June - January 2014

Lower Derwent Valley NNR Sightings

JUNE 2014

A month dominated by breeding species and plenty of activity – our ducks (particularly Gadwall) and waders have both had very successful breeding seasons with plenty of young seen and a small number ringed. The local Grey Herons bred successfully in the heronry with many of the young seen on Wheldrake Ings throughout the month. Several Little Egrets were present across the valley including juveniles, raising the possibility once again of local breeding. A Purple Heron and two Common Cranes were notable sightings, unfortunately neither chose to stick around for long. 

Wader passage started with a trickle towards the end of the month, with Green Sandpipers, a Black-tailed Godwit and Little Ringed Plover reported.  

A very good month for raptors with an Osprey present during the first few days, and the good run of Red Kite sightings continued. Several pairs of Buzzards had large young towards the end of the month, and three pairs of Peregrines bred in the wider valley. Three pairs of Hobbies were also present. Barn Owls continued their record breaking season and a good number of Kestrels successfully raised broods, many with 6 chicks each.

 

A quiet month for butterflies until the last week which saw a large emergence of Meadow Browns, Ringlets and Large Skippers. There were however several highlights on the insect front, a Marbled White butterfly flew through the reserve base garden and several sightings of Hairy Dragonfly were had – suggesting this species has or is about to colonise the valley. A Cream-bordered Green Pea was caught in the moth trap – good to know it’s maintaining a population at one of its key Yorkshire locations. Three species of Clearwing moths were caught, resulting in several new locations and good numbers.

Many thanks as always to those who have contributed records throughout the last month.

BIRDS: 

Mute Swan - Numbers of non-breeding birds decreased during the month as water levels receded. On the 2^nd 71 were present between Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings although only 14 remained by the 29^th - these were thought to be in full wing moult by that date. Several pairs with cygnets were present throughout the site during the month. 

Greylag Goose – Up to 18 adults and 44 goslings remained at Wheldrake Ings until month end. Smaller numbers were present elsewhere with up to 31 daily at Bank Island. 

Pink-footed Goose – A single was at Wheldrake Ings from the 2^nd - 10^th and North Duffield Carrs on the 15^th. 

Egyptian Goose - A pair bred off site at East Cottingwith raising six young. 

Mandarin – A single drake lingered at Wheldrake Ings early in the month until at least the 14^th. 

Teal – Breeding birds were scattered throughout the site with 17 adults at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th. 

Wigeon – Up to five birds remained at Wheldrake Ings where one pair was thought to have attempted breeding but failed. Singles were also noted at Aughton Ings and North Duffield Carrs during the month with two drakes and a female on Skipwith Common throughout the month. 

Gadwall – Good numbers bred with success throughout the site. The pool at Wheldrake Ings held 121 ducklings in 13+ broods on the 28^th, with an estimated 30 broods logged throughout the whole site with 200+ ducklings involved. 24 ducklings were caught and colour-ringed during the month. 

Shoveler – Breeding birds were still present throughout the site with several broods suggesting a successful season. A brood of five were ringed at Wheldrake Ings on the 27^th. 

Garganey – Pairs were present at Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings during the month. 

Tufted Duck – Scattered throughout the site in breeding pairs with up to 24 pairs located. Broods of two and eight at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th were typically late. 

Water Rail – Five calling birds remained at Wheldrake Ings during the month where at least one pair reared a brood in front of Swantail Hide. Regular sightings of 2+ juveniles were reported elsewhere on Wheldrake. Calling birds were reported from Church Bridge near Melbourne, Aughton Ings, Bubwith Ings and North Duffield Carrs. Birds were also heard calling on Skipwith Common. 

Coot – Numbers declined as the month progressed and failed breeders moved on. By month end it was clear that 11 pairs had raised broods (40+ young) at Bank Island and 10 pairs (30+ young) at Wheldrake Ings with odd scattered ones elsewhere throughout the valley. 

Quail – The small arrival on the 1^st brought four calling males to the valley (CSR) and a single bird to Skipwith Common (RM), with a further three on the 2^nd and nine by the 4^th. A single was still present at Church Bridge Melbourne on the 15^th (DB) with a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th. 

Grey Heron – Numbers built up as expected during the month as birds fledged from the local heronry and became concentrated on the Ings as water levels receded. Numbered peaked late in the month with 37 between Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 25^th, when a minimum of 46 were present throughout the site. Several colour-ringed birds were recorded as they moved around the valley (please enter any sightings into the hide logbooks). By the 24^th one of this years fledged young had made its way south into Derbyshire. 

Grey Heron - Aughton - T.Weston

Purple Heron – A single sub adult flew over the reserve office at Bank Island heading towards Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th (FM). 

Little Egret – Two or three were reported from various sites around the valley early in the month. Three, two adults and a very recently fledged juvenile were present at Breighton Meadows on the 23^rd (CSR, FM, LM) – once again raising the possibility of local breeding. 

Little Egret - Breighton - 26/06

Red Kite – Reported regularly from Canal Head on the Pocklington Canal throughout the month. Singles were also seen at Thornton on the 6^th, Church Bride on the 15^th, Elvington on the 16^th and Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd, 11^th and 21^st. 

Sparrowhawk – Several birds bred around the reserve during the month with regular sightings of birds carrying food throughout the valley with a pair regularly seen at the reserve base. 

Osprey – A single remained at Wheldrake Ings from the 31^st May to the 4^th June (FM). 

Marsh Harrier – A single pair were present at the southern end of the valley throughout the month with at least another female present. 

Hobby – A single was seen at Church Bridge on the 6^th and 8^th, along with one at Wheldrake Ings on the same date, two pairs were also present in the area throughout the month. A single individual was later seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th and 30^th. 

Kestrel – The successful breeding season continued with 66 young ringed in the area during the month, by mid-month several broods had fledged. A pair were regularly seen feeding around the NNR Base at Bank Island throughout the month and showed well there daily, the two adults being joined on the wing by six juveniles on the 27^th. 

Kestrel - 26/06 - Wheldrake

Common Crane – A single was seen near Skipwith Common on the 1^st with a pair reported again in fields near there on the 5^th (AH). 

Little Ringed Plover – A single returning bird was seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th (DB). 

Oystercatcher - Several pairs bred and raised young to fledging around the valley during the month with the usual nocturnal passage commencing towards the end of the month. 

Lapwing - Post breeding flocks built up during the month with 500+ at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th - the largest flock noted. 

Dunlin – A flock of 15 were present at Bank Island on the 25^th. 

Woodcock – Birds were roding on Skipwith Common throughout the month. 

Curlew – Good numbers were present throughout the site with several pairs appearing with young late in the month. 

Redshank – Breeding took place throughout the site with reasonable success, during the last week of the month most adults had left the site leaving largely juveniles present. 

Redshank - Aughton - T.Weston

Black-tailed Godwit – A single summer plumage bird was present at Bank Island from the 28^th. 

Common Snipe – Drumming birds were present throughout the month with an interesting record of 75+ on Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th (DB). 

Green Sandpiper – The first returning bird was at Bank Island on the 15^th (CSR, LM), presumably the same individual was then present between Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings throughout the month to month end, with two at Bank Island from the 28^th. A single was also present at Aughton on the 26^th. 

Common Tern – A pair frequented Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings throughout the month although did not settle to breed on the tern rafts – however breeding was thought to have taken place off site. Up to four other pairs also bred on nearby water bodies. 

Jackdaw - Throughout the month a number of pairs were known to have bred around the valley, some of which were ringed including this brood of three from Thorganby.

Jackdaw - brood of three - Thorganby - 26/06

Barn Owl - High numbers of pairs were found breeding throughout the area with good productivity, by the end of the month several broods had already fledged. Several females were also found to be incubating second clutches from mid-month. A total of 136 chicks were ringed throughout the area during the month. 

Cuckoo – Good numbers remained throughout the month with birds calling until the 28^th – a rather protracted breeding season. At least five singing males were present on the canal near Melbourne with one or two fledged young there by the 27^th. 

Turtle Dove – A single ‘purring’ male near Foggathorpe on the 2^nd was the first of the year (JT) with two pairs between Bubwith and Foggathorpe during the rest of the month – just hanging on as a breeding species in the area. 

Skylark – Large numbers of singing birds were present throughout the Ings and adjacent farmland during the month. 

Skylark - Aughton - T.Weston

Grasshopper Warbler – One reeling male was at Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal, Melbourne on the 15^th (DB). 

Corn Bunting – Small numbers were scattered throughout the wider area but more surprising were eight singing males on the Ings throughout the valley early in the month.


MAMMALS: 

Brown Hare - Two were present at Bank Island on the 4^th and 6^th with four there on the 28^th. Up to 10 were present during the month at Thornton Ellers with 12 there on the 11^th, and scattered singles elsewhere. 

Roe Deer – Pairs were present and were thought to have fawns nearby at Bank Island, Wheldrake Ings, East Cottingwith Ings, North Duffield Carrs and North Duffield Ings during the month. 

Red Fox – One was seen at Bank Island on the 17^th. 

Otter – Still regular signs around Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal, Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs during the month.


BUTTERFLIES: 

Small Copper – No records throughout the month. 

Comma - No records throughout the month. 

Peacock – Just a single record throughout the whole of June, with one seen at Bank Island on the 6^th. 

Red Admiral – The commonest butterfly throughout the month with singles recorded almost daily at Bank Island. On the 5^th five were seen over Wheldrake Ings, with three at Ellerton on the 11^th, 12 at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th and 12 at Wheldrake on the 25^th. Singles were also recorded throughout the area during the month. 

Small Tortoiseshell – Singles were recorded at Bank Island on the 3^rd, 7^th and 10^th – but generally rather scarce during the month. Numbers started to increase at month end as second brood individuals started to appear with seven at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th. 

Green-veined White – Just two records for the month, with singles seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th and 25^th. 

Small White – Like most other species a quiet month with just a handful of records from Bank Island and East Cottingwith. 

Large White – The first for the year came on the 18^th when a single was recorded on the butterfly transect at Bank Island. Two were then seen on Skipwith Common on the 25^th – one of the better butterfly days of the month! 

Marbled White – A single and first for the year, flew through the NNR Base Garden at Bank Island on the 26^th. 

Orange Tip – Just three records during the first two weeks of the month with none thereafter from the 13^th. 

Brimstone – Singles at Thornton Ellers on the 14^th and Bank Island on the 16^th. 

Meadow Brown – The first of the year was seen at Thorganby on the 14^th with three at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th. A large emergence then took place from the 25^th with counts in double figures from Skipwith Common, Wheldrake Ings and Bubwith Ings. 

Ringlet – The first for the year was seen at the NNR Base at Bank Island on the 25^th, with a flurry of records then until month end, including counts of 25 (Wheldrake Ings) and 23 (Bank Island) on the 26^th. 

Speckled Wood – One of the most seen species throughout the month, with a total of 47 recorded. 

Large skipper – The first for the year was a single at Thorganby Ings on the 17^th, record from then until month end, including a count of 12 from Skipwith Common on the 25^th.

Large Skipper - Bank Island - 26/06

DRAGONFLIES: 

Emperor – A single at Aughton Ings on the 18^th was the first of the year (TW) with two there on the 23^rd. 

Hairy Dragonfly – A single at Aughton and Bank Island on the 11^th with another at Bank Island on the 15^th, Aughton Ings on the 23^rd and North Duffield Carrs on the 28^th. 

Emerald Damselfly – The first for the year came on the 26^th when five were seen in the NNR Base Garden. Later during the afternoon of the 26^th on the butterfly transect two were then seen on the riverside track. 

Banded Demoiselle – Three, two females and a male were seen on the path down to Cheesecake Hide at Bank Island on the 26^th. On the same day during the butterfly transect five were seen along the riverside track to Wheldrake Ings car park. 

Banded Demoiselle - Bank Island - 26/06

Blue-tailed Damselfly – The first for the year was a single seen at Bank Island on the 26^th.


MOTHS: 

A number of new species were caught throughout the month at the NNR Base at Bank Island, along with a few new day flying species on the wing on Skipwith Common. Listed below are some of the new species caught throughout the month: 

Beautiful Golden Y, Buff Ermine, Burnished Brass, Clay, Common Footman, Cream-bordered Green Pea, Dark Arches, Elephant Hawkmoth, Garden Pebble, Heart & Dart, Lackey, Large Yellow Underwing, Peppered Moth, Satellite, Shark, Short-cloaked Moth, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Silver Y, Snout and Valerian Pug.

Burnished Brass - NNR Base - 26/06

Throughout the month pheromone traps were placed in various sites around the valley – at the NNR Base at Bank Island, North Duffield Carrs, North Duffield Ings and Skipwith Common.

A number of Clearwing species were found in the traps with Large Red-belted and Yellow-legged present on Skipwith Common. A number of Red-tipped Clearwings were also found at North Duffield Ings.

Red-tipped Clearwing - NNR Base - 26/06

OTHER INSECTS: 

Throughout June we carried on with the ‘Pan’ list, adding a number of new insects during the month, with hoverflies such as Eristalis pertinax, Myathropa florea, Syrphus ribesii and Episyrphus balteatus.

Hoverfly (Myathropa florea) - Bank Island - 26/06

Other flies and beetles were also found around the NNR Base and Bank Island: Mesembrina meridiana (Fly), Closterotomus norwegicus (Potato capsid), Panorpa communis (Scorpion Fly), Rhagonycha fulva (Red Soldier Beetle), Evancanthus interruptus (Yellow & black Leaf hopper), Tenthredo scrophulariae (Figwort Sawfly), Leptopterna dolabrata, Grypocoris stysi (Plant Bugs).

 Sawfly - Rhogogaster chlorosoma - Bank Island - 26/06

 Figwort Sawfly (Tenthredo scrophulariae) - NNR Base - 26/06
 

 Meadow Plant Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata) - Bank Island - 26/06

NOTABLE PLANTS: 

Many new plant and grass species for the year were recorded throughout June such as: Amphibious Bistort, Bittersweet, Bog Pimpernel, Common Meadow-rue, Common Valerian, Crested Dog’s-tail, Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill, Fine-leaved Water-dropwort, Hedge Woundwort, Marsh Stitchwort, Marsh Woundwort, Self-heal, Timothy and Welted Thistle.

 Self-heal - Wheldrake -16/06

 Crested Dog's-tail - Wheldrake - 16/06

MAY 2014

May can be an exciting change over time for birds in the valley, with the last of the lingering winter visitors, further returning migrants, breeding birds and passage migrants moving through. This May was no exception although a wet and warm month resulted in vigorous vegetation growth which meant observing some species was rather tricky and for some groups, like passage waders, the more exposed open muddy areas were restricted.

Wheldrake Ings in full bloom - 19/05

A Whooper Swan remained at Wheldrake Ings until the 3^rd with a late Pink-footed Goose staying until the 15^th before moving on. The waterfowl breeding season was well underway during the month with record numbers of Gadwall present throughout the site – with frequent pursuits of many species recorded during the month and some involving large numbers of drakes chasing single, presumably unpaired females. A drake Mandarin appeared at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th and three pairs of Garganey were present in the Wheldrake/Bank Island area during the month - providing a challenge to see except when in flight.

A Black Stork passed through the valley on the 26^th - a highlight had any of the local birdwatchers seen it on its brief visit! Six Little Egrets were more readily available, and the month also saw the first of the local Grey Herons fledge. Red Kites and Marsh Harriers continued to be regular visitors to the valley with several Hobby’s showing well at scattered localities and a late Osprey was seen fishing over the pool at Wheldrake on the 31^st (and subsequently lingering into early June).

A late passage Jack Snipe was still at Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd whilst Grey Plover, Sanderling and Turnstone were all typical but noteworthy finds during the month. Several pairs of Common Terns were present around the valley with birds using the tern rafts at Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on a regular basis. A Long-eared Owl near Escrick Duck Decoy on the 24^th was a welcome record whilst Barn Owls and Kestrels were both found to be having a bumper year in our boxes present throughout the study area – both in terms of occupancy but also productivity.

BIRDS: 

Whooper Swan – The late staying individual was present at Wheldrake Ings from the 1^st – 3^rd. 

Mute Swan – The first brood (nine cygnets) appeared at North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th with a total of five broods and 23 cygnets appearing by month end. 

Mute Swan brood - North Duffield Carrs - 19/05

Greylag Goose – A creche of 27 goslings were seen on the river at North Duffield Carrs on the 14^th with 40 goslings present at Wheldrake Ings throughout the month and 17 present at Bank Island. 

Pink-footed Goose – A single was at Wheldrake Ings from the 2^nd - 10^th and North Duffield Carrs on the 15^th. 

Canada Goose – Single pairs bred at Bank Island, Wheldrake and North Duffield Carrs with three broods of two young. Birds tend to favour water bodies away from the Ings where they appear to be outcompeted by Greylag Geese on the reserve. 

Egyptian Goose – A pair were present on a pond at East Cottingwith throughout the month where breeding was thought to have been attempted. A pair were also present at Wheldrake Ings on the 18^th.

Mandarin – A drake was on the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th (DB). 

Teal – Breeding birds were scattered throughout the site. 

Wigeon – A single female was at Wheldrake Ings throughout the month with two pairs also at Bank Island with scattered birds elsewhere. Two pairs were also present on Skipwith Common. 

Gadwall – Good numbers remained throughout the month with some large pursuit flights noted including 16 drakes at Bank Island on the 14^th and 18 at Wheldrake Ings on the 25^th. 

Mallard - A widespread breeding species present in good numbers throughout the valley, with newly hatched broods continuing to appear throughout the month.

Mallard - Wheldrake Ings - 14/05

Shoveler – Good numbers remained throughout the month with a large pursuit flight involving 18 drakes at Bank Island on the 27^th. 

Garganey – A single drake was seen at Bank Island on the 1^st - 3^rd with a pair there on 5^th, and two drakes at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th and 10^th. A drake was seen at Bank Island again on the 15^th and a pair again on the 17^th and another at Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th (DT, CSR et al). Two pairs (Wheldrake Ings and Bank Island) remained thereafter to month end. 

Tufted Duck – A number of breeding birds were scattered throughout the site. 

Pochard – A single male was at Bank Island on the 17^th (DB). 

Little Grebe – A single pair remained at Bank Island throughout the month with two pairs at Wheldrake Ings and a single pair at North Duffield Carrs. 

Black Stork – A single flew north up the valley on the 26^th past East Cottingwith Ings (the second reserve record) and over Wheldrake Ings at 1400hrs – it was later seen following the River Derwent towards Malton (FM). It was presumably the same bird seen earlier in the day at Humberhead Peatlands NNR. 

Water Rail – Up to five singing birds remained throughout the month at Wheldrake Ings with a single also at Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal near Melbourne on the 2^nd. A single was at Bank Island on the 18^th. 

Coot – Large numbers of young started to appear late in the month at Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings. 

Grey Heron – The first fledged birds were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 18^th when 17 were counted feeding across the site. 

Little Egret – Three were at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th - 11^th with four there on the 13^th and six from the 15^th - 19^th with scattered singles thereafter. 

Red Kite – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th and again on the 8^th and 9^th. A single was at Aughton on the 16^th and four were present near Holme-on-Spalding-Moor on the 26^th. 

Osprey – A single was at Wheldrake Ings, fishing over the pool on the 31^st. 

Marsh Harrier – A single pair were present at the southern end of the valley throughout the month with a pair nest building at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th and 25^th. 

Hobby – A single on the 3^rd near Skipwith was the first, and rather late individual of the year (DT). A single was then present at North Duffield Carrs on the 14^th, Thornton on the 15^th, Dunnington from the 16^th and Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th. 

Common Crane – Two birds were calling at the southern end of the valley on the 31^st. 

Oystercatcher – Two chicks were seen near East Cottingwith on the 23^rd and another pair with chicks at Thornton Ellers on the 28^th with scattered pairs elsewhere. 

Grey Plover – A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th. 

Lapwing – Present throughout the site with a brood of three ringed at North Duffield Carrs and four at Thornton Ellers. 

Dunlin – A single was at Wheldrake Ings from the 23^rd to month end – a late passage bird. 

Sanderling – A single was at Aughton Ings on the 11^th. 

Jack Snipe – A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd. 

Woodcock – A single bird was roding on Skipwith on the 2^nd with a single adult then seen near Escrick on the 3^rd with four chicks. 

Curlew – Good numbers were present throughout the site with several pairs appearing with young late in the month. 

Redshank – A brood of two were seen (and then helped) crossing the road at Ellerton on the 23^rd. 

Greenshank – The single at Wheldrake Ings remained from the 1^st - 9^th. A single then flew south over Wheldrake on the 18^th with one then seen at Thornton Ellers on the 28^th. 

Turnstone – Three were at Wheldrake Ings on the 11^th, on which date a large movement occurred inland throughout the region. 

Common Sandpiper – A single was at Wheldrake Ings from the 1^st - 9^th with a single there on the 18^th. 

Lesser Black-backed Gull – 300+ were in newly cut silage fields near Elvington on the 26^th - 28^th. 

Little Gull – A first summer bird was at Bank Island on the 14^th. 

Common Tern – A pair were sat on the tern raft at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th and either the same pair or another, were fishing on the ponds between Wheldrake and Elvington on the 10^th. A pair were present near Canal Head, Pocklington on the 13^th and 14^th with a pair at Bank Island from the 14^th - 19^th.  

Five were present in the Allerthorpe area from the 15^th - 19^th. 

Common Tern - Bank Island - 13/05

Barn Owl - A rather dark individual showing traits resembling that of the dark-breasted form was present near Newton-on-Derwent on the 28^th (AF). Good numbers of pairs were found breeding throughout the area with good productivity – pleasing after last year’s poor season. 

Long-eared Owl – A single between Skipwith and Escrick flew over the A19 after dusk on the 24^th (AW, OM). 

Great Spotted Woodpecker – A single pair were found feeding young in a nest hole on Skipwith Common from mid-month. Other pairs were seen feeding young or carrying food at East Cottingwith and North Duffield Carrs and were also present at Thornton Ellers and Bank Island during the month.

Cuckoo – Birds were widespread during the month with two males and three females present near Church Bridge, Melbourne during the month (NC). Three were heard on Skipwith Common on the 19^th. 

Great Spotted Woodpecker - Skipwith Common - 19/05

Swift – The first main arrival took place from the 4^th when up to 30 were present throughout the site, up to 50+ by the 5^th. They were present and widespread thereafter with a large arrival on the 13^th with 100+ at Bank Island and 50+ at Melbourne. Heavy rain forced birds into feeding low over the Ings on the 28^th with 50+ at Thornton Ellers and Bank Island, 150+ over Wheldrake Ings and 30+ over North Duffield Ings. 

Spotted Flycatcher – A single on Skipwith Common NNR on the 21^st was the first of the year (DT) with a pair there from the 22^nd and a third bird on the 27^th. A single was seen near Riccall on the 25^th. 

Wheatear – A single male was seen on Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd along with a female on the 10^th.  A single was near Breighton on the 14^th when a female was also present at North Duffield Carrs.

Redstart – One, or possibly two singing males remained on Skipwith Common during the month. 

Pied Wagtail – Present throughout the site with fledged birds on the Pocklington Canal by the 20^th and a pair feeding young at Bank Island on the 26^th. 

Grasshopper Warbler – A single was by Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal near Melbourne on the 2^nd. 

Tree Sparrow – Nine pairs bred in boxes at the NNR base at Bank Island during the month.

MAMMALS: 

Brown Hare – Three were seen together at Bank Island on the 15^th with a single then seen on Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th. Later during the evening of the 19^th seventeen were seen at Thornton Ellers. 

Fallow Deer – Two were seen along main road to Skipwith Common on the 19^th. 

Roe Deer – On the morning of the 15^th singles were seen at Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings along with two at North Duffield Carrs. On the 23^rd pairs were seen at Bank Island, North Duffield Carrs and East Cottingwith.

Roe Deer - North Duffield Carrs - 19/05

Fox – A single was seen at Bank Island on the 9^th. 

Mink - A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th. 

Otter – Two were seen on Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th and two males were released back to the area at North Duffield Carrs on the 14^th (see here for the full story). 

Otter - North Duffield Carrs - 14/05

Badger – One was seen at Thornton Ellers early one morning on the 20^th.

Water Vole – A single was seen near Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal on the 8^th (NC).

REPTILES: 

Common Lizard – Three were seen along the boardwalk adjacent to the bomb bay loop on Skipwith Common on the 19^th.

BUTTERFLIES: 

Small Copper – Just a single record for the month (and the first for the year), came on the 13^th in the NNR Base Garden. 

Peacock – Very few records (25) compared with last month (197). 

Red Admiral – The first for the month was a single in the NNR Base Garden on the 19^th, singles were then seen at Bank Island, Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th. 

Small Tortoiseshell – Very few records throughout the month (a mere 28), compared with 151 in April, with the majority of them coming throughout the first two weeks of the month. 

Green-veined White – Numbers on the wing were up on last month, with many individuals seen around the NNR Base Garden with more feeding opportunities available to them as the flowering plants started to open. 

Small White – This species started to appear on the wing towards the last week of April and continued to increase in number as the new month progressed, however the unsettled weather halted records from time to time. Recorded each week on the butterfly transect at Bank Island, with the highest count for the month being 10 at North Duffield Carrs on the 13^th. 

Orange Tip – The most recorded species throughout the month (65), although down by last month’s standards (123). Recorded in abundance each week on the butterfly transect at Bank Island and along the river bank track to Wheldrake Ings, with a number of other records also coming from North Duffield Carrs and Skipwith Common. 

Orange Tip - North Duffield Carrs - 19/05

Brimstone – Just scraping into double figures with 11 reported throughout the month, including a count of 6 (three males, three females) on Skipwith Common on the 19^th. 

Wall Brown – The first for the month was seen in the meadow at North Duffield Ings on the 13^th. 

Speckled Wood – Numbers reported were down on last month (a mere 9, compared with 22 in April).

MOTHS: 

Several moth trapping nights throughout the month resulted in 39 different species caught and a total of 148 individuals trapped over three sessions at Bank Island and Thornton Ellers. A number of species were also seen on the wing during the day time including Small Yellow Underwing (Bank Island 13^th), Waved Umber (Bank Island 15^th), Blood Vein & Latticed Heath (Skipwith Common 19^th), Mother Shipton (East Cottingwith 27^th) and Common Swift (Pocklington 27^th).

DRAGONFLIES: 

Common Blue Damselfly – The first for the year were seen on the 13^th when two were present around the NNR Base pond and two in the meadow at North Duffield Ings. 

Azure Damselfly – The first for the year was a single on the NNR Base pond on the 13^th with several individuals then seen at North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th. 

Azure Damselfly - North Duffield Carrs - 19/05

Large Red Damselfly – The first for the year were four individuals seen on Skipwith Common on the 19^th. 

Four-spotted Chaser – The first for the year were seen around the pools on Skipwith Common on the 19^th when at least nine were present. 

Banded Demoiselle – A single female, and the first for the year was seen at Bank Island on the 19^th, with a male seen later the same day during the butterfly transect along the river bank path. A single male was then seen on the 20^th on Wheldrake Ings.

NOTABLE PLANTS: 

Throughout the month typical May species started to flower with highlights being Green-winged Orchids and Adders Tongue Fern at Newton Mask, and Northern & Southern Marsh Orchids were in flower in a favoured spot near East Cottingwith. The meadows began to fill with colour from mid-month with plenty of species flowering early this year due to the mild spring. Ragged Robin, Marsh Marigold, Meadow Buttercup and Cuckoo Flower to name a few. Other species such as Meadow-rue and Purple Loosestrife were out in leaf and not far behind in flowering towards the end of the month.

Adders Tongue Fern - Newton Mask - 06/05

APRIL 2014

As the month progressed and the water levels receded the number of wintering waterfowl decreased as birds departed for the breeding grounds. A single Whooper Swan remained throughout the month and a late Smew was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 6th, the same site also held a Common Scoter on the rather typical date of the 13th. An influx of Garganey saw five arrive in the valley on the 5th whilst breeding numbers of Shoveler and Gadwall were high throughout the month. A Black-necked Grebe at Bank Island on the 19th was another noteworthy record, along with two Ospreys that passed north through the valley on the 5th and 12th. Up to three different Marsh Harriers were present during the month and a Red Kite lingered in the Wheldrake Ings area. A wandering pair of Common Cranes were also present in the valley between the 10th and 13th.

April typically sees the start of northward bound wader passage although numbers were rather low during the month. First dates included Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper on the 7th, Green Sandpiper on the 15th, Greenshank and Ringed Plover on the 17th, on which date numbers of the spring passage of Islandic Black-tailed Godwits peaked at 45. Out-going wintering waders included two late Jack Snipe on the 27th and 29th, whilst two passage Bar-tailed Godwits on the 20th and 26th were noteworthy. A late Iceland Gull at North Duffield Carrs on the 5th and two adult Mediterranean Gulls at Bank Island on the 16th were the pick of the gulls during the month.

It appears to have been a good month for returning warblers with a number of many species arriving back during the month, with noteworthy numbers of Cuckoos also present and a welcome upturn in numbers over recent years from the first on the 12th. Four Grasshopper Warblers from the 26th represents a good start to the year for them.

BIRDS: 

By the end of April 147 different species had been recorded in the Lower Derwent Valley NNR and Skipwith Common NNR throughout 2014, many thanks as always to all those who have contributed records during the month.

Whooper Swan – A single bird was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th - 6^th with four there on the 7^th and a lone bird lingering thereafter throughout the month. 

Mute Swan – 100+ non-breeders were present throughout the site with 62 concentrated on Wheldrake Ings on the 29^th. A total of seven breeding pairs are present around the site with one pair at North Duffield Carrs incubating a clutch of nine by mid-month. 

Mute Swans - North Duffield Carrs - 10/04

Greylag Goose – The first brood, of seven, was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 22^nd with five broods, totalling 37 goslings, at Wheldrake Ings on the 25^th. 

Canada Goose – Up to 50 remained throughout the month, including one pair nesting on Bank Island.

Egyptian Goose – Four at Wheldrake Ings from the 1^st - 5^th with at least one pair present throughout the month. 

Shelduck – Up to 120 birds remained throughout the month. 

Mallard – A single female was accompanied by 13 newly hatched ducklings on Bank Island on the 1^st - first of the year. A brood of three were at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th with broods of three at Melbourne and eight at Thorganby Ings appearing on the 17^th. A brood of 11 were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th with a steady appearance of broods throughout the site thereafter. 

Teal - c2300 were present on the 1^st with 1770 still remaining on the 5^th although a large scale departure occurred soon after with just 800+ remaining on the 8^th, down to 400+ by the 10^th. 80+ were still present at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th, with just 50 on the 29^th. Scattered pairs were present throughout the site at month end.

Pintail – 80+ were still present on the 1^st with 65 on the 5^th and 31 on the 10^th. 13 were still present on the 14^th with three on the 19^th and a single on the 21^st. 

Wigeon – c2127 were still present throughout the valley on the 5^th although a large scale departure happened soon after leaving c1000 on the 8^th, down to 500+ by the 10^th. Numbers further dropped to 210 by the 15^th and 60 by the 21^st. Seven were present at Bank Island and twelve at Wheldrake Ings on the 29^th with up to eleven scattered birds elsewhere. 

Gadwall – Large numbers were present throughout the site with 320 present on the 5^th and 410 on the 8^th. Breeding pairs were well scattered throughout the site and were often one of the most commonly encountered ducks. During the month a pair were caught and colour-ringed at North Duffield Carrs, taking the total adults caught to three for the year - which is unusual with it being mostly ducklings that make up our ringing totals.

Gadwall - North Duffield Carrs - 05/04

Shoveler – 180 were present throughout the valley on the 5^th with large numbers remaining to month end. 

Garganey – Two pairs were at Wheldrake Ings and a drake at North Duffield Carrs on the 5^th (CSR, AC et al) with the drake at North Duffield remaining on the 8^th. A female and two drakes were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th with a single drake at Bank Island on the 30^th. 

Tufted Duck – 200+ present early in the month declined to 120 by the 10^th and up to 40 pairs remained at month end. 

Common Scoter – A single female on the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th. 

Smew – A single red-head was present on Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th (DB) – this is the fourth latest record for the LDV with previous birds at Wheldrake on the 10^th April 1989, and the 7^th April in 1990 and 2001. This may have been the same long staying individual seen occasionally since January. 

Goldeneye – A single at North Duffield Carrs on the 1^st and 5^th were the only records. 

Little Grebe - A pair were present at North Duffield Carrs Top Pond from the 1^st with two pairs at Wheldrake Ings from the 4^th and three pairs there on the 5^th. Three pairs were also present at Bank Island on the 5^th. 

Little Grebe - Wheldrake Ings - 15/04

Great Crested Grebe – Singles were present at Bank Island, Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs on the 5^th with a pair at Wheldrake Ings on the 8^th. A single remained at Bank Island from the 15^th to the 26^th. 

Black-necked Grebe – A single in summer plumage at Bank Island on the 19^th. 

Cormorant – Up to 12 birds continued to roost at Wheldrake Ings with scattered birds regularly encountered elsewhere throughout the site. 

Water Rail – Two were singing at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th with three in the reedbed there on the 5^th and two singing males there on the 8^th. Up to four calling birds were present there late in the month with other calling birds at Melbourne and North Duffield Carrs. 

Coot – 300+ were present throughout the site on the 5^th with smaller numbers remaining thereafter. A single pair in the refuge area at Wheldrake Ings on the 29^th were incubating nine eggs. 

Moorhen – A pair with three newly hatched young were near Melbourne on the 17^th. 

Grey Heron – The annual monitoring of the heronry took place on the 23^rd. A total of 28 active nests were present with a sample of 30 young colour-ringed. The average brood size was three, with two broods of five also present. Three pairs were still incubating eggs on that date. It looks a productive season for the species in the valley with perhaps 80+ young potentially available to fledge. 

Grey Heron - Thorganby - 23/04

Little Egret – A single flew into North Duffield Carrs from the east on the 5^th. 

Red Kite – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 7^th with another or the same untagged bird there on the 11^th and again daily between the 18^th and 23^rd. 

Osprey – The first of the year spent two hours at North Duffield Carrs on the 5^th (JL, AW, AC) with another north over Bank Island on the 12^th. 

Marsh Harrier – Singles were at Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs on the 5^th and at North Duffield Carrs on the 11^th, 13^th and 17^th, with another at Aughton Ings on the 21^st and a different cream crown at Bubwith Ings on the 22^nd. At least three cream crowns were present during the last week of the month. 

Peregrine – Singles were present at both Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs on the 5^th with a small adult male at Bank Island on the 6^th and 11^th. A female was present at Aughton on the 15^th with a male also there on the 21^st. 

Common Crane – A single flew north at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th with a pair in the Kexby/Newton-on-Derwent area on the 12^th (CH) before visiting both Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs later in the day. Presumably the same birds roosted over night at Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve before returning northwards to the valley on the 13^th. 

Oystercatcher – Up to seven pairs were present throughout the site. 

Lapwing - Widespread throughout the valley with a number of pairs found on eggs throughout the month.

 Lapwing nest - North Duffield Carrs - 10/04

Golden Plover – 13 were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 5^th. 

Little Ringed Plover – A single, and the first returning bird, was at Elvington on the 7^th (FM) with a pair at Wheldrake Ings on the 22^nd and 26^th. A single was also there on the 29^th. 

Ringed Plover – A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th – 19^th with two there on the 20^th and a single on the 21^st and 22^nd. 

Dunlin – 10 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th with a single on the 27^th. 

Ruff – 65 were still present in the valley on the 5^th. 

Whimbrel – The first of the year were a group of 11 in fields near Storwood on the 19^th (CSR, DT) which included birds colour-ringed at the Wheldrake Ings roost in 2009 and 2010. Numbers built up to 65 on the 26^th, 101 on the 27^th and 109 on the 29^th. A catch of birds attending the roost on the 29^th saw six new birds caught and colour-ringed with single birds re-trapped from the roost in 2009 and 2010 . 

Whimbrel - Wheldrake Ings - 29/04

Black-tailed Godwit – A group of 26 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 3^rd - 8^th along with a single at North Duffield Carrs. 15 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th with 18 then present there on the 14^th – 17^th - presumably the same long staying flock. A new flock of 45 migrants flew into Bank Island on the 17^th with a group of eight present there between the 18^th – 20^th and six thereafter to month end.

In addition to the above, one, and possibly two pairs were thought to have attempted breeding. 

Bar-tailed Godwit – A single flew north over Wheldrake Ings on the 20^th with another appearing following a heavy shower towards dusk on the 26^th (CSR, JW).

Jack Snipe – A single at Melbourne Ings on the 27^th (DT) and at Wheldrake Ings on the 29^th (CSR, FM).

Greenshank – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th was the first of the year and the first spring passage bird. It remained to month end and was joined by a second bird on the 22^nd – 23^rd and again on the 27^th to month end. 

Green Sandpiper – Two were at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th. 

Common Sandpiper – The first returning bird was at Elvington on the 7^th (FM).

Mediterranean Gull – Two adults in summer plumage at Bank Island on the 16^th. 

Iceland Gull – A single first winter bird flew south towards dusk at North Duffield Carrs on the 5^th (CSR, MFJ, PF). 

Arctic Tern – Twelve at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd and seven at Wheldrake Ings on the 26^th. 

Barn Owl – Birds became increasingly obvious again during the month as males were feeding incubating females. Birds were reported regularly from the hides at Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs. 

Green Woodpecker – A single was at Rossmoor on the 18^th with up to two pairs on Skipwith Common throughout the month. 

Cuckoo – The first of the year was along the Pocklington Canal near Melbourne (seen and heard) on the 12^th (NC) with another by the canal at East Cottingwith on the 15^th. A single was near Rossmoor on the 18^th and Bank Island and Thorganby on the 19^th. One was heard at Bubwith on the 21^st, Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd and Seavy Carr on the 28^th. Birds were subsequently reported from South Duffield and Breighton Meadows on the 29^th, when singles were also present near Melbourne, Storwood, Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings. Overall a good month for the species with birds widespread throughout the site.  

Swift – The first returning bird was at Wheldrake Ings on the 27^th.

Fieldfare – Seven flew north calling over Bank Island on the 3^rd.

Wheatear – A single male at North Duffield Carrs on the 9^th was the first of the year with two then present on arable near Bubwith on the 10^th. A single was at Thornton on the 17^th and a male near East Cottingwith on the 18^th with two then present there on the 19^th. A single was at Aughton Ings on the 21^st with three near Seavy Carr on the 28^th. 

Sand Martin – 40+ were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th with a widespread arrival on the 8^th. 150+ were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th. 

Swallow – Two flew over Bank Island on the 3^rd with one the next day at Wheldrake Ings and two at North Duffield Carrs on the 5^th. A widespread arrival then brought 10+ to Wheldrake Ings, Bank Island and North Duffield Carrs on the 8^th. 50+ were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th along with 30 at Bank Island and 100+ at North Duffield Carrs. 

House Martin – Three at Wheldrake Ings on the 8^th were the first returnees with birds also returning to local nest sites in adjacent villages on the same date. Seven were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th with 25+ on the 13^th. 

Tree Pipit – Three singing males were on Skipwith Common on the 22^nd (DT) with five there on the 29^th.

Redstart – A male returned to Skipwith Common on the 29^th (DT) – the third year in a row that a male has held territory here. 

Kingfisher – A single was at Bank Island on the river on the 1^st and Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th with a pair near Bubwith Ings on the 10^th. 

White Wagtail – A single was on the arable fields near Bubwith on the 10^th with three near Thornton on the 17^th. Three were near Seavy Carr on the 28^th. 

Yellow Wagtail – A single over North Duffield village on the 5^th was the first returning bird. The 17^th then saw the first major arrival with twelve at Thornton and two at Wheldrake Ings with 20+ near Seavy Carr on the 28^th. 

Willow Warbler – The first returning bird was singing at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st with one still singing there on the 4^th, up to three by the 5^th, on the same date three were also present on Skipwith Common. A further arrival then took place on the 8^th bringing a spread of birds throughout the whole of the valley, with another increase in singing birds again from the 14^th.

Blackcap – Three at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st were the first returning migrants of the year with four there on the 5^th and two at Bank Island on the 6^th. Six were between Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th. 

Garden Warbler – The first returning bird was present on Skipwith Common on the 8^th with a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th.

Whitethroat – A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th with another in the car park area on the 14^th and three at Bank Island on the 19^th. 

Lesser Whitethroat – The first of the year was at North Duffield Carrs and Bank Island on the 15^th. 

Sedge Warbler – A single singing bird remained behind the NNR Base at Bank Island having first been heard on the 26^th March, it was then heard again between the 1^st and the 8^th – the earliest ever to have been recorded in the valley. One was at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th with 10+ there by the 15^th. 

Reed Warbler – The first returning bird was at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th with six on the 23^rd, up to twelve by the 27^th. 

Grasshopper Warbler – The first returning bird was a reeling male at Wheldrake Ings on the 26^th (CSR, JW), followed by singles at North Duffield and Church Bridge, Melbourne on the 28^th. Another individual was at Storwood on the 29^th. 

Nuthatch – A single at Thicket Priory on the 23^rd. 

Marsh Tit – Two at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th and a single on Skipwith Common on the 29^th. 

Willow Tit – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th with two pairs there on the 14^th and a single on the 21^st. 

Linnet – A flock of c50 were near Breighton on the 9^th. 

Yellowhammer – 17 were present on the Bubwith railtrail on the 9^th with 30+ there on the 10^th. 

Reed Bunting – 50+ were at Bubwith on the 10^th. 

Corn Bunting – 30+ were at Bubwith on the 10^th.

MAMMALS: 

Roe Deer – A single on Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th, Skipwith Common on the 10^th, East Cottingwith Ings on the 11^th, Wheldrake Ings on the 22^nd and Skipwith Common on the 29^th. 

Brown Hare - Singles on Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th and Bank Island on the 21^st.

Red Fox – A single at Bank Island on the 23^rd and Storwood on the 27^th. 

Red Fox - Storwood - 27/04

Mink – A single seen on the path by the Wind Pump at Wheldrake Ings on the 6^th. 

Otter – Three were seen behind Pool Hide at Wheldrake Ings on the 8^th. 

Weasel – A single near Thorganby on the 8^th. 

Stoat – A single near Thorganby on the 13^th. 

Field Vole – A single was caught by a Barn Owl in front of the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs on the 13^th.

Noctule Bat – An early single near Thornton on the 2^nd and at dusk at North Duffield Carrs on the 5^th.

Daubenton’s Bat – Two near Canal Head on the 10^th.

Harbour Porpoise – A single was seen and photographed in the Ouse, having passed the mouth of the Derwent, at Hemmingbrough on the 3^rd (CG).

REPTILES: 

Common Lizard – Eight were present on Skipwith Common on the 8^th with five on the 10^th and two on the 13^th. 10 were present on the 15^th. 

Grass Snake – An adult was sunning itself on Skipwith Common on the 8^th with another nearby on the 10^th when a very small first year was also present. Two were present on the 15^th. 

Adder – Two adult males and a small first year were present on Skipwith Common on the 10^th with two there on the 15^th.

Adder - Skipwith Common - 10/04

BUTTERFLIES: 

Comma – Following three early records in March, April saw a total of 12 scattered throughout the month coming from a number of sites – Wheldrake Ings, Bank Island, Skipwith Common, Storwood and East Cottingwith. 

Peacock – After no records in March the 1^st of April saw the start of a large emergence with a total of 187 recorded throughout the month. The highest counts of the month came from Wheldrake Ings with 26 on the 10^th, 23 on the 11^th, 21 on the 15^th and 31 on the 24^th. 

Red Admiral – The first for the year was recorded at Storwood on the 10^th, followed by a single at East Cottingwith on the 15^th along with one in the NNR Base Garden on the same date. 

Small Tortoiseshell – After Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells were the second most recorded species throughout the month with a total of 142 records, starting from the 1^st of the month. The highest counts came mid-month with 16 at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th, 25 at East Cottingwith on the same date followed by 15 there the next day. A warm day towards the end of the month saw 15 counted at Ellerton on the 28^th. 

Green-veined White – The first of the whites to be recorded with three on the 14^th at East Cottingwith, two at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th and a single at East Cottingwith on the same date. Five were counted throughout the butterfly transect at Bank Island on the 23^rd along with one along the riverbank trail to Wheldrake Ings. 

Small White – The first for the year came on the 23^rd during the butterfly transect around Bank Island, with three individuals seen. The only other records for the month were three at Ellerton on the 28^th and one at Bank Island on the 29^th.

Orange Tip – The first for the year was seen flying across Skipwith Common on the 10^th. A warm day on the 15^th then saw a flurry of records with six on Skipwith Common, five on Wheldrake Ings and four at East Cottingwith. The 24^th then saw an extremely high count across a large area of Wheldrake Ings with a total of 72 counted. 

Brimstone – Recorded from the 1^st with a total of 20 records throughout the month, with the majority of these coming from Skipwith Common, including a high count of seven on the 15^th. 

Holly Blue – A single by the Wheldrake Allotments opposite Bank Island on the 19^th. 

Speckled Wood – A warm day on the 15^th saw the first records for the year, with two on Skipwith Common around the bomb bay loop, three on Wheldrake Ings and one at Bank Island. Other individuals were then seen on the last two butterfly transects of the month, a total of 15 were recorded throughout the month.

BEES/WASPS: 

Hornet – A single at North Duffield Carrs on the 1^st. 

Honey Bee – A single in the NNR Base Garden on the 2^nd. 

Common Wasp – A single in the NNR Base Garden on the 2^nd. 

Common Carder – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th with two at Bank Island on the 10^th. 

Tree Bumblebee – A single in the NNR Base Garden on the 5^th with another at Thorganby Ings on the 10^th and at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th. 

Red-tailed Bumblebee – A single at Bubwith Ings on the 9^th was the first of the year with a widespread appearance thereafter. 

Tawny Mining Bee – A single in the NNR Base Garden on the 10^th with another by the roadside entrance there on the same date and one near Elvington on the 13^th.  

MARCH 2014

Numbers of wintering waterfowl continued to be fairly high early in the month as the flood water remained. Numbers were also swelled and maintained with spring passage of wintering birds (such as Coot) and incoming breeding species (Gadwall and Shoveler). The now annual large movement of Whooper Swans returning northwards saw over 350 birds pass through and pause in the valley during the month. Highlights included the presumed returning Great White Egret which lingered for most of the month (from the 4^th), a brief re-appearance of the red-head Smew and an appearance of a Tundra Bean Goose at Bubwith on the 2^nd. Breeding waders increased in number and pairs were on territory and displaying from mid-month with the first drumming Snipe heard at Wheldrake Ings on the 22^nd. Up to 60+ Ruff lingered during the month and were seen lekking on several dates whilst small numbers of late wintering Dunlin attracted the first passage Ringed Plover at North Duffield Carrs from the 25^th. The first passage flock of 14 islandica Black-tailed Godwits also frequented the site around mid-month. Other notable records included a continued run of Iceland and Glaucous Gulls and the appearance of the long staying 3^rd winter Kumliens Gull on the 1^st. A Short-eared Owl at North Duffield Ings on the 4^th represented the only sighting of the winter whilst the number of Barn Owl sightings showed a welcome increase during the month. A number of early migrants made an appearance during the month with Chiffchaff from the 5^th (but with the main arrival from the 13^th), Sand Martin on the 17^th and White Wagtail on the 23^rd. A Blackcap on the 22^nd was thought to be an overwintering individual whilst a Sedge Warbler on the 26^th was the earliest to have occurred in the valley with our second earliest Swallow (24^th).

High waters remain from Swantail Hide, Wheldrake - 13/03

Some warm sunny days during the month (in contrast to last March) saw a sudden emergence of early butterflies, with  a single Comma and nine Brimstone reported on the 9^th, with a peak of nine Small Tortoiseshell throughout the valley on the 13^th and another appearance of Brimstone late in the month with the first Peacock recorded on the 31^st. The moth trap saw the expected increase in both the number of species and individuals on warmer nights during the month and the first bats of the year were present at the Bank Island NNR Base on the 13^th.

BIRDS: 

Over 125 species have so far been recorded in the Lower Derwent Valley NNR and on Skipwith Common NNR throughout 2014. 

Whooper Swan – The resident wintering herd of 74 were present at Derwent Farm on the 1^st which included at least six colour-ringed birds. The herd remained until the 11^th, decreasing to 32 by the 13^th and seven on the 18^th. These remained in the valley but were more mobile being seen at Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs until the 23^rd. Four were then present at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th.

A movement of northward returning birds (possibly from sites further south such as the Ouse Washes) was noted on the 5^th with 34 at Thornton Ellers, on the 6^th herds of 39 and 22 flew north over the valley. A Large movement on the 8^th saw 44 pause at North Duffield Carrs with other herds of 17 and 21 present near Melbourne and a herd over North Duffield village after dark. A further 30+ flew north over Riccall after dark on the 9^th with 30 over the site on the 10^th.

Another movement towards the end of the month started when 68 flew north over Wheldrake Ings in three herds on the afternoon of the 24^th whilst 52 (51 adults) flew north over North Duffield Carrs on the 25^th. A total of 357 passage birds moved through the site during the month in addition to the 74 resident wintering birds, giving a total of 431 different birds noted on or over the site during the month. 

Whooper Swan - North Duffield Carrs - 20/03

Mute Swan – 107 were present throughout the site on the 1^st with 94 then counted on the 13^th. Several pairs were nest building by mid-month with the resident pair at North Duffield Carrs laying eggs by month end.

Greylag Goose – 900+ were recorded early in the month but declined as wintering birds departed, 215 remained by the 13^th, by which time many birds were pairing up. A single pair had laid 4 eggs in a nest at Thornton Ellers on the 20^th. 

Pink-footed Goose – 44 flew north at North Duffield on the 2^nd with 80+ north over Bank Island on the 3^rd and 110 there on the 4^th. A single was present at North Duffield Carrs from the 17^th-23^rd with 79 headed north over Bank Island on the 27^th. 

Taiga Bean Goose – Following January’s four Tundra birds, two showing features of this race were seen at Bubwith Bridge on the 2^nd (OM, JAB, AW). 

Canada Goose – c300 remained early in the month with 120 by the 13^th. 

Egyptian Goose – A pair remained in the Derwent Farm/North Duffield Carrs area from the 1^st and were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th and North Duffield Carrs on the 13^th. Three birds were then present at North Duffield Carrs from the 15^th to month end.

Shelduck – Large numbers remained throughout the month with an impressive 147 counted on the 13^th with 132 on the 23^rd. The largest counts included 74 at Thorganby Ings on the 1^st, 69 at North Duffield Carrs on the 20^th and 42 at Aughton Ings on the 22^nd. 

Gadwall – Numbers increased during the month with 227 throughout the site on the 13^th. This female was caught early one morning in a whoosh net at Bank Island during the month, one of only a handful of adult birds to have been ringed in the valley.

Gadwall - Bank Island - 23/03 

Mallard – 1500 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st with 2300 counted throughout the site on the 13^th.

A completed clutch of 11 eggs was found on the 12^th at Melbourne with another incomplete clutch of three found there on the same date. 

Teal - 5300+ were still present throughout the site on the 13^th with numbers declining thereafter although 2100 were still present on the 25^th. 2000+ were present on Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st with 2700 at North Duffield Carrs on the 22^nd.

Pintail – 600 present early in the month had fallen to 489 by the 13^th as water levels dropped and further down to 172 by the 20^th and 69 by the 30^th. 

Wigeon – 10,600 still remained throughout the valley on the 13^th but had decreased to 6000+ by the 20^th and 2750 by the 30^th.

Shoveler – Numbers increased as breeding and passage birds arrived in the valley, a count of 211 was had on the 13^th with 276 by the 20^th. 

Tufted Duck – 375 present at the end of last month built up with the usual spring passage with over 500 noted in the valley on the 4^th. Numbers started to decrease quickly thereafter with falling water levels, 245 were counted throughout the site on the 13^th with 150 remaining at month end. 

Not many Tufted Ducks are ringed each year in the UK as due to their ability to dive, and preference for deep water, catching this species usually calls for specific catching methods and traps. This adult male below was caught at the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs last week, one of 30 that had been in the area for the past week. Numbers in the LDV tend to peak in March when spring passage birds swell the wintering population, resulting in numbers of 500-700 present in the valley. Numbers have now decreased as the extensive and deep water flooding has started to recede. We tend to ring several Tufted Duck ducklings in the valley each summer but only a handful of adults have been ringed on the site. Hopefully in the future more birds can be caught which may go on to provide insights into the movements of both the wintering and spring passage populations.

Tufted Duck - North Duffield Carrs - 22/03

Scaup – A single female was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 20^th (CSR, LM, JR).

Pochard – 235 were still present throughout the site on the 1^st with 190 remaining on the 8^th. Thereafter numbers declined quickly with the receding flood levels, 42 were present throughout the site on the 13^th with just nine remaining by the 22^nd.

Goldeneye – Following a rather poor winter just a single remained on the 13^th with two on the 20^th and a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 25^th.

Smew – What was presumably the same long staying but elusive and mobile red-head re-appeared at Thorganby Ings on the 4^th (AH).

Goosander – A single drake on the river at East Cottingwith on the 13^th and presumably the same bird at North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th were the only records. 

Little Grebe - Further birds returned to the breeding sites on the Ings with a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 8^th, two pairs there from the 12^th with other pairs at Wheldrake Ings, Bank Island and Melbourne late in the month. 

Great Crested Grebe – A single at North Duffield Carrs from the 1^st with three there on the 3^rd-5^th. Three were at Wheldrake Ings on the 7^th with two displaying birds there on the 13^th. 

Cormorant – Up to 27 remained in the Wheldrake Ings roost throughout the month with birds encountered regularly elsewhere around the valley. 

Water Rail – A single remained near Church Bridge, Melbourne on the 8^th with single singing birds at Thornton Ellers on the 18^th and Bank Island on the 19^th. A single was also at Seavy Carr on the 19^th. 

Coot – Following the poor numbers present early in the year, numbers increased with spring passage with 200+ on the 3^rd building up to 502 by the 13^th. 300+ were still present at month end suggesting some degree of spring passage through the site. 

Grey Heron – A visit to the heronry on the 31^st produced at least 30 adults and the first broods were heard to have hatched with several egg shells below the large nests. 

Little Egret – Singles were reported from Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st and 6^th, North Duffield Carrs on the 9^th and Melbourne on the 18^th. 

Great White Egret – A rather mobile individual was found on the Pocklington Canal near Melbourne on the 4^th (NC et al) and was seen again there (between Hagg Bridge and Storwood) on the 5^th and 8^th and Thornton Ings on the 9^th-12^th. This may well be the bird that spent time in the valley last spring and again late summer/autumn. It was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th-17^th and again on the 20^th-23^rd. It was then present again near Thornton on the 26^th. 

Bittern – A single at North Duffield Carrs at dusk on the 22^nd (CSR, JR). 

Red Kite – A single flew high east over North Duffield village on the 9^th with another at Seavy Carr on the 12^th. A single was at Canal Head on the 19^th with an immature over Aughton Ings on the 21^st. 

Marsh Harrier – A single female was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd with another at Melbourne on the 8^th and 9^th. A single, presumed passage or returning bird was near Loftsome Bridge on the 19^th with a single at North Duffield Carrs on the 22^nd-27^th. 

Peregrine – Up to four different birds were present during the month, with four different birds still present and recorded at North Duffield Carrs on the 23^rd. 

Merlin – A single adult male at East Cottingwith on the 4^th. 

Sparrowhawk – A single caught (and then lost) a feral pigeon at Canal Head on the 22^nd. 

Common Crane – Three flew low over Elvington on the 18^th (CSR) and a pair flew into North Duffield Carrs on the evening of the 25^th (DT, AW).

Oystercatcher – Up to 13 pairs were well scattered throughout the site during the month. 

Golden Plover – 32 were at Thorganby on the 13^th, with 5 at North Duffield Carrs on the 22^nd. 

Ringed Plover – A single was at North Duffield Carrs on the 25^th, present to month end.

Dunlin – 90+ were still present in the valley on the 13^th with a flock of 43 at North Duffield Carrs on the 22^nd and 35 still present to month end. 

Ruff – A total of 61 birds were present throughout the valley on the 13^th which included a group of 35 (22 males) lekking at one site – the first lekking behaviour of the year. 40+ were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th. 40+ were still present at North Duffield Carrs on the 22^nd with 40+ at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th when 17 were present at North Duffield Carrs – a total of 57+ still present in the valley. 63 were at North Duffield Carrs on the 30^th. 

Curlew – Numbers continued to increase during the month with returning breeding birds and probably some additional passage birds moving through the site. The WeBS count on the 13^th recorded 110 throughout the valley with birds largely dispersing onto territories thereafter and singing during the second half of the month. 

Black-tailed Godwit – Two were at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st with the same at Aughton Ings on the 13^th. A flock of 14 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th and remained in the valley, albeit mobile until at least the 22^nd. This flock contained a single colour-ringed bird – please look out for colour-ringed birds in the valley and enter any sightings into the hide log books or report sightings to Natural England staff/volunteers. 

Common Snipe – Falling water levels and returning passage birds saw numbers increase during the month. 110 were present on North Duffield Ings on the 1^st with 70+ at North Duffield Carrs on the 3^rd and 80+ at Wheldrake Ings on the 5^th. Up to 150+ were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th and 22^nd. 40 were present at Breighton Meadows on the 26^th. 

Jack Snipe – A single was caught and colour-ringed after dark on Wheldrake Ings on the 22^nd. 

Woodcock – A single bird was flushed from a ditch side near Aughton Ings on the 8^th.

Redshank – Numbers increased to 60 birds by month end – a rather poor showing. 

Green Sandpiper – A single bird was present near Hagg Bridge on the 8^th. 

Lesser Black-backed Gull – An increase in birds with the onset of returning spring passage movement saw seven at the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 3^rd, 11 on the 5^th and 23 on the 14^th.

Glaucous Gull – Three first winter birds were present at the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 3^rd with singles there on the 7^th and 14^th. Two first winter birds (including at least one ‘new’ bird) were seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th and 20^th, whilst a first winter flew south through North Duffield Carrs on the 23^rd. 

Iceland Gull – A single third winter bird was present at the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 1^st, with a second winter bird there on the 3^rd and an adult on the 5^th. A first winter was present on the 14^th with an adult and first winter on the 15^th.

Kumliens Gull – The long staying 3^rd winter bird was present in the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 1^st. 

Herring Gull – 10,000+ early in the month decreased thereafter with the presumed departure of ‘northern’ breeding birds. 4000+ were still present at the roost at Wheldrake Ings on the 14^th, comprising largely of immature and sub-adults. 

Greater Black-backed Gull – 3500 were present at the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 7^th with 2800 by the 30^th. 

Common Gull – 5000 were present at the Elvington Water Treatment works on the 8^th when a total of 17,000 roosted at Wheldrake Ings. 

Barn Owl – Sightings increased during the month with a number of birds appearing around known nesting areas, with several individuals also observed carrying food back to the nest. Birds were seen regularly at the usual favoured haunts of Wheldrake Ings, North Duffield Carrs, Bank Island and along the Pocklington Canal. 

Short-eared Owl – A single hunting at North Duffield Ings on the 13^th (DT) represents the only record during the winter. 

Jackdaw - Throughout the month activity and numbers increased in the usual haunt of the Ash tree outside the NNR Base at Bank Island, with up to thirteen birds involved. The tree holds a number of nests with many broods ringed there over the last few years. Last year as well as ringing a few of the young an adult was also caught and ringed, hopefully we may get some re-trap data this year as a bird with a metal ring on was seen last week, photo below.

Jackdaw - Bank Island - 23/03

Jay - Two were seen in Thorganby on the 13^th with a single in the same place on the 31^st.

Green Woodpecker – Singles were seen near Elvington on the 8^th with another at Melbourne on the same date. One was heard at Elvington on the 20^th. Up to two pairs were regularly seen and heard on Skipwith Common NNR throughout the month.

Great Spotted Woodpecker - A single bird frequented the Bank Island feeding station throughout the month with birds also heard on Skipwith Common and the Thicket Priory, Thorganby. A pair were also seen mating at Bank Island during the month.

Fieldfare – 30 flew north over Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st, with 80 west over North Duffield Carrs on the 3^rd and 230 there on the 5^th. 70+ flew north east over Bank Island on the 14^th. 200 were present near Ellerton on the 18^th, whilst 8 were seen at North Duffield Carrs on the 20^th. On the 22^nd 30+ flew over Bank Island and 10 were at East Cottingwith. 30 went over Bank Island on the 25^th.

Redwing – Two remained at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th. 25 flew north east over Bank Island on the 14^th with Fieldfares and 20 flew north over North Duffield Carrs on the 18^th. 200 were present with Fieldfares at Ellerton on the 22^nd and 100+ flew over Bank Island during the day on the 22^nd. 

Sand Martin – Three at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th were the first of the year and were followed by 17 on the 22^nd and five on the 26^th. Two were at North Duffield Carrs on the 31^st. 

Swallow – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 24^th - this is the second earliest on record following a single on the 20^th March 1989.

Woodlark – Up to four singing birds were present on Skipwith Common NNR from early in the month with four at another site during the month.

Stonechat – A single was present on Skipwith Common from the 4^th (DT). 

Kingfisher – A single was seen near Church Bridge on the 6^th and Bank Island on the 13^th. 

Grey Wagtail – A single at the Church Bridge reedbed on the 3^rd and 5^th and at Elvington lock on the 20^th. 

White Wagtail – Three at North Duffield Carrs on the 23^rd with a number of Pied Wagtails. 

Pied Wagtail – 15 were on the floodline at North Duffield Carrs on the 23^rd. 

Chiffchaff – A single, possibly an over-wintering bird was present at the Melbourne Arms on the 5^th with another bird present in Elvington Churchyard on the 9^th. Likewise two were present in the Wheldrake Ings car park lane on the 13^th. A single was however singing at Pocklington on the 14^th with two singing at Wheldrake Ings on the 16^th and three there on the 17^th following a widespread arrival throughout the county. Five were present at Bank Island on the 19^th with eight at the Wheldrake car park/Bank Island area on the 20^th.  A single was caught and ringed at Bank Island on the 22^nd (CB) weighing only 7.2g suggesting it to be newly arrived.

Blackcap – A single singing bird at Bank Island on the 22^nd was a presumed overwintering bird and possibly the male seen there in mid November 2013. 

Sedge Warbler – A single singing bird was behind the NNR Base at Bank Island on the 26^th – the earliest ever to have been recorded in the valley. 

Nuthatch – Two singing males at Thicket Priory on the 31^st. 

Marsh Tit – An un-ringed bird was caught and ringed at Bank Island on the 22^nd (CB). 

Willow Tit – Four were at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st with three at Thornton Ellers on the 19^th.

Brambling – Four remained present near Melbourne on the 5^th.

MAMMALS: 

Fallow Deer – Eight were seen on Skipwith Common on the 19^th. 

Roe Deer – A pair were at Thornton on the 3^rd, with three near Thorganby on the 19^th and five along the Pocklington Canal, Melbourne on the 9^th. 

Red Fox – A single was at Thorganby Ings on the 5^th, with other singles at Thornton Ellers on the 15^th and 19^th. 

Mink – A single was near Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal on the 5^th. 

Otter – Prints and spraints were found regularly during the month at Wheldrake Ings and Thornton Ellers, with camera traps at the latter site recording animals on a daily/nightly basis. 

Weasel – A single at Elvington on the 21^st. 

Brown Hare – A single was seen at Bank Island on the 7^th, three were boxing at Thornton Ellers on the 9^th and three were at Bubwith Ings on the same day. On the 13^th six were seen at Derwent Farm, two were at North Duffield Carrs on the 22^nd and one at Bank Island on the same date. 

Soprano Pipistrelle – Two were at the NNR Base at Bank Island on 13^th.

REPTILES: 

Common Lizard – A single was seen on Skipwith Common on the 30^th with five there on the 31^st.

MOTHS: 

March Moth – A single at Bank Island on the 11^th.

Dotted Border – One at Bank Island on the 3^rd and three on the 6^th.

Hebrew Character – One at Bank Island on the 6^th with three on the 13^th, fifteen on the 18^th, eighteen on the 20^th, four on the 22^nd and five on the 26^th.

Common Quaker – Four at Bank Island on the 13^th, seven on the 18^th, fourteen on the 20^th, sixteen on the 22^nd and eight on the 26^th.

Small Quaker – Eleven at Bank Island on the 18^th, fifteen on the 20^th, three on the 22^nd and three on the 26^th.

Twin Spot Quaker – Two at Bank Island on the 18^th and two on the 20^th.

Clouded Drab – Thirty at Bank Island on the 18^th, twenty nine on the 20^th and three on the 22^nd.

Shoulder Stripe – A single was caught at light at Bank Island on the 18^th with another on the 20^th.

Red Chestnut – Three at Bank Island on the 18^th.

Chestnut - Three on the 20^th and one on the 26^th. 

Grey Shoulder-knot – A single at Bank Island on the 13^th and again on the 22^nd.

Oak Beauty – A single at Bank Island on the 8^th.

Agonopterix alstromeriana – A single at Bank Island on the 18^th.

BUTTERFLIES: 

Small Tortoiseshell – Two were present at Elvington and Skipwith on the 9^th, with six at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th along with singles at Bank Island, North Duffield Carrs and Ellerton. One was seen at Melbourne on the Pocklington Canal on the 14^th with a single at Bank Island on the 23^rd and in the NNR Base Garden on the 31^st. 

Brimstone – Five were present at Elvington on the 9^th, when two were also seen at North Duffield Carrs along with singles near Skipwith and North Duffield village (at least 9 on that date). A single was seen on Skipwith Common on the 30^th with a male at Thicket Priory, Thorganby on the 31^st. 

Comma – Singles at Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield village on the 9^th were the first of the year. On the 30^th a single was seen flying over Skipwith Common. 

Peacock – Singles were present on Skipwith Common and in Thorganby on the 31^st.

BEES: 

Buff-tailed Bumblebee – A single at Bank Island on the 7^th and again on the 8^th.

White-tailed Bumblebee – A single at Bank Island on the 8^th with three at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th.

Early – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th.

FEBRUARY 2014

Extensive flooding continued throughout February, and only just began to recede towards the last few days of the month. Despite birds being both widespread and access to monitor the site difficult, numbers remained fairly high with 11,200 Wigeon and 6000 Teal representing good counts. 620+ Pintail continues the now regularly large wintering numbers and the deeper water attracted 235 Pochard during the month, again showing a small upturn in numbers over the last couple of winters. An early Little Egret was noted, a pair of Smew put in an appearance and numbers of Coot finally started to build during the month.

Although wader habitat was in short supply, North Duffield Ings at least held some shallow flooding and areas of un-submerged grass to their liking. Up to 3000 Golden Plover and 4000 Lapwing were noted throughout the valley whilst other wintering numbers included 200+ Dunlin and 100+ Ruff. The first returning Oystercatchers built up quickly to 22 by the 26^th whilst Curlew were singing and holding territory late in the month.

 

North Duffield Carrs - 13/02/14

Interest was again (for some!) focused on the gull roost at Wheldrake Ings with birds commuting between here and Harewood Whin landfill site to the west of York. Numbers of large gulls here largely matched numbers attending the Wheldrake roost, and several ‘white-wingers’ were also noted commuting between the sites, with up to five different Glaucous Gulls and two Iceland Gulls. Mid week roost counts were larger as birds appear to disperse more widely during the weekend when the landfill site is less active – impressive counts of nearly 20,000 large gulls were had.

It was a good month for Otter sightings with records coming from several sites around the reserve and wider area, these being either sight records or animals caught on several of our camera trail traps. Spring was in the air with the first Grass Snake seen on Skipwith Common and several species of moths were on the wing along with the first two butterflies of the year.

BIRDS: 

Whooper Swan – 74 were present at Derwent Farm on the 13^th which included at least six colour-ringed birds still present from the November cannon net catch. 95 were present at Derwent Farm on the 19^th – the highest count of the winter so far suggesting some return passage northwards through the site with 71 there on the 26^th. On this latter date a passage party of 12 birds also paused on the low grounds before heading off north before dark. 

Mute Swan – 33 were present on ponds at Thorganby on the 9^th with 31 at Derwent Farm on the 13^th when 29 were still present in Thorganby. Scattered birds were present elsewhere throughout the site with 98 on the 17^th. 107 were present throughout the site on the 26^th. 

Greylag Goose – 1200+ were present early in the month with 1000+ remaining at month end with 937 recorded on the WeBS on the 26^th. 

Pink-footed Goose – Skeins of 180 and 200 passed north over Bank Island on the 18^th. 60 flew north on the 19^th with 120 on the 20^th. 

Canada Goose – 500 remained early in the month but decreased during the second half with c300 remaining at month end. 

Egyptian Goose – Following last year’s successful breeding attempts and increasing numbers over recent years a single pair returned to Derwent Farm on the 26^th. 

Shelduck – Up to 60 were present at Thorganby Ings on the 9^th with 75 there on the 17^th, when 104 were present throughout the whole site. 95 were present throughout the site on the 26^th. 

Mallard – Birds were widely scattered throughout the month with extensive flooding, a low monthly maxima of 1425 recorded on the WeBS on the 26^th. 

Teal – Large numbers were present early in the month following the 6000+ present in late January. However, extensive and deep flooding reduced feeding opportunities until month end, with 5900 recorded throughout the site on the 26^th. 

Pintail – Birds were difficult to count with extensive flooding early in the month, more notable counts being of 100+ at North Duffield Ings on the 7^th and 145 at Seavy Carr on the 23^rd. A full count on the 26^th produced 226 at North Duffield Ings, 171 at Melbourne Ings, 198 at Wheldrake Ings and a total of 625 throughout the site. 

Wigeon – 10,000+ were present early in the month, and although numbers were depressed by the extensive and prolonged flooding during the month, 11,200 were present throughout the site on the 26^th. 

Gadwall – Low numbers remained throughout the month but started to build up towards the end with 89 counted on the 26^th. 

Shoveler – Low numbers remained throughout the month, with the only notable count being 60 present across the site on the 26^th. 

Tufted Duck – 150+ on the 1^st increased to 375 by the 26^th, no doubt benefited by the extensive flooding and deep water.

Pochard – 100+ were present at Bubwith Ings on the 7^th increasing to 146 there on the 19^th when a total of 167 were present throughout the site. 31 at Thorganby Ings on the 22^nd with 185 at North Duffield Carrs on the 25^th and 235 throughout the site on the 26^th. 

Goldeneye – Following a poor winter so far numbers slowly increased during the month with seven at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd, when four other singles were scattered elsewhere giving a monthly maxima of 11 on that date. 16 were then present throughout the site on the 26^th. 

Smew – A single redhead was at Thorganby Ings on the 16^th (GW), with a pair at Bank Island on the 18^th. 

Goosander – A single flew into Bank Island on the 16^th in and amongst a small flock of Shelduck. 10 were present on fishing ponds near Elvington on the 17^th. 

Little Grebe – Up to four wintering birds remained on the Pocklington Canal near Melbourne during the month, whilst a single in front of the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th may well have been a returning breeding bird. 

Great Crested Grebe – A single at North Duffield Carrs on the 20^th-24^th was the first record of the year. 

Cormorant – 29 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th and 26 were counted throughout the site on the 26^th. 

Water Rail – Five birds were present along the Pocklington Canal during the month with singles at Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs on the 17^th and 21^st respectively. No doubt some birds were forced out of their favoured haunts, such as the Wheldrake Ings car park scrub, by the extensive flooding. 

Coot – Remarkably absent early in the month, numbers slowly built up with 97 present across the site on the 26^th. 

Grey Heron – An early breeder, and so activity increased during the month around the heronry and birds became more obvious as the month progressed. Monthly maxima of 16 on the 26^th. 

Little Egret – A single near Riccall on the 14^th represents a rather early record for the year. 

Red Kite – A single near Allerthorpe on the 3^rd, Thornton on the 6^th and Canal Head on the 8^th. A single at Crockey Hill on the 16^th. 

Marsh Harrier – A single cream crown at Bubwith Ings on the 5^th, Wheldrake Ings on the 11^th and North Duffield Carrs on the 25^th. 

Peregrine – Up to three birds were seen occasionally throughout the month. 

Merlin – A single male was at Seavy Carrs on the 6^th and 23^rd, with a female at Ellerton on the 18^th. 

Sparrowhawk – Three were seen at Skipwith Common on the 22^nd with scattered singles elsewhere. 

Buzzard – Six were reported on several dates from Skipwith Common during the month with 9 different birds viewed there on the 4^th. Regularly reported elsewhere throughout the month. 

Oystercatcher – A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 13^th with three there on the 22^nd, when six were also present at Thorganby Ings, the usually favoured location. A single was along the Pocklington Canal on the 25^th whilst a full count on the 26^th located 22 birds, including a flock of 18 on the river bank at Thorganby Ings – a favoured location. 

Golden Plover – 2500 at North Duffield Ings on the 9^th with 3100 there on the 14^th and 2400 on the 17^th. 3100 were present there on the 23^rd with 2230 throughout the site on the 23^rd. 

Lapwing – 1500 were present in the Bubwith bridge area on the 7^th when another 1700 were present in the Thorganby Ings area, a total count for the valley being over 4000 on that date. 1740 remained throughout the site on the 26^th. 

Dunlin – 100+ remained at North Duffield Carrs on the 7^th increasing to 228 by the 26^th. 

Ruff – Up to 110 were present early in the month with 90 recorded on the WeBS on the 26^th. 

Curlew – Numbers increased during the month with 30+ at Wheldrake Ings on the 16^th and 29 at North Duffield Ings on the 19^th. Birds were well spread throughout the site by this time with several birds along the flooded meadows of Melbourne and Thornton Ings and near Barmby Moor on the 25^th. 39 were at North Duffield Carrs on the 25^th, with a full count of 62 birds throughout the site on the 26^th by which time many were territorial. 

Common Snipe – Peak counts throughout the month were 100+ on North Duffield Ings on the 5^th with 102 at Seavy Carr later in the month on the 26^th. 

Jack Snipe – A single was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 1^st.

Woodcock – Two wintering birds were present at Skipwith Common on the 13^th with two at Thornton Ellers on the 27^th. 

Redshank – 18 at North Duffield Carrs on the 25^th and 25 throughout the valley on the 26^th – a rather poor count for the time of year. 

Lesser Black-backed Gull – Single birds were in the Wheldrake roost on the 3^rd, 17^th and 26^th. 

Glaucous Gull – An adult present at the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 5^th and 6^th with two first-winters there on the 16^th. Single first and second winter birds were present on the 21^st with a second and third winter on the 22^nd. A single first winter at Wheldrake Ings at dawn on 25^th, with an adult at the roost there on the same date – at least five different birds were thought to be involved. 

Iceland Gull – A second winter bird was at the Wheldrake roost on the 14^th with a first winter there on the 15^th and 23^rd. 

Herring Gull – Mirroring activity on the landfill site at Harewood Whin near York, larger numbers were reported during week days at the Wheldrake roost. 3000+ were present at the roost on the 16^th with a more respectable 14,300 on the 26^th. 

Greater Black-backed Gull – 3000+ at the Wheldrake roost on the 16^th with 4700 on the 26^th. 

Common Gull – An increase in numbers during the month at the Wheldrake roost with 10,000+ on the 16^th and 11,300 there on the 23^rd. 

Mediterranean Gull – A single adult was at Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd and 16^th. 

Black-headed Gull – Monthly maxima of 15,000+ at Wheldrake Ings on the 16^th and 17,500 on the 26^th. 

Barn Owl – A single day flying bird over the village allotments at Wheldrake opposite Bank Island on the 16^th and at Skipwith Common on the 18^th showed the first signs of a recovery following a rather poor previous eight months. Another was again on Skipwith Common on the 25^th. 

Long-eared Owl – A single first winter bird was sadly picked up dead by the roadside near Bubwith on the 6^th. 

Green Woodpecker – Singles were reported regularly from Skipwith Common during the month with two there on the 22^nd. 

Woodlark – The first singing bird was present to the north of Thornton Ellers on the 18^th with two singing birds at Skipwith Common on the 22^nd. 

Skylark – Birds were holding territory over the flood water on warm sunny days from mid month, with 13 singing birds between North Duffield Ings and East Cottingwith on the 26^th. 

Kingfisher – A single was present at Thornton Ellers on the 27^th. 

Marsh Tit – Three were present at Skipwith Common on the 13^th amongst a large mixed tit flock. 

Brambling – 13 were present near Canal Head on the 25^th. 

Tree Sparrow – Up to 100 remained in the Bank Island area during the month with up to 60 also present at North Duffield Carrs. 

Corn Bunting – Up to 50 continued to roost in the reed bed at Church Bridge during the month. 

MAMMALS: 

Fallow Deer – Four were at Thorganby Ings on the 16^th with three near Wheldrake Woods on the 21^st. 

Roe Deer – Two were at Skipwith on the 13^th, with two or three daily at Thornton Ellers during the month, and four near Elvington on the 19^th. 

Badger - The known family party from an un-disclosed site was seen on a number of occasions throughout the month.

 

Badger - Undisclosed site - 17/02/14

Brown Hare - Two were seen at North Duffield on the 13^th with a single then at Thornton Ellers on the 23^rd.

Red Fox – Singles were at Thornton Ellers on the 14^th, 18^th, 19^th, 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd. 

Otter – Two were reported at Church Bridge near Melbourne on the Pocklington Canal on the 1^st, 3^rd and 11^th. One or two were ‘caught’ daily on camera traps at Thornton Ellers during the month, with singles seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th and 12^th, along with two seen well, calling to each other, on the river by the bailey bridge on the 22^nd. Others were reported from nearby fishing ponds, possibly as a result of the increased water flows. A single spraint was seen by the beck in Escrick on the 27^th. 

Otter - 22/02/14 - Thornton Ellers

Mink – A single was picked up on a camera trap at Thornton Ellers on the 2^nd and 21^st with two seen near Hollicarrs during the month. 

Mole – Present, based on the appearance of multiple hills, at Thornton Ellers and along the floodbank between Bubwith and East Cottingwith, and around Thorganby during the month.

REPTILES: 

Grass Snake – The first of the year was seen on ‘adder heath’ on Skipwith Common on the 22^nd.

MOTHS: 

Winter Moth – One at Bank Island on the 4^th. 

March Moth – Two at Bank Island on the 8^th, with five there on the 18^th. 

Dark Chestnut – One at Bank Island on the 14^th. 

Chestnut – Singles at Bank Island on the 2^nd and 11^th. 

Pale brindled Beauty – One at  Bank Island on the 2^nd, two there on the 18^th and three on the 22^nd. 

Dotted Border – One at Bank Island on the 27^th.

BUTTERFLIES: 

Small Tortoiseshell – A single at Sutton upon Derwent on the 16^th was the first for the year - enjoying some early sunshine. It was then followed by another at North Duffield Carrs on the 18^th. 

Brimstone – A single male was seen on Skipwith Common on the 18^th.


FUNGI:

Just new species were added to the year list throughout February, with Meadow Puffball and Willow Bracket found on Skipwith Common.

Meadow Puffball - Skipwith Common - 13/02/14

JANUARY 2014

The month was dominated by south westerly weather systems bringing strong winds and heavy rain to much of the UK, and so following the rather dry conditions over the preceding winter months the water levels increased quickly, and the valley was extensively flooded by the second week of the year. This brought a sudden upturn in waterfowl numbers following the rather poor number present before the New Year. Notable counts included 80 Whooper Swans, 6000+ Teal, 10,000+ Wigeon and 300 Pintail. Numbers of diving ducks increased late in the month with 100+ Pochard and 150 Tufted Ducks. Highlights included five Tundra Bean Geese which were seen on two dates (but presumably remained elsewhere undetected between those dates), two Greenland race White-fronted Geese lingering from 2013, and a Smew at North Duffield Carrs on the 28^th-29^th.

 Road to nowhere - flooding at Bank Island - 27/01

On the wader front, notable counts included 2050 Golden Plover, 200 Dunlin and 100+ Ruff.  It appears to have been a good month for Woodcock with several records from the favoured location of Thornton Ellers. The first returning Oystercatcher was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 20^th and the first Black-tailed Godwit was at North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th. A Grey Plover at Bubwith Ings on the 4^th was a notable record.

It was however the gulls that stole the show during the month with gull watchers enjoying two Glaucous Gulls, four Iceland Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls and a Kumlien’s Gull. It was the huge numbers attracted to the floods to roost at Wheldrake which were the most impressive, with the gull roost totaling over 40,000 birds on some evenings, with a staggering 14,000 Herring Gulls present on the 23^rd.

The best of the rest included a single Long-eared Owl seen after dark at North Duffield Carrs on the 30^th, a Crossbill over Skipwith Common on the 8^th, and up to eight Bramblings near Church Bridge, Melbourne towards month end. 

Wildfowl - Wheldrake Ings - 08/01

BIRDS: 

Whooper Swan – Up to 80 remained in the valley from the 1^st, although the herd was mobile within the valley, ranging between Wheldrake and North Duffield Carrs and occasionally using the nearby arable fields. 

Mute Swan – Numbers continued to build during the month with 84 recorded throughout the site on the 8^th. 

Greylag Goose – Large numbers remained throughout the valley with 1450 counted on the 8^th. 

Pink-footed Goose – Up to eight remained in the Wheldrake Ings/Bank Island area from the 1^st with 67 over the valley heading north on the 14^th and 87 north on the 21^st. 

Tundra Bean Goose – Five at Wheldrake Ings on the 8^th (RW) flew east over Bank Island on the 28^th (CSR). 

Greenland White-fronted Goose – Two juveniles were present at Thorganby Ings on the 8^th (LM, CSR et al), which were presumably the two birds seen in mid December 2013. 

Canada Goose – A monthly maxima of 511 was recorded on the 8^th. 

Shelduck – Up to 30 remained into early January which had built up to 60+ by month end. 

Mallard – 2500 were present throughout the month with favoured locations of Wheldrake Ings and Thorganby Ings with birds scattered through the remainder of the site. 

Mallard - Bank Island - 08/01

Teal – Numbers increased quickly during the first week of the month when parts of the site started to flood. 5100 were present throughout the site on the 8^th with 6100 on the 9^th. Wheldrake Ings held 4500 on the 23^rd. 

Pintail – Numbers increased early in the month from 30 on the 1^st to 89 throughout the valley on the 8^th, all but two at Wheldrake Ings. Numbers continued to increase with 110 at Wheldrake Ings by the 13^th. 44 were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th. Numbers built up quickly with flooding and 226 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd and 267 were throughout the valley on the 25^th. 300+ were present throughout the valley by month end. 

Wigeon – Numbers increased from 5000+ on the 1^st to 8015 by the 8^th and 8300 by the 9^th. Wheldrake Ings held 6900 on the 23^rd when a total of 9200 where present throughout the site. 10,000+ by month end were well scattered with extensive flooding. 

Gadwall – 29 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd with 50+ there by the 30^th. 

Shoveler – 11 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd with 32 present throughout the site by the 30^th. 

Tufted Duck – Five were at Bank Island on the 4^th with 21 in the valley on the 8^th. Further flooding saw numbers at Bank Island reach 49 by the 13^th whilst 54 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 19^th. 107 were throughout the site on the 23^rd, up to 147 by the 30^th. 

Pochard – Two were at Bank Island on the 4^th with four there on the 8^th when five were also present at Wheldrake Ings. Numbers increased as usual following extensive flooding which left deeper water favoured by the species, with 44 in the valley on the 19^th including 34 at Bubwith Ings. 83 were between Wheldrake Ings and Bank Island on the 23^rd with 102 throughout the valley on the 30^th. 

Goldeneye – A single drake was at Wheldrake Ings on the 8^th when a pair were present on the River Derwent at Thorganby/Ellerton, whilst three, a drake and two red-heads were at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd. 

Smew – A single red-head was present in front of the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs on the 28^th (MW) and present again the following morning (CG, OM). 

 

Smew - North Duffield Carrs - 28/01 (MW)

Goosander – A pair flew into the Wheldrake roost at dusk on the 23^rd whilst 15 were present on fishing lakes between Wheldrake and Elvington on the 29^th with 11 there on the 31^st. 

Little Grebe – Up to five birds were wintering on the River Derwent between Bubwith and East Cottingwith, with up to five birds also wintering along the Pocklington Canal. 

Cormorant – Encountered throughout the valley with the largest number being present at the Wheldrake Ings colony/roost, where up to 23 were recorded during the month. 

Water Rail – Singles were recorded at Church Bridge on the 3^rd and 5^th and near Melbourne on the 29^th. A single was calling at Bank Island on the 13^th and two were in the car park area at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd. 

Grey Heron – Scattered birds were present throughout the site with a monthly maximum of 9 on the 23^rd. 

Grey Heron - Pocklington - 23/01

Red Kite – A single flew over the A19 near Escrick heading west on the 5^th with a single near Elvington on the 13^th and Pocklington on the 29^th. 

Marsh Harrier – A single cream crown was at North Duffield Carrs on the 1^st and 5^th with another at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th and Bank Island on the 19^th. 

Peregrine – Regular throughout the month with two or three reported daily. Wheldrake Ings held two adults and an immature on the 8^th, whilst a large adult female was hunting towards dusk at North Duffield Carrs on the same date. Singles were also seen at Melbourne on the 2^nd and 5^th. Two were at Aughton Ings on the 23^rd and 25^th. 

Merlin – A single at Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal near Melbourne on the 2^nd (DB) and at Bank Island on the 13^th (CSR). 

Sparrowhawk – Several were present throughout the site during the month with one taking a Fieldfare at North Duffield Carrs towards dusk on the 12^th. 

Goshawk – A pair were seen displaying at an undisclosed site on the 5^th (JC). 

Oystercatcher – The first returning bird arrived back at Wheldrake Ings on the 20^th – a more typical appearance following last year’s rather late arrival. 

Golden Plover – 55 were present feeding on the Ings at Aughton with Lapwing on the 6^th and 200 were at North Duffield Carrs on the 12^th. 200 remained at Aughton Ings on the 19^th increasing thereafter with 1200 at Thorganby Ings on the 29^th and 2050 there on the 31^st. 

Grey Plover – A single flew over North Duffield Carrs on the 4^th (OM). 

Dunlin – Numbers increased to 70 on the 3^rd, 102 by the 19^th and up to 198 on the 29^th. 

Ruff – Numbers continued to build up quickly following the return of wintering birds in late December. 70+ were present on the 2^nd with 100+ on the 4^th. 100+ remained at North Duffield Carrs on the 25^th. 

Black-tailed Godwit – A single at North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th was the first returning bird. 

Curlew – 10+ were at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd with 37 present throughout the site on the 31^st. 

Common Snipe – Up to 40 were present on Seavy Carr on the 17^th and 100+ were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 30^th. Smaller numbers were present elsewhere but little feeding opportunities remained following the extensive flooding. 

Jack Snipe – A single was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 30^th. 

Woodcock – Up to two birds frequented the Wheldrake Ings car park area from the 1^st – 6^th  at dusk, presumably coming into feed after leaving a nearby day time roost, a single was also flushed from Thornton Ellers on the 10^th. Four where flushed from Thornton Ellers on the 23^rd whilst three were present in the small area of woodland near the Escrick Duck decoy on the 27^th. Four were present at Thornton Ellers on the 30^th. 

Redshank – Numbers increased from 10 on the 3^rd to 33 at Bubwith Ings on the 19^th. 

Lesser Black-backed Gull – Singles were at the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 13^th and 23^rd with two there on the 28^th. 

Glaucous Gull – A first winter bird was present at the Wheldrake Ings roost from the 1^st to 5^th (DB) with a fourth winter bird there on the 28^th. 

Iceland Gull – An adult at the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 13^th with two adults and a second winter there on the 23^rd, a first winter and an adult on the 28^th and an adult on the 30^th. 

Kumlien’s Gull – A sub-adult (3^rd or 4^th winter) was at the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 28^th (CSR). 

Herring Gull – Large numbers built up quickly following the flooding and a record count of 14,000 were present at the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 23^rd. 

Yellow Legged Gull – Two adults went over Bank Island towards the Wheldrake roost on the 28^th. 

Greater Black-backed Gull – 4500 were present at the roost at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd. 

Common Gull – 3500 roosted at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd. 

Mediterranean Gull – A first winter bird was in the Wheldrake Ings roost on the 10^th (JL) with an adult then seen on the 28^th heading into the roost over Bank Island (CSR). 

Black-headed Gull – An impressive 20,000 roosted at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd. 

Long-eared Owl – A single reported at Wheldrake Ings near dusk on the 13^th and a single was present at North Duffield Carrs after dark on the 30^th (CSR, JR). 

Tawny Owl - A ringed bird was caught roosting in a regular haunt at Thornton Ellers on the 10^th, after checking the ring back at the office it revealed the bird to be over 15 years old - more here.

Tawny Owl - Thornton Ellers - 10/01

 

Jay – Two were at Bank Island on the 23^rd with three in the nearby Wheldrake Ings car park lane on the 27^th. 

Nuthatch – A single was calling in the Escrick Duck Decoy on the 15^th, and a single was reported at the Bank Island feeding station on the 31^st - a notable record. 

Marsh Tit – A single was at Thornton Ellers on the 10^th with singles regularly at the Bank Island feeding station. 

Willow Tit – Three were present by the Pocklington Canal at East Cottingwith during the month with up to four different birds caught and ringed at Bank Island during the month (CB). Three were at Thornton Ellers on the 30^th. 

Siskin – Up to 20 were at Thornton Ellers on the 9^th when a further 15 were present on the Pocklington Canal near Melbourne. 50 were at Thornton Ellers on the 30^th. 

Crossbill – A single flew over Skipwith Common calling on the 8^th (RM). 

Greenfinch – A flock of 100 were near Seavy Carr on the 29^th. 

Chaffinch – Up to 100 were by Seavy Carr on the 29^th. 

Brambling – Eight were present near Church Bridge, Melbourne on the 29^th (NC). 

Tree Sparrow – Up to 100 remained at the Bank Island feeding station during the month with 50+ present at North Duffield Carrs feeding station. 

Corn Bunting – Up to 45 were roosted in the reedbed by Church Bridge at Melbourne during the first week of the year.

MAMMALS: 

Fallow Deer – A single at Skipwith Common on the 8^th, with three at Crook Moor, Thorganby on the 13^th and five at Skipwith Common on the 21^st. 

Roe Deer – Five were present on Kexby Lane on the 7^th with two at Skipwith Common on the 8^th and two at Thornton Ellers on the 10^th. A single was in the Wheldrake car park lane on the 27^th with three at Thornton Ellers on the 29^th and 30^th. 

Otter – Fresh runs, prints and a spraint were found at Thornton Ellers on the 10^th. 

Brown Hare – Two were at Thornton Ellers on the 10^th with three at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th and one there on the 23^rd. Four were present at Thornton Ellers on the 30^th with two at North Duffield Carrs on the same date. 

Hedgehog – A single unseasonal individual at Sutton upon Derwent on the 10^th had unfortunately been killed by a vehicle. 

Wood Mouse – A single was present at Wheldrake Ings car park lane on the 27^th. 

Common Shrew – One was found on the 24^th in an un-set Longworth trap when replenishing the hay! 

Mole – Several fresh mole hills were present along the floodbanks during the month.

MOTHS: 

Winter Moth – One at Bank Island on the 13^th. 

Dark Chestnut – One at Bank Island on the 25^th.

NOTABLE PLANTS: 

Winter Heliotrope – Colonies were found at Thorganby and Sutton upon Derwent during the month – a new species for the NNR plant list.

 Winter Heliotrope - Thorganby - 27/01

FUNGI: 

The 2014 fungi list started on the 10^th when an afternoon working at Thornton Ellers allowed time to search for species that can still be found at this time of year. A walk along the hedgerow and through the wood saw the list kick off with Candlesnuff, Jelly Ear, Witches Butter, Birch Polypore and Buttercap.

 Jelly Ear - Thornton Ellers - 10/01

 

Witches's Butter - 27/01 - Escrick