Bird_Watching_UK_-_January_2020

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS NOVEMBER *Naresh Jariwala* Andrew JordAn accepted UK records, with all but particularly obliging individual Clockwise from above left Yorkshire, on 23rd, although the one from Scilly, or the Scottish was a at Cley Marshes NWT, Isabelline Wheatear, news did not reach a wider islands. The last on Scilly, was on Norfolk (from 10th). At one stage, Cley, Norfolk, audience until five days later, Tresco in October 1993, and the it started looking weak and November and it was not relocated… only mainland record was at moribund, but bounced back Porthgwarra, Cornwall, in 2013. to life, ostensibly after the American Buff-bellied Pipit, Also, from the east (of ample provision of Sennen, Cornwall, course), were Eastern Yellow So, naturally, this was a very photographers’ mealworms! 1 November Wagtails in Suffolk, at popular bird, extending Scilly’s Walberswick NNR, and excellent autumn season, and More eastern treats Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Havergate Island. doing the decent thing and Walberswick, Suffolk, hanging around into December; November turned out to be 13 November Best of the rest although on some days it took up a great month for those most the Catharus habit of going out of welcome of latecomers, Pallas’s Lesser Scaup, A first-winter Blue Rock Thrush sight (while on others, it showed Warblers and Hume’s Leaf Helston, Cornwall, appeared on 8th at Lamb Holm, very well indeed). Warblers (the slightly duller close November Orkney. This was just over a relatives of Yellow-browed week after the St Mary’s, Scilly, November wheatears Warbler, which tend to turn Semipalmated Sandpiper, bird went missing, and it seems up a little later in the year). As Oxey, Hampshire, likely that the Orkney thrush With the ‘Northern’ bunch is usually the case, most November was the same bird. The drake having largely departed in examples of both species, were American White-wined Scoter October, November is a concentrated along the east coast. Glossy Ibis, re-appeared off Musselburgh, traditional and more or less However, one of the most Thornham, Norfolk, Lothian, on 25th, and predictable month for rare remarkable occurrences was a 21 November occasionally showed very well, wheatear species, notably long way inland at the in the company of Velvet Scoters Desert and Pied Wheatears. delightfully named Paradise NR, Hume’s Leaf Warbler, and a drake Surf Scoter, there. Pied Wheatear delivered with in Cambridgeshire, lingering in Bempton, East Yorkshire, an inland female at Clifton, the same area from 22nd into 19 November A Semipalmated Sandpiper at Worcestershire, on 4th. Desert December. This is only the Oxey Marsh, Hampshire, had a Wheatears did better, with a second record of the species in few hearts skipping a beat, as its couple on Shetland (on Foula and the county, after one found dead apparent long bill gave the Sumbrugh, Mainland), a male at in Peterborough in the late 1990s. initial impression it was a much the southern tip of the Lleyn rarer Western Sandpiper… Peninsula, Gwynedd (6th), and In total, there were at least 25 an obliging male at South Swale new Pallas’s Warblers and more Mention must finally be made NR, Kent; plus one at St Ouen’s than 15 Hume’s Leaf Warblers of the first wave of Rough-legged Pond, Jersey, Channel Islands. recorded during the month. Buzzards into the country, as well as the exceedingly popular Meanwhile, the spectacular Also from way out east, a Pomarine Skua which autumn for Isabelline Wheatears Dusky Thrush was photographed ‘delighted’ all-comers as it ate continued in full force. A in a garden at North Ferriby, East Grey Seal placentas at Donna Nook, Lincolnshire! 98 January 2020

Steve Gantlett andrew Jordan andrew Jordan birdwatching.co.uk 99 Steve Gantlett*Naresh Jariwala*Graham CatleySteve Gantlett

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS NOVEMBER SOUTH WEST Hermit Thrush, St Mary’s, Scilly, Highlights In association with 29 November After the probable Paddyfield Pipit and Buff-bellied Pipit at Sennen, Cornwall, the indubitable highlight of the region during the month was the first-winter Hermit Thrush which appeared on St Mary’s (at Porth Hellick), Scilly, on 18th, and was still on the island into December. AVON *Naresh Jariwala* ANDREW JORDAN CLEVEDON TO WESTON-SUPER-MARE: Up to 20 Great White, nine Little and nine Cattle Jack Snipe were all at inland sites. A Oystercatchers and 50 Mediterranean Gulls. The best Shelduck count was 710 at Sand Bay Egrets were at Chew. Two Marsh Harriers seen Mediterranean Gull was seen on a football pitch Noirmont logged thousands of migrating (16th). Single Common Scoters were reported at around Chew may have drifted over to Blagdon in north Bristol. A Great Grey Shrike was at Sand Point on three dates, and three at (11th). Twelve Great Black-backeds, a Almondsbury (2nd). The Southgate shopping Starlings, thrushes and finches, 110,000 Clevedon-Yeo (27th). Goosanders on the Blind Mediterranean Gull (3rd), a Ring-billed Gull centre in Bath held a roost of 250 Pied Wagtails. Woodpigeons, Wood Larks, Sky Larks, Ring Yeo rose to nine by month-end. Single (27th), two Yellow-legged Gulls and a Merlin Marshfield had a Short-eared Owl, and Ouzels, Firecrests, Goldcrests, hundreds of Red-breasted Mergansers turned up at Sand (12th) were at Chew. One or two Bearded Tits maximum counts of 60 Corn Buntings and 40 Great Northern Divers, Red-throated Divers, Point and Clevedon-Yeo. Five hundred Lapwings were heard at both Chew and Blagdon. A Snow Yellowhammers. Black-throated Divers, Red-breasted at Clevedon-Yeo is a good number these days; Bunting was at Barrow Gurney (18th-20th). Jane Cumming Mergansers, Common Scoters, 10 Velvet also there were up to 15 Grey Plovers, 300 Scoters, Hawfinches, Serins and hundreds of Curlew, a Sanderling, a Jack Snipe and 460 OTHER SITES: Twelve White-fronted Geese CHANNEL ISLANDS Siskins. Swallows remained around La Rocque. A Redshanks. Sand Bay logged eight Avocets were seen at Frampton Cotterell (24th). The few Richard’s Pipits and Scandinavian Rock (12th) and a Merlin (18th & 29th). Ladye Bay in Whooper Swan remained at Bath Spa University JERSEY: The Wetlands Centre held a Bittern, Pipits were logged. Clevedon had a good seawatch day (2nd) with lakes, Newton St Loe all month. Inland Water Pipits, two Penduline Tits, 50 Lapwings, 45 Kittiwakes, a Bonxie, a Pomarine Skua and Goosanders were seen at Eastville Park, Bristol 50 Curlews, 20 Marsh Harriers, two Hen A Redstart was in a St Clement’s garden. A nine Razorbills. From mid-month onwards, one and at Newton St Loe, Bath. The Backwell Lake Harriers, a Short-eared Owl, Peregrine, Jack Great White Egret and 62 Pinkfeet flew over or two Short-eared Owls and a Merlin were at roost hosted 35 Little Egrets, and stray Bitterns Snipe, 100 Snipe, Woodcock, Snow Buntings, a Victoria Tower. Bel Royal Beach held a record 170 Clevedon-Yeo, and there were two reports of turned up at a couple of sites close to Bristol. Up Shore Lark, Wheatear, a site-first Desert pale-bellied Brent Geese, plus 300 dark-bellied Richard’s Pipit. Clevedon had a good passage of to 1,000 Golden Plovers were at Marshfield and Wheatear (18th-24th), 90 Reed Buntings and 20 birds, 30 Redshanks, 50 Curlews, Sandwich Fieldfares (175), Redwings (375), Meadow Pipits there were 70 at Bristol Airport. A scattering of Cetti’s Warblers. Petit Port had nine Purple Terns and 50 Mediterranean Gulls. Thousands of and Linnets, with three Bramblings (16th). Sandpipers, 50 Curlews, a few hundred Razorbills, tens of Guillemots, Kittiwakes and Clevedon Pier and Uphill each held a Black Desert Wheatear, Little Gulls, a few Balearic Shearwaters, divers Redstart. Most of the month’s Firecrests were at St Ouen’s Bay, Jersey, sites around Weston-super-Mare, and a Snow November Bunting flew over Sand Point (15th). SEVERNSIDE: Single Brent Geese were seen at Oldbury (5th) and Northwick Warth (18th). A White Stork alarming the Herring Gulls over Portishead (8th) was probably from the reintroduction program in Sussex. An Avocet was at Portbury Wharf (17th). Whimbrel, Little Stint and Greenshank turned up at Northwick Warth, and a good count of 120 Turnstones was made at Severn Beach, which also had six Kittiwakes (2nd). Merlins were seen along the coast, mainly at Northwick Warth. On the 8th, 25,000 Woodpigeons migrating over Aust must have been quite a sight, and 60 Collared Doves at Oldbury was a local record. Wintering Black Redstarts and Stonechats turned up along Severnside, and a late Swallow was still around (28th). THE RESERVOIRS: A Pink-footed Goose was ALAN GICQUEL at Blagdon (24th-26th), with a different bird at Chew (26th). Chew had a Whooper Swan (18th), a Green-winged Teal froma 13th onwards, three or four Red-crested Pochards from 19th onwards, up to seven Scaup all month with a Lesser Scaup (4th & 7th), and a Long-tailed Duck which moved to Barrow Gurney mid-month. The Goldeneye count reached 33 at Chew, 11 at Blagdon and five at Barrow Gurney. The reservoirs probably shared up to seven Goosanders and one Red-breasted Merganser. A Red-throated and a Great Northern Diver were at Chew, then a Black-throated and a Great Northern Diver were at Barrow Gurney, also a Scaup. Chew had a top count of 235 Great Crested Grebes, with a Black-necked Grebe (1st). 100 January 2020

COMPILED BY GORDON HAMLETT and Goosanders passed Gorey. Grouville Marsh *Naresh Jariwala* Probable Paddyfield Pipit, CHRISTOPHER COOK had a Yellow-browed Warbler, Eastern-race Sennen, Cornwall, Lesser Whitethroat, Siberian Chiffchaff, 50 10 November female Goosanders were on the Avon (21st). the month – 320 flew SE in 40 minutes (19th) Chiffchaffs, 50 Firecrests and ten Cirl Buntings. Red-throated Diver was recorded on six days and 390 (22nd). Five Goldcrests were at South Buntings. Plymouth had two Eiders, a Great with two (8th) and three (29th). A Black-throated Milton Ley (17th), and a total of 18 were ringed A record 80 Black Redstarts were around the Northern Diver, Common Sandpiper, 70 Ring Diver flew south-east (17th). Great Northern (6th & 19th). Single Firecrests were seen (4th, coast. La Rocque held 14 Cattle Egrets, 140 Little necked Parakeets and two Black Redstarts. The Diver was recorded on nine days. Little Grebe 12th & 17th), and ringing at South MIlton Ley Egrets and 42 Grey Herons. Grouville Bay held Plym Estuary held seven Greenshanks. was present on South Huish Marsh all month, brought three m(6th) and a day record of nine 50 Ringed Plovers, 200 Sanderling, 600 Dunlin, and a Great Crested Grebe was in the Bay (15th). (19th). There were two late Swallow records – 160 Grey Plovers, 10 Bar-tailed Godwits, 100 Bowling Green Marsh had a Long-billed Highest Gannet feeding flock was 510 (21st). five at Huish Marsh (3rd) and one (24th). Curlews, 500 Oystercatchers, 50 Redshanks and Dowitcher, six Pintails, a Long-tailed Duck and First returning Fulmars were singles (22nd & A Cetti’s Warbler was ringed at South Milton 500 Brent Geese. four Firecrests. Torbay had a Greenland-race 26th). A Manx Shearwater flew south-east Ley (19th) with up to three calling all month. Bertram Bree Wheatear, Blue-winged Teal, Black-necked (20th). Two Balearic Shearwaters were on the There were single Siberian Chiffchaffs (12th & Grebe, five Velvet Scoters, a Surf Scoter, 76 sea (15th). A Cattle Egret was at South Efford 24th). A Yellow-browed Warbler was near the CORNWALL Common Scoters, seven Cirl Buntings and seven Marsh (9th). Golf Club (2nd). A Wheatear was at South Great Northern Divers. Exeter had ten Huish Marsh (10th), single female Black HIGHLIGHTS: Six Whooper Swans were at Hawfinches. Slapton had two Sandwich Terns, a A second calendar year Marsh Harrier was at Redstarts were in a Thurlestone garden (4th, Maer Lake and two at Gwithian (4th). The four Wryneck, Black-necked Grebe, Avocet (scarce South Huish Marsh (1st, 3rd & 4th), a ringtail Hen 5th & 21st), 25 Redwings were at South Milton Pinkfeet remained around Hayle. A here), two Scaup and a Ring-necked Duck. Harrier was over North Marsh at Aveton Gifford Ley (19th), and 15 Song Thrushes (3rd) Green-winged Teal was on the River Lynher (5th), a Merlin was over South Huish Marsh were obvious migrants. Water Pipits were on (11th-30th). A Ring-necked Duck was at A Hawfinch and 16 Crossbills were at Haldon. (3rd), and a Short-eared Owl was over South both marshes. Siblyback (16th-30th). Lesser Scaup were at Woodbury Common had a Hen Harrier, Merlin, Huish Marsh (4th). A maximum of 24 Harvey Kendall, [email protected], Helston (4th-13th) and Stithians (10th-30th). two Short-eared Owls and six Bramblings. The Oystercatchers fed on the Golf Course (4th), 13 thurlestonebaybirds.co.uk Long-tailed Ducks were at Gwithian (5th), Drift Exe Estuary had two Sandwich Terns, a Ringed Plovers were on the rocks/marsh (30th), (11th-30th) and Talland (13th). A Pacific Diver Long-billed Dowitcher, Richard’s Pipit, Slavonian two Grey Plovers flew south-east (30th), a flock DORSET was in Mount’s Bay (23rd-30th). Bitterns were at Grebe, 300 Avocets, 11 pale-bellied Brent Geese, of 42 Lapwings was over South Efford Marsh Marazion (8th-10th) and Loe Pool (25th). 230 Pintails, a Cattle Egret and 800 Golden (27th), a Knot was on South Huish Marsh (26th), HIGHLIGHTS: Portland logged Pallas’s Plovers. Starcross had ten Cattle Egrets, 100 three Sanderlings were on the rocks (1st), and Warblers (1st-3rd and 20th), two Firecrests (1st), Great White Egrets were Sancreed (two on Grey Plovers and a Slavonian Grebe. Torquay nine Dunlin were on South Huish Marsh (30th). four Leach’s Petrels, a Long-tailed Duck, Velvet 15th), The Gannel (16th) and Hayle (17th). Two had nine Purple Sandpipers. Lee Moor had a Scoter, two Little Gulls, a Great Northern Diver Spoonbills were on The Tamar Estuary all month, Red-crested Pochard. A Jack Snipe was on South Huish Marsh (1st), and 17 pale-bellied Brent Geese (3rd), a Richard’s with two on Hayle (18th), five at Bude (18th) and and four were flushed at South Milton Ley Pipit (4th-5th), Serin, Caspian Gull and one at College (22nd). American Golden Plovers The Brixham area had a Blue-winged Teal. (20th). Nineteen Snipe were on South Huish Yellow-browed Warbler (5th), Little Bunting were on The Lizard and at Gwithian (1st). A Challacombe, Dartmoor had a Snow Bunting. A Marsh (28th). Black-tailed Godwits were present (6th-11th), Siberian Chiffchaff (9th), Wryneck Dotterel was on The Lizard (1st). An Iceland Gull Bluethroat was at Turf, Exeter. Soar had two Ring throughout, with 12 at South Huish Marsh (3rd-15th) and Red-necked Grebe (15th). was on Hayle (5th-26th), and was noted in Ouzels, 3,000 Woodpigeons, 26 Cirl Buntings (30th), 22 Culrew were on South Efford Marsh Hoopoes were at Swanage (1st and 18th). There Mount’s Bay (5th) and Cape Cornwall (17th). Ten and 900 Sky Larks. Dawlish Warren had a Merlin, throughout, a Common Sandpiper was on the were 22 Spoonbills in Poole Harbour (28th). Yellow-legged Gulls and three Caspian Gulls Hen Harrier, 400 Brent Geese and 53 Snipe. A Avon (5th), five Greenshanks were at South Longham Lakes had a Ring-necked Duck and were on Hayle (20th). Black Guillemots were at Hen Harrier was at Postbridge. Powderham had Efford Marsh (5th), six Redshanks were at South two Scaup to mid-month. Mount’s Bay (5th) and Kennack Sands (21st). a Great White Egret. Efford Marsh (5th), and one was at South Huish Marsh (26th-30th). Turnstones were present Bridport had three Grey Phalaropes, six Little Short-eared Owls included four on Bartinney THURLESTONE BAY: A Black Swan, throughout with 16 (29th). Gulls and three Black Redstarts (2nd). Downs (8th-16th). The Hooded Crow remained presumably the same bird as earlier in the year, Abbotsbury Swannery had a Siberian Chiffchaff around Trevose. Pallas’s Warblers were at Cot returned with a pair of Mute Swans. Two A total of 700 Herring Gulls (21st) increased (4th) and 22 Cattle Egrets (7th). A Black Brant (6th-17th) and Falmouth (9th). A few dark-bellied Brent Geese were reported at South to over 1,400 (25th), there were 550 was at Ferrybridge. A Great Grey Shrike was at Yellow-browed Warblers and Siberian Efford Marsh (17th), and two pale-bellied Brent Black-headed Gulls (25th), 18 Med Gulls were on Wareham Forest (17th-28th), with it, or another, Chiffchaffs were noted across the County. Dusky Geese were on South Huish Marsh (18th-30th at South Huish Marsh (1st), 130 Kittiwakes flew at Morden Bog (26th-29th). A Ring-necked Duck Warblers were at Polgigga (14th) and St Levan least). Three Shelducks flew south-east (26th). south-east (19th), four Common Gulls were on was at Sturminster Marshall GP (16th-30th). (24th). Red-breasted Flycatchers were at The Wigeon flock increased at South Huish South Huish Marsh (7th), 30 Lesser Black-backed Great Bustards from the Salisbury Plain Kynance and Trevascen (1st). The Paddyfield Marsh to a max of 75 (21st), and over 70 were on Gulls were on the Marsh (1st), a first-winter reintroduction scheme were at Studland (1st), Pipit remained at Sennen (to 15th), with the South Efford Marsh (16th). Teal peaked at 75 on Yellow-legged Gull was on the Marsh (6th), and a Arne RSPB (6th) and Hengistbury Head (two on American Buff-bellied Pipit there (to 19th). Small South Huish Marsh (20th), and 100 at South first-winter Caspian Gull was on the Marsh 15th). Lodmoor RSPB had a Cattle Egret (12th). numbers of Snow Buntings were noted. A Efford Marsh (24th). Three Shovelers were on (20th). A Sandwich Tern fishing in the Bay (30th) Six Cattle Egrets were at Portesham (14th). Lapland Bunting was at Sennen (24th). South Huish Marsh (2nd). Two female Eiders was the latest ever patch record. There were Robin Trundle Sara McMahon flew south-east (10th). There was a maximum of good passage counts of auks towards the end of 15 Common Scoters (18th), and a male Surf DEVON Scoter flew through (8th), a patch first. Two LUNDY: Highlights included a Cetti’s Warbler, two Firecrests, six Blackcaps, 700 Guillemots, 750 Kittiwakes, a Merlin, two Whooper Swans, three Snow Buntings, 215 Chaffinches, two Lapland Buntings, a Black Redstart, nine Stonechats, six Bramblings, a Hen Harrier, 77 Redwings, 327 Gannets and two Mediterranean Gulls. NORTH DEVON: Three Hen Harriers and two Merlins were at Bursdon Moor. Braunton had five Scaup and a Siberian Chiffchaff. Isley Marsh had four Spoonbills. Morte Point had a Snow Bunting. The Taw Estuary had 44 Common Scoters, a Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe and four Spoonbills. Fremington had a Spotted Redshank and Glossy Ibis. Instow had four Spoonbills and 35 Brent Geese. A Hen Harrier was at Bray Common. Lower Tamar Lake had five Ring-necked Ducks. SOUTH DEVON: Berry Head had three Black Redstarts, two Pomarine Skuas, a Grey Phalarope, Little Gull, 3,000 auks, a Great Skua, eight Great Northern Divers, six Red-throated Divers, 14 Common Scoters and 150 Fulmars. Prawle Point had two Firecrests and two Cirl birdwatching.co.uk 101

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS NOVEMBER ISLES OF SCILLY *Naresh Jariwala*MOOR GREEN LAKES: Highlights included returned to Kingfisher Lake (from 27th). A Forest, a Great Grey Shrike was in the Holm Hill two Great White Egrets (4th-19th), a Pintail possible Lesser Scaup or hybrid was seen a few area (from 10th) and there were a few sightings HIGHLIGHTS: A Ring Ouzel was on the (14th) and Water Rail (8th). times on Rockford Lake (16th-26th), along with a of Hen Harriers, as well as a late Ring Ouzel at Garrison, the Porth Mellon Little Bunting Scaup (17th-27th). A Black-necked Grebe Ibsley Common (3rd). Another Great Grey remained and a good many Black Redstarts were PADWORTH LANE GP: There was a Great returned to Ibsley Water (28th); much rarer for Shrike was in the north-east at Woolmer Forest around the coasts. A Red-throated Pipit was on White Egret (6th-30th), White-fronted Goose the site was a brief Slavonian Grebe on Ivy Lake (16th) and Longmoor Enclosure (17th). An the Gold Course, a Red-breasted Flycatcher was (14th-30th) and Pintail (29th). (18th), where a Red-throated Diver was also unseasonable Turtle Dove was reported regularly on St Agnes and four Yellow-browed Warblers reported (23rd). Up to four Great White Egrets from Oakhanger, presumably in a private garden. were on the islands (all 1st). The Scaup remained QUEEN MOTHER RESERVOIR: A Little Gull were seen during the month, mostly on Ivy Lake, Water Pipits at Lower Test peaked at 14, but on the Great Pool, Tresco. A Waxwing flew over (29th), Rock Pipit (5th) and Water Pipit (8th) with further sightings in the Avon Valley coming there were no more than two reported from the Hugh Town (3rd). A Snow Bunting was on St were the pick from Fordingbridge, Kingston Common and Alresford watercress beds. Martin’s (5th). Burgate Manor Farm. Gulls included up to 11 Tom Jordan THEALE GP: There was a Shag (21st-27th), two Yellow-leggeds roosting on Ibsley Water, while a The islands’ second Brown Shrike was at Bitterns (21st), nine Red-crested Pochards (17th), Caspian Gull was reported on Ivy Lake (17th). A HERTFORDSHIRE Porth Hellick (6th-7th) and near Carn Friars a Little Gull (22nd) and Caspian Gull (7th). late Swallow was over Ibsley Water (9th), but (10th). A Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Salakee more seasonable were Marsh Harrier on three HIGHLIGHTS: A Little Bittern was at Amwell (7th) was the second of the year. Two Lapland OTHER SITES: A Great White Egret was at dates, Merlin (9th) and a single Water Pipit. (14th-15th). Two Cattle Egrets were in the Lee Buntings were on Peninnis (8th). A Hen Harrier Lower Farm GP (10th). A Hen Harrier was at Valley (from 23rd). A Black-bellied Dipper was at was at Porth Hellick intermittently (from 9th). A Roden Downs, Compton (10th). A Black HILL HEAD TO HAMBLE: Highlights at Hilfield Park Reservoir (7th). A possible Pallid Dusky Warbler was at Porth Hellick. The Cetti’s Redstart spent a few days on a housing estate in Titchfield Haven included two Great White Harrier was at Therfield (7th). A Hen Harrier was Warbler was heard singing occasionally. The Barkham (15th-19th). Egrets (1st), Merlin (13th & 30th) and up to seven also in the area. Wilstone Reservoir had a islands’ third Hume’s Warbler was with a Marek Walford (www.berksbirds.co.uk) Water Pipits along the canal path. A Snow Richard’s Pipit (3rd), Great Skua (5th), Scaup Yellow-browed Warbler at Newford Duck Pond, Bunting showed very well at Hill Head (21st-24th) (1st) and Black-necked Grebe (16th). A late Ring St Mary’s (12th). BUCKINGHAMSHIRE followed by another individual from the 30th. Ouzel was at Heartwood Forest (16th). Black Offshore a Velvet Scoter joined the scoter flock, Redstarts were at Gorhambury (3rd) and Two Choughs commuted between the HIGHLIGHTS: Great White Egrets were at Black-necked Grebes were seen on three dates, Wilstone Reservoir (8th). Airport and Peninnis Head (from 14th). An Linford (three, 3rd & two, 10th), Gayhurst Quarry including five on the 7th, and there were also Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news, please Iceland Gull flew over St Mary’s (14th-15th). The (6th), Tongwell (9th) and Little Marlow GP (11th). sightings of Great Northern and Red-throated phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 Green-winged Teal was last seen at Newford A Hen Harrier was at Little Linford (2nd). A Divers. A bit further south, a Long-tailed Duck from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per Duck Pond (16th). The islands’ fourth Hermit Great Skua flew over Wilstone Reservoir into the was off Lee-on-the-Solent (8th). minute plus your phone company access charge. Thrush was at Kitty Down, St Mary’s (from 18th), county (5th). A Water Pipit was at Gallows Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For when an Olive-backed Pipit was at Pelistry, St Bridge (23rd) and two Bearded Tits were at LANGSTONE HARBOUR AND HAYLING enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 Mary’s and an unidentified shrike on Bryher. A Calvert (3rd). Hawfinches were at Great ISLAND: There were only a few reports from 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk Whooper Swan was on Bryher Pool (19th). Hampden (up to 11, 17th-30th) and Tattenhoe Farlington Marshes this month. A Merlin was twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia Park, MK (8th). A Snow Bunting was at Gallows seen twice and up to three Marsh Harriers were facebook.com/robinchittenden7 A Snow Bunting was on the Golf Course Bridge (10th). present. Waders included up to 37 Avocets and a (from 20th). A Surf Scoter was in Porth Loo Green Sandpiper, while Bearded Tits peaked at KENT (from 20th). A Ring-billed Gull was at Porth Loo CALVERT: There were up to three Bitterns, a 22. In Langstone Harbour there was a (21st). Three Yellow-legged Gulls and six Jack Snipe (12th), at least six Yellow-legged Gulls Long-tailed Duck (9th-27th), Slavonian Grebe HIGHLIGHTS: A Pine Bunting was ringed at Mediterranean Gulls were at Morning Point, St and six Caspian Gulls. (2nd-20th) and up to nine Black-necked Grebes. Chamber’s Wall (4th). Dungeness RSPB had Mary’s (25th), with with four Yellow-legged Gulls On Hayling Island, two Cattle Egrets were at three Cattle Egrets (1st-9th), with a fourth there (27th). A Common Scoter was in Porth Loo COLLEGE LAKE: Highlights were two Northney (9th), followed by three at (29th), a Rough-legged Buzzard (1st), (29th). Red-crested Pochard (9th & 28th), a Dunlin Warblington (17th). In the Black Point area there Red-throated Diver (7th-9th), Great White Egret Will Wagstaff (16th-17th), a Black-tailed Godwit (16th-17th) and were sightings of Long-tailed Duck (1st-8th), (7th-17th), and a Hen Harrier (13th). A Lesser a Yellow-legged Gull (26th). Velvet Scoter (11th-12th) and all three divers, Whitethroat ringed at Dungeness NNR (Oct SOUTH EAST while up to two Black Redstarts were at Eastoke. 30th) was confirmed as of the central Asian race GALLOWS BRIDGE: There were three Pintail after DNA analysis. Also there was a Pallas’s Highlights In association with (15th), a Merlin (16th & 23rd), 1,500 Golden LYMINGTON TO MILFORD-ON-SEA: The Warbler (17th). A Rough-legged Buzzard was at Plovers (16th), Dunlin (five, 10th & four, 15th & highlight from the Lymington-Keyhaven Lydd (1st). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Willop Initially reported 16th) and a Jack Snipe (3rd). marshes was a Semipalmated Sandpiper on STW (7th). A Great Grey Shrike was at Pegwell as a Western Oxey Lagoon (16th-25th). Just as rare in Bay (10th). A Pallas’s Warbler was at Northdown Sandpiper, a ‘peep’ at Oxey IVINGHOE HILLS: Flyovers included a Dunlin Hampshire terms was a Black Guillemot past Park, Margate (10th). A Stone-curlew was at Marsh, Hampshire, on 16th, turned (17th) and Tree Sparrow (8th). Milford-on-Sea (26th). Other scarcities included Lade Sands (17th). Grove Ferry had a Siberian out to be a much less rare a Leach’s Petrel past Oxey Marsh (25th) and Chiffchaff, two Great White Egrets and ten Semipalmated Sandpiper (though, LITTLE MARLOW GP: There was a Dunlin single Snow Buntings at Hurst Beach (8th) and Water Pipits (3rd), a Cattle Egret (17th) and a admittedly one with a long, (10th), two Yellow-legged Gulls and two Caspian Pennington (19th & 29th-30th). A Long-tailed Penduline Tit (16th & 30th). ‘Western-like’ bill). Gulls (13th & 28th). Duck was on Oxey Marsh (from 15th), while offshore there were one or two Slavonian Worth Marsh had a Snow Goose (2nd), three BEDFORDSHIRE NEWTON LEYS: Highlights were a Grebes, Red-throated Diver (9th) and Great Cattle Egrets (25th-30th) and a Glossy Ibis Mediterranean Gull (4th-25th), at least seven Northern Diver (3rd, 10th & 16th). A late Little (26th-29th). Cattle Egrets at Stoke Marshes HIGHLIGHTS: A Ring-necked Duck was at Yellow-legged Gulls and seven Caspian Gulls. Stint was seen (8th), plus a Purple Sandpiper peaked at eight. St Margaret’s at Cliffe had a Great Barford GP (20th-22nd). A Smew was at (19th & 28th), Jack Snipe (8th), up to six each of Richard’s Pipit and Serin over (3rd), and a Great Priory CP (9th). A Little Gull was at Houghton OTHER SITES: There were Red-crested Ruff and Spotted Redshank. Spoonbills were Grey Shrike (3rd-13th). Stodmarsh had a Glossy Regis Pits (7th). A Great Grey Shrike was at Pochards at Foxcote Reservoir (14th) and Willen seen on two dates, with eight at Normandy Ibis (22nd-24th) and two Cattle Egrets (22nd), Brogborough Lake (from 18th). A Black Redstart Lakes (seven, 5th-6th), two Jack Snipe at Stoke (12th). Up to eight Marsh Harriers roosted at with two tundra Bean Geese, four Eurasian was at East Hyde (6th-7th). Common (28th), a Mediterranean Gull at Keyhaven and there were regular Merlin Whitefronts, a Hen Harrier, 12 Water Pipits and a Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news, please Rowsham (17th), four Caspian Gulls at sightings. Two Black Redstarts were at Green Sandpiper (23rd) and a Penduline Tit phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 Springfield Quarry (8th), a Swallow at Bledlow Milford-on-Sea (1st-5th), along with a late (30th). Elmley had two Cattle Egrets (21st), with from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per (3rd), a Whinchat at Dorney Lake (6th), a Ring Redstart (3rd-5th), while eleven Little Gulls one (to 29th), and a Hen Harrier plus three minute plus your phone company access charge. Ouzel at Pitstone Hill (30th), a Firecrest at passed in stormy weather on the 2nd. Short-eared Owls (29th). Three Cranes and a Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For Marlow Bottom (3rd) and three Tree Sparrows at Hen Harrier were between Leysdown and enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 Little Linford Wood (4th). OTHER SITES: A Hoopoe was at Needs Ore Shellness (2nd). 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk Adam Bassett (www.bucksbirdclub.co.uk) (22nd). Great White Egrets were as usual twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia concentrated in the lower Test valley, with most SURREY facebook.com/robinchittenden7 HAMPSHIRE sightings at Testwood Lakes and Fishlake Meadows, but one was also in the north-east, HIGHLIGHTS: Sightings of a Montagu’s Harrier BERKSHIRE BLASHFORD LAKES AND THE AVON with sightings at Tweseldown (16th) and Fleet came from Tice’s Meadow, Loseley and VALLEY: An excellent selection of wildfowl was Pond (16th & 19th). A Bittern was seen a few Chilworth (9th). A Ferruginous Duck was at HIGHLIGHTS: A Snow Bunting was at Queen seen at Blashford Lakes in November. A times at Fishlake (15th-24th) and a Cattle Egret Papercourt GP (11th). A Jack Snipe was at Mother Reservoir (5th). Long-tailed Duck was on Ibsley Water (from was at Hook near Basingstoke (7th). In the New Papercourt Water Meadows (2nd), with a 4th), where there were also three Red-crested Short-eared Owl there (13th-22nd), and a DINTON PASTURES CP: There was a Bittern Pochards (11th). The regular Ferruginous Duck Lapland Bunting (20th). Three Hawfinches were (10th), Great White Egret (1st), Little Stint (7th) at Hascombe (3rd), with one over Cranleigh and a late Garganey (6th-7th). (5th). One was at Dick Focks Common (16th), 102 January 2020

COMPILED BY GORDON HAMLETT rising to two (30th). A Bittern was at Frensham Great Skua, Little Pond (7th). A Short-eared Owl was at Cley, Norfolk, Martyr’s Green (8th). A Black Redstart was at 22 November Stanwell Moor (10th). A Hen Harrier was at Shackleford (from 16th). Peter Bryant SUSSEX EAST SUSSEX: Cattle Egrets were at Arlington Reservoir (3rd) and Rodmell (18th). Another was at Cuckmere Haven (5th), with a Siberian Chiffchaff there (14th). A Great Bustard at Birling Gap (6th), was also seen at Bishopstone (9th-14th) and Seaford (23rd). A Serin was at Flimwell (13th-23rd). A Great Grey Shrike was in the Four Counties car-park at Ashdown Forest (30th). WEST SUSSEX: Sidlesham village had 15 Cattle *Naresh Jariwala* STEVE GANTLETT Egrets (10th), with a Great White Egret also there (16th). Five Cattle Egrets were at Pagham Holkham had two Hume’s Warblers (7th-19th), Geese, two tundra Bean Geese, 8,730 Wigeon, Ducks, seven Great Crested Grebes, 20 Harbour (12th), with singles at Henfield Levels an Olive-backed Pipit (17th) and six Shore Larks. 170 Mallards, 93 Gadwall, 366 Shovelers, 900 Goldeneyes, four Pomarine Skuas, five Arctic (28th) and Pulborough Brooks (29th). A A Pallas’s Warblers was at Holme (7th). A Teal, 105 Pintails, 70 Avocets, 39 Ringed Plovers, Skuas, 14 Great Skuas, 41 Eiders, two Slavonian Richard’s Pipit flew over Medmerry RSPB (20th). Northern-race Long-tailed Tit was at Upton Fen 19,400 Golden Plovers, 5,600 Lapwing, 108 Grebes, two Chiffchaffs, 18 Waxwings, ten Twite, A Leach’s Petrel was taken into care at (3rd and 15th). A Hoopoe was at Burgh Castle Knot, 4,000 Dunlin, 22 Snipe, 1,620 Black-tailed five Redpolls, eight Siskins, three Portslade-by-Sea (5th). (3rd) and Bradwell (5th). Richard’s Pipits were Godwits, 46 Bar-tailed Godwits, 642 Curlews, a Yellowhammers, 40 Snow Buntings, four West Runton and Burnham Deepdale (6th). Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Green Pintails, three Little Auks, two Bearded Tits, 17 EAST ANGLIA Shore Larks were at Cley (2nd) and Winterton Sandpiper, 1,058 Redshanks, seven Turnstones Ruff, seven Whooper Swans, four Kittiwakes, 14 (12th). A Lesser White-fronted Goose was at and 179 Mediterranean Gulls. A Merlin, Marsh Harriers, 6,720 Pinkfeet, 292 Brent Highlights In association with Field Dalling (22nd), with a Todd’s Canada Peregrine and three Short-eared Owls hunted. Geese, 529 Wigeon, four Razorbills, 450 Golden Goose seen there and at Weybourne. Six Stonechats were seen. Plovers, a Black-throated Diver, Great Northern With a Little Rough-legged Buzzards were at Wells (from Diver, Fulmar, Bittern, Great White Egret, Bittern at 11th), Wiveton (13th), Saxlingham (13th), NOA HOLME: Maxima included three Water White-fronted Goose, Hen Harrier, Red Kite, Titchwell, and Hume’s Leaf Titchwell (13th) and Hunstanton (20th). A Great Rails, three Snipe, two Tawny Owls, 45 Peregrine, Merlin, Spotted Redshank, Warblers at a couple of sites in Grey Shrike was at Trimmingham (16th-17th). Fieldfares, 56 Redwings, five Stonechats, two Woodcock, Little Gull, Guillemot, Little Owl, north Norfolk, it was going to take Bullfinches, 196 Gannets, 11 Tree Sparrows, 14 Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Water Pipit, something special to be the ‘bird BREYDON WATER: Highlights included Great Red-breasted Mergansers, 160 Common Richard’s Pipit, Swallow, Firecrest and Lapland of the month’ for the county: step White Egrets (2nd & 30th), a Kittiwake (18th), Scoters, three Red-throated Divers, eight Bunting. forward the Isabelline Wheatear at Waxwing (24th) and Lapland Bunting (29th). Barnacle Geese, 200 Lapwings, two Black-tailed Cley (10th-26th). A Pallas’s Maxima included 77 Little Egrets, 10,000 Godwits, two Greenshanks, three Cetti’s NOA REDWELL MARSH: There were three Warbler at Paradise NR, Cambs, Pinkfeet, 56 Whitefronts, 24 Barnacle Geese, Warblers, 37 Long-tailed Tits, four Blackcaps, six Snipe, 17 Lapwings, six Black-tailed Godwits, four was ultra-rare for the county. 447 Greylags, 17 Canada Geese, 39 Egyptian Rock Pipits, 12 Bramblings, three Long-tailed Redshanks, two Little Egrets, 70 Teal, 120 CAMBRIDGESHIRE Rough-legged Buzzard, Wells, Norfolk, HIGHLIGHTS: A Pallas’s Warblers was at 17 November Paradise, Cambridge (from 22nd). An American Golden Plover was among a few thousand STEVE GANTLETT Golden Plovers near Littleport (3rd-6th). Rough-legged Buzzards were at Holme Fen (10th-14th), Chain Corner (17th-20th) and Chatteris (22nd). Grafham Water held a Slavonian Grebe (2nd-3rd), six Great Skuas (5th), 68 dark-bellied Brent Geese (5th), a Red-breasted Merganser (24th), a Common Scoter and two Scaup. Eight Common Scoters were at Ferry Meadows (6th). Three Scaup were at Fen Drayton (23rd-24th) and then at Meadow Lane Pits, St Ives (25th). An Iceland Gull was at Fowlmere (8th-9th), Dernford Reservoir (12th-23rd) and Stapleford (23rd). A Gannet flew over Maxey Pits and Pondersbridge (23rd). Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news, please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia facebook.com/robinchittenden7 NORFOLK HIGHLIGHTS: Isabelline Wheatears were at Cley (11th-26th) and Heacham (13th). Rather late was a Little Bittern at Titchwell (9th-13th). A Glossy Ibis was at Thornham (21st-27th). A Pallid Swift flew over Sidestrand (8th), with another, thought to be this species, over Cley (23rd). birdwatching.co.uk 103

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS NOVEMBER Siberian Lesser Whitethroat, MIDLANDS West Runton, Norfolk, 3 November Highlights In association with A female Pied Wheatear photographed at Clifton, Worcestershire, was a great inland find (on 3rd). Sadly, it was not a lingerer. A possible Blyth’s Pipit was seen at Oldbury Power Station, Gloucestershire on 30th. STEVE GANTLETT *Naresh Jariwala* DERBYSHIRE HIGHLIGHTS: A Great Northern Diver was at Carsington Water (2nd-30th). The Bittern remained at Willington GP. A Cattle Egret was at Highbridge GP (2nd), Willington GP (3rd) and Egginton Hall (8th-30th). The Long-tailed Duck remained at Drakelow. Hen Harriers were at Willington GP (1st-18th), Etwall (15th) and Newton Solney (5th and 15th). A Bearded Tit was at Willington GP (to 4th). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Ogston Reservoir (11th-13th). A Firecrest was at Alvaston (22nd). Snow Buntings were at Curbar Edge (5th-9th) and Bleaklow (24th). Whitefronts included 15 at Highbridge GP (21st) and Willington GP (22nd). Wigeon, 20 Shovelers, 40 Redwings and phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 near Hollesley (10th-13th). Penduline Tits were at CARR VALE: There was a Little Egret, three eight Fieldfares. from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per Minsmere (7th) and Orfordness (13th). Three Peregrines, a Golden Plover, 21 Snipe, a minute plus your phone company access charge. Shore Larks were at Walberswick (18th), Easton Woodcock, a peak of 800 Pinkfeet over, 36 CLEY AREA: Highlights included two Hen Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For Broad (two, 19th and 24th) and at Southwold Whooper Swans, a Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, Harriers, 70 Snow Buntings, two Caspian Gulls, enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 (20th). Rough-legged Buzzards were at Rock Pipit, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Marsh Tit and 29 Pomarine Skuas, 25 Great Skuas, four Arctic 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk Walberswick (10th), Lakenheath (12th), Ipswich four Willow Tits. Skuas, 25 Little Gulls, 10 Little Auks, two Velvet twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia (13th), Aldeburgh (15th) and Bawdsey (from Scoters, three Slavonian Grebes, six Great facebook.com/robinchittenden7 29th). A Great Northern Diver at Aldeburgh and CARSINGTON WATER: Highlights included a Northern Divers, 10 Water Pipits, five Eurasian an Iceland Gull at Minsmere (15th). Little Egret, Peregrine, two Water Rails, three Whitefronts, Black Guillemot, Sooty Shearwater, SUFFOLK Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news, please Whooper Swans, 150 Pinkfeet, a Scaup, two Siberian Chiffchaff, Purple Sandpiper, phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 Common Scoters, 60 Snipe, three Woodcocks, Rough-legged Buzzard, Bittern, a probable HIGHLIGHTS: An Eastern Yellow Wagtail at from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per four Redshanks, a Golden Plover, Dunlin, Jack Great Shearwater, Lapland Bunting, Puffin, Walberswick (7th-19th) was the first for Suffolk. minute plus your phone company access charge. Snipe, four Ruff, two Yellow-legged Gulls, seven Long-tailed Duck, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Amazingly, Suffolk’s second was at Havergate Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For Willow Tits, four Ravens, a Chiffchaff, Brambling, Redshank, Red-necked Grebe, Black Redstart, Island (12th-14th). Hume’s Warblers were at enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 30 Siskins and 12 Lesser Redpolls. Grey Phalarope, Scaup and Black-throated Diver. Dunwich (9th), Felixstowe (9th) and Lowestoft 970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk Peter Allard, Sophie Barker (www.noa.org.uk) and (two on 9th-10th). Pallas’s Warblers were at twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia DOVE HOLES QUARRY: There were 17 Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news, please Lowestoft (1st), Kessingland (9th-10th and 25th) facebook.com/robinchittenden7 Whooper Swans, a Redshank and two and Minsmere (26th-27th). A Dusky Warbler was Stonechats. Snow Bunting, DRAKELOW: There was a Peregrine, five Water Cley, Norfolk, Rails, four Woodcocks and two Red-breasted 21 November Mergansers. LONG EATON GP: There were three Little Egrets, two Ravens, 64 Pinkfeet, a Scaup, two Woodcocks, two Stonechats, 150 Redwings and 150 Fieldfares. OGSTON RESERVOIR: Highlights were three Water Rails, four Woodcocks, six Snipe, 26 Whooper Swans, 320 Pinkfeet, a Common Scoter, Goshawk, Merlin, Peregrine, two Ravens, a Yellow-legged Gull, Chiffchaff, four Bramblings and 20 Lesser Redpolls. WILLINGTON GP; There were 30 Little Egrets, a Peregrine, Water Rail, three Snipe, two Great White Egrets, a Whooper Swan, Marsh Harrier, Jack Snipe, Curlew, Redshank, two Stonechats and three Ravens. STEVE GANTLETT OTHER SITES: Two Great White Egrets were at Twyford and one at Abbey Hill. Whooper Swans included one at Newton Solney, 11 at North Wingfield, 20 at Abbey Hill and 14 at Wilne Lane. Three Red-crested Pochards were on Melbourne Pool. Red Kites were at Ashbourne and Bolsover. Shipley had two Water Rails, 79 Snipe and six 104 January 2020

compiled by gordon hamlett Jack Snipe. Three Jack Snipe were at Sinfin Moor *Naresh Jariwala*Firecrest were at the sewage works in Ibstock flew over Oundle (12th). A Mediterranean Gull Pochards, 1,632 Wigeon, 412 Gadwall, 559 Teal, Wetlands. Eight Ring-necked Parakeets were at (3rd). Stanford Reservoir had a Ruddy Shelduck, and three Yellow-legged Gulls visited 21 Pintails, 2,999 Tufted Ducks, 282 Goldeneyes, Spondon, one at Abbey Hill and eight at Siberian Chiffchaff and a very late Willow Boddington Reservoir. Two Short-eared Owls 46 Little Egrets, seven Great White Egrets, four Alvaston Lake. Aston-on-Trent GP had two Little Warbler (6th), a Great White Egret (1st), with were at Neville’s Lodge, Finedon. Two Pinkfeet Scaup, a Common Scoter, four Smew, a Egrets and a Caspian Gull. three (27th), and a Short-eared Owl (9th). A and eight Mandarins visited Blatherwycke Lake. Red-necked Grebe, two Black-necked Grebes, a Rod Key Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Eaton (14th). Two Red-crested Pochards, 25 Golden Plovers Slavonian Grebe, 770 Lapwings, 231 Golden Two Jack Snipe were at Ellistown Pit Banks (6th). and a Stonechat were at Clifford Hill GP. Plovers, three Green Sandpipers, six Redshanks, gloucestershire A Red-throated Diver was at Eyebrook Reservoir, Stanwick GP had three Great White Egrets, a a Turnstone, Knot and Jack Snipe. Two Marsh with a Smew there (13th). Another Smew was at Black-tailed Godwit and two Redshanks. A Great Harriers, a Barn Owl and Peregrine hunted. Cotswolds: A Great Grey Shrike lingered at Swithland Reservoir (24th). A Spoonbill flew over White Egret and Ruddy Shelduck were at There was a Willow Tit and two Tree Sparrows at Snowshill. At the Cotswold Water Park a Great Glenfield (25th). A Caspian Gull was at Shawell Foxholes Fisheries Crick. Lyndon and two Stonechats at Egleton. White Egret was seen at both pit 9 and in the (20th). A Snow Bunting was between Ashby and Bob Bullock (01604 627 262) Shorncote area, where there was also a Marsh Measham (22nd). otHer sites: Some 130 Pinkfeet flew over Harrier (10th), eight Water Rails and a Green nottinghamshire Horn Mill (10th). There was a Mandarin at Fort Sandpiper. A Merlin was in the Leighterton and northamptonshire Henry Ponds (10th) and eight near Pilton (24th). Tresham area. Four Goosanders were at HigHligHts: Two or three Cattle Egrets Woodcocks were at Pilton, Martinsthorpe, Adlestrop (16th). Golden Plovers included 600 HigHligHts: Two Black-necked Grebes remained around Barton-in-Fabis and Burley, Tunneley and Pickworth Woods. Three at Ozleworth, 522 at Shab Hill, 214 at visited Pitsford Reservoir (1st). Bitterns were at Attenborough. The Long-tailed Duck remained Green Sandpipers flew over Martinsthorpe Minchinhampton Common, 150 at Winstone Earls Barton GP (8th and 12th) and Fawsley at Holme Pierrepont throughout. A Snow (11th). Peregrines were at Fort Henry (1st) and and 115 at Meysey Hampton. (9th). Siberian Chiffchaffs were at Stanford Bunting was seen briefly at Haworth Pit Top Martinsthorpe (9th and 12th). Willow Tits were at Reservoir (6th), Ditchford GP (two on 15th) and (5th) and an Eastern Stonechat sp. was at Martinsthorpe (13th) and Leighfield (22nd). Two forest of dean: A Red-breasted Ringstead GP (17th). Four Cattle Egrets were at Langford Lowfields (19th-20th). Stonechats were in Exton Park (9th). One or two Merganser (4th), nine Goosanders and 35 Snipe Stanwick GP, with a Bearded Tit there Bramblings were at Oakham, Pilton, were at Woorgreens. A Great Grey Shrike was at (16th-17th). Firecrests were there (10th), and at langford lowfields rsPB: Up to two Martinsthorpe and Wing. Crabtree Hill (from 3rd). Nagshead had a Lesser Earls Barton GP (23rd). A Great Grey Shrike was Bearded Tits were noted in the reedbeds, and the Terry Mitcham Spotted Woodpecker, Firecrest, seven at DIRFT 3, near Crick (from 17th). Starling roost built to around 10,000 birds. Hawfinches and 15 Bramblings. Stonechat numbers peaked at four, and a Water shropshire A Hen Harrier was there and at the adjacent Pipit was noted (30th). A Bittern was noted, as lower severn vale: A Glossy Ibis was near Lilbourne Meadows (9th-17th), with others near well as two Great White Egrets. Thirty HigHligHts: Two Snow Buntings were on Berkeley (2nd), with a Spotted Redshank there Hanging Houghton (15th) and between Pink-footed Geese were noted flying over, and Titterstone Clee Hill (7th-9th) with a Black (3rd). A Cattle Egret, 30 Snipe and two Jack Scaldwell and Old (28th). Two Hawfinches were five Whooper Swans were also seen. Redstart there (3rd). A Green-winged Teal was Snipe were at Rodley (25th). Two Shags and two at Fotheringhay (21st) and one at Salcey Forest at Wall Farm (11th-25th). A Yellow-browed Red-breasted Mergansers were on the canal (27th). Nine Bewick’s Swans were at Stanford lound: A Grey Plover was seen (1st), and a Warbler was at Ironbridge (27th). A Red-necked between Sharpness and Saul. Sharpness had a Reservoir (24th), when a Red-breasted Wood Sandpiper (2nd), while up to four Ruff Grebe was at Venus Pool (12th-27th). Yellow-browed Warbler and fly-over Snow Merganser was at Pitsford. were also present. Fourteen Whoopers were Bunting (3rd), two Goldeneyes (10th) and two seen on site and a peak of 19 Pintail were noted otHer sites: Great White Egrets were at Black Redstarts. A Long-eared Owl was at daventry CP: Two Scaup were present (4th) by the end of the month. A hundred Pink-footed Colemere CP (8th), Melverley Green (9th) and Purton (4th). Berkeley Shore had seven Jack with one (to 15th). There was a Caspian Gull, Geese flew over (10th). Up to seven Bearded Tits Kempton (26th). Two Egyptian Geese were at Snipe, 16 Turnstones and four Rock Pipits. Yellow-legged Gull and Green Sandpiper. were noted, and three Stonechats. Hen Harriers Wood Lane (11th), with seven at Melverley (8th), were seen (6th & 11th), and up to two Marsh where 25 Whooper Swans were present (4th). The Frampton Pools and Saul Warth area had dirft 3: There were three Short-eared Owls, Harriers were noted. A Short-eared Owl was There were 51 Red Kites together at Choulton two Bewick’s Swans (2nd), five Egyptian Geese, a 47 Golden Plovers, two Stonechats, a Woodcock, seen (18th). (20th). Four Whooper Swans and three Pintails Goldeneye, Great White Egret, Woodcock, 51 Peregrine, Caspian Gull and Yellow-legged Gull. were at Venus Pool (30th). Sixty Pinkfeet were at Snipe, two Green Sandpipers, a Common otHer sites: Great White Egrets were seen Adderley (13th). Sandpiper, Merlin, Water Pipit (23rd) and earls Barton gP: A Smew remained all at Nottingham Uni, Kilvington, Hoveringham, Siberian Chiffchaff. Two Whooper Swans were month. There was a Red-crested Pochard, Osberton and Thoresby, and four were at idle Two Yellow-legged Gulls and seven at Walmore Common and then Minsterworth, Pintail, three Whooper Swans, 500 Golden Washlands. A Bittern was at Netherfield Goosanders were at The Mere, Ellesmere (16th), with a Little Gull (12th) and Black-tailed Godwit. Plovers, a Black-tailed Godwit, Brambling, Lagoons. Common Scoters were seen at with seven Yellow-legged Gulls there (1st). A Four Goosanders were at Lydney (11th). Stonechat, and Marsh Harrier (8th). Hoveringham and Holme Pierrepont, and a Caspian Gull was at Priorslee Lake all month, Scaup was also at Hoveringham. The two with up to five Yellow-legged Gulls. A Hen uPPer severn vale: Black Redstarts were Hanging HougHton: A Merlin visited Black-necked Grebes remained at Holme Harrier and Jack Snipe were at Whixall Moss at Tewkesbury Abbey (4th) and Gloucester (15th and 19th), along with a Peregrine, 25 Pierrepont. Whooper Swans were at Hawton (23rd), with a Merlin there (8th). Cathedral (18th). Two Green Sandpipers were at Bramblings, two Stonechats, and a distant (six), Idle Washlands (40), Worksop (40), Richard Moores and Martyn Owen Tewkesbury (17th). A Short-eared Owl was near unidentified harrier (8th). Collingham (82) and Gringley Carr (262). Walton Cardiff (29th). Fifteen Bewick’s Swans staffordshire and a Goosander were at Coombe Hill Meadows Harrington airfield: A Merlin was noted Two Bewick’s Swans were also at the latter (8th). Minsterworth Ham held two Whooper on five days. A Peregrine, four Bramblings, a few site. Pinkfeet were seen in good numbers flying HigHligHts: A Great Grey Shrike was at Swans, 70 Pintails, and a Mediterranean Gull Golden Plovers and several Woodcocks were over numerous sites throughout. Golden Plovers Abraham’s Valley, Cannock Chase (1st-13th). A (12th). seen. were numerous, with 250 over Langar, 85 at Cattle Egret was at Doxey Marshes (19th-25th), Andy Jayne (01452 506 502) Bennerley and 70 at Hoveringham. Other with a Great White Egret there (25th). A Pitsford reservoir: There was a waders included five Jack Snipe at Haworth, and Ring-billed Gull/Lesser Black-backed Gull hybrid herefordshire Common Scoter (10th), with two more (11th), a 15 at Cotham, and a Common Sandpiper was roosted at Belvide Reservoir (24th-26th). Belvide Smew (13th-17th), six Red-crested Pochards, a noted wintering on the Trent at Stoke Bardolph. Reservoir had two Whooper Swans (1st), a HigHligHts: A flooded Lugg Meadows has Pintail, Mandarin, 1,355 Tufted Ducks, 132 A Hawfinch was noted at Lowdham. Bearded Tits Black-necked Grebe (1st-4th), Caspian Gull been very productive with six Little Gulls, Pochards, two Great White Egrets, a were noted at Collingham (two) and Netherfield (seven dates), Purple Sandpiper (15th) and Little Yellow-legged Gull, two Redshanks, three Mediterranean Gull, two Yellow-legged Gulls, a (two). Stonechats were widespread, noted at Gull (24th-25th). Chasewater had a Lapland Goldeneye and Merlin (1st), Black-tailed Godwit Merlin (16th), Rock Pipit (1st), four Stonechats Holme Pierrepont, Barton, Idle Washlands, Bunting (1st), two dark-bellied Brent Geese (2nd), Caspian Gull (3rd), Kittiwake (8th), and 25 Snipe. Hoveringham and Bleasby. A Firecrest was (10th), two Caspian Gulls and four Yellow-legged Mediterranean Gull (10th), Little Gull (12th), ringed at Bevercotes, and a Water Pipit was seen Gulls. Ring-billed Gull (19th), Brent Goose, 12 Pintail stanford reservoir: There was a Marsh at Girton (18th). Starling roosts included 5,000 and Little Gull (27th). Garway Church had a Harrier (3rd), Merlin (15th), Short-eared Owl, at Netherfield and 10,000 at Hawton. Middleton Lakes had a Hen Harrier (1st), six Black Redstart (10th), and another was at Croft Mediterranean Gull, six Whooper Swans (8th), Tom Shields Great White Egrets, and a Bittern plus Green Castle. Bradnor Hill had two Snow Buntings three Red-crested Pochards, a Pintail, Ruddy Sandpiper (16th). Branston GP had a Long-tailed (12th) and 120 Golden Plovers (20th). A Jack Shelduck, Great White Egret, and a late Willow rutland Duck (to 5th), four Yellow-legged Gulls, and a Snipe was at Gamber Meadow (18th). Two Green Warbler (6th). Caspian Gull (18th). Firecrests were at Westport Sandpipers were at Pembridge (19th). A HigHligHts: Rutland Water had two Brent Lake (16th) and Alvecote Pools (24th). A Brambling was at Shobdon (25th). A Whooper tHraPston gP: A Whooper Swan was Geese (5th), a Red-breasted Merganser Black-necked Grebe was at Aqualate Mere Swan and three Great White Egrets (30th) present all month, with two Great White Egrets, (17th-24th), with two (24th), a Great Northern (7th-9th), with Scaup there (9th). A Bittern was were at Clifford. three Red-crested Pochards, a Peregrine and Diver (14th) plus four Bearded Tits (2nd-3rd). A at Gailey Reservoirs (9th). J Tilby Stonechat. Waxwing was at Ketton (13th). A Snow Bunting was at Biddulph (16th). Berry leicestershire otHer sites: A Marsh Harrier and Peregrine rutland water: There were four Pinkfeet, Hill Fields had a Short-eared Owl (17th). A Hen nine Whooper Swans, eight Red-crested Harrier was at Swallow Moss (21st). A Whitefront HigHligHts: A Siberian Chiffchaff and was at Tittesworth Reservoir (30th). Great White Egrets were at Cuckoo Bank (two on 2nd), birdwatching.co.uk 105

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS NOVEMBER Whitemoor Haye (three on 3rd), Alvecote Pools *Naresh Jariwala*and a Red-crested Pochard were at Bittell Snow Bunting, and six on Llywernog (28th-29th). Eleven (12th), and Alrewas (16th). Reservoirs. A Common Scoter was at Llandudno, Conwy, Crossbills were at Cross Inn Forest (3rd) and Tardebigge Reservoir. 3 November eight near Devil’s Bridge (8th). A Great Northern WARWICKSHIRE Diver was on Llyn Egnant (14th), with 18 UPTON WARREN: Highlights included two Fieldfares. Pennorth attracted 90 House Goosanders on Llyn Eiddwen. HIGHLIGHTS: Brandon Marsh had a Pintail, Bearded Tits (10th & 11th) and seven Whooper Sparrows, 45 Chaffinches, 25 Sky Larks, 20 John Davis Green Sandpiper, Marsh Tit and Caspian Gull, Swans flew over. Yellowhammers and 15 Reed Buntings (24th). ([email protected]) Yellow-legged Gull and Great Black-backed Gull. Brian Stretch (www.worcesterbirding.co.uk) Draycote Water sightings included Red-crested MYNYDD ILLTYD: The Golden Plover EAST GLAMORGAN Pochard, Red-breasted Merganser, Common WALES day-roost held 45 birds (1st) and 144 (20th). Scoter, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Marsh Harrier, There were 75 Fieldfares (7th). Traeth Mawr held HIGHLIGHTS: A Serin at Nash Point (24th) was Merlin, Kittiwake, Glaucous Gull, Caspian Gull, Highlights In association with 81 Snipe and two Jack Snipe (20th). the first in East Glamorgan since 1972. A Shore Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull and 350 Lark at Newton Point (10th-11th), has not been Great Black-backed Gulls. A Desert Wheatear was at OTHER SITES: Garden Blackcaps included recorded here since 1976. A late Red-backed Uwchmynydd, at the tip of the three together in Brecon, and singles in Shrike was between Nottage and Pink Bay A Marsh Tit, Woodcock, Golden Plover and Lleyn peninsula, Gwynedd on 6th. Llangynidr and Libanus. Twelve Jays were near (15th-29th). Richard’s Pipits were at Nash Point Great White Egret were at Earlswood Lakes. A Hume’s Leaf Warbler was at Glasbury (1st). Thirty Lapwings and 30 and Sker (13th). A Slavonian Grebe was at Kenfig Ladywalk had two Bitterns, two Pintails, a Rhyl, Powys in the second week of Long-tailed Tits were at Brecon early in the (10th). A Long-tailed Duck was at Lisvane Woodcock, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit and Marsh the month. month. There were 260 Golden Plovers at Reservoir at the start of the month, with another Harrier. A Marsh Tit, Woodcock and Short-eared Mynydd Fforest (8th). A Llangynidr garden held at Sker (from 9th). A Lapland Bunting flew over Owl were at Morton Bagot. A Short-eared Owl ANGLESEY 38 Long-tailed Tits. A Little Egret was at Sker (17th). and Caspian Gull were at Salford Priors. Dolymynach Reservoir (6th). Some 1,000 Clare Topping HOLYHEAD AREA: A Glossy Ibis was at Fieldfares moved over Brechfa Pool (7th), when a Five Woodlarks were at Lavernock, with two Valley(7th-8th). South Stack had a Richard’s Goshawk, Green Woodpecker and two Reed more at Newton Burrows (11th). A Siberian WEST MIDLANDS Pipit(18th), Snow Bunting, Woodcock, Hooded Buntings were near Craig-y-nos. Twenty Chiffchaff and Yellow-browed Warbler Crow, Jack Snipe and Merlin. The Inland Sea Crossbills and four Willow Tits were in frequented Kenfig. Snow Buntings were at Pink BARTLEY RESERVOIR: There were two held four Slavonian Grebes, a Great Northern Glasfynydd Forest. Bay/Sker (two on 4th), Dunraven (8th) and The Caspian Gulls, a Great Black-backed Gull and Diver, three Scaup, four Whooper Swans, Andrew King, Mark Waldron and Knap, Barry (11th-22nd). two Yellow-legged Gulls. 65 Pintails, a site record 119 Tufted Ducks, www.brecknockbirds.co.uk 34 Pochards and a Peregrine. A record 418 OTHER SITES: A Great Northern Diver flew FENS POOLS: A Hawfinch flew over. A Siberian pale-bellied Brent Geese were in CEREDIGION inland at Dunraven. Another was off Sker, where Chiffchaff and Cetti’s Warbler were seen. Beddmanarch Bay. Red-throated Divers peaked at 13. Six HIGHLIGHTS: Last month’s Snow Bunting pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Aberthaw. MARSH LANE: There was a Dunlin, Jack Snipe, The Alaw Estuary had a Great White Egret, remained at Tanybwlch, Aberystwyth (to 4th). Cosmeston and Cardiff Bay hosted a Scaup. three Green Sandpipers, three Little Egrets, six seven Greenshanks and 56 Grey Plovers. Silver Five Velvet Scoters were at Ynyslas. A Richard’s There were 32 Goosanders at Caerphilly Castle Whooper Swans, 12 Common Gulls, a Great Bay held a Hen Harrier, three Woodcocks and a Pipit was on an Aberystwyth cliff-top (3rd), with Moat. A Common Scoter was unusual at Cardiff Black-backed Gull and Stonechat. Great Northern Diver. Soldiers Point had a Snow two Black Redstarts on the town’s Old College Bay. A Great White Egret was at Abercwmboi Bunting, Black Redstart, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail (from 10th). Two Slavonian Grebes were offshore Lake. A Marsh Harrier was seen several times at SANDWELL VALLEY: A Marsh Harrier flew and Water Rail. Five Woodcocks were in (30th). A late Wheatear was at Cwmtydu (8th). Kenfig. Merlins were at Mynydd Eglwysilan, through. Three Waxwings flew over, with three Holyhead Breakwater CP (4th). Cors Caron hosted a Great White Egret (7th), Kenfig, Southerndown, Merthyr Mawr and Barry. more in Dartmouth Park. A Great White Egret Short-eared Owl (10th) and Hen Harrier (15th). flew towards Forge Mill. There were two Jack OTHER SITES: Cors Ddyga logged three Hen A Ring-necked Duck was on Llyn Pendam Waders included a Bar-tailed Godwit at Snipe and 30 Snipe. A Black-tailed Godwit, four Harriers, three Marsh Harriers, a Peregrine, (from 27th). Flemingston, a Ruff, Common Sandpiper and Mandarins, 50 Goosanders, a Shelduck and Merlin, Red Kite, 30 Pinkfeet, six Whooper four Purple Sandpipers at Ogmore Estuary, four Pintail were on Forge Mill Lake, with a Mandarin Swans, a Great White Egret, Bittern, Jack Snipe, COASTAL SITES: There were 500 Golden Purple Sandpipers at Newton Point and seven on Ice House pools. The RSPB reserve held a Water Rail, Barn Owl and three Firecrests. Plovers at Llansantffraed (5th). Aberystwyth had Green Sandpipers of the River Ely, near Brambling and three Water Rails. There was a Cemlyn had two Long-tailed Ducks, nine 75 Gannets (8th), six Purple Sandpipers (from Pendoylan. Short-eared Owls were at Rumney Barn Owl, Peregrine and three Little Egrets. Red-throated Divers, two Great Northern Divers, 8th), 31 Red-throated Divers (20th) and a Merlin Great Wharf, Llanilid and Sker. Late records 12 Purple Sandpipers, 280 Golden Plovers, a (25th). Ynyslas held two Great Northern Divers (27th) concerned a Swallow at Lavernock and OTHER SITES: Three Waxwings spent a few Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Snow Bunting (17th) and 460 Common Scoters (21st). Garden Warbler at St Mary’s Well Bay. days at Goscote, Walsall. Another flew over and Firecrest. Aberffraw had four Short-eared Kings Norton, while six were near West Owls, a Hen Harrier and Snow Bunting. OTHER SITES: Seven Whooper Swans were at Water Pipits were at Ogmore Estuary (two) Bromwich. A Brambling was in a Wolverhampton Capel Bangor (3rd), eight on Llyn Syfydrin (9th) garden. The Newborough area held a Lapland Pete Hackett (0121 358 2454) Bunting, seven Snow Buntings, a late Sandwich Tern, 16 Red-throated Divers, two Great WORCESTERSHIRE Northern Divers and six Whooper Swans. Eight Short-eared Owls and a Hen Harrier were near AVON VALLEY: A Great White Egret was at Rhosneigr. A Great White Egret was at Llyn Alaw. Lower Moor. A Mediterranean Gull was at There were 38 Whooper Swans near Wood Norton. Lllanerchymedd. A Black Redstart was at Penmon. CENTRAL: Great White Egrets were noted at Ken Croft Fernhill Heath, Lenchwick and Worcester. A Greater Scaup and Mediterranean Gull were at BRECONSHIRE Westwood Pool. HIGHLIGHTS: Llangorse Lake had a GRIMLEY/HOLT: Highlights included three Ferruginous Duck (13th-28th), Scaup, Bewick’s Swans, Marsh Harrier, Great White White-fronted Goose (5th) and a Black-necked Egret, three Black-tailed Godwits, Water Pipit Grebe (12th), with two (15th). Three Whooper and Rock Pipit. Swan flew over Brynwern Bridge near Newbridge-on-Wye (16th). Seven Tree Sparrows LOWER SEVERN VALLEY: A Pied Wheatear were in a Lower Chapel garden. (3rd), Bewick’s Swan, three Greater Scaup, four Red-crested Pochards, Little Gull and a LLANGORSE LAKE: There were two Pintails, Bar-tailed Godwit were at Clifton. A Marsh four Little Egrets, a Barn Owl (12th), 14 Great Harrier and a Little Gull were at Kempsey. A Crested Grebes, 500 Tufted Ducks, eight Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser and Pochards, 40 Goldeneyes, 75 Wigeon, 100 Teal, a Great White Egret were at Ripple. 36 Shovelers, three Great White Egrets (16th), 70,000 Starlings, a Goshawk, Buzzard, MALVERN HILLS & COMMONS: Two Snow Sparrowhawks, 4,000 Redwings and 1,000 Buntings were on Worcestershire Beacon. NORTH: A Little Gull, two Great White Egrets 106 January 2020

COMPILED BY GORDON HAMLETT CHRISTOPHER COOK and Sker. A Ring Ouzel lingered at Fairwater, *Naresh Jariwala*Gladestry, Llanbister, Huntington, Evenjobb and a Yellow-browed Warbler and Snow Bunting Buntings and Long-tailed Tits, 45 Linnets, 30 Cardiff. Black Redstarts were at Cardiff Bay Presteigne. Water Rails were in a Knighton (3rd), two Scaup (7th-23rd), with another Song Thrushes, Mistle Thrushes, Crossbills, Wetland Reserve, Dunraven, Gileston, Llantwit garden and at Hindwell. (11th-15th), a Hooded Crow (8th-29th), Black Cormorants, Great Black-backed Gulls and Major, Sker and Trecco Bay, Porthcawl. Firecrests Pete Jennings, Radnorshire (vice-county 43) Bird Guillemots (11th & 19th), two Great Northern Goosanders, 20 Whooper Swans, Ravens and were at St Donat’s (two), St Mary’s Well Bay, Recorder, [email protected] Divers (11th), a Velvet Scoter (18th) and a peak of Skylarks, 10 Jays, Twite, Snipe, Pied Wagtails, Lavernock and Kenfig. Tel: 01588 680631 35 Twite. Goldcrests and Golden Plovers and three Paul Roberts Woodcocks, Ring Ouzels and Snow Buntings. Of NORTH WEST North Walney had a Hooded Crow and 10 note were a Hen Harrier (12th), Little Egret GWENT Twite (14th). A Slavonian Grebe was at (20th) and two Mediterranean Gulls (22nd). Highlights In association with Hodbarrow (30th). A Long-tailed Duck was at Mavis Smith HIGHLIGHTS: A Great White Egret was seen at Arnside (11th), with a Slavonian Grebe there Sudbrook (1st). Black Redstarts were seen at Big Key ‘rarities’ in (27th). Hen Harriers were at Longtown (14th) N. IRELAND Pit, Blaenafon (2nd) and Newport Wetlands the region included a Ring-necked and Ennerdale Water (11th). A Water Pipit was at (16th). The long-staying Glossy Ibis was reported Duck at Pine Lake, Lancashire; Biggar (12th & 26th). A Slavonian Grebe was at HIGHLIGHTS: A high count of 73 Slavonian from Newport Wetlands (23rd). A Slavonian and a White-rumped Sandpiper Bowness-on-Solway (13th). A Bittern was at Grebes were seen at Myroe (3rd), a Red-necked Grebe was seen at the Red Pools, Nash (25th). and an American Wigeon at Banks Sunbiggin Tarn (14th). There were 100 Twite at Grebe was on Belfast Lough (16th), and a Marsh, also in Lancashire. Millom (16th) and 300 at Anthorn (17th). Black-necked Grebe was at the Roe Estuary NEWPORT WETLANDS RESERVE: (10th). Six White-rumped Sandpipers were Twenty-two Avocets were recorded (25th). A CHESHIRE A Waxwing was at Penrith (17th) with two reported throughout the month from Myroe, Merlin was reported (28th & 30th). Male and (23rd-24th). A flock was reported at Rosthwaite and three birds were seen at Lough Beg female Marsh Harriers were reported on several HIGHLIGHTS: There was a White-rumped (18th). One was at Ambleside (25th-27th), and (4th-5th). Two American Golden Plovers were at dates. Sandpiper and two Little Stints at Pickerings three at Wigton (22nd). Three Jack Snipe were Myroe (3rd). A Green Sandpiper was at Shaws Pasture (1st). Frodsham Marsh had a Ruddy at Carlisle Airport (19th). Twelve Snow Buntings Lake, Co Armagh (17th). A Whimbrel was at OTHER SITES: Hen Harriers were recorded at Shelduck (16th-30th), three Cattle Egrets, 14 were on St Sunday Crag (29th), with 30 on Donaghadee (12th). Two individual Great White Mynydd Maen (7th), Brynmawr (13th) and Whooper Swans, a Green Sandpiper and three Kidsty Pike (30th). Hawfinches were regular at Egrets were reported throughout the month, one Mynydd Llanhilleth (two males on 23rd). A Water Pipits (24th), and two Jack Snipe and Sizergh Castle. at Lough Beg and one on Lower Lough Erne. A Merlin was seen at Rhyd y Blew (11th). A three Great White Egrets (29th). Burton Mere Spoonbill was seen on Strangford Lough (10th). Short-eared Owl was reported from Mathern Pill Wetlands had two Cattle Egrets (6th-7th), plus a GREATER MANCHESTER A Glaucous Gull was seen at Rathlin Island (12th). (9th). Jack Snipes were seen at St Pierre Pill Great White Egret on several days. Two Scaup A Golden Eagle was seen near Omagh (12th). A (5th), Peterstone Gout (17th) and Marshfield were at Astbury Mere CP (1st-8th). A Black HIGHLIGHTS: Two Long-tailed Ducks were on Marsh Harrier was seen at Toombridge (2nd). A (24th). Twelve Water Pipits were reported from Redstart was at Thurstaston (2nd-4th). A Velvet Audenshaw Reservoirs, with a Caspian Gull there large flock of 150 Snow Buntings was seen on the Peterstone (28th). A Whooper Swan was seen Scoter was off Hilbre Island (13th), with a Great (15th). Great White Egrets were at Roman Lakes, Garron plateau (29th), and there were also 13 on offshore at Magor Pill (21st). Northern Diver there (20th). Marple (18th), Hollingworth Lake (23rd), over Rathlin Island (27th). A Water Pipit was at Chris Hatch Oldham (24th), in Leigh (26th) and at Chat Moss Portavogie (24th). Two Chiffchaffs were on the Neston Marsh had two Hen Harriers, a (24th-30th). An Iceland Gull was in Gorton Newry Canal (26th). A flock of 14 Waxwings was RADNORSHIRE Bittern, Great White Egret and three (14th-15th), with a Caspian Gull there seen at Ballymoney (28th). Short-eared Owls. Parkgate Marsh/Gayton (22nd-24th). An Iceland Gull was in Oldham Ian Graham WYE VALLEY: Four Whooper Swans were at Sands had 15 Great White Egrets and a Hen (25th), where four Waxwings flew over (10th). Clyro as well as Peregrine, 20 Teal, 35 Snipe, Harrier (2nd), two Merlins (5th) and a Bittern NORTH EAST Crossbill and Willow Tit. Ten Little Egrets and (30th). Hale had three Waxwings and a Ring ELTON RESERVOIR: A Common Scoter four Great Egrets were between Boughrood and Ouzel (4th), a Water Pipit (10th), with two (17th) arrived (1st). Flyover Whooper Swans included 14 Highlights In association with Bronydd. Willow Tits were at Erwood and and a Jack Snipe (25th). Smew were at Lapwing (5th), 16 (10th) and 20 (16th). A Jack Snipe was Llanstephan, where six Goosanders and a Hall Pool (9th-25th) and Newchurch Common seen (15th). Rock Pipits were seen twice. There Probably the most Kingfisher were seen. Cors y Llyn held 20 Lesser (14th-15th). A Snow Bunting was at Leasowe were five Little Egrets (20th). exciting bird in the Redpolls and 55 Siskins. Water Rails were at (10th), with two (25th). A Long-tailed Duck was region during Llowes, Glasbury, Newbridge Bog and at Houghton Green Flash (22nd). MERSEY VALLEY: A Firecrest was in Chorlton November was the Dusky Thrush Llanelwedd. A Short-eared Owl was at Bronydd (14th). A Bittern was on Stretford Ees (22nd). A photographed in a garden at North and 40 Wigeon, 55 Canada Geese, 12 WOOLSTON EYES: A visible migration watch Yellow-legged Gull was on Sale WP (30th). Ferriby, East Yorkshire, on 23rd. Cormorants, 12 Grey Herons and a Greylag were (16th) gave 1,802 Starlings, 864 Fieldfares, 172 Eleven Ring-necked Parakeets flew over Sale Despite searching after the news was at Llowes. Ten Mandarins and eight Goosanders Redwings, 66 Blackbirds and 1,050 Lapwings. WP. released five days later, the rare were between Llanwrthwl and Newbridge. A Ringing on No1 bed gave Great Spotted Asian thrush was not relocated. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen at Woodpecker, Jay, Song Thrush, Redwing, PENNINGTON FLASH: There were two Rhydspence. Blackbird, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Reed Bunting, Whooper Swans (5th), with 25 in the area (8th) LINCOLNSHIRE Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff and Lesser Redpoll. and two more (26th-28th). A Mediterranean Gull RADNOR FOREST: Willow Tits were at Forest Sightings included a Green Woodpecker, Raven, was seen (8th-9th). HIGHLIGHTS: Gibraltar Point had Pallas’s Wood and Rhiw Lawr, where there were 20 Kingfisher, 310 Pinkfeet, 150 Lapwings, four Warblers (1st, 7th & 24th), a Barred Warbler Lesser Redpolls and 110 Siskins. Woodcocks were Woodcocks, three Water Rails, 50 Fieldfares, OTHER SITES: A Short-eared Owl (13th), Hen (4th), Rough-legged Buzzards (7th & 13th) and at Forest Wood and Fforest Fach. At Black 10,000 Starlings, a Hen Harrier and Tawny Owl. Harrier (17th), two Merlins, three Bramblings and an Olive-backed Pipit (8th). A Cattle Egret was Mixen were Red Grouse, Hen Harrier and a Little Egret were on Little Woolden Moss. at Lincoln (13th). A Dusky Warbler was at Peregrine. Harley Dingle held Ring Ouzel, No3 bed ringing had Goldcrest, Willow Tit, There were 21 Whooper Swans in the Chat Moss Anderby Creek (16th). A Pomarine Skua was Dipper, 3,000 Redwings and 600 Fieldfares. Cetti’s Warbler, Blackcap, Linnet, Teal, Moorhen, area (10th) and 12 on Walkerwood Reservoir at Donna Nook (from 16th). The Wimble area produced 100 Meadow Pipits, Treecreeper, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch and Reed (10th). A Bittern flew over Lowton (26th). five Sky Larks, Merlin, 20 Crossbills, Willow Tit Bunting. Records included three Bearded Tits, a Horwich Moors recorded 73 Whooper Swans, FRAMPTON MARSH: There was a Hen and Stonechat. Kumlien’s Gull, Goosander, Willow Tit, 830 four Snow Buntings, seven Crossbills, a Hen Harrier, Merlin, Spotted Redshank, Cetti’s Redwings, 360 Fieldfares, 4,800 Woodpigeons, Harrier, Short-eared Owl, two Ring Ouzels and Warbler, Spoonbill, Long-tailed Duck (from 1st), OTHER SITES: At Llyn Heilyn were Teal, 35 three Woodcocks, a Green Sandpiper, Merlin, 190 Bramblings. Audenshaw Reservoirs held ten six Bearded Tits (3rd), Water Pipits (10th and Wigeon, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Marsh Harrier, 1,700 Black-headed Gulls, a Common Scoters (1st), a Red-breasted 30th), a Pomarine Skua (15th) and Snow Goosander, 14 Coots, 60 Snipe, three Moorhen, Marsh Harrier and Little Egret (30th). The Merganser (1st-8th), Short-eared Owl (2nd), Bunting (16th). Mute Swan and 30 Fieldfares. At Ganders Bridge Wildfowl Count (20th) included 27 Mute Swans, seven Whooper Swans (8th-13th), a were 200 Jackdaws and seven Stock Doves. 340 Teal, 44 Tufted Ducks, 64 Gadwall, 68 Yellow-legged Gull (25th), Green Sandpiper, GIBRALTAR POINT: Highlights included a Hen Twenty Chaffinches, two Bramblings and a Coots and 48 Moorhens. Mediterranean Gull and Rock Pipit. Two Black Harrier, Spotted Redshank, two Firecrests, two Crossbill were at Black Hill and Hendregenny Dave Steel Redstarts were at Winter Hill (29th). Water Pipits, three Great White Egrets (2nd), held Little Grebe, Teal, Moorhen and Dr Paul Brewster (01606 590 491) Jack Snipe (2nd & 21st), two Yellow-browed Yellowhammer. Great Grey Shrikes were found CUMBRIA Warblers (to 5th), two Siberian Chiffchaffs (to at Bwlch y Sarnau, Aberedw and Newchurch. A LANCASHIRE AND 7th), a Ring Ouzel (3rd), Long-eared Owl (6th & Black Redstart was near Rhayader, and HIGHLIGHTS: A Long-billed Dowitcher was at NORTH MERSEYSIDE 9th), Purple Sandpiper (6th & 15th), three Twite Short-eared Owls were seen at Moelfre, Campfield Marsh (15th-28th). A Todd’s Canada (6th), an Iceland Gull (7th), Black Redstart Gwaunceste, Llanwefr and Rhosgoch. At Goose was with Barnacle Geese at Rabycote EAST LANCASHIRE: Visible migration over (8th-10th), five Bearded Tits (10th), two Lapland Llandegley the Starling roost numbered at least Marsh, Seaville. Great White Egrets were at Darwen included 32,150 Woodpigeons, 4,440 100,000, accompanied by three Peregrines, Holme (2nd-12th), Longtown (8th-10th), Fieldfares, 2,000 Pinkfeet, 1,780 Starlings, 1,480 Goshawk, Merlin and Hen Harrier. Tree Sparrows Clawthorpe (14th), Farleton (17th) and Redwings, 580 Chaffinches, 360 Herring Gulls, were found at New Radnor, Michaelchurch, Burton-in-Kendal (21st-23rd). South Walney had 225 Goldfinches, 170 Lapwings, 130 Jackdaws, 100 Siskins, Greenfinches, Redpolls and Meadow Pipits, 70 Bramblings, 60 Blackbirds, Reed birdwatching.co.uk 107

UK BIRD SIGHTINGS NOVEMBER Buntings (10th), two Cetti’s Warblers (13th), 13 Pomarine Skua, Snow Buntings (15th), a Hawfinch (15th-23rd), Donna Nook, Lincolnshire, Scaup (17th), 18 Whitefronts (21st), two tundra November Bean Geese (29th), five Waxwings (29th) and a Hooded Crow (29th). On the sea were two Scaup, a Little Gull and Slavonian Grebe (4th), two Velvet Scoters, four Great Skuas, a Long-tailed Duck, Pomarine Skua, Black-throated Diver and nine Little Gulls (5th), two Little Auks (8th), 41 Little Gulls (10th), Shags (12th and 30th), a Puffin (12th) and Grey Phalarope (18th). OTHER SITES: A Hawfinch was at Normanby *Naresh Jariwala* GRAHAM CATLEY(1st). Covenham Reservoir had two Commonfrom 15th. Last month’s Bluethroat remained at28th, where there were also threeSwans passed through on nine days, with over JOHN HEWITTScoters and a Twite (2nd), and a Purple the Breach early month when there were also Siberian Chiffchaffs. 1,200 Pink-footed Geese also seen on nine Sandpiper (8th). Another Twite was at Trent Port nine Black Redstarts, three Shore Larks, three John Hewitt 07952 293060 days. One Great White Egret was noted (28th). Eight Water Pipits were at Donna Nook, Yellow-bowed Warblers and two Firecrests. A occasionally. Waders included Grey Plovers with another at East Halton Skitter. Also at Pallas’s Warbler was at Easington (2nd) and a WEST YORKSHIRE (3rd & 22nd), a Black-tailed Godwit (2nd & Donna Nook were a Lapland Bunting, Snow further three were found by the month’s end, 18th) and a couple of mobile Green Sandpipers. Bunting and Little Auk. A Firecrest was at bringing the autumn tally to a very respectable LOWER AIRE VALLEY: Two Black Redstarts Short-eared Owls began to appear regularly on Theddlethorpe (3rd). five. A Dusky Warbler was at Chapel Cottage were in the rather unusual location of a new the hillside towards dusk with at least four birds (8th), when the first of up to 11 Waxwings arrived. housing estate off Fleet Lane (1st-3rd). Four on some days. Single Bramblings flew over the A Shore Lark was at Huttoft Car Terrace (8th). A late Redstart was seen (26th) and a very late Russian White-fronted Geese that dropped onto Goose Fields on 20th & 29th. Up to 10 Yellow-browed Warblers were Anderby Creek Willow Warbler remained in Sykes Field until the South Ings (22nd) was the only other Ring-necked Parakeets flew over on several (10th) and Saltfleetby (12th). A late Reed Warbler addition to the year list. About 60 Whooper days. So far just a couple of Water Pipits seem was at Messingham (13th). A Waxwing was at Far to have settled in, on the filterbeds or on the Ings (18th). A Long-tailed Duck was at Whisby Ridge and Furrow. (from 24th) along with 130,000 Starlings. Paul Morris Josh Hedley SCOTLAND EAST YORKSHIRE Highlights In association with SPURN: A Hume’s Warbler was found in bushes at Peter Lane, Easington (9th) with an Eastern The major rarity Stonechat in the adjacent field, both remaining of the month was several days. A second Hume’s Warbler was at the Steller’s Eider, the Point (15th). Seawatching peaked early on Westray and Papa Westray, month with strong northerlies producing up to Orkney. A female Siberian 80 Little Auks, 22 Pomarine Skuas, three Rubythroat was also on the Long-tailed Ducks and a Grey Phalarope. The archipelago, on North Ronaldsay. adult Black Brant paired to a Dark-bellied Brent The returning American with four hybrid young remained at Long Bank White-winged Scoter reappeared Marsh until late month. There was an arrival of at Musselburgh, Lothian. Russian White-fronted Geese from 21st peaking at 44 and 10 Barnacles flew through (22nd). An immature drake Scaup was at Kilnsea Wetlands Pallas’s Warbler, Kilnsea, East Yorkshire, November ABERDEENSHIRE ABERDEEN: There was a flock of 20 Waxwings in Old Aberdeen (15th), and the following day an Iceland Gull was in the harbour below Greythorpe Allotments. FORVIE NNR: On the 7th at least two Short-eared Owls were on the reserve, staying into December. LOCH OF STRATHBEG: Two White-fronted Geese could be seen from Tower Pool Hide (28th). Two taiga Bean Geese could be seen from the Visitors Centre (29th) and stayed into 108 January 2020

compiled by gordon hamlett December. A Bewick’s Swan was present on Pool, Dennyloanhead and St Helen’s Loch, Smew were at Lochore Meadows, Cameron Balgreen (9th), 20 at Figgate Park (16th-24th), the Loch (30th). Bonnybridge (8th). There were 126 Whooper Reservoir and Kilconquhar Loch. Red-throated 20 at Craigleith Retail Park (24th-28th) and 12 in Swans, 15 Barnacle Geese and 2,190 Pinkfeet at Divers passed Outhead, Elie Harbour, Kinghorn, Comely Bank (30th). There were 12 were in Other sites: Waxwings were reported all Orchardhead, Skinflats (10th). Ferryhills, Dalgety Bay and Pettycur, with Prestonpans (12th), three over White Sands month from various sites with maximum flock Black-throated Divers in Largo Bay and off Quarry (17th), five in Linlithgow (16th), 12 at size of 30 birds. A Great Grey Shrike was stirling DistriCt: There were 507 Canada Anstruther. Great Northern Divers were at East Gladsmuir (24th) and five in North Berwick reported to be at Muir of Dinnet (1st-2nd). On Geese on Drip Moss (1st). The Great Grey Shrike Weymss, Kilminning and Dalgety Bay. (30th). the 2nd a Slavonian Grebe was at sea off was still at Loch Mahaick (9th). There were 21 Collieston. On the 3rd a male Black Redstart was Great Crested Grebes, 77 Goldeneyes and 95 Outhead and Elie Harbour held Black-necked Other sites: Seven pale-bellied Brent Geese at Gourdon and another was at Buchanhaven Coots on the Lake of Menteith (10th). Little Grebes. Slavonian Grebes were at Outhead (17), were at Cramond (1st-7th), with six Greenshanks harbour (10th). A Snow Bunting was seen on the Egrets were at Raploch, Stirling (17th) and by the Largo Bay, Dalgety Bay and Burntisland. Great and a Mediterranean Gull there (7th). cliff tops at Fowlsheugh (9th). On the 12th an Allan Water, Ashfield (21st). A Scaup was on Crested Grebes were at Outhead (seven), Duddingston Loch held a Whooper Swan Ivory Gull flew past Cairnbulg Harbour. On 1the Airthrey Loch (27th) Dalgety Bay (19) and Valleyfield Lagoons. (3rd-4th), five Common Scoters (4th), a 3th a Mediterranean Gull was found at Red-necked Grebes were at Inchkeith Island and Long-tailed Duck (8th) and Mediterranean Gulls Rosehearty. A Great Northern Diver was close in Upper FOrth estUary: A co-ordinated Dalgety Bay. Two Little Egrets were at Tentsmuir (19th and 26th). Twenty Red-throated Divers, at Airnbulg harbour (20th). count (10th) produced two Red-throated Divers, Point. A White-tailed Eagle was regular in the nine Pomarine Skuas and a Great Skua flew past Mike Chandler 19 Great Crested Grebes, 40 Cormorants, a Eden Estuary. A Marsh Harrier was at Mugdrum Hound Point (7th). Six Little Auks (7th), a Water Little Egret, 24 Herons, 321 Shelducks, 100 Island, Newburgh. A Hen Harrier was in the Pipit (9th) and Black Redstart (27th-30th) were argyll Wigeon, two Gadwall, 1,089 Teal, 81 Pintails, Cleish Hills at Knockhill. at Dunbar. A Ruddy Shelduck was at Threipmuir eight Eiders, seven Common Scoters, 69 Reservoir (15th-17th). A Water Pipit was at islay: There were 62 Snow Buntings at Machir Red-breasted Mergansers, 223 Oystercatchers, A Goshawk was near Crail (29th). Merlins North Berwick (17th). Bay (1st), with four dark-bellied Brent Geese 26 Ringed Plovers, 43 Golden Plovers, 366 were at Knockhill, Tentsmuir Point, Balcomie and Jim Nicholson there (4th). A Todd’s Canada Goose among the Lapwings, 1,630 Knot, 2,047 Dunlin, 1,047 Ferryhills. Elie held Ringed Plovers and 27 Golden Barnacle Geese and four White-tailed Eagles *Naresh Jariwala*Black-tailed Godwits, 44 Bar-tailed Godwits, Plovers. A Grey Plover and Sanderling were at perth and Kinross were at Gruinart (2nd), with a Green-winged 543 Curlews, 2,346 Redshanks, five Outhead. Greenshanks were at three locations. Teal there (5th) and a Cackling Goose (28th). Greenshanks, a Turnstone, three Razorbills Bar-tailed Godwits remained at Valleyfield highlights: A family part of four There were 18 Choughs at Kilchomen (9th), and seven Guillemots. Lagoons and Kinghorn. Five Jack Snipe were at White-fronted Geese were at Drummond (23rd) three Purple Sandpipers at Ardnave (10th) and a Neil Bielby Cocklemill Marsh. Pomarine Skuas passed while a single Red-throated Diver was at Loch Glaucous Gull at Kintra (18th). Dysart and Anstruther. Little Gulls and Leven (21st). A Great White Egret was at dumfries & galloway Mediterranean Gulls were at several sites along Greenloaning (14th). Two Green Sandpipers tiree: Two Ring-necked Ducks were at Loch the Forth. were at Haugh of Kercock (24th). Good numbers Bhasapol (from 8th) and then Loch a’ Phuill highlights: Caerlaverock logged a Great of Waxwings were noted with flocks of 60 at Blair (27th-30th). The Todd’s Canada Goose White Egret, Water Rail, Goldcrest, Marsh Kinghorn logged 203 Kittiwakes (3rd). A Atholl (20th) and 44 in Perth (24th). Fourteen remained at Balephetrish. The Long-billed Harrier, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Black Guillemot was off the Abertay Sands. Whooper Swans were at Carsebreck (14th) and a Dowitcher was at Sandaig (to 8th). Balephuil had Kestrel and Peregrine. Loch Ryan had Brent Short-eared Owls were at Fife Ness, Ruddons single Barnacle Goose was at Marlee Loch (13th). a Waxwing (6th), Woodpigeon (23rd-27th), Geese, Greylags, Eiders, Redshanks, Scaup, Point and Outhead. Kingfishers were at three Notable wildfowl records included 116 Mallards Mistle Thrush (24th), Siberian Chiffchaffs Curlews, Oystercatchers, Wigeon, Shags, coastal areas. Waxwings were at seven sites. at Abercairney Loch (17th), 786 Wigeon at (1st-3rd and 29th-30th), eight Siskins (to 6th) and Cormorants, Red-breasted Merganser, Rock Bearded Tits were at Valleyfield Lagoons. Carsebreck (18th), 240 Teal at Lawhill (17th) and four Long-tailed Tits (3rd-7th). A Rook was at Pipit, Turnstone and Merlin. Greenland Bramblings were at Camilla Loch, Ferry Hills and a Long-tailed Duck on Arnot Reservoir (18th). Loch an Eilein (8th). A Lapland Bunting was at White-fronted Geese were at Threave Estate. Balgownie Woods. Twite remained at Kingsbarns. Twenty-six Black Grouse were noted at Vaul (4th). Large flocks Fieldfares were at Caerlaverock and A Mealy Redpoll was at Balcomie. Four Snow Schiehallion (23rd). Two Little Egrets were Threave. Some 13,000 Knot, a Whimbrel, Little Buntings were at Outhead (6th) and nine on the present throughout at Loch Leven with another Winter thrushes included 900 Redwings and Egret, Greenshank and Great Crested Grebe Lomond Hills (18th). noted at Greenloaning (14th). A Hen Harrier was 50 Fieldfares. There were four wintering Pied were between Carsethorn and Southerness. [email protected] reported at Loch Leven (9th) and another at Wagtails, four Dunnocks, nine Goldfinches, six Kenmore (23rd). An impressive flock of 400 Greenfinches and two Goldcrests. Seven Hen Whooper Swans were seen across the region. lothian Golden Plovers were noted at Loch Leven (5th). Harriers, six Merlins, five Peregrines, three Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits, Golden and At Invergowrie Bay, 200 Lapwings and 500 Kestrels and three Sparrowhawks hunted. An Grey Plovers, Red-breasted Mergansers, Curlews highlights: The American White-winged Redshanks were counted (24th). A single all-island count (26th-27th) found 4,923 Barnacle and Redshanks were between Carsethorn and Scoter remained off Musselburgh, with a Woodcock was at Scone Palace {8th}. Geese, 2,169 Greylags, 714 Greenland Kirkcudbright. A Shag, Goldeneye and Pinkfeet Black-necked Grebe there (10th). A Firecrest was Whitefronts, four Pinkfeet, 2,895 Golden Plovers, were at Dumfries. Teal, Wigeon, Goldeneye, at Barns Ness (8th). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at The only Barn Owl reported was at 4,200 Lapwings and 108 Whooper Swans. Little Grebe, Goosander and a Peregrine were at Dry Burn (8th-17th). Balmacolly (22nd). Kingfishers were seen at Threave Estate. Drummond (23rd), Haugh of Kercock (24th) and Loch a’ Phuill held two Scaup, two Gadwall Pam Woods (DumfriesandGallowaybirding@ aBerlaDy: There were 14 Barnacle Geese at Loch Leven throughout with up to three (26th-29th), two Long-tailed Ducks (27th-30th), yahoogroups.com) (5th) and eight Whooper Swans (6th). Snow present. A Chiffchaff was at Weem (3rd). 16 Shovelers and two Shelducks. There were four Buntings peaked at nine. Two Little Egrets were Numbers of winter thrushes declined with a Little Grebes at Loch Riaghain, three pale-bellied fife present (23rd-30th), with a Merlin (29th). A maximum of 90 Fieldfare at Rait (9th) and 25 Brent Geese at Gott Bay (4th-5th) and two Sandwich Tern was off Gullane Point (29th). Redwing at Loch Leven (5th). Three Brambling Long-tailed Ducks at Hough Bay (8th). A Jack highlights: Kilminning held Woodcocks, were seen at Kenmore (3rd) with 1 at Loch Snipe was at Scarinish (15th). There were four Blackcaps, a Long-eared Owl, Siberian Barns ness: There were two Merlins and a Leven (17th). Woodcocks noted. The first Purple Sandpipers Chiffchaff, Chiffchaffs, an influx of Blackbirds, Yellow-browed Warbler (3rd), and a Glaucous Scott Paterson, Perth and Kinross County Bird arrived (6th). Bramblings, Redstarts and Corn Buntings. Fife Gull (5th). Other Yellow-browed Warblers were Recorder ([email protected]) Phill Catton (www.islaybirds.blogspot.com) and Dr Ness logged Manx Shearwaters, Great Skuas, a at Skateraw and at Torness (3rd). Torness also John Bowler ([email protected]) Pomarine Skua, Great Northern Divers, 24 had a Little Auk (5th), Swallow (8th) and Snow tayside Red-throated Divers (10th), Black-throated Bunting (9th). White Sands Quarry held two central region Divers, Red-breasted Mergansers, Long-tailed different Glaucous Gulls (4th and 5th), three highlights: The Great Grey Shrike remained Ducks, Common and Velvet Scoters, Scaup, Long-tailed Ducks (5th-10th), and a Little Auk highlights: The Great White Egret Little Auks, Mediterranean Gulls, and Purple and Slavonian Grebe (9th-12th). Four Great at Backwater Reservoir (1st-23rd at least). A remained around Drip Bridge on the River Forth Sandpipers. Skuas flew past White Sands Bay (14th). (1st-12th). It, or another, flew over Dunblane drake Black Scoter was in Lunan Bay (13th-30th (14th). A Waxwing was at Bainsford, Falkirk and A Ring-necked Parakeet was in Beveridge mUsselBUrgh: The regular Surf Scoter was two at Kinneil (8th). Six were in Dunblane and Park (30th). A Northern-race Bullfinch was at joined by two more (17th). There were 12 at least), with a Black Guillemot there (24th), and three in Alloa (29th). Shell Bay (9th). A Hooded Crow was at Slavonian Grebes (1st), Little Auks (4th and 8th), Inverkeithing. Some 1,000 Pinkfeet flew over Black-throated Diver (11th), Jack Snipe, a Snow Bunting flying south (30th). Two Little ClaCkmannanshire: A Long-tailed Duck Ferryhills (10th). Lingering migrants included a Mediterranean Gull and 28 Twite (1st), and three and four Gadwall were on Gartmorn Dam (6th). Puffin off Kincraig Point, Swallows at Elie, Shovelers plus five Black-tailed Godwits (5th). Auks flew north at Fishtown of Usan (4th), with a A late Swallow was at Cambus (9th). A Blackcap Burntisland and Crombie Point, a Black Redstart was in an Alloa Garden (20th). at Balcomie, Whinchat at Outhead and Lesser tyninghame: Three Mandarins were at juvenile Glaucous Gull at Mains of Usan the Whitethroat at Cellardyke. Whooper Swans Seafield Pond (12th). Four Snow Buntings were Falkirk DistriCt: There were three Jack included 81 at Kingskettle. Brent Geese were at at John Muir CP (17th). Belhaven Bay held a same day. At Fishtown of Usan (7th), two Little Snipe and a Merlin at Skinflats Pools (2nd), with Seafield and the Eden Estuary. Great Northern Diver and Merlin (19th). A Black 109 Whooper Swans there (3rd). Thirteen Redstart was at Winterfield (19th-23rd). Auks and two Pomarine Skuas went past. Goosanders were on Callendar Park Loch (4th). A Pochard was in Dalgety Bay. There were 150 There were three Shovelers on both Parkfoot Scaup at St Andrews, with others at Outhead WaxWings: In Edinburgh, three were at Carnoustie had a Snow Bunting (11th). A Great (84), Ruddons Point, Largo Bay and Loch Gelly. White Egret was at Montrose Basin (13th-17th), with 43 Twite there (13th). At least six Waxwings were in Broughty Ferry (2nd), with other Waxwing sightings at Arbroath (at least 35 throughout), Brechin (two, 6th), Forfar (23, 6th), Montrose (up to 57, 11th-20th), Dundee (up to 85, 15th-25th), and Broughty Ferry (up to 47, 21st-24th). BW birdwatching.co.uk 109

*Naresh Jariwala*

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THE WHITE COTTAGE A charming cottage situated in a quiet side road in Old Hunstanton, The White Cottage has been owned and run by Mrs Burton for 30 years. The spacious bedrooms are attractively decorated, and some have lovely sea views. There is a cosy sitting room with a TV. AA Gold Star Award. Tel: 01485 532380 The Tudor Arms Situated adjacent to Patch Bridge on the Gloucester/Sharpness Canal Serving Real Ales and Home Cooked food all day 17 Guest Rooms suitable for one night or more and ideal for visiting friends and relatives 01453 890306 [email protected] www.thetudorarms.co.uk Port Askaig Hotel, Port Askaig, Isle of Islay PA46 7RD A lovely, cosy, fully-furnished and self-catering timber Summerhouse A traditional 16th century Drove Inn standing in its own grounds on the available all year in a secluded rural harbour side in the picturesque hamlet and ferry port of Port Askaig. setting close to Somerset’s Levels Islay is a Bird Watchers paradise due to the abundance of bird life and Moors. Explore the wetlands with a large population of over wintering geese a particular draw. Port and wildlife of the Somerset Nature Askaig, Mull of Oa and Isle of Jura are locations where rarer sea eagles Reserves. and golden eagles may be spotted while choughs can also be found in certain locations. For details please telephone 13 en suite rooms /2 Bars/ Bistro style restaurant Cheryl: 01458 446848 www.portaskaig.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01496 840 245 *Naresh Jariwala* POPLAR HALL SELF CATERING COTTAGES, NEAR SOUTHWOLD In the grounds of a 16c. house, our self catering holiday homes are stylish and fully equipped. Set amidst peaceful countryside they are a perfect haven for birds and wildlife lovers, from Marsh Harriers to Muntjac or Nuthatch to Moles. Only three miles to Southwold and twenty minutes to Minsmere it is a perfect haven for a short break or longer holiday. Telephone Mrs. Anna Garwood on 01502 578 549 Frostenden Corner, Frostenden, Near Southwold, Suffolk, NR34 7JA email: [email protected]    www.poplarhallsouthwold.com The Coach House Rye East Sussex OPTICS 1 mile from Rye. Luxurious S/C accommodation for 2 people. WEEKENDS Ample parking. £495-£650 p/w. 3 other beautiful 1 bed cottages at AT THE WATERS’ EDGE same location. £395-£550p/w. Short breaks available. Large range of binoculars, spotting scopes and accessories. www.cadborough.co.uk | Jane Apperly 01797 225426 Try before you buy while enjoying scenic views across the park. Enquiries Mon - Fri: 01724 782 022 Visit the website for dates and more details: www.northernoptics.co.uk Northern Optics, Water’s Edge Visitor Centre, Maltkiln Road, Barton Upon Humber, DN18 5JR

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INTERVIEW A quick chat with… Charlie Kitchin site manager of Nene Washes What first sparked your *Naresh Jariwala*Your classic birder’s lunch,hand experiences. I’d interest in birdwatching? CHARLIE KITCHINgrabbed from the petrollike every school toThe bogey bird that still I think I’ve always beenILLUSTRATIONS: LAUREN NICHOLSONstation shop? have a wildlife pond, eludes you? interested in wildlife, I don’t A £1 packet of cheese and onion and out-door lessons Drake Surf Scoter, but it’s been remember not being. There crisps and a duo Snickers keeps with enthusiasts. a while since I really tried to were books around the house me going. see one. which allowed me to put Hen Harrier or Short- names to the common birds Wigeon or Pintail? eared Owl? The bird book you’d never I’d see and at some point a Pintail, the drake is exquisite. I see a lot of Short-eared be without? pair of binoculars appeared. On wildfowl counts I Owls, they’re a feature I’ve got two copies of the What a difference they made! love picking Pintail out from the washes and a consta Collins Bird Guide, and the the other dabbling ducks source of pleasure. I us older, battered one is a regular Who was your birdwatching (mostly Wigeon). to see a lot of Hen companion. While Facing inspiration or mentor? Harriers, while workin Extinction is inspirational and I didn’t meet another Favourite bird song or call? on Islay and counting roosts a really good read. birdwatcher until I went to Mewing Buzzard, the sound on the Ouse and Nene Washes. university, and meeting Tim of my childhood growing up Thirty years later I’m still doing Why do you love birdwatching, Collins and others made me in Devon. roost surveys but whole winters in three words? realise how little I knew. can pass without me seeing one. Fascinating, wonderful, Before then I’d met H G The best bird you’ve seen? There’s not enough of these challenging. Hurrell, who lived nearby on Two recent competitors for the super birds in my life, so it’s got Dartmoor, which was both title would be Green-breasted to be Hen Harrier. One piece of advice for birders inspiring and embarrassing, Pitta and Green Broadbill, seen taking part in our it turned out that I was earlier this year while visiting The one place you’d love to go #My200BirdYear challenge? mispronouncing many of the our son in Uganda. But do they birdwatching? Travel not only broadens the bird names I’d learnt in books. beat the less rare Purple I prefer scenic locations and a mind, it really helps with the Grenadier, Heart-spotted warm climate, and lots of new bird list. Plan a short break at Do you bird alone or with Woodpecker and Ibisbill, species to see, so I hope to get to the opposite end of the country a friend? probably not? Australia one day. to where you live. Mostly alone, occasionally with birding friends, but Identifying gulls – nightmare or One birding or conservation About Charlie whether in the garden or out a nice day out? issue you feel strongly about? with the family, life is spent I struggle to get excited about I’m pessimistic about the long n Although originally from Devon, birdwatching. races, hybrids and ages of some term future for wildlife, even if Charli larger gulls, but a Little Gull on we get to grips with some issues Cambr Your dream bird to see? the washes, or Sabine’s Gull like plastics, non-native species his bel No one dream bird, except offshore, can make a day out. or even global warming, it’s the perhaps the Diademed growth of the human Sandpiper-plover. Your favourite piece of population, three billion in 1961 birding kit? to 7.7 billion today, that is going Your favourite birding spot? Leica Ultravid 8x42. to lead to massive habitat and The Nene Washes is a bit species loss, and there is very special. There are few places How do we encourage young little I can do about it. in England where you can people to watch birds? watch Black-tailed Godwits, I think it is going to get more The bird that annoys you most? Garganey and Cranes while difficult. TV, with presenters Birds out of place, like listening to Spotted Crake and like Chris Packham, is great, Canada or Egyptian Geese, drumming Snipe. but there’s no substitute for first in British wetlands. I’M PESSIMISTIC ABOUT THE LONG TERM FUTURE FOR WILDLIFE, EVEN IF WE GET TO GRIPS WITH SOME ISSUES LIKE PLASTICS, NON-NATIVE SPECIES OR EVEN GLOBAL WARMING 114 January 2020

PHOTOGRAPHERS TRUST WILKINSON CAMERAS. James Rushforth *Naresh Jariwala* Digital Splash Photographer of the Year 2018 oulou;bm=oul-om on our Digital Splash Awards visit: www.digitalsplash.tv AND MORE NEW GOOD QUALITY PHOTO EQUIPMENT BOUGHT FOR CHESTER CASH, PART EXCHANGE WELCOME AND FLEXIBLE STORE FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE. 18 Frodsham St CH1 3JL 01772 252188 [email protected] WilkinsonCameras Wilkicameras wilkinsoncameras Wilkicameras +wilkinsoncameras NEW STORE NEW STORE VISIT OUR STORES LOCATED AT: BURNLEY | BURY | CARLISLE | | CHESTER | KENDAL | LANCASTER | LIVERPOOL | PRESTON | SOUTHPORT | WARRINGTON