Welcome to the LDV NNR ringing blog, this blog is designed to share the experiences, findings and tales from a group of dedicated ringers. We specialise in conservation orientated research projects, largely focusing on wildfowl, waders, owls and birds of conservation concern, in and around the Vale of York NNR's.

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May 18

Lower Derwent Valley NNR - May Sightings

May is often an exciting month in the valley and this year it certainly didn’t disappoint. The month opened with at least two, possibly three Great White Egrets amongst the large numbers (up to 50+ and 12 pairs) of the smaller Little Egret. A White Stork may have been of dubious origin, however it was a fine sight nevertheless as it patrolled the shallows around the edge of North Duffield Carrs on the 2nd and drew an admiring local crowd. The same site continued to host a confiding pair of Garganey in front of the Geoff Smith Hide (before moving infront of Garganey Hide having finally read the script), whilst several other individuals were still present and showing well at Wheldrake Ings, Bank Island, the Low Grounds, Aughton Ings and Thornton Ings throughout the month – one of the best showings in several years. At least nine drakes and a minimum of five females were present around the reserve. 


A Sandwich Tern that lingered for the day on the 7th was well received by local birders, and may well have been bird of the month was it not for the brief appearance of a White-winged Black Tern at Bank Island on the 20th – although sadly only seen by one observer. The first Corncrake of the year turned up on the 9th infront of the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs and called for the rest of the month – and even showed itself on occasions to a few of the 400+ observers who are estimated to have enjoyed the sound of this bird rasping from the meadows. Seven other calling birds were located during the month with three Spotted Crakes also present along with the first returning Quail. Hobbies had a great month with up to eight over Wheldrake from mid-month and with possibly up to 16 around the whole valley.


Other records of additional interest included 3 lingering Whooper Swans, an Arctic Tern on the 8th,  a Common Crane until mid-month (with another flyover), and two first summer Little Gulls on the 20th. Wader passage included three Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plover, two Green Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper (3rd-6th) a Turnstone (7th and 28th) and two Bar-tailed Godwits (11th). Several parties of Black-tailed Godwits continued to pass through the site with at least one pair lingering during the month, along with seven lekking Ruff. Breeding wader numbers were promising with 67 drumming Snipe recorded and enjoyed by many whilst listening out for the Corncrake at North Duffield Carrs at dusk. A Turtle Dove over Bank Island on the 7th was also notable.

As not to be out done by the birds some notable mammal sightings were logged including two Fallow Deer at Bank Island on the 8th with a single there on the 18th. A Badger made a quick dash the full length of the Wheldrake meadow in daylight on the 11th, where the first Roe Deer fawn was recorded on the 10th. As expected the number and varity of insects increased during the month with a now annual sighting of two Hairy Dragonflies (Wheldrake and Skipwith) on the 18th.



Many thanks as always to everyone who has submitted records throughout the month, in particular to regular valley birder Duncan Bye, and thanks also to everyone for the use of their photographs - Duncan Bye (DB), David Gilfillan (DG), Jono Leadley (JL), Terry Weston (TW). 



BIRDS:

Whooper Swan – A single remained at Aughton until the 2nd. Two were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 3rd with three there on the 12th and two thereafter until month end. A single was present on the Low Grounds on the 18th.

Mute Swan – 124 were present early in the month which included 11 breeding pairs. The usual build up of non-breeding and sub-adults continued with 64 at North Duffield Carrs and 53 at Wheldrake on the 7th – a total of 127 non-breeding birds (149 in total). 69 were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 13th and 14th, when the first brood of nine were present on the Pocklington Canal. Numbers continued to increase with 86 at North Duffield and 41 at Wheldrake (a total of 144 non breeders throughout the site) on the 17th.  Numbers fell slightly towards month end as water levels receded with 40+ still present at North Duffield to month end. Several other broods began to appear late in the month. 

Greylag Goose – A productive breeding season with up to 100 goslings at Wheldrake throughout the month. A brood of 11 were present on the canal at Melbourne on the 3rd while additional broods (six) appeared at Bank Island on the 10th with two broods (15 goslings) at North Duffield Carrs on the 17th. 45 were present on the Low Grounds on the 9th while 60+ flew in to roost at Aughton on the 10th. Two broods (11 goslings) were present at North Duffield on the 20th whilst four pairs with 21 goslings were present at the East Cottingwith pond on the 21st

Canada Goose – A single pair bred and raised seven young at East Cottingwith on a local farm pond.

Egyptian Goose – Three were present on the Low Grounds on the 16th with four at Wheldrake on the 20th. The single pair remained at the farm pond at East Cottingwith throughout, including a ringed bird, possibly the one ringed at Wheldrake in a previous year. Four were again present on the Low Grounds on the 25th to month end, followed by two at Thorganby on the 28th and three at Wheldrake on the 29th.

Shelduck – 110+ birds were present at the start of the month, with the first brood of the year (nine ducklings) present on the River Derwent at Thorganby on the 14th. Up to 60 territorial males were present at North Duffield throughout the month with up to 30 in the Thorganby area and scattered pairs elsewhere. 

 
Shelduck family - Thorganby - 14/05/18



Wigeon – 40+ remained early in the month with 18 at Wheldrake on the 4th. Four pairs were present on the 7th with eight pairs located during the month. A full survey of Wheldrake on the 29th revealed eight drakes and three females (including a female distracting) on that date, with two additional drakes at North Duffield Carrs and a single at Aughton Ings on the same date. 

Teal – 271 remained throughout the site early in the month with 50 present to month end. The first brood of nine were recorded at North Duffield Carrs on the 25th

Mallard – Good numbers of broods continued to appear throughout the month with good survival rates noted. Large numbers of off-duty, loafing drakes were present throughout the site. 

Pintail –Two females and a drake remained at Wheldrake early in the month with a single female at North Duffield Carrs, and two pairs on Melbourne and Thornton Ings on the 2nd. Two pairs were still present on the 7th with a single remaining at Wheldrake until month end. A female was thought to be incubating there on the 10th.

Garganey – Pairs remained at Wheldrake Ings, North Duffield Carrs (where they were copulating on the 1st) and Thornton Ings early in the month. Birds were showing well thereafter with increasing numbers including four drakes at Wheldrake on the 5th and three on the Low Grounds on the 6th. A full count on the 7th produced a total of 13 birds (four pairs and five drakes), by which time two females were thought to be incubating. Four males and a female were still showing at the Low Grounds on the 9th with two drakes at North Duffield Carrs on the 10th. A drake was calling after dark at Aughton on the 10th. Four or five drakes were then present daily at Wheldrake although became harder to locate as the vegetation grew, whilst two drakes and a female were at Bank Island from the 18th with a pair still at Aughton on the 20th. A minimum of five pairs present to month end. 

 
Garganey - North Duffield - 04/05 - DB

Gadwall – Good numbers were seen throughout the valley - sample counts included 15 pairs at North Duffield Carrs and 17 loafing drakes on the Low Grounds on the 10th, along with13 pairs at North Duffield and seven at Aughton Ings. 

Shoveler – Up to 80 pairs were present throughout the site.

Tufted Duck – Good numbers remained throughout the month with up to 50 pairs present.

Pochard – A single drake lingered at Wheldrake until the 8th

Grey Heron – Numbers of feeding birds on the reserve increased as adults were busy feeding young, with 18 at Wheldrake on the 17th and 18th, 11 at Bank Island on the 19th and 13 on the 28th. The first fledged young of the year were noted at Bank Island on the 31st.

 
Grey Heron - Bank Island - 03/05


Little Egret – Large numbers were present during the month with minimum partial counts of 19 on the 1st and 22 on the 2nd (including peaks of seven at Wheldrake, six at North Duffield and six at Bank Island. Numbers continued to increase with counts of 10 at Wheldrake and seven at North Duffield , and seven at both the Low Grounds and Bank Island on the 6th. A full count on the 7th produced a minimum of 42 birds (excluding the heronry). A colour-ringed bird (H4) was present at Bank Island on the 8th. A check of the heronry on the 10th revealed a total of 12 occupied nests. Other more notable counts included 11 at Ellerton Ings on the 14th, with eight at East Cottingwith and 13 at Wheldrake Ings on the 15th (with an estimated 50+ throughout the whole site).

Great White Egret – Two were present at North Duffield Carrs on the afternoon of the 1st (CSR) with another reported at Sutton Ings in the evening. A single was then found on the Low Grounds at Sutton on the 2nd (AF). Two remained and showed well in the Low Grounds/Wheldrake area until the 8th, when one was seen heading off to roost in the heronry at 2140hrs. At least one remained at Wheldrake daily to the 25th with a second bird at Bank Island on the 21st and one remaining there to month end (note – one bird is showing some damage to its right wing).

 
Great White Egret - Bank Island - 29/05


White Stork – A single bird was found in front of the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs on the 2ndwearing a red ring (thought to be an escape, and previously seen touring Cambridgeshire, Staffordshire and more recently prior to the valley, East Yorkshire). Regardless of its origin it was a fine sight wading through the shallows of the Carrs. Present the following morning on Bubwith Ings.

Little Grebe –  Up to eight pairs were present throughout the site. 

Black -necked Grebe – A single pair were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 7th and were thought to be incubating by the 10th.  

Great Crested Grebe – Three pairs were still present at North Duffield Carrs on the 7th when seven birds (including one incubating pair), were present in the valley. Numbers decreased as the water receded with single pairs at both Wheldrake and North Duffield Carrs throughout the month.  

 
Great Crested Grebe - Wheldrake - 14/05


Common Crane – A single flew into Wheldrake, calling after dark on the 8th with presumably the same at Bubwith Ings on the 14th and Thorganby Ings on the 16th (CSR, FM). A single flew north over Wheldrake on the 29th before losing height and appearing to drop in at Bank Island (LM, NC et al) – however it couldn’t be relocated – a single bird was reported from Pickering later in the day, perhaps the same wandering individual.

Coot – 102 were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 10th with good numbers remaining to breed throughout the month.  

Red Kite – A pair were present in the Melbourne area with additional pairs in Elvington, Storwood, North Duffield and Skipwith. A pair were present in the Thorganby area on the 8th. A single was present at Wheldrake on the 10th with regular sightings of up to two birds there, with another two present in Storwood throughout the month. 

Common Buzzard – A single hit by a car at Crockey Hill on the 12th was rehabbed and released back there on the 14th (JT). Common throughout the area although a little less obvious with breeding well underway. 

Marsh Harrier – Cream crowned individuals continued to frequent the valley throughout the month, with a single at Skipwith Common on the 1st and 3rd, and an immature male at Wheldrake on the 7th and 8th. A further immature bird was present at Wheldrake on the 29th and was noted to be wearing two green wing tags. 

Hobby – Up to three birds showed well at Wheldrake early in the month, including a pair food passing on the 5th. Two were at Breighton Meadows on the 3rd with three at Bank Island on the 5th along with a pair over Skipwith Common. Six were in the air together over the pool at Wheldrake on the 8th, (hawking insects with a Kestrel). Six were agin present over Wheldrake on the 9th when two were also present over Bank Island. Two were at North Duffield along with two at Wheldrake on 10th, with six daily thereafter at Wheldrake until the 14th. Good numbers remained throughout the site with up to eight daily thereafter. Two were present over Bubwith on the 15th.

 
Hobby - Wheldrake - 22/05 - DG


Grey Partridge – Two in the car park meadow at North Duffield Carrs on the 7th with other pairs recorded at Thornton Ellers and Bubwith Ings during the month. A single pair were also present along the canal towpath at East Cottingwith on the 20th with another pair (possibly with young) at North Duffield Carrs on the 28th

Water Rail – Up to five calling males were present at Wheldrake on the 1st with four after dark there on the 8th. Three were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 10th with two singing males at Skipwith Common on the 20th. Other singing males included two at Aughton Ings, three along the Pocklington Canal and a single on the riverbank at Wheldrake Ings car park on the 29th

Spotted Crake – A single was calling in the early hours of the 1st at Wheldrake Ings (CSR), with the same individual calling again on the 10th and a single at North Duffield Carrs on the 14th. A single was calling after dark on North Duffield Ings on the 21st

Corncrake – The first calling male of the year was singing in front of the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs on the evening of the 9th (MC) and again on the 10th (CSR, EB, GM). Still present on the 11th and showed well to visitors, much to their surprise on the 12th and several dates thereafter - remaining until month end. Single singing males then arrived at Bank Island and Wheldrake with a further five singing males (eight in total) by month end. 

 
Corncrake - North Duffield - 12/05 JL

Quail – The first singing male was present at North Duffield on the 21st (CSR).

Oystercatcher – 11 at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st was the largest concentration recorded with up to 17 pairs scattered throughout the site. 

Ringed Plover – A single was present at Aughton and Breighton Meadows on the 3rd. Seven were present on the Low Grounds on the 13th.

Lapwing –  The first brood of the year were present on the Low Grounds on the 5th while a brood of two at North Duffield Carrs on the 10th had presumably been walked onto the site from higher ground - likewise with a brood at Wheldrake on the 13th. Two broods were walked over the road at Thorganby towards the Ings on the 21st with numerous broods present by month end. 

Dunlin – Three were present on the Low Grounds on the 13th

Ruff – Three males and a female were lekking at Aughton Ings on the 4th and 7th with a single female and two males at Wheldrake from the 1st – 7th. Birds became increasingly difficult to locate as the vegetation grew but a single male was still at Whelrake on the 19th with two there on the 20th/21st.

Common Snipe – Two clutches were found on the riverbank at North Duffield Carrs on the 5th with much drumming activity thereafter. Sample counts of drumming/chipping birds after dark on the 10th included nine at Wheldrake, eight at North Duffield Carrs, five at Bubwith, four at North Duffield Ings, four at Aughton and four at Ellerton, with a total of 67 drumming birds located by month end. 

 
Common Snipe - North Duffield - 28/05


Woodcock – Five roding birds were present at Skipwith Common at dusk on the 20th.

Black-tailed Godwit – A single pair lingered in the valley from the 1st with a lone bird, possibly an off duty male seen on the 6th before a pair were located again, copulating, on the 7th. Three were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 8th with twelve there on the 10th, seven on the 11th – 13th and three on the 14th. A pair lingered at this site thereafter. 31 flew north at Bank Island on the 18th

Bar-tailed Godwit – Two flew into Wheldrake Ings at dusk on the 8th with 11 Whimbrel (CSR).

Curlew – The first brood of four were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 17th, with three broods there on the 19th and another on the 28th. Up to 60 pairs were present throughout the month, on and adjacent to the reserve. 

 
Curlew - North Duffield - 28/05


Whimbrel – 39 were present at Wheldrake on the 4th with 11 there on the 7th – however, the roost had moved over this period so no peak count could be obtained. 11 were present again there on the 8th with a single earlier in the day at North Duffield Carrs. Two were at Wheldrake on the 15th

Redshank – Despite the high water levels up to 18 were present in the Ellerton/Aughton Ings area on the 8th. Wheldrake Ings held two pairs, with two pairs also present on the Low Grounds and three (pairs) at North Duffield Carrs. A pair were seen with chicks at NDC on the 28th whilst two broods were recorded at Wheldrake on the 29th

Greenshank – A single flew north calling over Bank Island on the 30th.

Common Sandpiper – A single was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st and remained until the 7th. One was heard calling after dark at Aughton Ings on the 10th

Green Sandpiper – Two flew north at Bank Island on the 8th

Wood Sandpiper – A single was reported from Aughton on the 3rd with one on the Low Grounds on the 5th and Wheldrake on the 6th - possibly the same wandering individual. Another record came from the Low Grounds on the 21st

Turnstone – A single flew north over Wheldrake calling on the 7th (CSR) with another on the Low Grounds on the 28th (AF). 

Mediterranean Gull – A single adult was at North Duffield Carrs on the 3rd.

Little Gull – Two first summer birds were at Wheldrake on the 20th with one, or the same, seen later in the day at North Duffield Carrs (DB, JL).

Common Tern – A pair lingered at Wheldrake from the 1st with occasional sightings at Bank Island early in the month, including three present from the 2nd. Three additional birds were present at North Duffield on the 5th with four birds there on the 7th, whilst three pairs were seen on the tern raft there on the 7th. A pair continued to frequent Wheldrake occupying the raft from the 9th with five birds regularly present at this site. Two pairs remained and were incubating at month end. 

 
Common Tern pair - Wheldrake - 15/05


Arctic Tern – A single flew high to the north, over Bank Island on the 8th.

Sandwich Tern – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 7th was a popular bird as it lingered throughout the day, allowing several local and visiting birders to connect with an otherwise difficult bird in the York area (ET et al).

White-winged Black Tern – A single adult in summer plumage was present for just 15 minutes on the 20th – a great find for the lone observer (DB), and just reward for long hours of local patch watching. 

Long-eared Owl – An adult was calling on Skipwith Common on the 11th and 21st

Turtle Dove – A single flew over Bank Island on the 7th (CSR). 

Cuckoo – Three males and a female were present in the Melbourne area of the Pocklington Canal on the 18th. Other counts included up to three males and two females at Skipwith Common, with singing males at Bank Island, Wheldrake, Sutton on Derwent, Storwood, East Cottingwith, Ellerton and North Duffield Carrs. 

Jay – A  pair were present in the pool side scrub at Wheldrake on the 8th

Swift – A noticeable arrival brought over 30 to Wheldrake Ings on the 10th with 40 at North Duffield Carrs that evening, with an additional arrival bringing over 200+ throughout the valley on the 16th.

Swallow – A large arrival took place on the 1st with 500+ on the Low Grounds and similar numbers at Bank Island, and increased numbers scattered throughout the site. 

Wheatear – Three were present on the floodbank at Ellerton on the 2nd, followed by three there on the 3rd and a single at North Duffield Carrs on the 7th. A rather late female was present on muck heaps at Hagg Lane, East Cottingwith on the 28th

Lesser Whitethroat – Three were caught and ringed in the reserve base garden on the 2nd-3rd

Sedge Warbler – A large arrival took place overnight on the 1st/2nd, with calling birds widespread around the reserve including a single caught and ringed in the unusual location of the reserve base garden on the 2nd, followed by another caught and ringed there on the 3rd. 23 singing males were counted at Wheldrake on the 5th

 
Sedge Warbler - Wheldrake - 13/05 - DG


Reed Warbler – 15 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th

Garden Warbler – A single was recorded at Wheldrake on 4th, followed by three there on the 5th and six on the 7th - widespread thereafter. 

Grasshopper Warbler – The first of the year was reeling near Hagg Bridge on the 5th with another at Wheldrake on the 7th and one on the canal at East Cottingwith on the 10th

Cetti’s Warbler – A single male was reported from North Duffield Carrs on the 2nd with two present elsewhere in the valley on the 7th.  

Spotted Flycatcher – Two pairs were present at Skipwith village from the 17th with two at Melbourne Arm on the Pocklington Canal on the 30th



MAMMALS:

Weasel – A pair were noted to be breeding in the reserve base garden during the month. 

Brown Hare – 15 were present at Thornton on the 16th followed by 16 there on the 18th, with singles regulary seen between Bank Island and Wheldrake throughout the month. 

Fallow Deer – Two ran through the flood water at Bank Island on the 8th before crossing onto the Bank Island to Wheldrake path, and heading off towards the car park area - later heard barking after dark from Thicket Priory. A single was then present at Bank Island again on the 18th with three near Cheesecake Farm on the 21st and another at Bank Island on the 30th.

Roe Deer – The first fawn of the year was seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 10th, with adults regularly seen between Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings. 

 
Roe Deer - North Duffield - 28/05


Badger – A single ran the length of the main meadow at Wheldrake Ings on the 11th – an unusual record especially for midday (NC et al).



REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS:

Grass Snake – Two were present at Skipwith Common on the 16th (LM).

Adder – Three were present on Skipwith Common on the 5th

Common Lizard – Three at Skipwith on the 3rd followed by several there on the 5th

Smooth Newt – Nine in the reserve base pond at Bank Island on the 18th when several were noted displaying, followed by 12 there on the 19th



BUTTERFLIES:

Red Admiral – Single at Wheldrake Ings on the 29th


Peacock – A single at Sutton Ings on the 3rd along with one at Skipwith on the same day. Singles at Skipwith and Bank Island on the 8th, followed by two at North Duffield on the 14th and singles at Ellerton and North Duffield on the 15th. Two at the NNR base on the 29th

Comma – Singles at Wheldrake on the 5th and Bank Island on the 7th were followed by one at Wheldrake and Thorganby on the 10th. One at Bank Island on the 18th and 28th

Small Copper – One at North Duffield Carrs on the 14th

Speckled Wood – Eight at Skipwith on the 3rd were followed by three at Wheldrake on the 7th, a single at Bank Island on the 8th, two in the heronry on the 10th and a single at Bank Island on the 21st

Speckled Wood - Skipwith - 03/05

Brimstone – Single at East Cottingwith on the 4th followed by a pair in the heronry on the 14th. Singles at Wheldrake and Bank Island on the 20th, Bank Island on the 21st and Wheldrake on the 29th.

Orange Tip – Two at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st followed by three at the reserve base and Skipwith Common on the 3rd. 10 at Wheldrake on the 7th were followed by four at Skipwith and a single at Bank Island on the 8th. Single at Wheldrake and four in the heronry on the 10th were followed by one in Thorganby on the 14th. Two at Ellerton and Thorganby on the 15th and singles at North Duffield and Wheldrake. Four at Bank Island on the 17th and four pairs at Bank Island on the 21st. Single at North Duffield on the 28th

Green-veined White – 13 at Wheldrake Ings on the 7th and a single at Bank Island on the 8th

Large White – The first of the year was seen at Bank Island on the 3rd, followed by three there on the 7th and five at Wheldrake Ings.

Holly Blue – The first for the year was present at Wheldrake on the 7th.



DRAGONFLIES:

Emperor – The first of the year was present on the Pocklington Canal near Storwood on the 28th.

Four-spotted Chaser – Four at Skipwith Common on the 8th. A single at Bank Island on the 18th was followed by four at North Duffield on the 28th and two along the canal on the same day. 

 
Four-spotted Chaser - Skipwith - 08/05


Hairy Dragonfly – Single at North Duffield on the 28th

Large Red Damselfly – Six at Skipwith on the 3rd

 
Large Red - Skipwith - 03/05


Red-eyed Damselfly – Several were noted along the Pocklington Canal from Hagg Bridge to East Cottingwith on the 21st with c10 at Storwood on the 29th

Blue-tailed Damselfly – Five at Bank Island on the 8th were the first of the year.

Common Blue Damselfly – The first of the year (three) were recorded at Bank Island on the 8th

Azure Damselfly – Present in the heronry in Thorganby on the 10th

Banded Demoiselle – The first of the year were at Wheldrake Ings on the 26th with five on the Pocklington Canal at Storwood on the 28th when five were also present at Wheldrake Ings.



OTHERS:

Rosemary Beetle – The first of the year was present at Bank Island on the 26th.

Gorse Shield Bug – Single at Skipwith Common on the 3rd.

Hawthorn Shield Bug – Single at Skipwith Common on the 3rd.

 
Hawthorn Shield Bug - Skipwith - 03/05


Green Tiger Beetle – Noted in good numbers on Skipwith Common on the 3rd and the 8th.

Yellow Longhorn – Single at Skipwith Common on the 3rd.

Bee-Fly – Single in the heronry in Thorganby on the 10th

 
Bee-Fly - Thorganby - 10/05


Red & black Froghopper – Six near Ellerton on the 15th.

Cardinal Beetle –  Recorded at Newton Mask on the 21st and the NNR base on the 29th.

Click Beetle – Single at Newton Mask on the 21st.

 
Click Beetle - Newton Mask - 21/05


2-spot Ladybird – Single recorded by the canal at Storwood on the 28th.

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