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.
Friday 26th April.
It was another cold morning start: 6 degrees (felt like 3) in the light northerly wind rising as high as 9 degrees by midday (felt like 7!). Although it did feel warmer when the sun came out briefly. We wondered if most birds were likely to be less vocal when it was so cold. Certainly, we heard more Warblers when it warmed up a bit. Waders were still very few and far between: we had a few Lapwings, several Oystercatchers and a single Common Snipe but no sign of any others passing through. Maybe there’s not much food on the island edges having been submerged for so long. But with the cold and early drizzle it was lovely to see many hirundines hawking over the water: difficult to say how many but at least 15 House Martins, at least one Sand Martin and at least 8 Barn Swallows. The woodland hide was very quiet: no Nuthatch, Marsh Tit or Woodpecker and a relatively low number of Tits. We saw a pair of Sparrowhawks, several Buzzards and at least 3 Red Kites, 2 of which we thought might be interested in nesting on the far side of the wetland hide. Reproduction was very much in the air: we saw a pair of displaying Great Crested Grebes, displaying Shovelers, mating Black-headed Gulls and a family of Coot with 4 young and a family of Moorhen with 4 young. No sign of the Mallard ducklings seen by others......oh dear. Finally in the sun an Orange-tip and to our delight a Slow Worm under one of the corrugated iron shelters. Someone had recorded one recently, so we were keen to look and pleased to find. 59 species. Mammals: Reeve’s Muntjac 3, Roe Deer 5 Grey Squirrel 5, Rabbit 1. Slow Worm 1. Cath R and Sue G
Wednesday 1st May.
Arriving slightly ahead of Paul I was greeted by a single Red-legged Partridge wandering around the carpark. A calm warmish day with 6mph ESE winds and a temperature of 12 degrees. On arrival, Paul informed me that it had been a misty morning in the area so we were very fortunate that at the start of the survey the mist had cleared and the sun had decided to break through. A bit of a slow start unfortunately as the hedge along the carpark that leads to Farmland Hide was totally devoid of birds. In fact, apart from a distant a Song Thrush ‘repeating’ we were struggling to find anything beyond the usual Corvids, Greylag Geese and Woodpigeons. Heading towards the entrance gate two Swallows flew overhead, and on entering the reserve, a member of staff told us that she had heard a Cuckoo calling – things were looking up! As we headed to Farmland Hide we heard Reed Warbler and saw Greylag with a young family. A stunning Pintail with no visible rings was seen very close by, but, despite the lack of rings, we suspected it was very much part of the ‘collection’. At this point we heard Cuckoo calling from the direction of the Wetland (Fen) Hide so decided to divert to there. Unfortunately, we couldn’t locate the Cuckoo and with the water levels still high it was generally very quiet, however, we were delighted to see two Common Terns. The weather had improved significantly by this time and was akin to an early summer’s day. Red Kites were riding the thermals and a female Marsh Harrier flew by. Paul spotted a passing Sparrowhawk and a single Lapwing occupied the Scrape with six sleeping Teal. No sign of any Common Snipe unfortunately but we did see two Grey Heron and further three Marsh Harriers (x2 female, x1 male). We returned to an extremely quiet Farmland Hide. Again, the hedge from this perspective was devoid of birds and the best we could manage was two Stock Doves and another distant Marsh Harrier. Leaving the Farmland Hide we worked our way through the picnic area where we saw the infamous ‘Cackling Goose’. Of course, it was no such thing but actually a ringed (blue darvic C94) Barnacle/ Canada Goose hybrid! By this time the temperature had risen again and we decided to head to the café for refreshments. It was plenty warm enough to sit outside and we were accompanied in the seating area by House Sparrows. A female Mallard appeared with her male entourage and pecked at our trousers aggressively in the vain attempt that we might just give up our sausage rolls - no chance they were too delicious! After refreshments we moved on to Moon Water where we saw Great Black-backed, Herring and Common Gulls plus a further Pintail. Moving on to the Wader Scrape Hides the temperature was now a balmy 18 degrees! Despite the temperature rising the bird count didn’t. Water levels were high and apart from numerous Black-Headed Gulls we only managed Reed Warbler, nesting Coot (x2) and Pochard (x2). A Kestrel was seen ‘hovering’ and two Red Kites were joined by a single Marsh Harrier. At Meakin’s Mere we heard Garden Warbler and x4 Mediterranean Gulls flew over. Another distant Cuckoo calling which, sadly, we couldn’t locate. Onto Woodland Hide which, as was the themes of the day, was extremely quiet. All we managed to see was Chaffinch, Blue Tit and Great Tit. A Moorhen with a ‘limp’ waddled through - perhaps it had an altercation with a hungry Mallard looking for a sausage roll- just a theory! Moving on again, at the reedbed near to the Woodland Hide we heard Reed Warbler. Our final stop was Old Squaw where we saw Black-Headed Gull, Tufted Duck and (thankfully well behaved) Mallard. Peter, a ‘Guide in the Hide’ volunteer arrived and informed us that he had seen Common Sandpiper earlier in the day. Overall, plenty of Blackcaps around the reserve but we didn’t see (or hear) any Whitethroats or Sedge Warblers at all. All in all, a distinctly ‘quiet’ day bird wise but in very good company – thanks Paul! 64 species. Mammals: Muntjac Deer 2, Grey Squirrel 2. Butterflies: Brimstone, Peacock & Large White. Report Howard C, Bird Count Paul A.
Thursday 9th May.
When Steven C and I met at 7.30am at Pensthorpe it was a cool 10C with very little wind and light clouds. As usual we started the survey from the car park and within an hour, we had recorded 40 species including Red Kite, Buzzard, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Swallow, finches, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Collared and Stock Doves, Corvids, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush and Pied Wagtail. Moving onto the Park itself we picked up Reed Warblers by the Millennium Gardens, and at the farmland hide we added 2 Swifts high up and a Garden Warbler singing from the field hedgerow. In this area we also saw Peacock, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Holly Blue and Small White butterflies. From the Wetland Hide we added Common Sandpiper, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Common Terns, White Wagtail, Grey Heron, Cetti’s Warbler, Reed Bunting, Cormorant, Sand Martins, male Marsh Harrier, female Sparrowhawk, and more Reed Warblers. In the trees opposite the hide a Red Kite was perched near what looked like a nest, and a bit later we saw the pair of Kites actually mating! In the distance we heard our first Cuckoo of the day. Around Old Squaw we saw our first Large Red Damselflies, and a number of Black-headed Gulls had started to nest on the islands with two pairs of Common Terns struggling to find room. A Tawny Owl called from thick scrub by the Millennium Garden. Moon Water had the usual gull roost with 20+ Herring, a few Lesser Black-backed and 20+ Common Gulls. At the Woodland Hide 3 male Mandarin Ducks were feeding on the ground, whilst a Nuthatch could be heard in the distance. A short detour to Dark Mere added Goldcrest and female Goldeneye plus 4 more Cetti’s Warblers and 2 Treecreepers. Our final stop at the Waderscrape was quite productive, with the addition of another Common Sandpiper, Med Gull, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Pochards, 3 Sedge Warblers, Willow Warbler, 3 Hobbies, 2 more Garden Warblers, female Marsh Harrier, Green Woodpecker and Little Egret. We finished on about 80 species for the day, which indicates a good range of species for an inland reserve with a rich diversity of habitats. It was a good day. Mammals: Grey Squirrel 2, Rabbit 2, Reeve’s Muntjac 1. Butterflies: Orange-tip 4, Small White 2, Green-veined White 6, Brimstone 4, Holly Blue 2, Peacock 1, Common Blue 1. Damselflies & Dragonflies: Large Red Damselfly 3, hairy Dragonfly 1.
Report by Steve Ch Sunday 19th May
It was a bright start to the day with the promise of a warm day to come. There was nothing unexpected in the car park or on the drive but a pair of Pied Wagtail was good to see and we could hear a Goldcrest although we couldn’t find it despite several minutes searching! On the way to the Farmland Hide we saw 2 Buzzard and a Marsh Harrier but the hide itself was very quiet. Cath spotted a Meadow Pipit but other than that there was a noticeable lack of small birds. The woods were alive with song, however, with Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Robin and particularly Wren singing everywhere. The water level had dropped at the Wetland Hide and we spotted a Lapwing that appeared to be sitting on a nest, although there were no eggs visible when it moved. It was lovely to see some Sand Martins flying low over the reeds and just as we were about to leave, a Little Grebe put in a brief appearance. There was also a Great Crested Grebe on a nest, very well hidden in the reeds. As we walked back towards the Millenium Garden, we heard the only Dunnock of the day and also spotted a male & female (or possibly young) Blackcap. Old Squaw Lake had nesting Common Tern and Black-headed Gulls and another well-hidden Great Crested Grebe nest. Walking towards the woodland we spotted the only Red Kite of the day, and a few Swift overhead. We were chatting about the fact we had not heard a Cuckoo and almost immediately heard one. If only all birds could be conjured up in this way! The hide itself was very quiet with a solitary Chaffinch the only bird on the feeders. But the male Mandarin Duck was underneath and we also saw a Stoat which was a real bonus. There were two Mistle Thrush on the path in the woods and towards the Wildflower Meadow we spotted a Treecreeper, which is always a pleasure. The only Willow Warbler of the day was by the gate towards the Scrape. Water levels had dropped here as well, and it was lovely to see a few Avocet and 2 Little Ringed Plover. There was also a Pochard on the other side of the water. Sedge & Reed Warblers were generally very scarce but we did see both in the reeds in front of the Hide. Heading back towards the Visitor Centre we had a brief but very close view of a Hobby, as well as hearing Garden Warbler. Moon Water had the usual selection of Gulls and there were several House Martins swooping over the Mill Pond and above the café. There were a handful of House Sparrows and also Mallards who were very determined to share our scones! 71 Species. Mammals: Roe Deer 2, Grey Squirrel 3, Stoat 1. Butterflies: Red Admiral, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White & Orange Tip all present. Damselflies: Banded Demoiselle, Blue-tailed Damselfly & Large Red Damselfly all present. Dragonfly: Four-spotted Chaser 1.
Cath R, Ray G & Mandy E
Monday 20th May.
We started later about 9.30am and it was still overcast with a chilly northerly wind. The drive and car park were very quiet but we were pleased to see a couple of Swifts and three Swallows, the only ones of the day. We could see a Red Kite sitting on its nest opposite the Wetland Hide and a female Marsh Harrier was quartering the reeds, but little else of significance. For the first time there were no passerines at the Woodland hide, just two Mallard and two Grey Squirrels? The sun eventually showed itself as we emerged from the woods into the flower meadow and we found a basking Common Lizard on the board-walk and looking skywards there were many more Swifts. We spent some time searching for damsel flies in a sunny spot at one of the bridges between the meadow and the Old Scrape when a kingfisher flew through towards the Old Scrape, where we were rewarded with a pair of Little Ringed Plover trying to decide where they wanted to build a nest. There was also a Common Sandpiper here. The same or a different Kingfisher flew over the Old Scrape later so a very rewarding day with two sightings of these elusive birds. As we left the hide a Hobby gave quite close views as it hunted just above the trees before disappearing towards Sennowe Park and a couple of Chiffchaff young were being fed in a hawthorn bush. They must have been a very early brood. Three Common Tern nests on the small island outside the hide on Old Squaw Lake were a surprise. There were a couple Terns just about everywhere so whether we have recorded an actual number or the same one two or three times is open to debate.
On the way back a Herring Gull on Old Squaw Lake tried to fool us it was of the Yellow- legged variety, but eventually common sense prevailed.
70 species. Mammals: Muntjac Deer 3, Roe Deer 2, Rabbit 1 & Grey Squirrel 5. Butterflies: Small White 1, Speckled Wood 7, Red Admiral 1 & Azure Blue 1. Dragonflies: Four Spotted Chaser 1 & Broad Bodied Chaser 2. Damselflies: Blue Damselfly 24, Red-eyed Damselfly 1, Blue-tailed Damselfly 2, Banded Demoiselle 15 & Large Red Damselfly 2. Reptiles: Slowworm 1 & Common Lizard 1. Other: Hornet 2. Barry P & Ian D
Tuesday 28th May.
A later start than usual, but the list still quickly accumulated around the car park area, with 2 Marsh Harriers quartering the fields beside the driveway, a Mistle Thrush feeding there, and 3 Shelducks on the barn roof where the Stock Doves usually are. All 3 hirundines flying around under the heavy clouds, a Cuckoo singing, and a Bullfinch calling at the back of the small picnic area opposite the toilet block, all helped to push the tally to 42 species before entering the reserve proper. Once in the reserve the rain started, and it remained mostly raining, sometimes heavy, throughout the rest of the visit, so a lot of the following hours were spent watching from the hides. The best sighting from the Wetland hide was of a female Gadwall with 5 young – not many Gadwall breed in our area. The rain brought the aerial feeding birds down, with best counts of 23 Swifts and 10 House Martins. There was not much of a muddy edge at Wetland with the water high, and little of note on the water there or on Old Squaw Lake, but 3 Common Tern nests on one of the Old Squaw islands, and 3 Black-headed Gull broods hatched, were nice to see. Another lovely brood at the Woodland hide, where a very empty arena in front of the hide was suddenly alive with a female Mandarin running in from the back, followed by 7 newly-hatched young of her own, along with an adopted Shelduck chick! It was a delight to watch them for 5 minutes until they all exited stage right back into the wood. Then more Mandarin joy at the start of the Wildflower Meadow, when at the bottom of the short boardwalk I was confronted with a group of 17 drakes on the near edge of Makin’s Mere! Goodness knows where they have come from all of a sudden. But from joy to despair on arrival at the Wader Scrape, to see that the very high water level had left just one floating Black-headed Gull nest remaining from the thriving colony of 94 nests counted less than 3 weeks ago. A pair of Linnets, a singing Reed Bunting and a dashing Sparrowhawk at the same spot ended the day, and upped the final total to a pleasing 65 species. Mammals: Grey Squirrel 1, Rabbit 2 & Reeve’s Muntjac 3. Steve C