MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor



DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE REPORT 2013

This is the sixth year that the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT) has administered the Reserve.

During 2013 the Reserve was visited on 319 documented dates with the writer making 196 visits. In all 1102 visitors were recorded during the period. On one date 60 visited the Reserve and were guided by DWT volunteers (not included above). Included are 68 Cormorant Roost counts made by the writer with the bulk carried out September to December. AG made National Wildfowl Counts in all 12 months of the year.

Working parties were present on a dozen or so dates that I was aware of (they are not included with the visits in the second paragraph) carrying out varying tasks that incorporated scrub clearance, stock proofing fences and attempting to fill potholes along the entrance route. An attempt was made to introduce Water Lilies to the Bamboo pool, a previous effort having failed. Additionally this pool is earmarked for a possible pond-dipping site. A small pond was dug immediately in front of the Education Hide that may be useful to observe the emergence of aquatic insects. In December several sculptures of various animals and birds were erected over the site with education in mind. Voluntary work carried out by K. Walker, R. Williams and M. Williams amounted to some 227 hours and involved the making of a new screen, scrub clearance in various areas with The Strip one of the larger undertakings and running repairs to the two-man hide. RW and MW also cut several channels through the reeds in both Scott’s Lagoon and Crake Pool thus enhancing the viewing in these areas. Individual efforts were 102 hours by RW, 97 hours by MW and 28 hours by KW. These efforts are appreciated and very much improve a visit to the Reserve.

It may be judged, from the systematic list, that many counts were made, particularly of ducks and geese, over the year. Records were kept of dragonflies and butterflies with the latter being sent to the Butterfly Conservation Recorder – Ken ORPE. Due to various circumstances ringing visits were not on par with previous years. Weather was the main factor in this and, similarly, moth trapping suffered. MW and RW, both on the Reserve and the defunct nature trail, carried out nest box maintenance and recording with an analysis contained in the report. In addition nest record cards were submitted to the BTO.

Visitors will, no doubt, surmise that little has been done to improve the standard of road surface leading from the entrance gate to the Reserve car park. These deficiencies increase annually in both size and depth as each winter’s frost and floods take their toll. The Trust has attempted to rectify some of the worst of these imperfections. Flooding is a significant factor in the reduction of visitors to the Reserve as the area affected takes some weeks or even months to clear. Another problem that increases year by year is the growth of poplar suckers and brambles that are now encroaching onto the roadway thus reducing the width, and safety, considerably.

Trespassing continues to blight the site, particularly involving the fishpond. It got so bad that complaints from the fishermen resulted in an area of razor wire being introduced at the point of entry. This was found not to be insurmountable as one trespasser, when asked how he got beyond the wire said, ‘with some difficulty’. Another case involved a gentleman who was casually asked which society he was a member of quite glibly replied, ‘none’, and that he was given the number by a friend. Over the year none of these acts of trespass have resulted in damage.

The feeding station was in operation from January to April and again from November to the end of the year. Once again there were substantial donations by way of money from the Derbyshire Ornithological Society, generous gifts of food from R & J Searle, Mike Deakin and Andy Large, together with other, usually anonymous, donors.

In 1980 ten Beech trees were planted to commemorate the first ten years of the Reserve’s life. Sir Peter SCOTT planted the ceremonial tree and a plaque denoting the event was placed to the front of the tree. At the time the choice of species led to some mild criticism, as the site was considered unsuitable for this particular variety of tree. Sadly, thirty-four years on, the critic has been proved right. The ravages of Rabbits and poor growth have taken their toll with four of the trees now dead (one uprooted) and three others showing somewhat serious signs of distress with a sickly yellow foliage. Is this, perhaps, now the time to put the remaining trees out of their misery and cut them down? The tree planted by Sir Peter SCOTT could be retained and the plaque renewed as this tree seems somewhat healthier than the rest although it is unlikely to thrive.

Whilst on this subject of trees, it must be obvious to visitors, that the growth of birches over the area of the old ash lagoons and Hairpin has been phenomenal. Behind the car park Grey Poplars now abound due to their prolific suckering. The introduction of cattle has gone a little way to keep down new encroachment but they can do little about older growth. It is accepted that much of the site is off the Reserve but this rapid change will do little to enhance the bird life in the area, as the hinterland is just as important in the grand scheme of things.

RECORDING AREA: Where possible the locations of sightings are shown. In the main these are on the Reserve but, for recording purposes, anywhere from the entrance gate to the Reserve has been held as Drakelow Gravel Pits/Wildfowl Reserve/Nature Reserve. Generally, if a visitor can see it, it can be recorded. As such birds seen on the riverbanks of the Trent are held to be in Derbyshire.

Thomas Cockburn Senior Warden (Hon).

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BIRDING YEAR

The year opened with a count of 57 species of birds with all but two (Rook and Meadow Pipit) on the Reserve. The pick of the bunch was probably a flock of 15 Goosanders and, not to be sniffed at, some 150 Great Black-backed Gulls moving across the Reserve from the flooded fields in Staffordshire. The following day a wintering Chiffchaff was noted. Two notable wader species recorded during the month were Dunlin on the 20th and six Golden Plovers on the 27th.

On 9th February a skein of some 80 Pink-footed Geese crossed the Reserve from SE to NW suggesting movement from Norfolk to Lancashire. It is some years since this type of passage was noted. The next day a Barn Owl was an excellent find and six days later two roosting Tawny Owls were located. The 17th provided another wading species seldom recorded these days by way of a Ruff.

A Chiffchaff found on the 3rd March may have been the wintering bird or might have been a genuine migrant. A Little Egret recorded on the 9th March was the vanguard of an exceptional year for this species. A visit to a snow covered Reserve on the 24th provided the stalwart visitor with the superb find of a male Marsh Harrier; the first time a male has been recorded on site. A Chiffchaff was in song on the 29th and a female Pintail, located on the 31st of the month, was the sole record for the first winter period of the year by this elegant duck.

April is generally the month for arriving migrants and there was a record of four Oystercatchers in the Main Lagoon on the 3rd. A White Wagtail was a lucky find as it briefly visited the Strip on the 6th and the following day a male Wheatear was on the roadway near the fishpond. On the 8th the first Swallow, Sand Martin, Willow Warbler and Blackcap were logged. An excellent find on the 11th was a Ring Ouzel with another on the 19th that made its way from the perimeter fence down to the Reserve area. On the 17th the first Sedge Warbler was seen and heard and the first House Martin appeared. The first Common Sandpiper was noted on the 18th whilst the 19th saw the arrival of Whitethroat and Yellow Wagtail then on the 20th the first Cuckoo. Reed Warbler and Swift appeared on the 21st and on the 23rd Whinchat and Wood Warbler was logged. A Hobby arrived on the 25th, as did another Ring Ouzel. On the 26th a ‘reeling’ Grasshopper Warbler and a singing Garden Warbler were heard. The 28th was a memorable day as a singing Cetti’s Warbler (the first since 1999) was heard, as was the first Lesser Whitethroat and another White Wagtail was logged.

On the 2nd of May a pair of Greylags that appeared with four goslings was the second Reserve breeding record. A Wood Warbler was mentioned on the DWT web site but the record was not logged or submitted to the D.O.S. A pair of Garganey graced the Secondary Lagoon on the 17th/18th and on the latter date a cream crowned Marsh Harrier was identified as it crossed the Reserve. On the 24th the presence of both Water Rail and Grasshopper Warbler raised hopes of breeding, as did the singing Cetti’s Warbler on the 25th.

June saw the first Mallards going into eclipse plumage but there was no post-breeding Lapwing flock to speak of. The exotic species list was increased when a Cape Barren Goose or Cereopsis attached itself to the goose flock. The bird was seen off and on to the end of the month. Another, or the same, Marsh Harrier appeared on the 21st and Little Egret was again logged. The presence of male Goosander on the river on the 27th kindled hopes of breeding as, on the same date, a redhead’ was on the Reserve. However the male appeared to be injured in some way.

On the 6th July a re-used Cormorant nest held young for the second time and the following day five juvenile Goosanders were seen on the river near the car park. On the 8th a Peregrine ‘stooped’ at a Cormorant, the second time this has been noted here, but whether it was a serious attempt was debatable. Little Egrets were becoming more regular with eight on the 20th and 12 on the 28th counted as they left their roosting site. The first returning Common Sandpiper was recorded on the 21st and two Green Sandpipers were logged on the 26th. On the 28th an adult male Peregrine was seen, with two young birds, over the station site indicating successful local breeding once again.

Little Egrets were recorded on several dates in August with nine seen on the 30th. Raptor records throughout the month included Hobby, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, Peregrine and, on the 26th, another cream-crown Marsh Harrier. A Whimbrel recorded flying south on 4th August was the only record for the year.

September opened with seven Crossbills, a Greenshank and a colour-ringed Little Egret. Enquiry revealed that the egret had originated from Norfolk. There was an intriguing record of an adult and first-winter Water Rail in the Secondary lagoon on 1st September. Did they breed here or were they just migrants? The Little Egret numbers increased throughout the month with a record breaking 18 counted out from the roost. This was also a county record. Other high scoring species included the Canada Goose with 390 on the Reserve and 1150 across the river in Staffordshire whilst Greylag numbered four on the Reserve with 230 opposite. The attraction was the stubble across several fields in Staffordshire. The number on the Reserve increased to 765 on the 11th and on the 16th the Reserve total was in the region of 1500. The Cape Barren Goose was present on several dates. For some reason the Greylags steered clear of Drakelow. By the end of the month goose numbers were declining.

In October the Little Egret roost count increased to 19 on the 6th but few were seen after the 9th with 12 on the 27th an exception. A Stonechat on the 6th was a rare find and a pair of Pintail joined a female in the Main Lagoon the next day. Two Whinchats appeared on the 20th – a late date for the species – and one on the 24th was our latest date ever. On this same date the second Barn Owl of the year was seen.

The first Jack Snipe to be recorded since March 2010 was flushed on the 3rd November. On the same date Snipe numbered 11 and a Curlew was logged. A Merlin reported on the 5th November was the first since 2008. Two roosting Tawny Owls were located on the 9th. The first Goldeneye of the winter appeared on the 19th. The appearance of two Ruddy Shelducks on the 22nd broke the tedium of the Cormorant counting whilst earlier that day another Merlin was logged. On the last day of the month a skein of 21 Pink-foots moved NE – SW.

In December another, or the same, Merlin was seen on the 9th. A Great White Egret was a surprise arrival during the late afternoon of 12th. The bird was seen several times as it flew round and, eventually, appeared to come down in the area of Scott’s Lagoon where it may have roosted. The Cormorant count of 189 on the 14th of the month was the highest December count to date. On 20th December, surprisingly, a Cetti’s Warbler was seen. Could this be the same bird from the summer?

In all 131 species were identified.

MAMMALS AT DRAKELOW NATURE RESERVE 2013

The list is, in the main, based on the writer’s own observations, and a comprehensive list submitted by MW and RW included an excellent series of records obtained by trail cam in December. Other records are derived from log entries.

WESTERN HEDGEHOG: So far as I am aware no animal was reported, living or dead. Either this mammal has learned to avoid our roads or, more likely, is in serious decline.

NORTHERN MOLE: Evidence of this mammal’s existence is usually confirmed by noting fresh molehills. Normally these are seen in the fields rather than on the Reserve. Fresh molehills were noted in January, June, August and December. On 9th December three areas were found. So far I have yet to find any activity on the old ash lagoons.

COMMON SHREW: The only record was of one found dead on 9th December.

PYGMY SHREW: One was recorded on 22nd February.

NOCTULE: One identified on 29th June.

PIPISTRELLE: At least five were identified on the 29th June.

RABBIT: Animals were recorded throughout the year but in declining numbers. Kits were noted from 29th April to 30th July. There was a marked decrease (from general observations) from the high numbers of a few years ago. Towards the end of the year, October to December, a note was made when entering or leaving the site of any animals seen on the roadway. Numbers were ten or, more usually, fewer with three to six the norms at any one visit. Very few have been seen on, what I call the triangular field (first field on left on drive), which I have put down to waterlogging during last winter. Even the ‘bowling green’ areas in the main field have become overgrown this year. It may be that that the slaughter within the station area is responsible for this decline. The normal predators that rely on the Rabbit for a food supply may well be suffering with, now, an abnormal number of predators chasing a dwindling food supply – a knock on effect from the station killings. Several years ago it was normal to see some 20 Rabbits in the car park and 80 to 100 by the RWPH. I wonder if this has something to do with the original farm being named Warren Farm? There was no evidence of myxomatosis.

BROWN HARE: Unbelievably there were only two sightings this year, 30th March and 7th April. The decline of this animal is alarming to say the least.

GREY SQUIRREL: Recorded throughout the year and breeds on the Reserve. A notorious scourge of the nest boxes both by damaging the contents (eggs and young birds) and by taking over the boxes for their own purposes. Commonly visits the feeding station at all times of the year. Whenever possible this animal is discouraged.

BANK VOLE: Records of these animals are usually made at the feeding station area. Noted on 1st January, 4th February, 9th March, 27th October and 26th December. Away from the GFH one was found under a tin with four young in September.

FIELD VOLE: Not recorded.

WOOD MOUSE: Four were disturbed from a winter nest under a traffic cone on 2nd November and three were still there on the 30th.

HARVEST MOUSE: Not recorded.

HOUSE MOUSE: Not recorded.

BROWN RAT: One was recorded on 28th August.

RED FOX: With the exception of November was recorded/reported throughout the year. Recorded on six dates in January but only one in February. Was seen twice in March and one was found dead on the 30th. In April was logged on three dates and once in May. In June was seen on three dates and in July twice – one on the 22nd was a dog as it cocked it leg on the Purple Loosestrife before continuing along the Strip. Three dates in August and again in September with two in October. In December one was recorded by trail cam on nine dates from 12th to 31st. Two on the 21st was the only claim of more than one animal. No family groups were seen this year although several records related to young animals.

STOAT: There were no records until one on the 19th October. Further records were 20th October and 6th, 7th and 10th November. Several records related to Rabbit kills.

WEASEL: Not recorded.

AMERICAN MINK: Singles were seen on 9th March, 26th April and11th May. Two together were photographed on the 28th September and involved a very dark individual and a much paler one. Another was described as ‘milk chocolate’ in colour.

POLECAT, POLECAT FERRET and FERRET: One on 22nd November, of the Polecat type, killed a Rabbit by the GFH.

BADGER: There was ample evidence throughout the year of the presence of this mammal by way of ‘snuffle’ marks and fresh latrines. The only daylight sightings were of one on 5th and 7th April. More usual were of records at dawn or dusk. One was a road casualty on 15th July near the entrance gate. Following Cormorant roost counts two seen together at dusk on 1st and 4th October. During December there were three singles recorded on a trail cam. Other evidence of presence was a ripped out Wasp nest on 9th July. This was, at one time, a common sight at Drakelow with both wasps and bees involved. There has been a marked decline in wasp sightings over the last few years with very few nests have been detected by Badgers, or so it would seem.

OTTER: Not recorded.

CAT: Not recorded.

MUNTJAC: The first sighting was of a doe on 27th June. Thereafter slots were seen in several areas and there was a brief sighting of one on 14th and 30th September whilst a buck was well seen on 21st. In December was recorded by trail cam on six dates with a doe identified on the 11th and a buck, doe and kid on the 14th.

SYSTEMATIC LIST 2013

MUTE SWAN: Cygnus olor. Birds are present throughout the year and breed on the Reserve. The highest monthly counts were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

6 11 6 10 15 15 10 11 14 22 11 13

Two pairs bred in the area, one pair producing seven cygnets and the other six. The Reserve pair reared two from the seven and the other pair one. It was thought the second pair nested on Swan Island. Young are included in the totals from September. RINGING: Both adults were caught and ringed making a total of eight birds ringed on site.

BEWICK’S SWAN: Cygnus columbianus. Not recorded.

WHOOPER SWAN: Cygnus cygnus. Not recorded.

BEAN GOOSE: Anas fabalis. Not recorded.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE: Anser brachyrhynchus. A skein of 80 flew over the Reserve on SE to NW on the 9th February. A single was on the Reserve on 7th November and on the 30th 21 flew over. In December there was a single on the 21st and 28th with two on the 22nd.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: Anser albifrons. Not recorded.

LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: Anser erythropus. Not recorded.

GREYLAG GOOSE: Anser anser. The species was recorded throughout the year and bred on site. The highest monthly counts (excluding young) were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

4 2 13 11 13 7 2 2 33 7 2 2

One pair bred on the Reserve rearing three out of four goslings. They eventually left the Reserve in mid-July and joined the Canada flock upstream from Drakelow. Later in the year there were several flocks that over flew the Reserve to feed on the Staffordshire side of the river. The larger counts were of 85 on 18th September and 60 on the 24th. A flock estimated at 250 flew over on the 26th October.

CANADA GOOSE: Branta canadensis. Recorded throughout the year and bred on site. The highest monthly counts were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

350 140 106 74 128 182 200 226 1500 200 118 300

In June there was a crèche of some 42 to 50 birds, not all hatched at Drakelow, which frequented the River Trent. In July the bulk of the birds were on the Reserve with the moulting adults. By this time a lot of the young are practically indistinguishable from their parents without severe scrutiny so are included in the totals from July onwards. The high number in September was of birds gathering to glean the stubble fields on the Staffordshire side of the river. NEST RECORD CARDS: Two cards were completed and submitted.

BARNACLE GOOSE: Branta leucopsis. One was present, and photographed, on the 25th September.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: Alopochen aegyptiaca. Not recorded.

RUDDY SHELDUCK: Tadorna ferruginea. Two flew through the Reserve area on 22nd November.

SHELDUCK: Tadorna tadorna. Present on site from 8th February through to 17th June. The largest gathering was of five (in the station area) on the 8th February. Thereafter one or two was the norm. Breeding was not suspected. In the main records were from the station area but was regularly seen on the Reserve

MANDARIN: Aix galericulata. Although recorded in eight months of the year the most seen at any one time was four on 25th August. In the first six months a male was seen on 8th February and 30th March with two eclipse birds on 23rd June. A female was noted on 13th March. The species was recorded on nine dates in July, three in August and September and four in October. Three drakes were seen on 7th and 8th December.

WIGEON: Anas penelope. There were records for each month of the year with the exception of June. In all 123 counts were made with the bulk of these January to March and October to December. Numbers each month were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

12 42 29 8 1 - 1 1 9 21 37 39

Compared with 2012 numbers were well down, particularly January and September to November although the February to April counts were up.

AMERICAN WIGEON: Anas americana. Not recorded.

GADWALL: Anas strepera. The species was recorded throughout the year but never got above 49 at any one time. At 237 counts this species received the most attention over the period with the commonest duck, the Mallard, being counted on 154 occasions. There was no evidence of breeding. Numbers each month were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

20 35 32 10 7 38 49 37 29 48 38 36

Other than a sharp fall in January the numbers for the rest of the counts were within touching distance of the 2012 figures.

TEAL: Anas crecca. Once again this species was recorded throughout the year but there was no suspicion of breeding. The two best counts, as would be expected, were January and December. In all 177 counts were carried out, 37 more than in 2012. Largest counts were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

180 67 42 14 2 5 7 14 18 59 50 120

GREEN-WINGED TEAL: Anas carolinensis. Not recorded.

MALLARD: Anas platyrhynchos. The species was recorded throughout the year and bred on site. In all 154 counts were logged over the year for this, our commonest, duck. Largest counts were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

420 111 93 49 22 85 176 261 400 308 212 232

BREEDING: A deprecated egg was found on 10th April with several others over the next few days. These were probably all from the same nest. A total of seven broods were recorded from 26th April through to the 21st July with a total of 39 ducklings seen on the water.

NEST RECORD CARDS: One card was completed and submitted.

PINTAIL: Anas acuta. A female on 6th April was the only record for the first part of the year. A pair was present on 21st September. Seven on 10th October was the best count of the year and a female was logged on the 6th and 15th with three birds on the 7th. A female was present on the 3rd and 5th December. Following only one record in 2012 this was a far superior showing but it should be pointed out that this species is at its lowest National level for forty years.

GARGANEY: Anas querquedula. A pair in the Secondary Lagoon (opposite the hut) on 17th and 18th May was the only record.

SHOVELER: Anas clypeata. The species was recorded throughout the year but there was no evidence of breeding. At 194 counts this species was the third most counted on the Reserve. Largest monthly counts were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

14 10 50 20 1 3 8 15 59 65 65 105

The first two months were well below the 2012 figures but the March increase was on par with that year. The September to November counts was consistent with the previous year although the November number was down by 15 birds. However the December count showed a regular increase that peaked at 105 on the 20th. The higher numbers were sustained until the end of the year.

RED-CRESTED POCHARD: Netta rufina. Not recorded.

POCHARD: Aythya ferina. Largest counts were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

3 11 11 4 - 1 1 1 2 9 7 18

There was little difference between the 2012 and 2013 figures.

RING-NECKED DUCK: Aythya collaris. Not recorded.

FERRUGINOUS DUCK: Aythya nyroca. Not recorded.

TUFTED DUCK: Aythya fuligula. The species was present throughout the year. There was no evidence of breeding. Largest monthly counts were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

47 53 56 63 33 24 62 52 35 57 60 76

SCAUP: Aythya marila. Not recorded.

COMMON SCOTER: Melanitta nigra. Not recorded.

GOLDENEYE: Bucephala clangula. The species was last noted on 5th April and the first returning bird was recorded on 19th November.

J F M A M J J A S O N D

7 5 7 2 - - - - - - 2 7

The first winter peak was only half that of 2012 and the December count three more than in 2012.

SMEW: Mergellus albellus. Not recorded.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER: Mergus serrator. Not recorded.

GOOSANDER: Mergus merganser. Recorded throughout the year. The presence of juveniles in July suggested successful local breeding.

J F M A M J J A S O N D

15 6 9 2 4 3 5 13 10 11 8 7

RUDDY DUCK: Oxyura jamaicensis. Not recorded.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE: Alectoris rufa. The species was present throughout the year and bred on site. Generally two to six birds were recorded at any one time in the vicinity of the drive or on the ash lagoons although there were several records from the Reserve. A pair with three young, on the drive near the gate, was the only evidence of breeding.

GREY PARTRIDGE: Perdix perdix. Not recorded.

QUAIL: Coturnix coturnix. Not recorded.

PHEASANT: Phasianus colchicus. The species was present throughout the year and bred on site. Twelve birds on 10th March was the largest count for the first nine months. Drumming was recorded from 1st April to the 12th May although one was heard, and seen, drumming on 23rd December. A female with two chicks noted on 13th July was the only evidence of breeding. Later in the year 29 on the 2nd November and 34 on 6th December were considered to be locally released birds. On the 23rd November, to the end of the year, there was a particularly aggressive male that chased cars along the drive by the RWPH. Whilst I sat in my car by the RWPH on the 23rd it circled the vehicle several times then, as I drove round the Hairpin, he crossed the ash and got ahead and, again, showed his annoyance by strutting round the vehicle and ‘drumming’.

GOLDEN PHEASANT: Chrysolophus pictus. Not recorded.

MANX SHEARWATER: Puffinus puffinus. Not recorded.

CORMORANT: Phalacrocorax carbo. The species was recorded throughout the year with 87 AON being counted. Monthly roost count maximums were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

93 130 109 162 231 225 330 198 270 319 138 189

During the first six moths numbers were lower than in 2012 but higher from July with the exception of November. Breeding success appeared to be good with the first young heard calling on the 12th March. Well-grown young were still in the nest at the end of July and into August.

SHAG: Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Not recorded.

BITTERN: Botarus stellaris. Not recorded.

LITTLE EGRET: Egretta garzetta. The species was recorded on 71 dates from 9th March. The highest counts each month were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

- - 2 1 1 2 12 9 18 19 1 2

The high counts from July to October were all associated with roosting birds and, eventually, the county record was broken.

GREAT WHITE EGRET: Egretta alba. One on 12th December was the 5th record for the Reserve and was accepted by the local rarities committee.

GREY HERON: Ardea cinerea. The species was recorded throughout the year and there were 11 AON. The nest count may have been more as the encroaching vegetation makes it well nigh impossible to see all nests. More than three birds seen together or at any one time is an unusual sight at Drakelow and the higher numbers reflect the nesting birds in or around to breeding area. NEST RECORD CARDS: One card was completed and submitted.

J F M A M J J A S O N D

8 4 6 6 12 4 15 5 3 6 5 7

RINGING: A total of 14 pulli were ringed bringing the grand total of Herons ringed on site to 33.

SPOONBILL: Platalea leucorodia. Not recorded.

LITTLE GREBE: Tachybaptus ruficollis. The species was present throughout the year and bred on site. Largest counts were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

4 2 4 4 2 5 2 2 5 8 13 14

On pair raised three young in the Secondary Lagoon. The highest numbers are associated with the river.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE: Podiceps cristatus. The species was absent January, August and September. First noted on the 8th February and the following day a pair was seen displaying. Four were seen on the 14th April and again in late May. The number increased to six in June but breeding was not recorded. In July five at the start of the month fell to one on the 17th and none was seen until the 1st October when a single was present the whole month. Two were sporadically present in November and, with the exception of two on the 3rd December, one was seen all month. Several observations were of birds on the river.

RED-NECKED GREBE: Podiceps grisegena. Not recorded.

SLAVONIAN GREBE: Podiceps auritis. Not recorded.

HONEY BUZZARD: Pernis apivorus. Not recorded.

RED KITE: Milvus milvus. Not recorded.

MARSH HARRIER: Circus aeruginosus. The species was recorded on an unprecedented four occasions. The first was a male on 24th March that was viewed over a snow covered Reserve. ‘Cream crowns’ were seen on 18th May, 21st June and 26th August. The last record of this species was in 1999.

HEN HARRIER: Circus cyaneus. Not recorded.

GOSHAWK: Accipiter gentilis. Not recorded.

SPARROWHAWK: Accipiter nisus. The species was recorded throughout

the year and bred on site. In all birds were recorded/reported on 147 occasions with the most frequently logged dates October to December when winter thrushes were most common. The number of days recorded/reported (not bird days) were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

13 4 8 13 6 8 9 11 13 22 19 21

BUZZARD: Buteo buteo. The species was recorded throughout the year and bred locally. The number of days reported/recorded (not bird days) were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

12 12 17 25 23 20 16 10 19 19 25 18

OSPREY: Pandion haliaetus. Not recorded.

KESTREL: Falco tinnunculus. Recorded throughout the year and bred locally. The number of days reported/recorded (not bird days) were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

6 3 2 15 8 2 6 13 11 17 9 8

RINGING: An adult was caught and ringed making it the second to be caught on site.

MERLIN: Falco columbarius. Singles were recorded on the 5th and 22nd November and 9th, 27th and 28th December. The species was last recorded in March 2008.

HOBBY: Falco subbuteo. Recorded from 25TH April to 27TH September. The number of days reported/recorded (not bird days) were:

A M J J A S

1 5 9 9 8 12

PEREGRINE: Falco peregrinus. With the exception of May and June was recorded every month. Although the bulk of the records refer to birds seen over the power station area there were numerous sightings over the Reserve. As in previous years birds were seen with young but the breeding site is unknown. The number of days reported/recorded (not bird days) were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

3 3 2 3 - - 6 7 9 4 9 2

WATER RAIL: Rallus aquaticus. In the first four months singles were recorded on 21st January 3rd February 2nd and 20th March with two on 3rd April and one on the 21st. One was present on 18th August with two on the 25th/27th. Two on 1st September were identified as an adult and 1st winter birds. Singles were recorded on five dates in October with two on the 11th. Regularly seen and heard in November with up to six birds involved and December was even better with eight birds being reported on the 1st. The GFH provided the best chances of seeing this species and two were seen or heard in this locality fairly regularly.

SPOTTED CRAKE: Porzana porzana. Not recorded.

CORNCRAKE: Crex crex. Not recorded.

MOORHEN: Gallinula chloropus. The species is present throughout the year and breeds. The highest numbers logged were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

15 11 13 14 10 10 14 20 37 28 19 21

The most young seen were ten in July and six were thought to have fledged. Towards the end of the year one bird was watched from the GFH as it took small fish (Perch) from the shallows by the reeds. It killed and ate them on land.

COOT: Fulica atra. Present throughout the year and breeds. Regular counts of this species are carried out covering different areas. The highest counts were (1) Reserve and (2) site:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

31 28 30 37 - 38 52 38 42 61 59 56

50 45 46 47 50 51 64 58 45 59 64 66

The highest number of young seen at any one time was 17 in July and 11 of these were thought to have fledged. On the 24th June the pair below the GFH lost two of their four young in a matter of seconds. Strongly suspected was a young Cormorant that was in close proximity of the family. However, whatever happened was out of sight behind a belt of reeds. Pike are also active in these waters so cannot be ruled out. Further animosity was noted between the Coots and juvenile Cormorant several days later but there were no further losses.

OYSTERCATCHER: Haematopus ostralegus. Recorded from 13th January through to 21st July. One was recorded on five occasions during the first two months and from 22nd March two were seen almost daily. Four were seen on 3rd and 5th April and five on the 15th was the most at any one time. It was thought that one pair nested but no young were seen.

AVOCET: Recurvirostra avosetta. Not recorded.

GOLDEN PLOVER: Pluvialis apricaria. One was seen on 17th January and on 27th a flock of 12 was over the Station/PNT area and a party of six over the Reserve. One was logged on the 7th April and a party of 12 on 6th October completed the record

GREY PLOVER: Pluvialis squatarola. Not recorded.

LAPWING: Vanellus vanellus. In the main the species was recorded from the ash lagoons to the station area with further records from the Reserve. The best count was of 190 (station) on 10th April and 90 on the Reserve 7th. Doubtless the same birds were involved. Although several pairs nested and reared broods numbers had fallen from last year due to deterioration in habitat. Some five or six pairs were associated with the ash lagoon area and, in April, some 20 territorial birds were reported to be in the derelict station. However there was a sudden collapse and few birds were seen after mid-June with numbers only in single figures. There was no post-breeding flock. Later, in December, there was a flurry of records of birds flying through the site with 150 N on the 3rd the best count. RINGING: A total of 12 pulli were ringed this year bringing the grand total to 97 ringed on site.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER: Charadrius dubius. These days most records refer to birds seen in the derelict station area but occasionally birds appear on the Strip. First recorded (in the Station area) on 6th April with three pairs present on the 21st. Birds were then recorded through to the last one on 30th June. Bred on site.

RINGED PLOVER: Charadrius hiaticula. As with the previous species birds are rarely recorded away from the station area. Four on the 17th February were the first and subsequent records were of up to six birds. At least two pairs had young. So far as I’m aware the species was not seen on the Reserve.

KENTISH PLOVER: Charadrius alexandrinus. Not recorded.

WHIMBREL: Numenius phaeopus. One through on the 4th August was the only record.

CURLEW: Numenius arquata. One on 5th March and two on the 17th were the first records. Another was in the station area on 6th April. One on 3rd November was the only record for the second winter period.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT: Limosa limosa. One was present from 16th to 18th September being well seen on the Strip on both dates.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT: Limosa lapponica. Not recorded.

TURNSTONE: Arenaria interpres. Not recorded.

KNOT: Calidris canutus. Not recorded.

RUFF: Philomachus pugnax. One on the 17th February was the only record.

CURLEW SANDPIPER: Calidris ferruginea. Not recorded.

TEMMINCK’S STINT: Calidris temminckii. Not recorded

SANDERLING: Calidris alba. Not recorded.

DUNLIN: Calidris alpina. One flew over the Reserve on 20th January but, due to flooding, there was nowhere for the bird to land. This was the only record.

LITTLE STINT: Calidris minuta. Not recorded.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER: Calidris melanotos. Not recorded.

COMMON SANDPIPER: Actitis hypoleucos. The first of the year was recorded on 18th April with three recorded on the 26th the best spring count. Singles on the 5th and 18th May were the only others reported. Return passage began on 21st July with further singles on 28th and 29th and another on 25th August the last. Considered a poor showing.

GREEN SANDPIPER: Tringa ochropus. The only spring passage birds were singles on 5th, 6th, 7th and 18th April. The return passage consisted of two on the 26th July, two on 18th August, two on 3rd September and one on the 27th. In October singles were reported on seven dates and the last, a single, on 6th November.

SPOTTED REDSHANK: Tringa erythropus. Not recorded.

GREENSHANK: Tringa nebula. There were no spring records and, indeed, the only autumn passage bird occurred on 7th September - another poor showing.

WOOD SANDPIPER: Tringa glareola. Not recorded.

REDSHANK: Tringa totanus. One in the station area on 10th March was the first of the year. One or two birds were reported through April with four on the 21st the best count. Was only recorded on three dates in early June and two on 30th July were the last.

JACK SNIPE: Lymnocryptes minimus. One on 3rd and 7th November and 1st and 22nd December was the first record since March 2010.

WOODCOCK: Scolopax rusticola. Recorded from 4th January to 7th April and 2nd October to 15th December. Generally one or two birds recorded with four on 7th April being exceptional. The first of the second winter period was recorded on 2nd October making it the earliest winter record since the previous earliest on 8th October 1971. Only three more sightings were reported to the end of the year with three on the 10th November the best count.

SNIPE: Gallinago gallinago. Present 2nd January to 25th May and 14th September to 31st December. Best monthly counts were:

J F M A M S O N D

5 1 50 18 1 4 14 17 10

This was a far better showing than in 2012 with the migration peak in March clearly illustrated. Wet areas around the Hairpin and the old ash lagoons are the favourite spots with fewer birds seen roosting on the Strip. This is still a long way from the heady days when several hundreds could be counted.

POMARINE SKUA: Stercorarius pomarinus. Not recorded.

ARCTIC SKUA: Stercorarius parasiticus. Not recorded.

LONG-TAILED SKUA: Stercorarius longicaudus. Not recorded.

LITTLE TERN: Sternula albifrons. Not recorded.

GULL-BILLED TERN: Gelochelidon nilotica. Not recorded.

CASPIAN TERN: Hydroprogne caspia. Not recorded.

BLACK TERN: Chlidonias niger. Not recorded.

SANDWICH TERN: Sterna sandvicensis. Not recorded.

COMMON TERN: Sterna hirundo. Three on the 6th May were the first to be recorded on the Reserve. Very few were recorded thereafter, usually the odd single, and the last record was of an adult and juvenile on 6th August.

ROSEATE TERN: Sterna dougallii. Not recorded.

ARCTIC TERN: Sterna paradisaea. Not recorded.

KITTIWAKE: Rissa tridactyla. Not recorded.

BLACK-HEADED GULL: Chroicocephalus ridibundus. The species is recorded throughout the year both on and crossing the Reserve. An alternative roost was occasionally reported from the derelict station area where numbers could be in excess of these listed. Largest gatherings on the Reserve were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

100 229 141 80 12 30 56 340 170 350 180 120

LITTLE GULL: Hydrocoloeus minutus. Not recorded.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: Larus melanocephalus. Not recorded.

COMMON GULL: Larus canus. One or two were present with the Black-headed Gulls on the Reserve through to 4th April with a maximum of six on the 3rd February. The species was not seen again until four were noted on 11th October and thereafter a single was regularly seen in the ML to the end of the year.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL: Larus fuscus. The species is recorded throughout the year mainly as a passage migrant. Roosts are regularly established within the derelict station area. Largest counts were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

22 2 6 30 13 440 1 32 50 190 40 110

All the double and treble figure counts were of passage birds.

HERRING GULL Larus argentatus. The species was recorded January to April and again in November and December. Roosts are regularly noted in winter in the derelict station area. In the first four months there was a top count of six on 14th March. Later in the year there was a count of 17 on 14th November and 15 on 14th December involving birds on passage. Up to 50 birds were in the station roost on 1st December.

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis. Singles were logged on 25th April, 5th May, 16th September, 25th October and 7th November.

CASPIAN GULL Larus cachinnans. The only records involved two different birds recorded in the station area on 5th and 11th April.

ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides. Not recorded.

GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus. Not recorded.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL: Larus marinus. Recorded in the winter months mainly as a passage migrant with occasional roosts established within the derelict station area. Largest counts were:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

150 29 44 48 - - - - - - 7 1

The January record involved birds that had been disturbed from a flooded field in Staffordshire and were counted as they crossed the Reserve in various directions with many going into the station area. What was unusual on the February to April records was the high numbers recorded, almost daily, on the Reserve. These were, for the most part, young birds with adults occasionally appearing towards the end of April. At the other end of the year the station held good numbers with a maximum of 160 on 1st December.

ROCK DOVE/ FERAL PIGEON: Columba livia. This is much under recorded species that was, during the operational station period, a very common bird reported in high numbers. Nowadays only occasionally reported/recorded.

STOCK DOVE: Columba oenas. Present throughout the year, sometimes in good numbers, and breeds on site. Nesting is almost entirely in man made structures. On 14th March 14 were counted at the CP feeder. Roost counts later in the year were around 80 to 100 but many counts were abandoned due to the roosting birds being disturbed by raptors. RINGING: Thirty-six pulli were ringed bringing the grand total to 198 ringed on site. NEST RECORD CARDS: A total of 41 cards were completed.

WOOD PIGEON: Columba palumbus. The species is present throughout the year and breeds on site. Roosting birds can number into the thousands at suitable times. Few counts were made but up to 200 were counted on the 12th January. At the other end of the year the only large count logged was of 1161 on 10th November. This consisted of 27 flocks in groups of up to 210

COLLARED DOVE: Streptopelia decaocto. Is occasionally recorded, particularly round the GFH area. There were several records of single birds but breeding was not reported this year.

TURTLE DOVE: Streptopelia turtur. Not recorded.

RING-NECKED PARAKEET: Psittacula krameri. Not recorded.

CUCKOO: Cuculus canorus. Present April to June with, usually, one or two birds being reported but breeding was not proved. First recorded on 20th April and last reported 26th June.

BARN OWL Tyto alba. One on 10th February, 9th May and another on the 20th October were the only records.

LITTLE OWL: Athene noctua. Not recorded.

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco. The species is present throughout the year on site but is rarely seen. Several pairs are thought to be involved which includes the defunct Nature Trail. NEST RECORD CARDS: One card was completed and submitted.

LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus. Not recorded.

SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus. One on the 22nd November was the only record.

NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus. Not recorded.

SWIFT Apus apus. First reported on 21st April. Twenty-five on 10th May was the first double figure count and a 100 or so on the 17th the first count of three figures. Passage continued through June with 20 to 50 birds being counted with 90 on the 16th the best total. There were sporadic records in July with 30 on the 14th and 40 on the 28th the best. Passage was light in August with 24 on the 4th the top count. Three on the 11th, two on the 18th and two on 31st were the last.

KINGFISHER: Alcedo atthis. The species was recorded throughout the year and bred locally. Always a popular bird with the casual visitors there was many opportunities for photographs to be take when the bird(s) made use of poles provided for that purpose.

HOOPOE: Upupa epops. Not recorded.

WRYNECK: Jynx torquilla. Not recorded.

GREEN WOODPECKER: Picus viridis. The species is present throughout the year in all suitable areas and is recorded almost daily. Three pairs were thought to have bred including birds on the old Nature Trail and Proposed Nature Trail.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER: Dendrocopos major. The species is present throughout the year and several pairs breed on site. Recorded almost on a daily basis and a frequent visitor to the feeding station during the winter months. RINGING: Four adults were caught and ringed bringing the grand total to a century of birds trapped and ringed.

LESSER-SPOTTED WOODPECKER: Dendrocopos minor. Not recorded.

GOLDEN ORIOLE: Oriolus oriolus. Not recorded.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE: Lanius excubitor. Not recorded.

MAGPIE: Pica pica. The species was present throughout the year and bred on site. Birds continue to roost in the North Pool area but there were no systematic counts carried out. Usually seen in small groups of three to seven birds but the regular and casual visitors alike tend to ignore this species.

JAY: Garrulus glandarius. Present throughout the year and breeds on site but off the Reserve. Two to four are regularly seen in the winter months as they cross the ML to gather acorns. Occasionally numbers are increased when migrants appear although there was no apparent influx this year.

JACKDAW: Corvus monedula. The species is recorded at various times of the year and occasionally roost on the Reserve where large numbers can be seen arriving around dusk or leaving at dawn. The largest roost number was 260 on 9th February.

ROOK: Corvus frugilegus. The species is present in the area, locally, throughout the year but birds tend to avoid the Reserve itself. There were some thirty-one AON on the area known as the Proposed Nature Trail (PNT). This downward trend may be related to the recent cutting back of several trees in this woodland strip due to deterioration and dangerous overhanging branches. Post-breeding gatherings, mixed with Carrion Crows and Jackdaws, resort to the old fly-ash lagoon areas.

CARRION CROW: Corvus corone. The species is present throughout the year with several pairs breeding on the Reserve and others on the remainder of the site. Sporadic roosting takes place on the Reserve and adjacent sites. The largest gathering was some 400 on 30th October. Daytime counts of up to 150 were mainly on the old ash lagoons in the second half of the year.

HOODED CROW: Corvus cornix. Not recorded.

RAVEN: Corvus corax. In the main the species is recorded from the derelict station area and the species was recorded most months. Occasionally birds cross the Reserve.

GOLDCREST: Regulus regulus. Present throughout the year and breeds on site. Most records relate to autumn immigrants. RINGING: Four birds were caught making a grand total of 170 ringed on site.

FIRECREST: Regulus ignicapilla. Not recorded.

BLUE TIT: Cyanistes caeruleus. The species is present throughout the year and is a common breeding bird. On site thirteen nest-boxes were occupied in which 107 eggs were laid. A total of 90 pulli were hatched of which 71 fledged. This gave an average clutch size of 8.2 per box; average pulli per box 6.9 and average fledged 5.4 per box. Only one box was a complete failure. RINGING: Including the nest boxes 115 birds (40 full grown and 75 pulli) were ringed this year making a grand total of 4632 ringed on the site. NEST RECORD CARDS: A total of 13 cards were completed and submitted.

GREAT TIT: Parus major. The species is present throughout the year breeding throughout the site. On site 21 nest-boxes were occupied in which 146 eggs were laid. A total of 131 pulli were hatched of which 115 fledged. This gave an average clutch size per box of 6.9; average pulli per box 6.2 and the average fledged 5.5. Only one box was a complete failure. RINGING: Including the nest boxes a total of 159 birds (39 full grown and 120 pulli) were ringed making a grand total of 3479 ringed on the site. NEST RECORD CARDS: A total of 21 cards were completed and submitted.

COAL TIT: Periparus ater. Several pairs nest on site occasionally making use of nest-boxes. Irregularly recorded at the feeding station. RINGING: A total of 14 birds (two adults and 12 pulli) ringed brought the grand total to 120. NEST RECORD CARDS: One card was completed and submitted.

WILLOW TIT: Poecile montanus. This species, at one time a common bird on site and a regular visitor to the feeding station, was hardly ever seen or heard this year. RINGING: Two birds were caught and ringed making a grand total of 159.

MARSH TIT: Poecile palustris. Not recorded.

BEARDED TIT: Panurus biarmicus. Not recorded.

SKYLARK: Alauda arvensis. A common species over the adjacent grass fields but is rarely, if ever, recorded on the Reserve these days. Several pairs were singing over the ash lagoon area where nesting was recorded and others were in the old station area.

SAND MARTIN: Riparia riparia. First reported on 8th April. There were several small groups through April with 33 on the 26th the best count. There was a similar pattern in May with a count of 30 on the 17th best gathering. There was a similar pattern in June with 30 the best count on the 23rd. There were sporadic records in July and August with 22 on 15th August the highest count. There were no more records until 18 on the 8th September and eight on the 15th were the last. There was a nest in the riverbank with a juveniles seen at the entrance on 4th August.

SWALLOW: Hirundo rustica. The first record reported on 8th April was a party of 12 birds. Thereafter small groups of up to 20 were logged. There was a heavier passage in May with up to 40 counted on the 11th and 12th. After 30 on the 18th numbers dwindled with 20 on the 23rd and 24th June the next best entry. Passage was light through August with a maximum of 12 on the 27th. Migrants became obvious from 4th September when there was a count of 38. On the 11th an estimated 100 was surpassed on the 13th when 170 were logged. Thirty-six were counted on the 22nd with 17 on the 27th and ten on the 28th the last. On 17th July a pair were seen round the RWPH feeding three recently fledged young but the actual breeding site was not known.

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum. First reported was a party of six on 17th April. Thereafter there was a continual passage with a peak number of 75 on 10th May. Few passed through in early June until 60 were counted on the 13th but 150 on the 22nd, was the best of the month. Small groups of up to 16 were logged in July and in August 60 on the 15th heralded the start of the autumn passage. September opened with 152 on the 1st with the peak count of 950 on the 11th and another good count of 390 on the 15th. After six on the 22nd there was a late bird on 11th October.

CETTI’S WARBLER: Cettia cetti. One singing on 28th April was the first record since the County first, at this site, in 1999. Continued to sing through to 16th June. There was a brief sighting on 20th December.

LONG-TAILED TIT: Aegithalos caudatus. The species is present throughout the year and breeds on site. RINGING: Thirty-four trapped and ringed brought the grand total to 702.

WOOD WARBLER: Phylloscopus sibilatrix. One logged as in song by the CP on 23rd April. One on the DWT Website was not logged or submitted to the D.O.S. Another was in song, on the Staffordshire side of the river, 5th May.

CHIFFCHAFF: Phylloscopus collybita. First song was heard on 17th March but it wasn’t until the 7th April that three were heard. Twelve in song on 16th June was the best count of singing birds. The last reported was one on 13th October. Bred on site. RINGING: Fourteen birds were ringed making a grand total of 321.

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF: Phylloscopus ibericus. Not recorded. Judgement is still awaited on the bird recorded in 1995.

WILLOW WARBLER: Phylloscopus trochilus. First reported on 9th April and last reported on 25th August. Nine in song on 21st April and again on the 28th was the most in song at any one time. Bred on site. RINGING: Despite the number singing only a single bird was caught this year making a grand total of 288.

BLACKCAP: Sylvia atricapilla. First reported on 8th April and the last on 15th September. There was a maximum count of 22 singing on 9th June. Bred on site. RINGING: Sixteen caught and ringed brought a grand total of 646.

GARDEN WARBLER: Sylvia borin. First recorded on 26th April. On 19th May 22 were in song. Last recorded on 18th August. Bred on site.

LESSER WHITETHROAT: Sylvia curruca. First recorded on 28th April. One sang through to 27th May but there was no evidence of breeding.

WHITETHROAT: Sylvia communis. First reported on 19th April. There was a maximum count of 12 in song on 5th May. The last record was of three on 8th September. Bred on site. RINGING: Despite being quite common only one bird was caught making a grand total of 92.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: Locustella naevia. First recorded on 26th April and still present on 5th May.

SAVI’S WARBLER: Locustella luscinioides. Not recorded.

SEDGE WARBLER: Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. First recorded on 17th April. Sixteen in song on 5th May. Bred on site. RINGING: A total of 15 were caught and ringed making a grand total of 727.

REED WARBLER: Acrocephalus scirpaceus. This is a common summer visitor and breeding bird to all the reed areas on and off the Reserve. Several pairs breed below the GFH and are popular photographic models for budding photographers. First recorded on 21st April with the last on 8th September. Bred on site. RINGING: A total of 24 caught and ringed brought the grand total of 1115 ringed on site.

WAXWING: Bombycilla garrulus. Not recorded.

NUTHATCH: Sitta europaea. The species is recorded throughout the year in several areas both on the Reserve and in the adjacent woodlands. Bred on site. RINGING: A total of eight birds (two full grown and six pulli) were ringed making a grand total of 36 ringed on site. NEST RECORD CARDS: One card was completed and submitted.

TREECREEPER: Certhia familiaris. Reported throughout the year with many records in the vicinity of the GFH. The species breeds on site. RINGING: Two caught and ringed brought the grand total to 115 ringed on site.

WREN: Troglodytes troglodytes. This is another common species breeding throughout the site. The best count logged was that of 35 in song on 7th July. RINGING: Eleven birds (six adults and five pulli) were ringed bringing the grand total to 540.

STARLING: Sturnus vulgaris. The species is recorded throughout the year in varying numbers. Several pairs breed locally. In the first winter period there was a count of 150 on 3rd January. Singing birds were heard in February and March. Numbers began to build up in April with 56 counted on the 13th with a small proportion being young birds. There were several three figure counts in June, around 150, and in August 200 flew east on the 3rd. From early October numbers began to increase and there were more regularly sightings as migrants moved through the site. There were 20 dates in November when flocks were recorded, mainly moving west, in varying numbers from 20 to 1025 (12th). Of four December counts one was of 462 (2nd) and one of 345 (13th).

DIPPER: Cinclus cinclus. Not recorded.

RING OUZEL: Turdus torquatus. One present on 11th, 19th and 25th April may well have related to one bird

BLACKBIRD: Turdus merula. The species is present throughout the year and breeds on the Reserve/site. Numbers usually augmented during the autumn/winter period by continental birds. Three in song on the 17th February were the first singing birds. The maximum number of songsters was 16 on 16th June. At the other end of the year the highest count was of 30 on 17th November. Our, seemingly, resident white-headed individual was seen many times well into the breeding season being found in and around the Beech tree area. RINGING: Twenty birds were trapped and ringed bringing the grand total to 813.

FIELDFARE: Turdus pilaris. Recorded from January to April and then October to December. In the first two months counts were sporadic and involved small numbers of up to 50 or so. In March there were counts of 100 on the 5th and some 300 roosted on the 9th. There was a further count of 52 on the 13th April with one on the 14th the last. During the second winter period was recorded from the 11th October to the end of the year. Numbers were generally low with the first three-figure count of 100 on 12th November. Heavier passage occurred with 400 on the 22nd and 200 on the 24th. Seventy on the 1st December 90 on the 6th, 150 on the 8th and 200 on the 9th were the best counts for the month. Thereafter numbers fell to the end of the year.

SONG THRUSH: Turdus philomelos. Present throughout the year and breeds on Reserve/site. Over the site nine singing birds on 2nd June was the highest count during the breeding season. Usually two to four birds were seen at any one time. RINGING: One bird caught and ringed making a total of 192 ringed on site.

REDWING: Turdus iliacus. Present from January to April and then October to December. Although more frequently recorded than the Fieldfare numbers tended to be fewer. The best count of the first period was of c200 roosting on the 26th February. The top count in April was of 38 on the 12th and eight on the 14th was the last. Reappeared on 6th October when two were logged. Numbers remained in double figures into November and 107 on the 10th November were the first three-figure tally. A heavy passage began with 100 on the 14th with an estimated 400 on the 16th. Most counts thereafter remained around 150/200 through to mid December with a decrease from the 12th. A leucistic bird was seen on the 27th November. RINGING: A total of eight birds caught and ringed made it a grand total of 100.

MISTLE THRUSH: Turdus viscivorus. At least one pair is present on site and breeds. There were no gatherings this year by the RWPH although three were noted there in September.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER: Muscicapa striata. One on 19th May was the only spring record. There was one autumn record on 25th August.

ROBIN: Erithracus rubecula. A common species recorded throughout the Reserve and breeds on site. Twenty-eight in song on 7th April was the best count. RINGING: Eleven adults were caught and ringed bringing the grand total to 456.

NIGHTINGALE: Lucinia megarhynchos. Not recorded.

PIED FLYCATCHER: Ficedula hypoleuca. Not recorded.

BLACK REDSTART: Phoenicurus ochruros. Not recorded.

REDSTART: Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Not recorded.

WHINCHAT: Saxicola ruberta. First record was of a female on 23rd April and a male was present on the 28th. On the 29th three were seen and a pair on the 30th. One on the 11th May was the last of the spring. Returning birds were recorded on 28th July, 24th October and 3rd November. The last is the latest recorded at Drakelow. RINGING: One was caught and ringed bring the grand total to five.

STONECHAT: Saxicola torquatus. One on 6th October was the only record.

WHEATEAR: Oenanthe oenanthe. First recorded on 7th April. Two or three were then regularly seen from the Hairpin to the RWPH until the end of May. In addition to these up to nine were in the station area from the 17th to the 24th April with fewer in early May. There were no autumn records. Birds that were attributable to the Greenland race were present from 18th April. RINGING: Seven birds were caught and ringed bringing the grand total ringed on site to 40

DUNNOCK: Prunella modularis. Present throughout the year and breeds on site. RINGING: Eleven adults were caught and ringed bringing the grand total to 452.

HOUSE SPARROW: Passer domesticus. The species is rarely recorded these days although individuals seem to appear to gather food and then cross the river towards Branston.

TREE SPARROW: Passer montana. Not recorded.

YELLOW WAGTAIL: Motacilla flava. First reported on 19th April when five were in the station area. Others were singles on 20th and 23rd April with three on the 21st. A male on 11th May was the last spring record. There were no autumn records.

GREY WAGTAIL: Motacilla cinerea. One or two wintered on site and in June one was noted carrying food. Was the sporadically logged through to the year’s end.

PIED WAGTAIL/WHITE WAGTAIL: Motacilla alba. PIED WAGTAIL: In general this has become a somewhat scarce bird with only the odd pair or two being logged. The only Reserve records are of those that visit the Strip during the breeding season to gather food. Up to 20 were in the station area on 6th April and some 30 crossed the Reserve on 5th May WHITE WAGTAIL: The first record, on the Reserve, was on the early date of 6th April and another was logged on the 28th.

TREE PIPIT: Anthus trivialis. Not recorded.

MEADOW PIPIT: Anthus pratensis. Known mainly as a passage migrant in spring and autumn with a small number wintering on site. Up to ten wintered locally and 21 on 16th March may have been migrants. A flock of twenty on 12th April was the largest count for that month with six on the 23rd the last of the period. Return passage began with singles noted on 21st July and 31st August. Five on 9th September was the first group to pass through and there was regular visible migration thereafter. Forty-four was the best count of that month and in October there were counts of 40 on the 6th, 55 on the 21st and 30th. Passage continued into November with three counts of 35. Numbers decreased thereafter and up to eight appeared to have settled in for the winter.

ROCK PIPIT: Anthus petrosus. Not recorded.

WATER PIPIT: Anthus spinoletta. Not recorded.

CHAFFINCH: Fringilla coelebs. The species is present throughout the year and breeds. First song was heard on 10th February through to 7th July when a maximum of 17 were singing. Flocking was, seemingly, non-existent this year with numbers rarely in double figures. RINGING: Four birds were trapped bringing the grant total to 858.

BRAMBLING: Fringilla montifringilla. Not recorded.

GREENFINCH: Carduelis chloris. Records for this species were somewhat sporadic this year. With the exception of November there were records in each month. Although odd juveniles were seen there was no direct evidence of breeding on the Reserve. Nine birds trapped on 3rd March was the highest number recorded at any one time. RINGING: A total of 11 birds were trapped bringing the grand total to 2088.

GOLDFINCH: Carduelis carduelis. The species is present throughout the year and breeds. During the first winter period the largest count was of 25 on 14th February. The first song was recorded on 14th April and several pairs were known to have bred across the site with several family parties noted. From October to the end of the year several flocks were logged with 50 on 5th October, and 6th and 10th November. Three discrete flocks were noted on 24th November with some 70 on Burdock along the drive and small gatherings of 14 and 35 elsewhere on the Reserve. RINGING: Three birds were ringed bringing the grand total to 80.

SISKIN: Carduelis spinus. The species was present January to 5th March and from 6th October to the end of the year. During the first period the largest flock was of 36 on 3rd February. There were no exceptional counts in the second period with the largest count of 35 on 17th October. RINGING: Two birds were caught this year bringing the grand total to 138.

LINNET: Carduelis cannabina. One in song on 14th March was the first for the year. Up to a dozen birds, including young, were present April and May. Larger flocks of 60 on 27th September and 80 on 6th October involved birds in the defunct station site.

TWITE: Carduelis flavirostris. Not recorded.

LESSER REDPOLL: Carduelis cabaret. Recorded January to 28th April and 10th November to the end of the year. The best counts were on 25 on 2nd January and the same on 15th November.

COMMON (MEALY) REDPOLL: Carduelis flammea. Not recorded.

COMMON CROSSBILL: Loxia curvirostra. Seven on the 1st September was the only record.

BULLFINCH: Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Recorded throughout the year and breeds on site. Although several pairs are in the area it is unusual to see more that a pair at any one time. RINGING: Four birds were caught this year bringing the grand total to 501.

SNOW BUNTING: Plectrophenax nivalis. Not recorded.

YELLOWHAMMER: Emberiza citronella. Not recorded.

LITTLE BUNTING: Emberiza pusilla. Not recorded.

REED BUNTING: Emberiza schoeniclus. The species is recorded throughout the year breeding on site and is a familiar bird at the winter-feeding station. First song was heard on 10th February and the best count of songsters was of 19 on 2nd June. Several family parties were seen over the whole site but counts of individuals never exceeded the June record. There were several counts of 13 at the feeding station in early January. RINGING: A total of 20 birds were trapped and ringed bringing the grand total to 939.

CORN BUNTING: Emberiza calandra. Not recorded.

RECORDED 2013: 131

TOTAL ON LIST: 224

PENDING: 1 (Iberian Chiffchaff).

CORRIGENDA: Black Tern Chlidonias nigra – not recorded 2012 (omitted from systematic list).

WATERBIRDS IN THE UK 2011/12

The annual report of the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) has come to hand (February 2014) and the following is the national picture relating to the waterfowl recorded at Drakelow.

The WeBS report analyses the numbers and produces national trends for 25 years and ten years respectively expressed as a percentage. The years in question are the 25-year period 1985/86 – 2010/2011 and the ten-year period 2000/2001 – 2010/2011.

POPULATION TRENDS

25-YEAR 10-YEAR

MUTE SWAN 99 - 5

CANADA GOOSE 79 9

SHELDUCK -12 - 16

WIGEON 44 - 8

GADWALL 281 25

TEAL 70 - 5

MALLARD - 36 - 17

PINTAIL - 30 - 27

SHOVELER 58 - 2

POCHARD - 53 - 47

TUFTED DUCK 19 - 11

GOLDENEYE - 32 - 39

GOOSANDER 18 - 7

RUDDY DUCK - 93 - 97

LITTLE GREBE N.A. - 1

G.C.GREBE 38 - 17

CORMORANT N.A. 1

COOT 26 - 10

The catastrophic decline of Pochard and Goldeneye is reflected in the Drakelow counts and the Ruddy Duck is being subjected to a systematic wholesale slaughter.

DRAGONFLY REPORT 2013

The dragonfly year was from 15th May through to 26th October. There are many gaps in these dates and it should be appreciated that the primary object at Drakelow is bird watching. In relation to flying dates only two records were broken i.e. Emperor’s last date was extended by 11 days and the Black-tailed Skimmers by three.

BANDED DEMOISELLE: Calopteryx splendens. Flying dates 21st May to 8th August. Numbers increased steadily from the first sighting to 150 on 27th June. Logged as ‘common’ through July and the last recorded were 20 on 8th August. Although recorded throughout the site the most sightings are from the riverbanks.

EMERALD DAMSEL: Lestes sponsa. Not recorded.

AZURE DAMSELFLY: Coenagrion puella. For the fifth year in succession was not recorded.

LARGE RED DAMSELFLY: Pyrrhosoma nymphula. Flying dates 15th May to 18th June. Nine on the 31st May was the best count. One on 18th June was the last. In the main records are from the fishpond area but can be found anywhere over the Reserve.

COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLY: Enallagma cyathigerum. Flying dates 27th May to 7th September. Was widespread from mid-June with swarms seen over all waters. The Bamboo Pool is probably the best for close viewing of these swarms.

BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY: Ischnura elegans. Flying dates 18th May to 8th August. Never as common as the previous species and 20 on 18th June was considered a good count. As with the previous species can be found anywhere on site.

SOUTHERN HAWKER: Aeshna cyanea. Flying dates 25th June to 3rd September. Singles were noted on four dates in July with three on the 27th. There were three on three dates in August with four on the 31st and then the last on 3rd September. This is considered a fairly typical showing. Although rather scarce this insect can be found in almost any locality from the entrance gate to the Reserve.

BROWN HAWKER: Aeshna grandis. Flying dates 3rd July to 5th October. Following the first on 3rd July 18 were counted on the 8th and increasing to 30 on the 22nd. The best counts in August were of 15 on the 8th and 21st. Numbers fell away in September with singles on the 3rd and 4th and a large gat until two on the 28th. Singles noted on 2nd, 3rd and 5th October were the last. This is a fairly typical showing for this widespread species.

MIGRANT HAWKER: Aeshna mixta. Flying dates 3rd August to 26th October. By the end of August sightings had increased to 15. Twenty on the 3rd September was the best count of the season. During October 12 were noted on the 5th and eight on the 19th with singles on the 24th, 25th and 26th. This is another species that can be widespread over the site.

EMPEROR: Anax imperator. Flying dates 15th July to 21st September. Single males were recorded on 15th July, 3rd August with two on 21st September. The last two extended the latest sighting by 11 days. This is still a scare insect at Drakelow with practically all records from the lagoons and fishpond.

BROAD-BODIED CHASER: Libellula depressa. One on 13th July was the only record. This species can appear anywhere on site but is quite scarce.

FOUR-SPOTTED CHASER: Libellula quadrimaculata. Flying dates 25th June to 19th July. Two on 25th June were the first with one the next day. Singles were seen on four dates in July with the last on the 19th. Although being seen over a wide area records are mainly from the fishpond.

BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER: Orthetrum cancellatum. Flying dates 8th June to 24th September. After one on 8th June there were singles on four more dates to the 27th. Recorded throughout July with five the best count on the 6th. In August there were singles on the 3rd, 8th and 21st. One on 23rd and 24th September made it the latest by three days. This insect can be found throughout the site with many males sunning themselves on exposed rocks and roadways.

BLACK DARTER: Sympetrum danae. Not recorded.

RUDDY DARTER: Sympetrum sanguineum. Flying dates 8th August to 3rd September. After two on 8th August there was a gap until the 21st and then eight on the 26th. There was a good count of 15 on the 3rd September but, surprisingly, none thereafter. Although this species can be found over a wide area the fishpond remains the stronghold.

COMMON DARTER: Sympetrum striolatum. Flying dates 8th July to 25th October. Remained scarce through to August when there was a count of 30 on the 3rd. In September the best count of the season was of 70 on the 27th with 20 on 5th October the next best. This is a widespread and, usually, common insect being recorded over the entire site.

BUTTERFLY REPORT 2013

SMALL SKIPPER: Flying dates 8th July to 27th August. There was a maximum count of 34 on 15th July. This species was again late in appearing and three weeks later than in 2012 when, it is recorded, it was a month late that year! However numbers were bettered this year with 34 against the six of 2012 pushing it well above the ten-year average of 24. Doubtless several of the next species may be amongst these records.

ESSEX SKIPPER: Flying dates 11th July to 25th July. The best count was of four on 11th July. This species is easily confused with the previous one and records are of insects caught. This species was marginally later than in 2012 and numbers were the same. Once again the species was below the average of seven.

LARGE SKIPPER: Flying dates 21st June to 15th July. The best count was of eight on 1st and 4th July. Compared to 2012 there was little difference in the flying dates but the number doubled. However the average is 18 so there is room for improvement.

DINGY SKIPPER: Flying dates 31st May to 8th July. Six on 6th June was the best count. Although appearing marginally later than in 2012 the latest date increased by 12 days and the maximum number was down by one.

CLOUDED YELLOW: One on the 27th August was the only record.

BRIMSTONE: Flying dates 15th April to 26th August. Recorded on 14 dates during the season with 11 dates with two and three of singles. This species was nearly four weeks later in appearing against 2012 and vanished nearly three weeks earlier.

LARGE WHITE: Flying dates 1st May to 6th October. Maximum numbers per month were May – three, June – ten, July – 50, August – 200+, September – five with a single on 6th October the last. Perhaps best described as a phenomenal year for the species. Although a week later than in 2012 it more than made up for it by the impressive number recorded in August. It certainly made a mockery of the average of 37. The last date was a month later than in 2012.

SMALL WHITE: Flying dates 9th May to 26th October. Maximum numbers per month were May – four, June – five, July – 85, August – 250, September – 16, October – 12 with the last on the 26th. Another species recorded in extraordinary numbers. The large number that appeared in July ridiculed the average of 12.5 and more than made up for the late appearance date.

GREEN-VEINED WHITE: Flying dates 20th April to 26th October. Maximum numbers per month were April – two, May – 40, June –13, July – 81, August -150, September – five, October – 12 with the last on the 26th October. Appearing just over three weeks later than in 2012 did not quite make the superlatives numbers of the relatives above but nevertheless was somewhat contemptuous of the average 34.2. The last date is two days later than the previous latest at 24th October 2009.

ORANGE-TIP: Flying dates 25th April to 18th June. Maximum numbers per month were April – two, May – 25, June six with one on the 18th the last. The May count exceeded the average of 21.7 but the flying dates were within the norm.

PURPLE HAIRSTREAK: Not recorded.

SMALL COPPER: Flying dates 31st May to 8th October. May conveniently be split into three periods of 31st May to 21st June. 22nd July to 2nd September and 28th September to 8th October. In all periods only one or two insects were involved. Although the flying dates were within the norm the numbers were well below the average of 10.8.

BROWN ARGUS: Flying dates were 18th June to 13th July and 8th August to 3rd September. In the first period only one or two insects were seen and in the second there was a good count of 16 on the 26th August. The first brood only just on average but the second brood was well above the 7.6.

COMMON BLUE: Flying dates were 1st June to 11th July and 27th July to 24th September. During the first period the best count was of 23 on 25th June and in the second reached 95 on 26th August. Numbers then fell rapidly to singles on 2nd, 3rd, 8th and 24th September. Recorded flying slightly later this year the first brood was a tad over the standard but the second brood nearly quadrupled the average of 26.8.

HOLLY BLUE: Singles on 26th May and 15th June were the only records.

RED ADMIRAL: Flying dates 25th June to 3rd November. With the exception of two on 24th July all records were of singles. Altogether there were fifteen singles with two in June, five in July, two in September, five in October and one in November. With the average 6.3 this was a well below average showing.

PAINTED LADY: One on 13th July was the only record. If nothing else it was a 100% better showing than last year!

SMALL TORTOISESHELL: Flying dates 6th April to 6th October. One or two were noted to 7th May with the last a rather tatty individual. Others were seen on 6th and 30th June. Two were distinctly fresh insects on 1st July and the best for the month was a count of eight on the 22nd with four on the 30th. In August there was a count of ten on the 20th and in September was noted on seven dates with eight on the 21st. The last were singles on 1st and 6th October. Nearly two weeks earlier than last years but neither broods met the averages of 7.3 and 17.3.

PEACOCK: Flying dates 3rd January to 9th November. Although one was out and about on 3rd January we had to wait until the 15th April for the next record. Fifteen on 1st May was the best of the spring brood with one to six noted to 26th June. Thirteen on 24th July rose to 50 on the 27th and 70 were counted on the 3rd August. Thereafter numbers declined to ten on the 25th and subsequent records involved singles to the 9th November. Presumably the early individual was a disturbed hibernator that was not seen again. The spring brood fell below the average of 18 but the summer brood surpassed the standard of 22.8.

COMMA: Flying dates 6th April to 26th October. Following the first record of two on the 6th April there was a count of 30 on the 20th with singles on 9th, 10th, 19th and 23rd. In May there were singles on the 6th and 15th. One on 7th July increased to ten on the 15th. Nine were counted on 3rd August and 16 on 27th September were bettered with a count of 18 on the 5th October. This species enjoyed a much better year than in 2012. The first period was above average and the second on par.

SPECKLED WOOD: Flying dates 23rd April to 8th October. Although there was an early record on 23rd April no more were seen until singles on 19th and 27th May and two on 25th June. In July there was a maximum of five on the 9th. The best August count was of 12 on the 30th and the same number was counted on 3rd September with ten on the 24th. Two were seen on 5th October with one on the 7th and 8th. With the average 29.8 this species was a long way short.

WALL BROWN: Not recorded.

MARBLED WHITE: Not recorded.

GATEKEEPER: Flying dates 25th June to 28th August. After a count of 14 0n 13th July there was a rapid rise to 105 on the 24th. Numbers then declined to 20 on 8th August with a last sighting on the 28th. This species enjoyed a longer flying period than that of 2012 but the average of 118 was not achieved.

MEADOW BROWN: Flying dates 25th June to 28th September. From two on 25th June there was a rapid increase to 165 (already away above the average) on 8th July with 300 on the 13th (whew/blimey) and 500 on the 15tth (astonishing). In August there was a count of 125 on the 8th but a swift decline followed to singles in September with four fresh individuals on the 27th and 28th. The appearance date was a day earlier than in 2012 and the last date was six days short of the 2012 but the exceptional numbers bordered on the spectacular. The average is a mere 86.9

RINGLET: Flying dates 25th June to 8th August. From the first on the 25th June there was a speedy increase to 110 on 13th July with 90 counted on the 22nd. Thereafter declined swiftly to the last on 8th August. The species appeared 11 days earlier than in 2012 and, correspondingly, disappeared six days earlier. However the average of 11.8 was treated with utter contempt with a top count of 110 being recorded.

SMALL HEATH: Flying dates 31st May 24th September. From one on 31st May there was an increase to 15 on 27th June and 20 on 8th July and down to one on the 22nd. Four on 21st August increased to 14 on the 28th. There were three on 23rd and 24th September and were the last recorded. With an average of 6.4 the count in June was just over three times that and the species enjoyed a somewhat longer season than that of 2012.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

Richard SPOWAGE – Reserve Manager.

Thomas COCKBURN – Senior Warden (Hon).

Keith WALKER, Michael WILLIAMS, Rose WILLIAMS and Anthony (Sid) GARTON – Warden (Hon).

D. Adams, D.Brooke, V.Bevan, R.Branson, J.Burnett, A. Brooks, R.D.Collins, M.Deakin, A. Gifford, P. Gifford. J. Frost. E.P. Hughes, P. Hendry, C. Hewitt, D.Howell, P.Howell, D.Henson, K. Hammond, P.Highman, D.Hart, A. Large, N.J. Murphy, J. Meakin, J. McMahon, K. Orpe, P. Orpe, R.R. Parker, R. Proudlove, J. Rigby, S. Roberts, R. Searle, J. Searle, K. Stamps, K. Straw, R. Sheldon, J. Shrewsbury, J. Rowland, B. Staley, A. Staley, A. Wilmot, P.Woolley. The initials SJ and AF appear in the log but are unknown to me.

My sincere apology to any contributor that has been omitted from the list, I assure you this is not intentional. It is more than likely that a signature in the log was unsigned or, indeed, unreadable.

Thomas COCKBURN

15th October 2014.

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