Aug' 18

Lower Derwent Valley NNR - August Sightings

The month was marked by the continuing drought, with the occasional heavy thunder storm doing little to halt the last remaining areas of open water from shrinking. Aside from a steady trickle of passage waders, it felt a bit similar of late with little new in the way of highlights. However, up to three Garganey lingered and the male Pintail from the breeding pair put in yet another couple of sporadic appearances, whilst the build up in the evening duck flight onto the pool at Wheldrake Ings attracted up to 300 Mallard and 50 Teal.  20+ Grey Herons and 8 Little Egrets showed a slight decline on previous months, no doubt reflecting the drying conditions, whilst the same conditions presumably accounted for drawing the Water Rails out on the pool and scrape at Wheldrake to show well, with at least 11 individuals recorded. Two Common Cranes were reported over Hagg Bridge on the 25^th with yet another Great White Egret on the 31^st.  

The first returning Merlin appeared at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th with a family party of five Hobbies over Bank Island the previous day – with almost daily sightings throughout the valley. Two lingering cream crown Marsh Harriers were joined by an adult pair mid month and others thereafter (at least six birds involved). Red Kites were also regularly recorded, whilst a rehabilitated juvenile was released at North Duffield carrs on the 8^th. Another Osprey passed through on the 27^th whilst Peregrine sightings picked up towards month end. 

Wader passage was little more than a trickle with two Golden Plover, single Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, four Common Sandpipers, six Whimbrel, 11 Black-tailed Godwits, four late Curlew (11^th) and a Spotted Redshank (23^rd). Up to 29 Common Snipe were feeding on the pool at Wheldrake, which as usual accounted for the majority of Green Sandpiper records – up to nine regularly with a peak of 15 on the 15^th. The family party of three fledged Common Terns departed quickly after fledging (also attracting additional passage birds), whilst good numbers of Kingfishers continued to show (or at least be vocal) at several sites. The first two autumn passage Whinchats were found on the 11^th, building up to five on the 28^th, whilst good numbers of Yellow Wagtails headed south later in the month along with a single Tree Pipit. The re-appearance of Jays at Wheldrake felt more autumnal. Equally, warbler passage continued albeit at lower levels than in recent years, whilst several Nuthatch were recorded from mid-month – presumably local dispersal from breeding sites. 

Many thanks as always to everyone who has submitted records throughout the month, in particular to members of the YOC and regular valley birder Duncan Bye, thanks also to Duncan for the use of his photographs (credited DB).

BIRDS:

Greylag Goose – 68 were present at East Cottingwith on the 17^th with 23 at Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th, but otherwise just small single figure counts from the valley. 350 + were feeding on stubbles between Elvington and Grimston Bar on the 22^nd and 23^rd – presumably birds roosting at the Heslington East Campus, as they were joined by c15 Snow Geese on the 23^rd. 600+ present there on the 29^th. 

Canada Goose – 25 passed over Bank Island on the 23^rd – the peak count for the month with most birds having not yet returned from the moulting sites further north.  

Egyptian Goose – A single pair remained at East Cottingwith throughout. 

Teal – 50 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st with 27 there on the 10^th and 22 on the 17^th. 40 + were present on the 19^th. 

 

Pintail – A single eclipse drake was present at Wheldrake on the 1^st with the adult breeding male caught in eclipse plumage on the 9^th. 

Mallard – 300+ were present at the evening flight at Wheldrake Ings on the 14^th. 

Garganey – A single drake was still present at Wheldrake on the pool on the 1^st, remaining and showing well until the 10^th with three were present on the 11^th. Two remained between the 12^th – 17^th with one thereafter until month end. 

 

Garganey - Wheldrake Ings - 15/08 - DB

Gadwall – Up to 13 were present early in the month at North Duffield Carrs, with up to 15 at Wheldrake and smaller numbers scattered elsewhere. 11 were still present at North Duffield on the 15^th when a further 10 were recorded elsewhere.

Shoveler – A single unfledged brood remained on the pool at Wheldrake on the 1^st when a further 20 birds flew into roost. 

Grey Heron – Up to six were present at Bank Island on the 1^st and 2^nd when eight were also at Wheldrake Ings. Nine were there on the 7^th and 9^th, with up to five at Bank Island around this time – an estimated 20+ throughout the valley. 11 at Wheldrake on the 23^rd with 12 there on the 27^th and 18 on the 30^th. 

Little Egret – Smaller numbers remained early in the month with three at Bank Island on the 1^st along with two at North Duffield Carrs and five at Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd. Three were still at Wheldrake on the 8^th when up to eight were scattered throughout, by now, a rather dry site. Two on the river bank at Thorganby on the 14^th, followed by five throughout the site on the 16^th and nine on the 17^th. Six were at Bank Island on the 19^th including a colour-ringed bird (yellow T, red H). One or two remained thereafter as the site continued to dry out. 

 

Little Egrets - Wheldrake - 19/08 - DB

Great White Egret – One flew into Bank Island with two Grey Herons early morning on the 31^st before heading off east (CSR).

Common Crane – Two were reported via Birdguides heading over Hagg Bride on the 26^th.

Osprey – A single fishing near Tower Hide on the 27^th flew off towards Sutton-upon-Derwent (DB). 

Red Kite – Present almost daily at Wheldrake early in the month with two there on the 4^th along with a single at Canal Head, Pocklington on the 5^th. A rehabilitated juvenile was ringed and released at North Duffield Carrs on the 8^th where it flew strongly off towards Aughton (JT et al). 

Marsh Harrier – Presently daily at Wheldrake early in the month with two cream crowns regularly in the valley throughout. An adult male and female were present at Wheldrake on the 10^th with presumably the same birds at North Duffield Carrs the next day. Cream crowns were again present at North Duffield and Wheldrake on the 14^th, whilst three were present at Wheldrake on the 17^th. Later in the month up to three cream crowns, a single adult female, an adult male and a second year male were all present – at least six individuals involved but presumably others moved through. On the 31^st five were present - pair with 3 juvs (SW).

 

Marsh Harrier - Wheldrake - 27/08 - DB

Peregrine – One over Thorganby on the 19^th whilst one powered low over Wheldrake in hot pusuit of a small wader on the 29^th. On the same day a single male was picked up at Elvington and taken into care but unfortunately had to be put to sleep.  

Hobby – One headed over Bank Island on the 2^nd with another near Melbourne on the 5^th - regular sightings followed thereafter from both sites. A single caught and ate a House Martin at the pool at Wheldrake on the 7^th. A family party of five were present at Bank Island on the 14^th with one at Elvington on the 17^th, Dunnington on the 19^th, two over North Duffield village on the 21^st and a family party of four at Thorganby on the 23^rd. Two were still at Wheldrake on the 27^th. 

Merlin – The first returning bird, a male, was present at Wheldrake on the 15^th.

Water Rail – Up to three adults and three fledged juveniles were present on the scrape at Swantails Ings on the 1^st and 2^nd, with up to three unfledged young (2 broods) on the pool there at the same time. Five juveniles were present at Swantail Ings on the 11^th with regular sightings thereafter.

Moorhen – Up to 30 birds frequented the pool at Wheldrake throughout the month with 10 on the river bank at Thorganby on the 14^th. 

Little Ringed Plover – A single on the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 30^th. 

Ringed Plover – An adult and immature paused on the pool at Wheldrake Ings briefly on the 23^rd. 

Golden Plover – Two flew south over Thorganby on the 8^th. 

Lapwing –  Numbers declined further early in the month with 54 at Wheldrake on the 1^st. 

Dunlin – A single was present on the pool on the 9^th-11^th.

Ruff – A single on the pool at Wheldrake on the 4^th with another there on the 19^th-21^st. 

 

Ruff - Wheldrake - 19/08 - DB

Common Snipe – The pool at Wheldrake held the largest concentration and most obvious birds with 12 there on the 2^nd and 18 on the 3^rd. Numbers increased to 29 there on the 8^th as other sites continued to dry out. 21 were at Bank Island on the 23^rd with a further 17 at Wheldrake – a total of 38 between the sites. 30+ remained to month end. 

Black-tailed Godwit – Eight were present at Wheldrake throughout the day on the 3^rd with two recorded from there on the 8^th. A single immature was present on the 14^th-21^st.

Curlew – Two were still present in fields by North Duffield Carrs on the 8^th with two at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th, and four at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th. A single was present at Wheldrake on the 26^th. 

Whimbrel – Single calling birds passed over Wheldrake and Ellerton on the night of the 31^st/1^st and again at Ellerton during the night of the 1^st/2^nd, with a lone bird calling south over Wheldrake at dusk on the 2^nd. Two flew into the pool at Wheldrake at dawn on the 8^th.

Redshank – A single juvenile was present on the pool at Wheldrake on the 6^th. 

Spotted Redshank – A single flew into Bank Island calling on the 23^rd.

Greenshank – A single was present on the pool at Wheldrake on the 14^th with one on the banks of the River Derwent at Ellerton on the 16^th, and another or the same at Wheldrake from the 19^th-23^rd. Another single was at Wheldrake on the 29^th with presumably the same at Bank Island on the 30^th.

Green Sandpiper – 10 were present at Wheldrake on the 1^st (with three also present along Melbourne and Thornton Ings), followed by 12 there on the 2^nd, nine on the 3^rd and eight on the 4^th. Nine were present at this key site again on the 8^th- 11^th, whilst nine then remained regularly thereafter with peaks of 12 on the 14^th, 15 onthe 15^th and 13 on the 17^th. 15 were present again between Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 19^th followed by 11 between Bank Island and Wheldrake from the 20^th-23^rd. Up to 13 remained on the 26^th/27^th between those two sites with 11 on the 29^th.

17 new birds caught and ringed by month end suggesting some degree of turnover, with a further single immature ringed on the 9^th being retrapped on the 29^th, having gained weight and laid down fat deposits. This represents about 25 - 35% of the average UK ringing totals for this species.  A total of 15 of these were immature birds suggesting a successful breeding season further north, the adults having completed or suspended wing moult by month end. 

 

Green Sandpiper - Wheldrake - 01/08 - DB

Common Sandpiper – Four remained at Wheldrake on the 1^st with three there on the 2^nd-4^th and one on the 5^th. A single paused briefly there on the 29^th. 

Wood Sandpiper – A single was present briefly on the 1^st. 

Common Tern – Four flew over Elvington on the 1^st when a further single joined the pair at Wheldrake briefly. The Wheldrake Ings brood fledged on the 2^nd when the first chick was seen taking a short exploration flight around the pool. All three youngsters were seen on the wing on the 6^th. A total of 8 birds were present there on the 7^th with them all departing the following day. A total of two pairs bred in the valley fledging six young.

Cuckoo – A single juvenile was at North Duffield Carrs on the 16^th.

Turtle Dove – A single flew over the reserve base on the 29^th – presumably a passage bird.  Only the second record of the year. 

Jay – A single at Wheldrake on the 11^th followed by three there on 14^th gave a more autumnal feel.

Kingfisher – Several individuals were active around Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings early in the month, with a further pair present throughout at Elvington Lock. A pair bred near Melbourne Arm on the Pocklington Canal with at least three fledged young seen there on the 2^nd and 5^th and regularly thereafter. Seven at Wheldrake on the 9^th with one at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th.  

Nightjar – One immature was seen well a couple of times as it was flushed near Nightjar heath (FM, JC). 

Whinchat – Singles were present at Tower Hide and Swantail Hide at Wheldrake on the 11^th – the first of the autumn (CSR, DB), with another at the same site on the 18^th (DB, JL). A single was present again on the 23^rd followed by three there on the 27^th/28^th, with another two at North Duffield Carrs on the 28^th (JC/CSR) and four at Wheldrake Ings on the 29^th, with two remaining on the 31^st.

Swallow – A noticable southward passage through the valley was noted on the 11^th with 300 south over Wheldrake on the 11^th. Over 1000 were present over the main meadow there on the 15^th. 

House Martin – Small numbers moved south over Wheldrake with 50+ on the 11^th.

Swift – Many local birds started to move off early in the month with one over Wheldrake on the 11^th. Numbers reduced further thereafter with just singles recorded over the Ings at month end. 

Yellow Wagtail – Good numbers headed south over the valley throughout with 20+ at North Duffield Carrs on the 28^th. 30+ headed south over Wheldrake during the morning of the 29^th whilst 20 were present there at dusk on the same date.

Tree Pipit – A single flew south at North Duffield Carrs on the 28^th. 

Spotted Flycatcher – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 25^th (JL). 

Willow Warbler – Autumn passage was well below par with just a trickle of birds moving through the site and ringing totals well down on previous years. Interestingly, coastal ringing and migration sites logged higher than usual numbers. 

Blackcap – Following the departure of most local breeding birds early in the month, a second wave of presumed passage birds were noted later in the month in the ringers nets and confirmed by a count of 12 at Wheldrake on the 27^th (MFJ).

Reed Warbler – Good numbers of local breeding birds were joined by passage birds moving through the site.

Willow Tit – A single was present at Skipwith Common NNR on the 2^nd with three near Melbourne Arm, Melbourne on the 8^th. Two were present there on the 17^th with two at Wheldrake on the 27^th. 

Marsh Tit – A single bird was present at Skipwith Common NNR on the 2^nd.

Nuthatch – A single calling bird was present at Skipwith Common NNR on the 2^nd. Singles were also recorded in Melbourne on the 17^th, Thorganby on the 19^th, followed by three at Wheldrake on the 25^th, two on the 27^th and a single calling there on the 28^th. One was calling at Bank Island on the 31^st whilst two were heard calling in roadside Oaks between Thorganby and Wheldrake on the same day.

Crossbill – Three calling birds flew over Canal Head, Pockington on the 5^th (DB).

Starling – 300+ were present at the Wheldrake roost on the 2^nd.

MAMMALS:

Brown Hare – Two at Bank Island on the 4^th and a single at Thorganby on the 14^th, followed by singles at Bank Island on the 25^th, Wheldrake on the 26^th and North Duffield Carrs on the 28^th.

Red Fox – Singles at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st, 4^th and 25^th.

Roe Deer – Singles at Wheldrake on the 4^th, 8^th, 12^th, 15^th and 26^th.

BUTTERFLIES:

Red Admiral – Two at Bank Island on the 18^th followed by one on the 21^st.

Peacock – Three at Wheldrake on the 4^th, followed by singles at Skipwith Common on the 7^th and Wheldrake on the 18^th.

Small Tortoiseshell – Two at Bank Island on the 18^th followed by one on the 21^st and 30^th.

Painted Lady – Three were along the riverside track at Wheldrake on the 10^th followed by three in the reserve base garden on the 11^th. Singles present at Bank Island on the 18^th, 19^th and 21^st. Two were still present there on the 29^th when a single was also recorded at Wheldrake Ings. During the butterfly transect on the 30^th three were seen in the NNR base garden.

Comma – Two at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th were followed by three in the reserve base garden on the 11^th. Two were recorded during the butterfly transect on the 30^th.

Small Copper – Singles at the reserve base on the 7^th, 10^th, 21^st and 25^th, along with one at Wheldrake on the 11^th.

Brown Argus – Two were present at the reserve base garden on the 2^nd when a single was also recorded on Skipwith Common, with several present at Skipwith Common on the 5^th (a site which has previously been known to support a colony). Five were then present regularly at the reserve base garden thereafter until the 16^th. Three were still on the wing on the 17^th with four there on the 18^th. Up to four remained thereafter until the 23^rd when a single was present at Thorganby. Just one remained at the NNR base on the 27^th.

Common Blue – Single at the NNR base on the 21^st.

Holly Blue – A single in the reserve base garden on the 8^th followed by two on the butterfly transect on the 21^st.

Brimstone – Single at Church Bridge, Melbourne, on the 4^th.

Large White – Nine were recorded on the butterfly transect between Bank Island and the riverside track to Wheldrake Ings on the 21^st, followed by 6 on the 30^th.

Small White - 21 were recorded on the butterfly transect between Bank Island and the riverside track to Wheldrake Ings on the 21^st, followed by 7 on the 30^th.

Speckled Wood – 6 at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th were followed by 6 at Skipwith on the 7^th and 2 at Wheldrake on the 8^th. On the 12^th 3 were recorded at Bank Island with 11 at Wheldrake on the same day. A flurry of records was then had with 4 at Bank Island and 11 at Wheldrake on the 18^th, and 4 at Bank Island and 18 at Wheldrake on the 19^th. During the butterfly transect on the 21^st another high count of 17 was had. On the 25^th 5 were at Bank Island with 13 at Wheldrake on the same date, followed by 3 at Bank Island and 14 at Wheldrake on the 27^th. Five were recorded during the butterfly transect on the 30^th.

Meadow Brown – Single at Bank Island on the 4^th.

Gatekeeper – Single at Skipwith Common on the 7^th.

Purple Hairstreak – Recorded from various locations: the car park lane at Wheldrake, the large road side Oaks between Wheldrake and Thorganby, a Thorganby garden and small roadside Oaks near Dunnington – probably more widespread than previously thought.

DRAGONFLIES:

Southern Hawker – Two at Wheldrake Ings on 11^th, followed by singles on the 18^th, 19^th and 25^th.

Common Hawker – One at Wheldrake Ings on the 11^th.

Brown Hawker – A good year for this species with large numbers present throughout the month.

Ruddy Darter – Present throughout on Wheldrake Ings and Skipwith Common NNR.

Common Darter – Present throughout on Wheldrake Ings and Skipwith Common NNR.