Ogston Bird News December 2010-23 Days Covered-87 Species.

Although the appalling weather did improve towards month end, the reservoir itself remains frozen over (at least four inches thick) which has resulted in a drastic reduction in the number of birds recorded, the regular observers still managed to log eighty seven species an extremely high count given the atrocious condition of the roads around the reservoir.
Contenders for bird of the month and a very welcome addition to the year list were the five Bean Geese recorded on 18th, (first record 1987) this was only the sixth record.

Wildfowl which were recorded included: Teal (maximum fifty two), Wigeon (seven), single Shelduck (two dates), Mallard (two hundred and forty), Gadwall (four), Shoveler (three), Pochard (nine), Tufted Duck (eight), Goldeneye (four) and four records of Goosander with seven birds noted on 31st.

There were nine wader species recorded in the month, the most notable being three Grey Plover on 1st (the only record of the year for this species), Jack Snipe (two birds on 3rd, single on 4th),eight Lapwing records with thirty four on 20th,single Knot on 13th, seven Dunlin records with twenty six birds on 3rd, single Redshank on three dates, Common Snipe noted on seven dates with circa twenty five on 4th, Ruff (single) on both 3rd and 4th (same bird) and three Curlew records with twelve birds passing through on 4th.

Two Grey Partridge were an excellent find on 4th as they are very uncommon in our recording area, the first Water Rail of the second winter period put in an appearance on 4th and was subsequently seen on at least sixteen dates.

The gull roost of which numbers were beginning to increase mid-month was decimated by the weather and the frozen surface. One very welcome highlight was that of an adult Iceland Gull on both 18th and 19th, an adult Yellow-legged Gull on 12th was the only other notable bird.

There were single records of Barn Owl and Kingfisher, Waxwings noted on four dates: single on 4th, nine (12th), sixteen (13th) and three on the feeders at Bottom Farm on 25th (did anyone else have Waxwings for Christmas?).

Other birds during the month which were worthy of a mention were: single Raven (18th), single Tree Sparrow (three dates) with one on the hide feeders on 31st, several Brambling noted on 18th, two Common (Mealy) Redpoll on 11th and a single on 12th and finally, another two records of Hawfinch, the last of which was seen on the feeders and on the ground in the Fisherman’s car park.

May I take this opportunity to wish all the membership of Ogston Bird Club all the very best for 2011 and thank you for supporting the club.

Keith Turton
Recording Secretary