Every week 2 members from the WVBS take a walk around Pensthorpe Natural Park and record every species that they have seen / heard and how many they have seen. This is submitted into our recorder, David Gibbons, and he collates all the data and sends it on to the County Recorder.
Below are the results from the recent monitoring visits, including a short summary from members.
Below are the results from the recent monitoring visits, including a short summary from members.
Friday 2nd August
It was a warm start with temperatures forecast to reach the high 20's. Bird numbers were
predictably low but there were a number of highlights during the morning.
The reptile refuge at the start of the new Farmland Walk had 3 adult & 1 young slow worm,
although no grass snake. In the Hide itself the birds seemed to be happy with the new
arrangement - the feeders are now hanging from an old plough that had apparently been
discovered in the nearby undergrowth.
The water levels had dropped at the Wetland but there were no waders other than a few
Lapwing. In the dead tree opposite was a Grey Heron side by side with a Great White Egret &
a Little Egret was sitting in a small bush. A Kingfisher obliging posed right in front of us, first
with its the sun glistening off its back & then it flew to a reed and rested there, giving us views
of its lovely orange breast. What a delight. But it was a sound from outside that sent us
rushing out to look and see a Raven flying overhead.
On the way to Old Squaw Lake a Green Sandpiper was heard but we didn't see it.
Over the bridge, 2 visitors asked about a Crayfish they were watching in the Wensum. It was
a Signal Crayfish, not good news but impressive, nonetheless.
There were a number of juvenile Blue & Great Tits at the Woodland Hide & a brief visit from
a Nuthatch & a Coal Tit but no sign of Marsh Tit. It was lovely to see a Blackbird 'anting' &
then it was joined by a Wren doing the same. Apparently, the ants deal with mites & parasites
by spraying them with formic acid.
As we headed out of the woods, a beautiful Silver Washed Fritillary butterfly landed on the
boardwalk in front of us.
It was all about the Geese at the Scrape, with plenty of moulting Greylag & Egyptian plus a
handful of Canada & Barnacle.
As we headed for the cafe, a male (in eclipse) & female Mandarin Duck on swam by on Moon
Water.
Species Recorded: 57.
Mammals: Grey Squirrel present.
Amphibians: Common Toad 1.
Lizards: Slow Worm 4.
Mandy E & Nick E
Saturday 10 August.
Saturday morning was warm with a slight breeze, the camping area was busy. A flock of
around 20 Goldfinches few across the carpark, while the tall trees at the back of the Flamingo
enclosure remained full with a good mix of Corvids, a juvenile Goldcrest came close in the
pine tree near the entrance.
Wetlands hide produced a Green Sandpiper, the Little Grebes emerged in 2 family groups; an
adult with 1 juvenile, and an adult with 2 juveniles. A couple of Red Kites wheeled over the
trees and made a couple of short stops in the tops of the pines. Lapwing, Coot, Moorhen,
Mallard, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Shoveler, a few Teal were amongst the throng. A
Raven was heard, and we manage to catch sight of it as it flew past the rear of the hide, this
seems to be a regular visitor at the site.
As we walked through the masses of flowers and shrubs that are now at their best in the
gardens, Swallows whizzed through and a male Greenfinch was singing by Hootz House.
Woodland Hide is back to its normal frenetic feeding of all manner of Tit’s, Nuthatch and
Woodpecker, Chaffinch, lots of juveniles in most species; and of course, the Squirrels are
having a great time hoovering up the spillage of food. Steve managed to find a Grey Wagtail
literally sitting in a muddy ditch under the trees, love the thermal camera.
As we made our way to the Wader Scrape, we realised that the Common Terns have departed.
Passing Makin's Mere a female Mandarin Duck swam out from under the low vegetation.
Arriving at the Wader Scrape one of the first birds we spotted, was not one, but two
Kingfishers. After having been volunteering there for the last 18 months this was the first
time, I have actually seen them (simple things). As with most of the other lakes there was a
good number of Geese mainly Greylag and Egyptian, again good number of Coot and Gadwall,
a few Teal and Mallard.
Others birds on site were Linnet, Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler (juvenile), House Sparrow,
Buzzard and Kestrel.
59 species.
Others species seen included:
Mammals: Reeve's Muntjac 1, Grey Squirrel 6,
Butterflies: Speckled Wood 2, Meadow Brown 2, Gatekeeper, Peacock 1,
Emperor 1.
Dragonflies: Black-tailed Skimmer 3, Ruddy Darter 1.
Damselflies: Common Blue Damselfly 2.
Steve C, Mark H
Wednesday 14th August.
After a spell of very hot weather, it was a relief to arrive in the car park to lower temperatures
and overcast skies. We made our way round to the Wetlands Hide. Water levels are still high
but beginning to drop. Plenty of birds were on view with 5 Grey Herons, Little Egret and a
Great White Egret. The latter almost out of its breeding dress with just a dark tip to its yellow
bill. Duck numbers are building and there was a good hand of Teal and Shoveler. A couple of
juvenile Mandarins were asleep on an island and six more flew through going west up the
valley. Best of all we found an adult female Garganey feeding quietly in the reed edge.
Alerted to a sharp call we spotted a Kingfisher fly low over the scrape. We were in luck as it
landed on a post in front of the hide, and we enjoyed prolonged views of what was a black
billed male. Talking of calls, we also heard the alarm calls of a Green Sandpiper. Sure enough,
we found a couple squabbling and then another at the back of the scrape.
Moving on we decided to walk the new farmland trail. It was chilly along the ridge line in a
northerly breeze, more autumnal than high summer! A young Stonechat flew into the cover
crop and perched briefly. A mixed flock of Goldfinches and Linnets was another sign of
gathering Autumn. Our highlight here was 4 Slow worms sheltering under a corrugated
refuge.
Old Squaw Lake was fairly quiet, but we added two more Green Sandpipers and a female
Pintail. Taking the old railway line, we noted how quiet it was now that the warblers have
finished breeding and started to migrate south. A single Blackcap and a few contact calling
Chiffchaffs were the best of it. A Grey Wagtail feeding in a damp spot deep in the woods was
a nice surprise.
The Wader scrape was stuffed with water birds, mainly feral Geese but also well over 100
Gadwall and another good hand of Teal and Shoveler. A Hobby mobbing a Buzzard, plus a
Marsh Harrier gave the aerial display. Yet another Green Sandpiper flew in, our eighth of the
day.
We finished at Moon Water. Plenty of Gulls there but nothing to quicken the blood. Overall,
a very enjoyable morning with plenty to see.
67 species.
Mammals: Muntjac Deer 3, Roe Deer 5, Grey Squirrel 1.
Amphibians: Common Toad 1.
Lizards: Slow Worm 5.
Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper & Silver-washed Fritillary.
Nick P and Cath R
Wednesday 21st August.
A lovely sunny morning greeted Alan and I on our arrival at Pensthorpe with the first bird of
the day being a Chiffchaff calling from the trees adjacent to the car park entrance. Despite
the sun, a brisk easterly wind gusting to 30 mph gave a definite autumnal feel. Fortunately,
we both had jackets on! The carpark was extremely quiet, probably due to the wind, and it
wasn’t until we reached the camp site area that we saw more birds – a trickle of Black-headed
Gulls. Walking back towards the entrance to the reserve was slightly more productive with
Goldfinch and two House Martins seen. We decided to do the Farmland Walk and en route
encountered our first Common Buzzard of the day.
At the start of the Farmland Walk we lifted one of the corrugated metal sheets where a Slow
worm was sheltering. Another four Buzzard, Stock Dove and a Green Woodpecker (heard
only) during the walk. The Farmland Hide was very quiet apart from a few Blue Tits, Great
Tits, a passing Swallow and a Jay (heard).
Onto the Wetland Hide where the water was still quite high. Nick Parsons was in the hide and
kindly pointed out the Green Sandpipers he had found. Mark Hill arrived, and between us all
we saw Great White Egret, Little Egret, Red Kite, Stock Dove and another 2 Buzzard. Along
with the ‘usual suspects’ there was a large number of Egyptian Geese – which was very much
theme of the day on the reserve! Nick joined us for part of the way to Lake Hide and picked
up another Green Sandpiper on Old Squaw. Lake Hide was relatively quiet although we did
see more Swallows and 2 Great Crested Grebes.
Woodland Hide had both juvenile and adult Blue Tit, Great Tit and Chaffinch. A Coal Tit
dropped in as did 2 Nuthatch. Sadly, no sign of any Marsh Tit.
We made our way to the Wader Hide where Nick had found, and pointed out, a juvenile
Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit. Alan and I agreed it was an excellent find by Nick and we would
have both been unable to ID it. Nick departed and Alan and I did our best to count the birds,
but the light made it extremely difficult.
At Moon water we surveyed the Gulls. They were mainly Black-headed Gulls, but we did find
Common Gull, Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull. Coffee and cake beckoned and on
the way to the café we saw a group of Swallows and House Martins overhead.
A very pleasant morning in great company.
45 species.
Mammals: Grey Squirrel 2.
Lizards: Slow Worm 1.
Howard C and Alan H.
Wednesday 29th August.
Steve and I arrived at Pensthorpe at 8.00 on a beautiful sunny morning. Albeit with a cool
breeze. I felt underdressed for the first half of the morning, but it was perfect birding weather.
The carpark was very quiet except for the first three of very many Robins singing and around
20 Swallows roosting in the treetops. To the West, however, the hedgerow alongside a track
and a field of seeding plants provided plenty of activity. Lots of Goldfinch and Greenfinch
feeding on the plants and on the track, as well as the hawthorns in the hedge behind. They
were joined by a Linnet, a couple of Chaffinches, a female Reed Bunting and our star bird a
Lesser Whitethroat. This area had obviously attracted the farmland birds, because there were
very few to be seen at the hide.
We didn’t even have to enter the Wetland hide to see a Great White Egret posing in the
middle of the scrape, with a supporting cast of 3 Grey Herons and 2 Little Egrets. We settled
into the hide though, for some very pleasant viewing. Two Green Sandpipers were chasing
each other around, both in the air and along the water’s edge for much of the time. A single
Common Sandpiper was keeping aloof. Little Grebes were showing well, the adults still in
smart breeding plumage. Plus, the usual supporting cast.
We passed plenty of Darters along the path to Old Squaw Lake, mainly Common, and a Black-
tailed Skimmer, and once in the hide there were Southern Hawkers. Migrant Hawkers were
seen at intervals all morning. Actually, on the lake there were Cormorants, lots of Coots, Great
Crested and Little Grebes and another Green Sandpiper. The two Great Crested Grebes looked
a bit odd, sitting very close together and appearing to be half submerged!
Moving on, the woodland hide was pretty quiet, although a couple of Squirrels and a family
of Chaffinches livened it up a bit. There were the usual Blue and Great Tits and a Nuthatch.
We did encounter a mixed Tit flock that included several Chiffchaffs, and heard one singing.
The flock included a possible Willow Warbler, and we had heard from Richard Spowage that
he had seen 4 of them in such a flock earlier that morning. After a coffee break, we paused
on the Dragonfly Bridge where we could see excellent views through the clear water of two
Signal Crayfish. A first for me, and they were much larger than I expected. Steve was also able
to show two visitors very close views of both male and female Banded Demoiselles. They
looked wonderful in the sunlight.
The old Wader Scrape was very well populated, with large numbers of Greylag Geese,
Lapwings, Gadwall and Coots. Two juvenile Marsh Harriers were seen quartering the marshes
and a Kingfisher was heard. A Green Woodpecker was heard yaffling in the distance. A few
returning Common Gulls were seen on the Moon Water gull roost with another Common
Sandpiper, plus the usual Herrings, Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
65 species.
Mammals:
Muntjac Deer 1, Grey Squirrel 2.
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood 4
Meadow Brown 1
Peacock 1
Red Admiral 4
Green-veined White 1
Common Blue 1
Small Tortoiseshell 1
Dragonflies:
Common Darter present.
Migrant Hawker 2.
Southern Hawker 4.
Black-tailed Skimmer 4.
Damselflies:
Banded Damselfly
Other Wildlife.
Hornet 2
Signal Crayfish 2
Sue G, Steve C.
It was a warm start with temperatures forecast to reach the high 20's. Bird numbers were
predictably low but there were a number of highlights during the morning.
The reptile refuge at the start of the new Farmland Walk had 3 adult & 1 young slow worm,
although no grass snake. In the Hide itself the birds seemed to be happy with the new
arrangement - the feeders are now hanging from an old plough that had apparently been
discovered in the nearby undergrowth.
The water levels had dropped at the Wetland but there were no waders other than a few
Lapwing. In the dead tree opposite was a Grey Heron side by side with a Great White Egret &
a Little Egret was sitting in a small bush. A Kingfisher obliging posed right in front of us, first
with its the sun glistening off its back & then it flew to a reed and rested there, giving us views
of its lovely orange breast. What a delight. But it was a sound from outside that sent us
rushing out to look and see a Raven flying overhead.
On the way to Old Squaw Lake a Green Sandpiper was heard but we didn't see it.
Over the bridge, 2 visitors asked about a Crayfish they were watching in the Wensum. It was
a Signal Crayfish, not good news but impressive, nonetheless.
There were a number of juvenile Blue & Great Tits at the Woodland Hide & a brief visit from
a Nuthatch & a Coal Tit but no sign of Marsh Tit. It was lovely to see a Blackbird 'anting' &
then it was joined by a Wren doing the same. Apparently, the ants deal with mites & parasites
by spraying them with formic acid.
As we headed out of the woods, a beautiful Silver Washed Fritillary butterfly landed on the
boardwalk in front of us.
It was all about the Geese at the Scrape, with plenty of moulting Greylag & Egyptian plus a
handful of Canada & Barnacle.
As we headed for the cafe, a male (in eclipse) & female Mandarin Duck on swam by on Moon
Water.
Species Recorded: 57.
Mammals: Grey Squirrel present.
Amphibians: Common Toad 1.
Lizards: Slow Worm 4.
Mandy E & Nick E
Saturday 10 August.
Saturday morning was warm with a slight breeze, the camping area was busy. A flock of
around 20 Goldfinches few across the carpark, while the tall trees at the back of the Flamingo
enclosure remained full with a good mix of Corvids, a juvenile Goldcrest came close in the
pine tree near the entrance.
Wetlands hide produced a Green Sandpiper, the Little Grebes emerged in 2 family groups; an
adult with 1 juvenile, and an adult with 2 juveniles. A couple of Red Kites wheeled over the
trees and made a couple of short stops in the tops of the pines. Lapwing, Coot, Moorhen,
Mallard, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Shoveler, a few Teal were amongst the throng. A
Raven was heard, and we manage to catch sight of it as it flew past the rear of the hide, this
seems to be a regular visitor at the site.
As we walked through the masses of flowers and shrubs that are now at their best in the
gardens, Swallows whizzed through and a male Greenfinch was singing by Hootz House.
Woodland Hide is back to its normal frenetic feeding of all manner of Tit’s, Nuthatch and
Woodpecker, Chaffinch, lots of juveniles in most species; and of course, the Squirrels are
having a great time hoovering up the spillage of food. Steve managed to find a Grey Wagtail
literally sitting in a muddy ditch under the trees, love the thermal camera.
As we made our way to the Wader Scrape, we realised that the Common Terns have departed.
Passing Makin's Mere a female Mandarin Duck swam out from under the low vegetation.
Arriving at the Wader Scrape one of the first birds we spotted, was not one, but two
Kingfishers. After having been volunteering there for the last 18 months this was the first
time, I have actually seen them (simple things). As with most of the other lakes there was a
good number of Geese mainly Greylag and Egyptian, again good number of Coot and Gadwall,
a few Teal and Mallard.
Others birds on site were Linnet, Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler (juvenile), House Sparrow,
Buzzard and Kestrel.
59 species.
Others species seen included:
Mammals: Reeve's Muntjac 1, Grey Squirrel 6,
Butterflies: Speckled Wood 2, Meadow Brown 2, Gatekeeper, Peacock 1,
Emperor 1.
Dragonflies: Black-tailed Skimmer 3, Ruddy Darter 1.
Damselflies: Common Blue Damselfly 2.
Steve C, Mark H
Wednesday 14th August.
After a spell of very hot weather, it was a relief to arrive in the car park to lower temperatures
and overcast skies. We made our way round to the Wetlands Hide. Water levels are still high
but beginning to drop. Plenty of birds were on view with 5 Grey Herons, Little Egret and a
Great White Egret. The latter almost out of its breeding dress with just a dark tip to its yellow
bill. Duck numbers are building and there was a good hand of Teal and Shoveler. A couple of
juvenile Mandarins were asleep on an island and six more flew through going west up the
valley. Best of all we found an adult female Garganey feeding quietly in the reed edge.
Alerted to a sharp call we spotted a Kingfisher fly low over the scrape. We were in luck as it
landed on a post in front of the hide, and we enjoyed prolonged views of what was a black
billed male. Talking of calls, we also heard the alarm calls of a Green Sandpiper. Sure enough,
we found a couple squabbling and then another at the back of the scrape.
Moving on we decided to walk the new farmland trail. It was chilly along the ridge line in a
northerly breeze, more autumnal than high summer! A young Stonechat flew into the cover
crop and perched briefly. A mixed flock of Goldfinches and Linnets was another sign of
gathering Autumn. Our highlight here was 4 Slow worms sheltering under a corrugated
refuge.
Old Squaw Lake was fairly quiet, but we added two more Green Sandpipers and a female
Pintail. Taking the old railway line, we noted how quiet it was now that the warblers have
finished breeding and started to migrate south. A single Blackcap and a few contact calling
Chiffchaffs were the best of it. A Grey Wagtail feeding in a damp spot deep in the woods was
a nice surprise.
The Wader scrape was stuffed with water birds, mainly feral Geese but also well over 100
Gadwall and another good hand of Teal and Shoveler. A Hobby mobbing a Buzzard, plus a
Marsh Harrier gave the aerial display. Yet another Green Sandpiper flew in, our eighth of the
day.
We finished at Moon Water. Plenty of Gulls there but nothing to quicken the blood. Overall,
a very enjoyable morning with plenty to see.
67 species.
Mammals: Muntjac Deer 3, Roe Deer 5, Grey Squirrel 1.
Amphibians: Common Toad 1.
Lizards: Slow Worm 5.
Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper & Silver-washed Fritillary.
Nick P and Cath R
Wednesday 21st August.
A lovely sunny morning greeted Alan and I on our arrival at Pensthorpe with the first bird of
the day being a Chiffchaff calling from the trees adjacent to the car park entrance. Despite
the sun, a brisk easterly wind gusting to 30 mph gave a definite autumnal feel. Fortunately,
we both had jackets on! The carpark was extremely quiet, probably due to the wind, and it
wasn’t until we reached the camp site area that we saw more birds – a trickle of Black-headed
Gulls. Walking back towards the entrance to the reserve was slightly more productive with
Goldfinch and two House Martins seen. We decided to do the Farmland Walk and en route
encountered our first Common Buzzard of the day.
At the start of the Farmland Walk we lifted one of the corrugated metal sheets where a Slow
worm was sheltering. Another four Buzzard, Stock Dove and a Green Woodpecker (heard
only) during the walk. The Farmland Hide was very quiet apart from a few Blue Tits, Great
Tits, a passing Swallow and a Jay (heard).
Onto the Wetland Hide where the water was still quite high. Nick Parsons was in the hide and
kindly pointed out the Green Sandpipers he had found. Mark Hill arrived, and between us all
we saw Great White Egret, Little Egret, Red Kite, Stock Dove and another 2 Buzzard. Along
with the ‘usual suspects’ there was a large number of Egyptian Geese – which was very much
theme of the day on the reserve! Nick joined us for part of the way to Lake Hide and picked
up another Green Sandpiper on Old Squaw. Lake Hide was relatively quiet although we did
see more Swallows and 2 Great Crested Grebes.
Woodland Hide had both juvenile and adult Blue Tit, Great Tit and Chaffinch. A Coal Tit
dropped in as did 2 Nuthatch. Sadly, no sign of any Marsh Tit.
We made our way to the Wader Hide where Nick had found, and pointed out, a juvenile
Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit. Alan and I agreed it was an excellent find by Nick and we would
have both been unable to ID it. Nick departed and Alan and I did our best to count the birds,
but the light made it extremely difficult.
At Moon water we surveyed the Gulls. They were mainly Black-headed Gulls, but we did find
Common Gull, Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull. Coffee and cake beckoned and on
the way to the café we saw a group of Swallows and House Martins overhead.
A very pleasant morning in great company.
45 species.
Mammals: Grey Squirrel 2.
Lizards: Slow Worm 1.
Howard C and Alan H.
Wednesday 29th August.
Steve and I arrived at Pensthorpe at 8.00 on a beautiful sunny morning. Albeit with a cool
breeze. I felt underdressed for the first half of the morning, but it was perfect birding weather.
The carpark was very quiet except for the first three of very many Robins singing and around
20 Swallows roosting in the treetops. To the West, however, the hedgerow alongside a track
and a field of seeding plants provided plenty of activity. Lots of Goldfinch and Greenfinch
feeding on the plants and on the track, as well as the hawthorns in the hedge behind. They
were joined by a Linnet, a couple of Chaffinches, a female Reed Bunting and our star bird a
Lesser Whitethroat. This area had obviously attracted the farmland birds, because there were
very few to be seen at the hide.
We didn’t even have to enter the Wetland hide to see a Great White Egret posing in the
middle of the scrape, with a supporting cast of 3 Grey Herons and 2 Little Egrets. We settled
into the hide though, for some very pleasant viewing. Two Green Sandpipers were chasing
each other around, both in the air and along the water’s edge for much of the time. A single
Common Sandpiper was keeping aloof. Little Grebes were showing well, the adults still in
smart breeding plumage. Plus, the usual supporting cast.
We passed plenty of Darters along the path to Old Squaw Lake, mainly Common, and a Black-
tailed Skimmer, and once in the hide there were Southern Hawkers. Migrant Hawkers were
seen at intervals all morning. Actually, on the lake there were Cormorants, lots of Coots, Great
Crested and Little Grebes and another Green Sandpiper. The two Great Crested Grebes looked
a bit odd, sitting very close together and appearing to be half submerged!
Moving on, the woodland hide was pretty quiet, although a couple of Squirrels and a family
of Chaffinches livened it up a bit. There were the usual Blue and Great Tits and a Nuthatch.
We did encounter a mixed Tit flock that included several Chiffchaffs, and heard one singing.
The flock included a possible Willow Warbler, and we had heard from Richard Spowage that
he had seen 4 of them in such a flock earlier that morning. After a coffee break, we paused
on the Dragonfly Bridge where we could see excellent views through the clear water of two
Signal Crayfish. A first for me, and they were much larger than I expected. Steve was also able
to show two visitors very close views of both male and female Banded Demoiselles. They
looked wonderful in the sunlight.
The old Wader Scrape was very well populated, with large numbers of Greylag Geese,
Lapwings, Gadwall and Coots. Two juvenile Marsh Harriers were seen quartering the marshes
and a Kingfisher was heard. A Green Woodpecker was heard yaffling in the distance. A few
returning Common Gulls were seen on the Moon Water gull roost with another Common
Sandpiper, plus the usual Herrings, Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
65 species.
Mammals:
Muntjac Deer 1, Grey Squirrel 2.
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood 4
Meadow Brown 1
Peacock 1
Red Admiral 4
Green-veined White 1
Common Blue 1
Small Tortoiseshell 1
Dragonflies:
Common Darter present.
Migrant Hawker 2.
Southern Hawker 4.
Black-tailed Skimmer 4.
Damselflies:
Banded Damselfly
Other Wildlife.
Hornet 2
Signal Crayfish 2
Sue G, Steve C.
