Sep' 18

Lower Derwent Valley NNR - September Sightings

A rather uneventful month, with the ongoing drought conditions supressing autumn wader passage and the usual build-up of wintering waterfowl until late in the month. That said there was a noticeable change in the seasons with a distinctly more autumnal feel to preceding during the second half of the month. With the drier than normal ground conditions allowing additional habitat management works (and the construction of the new Swantail Hide), the site is looking in great condition for birds and birdwatchers alike for the coming winter and spring.

The first Pink-footed Geese of the season headed south on the 14^th with various skein’s recorded thereafter, including a large movement on the 22^nd and 23^rd. The first four Whooper Swans headed south at Wheldrake on the 22^nd when, following some heavy rain in the preceding days, Teal numbers jumped to 250 on the pool at Wheldrake, attracting a single drake Garganey with them. There was plenty of interest in raptors with regular sightings of several Red Kites, Hobbies and up to 7 or 8 Marsh Harriers throughout the month, with two Goshawk sightings and two Ospreys reported (10^th and 18^th). There was also an increase in Peregrine sightings with one unfortunate individual hit by a car near Seaton Ross on the 22^nd, soon after being put to sleep. Wader passage was largely confined to early in the month with the highlight being a Wood Sandpiper on the 1^st – 3^rd, and up to eight Green Sandpipers present early in the month, although just one or two remained at month end. Small numbers of Curlew moved through on passage whilst the first returning Golden Plover built up to 100 near Raker Lakes. 

A Raven over Skipwith Common on the 1^st was noteworthy, as was a Long-eared Owl at Wheldrake on the 4^th. The usual movement of Skylark and Meadow Pipits saw a fly over Tree Pipit on the 25^th and brought a notable movement of Yellow Wagtails (with a peak of 22 on the 2^nd). Several Grey Wagtails were also logged during the month. A notable movement of Chiffchaff and Blackcap continued throughout, whilst three Crossbill went south on 27^th. 

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: 

Mute Swan – The resident breeding pairs, with broods, were joined by small numbers of incoming non-breeding birds returning from moulting sites elsewhere. Up to 25 non-breeding birds had returned by month end.

Whooper Swan – The first four adults of the autumn were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 22^nd (MS) – a rather early appearance.

Greylag Goose – 70+ were present at Wheldrake at dawn on the 23^rd – the first autumn flock instantly attracted to the rising water levels. Several groups were frequently encountered thereafter as birds returned and moved around the local area, with 100+ on the pool at Wheldrake at dawn on the 27^th and 30^th.

Pink-footed Goose – The first of the autumn was a skein of 130 south over Thorganby Ings on the 14^th (SW) followed by 22 south-east later in the morning at Wheldrake. A total of 120 headed south east during the 15^th with 61 noted over on the 16^th. 63 passed over on the 21^st with 117 over on the 22^nd and 84 on the 23^rd, on which date a further 169 passed over nearby Skipwith Common NNR. 67 headed over the valley on the 25^th with 145 in two skeins south on the 27^th. 50 flew south over Stamford Bridge on the 28^th with 99 on the 29^th and 197 on the 30^th. A total of 1324 recorded during the month.

Canada Goose – 59 flew over Wheldrake at dusk on the 21^st – the first returning birds from the Scottish moulting sites.  

Wigeon – A poor month, no doubt impacted by the lack of water, with the species only just making it onto the monthly list by virtue of two at Wheldrake Ings on the 29^th – the first returning birds.

Teal – Following a quiet start to the month with the ongoing dry conditions, a combination of heavy rain and pumping water back onto the pool at Wheldrake saw numbers jump to 250 there on the 22^nd.  

 

Teal - Wheldrake - 22/09 - DB

Garganey – A single appeared with Teal on the pool at Wheldrake on the 22^nd/23^rd.

Mallard – Up to 500 roosted at Wheldrake Ings early in the month but only low numbers present thereafter.

Grey Heron – Present in small numbers throughout the month with 17 at Wheldrake on the 1^st being the monthly maximum.

Little Egret – Two were at Wheldrake on the 2^nd followed by singles there on the 11^th, 13^th and 16^th. Three were present on the new scrapes at Bank Island on the 21^st and again on the 28^th.

Little Grebe – Two on the top pond at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th.

Red Kite – Reported regularly from Wheldrake, Storwood, Thorganby and North Duffield Carrs throughout the month.

Goshawk – A single was present over the Oaks at Aughton on the 21^st with another, an adult male, at Bank Island on the 26^th.

Marsh Harrier – A single adult male, first summer male, adult female and up to four cream crowns were present in and around the valley throughout the month, with the same or another adult male between Escrick and Skipwith on the 12^th.

Osprey – A single was reported over Skipwith Common on the 10^th with another near Wheldrake on the 18^th.

Peregrine – Singles were present at Wheldrake on the 15^th and 21^st, followed by one at Elvington on the 24^th. Two were present at Bank Island towards dusk on 27^th. A single sub-adult female was picked up having been hit by a car near Seaton Ross on the 22^nd - due to the nature of its injuries it sadly had to be put to sleep (JT).

Hobby – Seen regularly throughout the month with sightings from Bank Island, Wheldrake and Thorganby (one to two birds) along with a group of three over North Duffield village on the 9^th. Singles were still present at Bank Island, Wheldrake and Thorganby on the 16^th, followed by others at Wheldrake and Skipwith Common on the 23^rd. A single was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th and Wheldrake on the 30^th.

Sparrowhawk – Increasingly encountered during the month as post breeding dispersal and movement occurred. 

 

Sparrowhawk - Elvington - 09/09 - JC

Water Rail – Several juveniles remained early in the month with at least two calling birds remaining in the area of Swantail Hide following an excellent breeding season.

Golden Plover – 21 circled Wheldrake Ings on the 3^rd with seven south there on the 11^th before 76 appeared in the usual wintering fields opposite Raker Lakes, Wheldrake, on the 15^th. This flock increased to 88 the following day and to 103 by the 17^th, with c80 thereafter.  Seven flew north-west at Wheldrake on the 29^th.

Little Ringed Plover – A single was present at Bank Island on the 1^st.

Ringed Plover – A single flew over the scrape at Swantail, Wheldrake, on the 10^th.

Lapwing – Scarce during the month with a flock of 54 flying into Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th.  

Common Snipe – Two at Bank Island and two at North Duffield Carrs on the 23^rd, with scattered singles widespread thereafter and five at Wheldrake Ings on the 29^th.

Curlew – Singles were present over Bank Island on the 1^st and Wheldrake on the 2^nd, followed by six over North Duffield Carrs on the 7^th when four went north-west over Melbourne.  Two headed west over Bank Island on the 11^th followed by singles on the 12^th and 15^th.

Redshank – A single immature bird was noted at Wheldrake Ings on the 12^th.

Greenshank – A single flew over Wheldrake calling on the 4^th.

Green Sandpiper – Eight were present early in the month, present between Bank Island and Wheldrake, with four to five remaining by the 6^th. Three were present thereafter with up to two were present from the 15^th – 17^th, before four reappeared as the pool refilled at Wheldrake on the 20^th/21^st, with five there on the 22^nd. Four were present again on the 24^th with one or two daily until month end. Singles were also noted on Skipwith Common NNR and from the Pocklington Canal corridor. 

 

Green Sandpiper - Wheldrake - 23/09 - DB

Wood Sandpiper – A single was present at Wheldrake on the 1^st – 3^rd, being caught and ringed during wader ringing on the night of the 2^nd – only the second to be ringed in the valley.

Common Sandpiper – A single at North Duffield Carrs on the 4^th was the only record.

Green Woodpecker – Still present throughout the month on Skipwith Common. A single flew over Thorganby on the 12^th.

Barn Owl – Following a poor breeding season there were several, largely nocturnal sightings, around the NNR and wider area during the month.

Long-eared Owl – A single was seen briefly in flight between willows in the reedbed by Swantail Hide, Wheldrake on the 4^th.

Skylark – Small numbers were recorded on several days during the month with 237 south on the 15^th being the peak count.

Meadow Pipit – Small numbers moved through the valley during the month with 200+ on the 4^th, 560+ on the 15^th and 400+ on the 21^st.

Tree Pipit – A single went south on the 15^th over Bank Island.

Yellow Wagtail – Good numbers were present early in the month, moving both overhead and on the ground, with 22 at Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd, 12 at Bubwith on the 6^th, 17 at North Duffield Carrs on the 8^th and 19 at Wheldrake on the 10^th. Small numbers continued to pass over heading south with four on the 28^th the last.

Grey Wagtail – Up to four returned to the Bank Island water treatment works during the month and remained throughout. Three were present at Wheldrake on the 4^th and 7^th with singles over on the 17^th and 21^st followed by two at Melbourne on the 29^th.

Kingfisher – Birds were frequently recorded along the riverside at Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings, the Elvington Lock and the Pocklington Canal near Melbourne. A single was also present at the top pond at North Duffield Carrs on several dates.

Swift – Singles continued to be reported - Thorganby on the 15^th, Wheldrake on the 16^th and Bank Island on the 26^th.

Swallow – Birds were moving overhead most days during the month with 16 recorded heading south on the 29^th.

House Martin – A good month with noticeable passage recorded. Over 700 were present on Wheldrake Ings on the 21^st with 300 over the Low Grounds the following day, while 11 were still present at Wheldrake on the 29^th.

Whinchat –Two at Wheldrake on the 3^rd. A single was still present at Wheldrake on the 16^th (DB) with the same or another present there on the 22^nd/23^rd.

Wheatear – A single on Swantail Ings on the 22^nd and 23^rd.

Jay – As usual numbers recorded on the Ings increased with almost daily sightings, two or three birds were seen at Wheldrake, two at Bank Island and other scattered singles elsewhere as birds began to disperse and wander.

Spotted Flycatcher – A good month for passage birds (and local breeders) started with one at Wheldrake Ings in the car park on the 1^st. An adult was accompanied by a fluffy juvenile at Bank Island on the 2^nd followed by three there on the 3^rd. Up to three were noted early in the month at Skipwith Common NNR, with one or two also seen on several dates near Melbourne on the Pocklington Canal. One at Wheldrake on the 24^th was the last in a good month for passage individuals.

 

Spotted Flycatcher - Wheldrake - 01/09 - DB

Sedge Warbler – The last was a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 22^nd.

Reed Warbler – The last recorded was a single at Wheldrake on the 23^rd.

Common Whitethroat – A single was lingering on Skipwith Common on the 15^th.

Blackcap – Several were still present at Bank Island on the 16^th with a single caught at Wheldrake on the 17^th (MFJ). Two were caught and ringed at the base at Bank Island on the 27^th followed by another at Wheldrake on the 30^th (MFJ).

Chiffchaff – Up to 13 were present between Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 16^th, with seven caught and ringed at Wheldrake on the morning of the 17^th (MFJ). 13 were still present on Wheldrake and Bank Island on the 22^nd with six at Skipwith Common on the 23^rd. Seven were caught and ringed at Wheldrake on the 30^th (MFJ).

Raven – A single flew over Skipwith Common, calling, on the 30^th.

Nuthatch – One at Wheldrake Ings on the 16^th with two there on the 22^nd, when another three were present in roadside Oaks between Wheldrake and Thorganby.

Willow Tit – Four were present at Wheldrake on the 16^th with up to four also noted along the Pocklington Canal around Melbourne. Three were at Wheldrake on the 22^nd.

Marsh Tit – One at Wheldrake Ings on the 30^th.

Chaffinch – 120 were present in a post breeding flock near Sutton-upon-Derwent on the 26^th.

Siskin – Three flew south at Wheldrake on the 16^th – the first of the autumn.

Lesser Redpoll – A single at Wheldrake on the 23^rd was the first of the autumn.

Crossbill – Four flew over Bank Island on the 27^th (CSR).

Goldfinch – 170 were present on Thorganby Ings on the 13^th with 100+ at Wheldrake on the 15^th/16^th followed by 200+ there on the 27^th.

Reed Bunting – Good numbers continued to pass through the site during the month.

MAMMALS:

Brown Hare – Two at Raker Lakes, Wheldrake on the 22^nd.

Red Fox – Single at Bank Island on the 22^nd.

Roe Deer – Single at Bank Island on the 3^rd, followed by two at Raker Lakes, Wheldrake on the 15^th and an adult and juvenile at Bank Island on the 22^nd.  

BUTTERFLIES:

Red Admiral – Singles at Bank Island on the 1^st and 6^th, followed by one at Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 16^th, and Wheldrake on the 29^th.

Comma – Two at Wheldrake on the 1^st followed by singles at Bank Island on the 2^nd and Wheldrake on the 3^rd. Three at Wheldrake on the 16^th were followed by singles at Bank Island on the 24^th and 29^th.

Small Tortoiseshell – Single at Bank Island on the 2^nd.

Small Copper – Singles at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st, the reserve base on the 3^rd and Wheldrake on the 23^rd and 29^th.

Speckled Wood – Two at Bank Island on the 1^st followed by 17 at Wheldrake on the same day. Two at Bank Island and 4 at Wheldrake on the 2^nd, were followed by one at Bank Island, 11 at Wheldrake and 6 at Skipwith Common on the 3^rd. Five at Wheldrake on the 14^th. Two at Bank Island and 9 at Wheldrake on the 16^th, followed by 5 at Wheldrake on the 29^th, and one there on the 30^th.

DRAGONFLIES:

Southern Hawker – Single at Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd. One at Wheldrake on the 16^th.

Migrant Hawker – Single at Wheldrake on the 2^nd.  

Common Darter – Ten at Wheldrake on the 1^st, with three there on the 14^th and two on the 16^th. Single on Skipwith Common on the 28^th, followed by one at Bank Island on the 29^th and a high count of 25 at Wheldrake on the same day.