December Sightings

31st December

Last day of the year at the Ferry from 6.50 till midday with 2 Bewick's Swans until 7.19, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 60 Golden Plovers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Water Rail, 1 Cetti's (showing on & off from the green hide), 60 Skylarks, 2 Stonechats, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Water Pipit, 3 Redshanks, 11 Snipe, 3 Meadow Pipits, 124 Greylag Geese, 8 Wigeon, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Long Tailed Tit, 15 Black Headed Gulls, 6 Reed Buntings, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Grey Herons, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Common Gull, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 100 Teal, 230 Lapwings and 10 Fieldfares. Corvids were 144 Jackdaws, 50 Carrion Crows & 27 Rooks all east, 22 Cormorants east and 81 Mute Swans out.  

(Martyn Wilson & Alan Ashdown)

30th December

A short birding jaunt to Grove Ferry today in cold southeasterly winds with heavy non stop snow from 7.30 onwards. Birds recorded between 6.45 & 10.00am:- 100 Mute Swans flew out, 12 Marsh Harriers before the snow, 2 Bitterns, 2 Cetti's Warblers 1 Snipe, 1 Woodcock, 5 Fieldfares, 47 Cormorants east and 9 Carrion Crows east.  

(Martyn Wilson, Pete Solly & Alan Asdown)

29th December

Bird watching at Grove Ferry today from 6.45 until midday:- 2 ringtail Hen Harriers, 9+ Marsh Harriers, 2 Bewick's Swans flew out at 7.38 from one of the back pool, 1 Little Egret, 1 Barn Owl at 7.40 mobbed by Crows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Stonechats, 2 Shelducks, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Stock Doves, a single flock of 90+ Woodpigeons  over the Grove Ferry Inn, 6 Golden Plovers, 470 Lapwings, 260 Teal, 15 Snipe, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 16 Black Headed Gulls, 7 Reed Buntings, 1 Kestrel, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Common Gull, 7 Fieldfares and 1 Mistle Thrush. Corvids east were 54 Carrion Crows, 210 Jackdaws and 2 Rooks with 189 Cormorants east and 66 Mute Swans out.  

(Martyn Wilson & Alan Ashdown)

28th December

Just two nutters out today from 7.15 untill 10.45 with frequent snow & cold north easterly winds, birds logged were:- 1 female Sparrowhawk, 11+ Marsh Harriers (4+ males), 1 Ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Kestrels, 9 Snipe, 2 Golden Plovers, 1 male Stonechat, 23 Bearded Tits, 2 Wigeon, 2 Bitterns (1 being mobbed by a pair of Marsh Harriers), 1 Kingfisher, 96 Fieldfares, 2 Shelducks, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Robins and 30+ Blackbirds. Plus 91 Cormorants east, 35 Carrion Crows east, 207 Jackdaws east, 11 Rooks east and 80 Skylarks east but only 4 Mute Swans seen to leave!  

(Martyn Wilson & Steve Ashton)

27th December

3 nutters turned up at Grove Ferry today and in frequent heavy snow showers saw the following birds between 7.00am - 12.15pm:- 2 Bewick's Swans till 7.23, 3 Bitterns, 13 Marsh Harriers (5 males), 3 Hen Harriers (1male), 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Shelducks, 3 Pheasants, 2 Redshanks, 3 Pochards, 2 Water Rails, 19 Skylarks, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Grey Herons, 4 Bearded Tits, 1 Stonechat, 2 Wrens, 14 Black Headed Gulls, 1 Robin, 9 Long Tailed Tits, 67 Teal, 240 Lapwings, 6 Blue Tits, 4 Golden Plovers, 67 Fieldfares, 408 Greylag Geese and 4 Canada/Greylag hybrid geese. Also 186 Cormorants east, 67 Carrion Crows east, 8 Rooks east and 77 Mute Swans out.  

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Steve Ashton)

With the sun shining and the ice melting, Patrick, Kerry and myself had an afternoon visit to Stodmarsh. Starting out just before 2pm we located the Siskin/Redpoll flock and stood mesmerised as they flew into the trees around us, frequently taking flight excitedly, then returning and filling the tops of the trees, calling all the time. Walking round the Lampen Wall towards the tower hide we saw a Bittern in flight and I heard 1 Cetti's Warbler and 2 or 3 Bearded Tits. We had 7 Snipe fly over, 1 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawks and a Water Rail calling in the reeds. Before the light faded and the weather had deteriorated into a bit of a blizzard, we managed to count 12 Marsh Harriers and 2 ringtail Hen Harriers.   

(Derek Smith)   

26th December

A brief walk from 08.30 until 10.00 am this morning at Grove Ferry produced: 2 Robins, 4 Chaffinches, 4 Blue Tits and 2 Great Tits from the car park. From the ramp, 400 + Lapwing, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 2 Shelduck, 250 + Greylag Geese, 16 Golden Plover, 2 Cormorants, 2 Marsh Harriers, 6 Black Headed Gulls and a Meadow Pipit. Another Common snipe flew in during the 20 minutes i spent in the turf field hide. Also seen from this hide were  3 Redshank, 1 Mute Swan, 15 Mallard, 13 Teal, 1 Cormorant and a Little Egret. A male Marsh Harrier showed well in the sunshine, flying low over the reed beds. Other birds noted were 12 Carrion Crows, 5 Magpies, 3 Stonechats, 3 Grey Herons and a Wren.

(Steve Ashton)

25th December

A short birding trip to Grove Ferry today from 6.30 till 9.00 saw no sign of any Bewick's Swans, Bitterns or Barn Owls but the following was logged:- 3 Marsh Harriers (1 male), 3 Kestrels, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Pintail (3 drakes), 181 Golden Plovers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Redshanks, 1 Kingfisher, 12 Ruff, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Reed Buntings, 16 Black Headed Gulls, 1 Green Woodpecker, 44 Fieldfares, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin and 3 Chaffinches plus an easterly movement of 97 Cormorants, 50 Carrion Crows, 119 Jackdaws and 21 Rooks also 111 Mute Swans left for the pastures on the levels!  

(Martyn Wilson)

Birding at Stodmarsh produced :Siskin c35, Mealy Redpoll 2 (one bird very large and pale, watched at close range ), Lesser Redpoll   c12, Marsh Harrier 1, Stonechat 1, Grove Ferry held Golden Plover 100 and Redshank 3.
(Norman McCanch)

24th December

Todays birding at Grove Ferry from 6.30 till 11.00 started with a Barn Owl at 6.45 and 2 Bewick's Swans again until 7.25. Also logged 6 Marsh Harriers (3males), 111 Fieldfares, 2 Shelducks, 1 Grey Heron, 190 Greylag & 1 hybrid Goose, 242 Golden Plovers, 3500+ Lapwings, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Snipe, 4 Pochards, 850+ Teal, 2 Water Rails, 1 Redshank, 10 Bearded Tits, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Long Tailed Tit. Also 52 Cormorants east, 78 Carrion Crows east and 225 Jackdaws east plus 121 Mute Swans left by 8.30. Also 8-10,000 Starlings left roost.

(Martyn Wilson, Alan Ashdown & Steve Ashton)

Stodmarsh 11am – 4pm: Highlights included: a feeding party in the alder wood, composed of Blue, Great and Long-Tailed Tits, Common Redpolls, Siskins, 2 Treecreepers. In this flock were also a Goldcrest and a Firecrest, and there were Bullfinches and Chaffinches, and Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers in the same area. Green Sandpiper, Snipe and Ruff on the pits, along with large numbers of Lapwing and a few Golden Plover. Bearded Tits on several occasions and at least 5 Cetti’s Warblers. From the marsh hide, two Water Pipits and a close view of a Water Rail; and from Harrison’s a Bittern flying. Kingfisher from the green hide. Male and female Marsh Harriers throughout the day; but a superb male Hen Harrier over the farm near the marsh hide in the sunset. Fieldfare by the hundred coming in to roost. Other species in large numbers included Wigeon and Teal.

(Lewis Lloyd)

There were 2 Spoonbill's in flight heading west over Lampen Wall at 4.00pm
(Richard Hills)

A visit to Collard's produced: 7 Red-legged Partridge, 55 Tufted Duck, 6 Pintail, 36 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye and a Chiffchaff. Stodmarsh held; 890 Teal, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe and 20 Goldcrest.

(Brendan Ryan)

At Stodmarsh tonight: 14+ Marsh Harriers and 5 Hen Harriers (3 males & 2 ringtails) to roost this evening.

(Chris Cox) 

23rd December

Birding at Grove Ferry from 6.30 till midday started with:- 2 Bewick's Swans until 7.30. Also 4 Little Egrets north then west, 3 Ringtail Hen Harriers, 4 Bitterns and 7 Marsh Harriers (3 male & 4 female), with, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 121 Fieldfares, 3500 Lapwings, 260 Golden Plovers, 103 Greylag Geese, 3 Kestrels, 2 Shelducks, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Green Woodpecker, 14 Black Headed Gulls,1 Common Gull, 2 Pochard, 900 Teal, 3 Redshanks, 2 Ruff, 1 Mistle Thrush and still many Blackbirds including the white throated female. Also today 16 Cormorants east, 76 Carrion Crows east and 264 Jackdaws east, 123 Mute Swans left the reserve by 8.30 and as many as 10,000 Starlings left roost.  

(Martyn Wilson & Marc Heath)

I called in at Grove Ferry today from 13.40 to 15.00 and observed the following: Mute Swan 17, Greylag Goose c450, Teal 292, Mallard 17, Shoveler 2 (both female), Cormorant 7, Little Egret 1, Marsh Harrier 4 ( 3 female + 1 immature), Kestrel 1, Golden plover c 300, Lapwing c2000, Redshank 4, Herring Gull 7, Collared Dove 5, Wren 1, Robin 1, Blackbird 3, Fieldfare 66, Song Thrush 4, Great tit 1, Magpie 1, Carrion Crow 3, Starling 23 and Greenfinch 1.

(Bill Stoneham)

22nd December

A spot of birding at Grove Ferry this morning from 7.30 till 11.40 produced:- 7 Marsh Harriers (3 male 3 female & 1 fem/imm), 2 Kestrels 1 superb male Hen Harrier, and 2 Sparrowhawks, 237 Golden Plovers, 2 Shelducks, 3300+ Lapwings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grey Herons, 10 Snipe, 15 Fieldfares, 5 Redshanks, 1200+ Teal, 1 drake Wigeon, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Water Rail, 2 Jays, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Chaffinches, 246 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada/Greylag hybrid, 17 Black Headed Gulls, 1 Bittern, 4 Reed Buntings, 19 Blackbirds (1 white throated female!), 1 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 4 Robins, 4 Blue Tits, and 6 Magpies. Not much on the Corvid or Cormorant front with just 8 Cormorants east, 12 Carrion Crows east and 87 Jackdaws east plus only 13 Mute Swans left the reserve this morning, also 7500+ Starlings left roost just before 8.00. A quick half hour at Collards at 12.10 produced:- 1 female Goldeneye, 2 female Marsh Harriers, 1300 Wigeon, 85 Tufted Ducks and 10 Pintail.  

(Martyn Wilson)

Birding at Collards at dusk: 1 Merlin chasing Starlings, 4000+ Starling into roost, Stodmarsh at dusk: 9+ Marsh Harrier into roost, 3 male, 2 ring tail Hen Harrier into roost and 1000+ Fieldfare into roost.
(Ian Harding)

21st December

I made a visit to Stodmarsh tonight between 3.05 - 4.25pm to see the Harrier's coming to roost. The following birds were seen: 13 Marsh Harrier with 10 in the air together, 2 Hen Harrier, 1 Ring Tail and 1 male, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 34 Greylag Geese, 2 Robin, 3 Great Tit, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Water Rail, c700 Fieldfare, 133 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swan, 1 Bittern, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Wren, 246 Jackdaw, 88 Carrion Crow, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Egret and as I returned to the car park a Woodcock flew over twice before flying into the darkness.

(Marc Heath)

20th December

A brief hour on the ramp turned up: 40 Lapwings, 2 Kestrels, 1 Redshank, 2 Magpies, 8 Black Headed Gulls, 18 Greylag Geese plus 1 Reed Bunting. Very quiet so I had 2 1/2 hours at Stodmarsh. This produced 2 Jays, 7 Chafinches, 2 Goldcrests, 20 + Siskins, 1 Wren, 2 Redpolls, Blue and Great Tits, 1 Long Tailed Tit, 6 Carrion Crows, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 80 + Fieldfares, 32 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, Teal, Mallard, Shovelers, plus 1 Grey Heron. At 3.30 pm we watched 8 Marsh Harriers from the reedbed hide, flying together over the far side of the lake.

(Steve Ashton)

Birds seen at Grove late PM included: 2 Bewick's Swans, 1 male Hen Harrier, 2+ Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk and good numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover.

(Chris Gibbard)

19th December

A pleasant walk over to Grove today between 10.45 - 2.00pm in pleasant sunshine. The following birds were noted: 63 Goldewn Plover, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Robin, 7 Blue Tit, 1 Stonechat, 2 Shelduck, 1 Bittern, 2 Reed Bunting, 7 Bearded Tit, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Pochard, 3 Water Rail, 1 Jay, 5 Magpie, 3 Carrion Crow, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Gull, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Redshank, 30 Cormorant, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Wren, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Great Tit, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Long Tailed Tits, 3 Collared Dove, 2 Kestrel, c140 Fielfare west and 17 Black Headed Gull.

(Marc Heath)

18th December

Another cold start to the day with all pools and floods frozen except for most of turf fields pool. Bird of the day was by far the Bittern that showed on the reed edge from turf fields hide from 10.15 till 10.55, allowing some good photo's to be taken. All birds logged between 6.50am & 1.00pm were:- 12 Golden Plovers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5+ Marsh Harriers, 2 Ruff, 1 Water Pipit, 2 Little Egrets (1 north), 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Bittern (10.15 - 10.55), 63 Teal, 2 Water Rails, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 14 Bearded Tits, 1 Chiffchaff, 14 Black Headed Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 Redshank, 780 Lapwings, 2 Stonechats and 5 Reed Buntings. Also today, 60 Cormorants east, 69 Carrion Crows east & 53 Jackdaws east plus 99 Mute Swans left by 8.00am and 5500-6000 starlings left roost between Grove Ferry & Stodmarsh.  

(Martyn Wilson, Alan Asdown & Steve Ashton)

At Stodmarsh this morning: Only about 10 Redpolls and 20 Siskins. Highlights were 4 Chiffchaffs, 9 Goldcrests  and 6 Marsh Harriers.

(Brendan Ryan)  

Collards at dusk: 4000+ Starling into roost. Stodmarsh: 1500 - dusk: 10+ Marsh Harrier inc 1+ m, into roost, 2 m 1 ring tail Hen Harrier into roost,1 Barn Owl at North end of Lampen Wall, c900 Fieldfare into roost and 1 m Bullfinch at N end of Lampen Wall.
(Ian Harding)

17th December

I spent a few hours between 10am - 12.45 at Stodmarsh again in the alder wood looking through all the Redpolls with some good results. I have put seed down in the wood and on the footpath near the farm for the birds to come and feed and to make observations easier. After a short time this morning they eventually made their way down and amongst the birds were 2+ Mealy Redpolls, c20 Lesser Redpolls, c70 Siskins, 8 Goldfinch, 7 Chaffinch, 1 Robin. The birds were joined by a very pale Redpoll, somewhat paler than the Mealy Redpolls. I managed to see that it was roughly the same size as a Mealy but lacked the heavy streaking on the flanks. I tried to get onto the rump but did not get good views but when the bird flew up the rump surely stood out but I could not confirm whether it was streaked or not. I tried to get underneath the bird but could not relocate it so I would be very interested if anyone else sees the bird or has an opinion on the photo. I have never seen an Arctic Redpoll so cannot comment on whether the bird was a pale Mealy or in fact an Arctic. My lasting impression will be of a pale Redpoll that definitely stood out even with binoculars. Other birds noted were: 2 Magpie, 1 Jay, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, c10 Long Tailed Tits, 1 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tits and c25 Fieldfare.

(Marc Heath)

Birding at Grove Ferry between 6.20 & 11.45:- Not much to start with as the place lit up lovely by an almost full moon, birds recorded were - 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Fieldfares, 2 Shelducks, 1100 Lapwings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Ruff, 1 Peregrine, 6 Marsh Harriers, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 79 golden Plovers, and 5 Little Egrets. one of the Egrets appeared much larger than the other four with two seeming to be exceedingly small!!! There was 10 Teal, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Shovelers, 1 Water Rail, 1 Bittern, 3 Stonechats, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,2 Little Grebes, 1 Pheasant, 2 Common Gulls, 8 Black Headed Gulls, 1 Snipe and 1 Kestrel. Also today, 183 Cormorants east, 90 Carrion Crows east & 188 Jackdaws east, 13 Stock Doves north and 46 Mute swans & 73 Canada Geese left the reserve by 8.00am.  

(Martyn Wilson & Alan Ashdown)  

Sightings for today in the valley included:   Collard's, 7 Red-legged Partridge ( on the Stodmarsh Road), 77 Pochard, 83 Tufted Duck 1 Goldeneye and 4 Pintail.   Westbere, 15 Great crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 46 Tufted Duck, 10 Pochard, 1 Goldeneye, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Redpoll and 3 Siskins. Stodmarsh, Probably arrived too late to see any redpolls but there were 2,260 Teal, 6 Great crested Grebe, 1 Bittern, 15 Marsh Harrier, 4 Hen Harrier inc 3 males, 2 Sparrowhawks and 1,400 Fieldfare.

(Brendan Ryan)  

Dusk at Stodmarsh. I too was there and watched the various gathering roosts - fantastic in the wind. Just to let you know that there were 3 ringtails. They proved far more difficult than the males to quantify until right at the death, possibly half an hour after sunset when two were floating above the roost reeds together, then a third moved in as these two went down. One juv male and two females.

(Peter Hadrill) 

15th December

Collards at dusk:4000+ Starling into roost. Stodmarsh at dusk:13+ Marsh Harrier inc 3, 1m & 1 ring tail Hen Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 1000+ Fieldfare into roost.
(Ian Harding)

13th December

A visit to Stodmarsh today between 10.30 - 12.30pm with the aim of having a good look through the Redpolls produced the following birds: At least 3 Mealy Redpolls in the alder wood, there may have been more but they were continously on the move and sometimes hard to track. Also c20 Lesser Redpolls, c50 Siskin, 8 Goldfinch, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Bullfinch, 16 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Wren, 4 Robin, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Skylark, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Kestrel.

(Marc Heath)

Birding at Stodmarsh at dusk: 1 m 4 f Marsh Harrier into roost, 1 m 1 ring tail Hen Harrier into roost and 800+ Fieldfare into roost.
(Ian Harding)

17th December

A record shot of the odd Redpoll today, perhaps a pale Mealy.

12th December

Birding at Stodmarsh at dusk: 1 Bittern , 8+ Marsh Harrier into roost, 2 m 5 ring tail Hen Harrier into roost, 2 Merlin, 1 Water Pipit, 400+ Fieldfare into roost and 1000+ Starling into roost.

(Ian Harding)

11th December

Birding at Grove Ferry today between 6.30am & 12.50pm with all pools and dykes frozen produced the following:- 4 Bewick's Swans again from 6.30 till 8.00 before flying south east into the sun over Grove village, later 2 Bewick's Swans flew west over Grove Ferry towards Stodmarsh. 1 Bittern was seen at 7.00am also 99 Canada Geese, 132 Golden Plovers, 4 Marsh Harriers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Stonechats, 1 Water Rail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Snipe, 39 Black Headed Gulls, 1 Redpoll, 45 Greylag Geese, 6 Bearded Tits, 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Long Tailed Tits, 1 Redwing, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Gull, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Teal, 780 Lapwings, 2 Redshanks, and 1 Ruff. Also 62 Cormorants east, 75 Carrion Crows east, 137 Jackdaws east, 1 Rook north and 88 Mute Swans left before 8.30.

(Martyn Wilson, Alan Asdown & Steve  Ashton)

At Stodmarsh between 1.10 & 2.45pm were 2 Mealy Redpolls, 45+ Lesser Redpolls, 40+ Siskins, 2+ Bitterns 3 Marsh Harriers 2 Cetti's Warblers and 7 Chiffchaffs.  

(Martyn Wilson, Chris Gibbard & Steve Ashton)

Today at Stodmarsh. The Mealy Redpoll still present along with about 20 Lesser Redpolls,  5 Chiffchaff, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Goldcrest, 790 Teal and 160 Mallard.  

(Brendan Ryan)

10th December

Birding at Grove Ferry between 6.20 & 11.30 today:- Highlight of the day was 4 Bewick's Swans from the ramp from 6.30 till 8.07 before flying east towards Sarre with Mute Swans. Also seen on the reserve today were, 2 Shelducks, 8 Canada Geese, 5 Marsh Harriers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 74 Golden Plovers, 3 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Tufted Duck, 1+ Kingfisher, 2 Water Rails, 800 Teal, 900 Lapwings, 1 Gree Sandpiper, 2 Stonechats, 18 Bearded Tits, 4 Redshanks, 1 Green Woodpecker, 26 Black Headed  Gulls, 1 probable Jack Snipe, 3 Grey Herons, 49 Greylag Geese, 8 Reed Buntings, 11 Snipe, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, and 1 Bittern at 11.05. Also today 50 Cormorants east, 19 Carrion Crows east, 144 Jackdaws east, 1 Rook south and 59 Mute Swans left by 8.30. At Collards lake this morning were 7 Pintail, 2 Male Marsh Harriers, 3 Little Grebes, 470 Wigeon plus numerous Pochards, Tufted Ducks, Cormorants and Coots.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Pete Solly & Alan Ashdown)

Birding this afternoon at Collard's: 141 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye, 1 female Ruddy Duck, 1,480 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Water Pipit and 1 Grey Wagtail. At Grove this evening: 2 Bewick's Swans into roost, 1 Hen Harrier, 270 Golden Plover, 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Water Pipit and 1 Barn Owl. There were also 18 Ruff at Grove this afternoon.

(Brendan Ryan)

I had a late walk at Stodmarsh yesterday afternoon (3:50pm - 4:30pm) but i think i was a bit too late for the Marsh Harrier roost: 5 Marsh Harriers, last one in at 4:10pm 1 male and 2 ringtail Hen Harriers 5 Cetti's Warbler singing, several Bearded Tits around the reeds, 1 Barn Owl 4:15pm, 40+ Fieldfares, 1 Snipe 5+ Water Rails.

(Derek Smith)

9th December

Birding at Grove after work from the ramp between 3.15 - 4.00pm produced 45 Cormorant, 2 Kestrel, 35 Carrion Crow, 143 Fieldfare west, 12 Black Headed Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Robin, 3 Wren, 1 Stonechat, 1 Little Egret, 1 Mute Swan, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Rook, 2 Magpie, 167 Jackdaw west, 1 Bittern, 3 Redshank, 6+ Ruff, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Cetti's Warbler, c5000 Starling to roost over Stodmarsh, c3000 Lapwing and 66 Greylag Geese.

(Marc Heath)

Birds seen at dusk at Stodmarsh included 1 Barn Owl, 1 Little Owl, 1 Water Pipit and 1 Ringtail Hen Harrier.

(Chris Gibbard)

8th December

A brief 30 minute walk around the Grove and picnic site car park's late afternoon produced the following: The highlight was a Woodcock which flew in over the river before landing briefly on the pathway, it then walked into cover and a few seconds later flew off back over the river. Other birds: 2 Chaffinch, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 4 Collared Dove, 1 Robin, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Cormorant, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Blackbird, 1 Magpie and 2 Dunnock. c1000 Lapwing were in the fields and flying around on the reserve.

(Marc Heath)

A late afternoon walk at Stodmarsh (3:40pm - 4:30pm) produced the following birds: A minimum of 12 Marsh Harriers together to roost, may have been more but the fading light made it difficult to be sure. 1 Sparrowhawk, a superb male Hen Harrier, 3000 Starlings about 3:45pm going to roost. 7 singing Cetti's Warbler, 12 calling Water Rails, 133 Cormorants roosting, 70 + Fieldfares, several small parties of Bearded Tits around the reeds, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 14 Long-Tailed Tits, 20 - 30 Goldcrests and 1 Curlew.

(Derek Smith)

7th December

Another visit to Stodmarsh today in pleasant sunshine between 11.20am - 12.30pm produced: 9 Chaffinch, 2 Wren, 1 Little Owl, c15 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, c70 Fieldfare, 2 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Grey Wagtail heard, 1 Pied Wagtail, c30 Siskin, 1 Robin, 4 Long Tailed Tit and 1 Goldcrest. On the way back to work via Grove I saw c1000 Lapwing, c100 Fieldfare, c500 Starling and 2 Marsh Harrier.

(Marc Heath & John Cantelo)

Birds seen at Grove Ferry early afternoon included: c100 Fieldfare, c1200 Lapwing, 14 Golden Plover, 6 Redshank, 1 Pochard,  132 Teal, 1 Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 2 Marsh Harriers and 1 Water Pipit. 1 Bittern and 1 Kingfisher also reported mid morning.

(John Cantelo)

6th December

A visit to Stodmarsh between 11am - 12.30pm produced the following species: The highlight was 1 Mealy Redpoll with some 20 Lesser Redpoll in the alder wood, although the flock was very mobile it gave some good views feeding in the alders. Other birds included c30 Siskin, 3 Great Tit, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 2/3 Bullfinch heard, 12 Fieldfare, 2 Magpie, 2 Robin, 11 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Treecreeper, 7 Blue Tit, c40 Black Headed Gull, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, c30 Lapwing, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 12 Chaffinch. As I drove back to work past Grove I saw c150 Lapwing, c20 Fieldfare and 1 Kestrel.

(Marc Heath)

A Hawfinch was seen to fly over the ramp at Grove today.

(Geoff Burton)

5th December

The highlight today was 2 Whooper Swans seen again in the evening at Grove Ferry.

(Dave Dowell)

4th December

Grove Ferry today between 6.30am & 12.45pm:- Highlight of the day were 2 Whooper Swans on the main flood from 6.45 till 7.06 when they flew east towards Sarre, also the Tawny Owl calling at 6.30. The rest of the morning saw, 1 Cettis's Warbler, 3 Kestrels, 1 Pochard, 3 Shelducks, 7 Redshanks, 12 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 5 Marsh Harriers, 177 Golden Plovers, 5 Reed Buntings, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2+ Bitterns, 1 Siskin (south), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1800+ Lapwings, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Stonechats, 21 Black Headed Gulls, 2 Kingfishers, 6+ Bearded Tits, 100 Greylag Geese, 3 Snipe, 1200+ Teal, 6 Blue Tits, 3 Greenfinches, 11 Fieldfares, 3 Redwings, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Mistle Thrush and 2 Water Rails. Also 95 Cormorants east, 15 Carrion Crows east, 90 Jackdaws east and 75 Mute Swans left the reserve before 8.00am.  

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Pete Solly & Alan Ashdown)

At Collard's the highlight was a red head Goosander, the first I have seen in the valley for 2 years. Other birds at Collard's included 3 Goldeneye, 82 Tufted Duck, 27 Pochard, 624 Wigeon, 1 Ruddy Duck, at least 6 Marsh Harriers and 1 Little Egret. At Stodmarsh there was 129 Shoveler, 155 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 1 Shelduck, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Chiffchaff, 17 Goldcrests, 5 Treecreepers, 35 Long-Tailed Tits, 420 Fieldfare, 65 Siskin, 25 Lesser redpoll, 1+ Mealy redpoll, including one male that looked so pale that I thought it might have been an Arctic Redpoll but I lost it before I could grill it.

(Brendan Ryan) 

3rd December

Birding at Grove Ferry between 6.45 & midday today produced:- 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Water Rails, 1 Pochard, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Kingfishers (male & female), 1 Bittern, 2 Kestrels, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 5 Redshanks, 2 Shelducks, 6 Bearded Tits, 13 Golden Plover, 11 Snipe, 3 Marsh Harriers (male, female & sub-ad male), 1000 Teal, 1200 Lapwings, 31 Black Headed Gulls, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Stonechats (male & 2 females), 1 Water Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipits, 31 Fieldfares, 7 Redwings, 6  Reed Buntings, 4 Dunlin, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Jays, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Ruff. Also 13 Carrion Crows east and 100 Cormorants east.

(Martyn Wilson, Pete Solly, Alan Ashdown & Steve Ashton)

2nd December

First ever visit (pm) and was a delight - we were impressed by the area (having known about it for 30+ years!). Best birds were singing Cetti's Warbler, Bearded Tit calling but unseen, Bittern flying high seen from Tower Hide, Water Pipit, 2 male and a ringtail Hen Harrier from the Marsh hide before (presumably) roosting, the Marsh Harriers having gone to roost earlier. Brilliant place and how we'd like to return in May to see the Hobby gatherings at Grove Ferry!
(Nick Brown/Kath patrick)
Derbyshire

1st December

Birding from the Green Hide at Grove Ferry this morning from 7 am until 10.30 am produced 4 Marsh Harriers, 2 Shelducks, Mallard, Teal, 100 + Carrion Crows, Cormorant, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, Lapwing, 1 Water Rail, 4 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 8 Black Headed Gulls, 4 Bearded Tits, 4 Shovelers, 1 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Moorhen and 2 Common Snipe.

(Steve Ashton)