Mar' 21

 Lower Derwent Valley NNR - March Sightings

March was a memorable month with some large counts of wintering and passage waterfowl, combined with passage movements and the return of early migrants.

The now annual large passage movements of Whooper Swans took place with an impressive and new record of 1,682 individuals recorded between the 19^th and 27^th – and a new record of 666 grounded birds on the 24^th. Three Bewick’s Swans were present early in the month with one remaining until the 22^nd. 13 White-fronted and two Barnacle Geese were noted, with the first brood of Egyptian Geese seen on the 24^th. Among the 14,565 Wigeon and 8,234 Teal, also present were a single Green-winged Teal, a wandering Scaup, up to three Mandarin and the first returning Garganey on the 24^th. A new record count of 871 Pintail were recorded during the month, whilst the now annual Common Scoter spring passage started on the 17^th – followed by further movements on the 21^st and 24^th. A pair of Black-necked Grebes graced North Duffield Carrs on the 24^th, with a Cattle Egret, five Great White Egrets and 38 Little Egrets present during the month. Two Common Cranes were recorded on the 21^st and 23^rd, with a Spoonbill seen at Barmby on the Marsh on the 25^th.

Among the usual Red Kites, Common Buzzards and Marsh Harriers, several passage Merlins and Hen Harriers (two individuals) were recorded, with at least three Peregrines remaining daily to month end. A White-tailed Eagle passed through the Skipwith area on the 25^th – undetected, with the news coming via a satellite tag. A large passage of Jack Snipe was recorded with a maximum of 15 on the 3^rd. A Knot was at North Duffield Carrs on the 28^th whilst the first drumming Snipe were recorded on the 9^th. The first Little Ringed Plover was logged on the 21^st followed by an early returning Whimbrel on the 22^nd, whilst large numbers of Black-tailed Godwits passed through the site with up to 107 recorded on two dates. A single Iceland and Mediterranean Gull were recorded whilst three Kittiwakes on the 27^th and two on the 28^th were notable.

Other first returning migrants included Chiffchaff (3^rd), Sand Martin (10^th), an exceptionally early Sedge Warbler (25^th), Wheatear (27^th), Swallow (29^th) and Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Yellow Wagtail and Cuckoo all on the 30^th followed by an Osprey on the 31^st.

A total of 154 species have now been recorded in the area during 2021. 

Many thanks as always to everyone who contributed records throughout the month - particular thanks to members of the YOC, and regular patch birder Duncan Bye. Thanks also to those whose images have been used in the report - Tom Broxup (TB), Duncan Bye (DB), Chris Gomersall (CG), Jono Leadley (JL), Oliver Metcalf (OM) and Tim Ward (TW).

 

BIRDS: 

Mute Swan – 86 were present throughout the site on the 14^th with several pairs nest building by month end.

Whooper Swan – The month began with 204 at Bubwith Ings on the 1^st, and a small additional passage herd of nine at Bank Island. Another passage herd of 11 were seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th with eight there on the 6^th. 197 were still in the wintering herd between Ellerton and Bubwith on the 7^th. 27 flew north over Bank Island at dusk on the 9^th, with four present at Wheldrake Ings on the 11^th and two on the 12^th. 150 remained in the wintering herd on the 14^th with 147 there on the 17^th. 187 at Derwent Farm on the 19^th presumably included some additional passage birds moving through the site, with an additional herd of 57 over Thorganby and 210 over Barmby on the Marsh, as part of a large movement out of the Cambridgeshire Fens. 173 passed over the NNR on the 20^th with 131 on the 21^st when 161 were still present in the resident herd. 287 passed over the reserve early on the 22^nd, with herds of 27 and 79 passing through later in the day and shortly after dusk. 121 individuals were still present in the resident herd at North Duffield on the 23^rd, whilst herds of 11 and 29 flew north during the day and 303 spent the day at Thornton Ings. 147 left the roost and headed out onto the local fields on the 24^th, with 296 at Melbourne and 223 in fields at Thornton, giving a total of 666 on the ground – a new reserve record. Most departed after dark with just 20 remaining at Melbourne and Thornton the following day. Several flocks were heard over Elvington after dark on the 25^th - these may have been individuals from the resident herd leaving, as only 21 remained at North Duffield on the 26^th – a total of 51 were scattered through the site on that date, with two passage herds of 21 and 27 over Bank Island. 13 paused for the day at Wheldrake Ings on the 27^th with a single there on the 28^th. 51 were present there at dawn on the 30^th when 21 remained at North Duffield Carrs - a herd of 75 later flew north at Bank Island just before dusk. A herd of 66 were present at Wheldrake, along with 90 at North Duffield Carrs and 80 over Skipwith on the 31^st.

A minimum of 2,044 spring passage birds moved through the site during the month.

Whooper Swans - Wheldrake Ings - 20/03 - DB

Bewick’s Swan – Two remained with the Whooper Swan herd at North Duffield on the 1^st, with three there on the 3^rd and a single remaining until the 14^th. What was presumably the same bird was present at Wheldrake Ings with 20 Whooper Swans on the 22^nd.

Greylag Goose – Numbers had declined to 476 by the 14^th.

Pink-footed Goose – 300 flew north-west on the 1^st followed by 22 on the 2^nd. A single was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 7^th with five at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th. 86 ‘grounded’ birds were on the reserve on the 14^th with 46 at Aughton Ings on the 17^th.  A large movement out of the North Norfolk coast resulted in several skeins totalling 632 over the NNR on the 19^th heading north-west. 38 lingered between Bubwith and Wheldrake from the 19^th to the 22^nd. 26 were present at Aughton on the 23^rd and 38 at North Duffield Carrs on the 24^th. 150 flew north over Elvington on the 30^th with 120 after dark over Bank Island.

Pink-footed Geese - Wheldrake Ings - 19/03 - DB

White-fronted Goose – A party of 13 arrived at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th and were present again between the 7^th-14^th.

Canada Goose – Numbers declined to 78 by the 14^th.

Barnacle Goose – Two flew south at Aughton with Greylags on the 25^th, and were present again on the 26^th on the floodbank at Thorganby, before again flying off south.

Egyptian Goose – A pair took up residency on a farm pond in the Wheldrake/Elvington area from the 7^th. Five adults remained on the regular ponds in the East Cottingwith area on the 24^th, including a pair with six newly hatched goslings. Up to five pairs were present in the wider area.

Egyptian Goose - East Cottingwith - 24/03 - CSR

Shelduck – 173 were recorded throughout the site on the 14^th, followed by 164 on the 26^th.

Wigeon – Up to 12,800 were present across the site on the 1^st, with 13,154 recorded on the 14^th and 14,565 on the 19^th. 3,448 remained on the 26^th, with numerous flocks being picked up after dark through noc-mig during the week - presumably birds departing.

Teal – 8,234 were counted on the monthly WeBS on the 14^th, with 6,100 still present on the 23^rd. 4,020 remained on the 26^th.

Green-winged Teal – Presumably the same over-wintering drake was present again at North Duffield Carrs on the 16^th (CG) and remained until the 23^rd, during which time it showed well in front of the Geoff Smith Hide. It re-appeared once more on the 29^th (DW).

Green-winged Teal - North Duffield Carrs - 20/03 - CG

Garganey – The first returning drake was seen at Thornton Ings on the 24^th, with one heard calling at Wheldrake Ings on the 26^th. A drake was seen at Bank Island on the 29^th.

Pintail – 600+ were present early in the month. 450 were recorded at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th when 248 were at Wheldrake Ings with smaller numbers elsewhere - a minimum of 733 present on the reserve. A new reserve count of 871 was had on the 14^th, with 670 in the Aughton/Ellerton area alone on that date. 413 were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 24^th however a large clear out followed, leaving just 154 on the 26^th. 50 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 27^th with 22 remaining on the 28^th.

Mandarin – A drake flew into Bank Island from Wheldrake Ings early on the 4^th (CSR). A single flew north up the Derwent at Ellerton on the 26^th before flying over Wheldrake, with another pair south at Aughton on the same date.

Mallard – 780 were present during the month.

Gadwall – Up to 226 were recorded throughout the site.

Shoveler – 86 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th with 114 across the reserve on the 7^th. 179 were recorded on the 9^th (89 at Wheldrake Ings and 55 at Thornton Ings), with a total of 181 observed on the 14^th. Numbers increased thereafter with 301 spread throughout the site on the 31^st.

Shoveler - Bank Island - 26/03 - DB

Tufted Duck – 350 were present on the reserve early in the month followed by a count of 402 on the 6^th. 300+ remained throughout the site on the 19^th.

Scaup – What was presumably last months adult drake reappeared at Thornton Ellers on the 5^th (NC) and was present again on the 6^th. It was later seen at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th, Wheldrake on the 12^th/13^th and Thornton Ings on the 14^th.

Scaup - Wheldrake Ings - 13/03 - DB

Pochard – 174 remained at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th, with 131 present throughout the site on the 14^th - declining to 73 by the 19^th. Just two remained at North Duffield Carrs on the 24^th, with no birds were recorded on the 26^th and thereafter.

Common Scoter – A flock passed over Elvington at 21.20 hrs on the 17^th with possibly the same flock over York 10 minutes later (AF, GD). A large nocturnal passage took place between 2000hrs and 2230 hrs on the 21^st, with several flocks and individuals recorded – perhaps involving as many as 200 birds. 17 passed over at 2115hrs on the 24^th with several other flocks heard between then and 2240 hrs. Several flocks were then heard over Elvington on nocturnal passage on the 29^th (AF).

Goosander – A drake was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th with singles at North Duffield Carrs, Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 11^th. A pair were present on the river at Aughton on the 14^th. A single red-head was at Bank Island on the 20^th and 22^nd, with five there on the 29^th and one at Elvington on the 30^th. Three roosted at North Duffield Carrs on the 29^th.

Goldeneye – 21 were recorded at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st, with 20 between Wheldrake and Bank Island on the 6^th. 34 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th, no doubt reflecting an increase associated with spring passage, with numbers increasing to 40 on the 14^th. 13 remained on the 28^th with just 11 remaining on the 31^st.

Goldeneye - Wheldrake - 13/03 - DB

Great Crested Grebe – Pairs were present at Bank Island, Wheldrake and Bubwith on the 1^st, with an additional bird arriving at Bank Island on the 3^rd. A single was at North Duffield Carrs on the 22^nd with three there on the 23^rd and an additional three at Wheldrake on the 24^th. Six were at North Duffield Carrs on the 30^th, with six at Wheldrake the next day on the 31^st.

Black-necked Grebe – A pair arrived at North Duffield Carrs on the 24^th (CSR et al).

Black-necked Grebes - North Duffield Carrs - 24/03 - OM

Bittern – A single was heard at 2330hrs flying over Wheldrake Ings heading east (CSR, NC, GD).

Little Egret – Six were present at Elvington on the 1^st/2^nd. Numbers started building thereafter, with 11 across the reserve on the 5^th and 21 on the 6^th. 28 were recorded throughout the site on the 22^nd with eight at Bubwith Ings on the 23^rd. A total of 36 were counted across the reserve on the 26^th.

Cattle Egret – A single was present at Elvington on the 12^th (JC).

Great White Egret – A flock of five were present at East Cottingwith Ings on the 5^th (DS, JB), with a single at Bubwith Bridge on the 6^th (OM). Four flew over Bank Island on the 9^th (CSR) when one was present at Thornton Ellers (NC, TJ). Two were seen at Thornton Ings on the 14^th, with singles in the Sutton upon Derwent area on the 18^th and Bubwith on the 19^th. A single was present at Melbourne again on the 22^nd. Three were displaying at one site on the 23^rd when a total of five were still present on the reserve. A single was recorded at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th with one at Melbourne again on the 31^st.

White Stork – A single flew north over Allerthorpe Common on the 30^th.

Cormorant – Up to 38 were seen at the Wheldrake roost early in the month, followed by 37 there on the 12^th.

Coot – Numbers at Bank Island increased to 61 by the 11^th, with 122 throughout the site on the 14^th and 198 on the 19^th. Numbers further increased to 231 by the 22^nd.

Common Crane – Two flew west along the canal at Melbourne on the 21^st (DS), before flying over the Low Grounds and north-west over Bank Island and Wheldrake village (DS, JL, DB). What may have been the same pair drifted south-west at Aughton Ings on the 23^rd.

Common Crane - Wheldrake - 21/03 - DB

Marsh Harrier – An adult female was present at Bank Island on the 2^nd/3^rd with regular sightings throughout the area thereafter. Wing-tagged bird ‘D3’ was present on the reserve on the 14^th and at Bank Island on the 15^th. Two immatures and an adult female were observed on the NNR on the 19^th with a single at Skipwith Common NNR on the 21^st. An adult female flew north at Bank Island on the 31^st.

Hen Harrier – A single ring-tailed individual flew over North Duffield heading towards Skipwith Common NNR on the 20^th (OM), with what may have been the same bird reported into roost on the 24^th. An adult male flew west along the Pocklington Canal towards Wheldrake on the 25^th (OM), and was seen again at Melbourne later in the day (TW). An adult male and sub adult were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 30^th and 31^st.

Hen Harrier - Melbourne - 25/03 - TW

White-tailed Eagle – A single immature bird from the 2020 Isle of Wight re-introduction scheme passed over Skipwith Common NNR on the 25^th, before heading north and being seen over Sinnington later in the day – data via satellite tag.

Osprey – A single flew over Wheldrake Ings on the evening of the 31^st, heading over Bank Island and Elvington as it went (DB, NC, CSR, AF).

Common Buzzard – 11 were present over Skipwith Common NNR on the 9^th, with at least 17 observed across the whole site on the 14^th. 12 were present in fields by Skipwith Common NNR on the 15^th. 15 were counted from Wheldrake Ings on the 20^th.

Peregrine – A single was present over Skipwith Common NNR on the 9^th with an immature male at Aughton Ings on the 14^th and another at North Duffield Carrs on the 23^rd. Three were still present on the reserve on the 26^th.

Merlin – Singles were present at Wheldrake on the 2^nd, Aughton on the 14^th (DB, CSR) and Skipwith Common NNR on the 15^th (TH). Singles were seen at both Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 26^th, followed by one at Bubwith on the 28^th.

Merlin - Aughton - 14/03 - DB

Red Kite – A single drifted over the NNR base on the 4^th with regular sightings from around the area thereafter. Three or four were present in and around the Skipwith Common NNR area early in the month, with five around the reserve on the 14^th and five over Skipwith on the 15^th. Two were over Thorganby village on the 17^th with a single there on the 19^th. Two were at Wheldrake Ings on the 20^th with singles at North Duffield and Thorganby on the 22^nd. Seven were present around the NNR on the 24^th.

Goshawk – A pair were present in the wider area on the 7^th with two further displaying birds seen elsewhere in the area on the 30^th.

Grey Partridge – A pair were present on the main meadow at Wheldrake Ings on the 22^nd.

Water Rail – Two were at Bank Island on the 2^nd with two calling males at Wheldrake Ings on the 7^th. A single showed well at Bank Island on the 8^th. One was present in a road side ditch at Elvington on the 23^rd – a presumed winter migrant, with three birds later picked up migrating over Elvington after dark on the 25^th – presumably wintering birds departing at a time that saw a large clear out of wintering ducks and swans. Three were heard calling in the refuge at Wheldrake after dark on the 30^th with a single migrating at height. Three were in the reedbed area by Swantail Ings on the 31^st.

Oystercatcher – Numbers increased to 11 by the 2^nd with a flock of 18 at East Cottingwith Ings on the 6^th. 22 were present throughout the site on the 7^th with 14 at Wheldrake on the 12^th. 26 were present across the reserve on the 14^th.

Oystercatcher - Melbourne Ings - 25/03 - TW

Little Ringed Plover – A single was recorded on call after dark on the 21^st over North Duffield Carrs. Three were present there on the 29^th with two on the scrapes at Bank Island on the 30^th and two at North Duffield Carrs on the 31^st.  

Ringed Plover – Two at Thornton Ings on the 9^th were followed by singles at North Duffield Carrs on the 29^th and 30^th.

Jack Snipe – Spring passage and falling water levels saw numbers increase with 11 at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st/2^nd and 15 on the 3^rd. Seven remained at Wheldrake on the 9^th with five at Thornton Ings on the 14^th and five at Wheldrake on the 15^th. A single was present at Melbourne Ings on the 22^nd with four remaining at Wheldrake on the same date. Two were flushed by a Hen Harrier at Melbourne on the 25^th. What may have been a degree of spring passage saw 15 recorded at Wheldrake on the 30^th, with just two present the following evening.  

Snipe – Up to 100 birds were recorded at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st with 50+ still present on the 9^th. 55+ were counted at Melbourne Ings on the 22^nd.

The first birds were heard chipping at North Duffield Carrs on the 9^th and Wheldrake Ings on the 14^th. Drumming birds were recorded at both Melbourne and Thornton Ings on the 15^th. Two drumming individuals were observed at Wheldrake Ings on the 21^st, with further drumming birds on the 22^nd including four at North Duffield Carrs, three at Aughton Ings and three at Wheldrake Ings, with at least 20 ‘chipping’ birds at those sites at dusk.

Common Snipe - North Duffield Carrs - 11/03 - OM

Woodcock – Four were feeding after dark at Wheldrake on the 2^nd with three there on the 9^th, followed by one in daylight on the 11^th. Three were still present feeding on the meadow after dark on the 22^nd, with three at North Duffield Carrs after dark on the 23^rd – on the same day the first roding bird of the year was observed at Skipwith Common NNR.

Curlew – 243 were recorded throughout the site on the 2^nd, with 200+ remaining on the 7^th and 168 on the 14^th.  

Curlew - Bank Island - 28/03 - DB

Whimbrel – A very early bird was present at Wheldrake Ings after dark on the 22^nd (CSR, NC, GD), and again at Bank Island on the 24^th (NC, MR, CSR).

Black-tailed Godwit – 31 were recorded at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st/2^nd, with 73 arriving at North Duffield Ings on the 1^st to join two already present – giving a total of 107 across the whole reserve. 131 were recorded on the NNR on the 4^th, with up to three daily thereafter at Wheldrake Ings. 70 were at Thornton Ellers on the 9^th with 45 at North Duffield Carrs on the 12^th and 70 at Wheldrake on the 13^th. 16 remained at Wheldrake on the 14^th with three on the 20^th and 50 on the 21^st. Number reached 91 at Wheldrake on the 26^th with 107 there on the 27^th and 100 on the 28^th/29^th. 178 remained at Wheldrake on the 31^st.

Dunlin – Up to 200 were present early in the month with 130 still scattered throughout the site on the 9^th. 100+ were recorded at North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th with 67 remaining on the 26^th.

Ruff – Up to 80 lingered at the beginning of the month, with 30 remaining by the 26^th - some lekking behaviour was noted around this time.

Knot – A single at North Duffield Carrs on the 28^th.

Green Sandpiper – One at Melbourne on the 1^st.

Redshank – 60 were recorded early in the month.

Redshank - North Duffield Carrs - 14/03 - DB

Mediterranean Gull – An adult was present on the 9^th, 11^th and 12^th.

Black-headed Gull – 1000+ roosted at Wheldrake Ings on the 14^th - down to 40 by the 17^th.

Common Gull – 500 were still present at Wheldrake Ings on the 12^th, with just six remaining on the 17^th. Nocturnal passage was recorded overnight on the 21^st/22^nd.

Greater Black-backed Gull – Up to 300 were recorded in the area throughout the month – largely consisting of immatures and sub-adults.

Herring Gull – 200 remained throughout the month.

Iceland Gull – A single juvenile was present at the roost at Aughton Ings on the 13^th and 19^th.

Kittiwake – An adult and two first winters flew north-west over Thorganby Ings on the 17^th (CSR), with two adults through Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th (DB).

Long-eared Owl – A single at Skipwith Common NNR on the 19^th (DT).

Cuckoo – A single was seen at Aughton Ings on the 30^th (RR) - the earliest on record and the first March record. The previous earliest records were on the 2^nd April 1996 and the 6^th April 1995.

Green Woodpecker – A single was present at Bank Island on the 20^th. Regularly seen or heard on Skipwith Common NNR throughout the month.

Green Woodpecker - Skipwith Common NNR - 07/03 - DB

White Wagtail – One near Skipwith on the 28^th (CSR) and East Cottingwith Hagg Lane on the 31^st (TJ).

Yellow Wagtail – The first returning bird was at Thorganby on the 30^th (CSR).

Sand Martin – Two early birds were present over Bank Island on the 10^th (CSR, FM), with the next individuals - five - seen at Wheldrake on the 23^rd (TJ). Two were at Bank Island and singles at North Duffield Carrs and Wheldrake on the 24^th, with a steady arrival thereafter. 20 were present at Bank Island on the 30^th.

Swallow – The first returning birds (two), were at Thorganby on the 29^th with one at Wheldrake later in the day. Another two were seen in Wheldrake village on the 31^st.

Woodlark – Up to nine singing males remained at Skipwith Common NNR early in the month.

Woodlark - Skipwith Common NNR - 07/03 - DB

Fieldfare – 50 at Skipwith Common NNR on the 9^th. 450 moved north-east over Bank Island during the course of the day on the 24^th – a noticeable departure out of the area.

Redwing – 23 flew off north-east at dusk at North Duffield Carrs on the 29^th.

Wheatear – The first returning bird was at Wheldrake Ings on the 27^th (CG).

Stonechat – A pair remained at Thornton Ings early in the month with a pair recorded at Skipwith Common NNR on the 5^th and 9^th.

Nuthatch – A single was calling at Melbourne on the 22^nd with one in roadside Oaks at Thorganby on the 25^th. A pair were displaying at the Thorganby location on the 30^th and at Skipwith Common NNR on the 31^st.

Cetti’s Warbler – A single singing bird was present in the reedbed at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th and regularly thereafter. Single at Melbourne from the 15^th and one at North Duffield Carrs on the 22^nd.

Blackcap – The first birds arrived back en-masse on the 30^th with up to 15 at scattered locations around the reserve. 12 were recorded at Skipwith Common NNR on the 31^st.

Chiffchaff – A new singing bird was present at Melbourne on the 3^rd with three singing individuals at Wheldrake on the 6^th. A single was singing at Bank Island on the 8^th with two at North Duffield Carrs on the 9^th. Two were present at Wheldrake on the 14^th with one at Skipwith Common NNR on the 16^th. Two were present at both Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th. A small arrival saw 15 scattered throughout the LDV and Skipwith Common NNR on the 23^rd.

Willow Warbler – A single at Bank Island on the 30^th was the first returning bird, with several heard in both the LDV and Skipwith Common NNR on the 31^st.

Sedge Warbler – The first returning bird was seen and heard singing at Melbourne Ings by the Pocklington Canal on the 25^th (MT). This is the earliest ever recorded since the 26^th March 2014.

Willow Tit – Three singing males/pairs were present between Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd, with a singing male/pair at Melbourne on the 3^rd. Seven singing birds were present along the Pocklington Canal between Melbourne and East Cottingwith on the 5^th. A pair were present and singing at Skipwith Common NNR on the 16^th and 17^th. A total of three pairs were present in the Canal Head stretch of the Pocklington Canal on the 22^nd.

Lesser Redpoll – 50 were recorded at Skipwith Common NNR on the 17^th, and were followed by 75 on the 23^rd and 220 on the 30^th.

Lesser Redpoll - Wheldrake Ings - 07/03 - DB

Siskin – A singing male was heard at East Cottingwith on the 5^th. A flock of around 100 birds were present at Skipwith Common NNR on the 14^th with 500 at Allerthorpe Common on the 17^th.

Crossbill – Up to five, including a singing male, were present on Skipwith Common NNR on the 9^th (NC, MR).

Brambling – Two were present at Thornton on the 5^th with one at North Duffield on the 17^th. A single male was present at Skipwith Common NNR on the 30^th.

 

BUTTERFLIES:

Comma – The first of the year was seen on Skipwith Common NNR on the 17^th, with 11 across the reserve on the 24^th. Five at Skipwith Common NNR on the 31^st.

Brimstone – The first of the year were two at Skipwith Common NNR on the 17^th, followed by three there on the 24^th. Single at the NNR base at Bank Island on the 30^th. Four at Back Common (Crook Moor – Thorganby) on the 31^st, when eight were also seen at Skipwith Common and two at Bank Island.

Peacock – Four at Skipwith Common NNR on the 31^st when five were also seen along the riverside track at Wheldrake Ings.

Small Tortoiseshell – A high count of 12 at Wheldrake Ings and 11 at Skipwith Common NNR on the 31^st.

 

MOTHS:

A total of 330 moths of 15 species were caught throughout the month, including a single Early Grey, 2 Oak Beauty, 2 Pine Beauty, 8 Red Chestnut and 4 Shoulder-stripe.

 

REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS:

Grass Snake – A single at Sands Lane on the 31^st.

Common Lizard - Present on Skipwith Common NNR throughout the second half of the month.

Common Lizards - Skipwith Common NNR - 22/03 - TB