Sept' 22

Lower Derwent Valley NNR - September Sightings

The first returning Pink-footed Geese were heard overnight on the 12/13^th, with up to 10,500 moving from the Upper Humber to the Wolds - seen daily from Bank Island. Likewise, 1,100 Greylags had built up in the wider area, although scarce within the designated site due to the lack of water. Only 30 Wigeon and 300 Teal mirrored the dry conditions, although migrating Common Scoter after dark on the 20^th were notable. A Bittern was present again near Hagg Bridge on the Pocklington Canal with two records of a Great White Egret.

There was a good showing of raptors to maintain interest, with up to two lingering Ospreys (1^st - 29^th), with birds favouring the Pocklington Canal area in Melbourne, and the River Derwent between Elvington and Wheldrake. There were also up to six Marsh Harriers, 7+ Hobbies and up to 50+ Buzzards throughout the wider area. The usual build-up of Golden Plover was observed around the site; however, passage waders were poorly represented - again reflecting the lack of suitable conditions - a Little Stint on the 10-12^th was no doubt the highlight. Ravens on the 15^th, 24^th and 25^th reflected increasing status of the species, whilst 7000+ Swallows streaming over and through Bank Island on the 6^th was a welcome return to form, with numbers like that not seen for several years. The first returning Stonechat appeared during the month, whilst a departing Pied Flycatcher on the 12^th was soon replaced with the first returning Redwing on the 20^th.

Other last dates (so far) inc. Spotted Flycatcher (4^th), Garden Warbler (5^th), Whitethroat (13^th), Willow Warbler (19^th), Sedge Warbler (21^st) and Yellow Wagtail (23^rd).

 

Many thanks as always to everyone who contributed records throughout the month, in particular to members of York Birding, and regular patch birder Duncan Bye – thanks also to Duncan for the use of his images below (credited DB).

 

BIRDS:

Mute Swan – 18 flew into Wheldrake Ings on 13^th – no doubt returning birds from the summer moulting sites, with other individuals arrived during the second half of the month - adding to the local population of family parties around the reserve.

Pink-footed Geese – The first birds of the autumn were picked up overnight moving over Elvington on the 12^th/13^th, with 32 south over Bank Island later on the 13^th. 30 flew south over North Duffield Carrs with 80 over Wheldrake on the 15^th, followed by 120 south over Bank Island on the 16^th. 100 went high over Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th with 370 over Skipwith during the day on the 19^th. c400 went through the reserve on the 20^th with c200 observed undertaking flights from the Upper Humber into the area around Spaldington and Pocklington. 1500+ were recorded on the 21^st, with flocks noted to be moving in all directions - probably a mix of passage and local feeding flights. As in recent years, large numbers were seen distantly from Bank Island to the south of the core of the LDV - moving from the Upper Humber towards daytime feeding sites on the Wolds, with 10,500 recorded on the 24^th and 9,700 on the 25^th, when an additional 485 were observed in three groups moving locally around the reserve. 14 were feeding in arable fields by Bank Island on the 30^th.

Pink-footed Geese - Wheldrake Ings - 25/09 - DB

Greylag Goose – Numbers increased to c500 at Elvington Water Treatment Works by the 20^th by which time 400+ were also present on Skipwith Common NNR with 200 scattered around other local water bodies.

Wigeon – A single was picked up calling on noc-mig over Elvington on the 4^th with one on the pool at Wheldrake on the 10^th. 30 flew south from Wheldrake Ings on the 21^st.

Teal – 87 appeared on the pool at Wheldrake following an intense thunderstorm on the 7^th. Up to 300 had built up on the usual local wildfowling ponds at Thorganby by month end - the only place with any water present.

Gadwall – 33 were present at the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th.

Mallard – 323 were recorded at the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th.

Pintail – Three flew north over Bank Island and Wheldrake village on the 25^th.

Shoveler – Up to 20 remained throughout the month.

Common Scoter – A flock passing over Elvington after dark on the 20^th were picked up on noc-mig.

Bittern – Single was seen briefly on the Pocklington Canal at Hagg Bridge on the 8^th.

Little Egret – Up to 12 were present early in the month with just one or two remaining at month end.

Great White Egret – Single was seen in flight heading towards Elvington from Bank Island on the 20^th, with one at North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th.  

Osprey – A great month for records with one or two lingering throughout most of the month. Single was seen at Pool Bridge Farm fishing ponds on the 1^st, followed by an immature fishing by the bridge at Wheldrake on the 4^th - later seen following the river between Bank Island and Wheldrake during the afternoon. It was then present again at Wheldrake and Bank Island, between the 5^th – 7^th - fishing along the river. Either the same bird or another (juvenile female), appeared in the same place on the 9^th, with two seen from Bank Island on the 10^th and one showing well on the 11^th. Two were present again on the 12^th-15^th, ranging between Wheldrake and Melbourne. A single was present over Wheldrake on the 19^th and Melbourne on the 20^th, 23^rd and 24^th. A single was seen fishing at Elvington Lock on the 26^th, with one over Bank Island twice on the 29^th as it commuted over Wheldrake village towards Raker Lakes fishing ponds.

Osprey - Wheldrake Ings - 11/09 - Ebor Birder 

Marsh Harrier – Four were present at Bank Island/Wheldrake on the 3^rd and 4^th with another four different birds recorded in the same area on the 7^th. Five or six were still in the Wheldrake/Bank Island area on the 11^th when two juveniles were at North Duffield Carrs. At least six individuals were present across the reserve on the 19^th – similar numbers were recorded to month end, with ‘D3’ seen on several dates.

Red Kite – Two were in the Bank Island area regularly during the month with seven across the reserve on the 19^th – from then on individuals were reported regularly throughout the month around the site.

Buzzard – Up to 21 were recorded in the Bank Island/Wheldrake area on the 20^th, with 11 at North Duffield Carrs on the 21^st - perhaps more than 50 were present throughout the local area at this time. 12 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th.

Buzzards - Wheldrake Ings - 20/09 - DB

Peregrine – Single adults were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 2^nd and 6^th and at Wheldrake Ings on the 11^th, 21^st and 23^rd.

Hobby – Three were seen at Wheldrake and Bank Island on the 5^th, associating with a large movement of Swallows, whilst a single was present at the Swallow roost at Church Bridge, Melbourne, at dusk on the same date. Seven were recorded in the same area (including a fledged brood of two) on the 7^th. A single was again at Church Bridge Melbourne on the 8^th. Two or three were then present daily at Wheldrake/Bank Island with four at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th. Three or four were seen at Bank Island on the 12^th with six at dusk at Wheldrake Ings on the same date - six were seen again over Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th. Three or four remained until the 21^st with a single on the 27^th at Bank Island.

Grey Partridge – 15 were present in fields by Wheldrake village after dark on the 6^th.

Water Rail – Good numbers were present throughout the month at Wheldrake with a fledged juvenile caught and ringed there during the month.

Water Rail - Wheldrake Ings - 21/09 - LDV Team

Ringed Plover – Single at Wheldrake Ings flew over calling after dark on the 6^th.

Golden Plover – Small numbers were recorded daily throughout the month increasing to 104 over fields by Wheldrake village on the 21^st. 73 were present with a flock of Lapwing at North Duffield Carrs on the 23^rd. 118 were recorded in the Wheldrake area on the 25^th with smaller flocks encountered throughout the remainder of the month.

Lapwing – Up to 300 were scattered around the reserve during the month.

Snipe – Up to 30 were present at Wheldrake Ings with c60 scattered throughout the whole site.

Curlew – Single at Wheldrake on the 19^th and 23^rd.

Dunlin – Single at Wheldrake Ings on the 26^th.

Little Stint – A juvenile was on the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th – 12^th.

Little Stint - Wheldrake Ings - 10/09 - DB

Greenshank – Six flew over Elvington on the 7^th.

Ruff – A single was present briefly on the pool at Wheldrake on the 21^st with another there on the 29^th.

Green Sandpiper – Four were present on the pool at Wheldrake from the 1^st - 4^th with two daily thereafter until the 7^th, three on the 8^th and four between the 9^th - 19^th. Two remained thereafter to month end.

Green Sandpiper - Wheldrake Ings - 10/09 - DB

Common Sandpiper – Birds were recorded on nocturnal passage over Elvington on the night of the 9^th.

Lesser Black-backed Gull – 200+ were present in fields near Escrick on the 26^th.

Yellow-legged Gull – An adult was observed feeding with gulls on arable near Escrick on the 26^th.

Mediterranean Gull – A second year bird was present on arable fields at Bank Island on the 8^th.

Green Woodpecker – Single by the Wind Pump at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th.

Swift – Five moved south over Bank Island on the 6^th with singles on the 12^th and 15^th.

Swallow – Up to 1000 went south at Wheldrake Ings during the day on the 5^th, with 1500 at roost at Church Bridge, Melbourne on the same date – the first large movement of the autumn. A conservative 7000+ followed over Wheldrake Ings and Bank Island the following day with 2000+ on the 7^th. Numbers had reduced to 300 at Bank Island on the 8^th. Scattered individuals were then present throughout the remainder of the month.

Swallow movement - NNR Base - 05/09 - LDV Team

House Martin – 600 were recorded at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th.

Skylark – Small numbers of birds started moving early in the month with 118 over Wheldrake village on the 25^th - the largest movement recorded.

Meadow Pipit – 60 at Wheldrake Ings on the 8^th was the first movement of the autumn. Numbers remained small until 450 grounded birds were present at Wheldrake on the 13^th, with another arrival taking place on the 19^th.

Yellow Wagtail – One or two were present daily early in the month with two at Bank Island on the 23^rd.

Robin – Numbers increased with two or three birds caught daily at both Bank Island and Wheldrake suggesting passage through the site.

Dunnock – As with the last species, numbers increased with two or three birds caught daily at both Bank Island and Wheldrake suggesting some kind of passage through the site.

Jay – A flock of nine were recorded along the riverside track at Wheldrake Ings at dawn on the 15^th, with individuals more visible and frequent throughout the remainder of the month.

Raven – Single flew north over North Duffield Carrs on the 15^th with individuals later recorded at both Wheldrake and Bank Island on the 24^th, with a single at Bank Island again on the 25^th.

Wheatear – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 3^rd and 7^th followed by one Bank Island on the 14^th.

Whinchat – Two were present at Wheldrake Ings from the 1^st with four there on the 4^th. Two were also on nearby farmland between Wheldrake and Thorganby on the 3^rd. Four were at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th and 7^th, with two in the NNR base garden on the latter date. Singles were present at Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs on the 13^th, followed by two at Wheldrake and one at Bank Island on the 14^th.

Stonechat – Three arrived at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th with two at North Duffield on the same date. Three were at Wheldrake Ings on the 14^th when three were also present at Bank Island, increasing at the latter site to five on the 15^th. Five were at both Bank Island and North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th with four also present at Wheldrake Ings. Similar numbers remained to month end.

Stonechat - Wheldrake Ings - 13/09 - LDV Team

Pied Flycatcher – A single immature/female was present at Bank Island on the 12^th.

Redwing – The first birds were heard calling over Elvington and Bank Island after dark on the 20^th. 13 went west at Wheldrake on the 24^th, with 12 over Skipwith Common NNR on the 26^th and several over North Duffield Carrs. Birds were heard after dark at Bank Island on the 27^th with small numbers present daily to month end.

Cetti’s Warbler – Daily records came from Wheldrake Ings early in the month with passage and incoming wintering birds arriving. Two vocal birds were present at Wheldrake on the 6^th followed by three on the 7^th. New un-ringed individuals were caught and ringed there on the 13^th and 15^th. Up to five were present on Wheldrake Ings from the 24^th to month end with a single at Bank Island on the 27^th.

Willow Tit – Three were at Bank Island on the 4^th followed by two there on the 25^th. Three or four were present daily throughout the month at Wheldrake Ings.

Nuthatch – Four were recorded in the car park lane at Wheldrake on the 6^th with two/three then seen there regularly during the month. A single was heard along the riverside track on the 25^th.

Sedge Warbler – Four were present at Wheldrake on the 13^th followed by two on the 14^th and 15^th. A single was caught and ringed on the 21^st.

Reed Warbler – Two were present at Melbourne on the 5^th, with between four and six ringed daily at Wheldrake until the 13^th – the same date that a juvenile carrying a Norwegian ring was controlled. Two were present on the 14^th and 15^th followed by three on the 19^th.  Four were recorded on the 21^st including the Norwegian ringed bird. Six birds were present on the 24^th.

Reed Warbler - Wheldrake Ings - 13/09 - LDV Team

Garden Warbler – Two were caught and ringed at Bank Island on the 2^nd with one there on the 5^th.

Blackcap – Large numbers continued to move through the site early in the month with 15 ringed at Bank Island on the 1^st followed by 34 on the 2^nd. 18 were recorded there on the 4^th, followed by 25 on the 5^th, 23 on the 6^th and 18 on the 7^th. Numbers continued to increase with 40 ringed between Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 13^th, followed by 30 on the 15^th, and 25 on the 19^th. Numbers reduced thereafter with 11 on the 21^st, 10 on the 24^th, six on the 25^th, four on the 27^th and five on the 28^th.

Whitethroat – Present daily early in the month with five at Bank Island on the 4^th, followed by one on the 5^th with two also at Wheldrake, and one at Bank Island on the 13^th.

Lesser Whitethroat – One or two lingered daily at Bank Island between the 1^st - 5^th.

Chiffchaff – Passage increased early in the month with 17 across Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th. Numbers increased with 18 at Wheldrake Ings on the 14^th followed by 21 (ringed) there on the 15^th. 40 were caught and ringed at Menthorpe on the 18^th with 20 at Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th. 11 were at Wheldrake on the 21^st with 21 ringed there on the 24^th. Smaller numbers present to month end.

Willow Warbler – Numbers decreased early in the month with just three remaining on the 16^th followed a single on the 19^th - the last to be reported.

Spotted Flycatcher – Singles at Bank Island on the 3^rd and 4^th.

Reed Bunting – Numbers increased early in the month with an impressive 200 ‘grounded’ birds at Wheldrake at dawn on the 13^th.