The lull before the storm? Hope so!

I know at this time of the year, birders are keenly watching for the first summer migrants to hit the UK, and I find it frustrating to check web sites like Birdguides and see the little beauties that are reported as having already reached the South coast. I know some have flown many miles, and deserve a rest before continuing to the North, or the hills, or wherever they are destined to spend the Summer, so all we can do, and sometimes it is based on building up logistics over several years, is find out where various species will stop en route, and try and find them whilst they are recovering from their long journeys.

A good example I am aware of, but have only once proved it, is Ring Ouzels. They are well reported as being seeable in the third week of April, on Bardon hill near Coalville, and which hill is the highest point in Leicestershire.

I mentioned last week that I was thrilled with the Sand Martin that I spotted at South Stack, and that was followed up on Tuesday by an e-mail from Volunteer Pat at the wildlife centre at Carsington, saying a Sand Martin had flown in front of the Sand Martin bank. We have tried to make the nest bank conducive to Sand Martins, with the sand coloured paint in 2016, and the heavy cutback of the reeds in front of the bank this year, so we have got out the sightings sheet, and just hope we will get a few reports of nesting this year.

Meanwhile we look forward to good Osprey news at Carsington in 2017.  We have the usual Bird Watching for Beginners walk (it’s such a mouthful -hereto and here-after I will refer to the walk as BWB!) -on Sunday 2^nd April, which is in fact FULL, strongly influenced I suspect because I have been geeing up enthusiasm for a possible Osprey en route home to Scotland. 

Still there is an extra walk, and spaces, on the following Sunday (9^th April) so if you wish to book a space Tel 01629 540696.

First Osprey 2017 returnee in 2017 was on March 6^th, with 2 reports that day, one in Yorkshire (13.35) and one on the Cromarty Firth (14.54). ??? same bird?..very possible.

As I write this (Sun 19^th)  there have been 9 reports, and with 2 more reports which could be a same bird situation – the timing of the sightings fit the journey – that means 7 Ospreys already back with us. Brilliant to know that Rutland had a breeding female arrive back the day before yesterday.

My successes this week (ha ha) can be described as minimal. Visited Attenborough during the week, and was very pleased to see that the damaged steps to the tower hide have now been repaired, very substantially, and look good and safe. 

I did pick up 48 species during my visit, but despite loitering (with intent!) at the Delta area for some time, no sign of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. I was told there is one pair but they are deep in the area which is not accessible to the public. You will have to concentrate on listening if you are in the area, and check the different drumming of SW v LSW on your mobile before you go there…they ARE different. 

I had my Markeaton BWB walk this morning, seeing a very lowly18 species. Being a very windy morning, the birds were well hidden, sadly unlike the 4 dogs at the feeding station who had a completely free range. When the owners had finished texting (each other?) and left, my bird seed quickly lured down some hungry Blue Tits.  

A couple of raptors saved the day (Sparrowhawk and Buzzard – the latter very common and coming from Kedleston Hall grounds), and the bird of the walk was an unprecedented award for a Blue Tit, for perseverance.

There may be a short lull in my next report of avian news, so please don’t defect to another blog!!!

Happy Birding      David