Apr' 21

 Lower Derwent Valley NNR - April Sightings

April can be an exciting month with wintering birds departing, migrants returning and passage birds appearing, and this month certainly didn’t disappoint. Whilst a single lingering Pink-footed Goose and two Whooper Swans hinted at the season just gone, a pair of Garganey from the 7^th were more of a welcome sign of spring. Mallard broods appeared in force from mid-month, whilst a lingering pair of Mandarin and pair of Goosander hinted at potential breeding in the area. Five nocturnal migrating flocks of Common Scoter were logged with two lingering day time individuals also noted. 29 pairs of Grey Heron were recorded in the heronry (first fledged young present on the 23^rd), with 31 pairs of Little Egrets (new record). 3 lingering Great White Egrets, a passage Bittern and Common Crane were also noted, with a Spoonbill on the 9^th and 13^th.

A great month for raptors with yet another White-tailed Eagle through the site early in the month, three lingering Hen Harriers, three passage Merlins and a Short-eared Owl (18^th), whilst the first returning Hobbies had arrived by the 23^rd. Breeding waders are still being surveyed but early returns suggest a good year for Snipe and Curlew. Passage Snipe numbers were exceptional with 1000+ noted and good numbers present throughout, along with smaller numbers of Jack Snipe late in the month. Other passage waders included 400+ Black-tailed Godwits, Bar-tailed Godwit (26^th), Wood Sandpiper (27^th) and Grey Plover (30^th). However, the star find was a Lesser Yellowlegs at North Duffield Carrs on the 16^th. A Kittiwake (21^st) and Arctic Terns (23^rd) were also noteworthy. Otherwise returning migrant dates included House Martin (1^st), Cuckoo and Whitethroat (15^th), Reed Warbler (19^th), Lesser Whitethroat (22^nd), Grasshopper Warbler (23^rd), Garden Warbler and Tree Pipit (26^th) and Swift (28^th). Five Ring Ouzels during the month were also exceptional with Fieldfares remaining to month end.

A total of 166 species have now been recorded in the area during 2021. Many thanks to everyone who contributed records and counts throughout the month, in particular to members of the YOC, and regular patch birder Duncan Bye - thanks also to Duncan for the use of his images.

 

BIRDS: 

Mute Swan – 88 non-breeding birds were present at Wheldrake and North Duffield Carrs on the 24^th with 91 throughout the site on the 29^th. Pairs were incubating clutches at Bank Island (one), North Duffield Carrs (three), Wheldrake Ings (three) and Pocklington Canal (four), with scattered pairs elsewhere on local ponds – total of 16 in the wider area.

Whooper Swan – 31 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd when 26 were also at Thornton Ings. Six remained at Wheldrake on the 3^rd with two remaining on the 4^th/5^th and seven at North Duffield Carrs on the 4^th. Ten were at Thornton Ings on the 9^th with two also at Wheldrake Ings - remaining until the 12^th. Two were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 13^th whilst two herds, 15 and 12, arrived later in the day at Wheldrake, with 15 leaving at dusk, flying off north-west. 18 were present at North Duffield Carrs on the morning of the 14^th. Two remained thereafter at North Duffield Carrs until the 18^th, with one until the 26^th before moving onto the river at East Cottingwith on the 27^th.

Whooper Swans - Wheldrake Ings - 02/04 - DB

Greylag Goose – The first goslings appeared on the 19^th when 30 were present at Wheldrake, with a brood of seven also at Bank Island. Further broods appeared around the reserve with 26 goslings in four newly hatched broods at North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th.

Pink-footed Goose – Up to 30 remained in the North Duffield Carrs area until the 5^th, with passage flocks of 21, 16 and 7 on the 1^st, 22 on the 2^nd and 15 on the 3^rd. A single was present at Wheldrake on the 11^th-18^th with one on the Low Grounds on the 19^th. One remained in the Bank Island/Wheldrake Ings area until month end.

Barnacle Goose – Two were present on the reserve between the 10^th - 17^th.

Egyptian Goose – Five pairs remained throughout the area, including one pair with five goslings.

Egyptian Geese - East Cottingwith - 02/04 - DB

Shelduck – A full count on the 5^th produced a total of 147, with 42 at Bank Island, 43 at Aughton Ings and 15 at Thorganby the largest counts. 136 were still present on the 10^th with 128 on the 17^th to month end.

Wigeon – 2500 were still present throughout the site on the 5^th with 970 on the 10^th and 566 on the 17^th. 70 remained at month end with several pairs thought to be present.

Teal – 2300 were still present on the 5^th with 1004 on the 10^th and 743 on the 17^th. 180 remained at month end.

Garganey – A pair were present at Bank Island on the 7^th (CSR) with a drake calling after dark by Swantail Hide on the same date (CSR, GD). A single female was present at Wheldrake Ings with a group of Shoveler on the 14^th (JL, DB, AF) and again on the 16^th. A pair were present at Wheldrake on the 18^th with a pair at North Duffield Carrs on the 21^st and 29^th.

Pintail – Up to 112 were recorded throughout the site on the 5^th with 78 on the 11^th and 39 on the 17^th. Numbers decreased overnight with 21 remaining on the 18^th and just 11 on the 19^th. Five remained at month end.

Mandarin – A pair flew south at Thorganby on the 5^th with a drake at Bank Island on the 13^th and 30^th.

Mallard – The first brood of six appeared at Wheldrake on the 10^th with three broods (20 ducklings) on the 16^th – on the same day three broods (18 ducklings) were present at North Duffield Carrs. A further brood of 11 were at North Duffield the following day with numerous broods thereafter. A further three broods (19 ducklings) were at Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th when three broods (22 ducklings) were at Bank Island. An estimated 40+ broods had been recorded by month end.

Gadwall – 231 were present throughout the reserve on the 10^th, with 200+ recorded on the 28^th.

Shoveler – 65 were at Bank Island on the 6^th including 37 drakes in pursuit of a single female. 112 were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 8^th. A total of 288 were recorded on the 10^th followed by 281 on the 17^th. Good numbers were thought to be incubating late in the month.

Tufted Duck – 172 remained throughout the site on the 17^th with just 40 by month end.

Pochard – Two males and a female were present at Bank Island on the 25^th with a pair at Wheldrake on the 27^th, followed by records of two males and a female on the 29^th and a drake on the 30^th.

Pochard - Wheldrake Ings - 30/04 - DB

Common Scoter – Three flocks were recorded flying over Elvington after dark on the 7^th (AF). Two flocks were recorded after dark on the 8^th whilst a single female was present at Wheldrake the following morning on the 9^th (JL) with another, at North Duffield Carrs later in the day - both remained until the 13^th. A female was on the River Derwent south of Bubwith on the 21^st.

Goosander – Two red-heads were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 6^th with two on the river at Thorganby on the 16^th. A pair remained throughout the month at Sutton on Derwent.

Goldeneye – Up to 10 remained at Wheldrake on the 1^st/2^nd, with six on the 8^th, five on the 11^th, and one on the 24^th being the last.

Great Crested Grebe – Up to three pairs remained at both Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs, with a single rehabilitated individual released at Bank Island on the 5^th. Three pairs remained throughout thereafter, with two incubating birds on nests at North Duffield Carrs on the 17^th to month end. Four pairs were present on other water bodies in the wider area during the month.

Great Crested Grebe - Bank Island - 05/04 - DB

Black-necked Grebe – A summer plumaged adult was seen at Bank Island on the 16^th (CSR).

Bittern – A single was heard booming at Wheldrake Ings at dusk on the 13^th (GD, CSR).

Little Egret – Good numbers were present throughout the site with 14 over Bank Island at dawn on the 5^th, with an estimated 25+ throughout the reserve during the day. 31 were present throughout on the 10^th with nine roosting at Wheldrake Ings on the 11^th. 19 were recorded between Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 23^rd. A visit to the Heronry on the 24^th produced a count of 31 apparently occupied nests - up from 19 last year - overtaking the number of nesting Grey Herons for the first time.

Great White Egret – Three were present on the 1^st, with up to two daily thereafter from the 2^nd - 4^th. Single at Bubwith Ings on the 5^th and Wheldrake on the 9^th -13^th. One was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 15^th with another in the Heronry at Wheldrake on the 16^th, where it was thought to be roosting most evenings. Two were then present on the reserve from the 17^th to 22^nd, with three seen between the 23^rd-27^th and two remaining thereafter to month end.

Great White Egret - Aughton Ings - 02/04 - DB

Grey Heron – The first fledged young - two adults and a brood of five, were observed feeding at Bank Island on the 23^rd. A minimum of 29 apparently occupied nests were recorded in the Heronry on the 24^th.

Spoonbill – A single second-year bird flew over Bank Island towards Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th (CSR, JT) with a possible sighting of the same bird from Bank Island on the 13^th.

Cormorant – Up to 38 were present at the Wheldrake roost early in the month but were fewer and more widespread thereafter.

Coot – 168 were present throughout the site on the 10^th, followed by a count of 147 on the 17^th. The first completed clutch (seven) was at North Duffield Carrs on the 13^th with 32 nests found by month end.

Common Crane – Single over Skipwith Common NNR on the 17^th.

Marsh Harrier – An adult female and immature bird (D3) were both present early in the month, with a single at North Duffield Carrs on the 6^th. An adult female was observed at Wheldrake Ings on the 20^th whilst D3 re-appeared at Wheldrake on the 24^th.

Hen Harrier – An adult and sub-adult male were present at Wheldrake and Bank Island on the 1^st, with the sub adult male reported daily until the 9^th, ranging throughout the site with sightings at Storwood, Aughton and Melbourne. It was then present and showing well at North Duffield Carrs on the 10^th and 11^th, before appearing in the Aughton and North Duffield Carrs area on the 13^th and Bank Island on the 14^th. A single ringtail was then present at Melbourne Ings between the 18^th – 21^st.

Hen Harrier - Wheldrake Ings - 02/04 - DB

White-tailed Eagle – Following on from a record in March, another passed north through the reserve early in the month.

Osprey – A single flew over Raker Lakes on the 2^nd (CSR), with one reported over Bank Island on the 12^th. One flew up the River Derwent at North Duffield Carrs on the 29^th.

Common Buzzard – Up to 20 were visible over the Escrick Park Estate on the 1^st. Numerous elsewhere and recorded daily.

Peregrine – A single immature male and immature female remained until at least the 17^th, with an immature male present in the Bank Island area on the 19^th-21^st and Wheldrake on the 27^th/28^th – where it was seen killing a Whimbrel.  Several adults from nearby breeding pairs were seen in the wider area throughout the month.

Merlin – A female was reported from Melbourne Ings on the 1^st and Thorganby on the 9^th. An adult male was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 17^th - observed chasing Meadow Pipits.

Hobby – The first returning bird was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd (CSR), with two at Bank Island on the 25^th and two at Wheldrake on the same date (DB). Four at Wheldrake on the 26^th, with three there on the 28^th and two over Thorganby village on the same date. Singles at Menthorpe and Melbourne at month end.

Red Kite – Regular pairs were present throughout the area with four at Skipwith on the 6^th, and five in the Wheldrake area on the 18^th.

Red Kite - Wheldrake Ings - 11/04 - DB

Water Rail – Up to five calling males were present in the Swantail/Pool Hide area at Wheldrake, with four pairs elsewhere on the reserve.

Little Ringed Plover – A pair remained at North Duffield Carrs from the 1^st to the 11^th with three there on the 12^th. Between one and three remained (although mobile), thereafter. A single was present at Thornton Ings on the 17^th with four on the Low Grounds on the 19^th. One flew north at Wheldrake on the 20^th with singles at Aughton and Wheldrake on the 21^st and four at the Low Grounds on the same date. Up to four pairs remained thereafter to month end.

Ringed Plover – One at Bank Island on the 1^st and 2^nd and with a single through Wheldrake Ings on the 8^th. Singles reported at Thornton Ings on the 16^th, Wheldrake on the 20^th and Sutton on Derwent on the 28^th.

Golden Plover – One at North Duffield Carrs on the 20^th with 12 south at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th. A single summer plumaged bird was seen at North Duffield Carrs on the 27^th.

Grey Plover – A single briefly at North Duffield Carrs on the 30^th (OM).

Lapwing – The first birds were incubating clutches at Aughton Ings (two complete) by the 2^nd, with the first newly hatched chick seen in fields near Skipwith on the 19^th.

Lapwing - Bank Island - 04/04 - DB

Jack Snipe – Spring passage saw an increase in birds moving through the site with five at Wheldrake on the 7^th and a further 11 elsewhere on the same date. One was still present there on the 13^th with a single at Melbourne Ings on the 15^th and three at Wheldrake on the 20^th. Singles were reported from Aughton and Wheldrake on the 21^st with a single at the latter site on the 26^th.

Snipe – A large movement of spring passage birds was observed on the 7^th with a flock of c100 newly arrived individuals at Bank Island on the 7^th. On the same day 400+ were present after dark at Wheldrake Ings with over 1000 present throughout the reserve. 200+ at North Duffield Carrs on the 10^th were flushed by a male Hen Harrier. Numbers appeared to decline quickly thereafter but 300+ remained at Wheldrake after dark on the 13^th, including at least six drumming birds. 14 drumming individuals were present there on the 26^th when passage numbers had decreased to c150. 11 birds were drumming at Wheldrake on the 19^th with 300+ still present on the 20^th. 50+ were noted at Aughton on the 21^st. Passage birds reduced thereafter, with 130+ remaining at Wheldrake on the 30^th.

Common Snipe - Bank Island - 14/04 - DB

Whimbrel – Following an early individual in late March, singles were present at Bank Island on the 1^st and 4^th, with 23 arriving at Wheldrake on the 11^th. A single was on Storwood Ings on the 12^th with three at Bank Island on the 13^th. Singles reported at Wheldrake Ings on the 14^th/15^th and East Cottingwith on the 17^th. 16 roosted at Wheldrake on the 25^th/27^th – although other birds were thought to be roosting elsewhere on site. At least 45 were present across two roost sites at Wheldrake on the 28^th. Scattered singles were recorded elsewhere throughout the second half of the month.

Black-tailed Godwit – Up to 218 were present at Wheldrake from the 1^st to 5^th, with 14 at North Duffield Carrs on the 4^th. The Wheldrake flock increased to 270 on the 7^th when 58 were also present at North Duffield Carrs – a total of 328 throughout the site. 220 remained at Wheldrake on the 8^th with 400+ present throughout the site on the 9^th. 220 remained on the 10^th with 320+ present on the 11^th and 200+ on the 12^th - declining to 120 by the 14^th. 110+ remained thereafter to the 16^th, with 170 reported on the 17^th and 18^th. 70 were at North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th, when part of the Wheldrake flock were seen rising to a height and flying off north - presumably onward migration - 90 remained at dusk. Approximately 30 were present at North Duffield Carrs with 40 at Wheldrake on the 20^th/21^st with 32 throughout the site on the 22^nd. Up to seven remained at North Duffield Carrs to month end. 51 birds were present there on the 28^th with 21 on the 29^th. Single at Bank Island on the 30^th.

Black-tailed Godwits - Wheldrake Ings - 19/04 - DB

Bar-tailed Godwit – Two flew through Bank Island heading north on the 23^rd (RT).

Dunlin – 20 were still present at North Duffield Carrs on the 4^th with five there on the 9^th. Up to 12 lingered until the 17^th with five there on the 18^th and eight to month end.

Ruff – Two individuals, a male and female, were present at Bank Island on the 13^th, with up to eight lingering at another site until the 16^th. Two were reported from North Duffield Carrs on the 17^th and 18^th. Five or six summer plumaged males were at North Duffield Carrs on the 20^th/21^st, with four present at Aughton Ings on the 21^st. Up to seven remained at North Duffield Carrs thereafter to month end, with some limited lekking observed. Eight males and three females were present at a lekk on the 29^th, with copulation noted.

Green Sandpiper – Singles flew north at Melbourne on the 1^st and Wheldrake on the 3^rd. Two were at Thornton Ings on the 16^th/17^th, with singles at Wheldrake on the 20^th and North Duffield Carrs on the 24^th - a good spring showing.

Green Sandpiper - Thornton Ellers - 16/04 - DB

Common Sandpiper – A single at Thornton Ings on the 17^th was the first of the year, and was followed by one at Bubwith Bridge on the 23^rd and North Duffield Carrs on the 24^th – 27^th.

Wood Sandpiper – A single flew north over Wheldrake Ings and the Low Grounds on the 26^th (CSR, NC, GD) with one present at North Duffield Carrs on the 27^th (TJ, OM).

Greenshank – A single was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 16^th – 19^th with singles at Bank Island on the 27^th and Sutton on Derwent on the 28^th.

Lesser Yellow-legs – A single was present at North Duffield Carrs during the afternoon of the 16^th (CSR, DB, OM, DW, EBB).

Kittiwake – An adult was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 21^st (TJ, OM).

Common Tern – The first birds returned to the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd and were present again there on the 24^th – 26^th.

Common Tern pair - Wheldrake Ings - 25/04 - DB

Arctic Tern – Two flew high through Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd (TJ, OM).

Short-eared Owl – Singles at Aughton and North Duffield Carrs on the 18^th.

Cuckoo – Singles were present at Breighton and Wheldrake on the 15^th, with one at Allerthorpe Common on the same day. Birds arrived at Thornton on the 19^th and Melbourne on the 20^th. A male and female were at Wheldrake on the 22^nd, with two males there on the 23^rd and 24^th. Two calling males were heard at Skipwith Common NNR on the 25^th, with three there on the 27^th and four on the 28^th. Two males were in the Melbourne area on 29^th. Records also came from Wheldrake Woods and Bubwith towards the end of the month.

Cuckoo - Wheldrake Ings - 24/04 - DB

Swift – The first returning bird was at North Duffield Carrs on the 28^th, with four more arriving onto the NNR later that day. Small numbers were present daily thereafter.

Pied Wagtail – 40 roosted in the reedbed at Wheldrake Ings on the 22^nd.

White Wagtail – A pair were present at East Cottingwith on the 10^th. Singles were present at Thornton Ings on the 14^th, Thornton and Ellerton on the 16^th, North Duffield Carrs on the 17^th and 22^nd, and Bank Island on the 27^th.

Yellow Wagtail – A single was present on the Low Grounds on the 9^th and East Cottingwith on the 10^th, with three there on the 12^th. Two flew over Wheldrake on the 14^th with one at Melbourne the same day. Seven at Thornton Ings on the 16^th. Small numbers were present throughout the site thereafter until 15 were reported at a roost at Wheldrake Ings on the 22^nd.

Sand Martin – A poor month with only small numbers present in the cold weather. 80 passed through Bank Island on the 1^st followed by 150 on the 12^th. The first birds returned to the Bank Island nesting bank on the 15^th. Only a single pair had excavated a nest hole at Bank Island by the end of the month.

Swallow – 20+ were present at Bank Island on the 1^st with 110 passing through on the 3^rd. 130+ were present there on the 5^th followed by 300+ on the 12^th.

Swallows - Bank Island - 04/04 - DB

House Martin – Eight at Bank Island on the 1^st were the first of the year, with 20+ present there on the 5^th. Small numbers thereafter.

Woodlark – At least six/seven singing males were still present at Skipwith Common NNR on the 24^th.

Tree Pipit – A singing bird was back at Skipwith Common NNR on the 26^th (DB), with two there on the 27^th (CSR, NC).

Tree Pipit - Skipwith Common NNR - 26/04 - DB

Song Thrush – The first fledged young appeared at Wheldrake Ings on the 30^th where up to seven pairs were present.

Fieldfare – 400 were present near Skipwith on the 4^th with 16 over Bank Island on the 3^rd and seven on the 5^th. 12 were present at Skipwith on the 6^th. Some evidence of return passage was noted with 65 at Thornton Ings between the 15^th-17^th. 164 roosted at North Duffield Carrs on the 20^th followed by 300 there on the 21^st. 40 were at Wheldrake Ings and 12 at North Duffield Carrs on the 24^th. 50 at North Duffield on the 27^th with 46 at Sutton on Derwent on the 28^th/29^th. Flock of 20 at Wheldrake on the 30^th.

Redwing – 30 flew north-east over Bank Island on the 6^th.

Ring Ouzel – A male at Thornton Ings on the 17^th (CSR), with three males at Sutton on Derwent on the 23^rd/24^th (JC). A single was present at Allerthorpe Water Park on the 26^th (per birdguides).

Redstart – A singing male was present at Skipwith Common NNR on the 14^th (CSR) and was present again on the 17^th. Another male was present at Bank Island on the 18^th (DB).

Redstart - Bank Island - 18/04 - DB

Wheatear – A single was seen at Thornton Ings on the 9^th with another there on the 11^th. Eight were recorded at East Cottingwith, Hagg Lane on the 12^th. A single Greenland race male was present at Bubwith Ings on the 15^th with another at Hagg Lane, East Cottingwith on the 24^th. Singles were present at North Duffield Carrs on the riverbank and the Bubwith floodbank on the 26^th - two still present there on the 27^th.

Nuthatch – A single was calling from Thicket Priory on the 3^rd with one singing at Skipwith Common NNR on the 8^th/9^th.  Two pairs were located in the Melbourne area early in the month.

Cetti’s Warbler – Up to five singing males were present early in the month but appeared to have departed by mid-month.

Willow Warbler – Four were present at Wheldrake on the 1^st with small numbers arriving thereafter. A further influx was noticed on the 9^th, with more arriving from the 12^th and a large arrival on the 16^th. 15 were singing at Wheldrake on the 16^th with 17 at Skipwith Common on the 17^th and 21 across Bank Island/Wheldrake on the 18^th. 23 were reported from Bank Island/Wheldrake on the 19^th when 25 were counted on part of Skipwith Common NNR. 40 were recorded along Sands Lane and Common Lane to the bomb bay loop on the 26^th – as many as 100 may have been on Skipwith during this time.

Common Whitethroat – Two at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th were the first of the year, with one at Thornton on the 17^th. Two were at Thornton Ellers on the 20^th with one at Bubwith Bridge on the 21^st. Further arrivals took place on the 22^nd with 10+ around the reserve.

Lesser Whitethroat – A single at Bank Island on the 22^nd was the first of the year, with one at North Duffield Carrs and at Menthorpe Lane on the 27^th. A single followed in the Wheldrake car park scrub on the 28^th with two at Bank Island on the 29^th.

Garden Warbler – The first of the year was singing at Skipwith Common NNR on the 26^th (DB) with two at Wheldrake Ings on the 30^th.

Sedge Warbler – Following the first ever March record, another early bird was singing in the reedbed at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th, and was followed by two there on the 9^th-18^th and three on the 19^th. Further arrivals appeared on the 22^nd with two at North Duffield Carrs and two at Bank Island. 10+ were present in the Wheldrake/Bank Island area on the 24^th with 20 by month end.

Sedge Warbler - Wheldrake Ings - 25/04 - DB

Reed Warbler – The first of the year was at Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th with three there on the 21^st - the same day the first bird returned to Melbourne.

Grasshopper Warbler – A reeling bird was present behind Pool Hide on the 23^rd and again on the 27^th-29^th.

Willow Tit – A single was seen carrying nesting material behind Pool Hide at Wheldrake on the 13^th.

Linnet – 64 were at Thornton Ings on the 15^th with scattered pairs and displaying males present throughout the site, including several pairs around the NNR base at Bank Island. Several pairs were also present on the Low Grounds.

Brambling – Two males were present at Melbourne on the 8^th with a single nearby on the 9^th.

Corn Bunting – Up to 30 singing males were present around the eastern side of the reserve on the 16^th, when up to 100 were present in two flocks in the North/South Duffield areas. 50+ were still present there on 26^th.