September 14th 2011

Mondays Gannet was found dead by Roger one of the rangers yesterday while he was litter picking in biggen bay so Bob, Keith and Pete checked it over this morning while doing the circuit in case it had any rings on – what a sad end to a superb bird.

Gannet by Bob Hazell

The wind had died down and the only new arrivals were a Redshank and a few Arctic Terns with the 2 Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint remaining either on the island or spit. Other waders included 18 Dunlin, 14 Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and at least 5 Greenshank.

Shag

No sign of the Black Tern but the Arctic Terns had increased to 4 with 9 reported mid-day accompanied by 2 Common Tern.
Other species included the elusive juvenile Shag flying towards the valve tower, 2 Hobby performing over the windsurfing area, White Wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 10+ Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Swift, 4 Shoveler, 30+ Teal, 2 Wigeon, 5 Buzzard, Raven and 50+ Sand Martin.

Southern Hawker by Bob Hazell in toft shallows

With the Black-necked Grebe attracting so many visitors to Napton Reservoir not surprisingly plenty of other species were seen today with Rock Pipit, 4 Raven, Hobby, Yellow Wagtail and Tree Sparrow.
As the wind died down juvenile Stonechat and 3 Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler and 4 Chiffchaff were on Napton on the Hill

Dave surprisingly trapped a late Small Scallop last night - only his second garden record.

If you are bored put your coat on and look at the moon - stunning - milky way should be good later as well as Jupiter.

Richard