14 members attended this field meeting starting at Gouthwaite reservoir car park. Viewing over the mud flats we saw numerous Redshanks and Oystercatchers, 2 Curlews, 3 Little-ringed Plovers, 1 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, Lapwings and 4 Common Sandpipers. Up to 70 Teal were on the mud and feeding in the shallow water along with 40 + Mallard. Canada and Greylag Geese were on the margins and grass fields at the far side of the reservoir. In the deeper water there were still 5 Goldeneye, pairs of Tufted Ducks and 3 Great-crested Grebes. The hoped for pair of Ring-necked Ducks reported the previous week could not be found. Also in the grass field with the Greylags were two Pink-footed Geese spotted on our return in the afternoon. 2 adult and 2 immature Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew in and landed on the mud bar joining the Black-headed Gulls. 1 Pied Wagtail of the sub species known as a White Wagtail was also seen. A Cuckoo and a Green Woodpecker were heard in the distance.
In the trees there were Chaffinches, a Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Wrens and a Blackbird. Seen in flight were Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, Woodpigeons, a Grey Heron, a Kestrel and 4 Buzzards that were over the far shore plantations. Two Swallows flew past and numerous Sand Martins were at the northern pool. Also at the northern end were 5 pair of Shelducks, 24 Oystercatchers, Lapwings, Moorhens, Black-headed Gulls and two Common Sandpipers. A Canada Goose was on its nest in front of the viewing area.
We then headed to Scar House lane and stopped at the Fire Station and viewed the river from the footbridge. We had a brief view of a Dipper, a Chiffchaff and a Blackcap. 30 Oystercatchers and two Red Kites flew over. A Mistle Thrush and a Nuthatch were heard in the trees.
Further up the lane at the “tunnel” we found two pair of Pied Flycatchers, one of the pair were using a nest box. Just past the tunnel there was a Redstart, Treecreeper, Nuthatch and a Goldcrest. Willow Warblers and a Chiffchaff were heard singing and a Cuckoo was heard across the valley. A Red Kite, a Kestrel and Jackdaws flew over.
We then had lunch at Scar House car park and viewed the hillside looking for Ring Ouzels without success. Several Wheatears, Pheasants and Meadow Pipits were seen though. Chaffinches and Willow Warblers were in the car park area. Walking across the dam we saw two House Martins at the dam tower. A small flock of Siskins were in the conifers and a Pied Wagtail was ahead of us on the wall. At the far side of the dam we only saw one Ring Ouzel briefly on the ridge top. We did see more Wheatears and a Ringed Plover on the grassy area. 2 Mallards and 2 Greylags were on the reservoir and a small number of Oystercatchers were on the shoreline. 2 Curlews and a Kestrel flew past.
On the return to the car park we then found 4 Ring Ouzels on the hillside showing well if a little distant. Two Swallows flew past.
Thanks to all who attended today and mad an enjoyable and successful day.
The total species for the day is 61.
Mike Smithson
