Welcome to the LDV NNR ringing blog, this blog is designed to share the experiences, findings and tales from a group of dedicated ringers. We specialise in conservation orientated research projects, largely focusing on wildfowl, waders, owls and birds of conservation concern, in and around the Vale of York NNR's.

NB - Whilst the purpose of this blog was initially designed to cover our nationally important wildfowl ringing activities, it now also features wildlife and work posts, explaining how we manage the NNR for both wildlife and people.

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Jul

Lower Derwent Valley NNR Sightings - July 2015

The highlight of the month was undoubtedly the discovery of a singing male Corncrake on the 7th. A second bird was later seen, with the behaviour suggested a breeding attempt may be taking place – although less vocal thereafter it was still present until at least the 18th. While monitoring this individual a single Quail was also located on the 7th with another three calling before month end – a better showing than in recent summers. Things were quiet on the waterfowl front as to be expected at this time of year although a single Egyptian Goose put in sporadic appearances during the month, and nine Little Egrets at Wheldrake/Bank Island on the 24th probably reflected this year’s local breeding success.

Corncrake - Aughton - 07/07

Birds of prey stole the show during the month with a flurry of Red Kite records, up to three were seen regularly following hay making tractors on the Ings in the Wheldrake/Bank Island area. Three pairs of Peregrines are known to have fledged six young from local pylons around the valley whilst Hobbies also showed well – at least three but possibly up to five pairs have been present throughout the area. A single pair of Marsh Harriers also lingered early in the month. Returning waders arrived from early in the month with five Ruff on the 3rd, a Common Sandpiper on the 9th, seven Black-tailed Godwits on the 12th, a Whimbrel on the 14th, five Golden Plover on the 25th and a Greenshank on the 26th. Up to three Green Sandpipers were also present throughout the month with up to 24 Curlew and 400 Lapwing also recorded.

Two pairs of Turtle Doves were confirmed to be breeding in the Foggathorpe area whilst up to three Nightjars were present on Skipwith Common. It was a good month for Kingfishers which reflected a successful breeding season, an estimated six or seven breeding pairs were thought to be present around the valley, with Wheldrake Ings and the Melbourne area of the Pocklington Canal offering the best chances of sightings. Three late juvenile Cuckoos were recorded on the 16th, 20th and 25th whilst a male Redstart was trapped and ringed in the poolside willows at Wheldrake Ings on the 19th, when the first of the autumns Whinchats were present at North Duffield Carrs. Three Crossbills south at Wheldrake Ings on the 18th were also notable. 

Brown Hares appear to have enjoyed a successful season with large numbers present throughout the valleys meadows including good numbers of young. Adders and Grass Snakes continued to show well on Skipwith during the month whilst butterfly numbers increased, with it proving to be a bumper year for Ringlets and particularly Meadow Browns. The first Gatekeepers appeared on the wing in the middle of the month as expected, particularly where bramble had come into flower. Five Marbled Whites were recorded around the valley, which mirrors the increased trend of recent years – and represented a new species recorded for the first time on Skipwith Common NNR. A Dark Green Fritillary at the NNR base garden was also a first for the reserve. Moth numbers and diversity also increased during the month with five species of hawk-moth caught at the reserve base on the 12th, including two Pine Hawk-moths and a Small Elephant Hawk-moth. A Hummingbird Hawk-moth on the lavender at Bank Island on the 20th was the third in as many years. 

Grass Snake - Skipwith Common - 09/07

Many thanks as always to all the local birders, the YOC and visitors who have either left records in the hide logbooks or submitted them directly to us.


BIRDS: 

Mute Swan – Several family parties remained throughout the area, outside of these breeding records there were few other non-breeding birds present. 

Egyptian Goose – A single flew into roost at Wheldrake Ings on the 7th and re-appeared there on the 24th and 26th. 

Wigeon – Up to two drakes and a female remained at Wheldrake Ings throughout the month, along with a single female at Breighton Meadows on the 12th. 

Garganey – A single immature at Wheldrake Ings on the 12th was the only record during the month. 

Mallard – As usual for this time of year sightings were rather low although numbers started to build up on the pool at Wheldrake Ings towards month end with 150 there on the 30th. 

Gadwall – Up to 25 ducklings (four broods), remained at Wheldrake Ings during the month. 

Tufted Duck – Three pairs with a total of 11 young were present at Wheldrake Ings throughout the month. 

Grey Heron – Birds were scattered throughout the site with 14 at Wheldrake Ings on the 30th as receding water levels concentrated feeding birds. 

Grey Herons - Wheldrake Ings - 02/07

Little Egret – Up to four adults were present throughout the month and were seen making feeding flights into the local heronry. Birds were regularly seen fishing on the Wheldrake pool and at Bank Island, with scattered sightings from elsewhere, including several records coming from the Pocklington Canal in the Hagg Bridge and Melbourne area. Nine birds were present between Wheldrake Ings and Bank Island on the 24th – thought to be two local broods of three and two. 

Little Grebe – A single on Wheldrake Ings on the 4th was likely to be a dispersing post breeding bird. 

Red Kite – A single was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st and 2nd with two following hay cutting operations at North Duffield Ings on the 4th. A single was over Bank Island on the 14th, with two following the hay cutting machinery there on the 15th when one was also reported from Melbourne. One was at Wheldrake Ings on the 19th with three following tractors at Bank Island/Wheldrake Ings on the 22nd and up to two there until month end. 

Red Kite - Bank Island - 15/07

Marsh Harrier – A single pair remained in the valley between Wheldrake and Ellerton Ings where they seemed to spend much of their time. A second calendar female was present at Wressle on the 2nd with an adult male at Wheldrake on the 18th. 

Peregrine – Three pairs are now known to have bred around the valley, on pylons raising six young (three broods of two) to fledging. In the valley itself an adult male flew over Ellerton Ings on the 3rd with a second year male over Bank Island on the 4th. A single was seen over Bank Island on the 15th. 

Hobby – A pair were seen carrying food and were thought to be feeding young in the Kexby area early in the month. A single was present at Bank Island on the 1st with three individuals recorded between North Duffield Carrs, Aughton and Ellerton Ings on the 2nd, and two over North Duffield Ings on the 4th. A single was at Bank Island on the 8th and Thornton Ellers on the 9th, whilst three birds carrying food in differing locations on the 12th were presumably linked to the three breeding pairs in the area. A single was at Bank Island on the 14th followed by one near Pocklington on the 15th heading back towards Canal Head and Bielby. A single flew over Wheldrake Ings and Thorganby village on the 18th whilst another was seen hunting House Martins over Aughton village on the 20th.

Kestrel - A rather later than normal breeding season, with two broods (a three and a single) ringed during the month. Several individuals were seen following the hay cutting operations, and the regular pair were still present on Adder Heath on Skipwith Common. 

Young Kestrel - Bubwith - 20/07 

Corncrake – A single singing male was discovered on the morning of the 7th (MS), which continued to call throughout the day. It was later caught and ringed in the afternoon and was found to be a first year male which showed signs of a brood patch. A second bird was also thought to have been present (CSR, AW, MFJ et al). The bird continued to sing over the coming days and was seen (although not singing) twice on the 12th (JL, RB). It was then heard again on the 16th and 18th. 

Corncrake - Aughton - 07/07

Quail – A single singing male was present at Aughton Ings on the 7th and Thornton Ellers on the 9th. One was at East Cottingwith Ings on the 15th and one again briefly at North Duffield Carrs on the 24th. 

Little Ringed Plover – A single immature was at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st with one present there on the 12th. 

Oystercatcher – The usual nocturnal passage of birds started early in the month with several family parties also noted moving during daylight hours. Four were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 7th. 

Golden Plover – Four flew south through the valley on the 25th – the first of the autumn. 

Lapwing – Post breeding flocks included 110 at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st with 200+ on Ellerton Ings on the 2nd, whilst 100+ flew south at Aughton Ings on the 7th. The last unfledged youngster was at Wheldrake Ings on the 8th. 124 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 18th with 300 there on the 19th. 400+ flew south during the morning of the 20th when 200+ were feeding on the aftermath with Starlings. Up to 400 were present in the valley from the 25th to month end. 

Lapwing - Wheldrake Ings - 08/07

Curlew – As usual the westerly movement of small groups and family parties started early in the month with 11 over Bank Island on the 3rd and six over Ellerton on the 5th. 29 were present at roost at Wheldrake Ings on the 7th including two recently fledged juveniles, followed by 24 there on the 18th. A single flew west at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th. 

Whimbrel – A single flew south-west over Wheldrake Ings calling early on the morning of the 14th – the first of the autumn. 

Common Snipe – A post breeding flock of 30+ were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st whilst several late breeding pairs and broods included six at Ellerton on the 5th, and five at Aughton Ings on the 7th. 17 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 19th. 

Ruff – Five birds (four summer plumaged males and a female), were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd. 

Black-tailed Godwit – Seven summer plumaged birds were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 12th. 

Redshank – Four recently fledged young and a single adult were still present at Wheldrake Ings on the 8th. Four fledged juveniles were also present on the 18th. 

Greenshank – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 26th was the first of the autumn. 

Wood Sandpiper – A single flew over Wheldrake Ings on the 30th. 

Green Sandpiper – Two were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st with one there on the 4th, followed by a single at Ellerton on the 5th and a single over Skipwith Common on the 6th. Two were at Wheldrake Ings on the 9th and 10th with a single on the 11th and 12th. One was seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 18th with up to two daily thereafter to month end. Two were at Skipwith Common on the 25th followed by one over Thornton on the 27th. 

Common Sandpiper – A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 9th. 

Common Tern – A single pair were present throughout the month in the Pocklington Canal Head/Allerthorpe area, along with a pair at Wheldrake Ings throughout the month. Four were at Bank Island on the 29th. 

Green Woodpecker – A single was heard at the wind-pump at Wheldrake Ings on the 21st, followed by daily sightings thereafter until month end, along with regular ‘yaffling’ birds at Bank Island from the 25th.  Several adults and fledged juveniles were also present at Skipwith Common throughout the month. 

Turtle Dove – Two pairs were found on nests in the Foggathorpe area during the month – this area has been a traditional stronghold for the species and is now the last remaining area to hold birds. Two pairs were also calling in the Halthorpe area during the month. 

Nightjar – A single churring male was present at Skipwith Common NNR from late June and remained until the 20th, with a second churring male recorded on the 1st and 6th followed by three there on the 11th. 

Woodlark – Up to eight singing males were present at Skipwith Common throughout the month. Several broods were recorded with small post breeding flocks building up during the month. 

Yellow Wagtail – Five were present near Melbourne on the 15th with a post breeding flock of 30 on the riverbank at Ellerton Ings on the 28th. 

Grey Wagtail – A single juvenile was caught and ringed in the duck pipe on the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 23rd (MFJ). Birds were recorded regularly from the water treatment works at Bank Island during the month. 

Kingfisher – A single pair are known to have bred at Elvington Weir during the month, with another pair near Canal Head and Melbourne, sadly a male was picked by dead near Walbut Bridge on the 14th. A pair are thought to have bred near Thornton Ellers whilst regular sightings also came from Wheldrake Ings and Bank Island during the month. A total of six or seven pairs are thought to have been present in the area during the breeding season. A single was fishing at the Top Pond, North Duffield Carrs on the 23rd followed by two at the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th – where both birds performed well in front of the hides. 

Swift – 600 flew south moving slowly over Bank Island on the 9th. 50 were still over Melbourne on the 21st with 120 over Bank Island on the 28th. 

Cuckoo – A single juvenile was present in Ellerton church yard on the 16th (MFJ) with another at Skipwith Common on the 20th (LM, CSR) followed by one at Bank Island on the 22nd (CSR). 

Starling – A post breeding roost started to build up at Wheldrake Ings during the month with 100+ there on the 19th. 

Redstart – A single adult male was caught and ringed in the pool side willows at Wheldrake Ings on the 24th (MFJ). 

Redstart - Wheldrake - 24/07

Whinchat – A single male at North Duffield Carrs on the 19th was the first of the autumn (AW) and was followed by two at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th (DB). 

Sedge Warbler – 53 were caught and ringed during the month at Wheldrake Ings (MFJ), during annual monitoring work – this comprised of above average numbers of adults suggesting a less successful breeding season than in recent years. 

Reed Warbler – Similar to above, a total of 45 ringed were at Wheldrake Ings during the month (MFJ). 

Reed Warbler - Wheldrake - 01/07

Grasshopper Warbler – A single reeling male was heard at Aughton Ings on the 12th. 

Blackcap – A species which appears to have had a bumper breeding season with a total of 80 ringed at Wheldrake Ings during the month (MFJ). 

Willow Warbler – Numbers during the month appear to have been average with passage picking up during the last week of the month, a noticeable influx was seen on the 30th. 

Lesser Whitethroat – Up to five pairs were present in the Melbourne area of the Pocklington Canal during the month, apparently breeding with good success – three passage birds were caught and ringed in poolside willows at Wheldrake Ings during the month (MFJ). 

Spotted Flycatcher – Up to two pairs remained in Skipwith village during the month where young were also heard calling. A single bird was seen on the Common on the 11th. A juvenile was being fed by an adult near Melbourne on the 16th, whilst a single at Wheldrake Ings in willows on the riverside track on the 18th was another notable record. 

Spotted Flycatcher - Skipwith Common - 07/07 

Willow Tit – Up to five birds were noted during the month around the base at Bank Island, with regular sightings at Wheldrake Ings including four there on the 18th. 

Siskin – A small post breeding flock of 15 were on Skipwith Common on the 5th, with seven seen flying over Bank Island on the 7th. Six over Wheldrake Ings on the 8th were followed by five at Skipwith Common on the 16th and one over Wheldrake Ings on the 18th, when eight (six juveniles) were also present at Melbourne. 

Crossbill – Three flew south at Wheldrake Ings on the 18th. 

Corn Bunting – Up to 15 singing males were present through the Ings – a higher count than normal on the Ings itself. This included a single singing male by the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th – a rather unusual location.

Tree Sparrow - Breeding continued throughout the month with four pairs each raising a third brood in the NNR base nest boxes.

Tree Sparrow - NNR Base - 24/07 



MAMMALS: 

Brown Hare – Present throughout the area with good numbers of young leverets seen on the hay cropped Ings, suggesting a successful breeding season. Seven were on Wheldrake Ings on the 9th with 13 at Thornton Ellers on the 12th and 14 present between Bubwith Ings and East Cottingwith on the 15th. 11 were at Wheldrake Ings on the evening of the 19th, followed by five at Thornton Ellers on the 21st and eight on the 28th. 

Brown Hare - Thornton Ellers - 12/07

Roe Deer – Four were at Bank Island on the 19th followed by two there on the 22nd. 

Fallow Deer – A single at Skipwith Common on the 6th. 

Hedgehog – One was reported from Skipwith on the 3rd, followed by two there on the 12th.

Hedgehog - NNR Base - 03/07


AMPHIBIANS/REPTILES: 

Common Frog – A number of individuals were seen at Thornton Ellers on the 21st whilst cutting the meadow. 

Common Toad – A single was seen on the reserve base lawn on the 7th. 

Common Lizard – Up to nine were recorded at several sites on Skipwith Common on the 4th. One or two were reported from most sites around the Common thereafter. 

Adder – A single female was seen on the Common on the 20th, and again on the 31st. 

Adder - Skipwith Common - 20/07

Grass Snake – A single individual was reported from the Common on the 4th, 9th, 18th and 29th.


BUTTERFLIES: 

Painted Lady – A single was in the NNR base garden at Bank Island on the 16th, with three at Thornton Ellers on the 20th. 

Red Admiral – Three were at Wheldrake Ings daily from the 1st to 4th, followed by one at Skipwith Common on the 6th and one at the NNR base garden on the 7th. Three were at Thornton Ellers on the 12th with one at the NNR base on the 15th, along with one at Bank Island and North Duffield Carrs. One was at Bank Island on the 19th followed by two at Skipwith the next day (20th) and four at Thornton Ellers on the 21st. 

Peacock – Largely absent throughout the entire month, with just three records on the last day when three were seen on Skipwith on the 31st. 

Small Tortoiseshell – The emergence of the second generation saw increased numbers from early in the month, with 15 on Melbourne and Thornton Ings on the 5th - favouring Marsh Valerian. Six were at Skipwith Common and eight at the NNR base on the 6th, followed by five at the NNR base on the 7th. 

Comma – Two were in the NNR base garden at Bank Island on the 14th, followed by four there on the 15th and two in the garden on the 17th. Five were at Thornton Ellers on the 21st. 

Comma - Bank Island - 23/07

Dark Green Fritillary – A single in the NNR base garden on the 23rd was the first reserve record (CSR). A single was also seen near Deighton on the 11th (PW). 

Brimstone – The only record for the month came on the 31st when two were seen on the Common. 

Large White – Few sightings were had throughout the month, with one at Skipwith village on the 6th, three at Thornton Ellers on the 12th and two on the Common on the 31st. 

Small White – Very few records were had throughout the majority of the month, with a mere handful of sightings coming from Bank Island and Skipwith Common. By the end of the month the highest count was had when 10 were seen on Skipwith on the 31st. 

Green-veined White – Similar to Small Whites, present in very low numbers. 

Green-veined White - Bank Island - 23/07

Marbled White – A single at Bank Island on the 4th was the first for the year, followed by two at Thornton Ellers on the 9th. One was present near Elvington on the 18th when a single was also present on Skipwith Common. 

Speckled Wood – Three were seen on Skipwith on the 6th, followed by five on the 9th, four on the 16th, one on the 20th and two on the 31st. 

Meadow Brown – It appears to have been a great year for this species with 100’s recorded from most of the meadows, and perhaps 1000’s throughout the whole valley during the hot weather of the first week. Some of the highest counts came from Thornton Ellers on the 12th when 90+ were recorded, followed by 90+ counted on the butterfly transect around Bank Island on the 15th. 22 were seen on Skipwith on the 16th, followed by 30+ at Thornton Ellers on the 21st. 

Ringlet – A good showing as with the last species, although in smaller numbers as expected – 30 were present on Ellerton Ings on the 2nd followed by 30+ at East Cottingwith on the 3rd. 19 were counted at Skipwith on the 6th, followed by 15 on the 9th. 45 were at Thornton Ellers on the 12th, with 50+ in Ellerton churchyard on the 16th and 40+ at Thornton Ellers on the 21st. 

Gatekeeper – A single on Skipwith Common on the 16th was the first of the year. A large emergence was then seen on Skipwith Common on the 20th, when 18 were counted. Eight were seen at Thornton Ellers on the 21st, followed by 17 at Skipwith on the 31st. 

Gatekeeper - Skipwith Common - 23/07

Small Skipper – Present throughout the month, starting with six on Skipwith Common on the 6th and ten there on the 9th. Eight were seen at Thornton Ellers on the 12th. Thirteen were counted at Skipwith on the 16th, followed by ten there on the 20th. On the 21st 15 were recorded at Thornton Ellers. 

Large Skipper – Present in slightly smaller numbers then the similar Small Skipper. Six were recorded on Skipwith on the 6th, with six there again on the 9th. Five were at Thornton Ellers on the 12th, followed by one at Skipwith on the 16th.


DRAGONFLIES: 

Banded Demoiselle – 30+ were recorded between Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd. 

Emerald – 15 were present on the Common on the 6th, followed by ten on the 9th, six on the 16th, thirteen on the 20th and twelve on the 31st. 

Emerald - Skipwith Common - 09/07

Black-tailed Skimmer – 20+ were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 2nd when a single was also present in the NNR base garden, another or the same was present again there on the 4th. On the 9th three were recorded on Skipwith, followed by eight there on the 20th and a single on the 31st. 

Common Darter – Two were seen at Skipwith on the 9th, with six there on the 16th, three on the 20th and one on the 31st. 

Ruddy Darter – Recorded on Skipwith Common throughout the month, starting with two there on the 9th, five on the 20th, two on the 26th. By the end of the month, numbers had increased with a count of 18 on the 31st. 

Black Darter – Two were present at Skipwith on the 9th, followed by one on the 20th, two on the 26th and four on the 31st. 

Black Darter - Skipwith Common - 09/07

Brown Hawker – A single was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st, with two there on the 2nd, on the same day singles were also recorded at Ellerton and North Duffield Carrs. One was present at Bank Island on the 4th, followed by four at Wheldrake Ings on the 9th, on which date two were at Skipwith Common and four at Thornton Ellers. One was seen at Skipwith on the 31st.
Southern Hawker – Two seen on the Common on the 31st were the first for the year. 

Migrant Hawker – The first of the year were two at Skipwith Common on the 20th, followed by a single between Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 23rd. 

Migrant Hawker - Bank Island - 23/07

Emperor – The first of the year was seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st, followed by three at North Duffield Carrs on the 2nd, a single at Skipwith Common on the 6th and Aughton Ings on the 7th. Three were seen at Skipwith on the 9th followed by two there on the 16th.


MOTHS: 

As expected during the month the numbers and diversity of the catches in the moth trap increased. Several new and notable species were recorded, a few highlights are listed below. 

Cream-bordered Green Pea was again recorded from the base at Bank Island on several dates (at this Yorkshire stronghold). The first two Pine Hawk-moths for the reserve were recorded from the base and Wheldrake Ings on the 12th and were quickly followed by another on the 14th – presumed migrants. Two Blacknecks at Bank Island on the 12th and one on the same morning at Wheldrake Ings were also new for the valley. Hawk-moths featured well in general during the month with seven species recorded including a Small Elephant Hawk-moth at the base on the 12th. A Hummingbird Hawk-moth was seen in the base garden on the 20th - first record for the year. The first Common and Dingy Footman started to appear from the14th, with large numbers being recorded from the second of the month – Common Footman increased from a single on the 14th to 34 on the 15th. Beautiful Hook-tips continued to be recorded in good numbers and the first Green Silver-lines of the year was recorded at the base on the 24th.

Small/Elephant Hawk-moth - NNR Base - 12/07


OTHER INVERTS: 

Rosemary Bug – A single was present at the NNR base garden on the lavender on the 20th – the first reserve record of this introduced species, thought to be somewhat of a garden pest. Two were present on the 21st, with numbers up to three by month end. 

Rosemary Bug - NNR Base - 20/07

Adonis Ladybird – Three in the NNR base garden on the 26th were the first to be recorded in the valley. 

Harlequin Ladybird – Two were seen on Skipwith on the 16th, form H.axyridis succinea. 

H.axyridis succinea - Skipwith Common - 16/07
 
Orange Ladybird – A single was seen on Skipwith Common on the 6th and 9th.

Spotted Longhorn Beetle – One was found at Bank Island on the 23rd. 

Spotted Longhorn Beetle - Bank Island - 23/07

Four-banded Longhorn Beetle – A single was seen on Skipwith Common on the 6th and 16th. 

Heather Shield Bug – An adult, and the first record for the site was seen on Skipwith on the 31st.  


Heather Shield Bug - Skipwith Common - 31/07

Green Shield Bug – An adult was seen on Skipwith on the 31st.

Gorse Shield Bug – Two nymphs were seen nestled amongst the Gorse on the Common on the 20th. 

Gorse Shield Bug nymph - Skipwith Common - 20/07

Bronze Shield Bug – A nymph was seen on the Common on the 9th. 

Wasp MimicSericomyia silentis was seen on the 20th on the Common.

Sericomyia silentis - Skipwith Common - 20/07

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