WIlley; I still have not found any whitethroats or Lesser Whitethroats around the farmland hedgerows were I would expect them, for some migrant birds its proving to be a very late Spring.
Cotesbach landfill; similar to last evening, except three Shoveler, five Teal, a Shelduck, three Egyptian Geese. A Common Sandpiper again. On ly a single Red Kite seen.
The male Grey Wagtail was still collecting food for its nestlings.
Cotesbach Landfill/Shawell Lagoons; This morning the three Egyptian Geese, Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 33 Tufted Duck and only five Teals on the pools. A coupled of both Sand Martins and House Martins, a single Swallow. Two Skylarks flew off the adjacent works field and over. Five Red Kites were around.
An Oystercatcher was on a small island.
A single Cormorant and two Great-crested Grebes were on the south pool.
Stanford reservoir; the cool wind did not help finding migrants, any about were keeping their heads down and song very muted. A Common Sandpiper and three Yellow Wagtails were on the dam. A Goldcrest was singing in the bushes near the dam. A couple of Goldeneye were present on the water (m+f).
Rutland Water; I decided to visit here after looking locally as they have had a good run of migrants in recent days. In all a good selection of birds were seen during the visit.
The principle rarity present was a 1st winter Bonaparte's Gull, this showed well on lagoon 4 and was very active, not settling still hardly at all. At least 20 Little Gulls were also present here. Waders here included Grey Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Avocets, Greenshank (2), Redshank and Whimbrel.
A pair of Grey Partridges were on the track near the far gate whilst a Cuckoo kept flying on and off the fence onto the lagoon bank.
Ducks included a female Scaup, two Wigeon, Goldeneye and a female Pintail. Plenty of Common terns were around.
Cotesbach landfill; this morning 20 Red Kites feeding, two drake Shelduck, as yesterday few Shoveler and Teal.
Stanford reservoir; about 1505h two adult Little Gulls were spotted, by 1530h there were 5. A passage through the Midlands reported today. They always stayed centrally in the reservoir, so distant record photos.
Also noted were a Lesser Whitethroat, three Whitethroats, Treecreepers at two locations, a singing Goldcrest behind the dam and 12 Yellow Wagtails on the dam/spillway.
Common butterflies were out today - Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Peacock, Speckled Wood.
Willey; still only one Swallow around. This high pressure has been sitting over us several days now ans with the N/NE wind direction clearly migration of many visitors have been slowed or halted. Hopefully the next few days will see a change to this weather pattern.
Cotesbach landfill; a look around the area this evening. A pair of Gadwall, and couple of Yellow Wagtails were notable, otherwise just the regulars.
Stanford reservoir; I had a walk here during the morning, the weather was not helping. A Muntjac wandered along the path in front of me before heading off. Warblers present were not singing much at all and other birds were keeping their heads down.
A Mallard with eight ducklings on the open water was see, Also six Goldeneye and two Wigeon noted.
Barlestone; I visited an area next to the village this evening to catch-up with three Ring Ouzels which had been reported here during the day. Viewing the field I soon spotted two and then a third Ring Ouzel. They were busy feeding and did seem to mind activities going on around them (like the farmer feeding his Sheep), popping in to the hedge if needed, then soon out again.
Also in the area were at six Song Thrush feeding together, plus other nearby and two singing. A good number of Blackbirds and a single Mistle Thrush. A Greenfinch singing, also Stock and Collared Doves, Starlings collecting food/next material, a Sparrowhawk flew over.
Cotesbach landfill; this evening three Egyptian Geese (where's the fourth gone?), four Yellow Wagtails and at least 10 Pied Wagtails. Possible White Wagtail, but too far off to be sure, hopefully it may hang around a day or so. A flock, c25, Goldfinch were feeding on a weedy area. Several Raven were seen/heard over the area.
Shoveler -10 and Teal 25.
Cotesbach Landfill area; the only new birds were three Gadwall.
Stanford Reservoir; an evening look. On the dam two Yellow Wagtails and Common Sandpiper.
Eleven Goldeneye were present.
Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaffs were singing.
Not such a cold feeling day as recently, but still not Spring.
Cotesbach Landfill; a look late afternoon today.
Several Red Kites and a single Buzzard. Fewer Teal and Shoveler today, the four Egyptian Geese were back, as two separate pairs this time. A few Raven were over the far side to me and often heard.
Stanford reservoir; a look here after lunch, but the weather was not helping things being out or singing. Generally quiet with little happening.
Nine Goldeneye were in the centre of the reservoir. A Grey Wagtail was on the dam. Several Chiffchaffs were singing at times. A single Swallow was seen near the dam.
Another very cool day all round.
Willey; a single Swallow was around the stables area today.
Cotesbach landfill; a look here after lunch, but the wind was most keen and cold so a sheltered spot was a premium. Wildfowl included Shelduck, Teal, Tufted, Shoveler, Mallard and Canada Goose. A single Little Grebe was spotted.
Most Gulls were distant on the tip area, though it does seem the number of Black-headed Gulls has dropped. Still plenty of the larger Gulls though.
A couple of Swallows and Sand Martins were low over the pools, trying to find food. Yesterdays male Wheatear was still present and feeding in the lee of the wind.
