Priorslee Lake
Archive News - December 2005
Priorslee Lake |
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Archive News - December 2005 |
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| 31st December - A fine morning at Priorslee Lake this morning with good visibility allowing some semblance of normality! Best birds this morning the distant singing Mistle Thrush that probably was the bird seen later. Some very distant Golden Plover. A good passage of larger gulls. A good arrival of new gulls including good proportion of Herring Gulls, some Great Black-backed Gulls and a splendid Yellow-legged Gull standing on the ice showing its legs. A Sparrowhawk flew low almost over my feet at 07:50 and then scattered the gulls on the grass. At least 1 Willow Tit. And a Kingfisher seen flying off up Wesley Brook. The overnight gull roost had about 700 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Hard to know what to make of the Black-headed Gulls as birds seemed to be arriving - or at least flying around - at 07:00. I estimated 750, but logged another 500 arriving high from the west before 07:30 when the roost started to disperse By 08:20 there were fewer than 50 gulls left on the lake, but soon after birds began to flying from the north (mainly) and by 09:45 there were about 900 Black-headed Gulls; 300 Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 1 Yellow-legged Gull; 37 Herring Gulls; and 6 Great Black-backed Gull (all adults). I logged another 404 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying over: I checked most of these individually and noted just 1 Herring Gull amongst these. Did not see the Little Grebes; 11 Great Crested Grebes with the pair in the NW area back on territory now the ice has gone 1 Heron noted; and 2 Cormorants had arrived by 09:00 12 Canada Geese were present when I arrived but these left to the east. Another 6 flew in from the W and another 6 flew over. The resident Swans present throughout and had another pair of adults to chase for a while. Aythya-type duck counts were at least 31 Pochard (19 drakes; 12 ducks); and 48 Tufted Duck (26 drakes; 22 ducks). 2 of the Tufted Duck drakes flew off W at 07:20 and more Aythya-type ducks were heard flying off before 07:30 and are not included above. I counted 237 Coot and 11 Moorhens today. I heard the Water Rail in the NW area, but saw none today. The corvid passage was spread over a wide area with some birds far to the east. I logged 374 Jackdaws but just 178 Rooks. No Siskins seen or heard, but at least 2 Redpolls. Overhead I logged just 4 Pied Wagtails with the first at the very late time of 08:02. 1 Grey Wagtail at least: no Meadow Pipits heard 2 Redwings heard overhead 3 Wood Pigeons only today, but there were 2 Stock Doves overhead. I think Martin Adlam has better eyes than me these days and while I heard at least 5 Reed Buntings I saw just 1 fly off! Passerines counts for the record 14 Wrens; 4 Dunnocks; 14 Robins; 19 Blackbirds; 2 Song Thrushes; a party of at least 14 Long-tailed Tits; 14 Blue Tits; 10 Great Tits; no Goldcrests; 5 Chaffinches; 13 Greenfinches; no Goldfinches again; 1 Bullfinch (Ed Wilson) 30th December - Evening Update. It was pretty dismal here with banks of fog which never lifted that much. So it was hard to count things accurately some of the time. Added to this most of the gulls went up at 15:00 and rather few settled
back down and I doubt there will be a large roost tonight. My maxima were: If the gulls were disappointing then the ducks were better, the full log
being: There were no corvids overhead and the only other sighting of note 1 Grey Wagtail walking about on the ice! I left well before dark, when it seemed the gulls were not settling and most flying straight through largely lost in the misty. All for today. (Ed Wilson) 29th December - Evening Update. 15:30 – 16:15 What was interesting to note was the wide range of sizes of the Herring Gulls. I'm sure someone will explain why that is. In fact one Herring Gull was that small, that a first glance you would be forgiven for thinking it was a Ring-billed Gull. The count this evening was slightly down on yesterdays but nevertheless still impressive. In total we logged Lesser black-backed Gulls C.3200, Black-headed Gulls C.1700, Herring Gulls C.100, Great Black-backed Gulls 8 and Yellow-legged Gull 4. No sign of Common Gull. (Martin Adlam, Ed Wilson & John Isherwood) 28th December - Evening Update. 15:45 – 16:30 28 December - What a difference a few days make. My last report from Friday 23 Dec the temperature was 9C, but this morning at 7:30am it was –4C and not a cloud to be seen. There were a few ice sheets on the lake, which the Black-headed Gulls were using as rafts. In total there were C.3000 Black-headed Gulls, C.2000 Lesser Black-backs and 4 Herring Gulls. The latter were on the SE bank by the slip-way. By 8:15 the majority of Gulls had left. The Duck count was a bit better than last Friday with Pochard 30 [10], Tufted Duck 32 [15] and Mallard 38 [37]. Great Crested Grebe were up slightly to 6 [4], but no sign of Dabchick. 1 Grey Heron flew south from Wesley Brook at 7:45am. 1 [3] Cormorant on the lake. Resident Mute Swan (2) and only 4 [52] Canada Geese. Coot numbers still over 200 and Moorhen 14 [13]. Only 1 Water Rail seen briefly this morning in the stream in the NE woods The Starling roost was still 1 (7:58am) and another bird from south of the Motorway came across the lake at 8:20. The Pied Wagtails were impressive once again with 21 [20] logged, as they headed east from the direction of the Town Centre and there were 2 [1] Grey Wagtail. The Corvids, which were slightly down on Friday’s figures, headed south across the lake at 7:55 with Rooks 247 [365] and Jackdaw 172 [325]. Around the lake there were Carrion Crow 5 [4] and Magpies 8 [9]. Woodpigeon totalled 25 [53]. This morning there was plenty of Thrush activity with 5 [1] Redwing heard and seen in Wesley Woods. Also logged were Fieldfare 5, Blackbirds 10 [9] and Song Thrush 3 [2]. A few finches and bunting about, with 3 flocks of Siskin, totalling 46 birds. Greenfinch 6 [13] and Chaffinch 6 [5] were the only other finches seen. There were no Goldfinch [4], Bullfinch [3], Linnet [1] or Redpoll [7] seen this morning. The Reed Bunting numbers however were a lot better, as they left their roost in the Wesley Reedbeds. The first to leave was 4 (7:57), 4 (8:01), 2 (8:03), 2 (8:06), 2 (8:14), 2 (8:15), 2 (8:21) and 1 (8:31). A total of 19 logged. There was only 1 [13] Long-tailed Tit heard. The cold weather must have effected the smaller birds as I only logged Blue Tit 4 [5], Great Tit 3 [4], Goldcrest 2 [3], Wren’s 7 [5], Dunnock 6 [4] and 2 [5] Robin. Figures in brackets [**] are from last Friday 23 Dec. (Martin R Adlam) 23 December - By the lake for 7:35am this morning with a mild 9 degrees Centigrade. There was a slight westerly breeze and 7/8-cloud cover. The C.400 Black-headed Gulls and C.100 Lesser Black-backs had all left by 8:15am, with a lot of larger gulls flying overhead for most of the morning. At 09:00am there were another 120 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 3 Herring Gull. Yet again not many Ducks again, with Pochard 10 [7], Tufted Duck 15 [14] and Mallard 37 [35]. Two raptors seen this morning, a Kestrel flew over the dam at 7:40am and at 9:50 a Sparrowhawk burst through Wesley wood. Great Crested Grebe remained the same at 4 [4] and both the Dabchick have resurfaced. 3 [1] Cormorant on the lake. Mute Swan (2) and 52 [45] Canada Geese were already on the lake when I arrived. Coot numbers still in the low 200 and Moorhen 13 [15]. Only 1 Water Rail seen briefly this morning in the stream in the NE woods. The Starling roost was even worse this morning with 1 (08:07am) and 2 (8:20) [6]. The Pied Wagtails were impressive again with 20 [18] logged, as they headed east from the direction of the Town Centre. Only 1 [3] Grey Wagtail this morning. The Corvids started coming across the north of the Lake at 7:56. Rooks 365 [231] and Jackdaw 325 [323]. Around the lake there were Carrion Crow 4 [2], Magpies 9 [10] and a Jay in Wesley wood. Woodpigeon totalled 53 [3]. 1 Kingfisher flew across the lake to the northbank at 9:00am. 1 [2] Redwing heard in Wesley Woods early on at 7:35. Also logged were Blackbirds 9 [7] and Song Thrush 2 [2]. A few finches and bunting about. At 08:25 1 Siskin flew overhead at the west end and then 5 minutes later one large flock of C.50 birds suddenly appeared from the south and landed in the Alders next to the RICOH fence. Also in the same area there were 7 [7] Redpoll and around the lake Greenfinch 13 [2], Chaffinch 5 [6], Goldfinch 4 [1], Bullfinch 3 [1] and a Linnet. The Reed Bunting numbers were a bit better as they left their roost in the Wesley Reedbeds. The first to leave was 7 (8:10), 1 (8:23), and 4 (8:30am) A total of 12 [8] were logged. There were 3 Long-tailed Tit parties noted totalling 13 [6], along with Blue Tit 5 [8], Great Tit 4 [4], and Goldcrest 3 [2]. Also about were Wren’s 5 [5], Dunnock 4 [4] and Robin 5 [7] present. Yesterdays figures in brackets [**] (Martin R Adlam) 22 December - By the lake for 7:25am this morning with a mild 8 degrees Centigrade. There was very little wind but it was very grey and murky with 7/8-cloud cover. Plenty of Gulls this morning with C.600 Black-headed Gulls and C.100 Lesser Black-backs. By 8:10 most had left but only to be replaced by C.300 Lesser Black-backs and 11 Herring Gull at 8:40 Low Duck numbers again, with Pochard 7 [9] and Tufted Duck 14 [16]. Mallard remained the same 35 [35]. Great Crested Grebe remained the same at 4 [4] and for the second day running no Dabchick. 1 Cormorant on the Lake. Mute Swan (2) plus a pair that decided not to stop, as they looked down on the resident pair. The 4 Canada Geese that were on the lake when I arrived were joined by another 41 at 7:42, presumably from the Flash total 45 [44]. Coot numbers still in the low 200 and Moorhen 15 [11]. Only 1 Water Rail seen this morning in the stream in the NE woods. Didn’t see or hear any from the NW reedbeds. I’m wondering if it has anything to do with the fact that some kind-hearted soul has trampled all the way through the reedbeds either side of the Anglers Swim. A tell tale empty packet of cigarettes, is proof enough that a human was the culprit. It might also explain why the Starling roost is miserly 6 [7] birds, as it was this morning at 8:00am. Pied Wagtails were an impressive18 [15] as they flew east all through the morning and there were 3 [2] Grey Wagtail. Overhead at 09:00, 1 [5] Meadow Pipit flew north. The Corvids (7:50am) were in smaller packets this morning and were at an altitude that was easier to view. Rooks 231 [243] and Jackdaw 323 [532]. Around the lake there were Carrion Crow 2 [2] and Magpies 10 [11]. Woodpigeon totalled 3 [14] and 5 Feral pigeons headed east. Redwing are still roosting in the NW woods and at least 3 were heard calling. Also logged were Blackbirds 7 [7] and Song Thrush 2 [4] with one singing as I arrived in the NW wood. (Perhaps we ought to call it Wesley Wood!, if nobody has any objections) A few finches and bunting about. The Siskin were very mobile again, with several parties taking off from Wesley Wood. Once they were all together they formed the biggest flock I have seen for quite a few years, with an impressive C.50 [31] birds feeding on the Alders in the woods and along the RICOH boundary fence. Also in the same area there were 7 [2] Redpoll. However around the lake, other finch numbers were about the same with Greenfinch 2 [1], Chaffinch 6 [6], Goldfinch 1 [4] and 1 [2] Bullfinch. The Reed Bunting numbers were disappointing, as they left their roost in the Wesley Reedbeds. The first pair to leave was 2 (8:05) and 3 (08:19), and that was it. There were 3 more birds calling in the reeds but they didn’t come out. The total logged was 8 [16]. Trampled reedbeds comes to mind. There were just 2 Long-tailed Tit parties noted 6 [23] along with Blue Tit 8 [3], Great Tit 4 [8], Willow Tit 1 and Goldcrest 2 [3]. 21 December - At 12:40 dropped in at the lake. On the water there were C.2000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, C.500 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Great Black-backed Gulls and 11 Herring Gull. 21 December - By the lake for 7:20am this morning with a mild 7 degrees Centigrade. There was a slight westerly breeze and 5/8-cloud cover. A few more Gulls this morning with C.400 Black-headed Gulls and 150 Lesser Black-backs. Duck numbers dropping off drastically, with Pochard 9 [15] and Tufted Duck 16 [32]. The only rise in numbers was the Mallard 35 [33]. Even the Grebes were down, Great Crested Grebe 4 [6] and there was no sign of any Dabchick. Mute Swan (2) and the Canada Geese were 44 [4] when they all flew in from the Flash at 7:35am. Coot numbers still in excess of 200, but I couldn’t better 11 [19] Moorhen. Only 1 Water Rail seen this morning in the stream in the NE woods. Didn’t see or hear any from the NW reedbeds. 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker by the sailing Club gate in the NW corner. Yet again there was a steady procession of Pied Wagtails 15 [18] flying west and there were 2 [2] Grey Wagtail. Overhead at 08:30, 5 Meadow Pipit flew west. Starlings left the NW reedbeds this morning 4 at 8:04, 1 at 8:05 and 2 at 8:06. Not a big total, but 7 is more than we have had for awhile. The Corvids took me by surprise this morning as a flock of 200 Jackdaw burst through the tall trees on the northbank and headed south across the lake. At first I thought they had been roosting in the woods, but instead it was just the fact that all the birds were flying extremely low for some reason. Not as many as yesterday with Rooks 243 and Jackdaw 532, but still impressive. [Corvids C.800]. Around the lake there were Carrion Crow 2 [4], Magpies 11 [7] and 1 Jay. Woodpigeon totalled 14 [4]. Redwing have been roosting in the NW woods since the weekend and have been really elusive, but this time I wasn’t to be disappointed, because as I was leaving at 10:00am, I heard, for only the second time in England, a Redwing singing. It wasn’t even a sub song but a full-blown song. My only other experience of a singing Redwing was in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire in 1995. Absolutely brilliant. Around the lake I recorded Blackbirds 7 [9] and Song Thrush 4 [2]. A few finches and bunting about. The Siskin were very mobile again, with several parties totalling 31 [30]. Redpoll 2 [1], Greenfinch 1 [8], Chaffinch 6 [10], Goldfinch 4 [7] and a pair of Bullfinch. The Reed Bunting left the NW reedbeds, 3 (7:57am), 2 (8:05am), 1 (8:06am), 7 (8:11am), 2 (8:22am) and 1 (8:35am) Total 16 [22]. Long-tailed Tit 3 parties 23 [7] was good to see with Blue Tit 3 [6], Great Tit 8 [8], Coal Tit 1, Treecreeper 2 and Goldcrest 3 [5]. 19 December - Down at the lakeside for 7:30am this morning and a lot milder at 4 degrees. There was no cloud at first but by 8:00 the cloud had pushed in from the north. There was a distinct lack of Gulls on the water and the 150 Black-headed Gulls that were resting on the water had all gone when the bird scarer went off at 7:56. The only larger Gulls were 9 Lesser Black-backed Gulls that passed overhead. Even the duck numbers were down with Pochard 15 [20], Tufted Duck 32 [58], though 12 took off at 7:32 and headed to the Flash and Mallard 33 [39]. There was no sign of the drake Wigeon. Great Crested Grebe 6 [6] and there was 1 Dabchick along the northbank. Mute Swan (2) and Canada Geese was zero until 4 [66] flew in at 7:43, but they left at 9:00. At 7:45 a Kestrel was hovering over the southbank. Coot numbers still in excess of 200 and well spread out across the lake. Moorhen count was my best ever at 19 [11]. No Cormorant today. 1 Grey Heron flew off from Wesley Brook and headed southeast. In the NW corner of the lake their was a Water Rail showing well by the new fisherman’s jetty, a second bird was also oblivious to my presence as it fed in the stream in the NE woods. (We shall have to start giving these woods and hotspots, names one of these days). 2 Kingfisher’s seen this morning, the first in Wesley Brook and a second bird in the northeast corner of the lake. There was a steady procession of Pied Wagtails 18 [11] flying west and there were 2 [1] Grey Wagtail. Didn’t see any Starlings at all this morning. The Corvids this morning at 7:42, was quite impressive and because of the speed they were flying at it was almost impossible to count them accurately. Nevertheless an estimate of between 700 and 800 birds wouldn’t have been far off the mark. They all headed south, but the speed they were travelling at, you would think they were racing to get to their favourite field before everyone else. After this initial flurry, smaller flocks, up until 8:30, were Rooks 87 and Jackdaws 44. Around the lake there were Carrion Crow 4 [1] and Magpies 7 [5]. Woodpigeon totalled 4 [53] a big difference from yesterday. 11 Feral pigeons flew west. Yet again I could hear Redwing calling from the woods in the northwest corner of the lake when I arrived and for the third day running I didn’t see any. Around the lake I recorded Blackbirds 9 [6] and 2 Song Thrush. Plenty of finches and bunting about. The Siskin were very mobile, with several parties totalling 30 [23]. In amongst one group of 3 there was a Linnet. There was just 1 [5] Redpoll seen coming out of the reeds with the Reed Bunting. Greenfinch 8 [9], Chaffinch 10 [7], Goldfinch 7 [2] and a female Bullfinch. The Reed Bunting left the NW reedbeds 2 (7:35am), 2 (7:43am), 2 (7:50am), 3 (7:53am), 6 (7:55am this is the party with the Redpoll), 1 (8:00am), 5 (8:20) and 1 remaining in the reeds which didn’t fly off. Total 22 [19]. Long-tailed Tit 7 [2] seen with Blue Tit 6 [4], Great Tit 8 [1] and Goldcrest 5 [2]. Yesterdays figures in brackets [**] (Martin R Adlam) 18 December - 7:30am this morning and a heavy frost, minus 3-degree Centigrade, cloudy but very little wind. Plenty of Gulls on the lake with Black-headed Gulls C.2500 and Lesser Black-backs at C.200. No bird scarer this morning but most of the Gulls had left by 8:30. Overhead, wave after wave of large gulls presumably Lesser Black-backed gulls heading west. Largest group was about 200 with a dozen or more smaller groups with up to 30 birds in each group. There were a good number of Ducks with Pochard 20 [18], Tufted Duck 58 [77] and Mallard 39 [25]. No Shoveler, but drake Wigeon still on the lake. Great Crested Grebe 6 [5] and there were 2 Dabchick in the northwest corner. Mute Swan (2) and a pair that flew over the lake, Canada Geese 66 [20] and at 9:30am 4 [6] Greylag Geese came in. Coot numbers still in excess of 200 and well spread out across the lake. Moorhens 11 [6]. 2 Cormorant landed on the lake at 8:50 and then at 09:05 there was a flock of 20 birds to the east, that flew north presumably towards Aqualate Mere! At 7:35, 2 Grey Heron flew off from Wesley Brook and headed southeast. In the NW reedbeds the two Water Rail could be heard and the 3rd bird was still showing well in the stream in the northeast wood. Corvids were noted flying south at around 7:50 – Rooks 202 [124], Jackdaws 247 [170] and around the lake there were Carrion Crow 1 [5] and Magpies 5 [9]. Pied Wagtails 11 [13] and a single Grey Wagtail. One Starling [1] left the NW reedbeds at 7:59am and then to my surprise another 4 left at 8:12am, all flew south. Yet again I could hear Redwing calling from the woods in the northwest corner of the lake when I arrived, but yet again I didn’t see any. Around the lake I recorded Blackbirds 6 [8] and 2 Song Thrush. There were a few finches and bunting about. Siskin 23 [40] and Redpoll 5 [2] seen. Didn’t see where the Redpoll were roosting this morning. Greenfinch 9 [5], with 7 coming from the small wood on the south bank, Chaffinch 7 [7], Goldfinch 2 [2], didn’t hear or see Bullfinch this morning. 6 Reed Bunting left the NW reedbeds at 7:35am, nearly missed them, as it was still dark. They were followed by 2 (7:55am), 2 (8:00am), 5 (8:05am), 2 (8:17am) and later, 2 were calling from the reeds but didn’t fly off. Total 19, the same as yesterday morning. Long-tailed Tit 2 [8] seen with Blue Tit 4 [6], Great Tit 1 [2], Treecreeper 1 and Goldcrest 2. Yesterdays figures in brackets [**] (Martin R Adlam) 17 December - I was at the lake for 7:20am where there was just a hint of a frost at -1C, however with the wind it felt more like -10. A few Gulls this morning with Black-headed Gulls C.1500 and Lesser Black-backs at C.400. When the bird scarers went off at 7:57 all the Gulls left, with (86) Lesser black-backed Gulls and 2 Herring Gull returning at 9:00am. There were a good number of Ducks with Pochard (18), Tufted Duck (77) and Mallard (25). The duck Wigeon wasn’t about, but in her place was a drake, which had teamed up with 7 Shoveler (1 Drake and his harem of 6 duck). Every now and then they all took off together to stretch their wings before settling back down on the water. Great Crested Grebe (5) and there were 2 Dabchick in the northwest corner. Mute Swan (2), Canada Geese (20) and at 9:00am 6 Greylag Geese came in. Coot numbers still in excess of 200 and well spread out across the lake. Moorhens (6) 2 Cormorant attempted to land on the lake at 8:35 but flew off north. One Grey Heron in the trees overhanging the mouth of Wesley Brook, where there were 2 Water Rail squabbling in the reedbeds below it about 8:00am. A Snipe flew off from the Brook at 8:30. Had great views of a third Water Rail, this time in the stream in the woods in the northeast corner. Could have watched it all day as it was undeterred by my presence. Pied Wagtails (13) and a single Grey Wagtail. One Starling left the reedbeds in the NW corner. Though not seen there were a few Redwing calling from the woods in the northwest corner of the lake when I arrived. Around the lake I recorded Blackbirds (8) and Song Thrush (2). There were a few finches and bunting about. Siskin (3 parties of 9, 6 and 25) and 2 Redpoll seen. The latter as Ed suspected were roosting in the NW reedbeds. Greenfinch (5), Chaffinch (7), Goldfinch (2), Bullfinch (1 F) and a good count of Reed Bunting as they left the NW reedbeds. 7:50am (7 + 2), 8:00am (1), 8:05am (2), 8:18am (4), 8:21am (1) and 8:25am (2) Total of 19 Long-tailed Tit (8) seen with Blue Tit (6) and Great Tit (2). A first this, not a single Goldcrest seen or heard. 14 December - A very quiet mid-winter morning for my last visit before Christmas to Priorslee Lake. Mainly dull and calm with good visibility. Even with a walk all the way around there were low totals of many things. Best sighting this morning was the engaging party of 14 Long-tailed Tits
at the west end: but they had nothing with them. On the lake the
highlights were the arrival of 3 Ruddy Ducks ? an eclipse drake and a 1st Gull roost contained an estimated 1500 Black-headed Gulls and 700 Lesser Blacked Gulls. These were all reluctant to move this morning and the roost did not break until just before 07:30 and the first birds did not leave until 07:35. The main exodus was at 08:00 with the added boost from the bird-scarer at 08:08 after which few birds remained. By 09:15 there were 400 Black-headed Gulls, 135 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 9 Herring Gulls, most of which arrived from the north. Just 23 more Lesser Black-backed Gulls logged flying over. 2 Little Grebes again: at least 6 Great Crested Grebes this morning. No Cormorant or Heron noted. 10 Canada Geese arrived in parties of 3 and 7 birds from the west: 4 Greylag Geese were heard and then seen on the lake at 07:15: when they arrived was unclear. They paddled away and must have flown off again. The resident Swans present throughout, and were busy: while they were busy chasing off 3 adults another 2 arrived. But calm was restored by 09:00. Good numbers of Aythya-type ducks with 29 Pochard (21 drakes; 8 ducks); and 54 Tufted Duck (31 drakes; 23 ducks). 12 more Aythya-type ducks had left to the west early before it was light-enough to identify them this morning. And at least 11 more Tufted Duck flew off after I had finished the count. 234 [235] Coot and 11 [9] Moorhens counted today [yesterday's counts in brackets]. A Sparrowhawk flew low along the N shore pursued by one the Black-headed Gulls, but did not flush anything. Most of the corvids were seen in one very high and distant group of about 300 birds: after that a few dribs and drabs, so low numbers: I logged 176 [270] Jackdaws and 179 [154] Rooks [yesterday?s figures in brackets]. 11 Siskins noted but no Redpoll. I logged 15 [12] Pied Wagtails. 2 Grey Wagtails today: no Meadow Pipits heard. 3 Redwings heard and 1 Fieldfare seen. 24 passing Wood Pigeons but a flock of at least 140 seen over the fields to the east before the scarers started up. Also 1 Stock Dove. Just 3 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds; another 2 still heard calling. 3 Starlings in the distance today. Passerines counts for the record 14 Wrens; 4 Dunnocks; 8 Robins; 19 Blackbirds; no Song Thrushes; 14 Long-tailed Tits; 7 Blue Tits; 6 Great Tits; 3 Chaffinches; 10 Greenfinches; 1 Goldfinch; 1 female Bullfinch (Ed Wilson) 13 December - Another clear and fine morning at Priorslee Lake today with a fabulous sunrise and frost on the ground. Had to get back home for a delivery so did not walk all the way around. Best birds this morning were the duck Wigeon (the same one back?); and the 3 Mistle Thrushes at the W end. Water Rail only heard, but then as I did not walk round ? More gulls today with a bigger roost and a small passage overhead. The roost count estimate was c.1500 Black-headed Gulls and c.50 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Another c.180 Black-headed Gulls arrived from the west before 07:20, but the birds were already streaming out by then. By 08:55 I counted 263 Black-headed Gulls on the lake and 22 Lesser Black-backed Gulls with 2 Herring Gulls just arriving from the north. I logged 106. Lesser Black-backed Gulls passing overhead. 2 Little Grebes again: at least 5 Great Crested Grebes this morning: I give up trying to age and / or keep track of these! No Cormorant again; but a Heron noted again. 18 Canada Geese were present throughout with small parties of 3 and 4 birds arriving from the east: the 4 Greylag Geese seen again, but they flew straight over. The resident Swans present throughout, and had clearly seen off yesterdays invaders? 13 Pochard (6 drakes; 7 ducks); and 40 Tufted Duck (25 drakes; 15 ducks). 2 more Aythya-type ducks had left to the west early before it was light-enough to identify them this morning. 235 [244] Coot and 9 [14] Moorhens counted today, but I was pushed for time and did the count just with binoculars [yesterday's counts in brackets]. No raptors again today. Corvid passage was again very high up and to the east of the lake: I logged 270 [262] Jackdaws but only 154 [285] Rooks [yesterday's figures in brackets]. Redpoll and Siskins both noted again. 2 Redpoll and at least 5 Siskins. I logged 12 [21] Pied Wagtails. l Grey Wagtails today. 1 Meadow Pipit heard to the west. 2 Redwings and 10 Fieldfares seen. 11 passing Wood Pigeons but a flock of 80 seen over the fields to the east before the scarers started up. 16 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds (3 of which left from the N side); with another 2 still heard calling. No Starlings not today. There certainly was a very distant Song Thrush briefly in song this morning [yesterday I heard a Mistle Thrush in song in Newport]. Not many passerines as I did not walk all around the lake: for the record 3 Wrens; 3 Dunnocks; 4 Robins; 10 Blackbirds; 2 Song Thrushes; at least 3 Long-tailed Tits; 3 Blue Tits; 3 Great Tits; no Chaffinches; 13 Greenfinches; 12 Goldfinches (with a party of 9 together); but no Bullfinches. (Ed Wilson) 12 December - A clear and fine morning at Priorslee Lake this morning: the birds did not live up to the promise of the weather, but there were some good things to watch as usual. Best sighting of the morning was again the Water Rail: today the bird along the N side feeding in the open around the fishing pier being reconstructed, which I watched for well over a minute before I tried to get rid of the weight of the telescope over my shoulder, the movement of which sent the bird scuttling off. Very few gulls today with a small roost and few overhead. The roost count
estimate was c.250 Black-headed Gulls and no large gulls at all. But all
the gulls were already flying about. Another c.200 Black-headed Gulls 2 Little Grebes and at least 7 Great Crested Grebes this morning: even in the good light I could not age all the Great Crested Grebes there seemed to be just 1 adult and 6 juveniles and indeed there did seem to be only 1 adult in the NW area this morning. No Cormorants or Herons noted again. 4 Canada Geese were present throughout: 4 Greylag Geese flew in and for a while attracted attention of the cob Mute Swan, but they all seemed to get bored. The resident Swans present throughout, but apart from the Greylags they also had 3 adults that flew in to chase off, still on-going as I left. 16 Pochard (8 drakes; 8 ducks); and a good count of 54 Tufted Duck (30 drakes; 24 ducks). 3 more Aythya-type ducks had left to the west early before it was light-enough to identify them. 244 [239] Coot and 14 [14] Moorhens counted today [Saturday's counts in brackets]. No raptors again today. Corvid passage took place very high up and to the east of the lake: nevertheless I logged 262 [96] Jackdaws and 285 [234] Rooks [yesterday's figures in brackets]. Redpoll and Siskins both noted again. 1 Redpoll and at least 24 Siskins. I logged 21 [15] Pied Wagtails. 2 Grey Wagtails today. 2 Meadow Pipits seen flying over to the north. 8 Redwings seen or heard: and 15 Fieldfares seen, 5 of which perched on
the wires to the east. I thought they might be Mistle Thrushes, but even
across the length of the lake it was clear they did not have the small 35 passing Wood Pigeons (with a flock of 21); just 1 in trees around the lake. 2 Collared Doves flew south; 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker flew north. 13 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds with another 2 still heard calling. 3 Starlings seen apparently leaving the NW reeds, apparently fired out by the first bird-scarer. Small party of 5 Long-tailed Tits were towing about 3 Goldcrests: both the Tree Creeper and the Willow Tits seemed to be on their own. I think I heard a very distant Song Thrush briefly in song: one of the Great Tits was in full song for a while. The full log of passerines around the lake was 19 Wrens; 5 Dunnocks; 13
Robins; 19 Blackbirds; 1 Song Thrush; 3 Goldcrest; at least 5 Long-tailed
Tits; 1 Willow Tit; 8 Blue Tits; 9 Great Tits; 1 Tree Creeper; 3 11 December - Mixed weather this morning at Priorslee Lake that started with mainly cloudless skies and just some mist over the grass. But later fog-banks swirled across the lake and I was unable to see to complete the counts of the water birds. Best sighting of the morning was the Water Rail in the NE area which allowed prolonged viewing through the telescope for almost as long as I wanted. Another one, at least, vocal in the NW corner. Gull-roost count estimate 750 Black-headed Gulls and 1000 Lesser
Black-backed Gulls. Another 475 Black-headed Gulls arrived from the west
before 07:20 after which most of the gulls began to move out. All the 1 Little Grebes and 5 Great Crested Grebes this morning: possibly affected by the mist. No Cormorants or Herons noted. 2 Canada Geese flew in and out almost immediately: later 7 more arrived. The resident Swans present throughout. 15 Pochard (10 drakes; 5 ducks); and 27 Tufted Duck (13 drakes; 14 ducks) was my best attempt at a count of these species – there preferred loafing area was actually completely clear of mist. No Coot or Moorhen count today in the mist and fog. No raptors again today. Corvid passage was again poor for no real obvious reason: I logged 96 [142] Jackdaws and 234 [251] Rooks [yesterday's figures in brackets]. Redpoll and Siskins both noted again. 2 Redpolls and at least 25 Siskins. I logged 15 [12] Pied Wagtails. The usual Grey Wagtail again. A Meadow Pipit heard over. 2 Redwings heard: and party of 32 Fieldfares seen to the east. 18 passing Wood Pigeons and 7 in trees along the north side was a slightly better count. A Stock Dove again. No Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds, but least 5 calling 1 lone Starling seen apparently leaving a lake-side roost yet again. The full log of passerines around the lake was 10 Wrens; 6 Dunnocks; 13 Robins; 18 Blackbirds; 1 Song Thrush; 1 Goldcrest; at least 8 Long-tailed Tits; 1 Coal Tit; 7 Blue Tits; 7 Great Tits; 1 Chaffinch; 11 Greenfinches; 4 Goldfinches; and 3 Bullfinches (Ed Wilson) 10 December - Much better weather at Priorslee Saturday morning with a spectacular sunrise that tempted my camera – to the detriment of some of the counts I suspect. Best sighting of the morning was the flock of at least 160 Golden Plover
that flew N very close to the Lake – until today most of my recent
sightings have been of very distant birds. On the lake the best was the 4 Gull-roost count estimate 1500 Black-headed Gulls and 400 Lesser
Black-backed Gulls. Another 300 Black-headed Gulls arrived from the west
before 07:30. All the gulls had just about left by 08:15: but by 09:35 2 Little Grebes and 6 Great Crested Grebes again this morning. No Cormorants or Herons noted. 18 Canada Geese flew in as one party: but left soon afterwards in several small parties. Some time later the 4 Greylag Geese arrived from the north. The resident Swans had no interlopers to deal with. 13 Pochard (6 drakes; 7 ducks); and 34 Tufted Duck (18 drakes; 16 ducks). Coot count today was 239 [237 yesterday]: Moorhens count 14 [12], with 7 of these together again. A Water Rail heard in the Wesley Brook area. No raptors again today. Corvid passage was rather poor: I logged 142 [43 / 402] Jackdaws and 251 [20 / 483] Rooks [yesterday's foggy count / Thursday's more normal figures in brackets]. Redpoll and Siskins both noted again. 2 Redpolls and at least 47 Siskins in several parties, with one of 27 birds. I logged just 12 [6] Pied Wagtails. The usual Grey Wagtail again, seen feeding along the N side. 1 Redwing heard: no Fieldfares. The 8 passing Wood Pigeons was another low count. My first Stock Dove for a few weeks flew east: and a Collared Dove flew south. 6 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds. At least 2 more calling 1 Starling seen apparently leaving a lake-side roost. The full log of passerines around the lake was 17 Wrens; 7 Dunnocks; 18
Robins; 19 Blackbirds; 0 Song Thrushes; 2 Goldcrest; at least 14
Long-tailed Tits; 1 Coal Tit; 10 Blue Tits; 10 Great Tits; 2 Chaffinches; 9 December - A really murky, misty and dull morning at Priorslee Lake. Added to that the light SE wind was bringing a lot of road noise from the M54 and it was hard to hear species like Pied Wagtail flying over. Struggling to think of a highlight – the tit party alongside the entrance track from Teece Avenue. This also contained at least 2 Goldcrests and 2 Tree Creepers. Spent ages with this flock as there seemed to be some other calls that I suspected might be Firecrest and at one stage I thought I had one, but it turned out to be an excited male Goldcrest with its crest wide open and showing the orange at the sides: damn! With rather poor visibility I was struggling to get a count of the roosting gulls before they started leaving. My best estimate was 2500 Black-headed Gulls and at least 250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. In the conditions then very few birds flying over – 56 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Gulls seemed reluctant to leave and indeed the number of large gulls increased and by 09:25 Lesser Black-backed Gull numbers had increased to 350 and there were at least 7 Herring Gulls on the lake. 2 Little Grebes again this morning: there seemed to have been another change of Great Crested Grebe with ‘resident' 3 adults and juvenile being accompanied by an adult and another juvenile this morning. No Cormorant but 2 Herons noted. 22 Canada Geese in two distinct parties of 18 & 4. The resident Swans had no interlopers to deal with 11 Pochard (5 drakes; 6 ducks); and 34 Tufted Duck (16 drakes; 18 ducks) Coot count today was 237 [247 yesterday]: Moorhens count 12 [10], with 7 of these together. No raptors again today Corvid passage was mainly beyond visual range and I logged 43 [402] Jackdaws and just 20 [483] Rooks [yesterday's figures in brackets]. Redpoll and Siskins both noted flying over. 2 Redpolls and at least 24 Siskins in several parties. As a result of the road-noise I logged just 6 [24] Pied Wagtails. The usual Grey Wagtail again, seen feeding along the N side 2 Redwings heard: no Fieldfares. The bird-scarer did not start up until 08:23. It again failed to put up any Wood Pigeons and I logged just 5 passing birds. 3 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds. At least 2 more calling, one of which was in the NE area. The full log of passerines around the lake was 14 Wrens; 5 Dunnocks; 13
Robins; 22 Blackbirds; 0 Song Thrushes; 3 Goldcrests; at least 8
Long-tailed Tits; 2 Coal Tits; 8 Blue Tits; 8 Great Tits; 2 Tree Creepers; 8 December - Overnight rain and cloud was clearing as I arrived at Priorslee this morning and it was clear, but rather hazy at times. Just a hint of a frost. Best sighting was a different Water Rail out in the open, feeding from the exposed mud where the work on reconstructing the fishing piers is going on at the W end of the N side – rarely do you get the opportunity to see a whole bird wandering about! Another strange gull roost: at 06:55 there seemed to be only c.25
Black-headed Gulls while there were at least 900 Lesser Black-backed
Gulls. I logged about another 400 Black-headed Gull arriving from the west Little Grebes again this morning: there was also a trio of juvenile.
2 Great Crested Grebes that looked as if they might be siblings as they were
all the same age – these birds were in addition to the 3 adults and 1 1st Single Cormorant and Heron noted. No Canada Geese until 09:15 when 4 flew in from the east. The resident Swans had to deal with 2 interlopers that arrived from the W at 08:30. An hour later what I assume was one of these was on the rocks of the dam with the residents glaring at it. Did not see the other bird leave. 6 Pochard: 4 drakes; 2 ducks; and 27 Tufted Duck with 15 drakes and 12 ducks. Coot count today was a record 247 [234 yesterday]: Moorhens count 10 [9]. No raptors again today Corvid passage was yet again different (they all seem to be!). Today they were very late coming out of the roost and when they did they were very high and hard to spot. Notwithstanding this, number were very high and. I logged 402 [205] Jackdaws and 483 [473] Rooks [yesterday's figures in brackets]. Redpoll and Siskins both noted flying over. Just 1 Redpoll, but intriguingly that seemed to fly out of the grass at the W end as if it might have roosted there: but at least 37 Siskins in several parties logged, the largest containing 14 birds I logged 24 [12] Pied Wagtails. The usual Grey Wagtail again, seen feeding alongside the Water Rail at one point. No Redwings; and just 21 Fieldfares. The bird-scarer started up at 07:56 and again failed to put up any Wood Pigeons and I logged just 12 passing birds. Just 2 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds. At least 2 more calling. 1 Starling apparently flying off from the lake: no others logged. 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker in the distance. Better passerine log today with two parties of Long-tailed Tits located, both towing non-tit species – the first a Goldcrest; and the second a Tree Creeper. The full log was 13 Wrens; 9 Dunnocks; 12 Robins; 23 Blackbirds; 2 Song
Thrushes; 1 Goldcrest; at least 11 Long-tailed Tits; 2 Coal Tits; 9 Blue
Tits; 10 Great Tits; 1 Tree Creeper; 3 Chaffinches; 12 Greenfinches; 5 7 December - A difficult morning for bird watching at Priorslee Lake this morning with patches and banks of fog from time to time. When the fog cleared there a great sunrise and some excellent frost effects diverting me from the task in hand as I took lots of pictures. The best will be forwarded to Martin Adlam who is constructing a Priorslee Lake web site. Best sighting for me was the prolonged view of the feeding Water Rail in the ditch at the NE end of the lake. The flock of 154 Fieldfare was
notable and there were Siskins and Redpolls again. The Greylag Geese were Not entirely sure about the gull roost last night: when I got to the lake
it was too foggy to see any of the gulls. After I had walked to the other
end the fog had thinned somewhat, but I was looking in to the light. There Back to 2 Little Grebes again this morning. No Cormorants noted. 18 Canada Geese again on the lake throughout. By 09:15 they had been joined by 2 Greylag Geese. The resident Swans went unmolested again today. 9 Pochard: 4 drakes; 5 ducks; and 31 Tufted Duck with 17 drakes and 14 ducks. Coot count today was 234 [233 yesterday]: Moorhens count 9 [12]. No raptors today. Corvid passage was again different with Rooks rather unusually predominating today. I logged 205 [106] Jackdaws and a very respectable 473 [261] Rooks [yesterday's figures in brackets]. Redpoll and Siskins also noted flying over and then were both seen in the alders – at least 8 Redpolls ; and 46 Siskins in several parties logged, the largest containing 21 birds. I logged only 12 [24] Pied Wagtails, probably mainly due to the road noise from the M54 making it hard to hear the as they flew high over the mist and fog. The usual Grey Wagtail. 4 Redwings; and 176 Fieldfares – there was a second smaller party of these; also 1 Meadow Pipit. The bird-scarer started up at 07:49 and again failed to put up any Wood Pigeons and I logged just 6 birds. A party of 7 Feral Pigeons though 6 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds. At least 2 more calling 1 Starling apparently flying off from the lake and just 3 others logged flying over. Another low passerine log today with no parties of tits located: I noted
15 Wrens; 8 Dunnocks; 8 Robins; 19 Blackbirds; 3 Song Thrushes; no
Long-tailed Tits; just 5 Blue Tits; only 2 Great Tits; 3 Chaffinches; 16 6 December - Started fine with some promising-looking cloud breaks, but these soon filled in and it turned increasingly dull and murky before some light rain after 08:45 which turned heavier after 09:00 Best sighting was the two Ravens that flew low over. 1 Cormorant again today: a late arrival. Another even smaller gull roost this morning There seemed to be just c.400 Black-headed Gulls and about Lesser Black-backed Gulls, with 1 Herring Gull at least. I noted 116 more Black-headed Gulls arriving from the west. Flying over there were no more Black-headed Gulls and just 9 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. By 09:20 there were 18 more Lesser Black-backed Gulls. 18 Canada Geese flew onto the lake as I arrived and stayed throughout. The resident Swans went unmolested today. Just 4 Pochard logged, with two of these seen flying in: no drakes; 4 ducks; and 39 Tufted Duck with 22 drakes and 17 ducks. 1 Little Grebes was flushed in the NW area today – the juvenile I think. Coot count today was 233: Moorhens count 12. One of the first-winter Moorhens was still very juvenile and not yet fully grown. Only raptor today was a Buzzard seen flying low over SE area – the Castle Farm Interchange area. Corvid passage was low today with birds flying high against the rather muzzy cloud-base and they were hard to pick out, especially the smaller Jackdaws. I logged just 106 [397] Jackdaws and a rather more espectable. 170 [261] Rooks [yesterday's figures in brackets]. Redpoll and Siskins also noted flying over and then were both seen in the alders – a party of 14 Redpolls ; and at least 17 Siskins logged. I also logged 24 Pied Wagtails; 9 Redwings; and 12 Fieldfares; but no Meadow Pipits. There bird-scarer started up at 07:56 but failed to put up any Wood Pigeons and I logged just 4 birds. Only 3 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds, these flying off W. There were at least 4 more calling. No Starlings seen flying off from the lake and just 7 logged flying over. In the rain the passerine log today was low with 13 Wrens; 6 Dunnocks; 8 Robins; 14 Blackbirds; 3 Song Thrushes; 2 parties of Long-tailed Tits; 15 Blue Tits; 8 Great Tits; 6 Chaffinches; 18 Greenfinches; 6 Goldfinches (4 of these in alders with the Siskins); and 2 Bullfinches (Ed Wilson) 5 December - Showery morning at Priorslee Lake that forced me to shelter in the hut on the SW grass. Thus numbers not directly comparable. Best sighting was the pair of Wigeon on the lake. Party of Golden Plover to the east again, but so far away as to be a mere ‘smoke trail' of very distinctive shape in the telescope. There were Redpolls and Siskins overhead again. Only 1 Cormorant today. Small gull roost again There seemed to be c.1600 Black-headed Gulls with
just 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. I( noted 77 more Black-headed Gulls
arriving from the west. Flying over there were at least 34 more Just 4 Canada Geese on the lake today, with another 2 seen flying over. The resident Swans went unmolested today. 12 Pochard logged: 6 drakes; 6 ducks; 47 Tufted Duck with 30 drakes and 17 ducks. No Little Grebes were present as far as I could see. Coot count today was 239: Moorhens count 9. For the last 3 days one of the N-side Moorhens has scurried off at my approach – not back to the water, but underneath the scrub the opposite side of the path. Corvid passage again had many birds passing well to the east. I logged 397 [371] Jackdaws and 261 [313] Rooks [yesterday's figures in brackets]. Rather oddly at 07:10, when it was still dark, a party of 8 Carrion Crows flew S across the lake and almost immediately returned. In addition to the Redpoll and Siskins also noted flying over were: 5 Pied Wagtails; 2 Meadow Pipits; 3 Redwings; 62 Fieldfares. The Grey Wagtail was making good use of the bare earth exposed by the mini-JCB and feeding in the muddy puddles along the N shore. There were 3 Wood Pigeons in the trees along the N shore again; just 3 more over the lake; and at least 45 seen to the east over the fields. No Feral Pigeons seen. Just 2 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds but this was likely an effect of the weather. At least 4 had been heard calling earlier. Just 1 Starling seen flying off from the lake with 27 more logged flying over Because of the weather birds seemed very late appearing and I was struggling when a fine mixed party of tits appeared, not only with Willow and Marsh Tits with them, but also 2 Goldcrests and 2 Tree Creepers. In the end I logged 15 Wrens; 9 Dunnocks; 16 Robins; 24 Blackbirds; 1 Song
Thrush; 1 party of Long-tailed Tits; 2 Willow Tits; 1 Coal Tit; 8 Blue
Tits; 4 Great Tits; 2 Tree Creepers; 3 Chaffinches; 13 Greenfinches; 2 4 December - A much better morning for much of the time at Priorslee: just above frost temperature and with light winds and good visibility. Spoilt somewhat by a light shower, but did not dampen my enthusiasm too much! Best sighting was the 140 or so Golden Plover to the east. There were Redpolls and Siskins again in the alders in the NW area as well as a few more overhead. 4 different Cormorants at the lake and a party of 4 more seen flying S. Small gull roost as seems to be customary at weekends – disturbance? There
seemed to be only 900 Black-headed Gulls and c.250 Lesser Black-backed
Gulls, though I must say that as I watched them depart it seemed there
must have been more. No other gulls species seen again. By 10:30 another
135 Black-headed Gulls and a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull had arrived.
Better passage of gulls overhead today with some 383 Lesser Black-backed
Gulls and 78 Black-headed Gulls passing. Some of these were flying S to The 17 Canada Geese flew in to the lake just after I arrived and stayed until the yachts were launched at c.10:15. The resident Swans glared at 6 passing Swans that were persuaded not to stop! 13 Pochard logged: 8 drakes; 5 ducks; and 43 Tufted Duck with 23 drakes and 20 ducks. The 2 Little Grebes were present, today in the NW area. Coot count today was easier with all the gulls gone and the yachts concentrating the birds, so the total of 225 was probably more accurate than other recent counts: Moorhens count 13. Corvid passage was very protracted and with many of them passing well to the east. A party of 70 Jackdaws some 35 minutes after the first parties was unusual. I logged 371 [440] Jackdaws and 313 [225] Rooks [yesterday's figures in brackets]. In addition to the Redpoll and Siskins around the lake there were a few more flying over: also noted flying over were: 1 Kestrel; 19 Pied Wagtails; 2 Meadow Pipits; 6 Redwings; 32 Fieldfares. There were 3 Wood Pigeons in the trees along the N shore; 14 over the lake; and 6 parties of birds totalling 103 birds. No Feral Pigeons seen. 8 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds and with 2 more in the W end hedge: and just 1 Starling seen flying off from the lake with 18 more logged flying over. Around the lake I logged 13 Wrens; 9 Dunnocks; 19 Robins; 30 Blackbirds; 2
Song Thrushes; 2 parties of Long-tailed Tits; 15 Blue Tits; 9 Great Tits;
5 Chaffinches; 16 Greenfinches; 3 Goldfinches; and 2 Bullfinches The walk added Pheasant – one of these was some 50' up an oak tree! And
Yellowhammer. But generally it was very, very quiet with 6 Wrens; 3
Dunnocks; 4 Robins; 10 Blackbirds; 1 Song Thrush; 5 Blue Tits; 2 Great 3 December - Evening Update. Lesser Black-backs totalled 885, with c.400 Black-headed Gulls. In amongst them there were 6 Herring Gull and 1 Yellow-legged Gull. Corvids (Rooks & Jackdaws) were an impressive c.1000 birds that came from south of the M54 and headed north. Starling roost consisted of just 8 birds and overhead 8 Pied Wagtails headed west towards their roost, presumably the town centre. (Martin Adlam) 3 December - Almost continuous light rain all the while I was at Priorslee Lake. For much of the time I was joined by Martin Adlam who used his younger eyes to help me come up with this log. Best sightings were 5 Redpolls in the alders in the NW area; and about a dozen Siskins in the alders along the N side. Apparently 5 different Cormorants were also noteworthy: and I at least heard one of the Water Rails this morning! The sizeable gull roost noted at 16:30 last night had shrunken overnight
and there were c.2100 Black-headed Gulls and c.175 Lesser Black-backed
Gulls left. No other gulls species seen at all. About 650 more Just 17 Canada Geese on the lake. 4 drake and 4 duck Pochard today. Only 32 Tufted Duck logged with 19 drakes and 13 ducks logged. No sign of the Wigeon again, though as last night the 2 Little Grebes were back. Coot count today was 201: Moorhens count 9. Corvid passage began with some very large mixed parties: we logged 440 [246] Jackdaws and 225 [83] Rooks [yesterday's figures in brackets]. In addition to the Redpoll and Siskins around the lake there were a few more flying over: also noted flying over were: 1 Kestrel; 2 Collared Dove; 1 Sky Lark; 18 Pied Wagtails; 5 Meadow Pipits; 5 Redwings; 40 Fieldfare and 2 Yellowhammers. There were a miserly 3 Wood Pigeons, outnumbered by the 6 Feral Pigeons! Only 7 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds: and just 1 Starling seen flying off. Around the lake we logged 1 Kingfisher; 9 Wrens; 4 Dunnocks; 11 Robins; 19 Blackbirds; 2 Song Thrushes; 2 Goldcrests; 3 parties of Long-tailed Tits; 7 Blue Tits; 7 Great Tits; 4 Chaffinches; 8 Greenfinches; 2 Goldfinches; and 3 Bullfinches. We were able to see what the mini-JCB had been doing: there were several old and decayed ‘piers' along the N side of the lake and these have been removed and new supports put in place. So there will presumably be more fishing positions in future. Rather innocuous in some ways, but does mean that there will be small undisturbed areas for the Great Crested Grebes to nest in future. And the process of accessing the old piers has ploughed up some of the reeds. Perhaps they will re-grow? One benefit is that the path around the bridge over the Wesley Brook has been widened and the wet vegetation no longer soaks you on the way passed! (Ed Wilson/Martin Adlam) 2 December - Evening update. Back later to Priorslee for the gull roost. Birds coming and going all the time with 2 major disturbances making it hard to know how many individuals seen. When I left there seemed to be about 3000 Black-headed Gulls and 400 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, but more Black-headed Gulls were still arriving even though it was too dark to see them properly. During the watch a maximum of 12 Herring Gulls were recorded, but these seemed to leave. 24 Canada Geese on the lake, though when I made a 4th check later it was back to 23! Just 4 duck Pochard this evening. 48 Tufted Duck logged with 27 drakes and 21 ducks. Still no sign of the Wigeon though. 2 Little Grebes were seen again: have they been here all the time? Still looked like a winter adult and a first-winter to me. Coot recount was 211 [208 this morning]. 8 Moorhens with 5 on top of the dam. No corvid passage at all. Two small parties of Starlings seen overhead: one of 41 ‘disappeared'; the other 25 seemed to go to roost in the bushes on the E side of Castle Farm Way. None seen near the reed beds, though the mini JCB has been doing something in both the larger beds – if it is fine I will have a look in the morning. All for now (Ed) 2 December - Heavy rain and strong wind when I arrived at Priorslee confined me to the car at the E end in the lay-by. Later cleared but I had lost the enthusiasm by then. A Cormorant was probably the best sighting on this wet morning. Sizeable gull roost yet again with about 3200 Black-headed Gulls; and 700 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Later I recorded 3 different Herring Gulls and a 1st winter Great Black-backed Gull. By 08:30 there were just 45 Black-headed Gulls and all the large gulls had gone. 16 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were back by 08:45. The 23 Canada Geese still on the lake, though they all flew off with just 17 returning almost immediately. Another 45 seen flying in to The Flash. 3 drake and 4 duck Pochard today. 36 Tufted Duck logged with 23 drakes and 13 ducks: probably affected by the conditions. No sign of the Wigeon. Coot count today was 208 with birds scattered all over the lake: easier to count with nearly all the gulls having left. Just 5 Moorhens. Corvid passage was confined to what I could see out of the open car window in one direction only and was a respectable 246 Jackdaws and 83 Rooks. Almost no passerines seen or heard: one Robin in song; one Reed Bunting flew E was about it! Not sure what the mini-JCB is up to – it was parked adjacent to the reeds in the NW area: the Wesley Brook entrance to the lake needs clearing of rubbish as the back-up in heavy rain floods the bridge, but whether a JCB is needed for that I doubt. We will see. 1 December - Just starting to rain as I arrived at Priorslee this morning and I spent most of the time sheltering from the rain, the wind and the M54 traffic noise. This always presents a problem, trying to look both ways at the same time while handicapped with little sound to guide me. Best were the 10 Reed Buntings seen leaving the reeds at the W end - good in the conditions; and the duck Wigeon. Big gull roost yet again with about 3500 Black-headed Gulls; 2000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls; and up to 6 Herring Gulls. 809 Black-headed Gulls counted arriving from the W, but whether these were ‘new' or birds that had left to feed and were coming back was unclear. 106 more Lesser Black-backed Gulls noted flying over . Nearly all the gulls had left by 08:20 (I counted 41 Black-headed Gulls and 23 Lesser Black-backed Gulls). But after 09:00 more large gulls came in (back?) with at least 28 more by 09:10. The 23 Canada Geese still on the lake. Back to 1 drake and 1 duck Pochard. 53 Tufted Duck logged at 08:55 with 30 drakes and 23 ducks: the same as yesterday. There was a small duck seen in flight that looked like an Aythya species, but it was too far away and unclear whether it was coming, going or flying by. Coot count today was 228 with birds scattered all over the lake and amongst the gulls and Tufted Ducks making accurate counts difficult. Just 7 Moorhens. Once again small (as in 2 and 1) groups of Starlings seemed to be leaving roosts around the lake. Corvid passage was once again hard to get to grips with, the first birds
coming through while still very dark and then the main passage getting
tangled with masses of gulls as they prepared to leave. But the count was Almost no passerines seen or heard so a small finch party of fewer than 8 birds that contained both Siskin and Redpoll. A couple of distant Redwings. Last evening I caught up on all the postings while I was away and the
great job done by Martin Adlam: spurred by that I walked around in the
rain to try and see the Water Rails – I had not heard them earlier this Wimped out for the rest of the day watched the 13 Blackbirds in the garden |