Sightings December 2011
Tuesday 20th December
A male Merlin was once again in the large field between Barton-in-Fabis and Thrumpton this morning hunting Skylark, although distant. Once again the single Barnacle and Ross's Goose was present with the large Greylag flock. The herd of Mute Swan off Manor Road is growing in numbers as the winter progresses and will hopefully attract a few whooper or Bewick's in the coming weeks.
Fairly quite around Holme Pit with just a single calling Water Rail, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Mute Swan and two Shoveler. A small flock of c20 Siskin and two Lesser Redpoll were found feeding on Alders in Clifton Wood.
Mute Swan - Holme Pit
Sunday 18th December
A small flock of c20 Lesser Redpoll were found feeding on seed heads on the edge of the large field between Barton/Thrumpton at around midday. As I watched the flock a larger and much paler Redpoll landed on fencing that I immediately suspected to be a Mealy Redpoll. Watching this bird at close range on and off for the next hour, it was seen to have extensive white on the rump, and had a very cold feel about its plumage. After many photo's and note taking, I came to the conclusion that the bird was indeed a Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea flammea, At 1.15pm it flew off over the river with the Lesser Redpoll flock and was lost from view.
Also today were the feral Ross's and Barnacle Goose with the large Greylag flock, c40 Golden Plover and c80 Skylark in the area.
Earlier this morning were up to five calling Water Rail on Holme Pit and a single Little Grebe. c40 Siskin flew high over Clifton Wood towards the Grove.
Also today was a adult Yellow-legged Gull on the Highbank School field Clifton with c20 B-h Gull before it was flushed by a dog walker [J.Christmas]
Possible Mealy Redpoll - Barton/Thrumpton fields
Saturday 17th December
Only a brief visit to the area to look for the Bittern on Holme Pit, but no sign.
The rest of the day was spent watching the Juv Rough-legged Buzzard that is present at the Gedling Pit Top. This bird is showing very well, although Just a bit to distant for photography whilst I was there. Today's photo's of this stunning bird can be seen here.
Monday 12th December
No sign of the four Tundra Bean Geese on a very brief search of the area, late afternoon after work.
Sunday 11th December
Four Tundra Bean Geese were found in fields between Barton-in-Fabis and Thrumpton this afternoon at around 1.30pm.
They were found feeding near a small herd of Mute Swan on the field next to the large barn that is viewable from Manor Road Barton-in-Fabis.
They were always distant and as I tried to get closer they all flushed, they circled the field a few times but then dropped back down into the same spot. After they had settled I edged away and viewed them from the flood-bank. All four birds were still present when I left the site at 3.30pm.
Once again due to the distant and atrocious weather conditions, I only managed to get a few poor record shots of these very rare visitors to the area.
The adult White-Fronted Goose was again with the large Greylag flock in the large field further towards Thrumpton. also in the area were c50 Golden Plover, c500 Northern Lapwing, c200 Fieldfare and c100 Skylark.
Tundra Bean Geese - Barton/Thrumpton fields
Saturday10th December
The Bittern was again present on Holme Pit this morning although only seen again in flight as it dropped into the reed bed. It was however seen by a fisherman early morning walking around on the ice just before I arrived.
4 Goldeneye were on the river facing the Grove. A large mobile tit flock went through the willows on the river bend that was been perused by a male Kestrel.
Nothing much around on Branshill Moor due to a big pheasant shoot in the area.
The White-fronted Goose was again present with the large Greylag flock in fields near Thrumpton late afternoon.
male Kestrel - Clifton Grove
Sunday 4th December
A Bittern was flushed from the far fishing platform on the left side corner of Holme Pit and flew into the reed-bed at 7.45am, also single Water Rail flew across the water.
C25 Siskin were found feeding on Alders in Clifton Wood, c40 Meadow Pipit in fields near the Yellow Gate.
Over at Barton on the riverside fields a single adult White-fronted Goose was found with the large Greylag flock, also within the flock was the adult male Ross's and an adult Barnacle Goose both of feral origin.
White-fronted Goose - Barton-in-Fabis
Barnacle Goose - Barton-in-Fabis
Saturday 3rd December
A Merlin was seen in pursuit of a small flock of Skylark this afternoon over fields between Barton-in-Fabis and Thrumpton at 3.30pm
Also in the area were a single adult Shelduck, 4 flyover Golden Plover, 4 Common Buzzard, 6 Egyptian Geese and large numbers of Greylags coming into roost at dusk.
Friday 2nd December
Two Shoveler on Holme Pit this afternoon and a large flock of Linnet feeding near the Yellow Gate Pond [J.Hall & K.James]
Thursday 1st December
A Bittern flew across Holme Pit, also drake Mandarin[third site record], 2 calling Water Rail, 2 Grey Heron and Green Woodpecker [Nottinghamshire Birdwatchers Website]