Beeston Weir this evening consisting of 2 adults and 5 Juveniles. Breeding has been suspected in this location for the last few years, this is also a new site record for the number of birds seen together. 8 Reed Warbler on Holme Pit and the Mute Swan pair now with only 4 remaining Cygnets.
Sunday 9th August
Very quite this morning with just a single Kingfisher near Barton Island and 2 Juvenile Common Buzzard and the Red tail near Barton Flash.
On a return visit this evening there were 3 Barn Owl hunting on an undisclosed large set-aside area showing well from 8.00pm till dusk. Also this evening were 2 calling Tawny Owl in Branshill Wood, c250 Lesser-Black backed, c10 Great-Black backed and c500 Black-Headed Gull all high over en-route to roost over the river towards Attenborough.
Barn Owl - site undisclosed
Saturday 8th August
1 Barn Owl this morning hunting distantly over the set-aside behind Barton Flash. 2 Juvenile Common Buzzard and the Red-tailed Hawk also near Barton Flash. 5 Egyptian Geese on Cottages Flash but nothing else of interest on the flash. The Juvenile Great Crested Grebe still on the river near Barton Island. 2 Lesser Black backed Gull and several Common Tern on Beeston Weir.
Wednesday 5th August
1 Little Owl again near Barton flash but very flighty. Adult and Juvenile Great Crested Grebe on river near Barton Island plus Kingfisher flying past. Spent a few hours watching over Cottages Flash in the corner of the field with cows near the river to see if any Waders dropped in but only 1 female Teal, 4 Egyptian Geese and 4 Grey Heron
Adult and Juvenile Great Crested Grebe - Barton Island
Monday 3rd August
1 Little Owl this evening in ash tree behind Barton Flash, 63 Northern Lapwing in fields near the flash and 1 Kingfisher in willows on Barton Island.
Sunday 2nd August
5 Juvenile Common Tern on Beeston Weir this morning. 8 Common Buzzard all in the air together over Branshill Wood with at least 4 Juvenile birds, also the Red-tailed Hawk up with the buzzards.
Saturday 1st August
A single Little Egret was flushed from the side of the river this morning near the flash at Barton-in-Fabis. This is likely to be one of three birds that have been present over the river at Attenborough for the last couple of weeks, but very nice to see on the patch. Also today were 78 Northern Lapwing over Barton Flash, Kingfisher near Barton Island and a Common Buzzard being dive-bombed by 3 Kestrel over Branshill Wood. On a visit to Clifton Pastures this evening there was a adult Peregrine seen make two unsuccessful stoops into a Wood pigeon flock
Little Egret - Barton-in-Fabis
Friday 31st July
Sightings from John Hall & Ken James
Kingfisher on Holme Pit, It flew into the reeds at the back of the raft. Also a possible Water rail calling from the reed-beds
Monday 27th July
Barn Owl hunting along Fairham Brook this evening in fading light on Clifton Pastures. 2 Corn Bunting near the set-aside area of the pastures. 12 Yellow Wagtail in the area.
Barn Owl - Clifton Pastures
Sunday 26th July
4 Common Tern, 3 Reed Warbler and the pair of Mute Swan now with 6 remaining cygnets on Holme Pit this morning. Very quite in the area this weekend.
Saturday 25th July
1 Oystercatcher on the flash at Barton this morning. 2 Juvenile Common Buzzard near Clifton Wood.
Friday 24th July
Sightings from James Christmas: I had a quick walk along Gotham lane this morning but got cut short due to rain.A Jay flew from trees on road side to the drift plantation,3 corn bunting near Gotham lay-by,3 yellow wagtail(1 juvenile) on the pastures,3 common buzzard over the drift and 2 skylark.
Monday 20th July
1 Hobby, 4 Common Buzzard and the Red-tailed Hawk over Branshill wood this evening. 2 Tree Sparrow near Barton village and a very showy Juvenile Green Woodpecker in the area.
Juvenile Green Woodpecker - Barton-in-Fabis
Sunday 19th July
12 Black-tailed Godwit briefly on the flash in the corner of the field with cows early morning then all flew over the river to Attenborough also the Common Sandpiper again feeding along the edge of the river near the flash.
Saturday 18th July
A single Common Sandpiper was seen feeding at the side of the river near the flash at Barton-in-Fabis this morning. Also 2 Hobby over Branshill Wood and 5 Common Buzzard.
Common Sandpiper - Barton-in-Fabis
Tuesday 14th July
63 Northern Lapwing, 215 Black Headed Gull , 1 Lesser Black Backed Gull and 7 Grey Heron feeding on newly cut field off Foxcovet Lane at the rear of Holme Pit this evening. The Mute Swan pair on Holme pit are now down to five cygnets.
Sunday 12th July
4 Barn Owl showing very well this evening at an undisclosed location in the area. 8 Common Buzzard over branshill wood this afternoon consisting of 5 adults and 3 juveniles also the Red-tailed Hawk over the wood. Pair of Sedge Warbler feeding young near branshill Ponds and lots of young Common Whitethroat in the area plus some very worn looking adults. A possible Yellow Legged Gull over Barton Flash this afternoon but a bit to distant for a positive Id
Saturday 11th July
1 Little Owl in an undisclosed location on Gotham Moor this morning, also up to 15 Yellow Wagtail in the area. Good numbers of Linnet and Yellowhammer along moor lane. Very quite along the river between Barton and Clifton Grove this afternoon. 2 Juvenile Common Buzzard over Heart leas plantation off Barton Lane also 5 singing Corn Bunting in the area.
showing aggression to a second male Corn Bunting
Wednesday 8th July
A walk along Gotham Moor and Clifton Pastures this evening looking for Quail proved fruitless. There was again large numbers of singing Yellowhammer along Moor lane, also 4 Yellow Wagtail, 12 singing Skylark , 8 male Reed Bunting and 4 Corn Bunting on the pastures.
Sighting from Clifton Pastures this morning from James Christmas were: I'v been keeping an eye out for Quail after unfortunately coming across a dead one on the pastures last summer. Sightings this morning were...Hobby mobbing a Buzzard at back of small wood with 2 more buzzard on far side of brook.3 sedge warbler nr brook also in same area were 12 reed bunting,4 skylark,2 grey partridge,2 greenfinch,2 linnet and 4 goldfinch.also today 14 common whitethroat counted on walk down to the brook.
Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting - Gotham Moor/Clifton Pastures
Monday 6th July
No sign of any Quail this evening on a brief search whilst dodging heavy rain showers.
Sunday 5th July
2 Quail at 7.30pm on Clifton Pastures calling from the area near the drainage dykes on the footpath bend near Fairham Brook. Also 8 Corn Bunting in various locations and 1 Barn Owl hunting along the brook. Earlier today were 3 Juvenile Common Buzzard at the back of Holme Pit. 2 Hobby over the set-aside near the Rough Wood
Saturday 4th July
6 Lesser Whitethroat (2 adult 4 juvs)this morning in the hedgerow by Barton Village. A single Oystercatcher on Cottages flash.
Friday 3rd July
1 Hobby on Clifton Pastures this evening also several singing Corn Bunting in the area. A late evening walk over Gotham Moor produced good numbers of Yellowhammer with singing males nearly every 50 metres along moor lane and along the railway line, also several Yellow Wagtail in the area.
Thursday 2nd July
4 calling Tawny Owl late evening in Branshill Wood also a large number of c300 Swift feeding over the wood. 4 newly fledged Song Thrush near the ponds.
Tuesday 30th June
Sightings for Clifton Pastures sent in by James Christmas.
2 coal tit in trees near houses,willow warbler,12 long tailed tit,3 goldfinch(1 juv),2 greenfinch,1 dunnock,2 common whitethroat,1 wren and 1 reed bunting(female) also in trees.2 common buzzard,1 common kestrel over the drift,7 skylark,50+ common swift.3 yellowwagtail and 4 linnet in top field near larkhill.
Monday 29th June
Turtle Dove this evening but very distant on ash tree near Barton village, it then flew off over towards Branshill Wood. A single Oystercatcher feeding on a very dry Cottages Flash. 7 different Corn Bunting along Barton Lane with two showing near a presumed nest as there was a lot of activity by two birds continuously taking insects to the same area of rough verge.
Corn Buntings - Barton Lane
Sunday 28th June
12 Tree Sparrow this morning near the river side chalet near Barton Island also 1 Garden Warbler in the area. 2 Great Crested Grebe with just the one chick on the river near Barton Island. The Red Tailed Hawk was sat out in the open most of this morning in the dead Ash Tree in the hedgerow facing Branshill Wood, it later flew of over to the wood to join a Common Buzzard. Over eighty Sand Martin over fields near Barton village at midday. 9 singing Corn Bunting in various locations this afternoon.
Tree Sparrow - near Barton Island
Saturday 27th June
A leucistic Mallard made me look twice on Holme Pit this morning, also on Holme Pit were 3 Common Tern resting on the fencing near the cow drink area and 7 singing Reed Warbler. 2 Green and 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Grove. 3 singing Corn Bunting on Barton Lane on a brife visit this evening.
Sightings for Clifton Pastures from James Christmas were: 5 yellow wagtail in top field near larkhill also in same area were 100+ common swift,20+ house martin and 3 skylark,1 common buzzard,willow warbler again in trees near houses,this time was only heard.5 linnet,2 common whitethroat,1 wren,5 goldfinch,6 reed bunting.4 meadow pipit and 2 sedge warbler near the brook,2 greenfinch and a further 14 skylark in various locations.
Leucistic Mallard - Holme Pit
Tuesday 23rd June
2 Corn Bunting singing on Barton Lane this evening and a further 3 singing on the side of the Gotham Rd. 2 Common Buzzard perched in trees on the Drift lane plantation also 4 Yellowhammer and 2 Yellow Wagtail on The Drift.
Sightings for Clifton Pastures sent in from James Christmas were: large falcon with jesses cirling above,possibly some sort of hybrid peregrine,it looked brownish.other sightings were...willow warbler in trees next to houses,(this is the 1st time ive seen this bird at this location),4 common whitethroat,1 yellowhammer,8 reed bunting,2 hobby (around small wood),3 common buzzard,1 sedge warbler(nr brook),200+common swift,5 goldfinch,3 small flocks of linnet,2 meadow pipit,2 yellow wagtail(top field nr larkhill).
Sunday 21st June
The Red tail was showing very well this morning around Branshill Wood also 4 Common Buzzard in the area. 2 Reed Warbler in the small area of water facing the Rough Wood. Group of 12 Tree Sparrow in the hedgerow near Barton village consisting of 9 Juv and 3 adults.
Male Cuckoo calling this evening from Barton Flash but stayed out of sight. Hobby over Clifton Pastures and 5 singing Corn Bunting.
Red-tailed Hawk - Branshill Wood
Saturday 20th June
2 Little Owl still in the area of Ash Trees in an undisclosed area but still no sign of breeding. 6 Common Tern fishing over Holme Pit and up to 6 singing Reed Warbler in the reed-beds
Thursday 18th June
A single Turtle Dove flushed from the Drift Lane Plantation this evening is the first sighting this year of this now very scarce summer visitor to the area. Also in the area were 3 singing Corn Bunting and 2 Grey Partridge around Barton Lane.
Sunday 14th June
Small numbers of Sand Martin in a river bank colony numerous Common Tern on the river. Singing Garden Warbler and Sedge Warbler nearBranshillPonds. Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Common Whitethroat throughout. 4 Common Buzzard and the Red tailed Hawk over Branshill Wood. 2 singing Corn Bunting on Barton Lane.
Two excellent sightings were seen in the area whilst i was away for the Week, belated news of a Great White Egret seen flying down the river trent from Attenborough on the 6th and a Common Greenshank seen on Barton Flash on the 10th
There will be no updates until the 14th June as i will be away for a week on the Isle of Mull
Friday 5th June
Very quite this afternoon with only birds of note being - 2 Yellow Wagtail in the field near Barton Flash. 1 Hobby over Clifton Wood.
Weds 3rd June
Sightings from Clifton Pastures from James Christmas
2 Hobby dive bombing a crow that was perched on a pylon,quite a sight.other sightings were...2 common buzzard,13 reed bunting,6 common whitethroat,3 linnet,5 meadow pipit,2 sedge warbler(brook),7 goldfinch,2 greenfinch,1 wren,40+common swift.