BIRD NEWS FROM CARR VALE NATURE RESERVE AND SURROUNDING AREA

JANUARY 2002

Yet again we managed daily coverage during which we recorded a total of 71 species, the lowest January count since 1998 and below the six-year average. Nevertheless a couple of notable species were seen including Peregrine, Dunlin and Iceland Gull (12th record). Additionally two colossal movements of Pink-footed Geese were recorded along with a record count of Wigeon and high counts of Cormorants and Skylarks. The pools were frozen for the first 12 days of the month after which it became very mild, and at times wet, although the highest Meadow Flash reached was only 27".

Although Cormorants were only noted on four dates the records included a flock of 16 flying north-west on the 24th with a count of 14 (including a flock of eight south) on the 27th. The flock of 16 equals the previous record count for the site. Herons were noted on 28 dates but the highest count was just nine on the 24th and 30th, whilst the wing-tagged bird remained to the month end. Four Mute Swans on the 17th were the only ones seen during the month and there were just two records of Pink-footed Geese, although these records were extraordinary. The new year got off to a great start when a total of 2,475 Pink-feet flew north-west in 17 skeins on New Years Day between 1035 and 1200, this being the third highest count for the county. Most of the flocks flew directly over the recording area or just to the north, but all birds were seen from the observation mound. Then on the 27th a total of 2155 flew west between 1010 and 1110, although on this occasion all bar one of the ten skeins flew over well to the south of the recording area. Nevertheless, two very impressive movements and needless to say the most ever seen from the observation mound. Canada Geese were also present in unusual numbers with records on 24 dates peaking at a January record of 111 on the 28th.

The Wigeon flock had been steadily rising during December peaking at 111 on four dates but during the freeze numbers dropped back to as low as 20 on the 3rd. The onset of the thaw saw the first three-figure count of the year on the 11th when 112 were counted-a new site record. The flock increased to 131 by the 13th and eventually reached 156 on the 26th, with counts of 140+ on all bar one date from the 21st. It is most probable that some if not most of these birds were from Ogston Reservoir where the low water level has meant that very few have been seen there. Gadwall were present daily until the 8th and daily again from the 13th with a peak count of 11 on the 29th and 31st. Teal counts were generally below 50 with just three counts above 70, the highest of which was 102 on the 28th, whilst Mallard managed to reach a high of 63 on the 18th. One or two Pochard were seen on seven dates from the 13th with records of Tufted Ducks daily from the 17th peaking at 11 on the 20th. What is presumed to be the same female Goosander from December reappeared on the 13th and was then recorded on all bar four dates to the month end being joined by a male on the 29th. Finally amongst the wildfowl a male Ruddy Duck returned on the 26th with two males on the 29th-30th and four (three males) on the 31st, this being a record count for January.

The only raptors of note were an adult male Peregrine on the 3rd with an immature male present on the 24th. Grey Partridges were a regular feature during the month with double-figures noted on nine dates the highest of which was 19 on the 1st whilst the highest count of Pheasants was 18 on the 17th. Single Water Rails were noted on 14 dates until the 20th but at least two birds were in the area as they were recorded from two different areas. The only Moorhen count during the month was 21 on the 17th whilst Coots peaked at 41 on the 1st. 148 Golden Plover were counted on the 1st with 100 the following day but apart from these two counts numbers were low with just five further records during the month. Lapwings were more regular with double-figure counts on at least seven dates and three-figure counts on a further eight dates the highest of which was 200 on the 13th. A Dunlin was on the ice with Lapwings on the 8th, this being only the fourth January record and the first since 1996. 11 Snipe on the 1st was the only double-figure count of the month, although one to five were noted on a further 12 dates during the month and the only other wader was a Redshank on the 5th.

Since tipping ceased at Doe Lea Tip gulls have not been seen in large numbers as they take a more westerly route to Staveley Tip from the Ogston roost. Nevertheless one or two Common Gulls were recorded on eight dates and a first winter Iceland Gull was seen twice on the 27th, flying south at 0920 and back north at 0955. Stock Doves peaked at 48 on the 20th and 500 Woodpigeons were feeding on oilseed rape on the 24th. As usual in winter sightings of Kingfisher were rare with just six records during the month but the freezing conditions brought good numbers of Skylarks with 90 on the 1st rising to 125 on the 2nd with at least 100 on the 3rd-4th. 35 were still present in the area on the 13th and the first song was heard on the 23rd. The flock during the early part of the month is the largest since January 1997. 15 Meadow Pipits were recorded on the 1st, a single Grey Wagtail was seen on seven dates and Pied Wagtails peaked at 28 on the 24th.

A New Years Day bird count revealed 11 Wrens, seven Dunnocks and 12 Robins along with 41 Blackbirds. 100 Fieldfare were noted on the 12th and 24th and 60 Redwings were recorded on the 6th with 57 on the 31st. Goldcrests were generally very scarce with records for just seven dates and no Chiffchaffs were recorded during the month. 14 Long-tailed Tits were seen on the 8th, five Willow Tits were noted on the 20th, with song from the 22nd and a Coal Tit on the 12th was an unusual record. The New Years Day count also produced 13 Blue Tits, 12 Great Tits and a Jay, whilst on the 31st two Treecreepers were singing just 50 metres apart. 55 Jackdaws were counted on the 16th and 23 Carrion Crows were seen together on the 12th.

Siskins were noted on six dates but the highest counts were only nine on the 1st and eight on the 15th. Linnet records are unusual during the winter so a flock of 20 on the 10th was notable and one or two Redpoll were noted on six dates plus six on the 27th. Bullfinches remained quite prominent with a peak count of eight on the 6th and five Reed Buntings attended the feeding station on the 1st. Amongst non-avian life only Hares were recorded with singles on the 1st and 31st.

Mark Beevers.