Apr' 26

Lower Derwent Valley NNR - April Sightings

Highlights of the month included a drake Green-winged Teal (18^th-22^nd), a White Stork (8^th-9^th) and a singing Spotted Crake (22^nd-23^rd), as well as the first returning Corncrake (30^th). The great run of Common Crane records continued, and a total of 76 ‘bird-days’ have now been recorded so far this year. 

White Stork - East Cottingwith - 08/04 - SD

Following a record-breaking spring passage of Whooper Swans (3,444) just three birds lingered at month end, and likewise following a record influx of White-fronted Geese during the winter, a single remained at North Duffield Carrs.

Whooper Swans - Wheldrake - 01/04 - DB

The first returning Osprey was present (4^th) with six individuals recorded by the end of the month. A Black Kite reported from Skipwith Common NNR unfortunately failed to be confirmed elsewhere, although a spring Hen Harrier at Wheldrake on the 16^th was welcome. Spring passage of waders was notable with Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Grey Plover (4^th), two Spotted Redshank and three Wood Sandpiper (30^th). The first Whimbrel had returned by mid-month (14^th) with two Black Terns encountered (24^th).

Osprey - Wheldrake Ings - 06/04 - DB

A total of 171 Species have now been recorded on the reserve and surrounding area since the beginning of the year.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed records and counts throughout the month, in particular to members of York Birding and regular patch birder Duncan Bye. Thanks also to Duncan Bye, Sarah Dunne, Tony Jenkins, Jono Leadley, Jeremy Pierson and Trevor Walton for the use of their images below. 

  

BIRDS:

Mute Swan – A total of 30 non-breeders were at North Duffield Carrs on the 23^rd, followed by 47 there on the 30^th. Up to 12 breeding pairs were present across the area throughout the month.

Whooper Swan – Another large push of northward spring passage birds took place on the 2^nd with 227 moving through the reserve during the course of the day, followed by several nocturnal herds over Elvington after dark. A total of 392 followed on the 3^rd with several small herds through and another 258 at North Duffield Carrs at midday. Several herds followed overnight and another 107 moved through on the 4^th. Five were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th, followed by 55 at North Duffield Carrs on the same date. 123+ were at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th followed by 33 on the 7^th. A flock of 80 were then present at Wheldrake Ings at dawn on the 8^th with five there on the 9^th. Groups of five at Wheldrake Ings and six at North Duffield Carrs remained between the 11^th-13^th with three at Wheldrake between the 14^th-17^th. Five remained thereafter at North Duffield Carrs and three were at Wheldrake Ings until the 20^th. Five were still at North Duffield on the 23^rd, and an injured individual remained at Wheldrake thereafter with two at North Duffield Carrs to month end. A total of 3,444 passage birds have now been recorded through the site since the beginning of March, which is a new reserve record for spring passage (following 2,992 in 2024, 2,970 in 2021 and 2,200 in 2023).

Greylag Goose – A total of 137 adults were recorded at North Duffield Carrs on the 23^rd. Seven broods totalling 47 goslings were at East Cottingwith on the 29^th with 76 goslings also seen at North Duffield Carrs on the 30^th followed by another 80+ at Wheldrake Ings during the month.

Greylag Geese - Wheldrake Ings - 30/04 - DB

European White-fronted Goose – A single remained at North Duffield Carrs throughout the month.

Pink-footed Goose – At least 330 remained on the Low Grounds on the 1^st and 2^nd with numbers down to 200 on the 3^rd and 4^th when a further 160 flew north. A total of 310 were present between the 5^th-9^th with one remaining at North Duffield Carrs on the 10^th. Five were at Wheldrake from the 12^th-17^th with a single at Thornton Ellers on the 22^nd and one remaining on the reserve to month end.

Pink-footed Geese - Wheldrake Ings - 05/04 - DB

Canada Goose – Several pairs were scattered throughout the Ings and various adjacent waterbodies.

Egyptian Goose – Up to eight pairs remained throughout the month with regular sightings at East Cottingwith, Wheldrake Ings, Bank Island, North Duffield Carrs and Thornton Ellers.

Egyptian Geese - Foggathorpe - 25/04 - DB

Shelduck – Up to 70 pairs were present throughout the month.

Mandarin – A drake flew into Skipwith Common NNR on the 4^th and a male was at Wheldrake Ings on the 12^th and 15^th followed by a pair there on the 16^th. A drake was present again at Wheldrake on the 26^th and Bank Island on the 28^th.

Mallard – The first ducklings (14) were two broods seen at Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 3^rd, with 40 broods recorded by month end.

Pintail – Over 160 remained on the 1^st but declined thereafter, with a large clear out of ducks noted overnight on the 2^nd/3^rd leaving just 98 remaining. Numbers were down to 81 on the 4^th and further to 72 by the 5^th, decreasing to c40 throughout the site, before a large clear out left only 13 on the 19^th. Five pairs remained on the 24^th to month end.

Pintail - North Duffield - 07/04 - TJ

Garganey – A pair were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 3^rd with a drake at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th, where it was heard calling after dark on the 17^th. A single flew along the River Derwent there on the 18^th with a drake calling after dark at Thornton Ellers on the 22^nd followed by another at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th/25^th.

Teal – Numbers fell quickly early in the month with 1,002 remaining on the 11^th before a large clear out left only 590 by the 19^th. A total of 197 remained on the 22^nd with numbers down to 80+ by the 29^th.

Green-winged Teal – A drake present at Wheldrake Ings on the 18^th relocated to Thornton Ings on the 22^nd.

Green-winged Teal - Wheldrake Ings - 18/04 - DB

Wigeon – Over 1,131 remained throughout the site on the 11^th but were down to 511 by the 18^th. At least 120 remained on the 22^nd with only 40 present at month end.

Shoveler – At least 267 were present throughout the site on the 5^th. 151 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th with recorded 81 at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th, when a total of 315 were present throughout the site. Good numbers then remained until month end.

Gadwall – A total of 178 were recorded throughout the site on the 4^th.

Tufted Duck – Up to 30 were scattered throughout the site by month end.

Scaup – A female remained on the pool at Wheldrake Ings between the 1^st-12^th.

Scaup - Wheldrake Ings - 03/04 - JL

Pochard – Six remained at Wheldrake Ings on the 3^rd with a single drake thereafter and a female at North Duffield Carrs on 4^th.

Goldeneye – A single was still present at North Duffield Carrs on the 4^th with four remaining at Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th. One remained at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th.

Goosander – A drake was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 7^th and 9^th, and again on the 25^th/26^th.

Common Scoter – A pair lingered at Wheldrake Ings with a single female also at Bank Island on the 1^st and 2^nd – all departing overnight on the 2^nd/3^rd. Overnight passage continued into the month, with another drake at Wheldrake Ings and a female at North Duffield Carrs on the 4^th. A female was seen on the River Derwent north of Stamford Bridge on the 5^th and another (female) was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 6^th. Another female was then present at North Duffield Carrs on the 9^th when two were also grounded at Wheldrake Ings, where they remained until the 10^th/11^th.

Common Scoter - Wheldrake Ings - 04/04 - DB

White Stork – One was seen in the East Cottingwith/Storwood area on the 8^th and 9^th.

Grey Heron – A total of 38 active nests were counted in the heronry on the 4^th with the first (four) fledged young seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 30^th.

Little Egret – At least 20 nests were present in the heronry on the 4^th.

Great White Egret – Up to five lingered across the reserve early in the month, with at least six present throughout the site on the 14^th. Four were at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th with six there on the 30^th.

Great White Egret - Wheldrake Ings - 18/04 - TW

Great Crested Grebe – Two were at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th with one also appearing mid-afternoon at North Duffield Carrs on the same date. Five were then present at Wheldrake Ings between the 9-12^th. Four were at Wheldrake on the 23^rd with two lingering to month end.

Water Rail – Up to 12 singing males were present at Wheldrake Ings early in the month.  

Spotted Crake – One was calling after dark at Thornton Ellers on the 22^nd with a different bird heard nearby on Melbourne Ings on the 23^rd.

Corncrake – A singing bird was calling after dark briefly at Thornton Ellers on the 30^th.

Common Crane – A flock of 17 flew north over Allerthorpe Gravel Pits on the 2^nd. Two were over Wheldrake Ings mid-morning on the 6^th with one there towards dusk on the same date. A single was feeding at North Duffield Carrs on the 10^th with another heard over Wheldrake village later in the day. Five flew low over Ellerton Ings before gaining height on the 13^th. A single was present at Storwood on the 22^nd followed by another at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd and the 24^th. Two were present at North Duffield Ings later in the day with one at Wheldrake on the 29^th and 30^th. A total of 67 ‘bird-days’ have been recorded so far in 2026 – a new reserve record.

Common Crane - Wheldrake Ings - 30/04 - JP

Coot – A count across the whole resulted in 237 recorded on the 4^th.

Osprey – The first of the year flew north at Gate Hemsley on the 4^th with one over Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th. Three passed through the site on the 6^th with singles over Wheldrake Ings and Bank Island, whilst another flew north at North Duffield Carrs. Another flew slowly south down the Pocklington Canal and off down the valley on the 19^th with another north on the 23^rd.

Goshawk – A pair were still present at one site early in the month.

Red Kite – The local population seems to have dramatically increased since the new year, often appearing more numerous than Common Buzzards. Eleven were visible in the air from Bank Island, with five at Thorganby, four at Skipwith and eight from North Duffield Carrs all on the 4^th. An estimated 30+ pairs were thought to be present around the wider area.

Red Kite - Wheldrake Ings - 06/04 - DB

Black Kite – Single reported from Skipwith Common NNR on the 12^th.

Marsh Harrier – Two or three pairs remained throughout the month with one pair incubating at Wheldrake Ings by the 23^rd.

Marsh Harrier - Wheldrake Ings - 12/04 - DB

Hen Harrier – A single ringtail on the Tilmire on the 16^th was seen later in the day at Wheldrake Ings.

Hobby – Two at Bank Island on the 20^th were the first for the year, followed by four there on 23^rd. Four were present again on the 24^th and 25^th with two at Bank Island on the 24^th and one at North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th.

Avocet – One was recorded on noc-mig over Elvington in the early hours on the 1^st with two at North Duffield Carrs on the 7^th before flying off south at 11:00.

Little Ringed Plover – Singles were at North Duffield Carrs on the 4^th and 5^th and Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th. Two were recorded on noc-mig overnight over Elvington on the 7^th and 8^th followed by three on the 8^th and 9^th. Regular sightings continued from North Duffield Carrs with three at Thornton Ellers on the 30^th.

Golden Plover – At least 200 (presumably spring passage birds) were in the Hagg Bridge area on the 3^rd. A flock of 28 flew through North Duffield Carrs on the 5^th with 20 at Wheldrake Ings on the 7^th. A total of 15 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th when 32 summer plumaged birds were present at Field Lane, Thornton. 150+ were in the Newton on Derwent area on the 11^th.

Grey Plover – A single was at North Duffield Carrs on the 4^th.

Dunlin – Five were at Wheldrake Ings on the 30^th.

Ruff – Two lingered throughout the month between North Duffield Carrs and Wheldrake Ings with three (two summer plumaged males and a reeve) recorded at Thornton Ellers on the 30^th.

Black-tailed Godwit – At least 220 remained across the site on the 1^st with 86 present between the 3^rd-7^th followed by 84 on the 9^th. A flock of 60 were recorded on the 11^th, 12^th and 14^th, with numbers down to 42 by the 15^th. Numbers then increased to 90 on the 16^th and 17^th with 62 remaining on the 18^th and 19^th – reducing to 12 at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd and down to just three until the 27^th.

Black-tailed Godwits - North Duffield - 09/04 - DB

Snipe – Three were heard drumming at Bubwith Ings on the morning of the 14^th, followed by two at Bank Island, six at North Duffield Carrs and two at Bubwith Ings after dark on the same day. Ten drummers were present at Wheldrake Ings on several dates with up to 25 recorded along Melbourne and Thornton Ings during the month.

Snipe - North Duffield Carrs - 13/04 - TJ

Jack Snipe – A single went north through North Duffield Carrs on the 6^th followed by two there on the 14^th.

Redshank – At least 20 pairs were present throughout the site during the month.

Spotted Redshank – The long staying individual was still at North Duffield Carrs until the 3^rd. Two summer plumaged individuals arrived at Wheldrake Ings on the 30^th.

Greenshank – The first of the year were seven recorded at Wheldrake Ings on 5^th with a single at North Duffield Carrs on the 14^th.

Greenshank - Wheldrake Ings - 15/04 - DB

Green Sandpiper – Two vocal birds were at Bank Island at dusk on the 14^th with a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th and 23^rd.

Wood Sandpiper –  A single at Bank Island on the 29^th was followed by three at Wheldrake Ings on the 30^th.

Common Sandpiper – A flock of five were on the banks of the River Derwent at Elvington Bridge on the 16^th.

Curlew – A presumed passage flock of 13 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th followed by six on the 21^st, with good numbers of breeding birds throughout the site. The first completed clutch was found on the 25^th.

Curlew - Bank Island - 04/04 - DB

Whimbrel – One at Wheldrake Ings on the 14^th was the first of the year with two through Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th followed by two on the 19^th feeding in fields at Storwood. Three were then present at Storwood on the 20^th followed by 13 on the 27^th, with six at the Wheldrake roost on the 30^th.

Little Gull – Two adults flew south at Wheldrake Ings on the 12^th with a first-summer bird reported from Bank Island on the 15^th.

Common Tern – The first of the year went south over Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd with two at Allerthorpe and another at Wheldrake on the 24^th. Three headed over Bank Island on the 29^th.

Common Tern - Wheldrake Ings - 30/04 - DB

Black Tern – A single was at Allerthorpe Water Park on the 24^th when several individuals were recorded across the county.

Green Woodpecker – One was at East Cottingwith/Storwood on the 10^th.

Cuckoo – The first returning bird was back at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th (joint fourth earliest arrival date) with next at Melbourne Ings on the 14^th. A small arrival brought three or four to the Wheldrake/East Cottingwith area on the 19^th with others at Bank Island and Bubwith on the 21^st. Singles were at Bank Island and Thorganby on the 24^th and three were at Melbourne on the 30^th.

Cuckoo - Wheldrake Ings - 19/04 - DB

Little Owl – Single at Thornton Ellers on several dates.

Long-eared Owl – Two birds were reported from one site during the month with another near Foggathorpe on the 11^th.

Swift – One at Bank Island on the 20^th was the first of the year, followed by four there on the 23^rd. Up to 30 were present by month end, by which time small screaming parties had been recorded in the local villages.

Woodlark – A singing male was at Skipwith Common NNR on the 7^th.

Tree Pipit – The first returning bird was present at Skipwith Common NNR on the 16^th.

Yellow Wagtail – One at Bank Island on the 7^th was the first of the year and was followed by two at Hagg Lane at East Cottingwith on the 8^th. A male was present near Skipwith Common NNR on the 10^th and small numbers were then present daily throughout the area with 14 at Wheldrake Ings on the 14^th.

Wheatear – The first of the year was at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th with five at Hagg Lane East Cottingwith on the 8^th. One was at East Cottingwith/Storwood on the 11^th, two were at North Duffield Carrs on the 13^th, and four were at Thornton on the 17^th with numbers up to eight there on the 18^th and seven on the 19^th. Five were near Cheesecake Farm at Wheldrake on the 20^th with two remaining on the 22^nd.

Redstart – Singles were at Sutton upon Derwent on the 14^th, Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th and one was heard singing south of Seaton Ross on the 18^th.

Whinchat – One was at Bank Island briefly on the 20^th.

Raven – Up to two pairs were reported in the area with display noted on several occasions. Two were at Melbourne on the 17^th and one at North Duffield Carrs on the 20^th.

Fieldfare – At least 200 were at North Duffield on the 1^st.

Ring Ouzel – A male flew over Bank Island and across the Low Grounds towards Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th.

Sand Martin – Eight were at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st followed by seven on the 2^nd and 3^rd – seven were also at North Duffield Carrs on the latter date. Three were at Skipwith Common NNR on the 4^th and 20 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th. Over 100 were present at dusk at Wheldrake on the 6^th with 600+ there on the 9^th, whilst 200 left an overnight roost at North Duffield Carrs at dawn on the 10^th. Over 2,000 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th and 11^th followed by 500 on the 13^th, 14^th and 18^th, with at least 200 remaining on the 26^th.

Sand Martin - Bank Island - 12/04 - DB

Swallow – Three were at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st followed by four there on the 3^rd, 12 on the 5^th and 20+ on the 6^th. Over 50+ were present at both Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs on the 9^th. Numbers remained low thereafter with 100+ at Wheldrake Ings on the 26^th.

House Martin – A flock of 20 at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th represented the first main arrival, but numbers remained low thereafter with 30 on the 26^th and 40 on the 27^th.

Cetti’s Warbler – Numbers increased during the month with three at Wheldrake Ings, one at Bank Island and two at Thornton Ings by the 14^th.

Blackcap – A single arrived at Bank Island on the 1^st with birds increasingly widespread thereafter, with four at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th and three at North Duffield Carrs. A large arrival then took place overnight on the 8^th/9^th with perhaps 100 at Wheldrake on the 9^th - wide spread thereafter.

Blackcap - North Duffield Carrs - 08/04 - TJ

Garden Warbler – The first of the year was an early individual in the East Cottingwith/Storwood area on the 10^th with another at Wheldrake Woods on the 12^th and more arrivals from the 19^th. Five were recorded at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th with nine there by month end.

Whitethroat – A single at Bank Island on the 10^th is the second earliest on record and was followed by others at East Cottingwith on the 11^th and Wheldrake/Bank Island on the 12^th. Birds were then widespread from the 18^th with seven between Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 19^th.

Whitethroat - Wheldrake Ings - 18/04 - DB

Lesser Whitethroat – The first returning bird was at Bank Island on the 18^th with birds then widespread in small numbers by the 24^th.

Willow Warbler – One was at Wheldrake Ings on the 3^rd with another on Skipwith Common NNR the next day. Three were at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th with the first main arrival bringing at least seven to Wheldrake on the 7^th and 20 to Skipwith Common the following morning. Another arrival brought large numbers throughout the area on the 9^th, with 25 singing at Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th.

Sedge Warbler – The first returning bird was at Wheldrake Ings on the 3^rd with two there on the 7^th, followed by a small arrival bringing a total of eight there on the 9^th. Small numbers were then scattered throughout the site by the 11^th, with 15 recorded across Bank Island and Wheldrake by the 19^th. At least 20 had returned to Wheldrake by the 24^th when 20 were also present at North Duffield Carrs, followed by 19 at Thornton Ellers on the 30^th.

Sedge Warbler - Wheldrake Ings - 18/04 - DB

Reed Warbler – The first returning bird was at Melbourne Ings by the Pocklington Canal on the 8^th with five at Wheldrake Ings by the 17^th. Birds were then widespread through the site by the 24^th.

Grasshopper Warbler – Two reeling birds at Melbourne on the 14^th were the first of the year, with one there on the 17^th and two again later in the month.

Willow Tit – One was heard singing at North Duffield Carrs on the 4^th and regularly thereafter.

Corn Bunting – A singing male was present at Wheldrake Ings rather early on the 4^th with two then recorded there on the 29^th.