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.
Sunday 1st February
A grey but still morning, and dry which was a bonus – the forecast had not been good. I was
doing the survey alone again (should I be paranoid?) and started with a walk up the drive and
around the car park. Fairly quiet bird wise but I did bump into Howard C, about to begin
his ‘Guide in the Hide’ shift. He offered to help out and I asked if perhaps he would count the
birds on the Wader Scrape?! Only a slight grimace before he graciously agreed to do so and
send me his sightings.
Feeling slightly less daunted, I headed off into the reserve. There were a number of highlights
during the morning:
• Great Tits and Blue Tits singing and calling everywhere
• 92 Barnacle Geese at the Wetland hide (increased to 120 seen later in the day by
Howard)
• Good views of Goldcrest on 3 separate occasions
• Siskin in the Wave Garden
• Large number of Common Gull on Moon Water
• A Great White Egret, only it’s head and neck visible, neck looking incredibly long as it
stretched up above the marsh.
The water levels are still very high and there were actually very few birds at the Scrape (which
meant I felt slightly less guilty about Howard counting there for me)! He saw a Buzzard and 2
Red Kite but I didn’t see a single raptor all day.
Also, noticeably low numbers of Chaffinch. On a survey almost exactly two years ago I counted
29, just 6 counted today.
Thanks again to Howard for helping me out, and for checking the Gulls for me on Moon Water.
57 species.
Mandy E
Tuesday 3rd Feb.
We arrived at the car park on a very gloomy morning with a very lazy wind, my car telling me
it was only 2°C. A Song Thrush gave us a nice early morning song, but apart from that it was
very quiet, even the Corvids up in the trees were silent. Scanning the field and hedge row
near the open barn only produced a Magpie and seven Stock Doves.
Viewing lake was busy with Tufted Duck and Mallard, plus the male Red-crested Pochard
made an appearance. Moon Water lake was mainly occupied by Gulls with a good number of
Common, plus Herring, with a couple of Shelduck amongst the Tufted Duck and Coot.
Farmland Hide had its normal collection of Tits and Dunnock. Again, we scanned the
hedgerow but it was once again blank. So, we made our way to the Wetland Hide which
sounded noisy with Geese. A good number of Barnacle Geese were busy mowing the grass in
front of the hide, the lake a had few Teal and not much else until a Grey Heron flew into the
trees.
Old Squaw had a bit more life, with a good mix of ducks, a couple of Cormorant showing the
new white attire on the breast, 64 Lapwing on the far bank, plus a nice group of four Little
Grebe.
Onto the woods, Steve’s thermal scope coming into its own once again, in the space of no
more the 100 yards he found four Woodcock. One of which was so close to the path we had
great views, once we worked out exactly where it was. Slightly further along the track he
found a Song Thrush fast asleep under a bush. The hide was very busy with the normal
throng of birds fighting for a place on the feeders. Walking on we followed a mixed flock of
Goldfinch and Siskin which seemed to get bigger by the minute. Past Dragonfly bridge we
crept up on the Mandarin Ducks and managed to see two males and a female.
The Wader Scrape was the highlight of the day, with a
Bittern out from the reeds, we must
have watched it for a good 15 mins, even witnessed it
catch a small fish. Now with the icy wind in our face it
was time to thaw out with a hot chocolate.
51 species.
Mammals: Grey Squirrel 1.
Brown Rat 1.
Brown Hare 1.
Reeve’s Muntjac 8.
Steve C & Mark H
Wednesday 11th February
Cath R and I set off to do the count on a murky February morning. As we drove there
visibility was down to 400 meters in places, and we didn’t anticipate a very good return. About
8.30am (which coincidentally was our start time!) it started to rain and continued right up until
we left the café after we’d done at 12.10pm. This did however improve the visibility and we
were able to do the count without too many problems.
We counted 52 species which under the circumstances was quite a good number. The
highlights were a Reed Bunting feeding quite close to us on the banks of Moon Water near the
deer gate, and amazingly two separate incidents of Moorhens climbing trees. Neither of us had
ever seen this before. I enclose a blurry photograph as proof!
As we walked to the Farmland Hide we were serenaded by a beautiful Song Thrush which
reminded us spring was just around the corner.
We saw a Pintail on each of the Wetland Scrape and the Wader scrape, seven Mandarin Ducks
on Makins Mere, and also saw a pair of Goldeneye on Dark Water.
The Woodland Hide was busy as usual mainly with Tits including two unringed Marsh Tits. A Long- tailed Tit was feeding on the left- hand feeder which is quite unusual for this site.
This was where we watched amazed as a Moorhen climbed a tree at the back.
As we walked to the Wader Scrape near the grassy banks, we saw the second Moorhen of the
day climb a tree near the ringing station.
The adverse weather conditions probably contributed to the fact we didn’t see any raptors
until we left the reserve. A Buzzard and a Red Kite were flying quite close to the A1067 so they
made the count! We were surprised we didn’t spot any Greylag Geese either until we got to
the Wader scrape where there were just eleven. We wondered where they’d all gone. The
Wader scrape hide, by the way, was the only place we saw any visitors to the reserve. Most
people had been put off by the weather.
Cath R and Kathy B
Sunday 22nd February.
A slightly odd report this time in that the WVBS count was conducted in conjunction with the
monthly Pensthorpe WeBS survey. A grey overcast start with WSW winds of 16mph gusting to
30mph, but thankfully no rain. Nick P, Mark H and I met in the carpark and were
greeted by plenty of bird song - a good sign that spring is just around the corner!
The Viewing Lake had the usual selection of birds. A Marsh Harrier flew over whilst one of
many Song Thrushes to be heard throughout the morning called in the distance. From here I
made my way towards the Farmland Hide whilst Nick and Mark headed off to focus on the
WeBS count.
The feeders at the Farmland Hide were relatively quiet as was the (recently cut) adjacent
hedgerow. A Greenfinch ‘wheezed’ whilst two Red Kites circled overhead. The first
Oystercatcher of the day flew over ‘peep-ing'.
Onto the Wensum Wetland and another three Oystercatchers seen. However, bird numbers
were significantly lower than of late. For example, of the birds recorded, there were only 5
Coot, 18 Teal and 8 Geese.
Old Squaw was a bit more productive – but only just. Of note were five Common Snipe, a pair
of Goldeneye and circa 80 Lapwing which had settled on the bank. There was an array of Gulls
(Black-headed, Common, Herring and a solitary Lesser Black-backed Gull). Another two more
Red Kites flew over whilst two Buzzards were seen in the distance.
Working my way to the Woodland Hide there were plenty more birds calling with highlights
being Song Thrush, Reed Bunting and Great Spotted Woodpecker. The feeders at the Woodland
hide were busy, occupied mainly by Blue and Great Tits and Chaffinch. A smart Nuthatch
dropped in as did a Coal Tit but no sign of any Marsh Tit.
Heading towards Makin’s Mere there was a large group of Siskin (50+) near to the ‘Pingo’ pond.
More Song Thrush called whilst a charm of Goldfinch flitted through. Another large group of
birds – this time Chaffinch made their way through along with a lone Redwing.
Reunited with Nick and Mark at Makin’s Mere we made our way towards Moon Water and the
final count. At Rushy Marsh (route on the reserve used during the WeBS count) a Grey Wagtail
flew along the Wensum. Moon Water was quiet too with just 52 Gulls in the Gull roost.
Onto the café and coffee. The weather had eased to the extent that we could sit outside. The
sun made a welcome appearance and Nick noted a single House Sparrow. Nick and Mark had
seen a good variety of birds with, amongst others, Sparrowhawk, Great White Egret, Little
Egret, Cetti’s Warbler and Yellowhammer all noted.
Please note the stats associated with this report cover the areas of the reserve that would be
surveyed during a WVBS survey only. For info, the WeBS survey results revealed that overall
Duck numbers were down but Gull numbers were up.
Howard C.
Thursday 26th Feb.
A surprisingly chilly morning with little of the promise of Spring that had been in the air the
day before. Instead, it was grey with a keen wind. However, there were certainly plenty of signs
of Spring throughout the morning. In the car park, Chaffinch and Wren were now joining in
with the Great Tit and Robin song that I had heard earlier in the month. Pairs of Jackdaw
seemed interested in potential nesting holes in the big oak tree on the drive, Rooks were
carrying sticks toward their roost and the yellow of daffodils was starting to come through.
At the Wetland Hide, a male & female Marsh Harrier were flying over.
Also, much to our surprise, there were no less than 6 Common Toads
in the hide! This included a pair in the throes of mating,
although unfortunately the male was injured. All 6 were rescued and
placed carefully outside, out of the wind. Presumably they were trying
to get to the water and the hide was in the way.
Some of the Blackthorn was beginning to blossom. On Old Squaw
there were 12 Oystercatcher and on Moon Water, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Through the woodland we saw Long-tailed Tits carrying moss, and a pair
of Treecreeper following each other around. 2 Buzzard were calling and flying together.
The Hazel growing alongside the boardwalk was full of catkins and, less
obvious but just as beautiful, the female flowers. Flocks of
Barnacle geese were flying backwards & forwards. There were 3 Avocet
at the Scrape, and flying together overhead, 2 Red Kite, and 17 Roe deer
on the other side of the Scrape.
So, despite feeling distinctly wintery, we headed to the café feeling
positive that the season is changing.
Mandy E & Nick E
A grey but still morning, and dry which was a bonus – the forecast had not been good. I was
doing the survey alone again (should I be paranoid?) and started with a walk up the drive and
around the car park. Fairly quiet bird wise but I did bump into Howard C, about to begin
his ‘Guide in the Hide’ shift. He offered to help out and I asked if perhaps he would count the
birds on the Wader Scrape?! Only a slight grimace before he graciously agreed to do so and
send me his sightings.
Feeling slightly less daunted, I headed off into the reserve. There were a number of highlights
during the morning:
• Great Tits and Blue Tits singing and calling everywhere
• 92 Barnacle Geese at the Wetland hide (increased to 120 seen later in the day by
Howard)
• Good views of Goldcrest on 3 separate occasions
• Siskin in the Wave Garden
• Large number of Common Gull on Moon Water
• A Great White Egret, only it’s head and neck visible, neck looking incredibly long as it
stretched up above the marsh.
The water levels are still very high and there were actually very few birds at the Scrape (which
meant I felt slightly less guilty about Howard counting there for me)! He saw a Buzzard and 2
Red Kite but I didn’t see a single raptor all day.
Also, noticeably low numbers of Chaffinch. On a survey almost exactly two years ago I counted
29, just 6 counted today.
Thanks again to Howard for helping me out, and for checking the Gulls for me on Moon Water.
57 species.
Mandy E
Tuesday 3rd Feb.
We arrived at the car park on a very gloomy morning with a very lazy wind, my car telling me
it was only 2°C. A Song Thrush gave us a nice early morning song, but apart from that it was
very quiet, even the Corvids up in the trees were silent. Scanning the field and hedge row
near the open barn only produced a Magpie and seven Stock Doves.
Viewing lake was busy with Tufted Duck and Mallard, plus the male Red-crested Pochard
made an appearance. Moon Water lake was mainly occupied by Gulls with a good number of
Common, plus Herring, with a couple of Shelduck amongst the Tufted Duck and Coot.
Farmland Hide had its normal collection of Tits and Dunnock. Again, we scanned the
hedgerow but it was once again blank. So, we made our way to the Wetland Hide which
sounded noisy with Geese. A good number of Barnacle Geese were busy mowing the grass in
front of the hide, the lake a had few Teal and not much else until a Grey Heron flew into the
trees.
Old Squaw had a bit more life, with a good mix of ducks, a couple of Cormorant showing the
new white attire on the breast, 64 Lapwing on the far bank, plus a nice group of four Little
Grebe.
Onto the woods, Steve’s thermal scope coming into its own once again, in the space of no
more the 100 yards he found four Woodcock. One of which was so close to the path we had
great views, once we worked out exactly where it was. Slightly further along the track he
found a Song Thrush fast asleep under a bush. The hide was very busy with the normal
throng of birds fighting for a place on the feeders. Walking on we followed a mixed flock of
Goldfinch and Siskin which seemed to get bigger by the minute. Past Dragonfly bridge we
crept up on the Mandarin Ducks and managed to see two males and a female.
The Wader Scrape was the highlight of the day, with a
Bittern out from the reeds, we must
have watched it for a good 15 mins, even witnessed it
catch a small fish. Now with the icy wind in our face it
was time to thaw out with a hot chocolate.
51 species.
Mammals: Grey Squirrel 1.
Brown Rat 1.
Brown Hare 1.
Reeve’s Muntjac 8.
Steve C & Mark H
Wednesday 11th February
Cath R and I set off to do the count on a murky February morning. As we drove there
visibility was down to 400 meters in places, and we didn’t anticipate a very good return. About
8.30am (which coincidentally was our start time!) it started to rain and continued right up until
we left the café after we’d done at 12.10pm. This did however improve the visibility and we
were able to do the count without too many problems.
We counted 52 species which under the circumstances was quite a good number. The
highlights were a Reed Bunting feeding quite close to us on the banks of Moon Water near the
deer gate, and amazingly two separate incidents of Moorhens climbing trees. Neither of us had
ever seen this before. I enclose a blurry photograph as proof!
As we walked to the Farmland Hide we were serenaded by a beautiful Song Thrush which
reminded us spring was just around the corner.
We saw a Pintail on each of the Wetland Scrape and the Wader scrape, seven Mandarin Ducks
on Makins Mere, and also saw a pair of Goldeneye on Dark Water.
The Woodland Hide was busy as usual mainly with Tits including two unringed Marsh Tits. A Long- tailed Tit was feeding on the left- hand feeder which is quite unusual for this site.
This was where we watched amazed as a Moorhen climbed a tree at the back.
As we walked to the Wader Scrape near the grassy banks, we saw the second Moorhen of the
day climb a tree near the ringing station.
The adverse weather conditions probably contributed to the fact we didn’t see any raptors
until we left the reserve. A Buzzard and a Red Kite were flying quite close to the A1067 so they
made the count! We were surprised we didn’t spot any Greylag Geese either until we got to
the Wader scrape where there were just eleven. We wondered where they’d all gone. The
Wader scrape hide, by the way, was the only place we saw any visitors to the reserve. Most
people had been put off by the weather.
Cath R and Kathy B
Sunday 22nd February.
A slightly odd report this time in that the WVBS count was conducted in conjunction with the
monthly Pensthorpe WeBS survey. A grey overcast start with WSW winds of 16mph gusting to
30mph, but thankfully no rain. Nick P, Mark H and I met in the carpark and were
greeted by plenty of bird song - a good sign that spring is just around the corner!
The Viewing Lake had the usual selection of birds. A Marsh Harrier flew over whilst one of
many Song Thrushes to be heard throughout the morning called in the distance. From here I
made my way towards the Farmland Hide whilst Nick and Mark headed off to focus on the
WeBS count.
The feeders at the Farmland Hide were relatively quiet as was the (recently cut) adjacent
hedgerow. A Greenfinch ‘wheezed’ whilst two Red Kites circled overhead. The first
Oystercatcher of the day flew over ‘peep-ing'.
Onto the Wensum Wetland and another three Oystercatchers seen. However, bird numbers
were significantly lower than of late. For example, of the birds recorded, there were only 5
Coot, 18 Teal and 8 Geese.
Old Squaw was a bit more productive – but only just. Of note were five Common Snipe, a pair
of Goldeneye and circa 80 Lapwing which had settled on the bank. There was an array of Gulls
(Black-headed, Common, Herring and a solitary Lesser Black-backed Gull). Another two more
Red Kites flew over whilst two Buzzards were seen in the distance.
Working my way to the Woodland Hide there were plenty more birds calling with highlights
being Song Thrush, Reed Bunting and Great Spotted Woodpecker. The feeders at the Woodland
hide were busy, occupied mainly by Blue and Great Tits and Chaffinch. A smart Nuthatch
dropped in as did a Coal Tit but no sign of any Marsh Tit.
Heading towards Makin’s Mere there was a large group of Siskin (50+) near to the ‘Pingo’ pond.
More Song Thrush called whilst a charm of Goldfinch flitted through. Another large group of
birds – this time Chaffinch made their way through along with a lone Redwing.
Reunited with Nick and Mark at Makin’s Mere we made our way towards Moon Water and the
final count. At Rushy Marsh (route on the reserve used during the WeBS count) a Grey Wagtail
flew along the Wensum. Moon Water was quiet too with just 52 Gulls in the Gull roost.
Onto the café and coffee. The weather had eased to the extent that we could sit outside. The
sun made a welcome appearance and Nick noted a single House Sparrow. Nick and Mark had
seen a good variety of birds with, amongst others, Sparrowhawk, Great White Egret, Little
Egret, Cetti’s Warbler and Yellowhammer all noted.
Please note the stats associated with this report cover the areas of the reserve that would be
surveyed during a WVBS survey only. For info, the WeBS survey results revealed that overall
Duck numbers were down but Gull numbers were up.
Howard C.
Thursday 26th Feb.
A surprisingly chilly morning with little of the promise of Spring that had been in the air the
day before. Instead, it was grey with a keen wind. However, there were certainly plenty of signs
of Spring throughout the morning. In the car park, Chaffinch and Wren were now joining in
with the Great Tit and Robin song that I had heard earlier in the month. Pairs of Jackdaw
seemed interested in potential nesting holes in the big oak tree on the drive, Rooks were
carrying sticks toward their roost and the yellow of daffodils was starting to come through.
At the Wetland Hide, a male & female Marsh Harrier were flying over.
Also, much to our surprise, there were no less than 6 Common Toads
in the hide! This included a pair in the throes of mating,
although unfortunately the male was injured. All 6 were rescued and
placed carefully outside, out of the wind. Presumably they were trying
to get to the water and the hide was in the way.
Some of the Blackthorn was beginning to blossom. On Old Squaw
there were 12 Oystercatcher and on Moon Water, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Through the woodland we saw Long-tailed Tits carrying moss, and a pair
of Treecreeper following each other around. 2 Buzzard were calling and flying together.
The Hazel growing alongside the boardwalk was full of catkins and, less
obvious but just as beautiful, the female flowers. Flocks of
Barnacle geese were flying backwards & forwards. There were 3 Avocet
at the Scrape, and flying together overhead, 2 Red Kite, and 17 Roe deer
on the other side of the Scrape.
So, despite feeling distinctly wintery, we headed to the café feeling
positive that the season is changing.
Mandy E & Nick E
