April 2016

Please note:  
Please report your sightings to Neil Randon at neil.randon@googlemail.com.
______________________________________________________________

Sat, 30 April: pm: 1 WHINCHAT (Moors), 1 WHEATEAR (female, horse paddocks, M.Farm). Des Ball

am: 1 LITTLE TERN (flew over Spynes with Common Tern before landing on pipe at c08.50hrs. 127th species in 2016. 4th site record previous record 2 June, 1999), 1 COMMON TERN (landed on pipe at Spynes, before flying off), 1 GREYLAG GOOSE (with 5 young, Spynes), 2 SPARROWHAWK, 5 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 LAPWING (over), c20 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 WILLOW WARBLER, c25 BLACKCAP, 4 GARDEN WARBLER, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 24 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 6 SEDGE WARBLER, 8 REED WARBLER, 1 GREY WAGTAIL. Gordon Hay

LITTLE TERN (Gordon Hay)
LITTLE TERN at Spynes (Gordon Hay)
Fri, 29 April 2016: 3 COMMON SANDPIPER (1 M.Lake, 1 WC2 island, 1 Spynes). Gordon Hay

Thurs, 28 April 2016: pm: 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Spynes by bullrush pond, 13 COMMON SWIFT, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT. Gordon Hay

Two WHIMBREL on platform at Mercers Lake (Gordon Hay)
GARDEN WARBLER (Gordon Hay)
early am: 2 WHIMBREL (M.Lake on platform at M.CP end), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (WC causeway), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (WC), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (WC), 2 REED WARBLER (WC). Gordon Hay
COMMON WHITETHROAT (Gordon Hay)
GREY HERON (Gordon Hay)
Wed, 27 April 2016: early am: 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC2 island, Spynes), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (sub-song along WC causeway), 2 WHEATEAR (females, M.Farm), 1 SPARROWHAWK, 5 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 3 REED WARBLER. Gordon Hay


WHEATEAR at Mercers Farm (Gordon Hay)
LITTLE OWL at Mercers Farm (Gordon Hay)
Tues, 26 April 2016: 09.45hrs-12.00hrs: 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC2 island), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.Lake, on platform), 1 WHEATEAR (1st summer female, M.Farm. Possible Greenland-type), 1 WIGEON (male, Moors pools), 3 COMMON BUZZARD (1 over WC, 2 Nutfield Ridge), c6 COMMON SWIFT, c20 SAND MARTIN, c10 SWALLOW, c15 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, c10 BLACKCAP, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (in bushes next to small wooden bridge between M.Farm and M.Lake), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Moors), 2 REED WARBLER (WC1, Spynes), 2 GREENFINCH. Neil Randon

WHEATEAR at Mercers Farm (Neil Randon)
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER on WC2 island (Neil Randon)

early am: 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC2 island 11.00hrs), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC2 island at 05.15hrs and Spynes island), 2 WHEATEAR (M.Farm), 1 WILLOW WARBLER. Ray Baker

Mon, 25 April 2016: 09.45hrs-13.30hrs: 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC2 island), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (briefly lnded on WC2 island), 1 GREYLAG GOOSE, 3 CANADA GOOSE, 2 GADWALL, 1 WIGEON (Moors pools), 9 TEAL, 2 MALLARD (1 with 4 young, one with 7 young), c34 TUFTED DUCK, 2 GREY HERON, 7 LITTLE GREBE, 5 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 1 LAPWING (WC1 flooded area), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (over), 15 HERRING GULL (over), c8 COMMON SWIFT, 1 GREEN WOODPECKER, 1 SKYLARK, c50 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 10+ HOUSE MARTIN, 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 BLACKCAP, 3 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (WC1 reedbed by causeway), 3 GOLDCREST, 1 REED BUNTING. Richard Perry

early am: 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (flooded area, WC1), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC2 island), 1 PEREGRINE (flew a circuit around the Moors, then landed in poplars next to landfill), c70 SAND MARTIN, 45 HOUSE MARTIN (WC), 2 REED WARBLER (WC1), 2 LESSER REDPOLL (on cycle path between Spynes and middle Pit). Gordon Hay 

Sun, 24 April 2016: late pm: 1 WHINCHAT (Moors. 126th species in 2016), 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Moors), 1 WHEATEAR (female, Moors). Des Ball

WHINCHAT (Gordon Hay)
Two of three CURLEW on the flooded area of WC1.
A MUTE SWAN looks on. (Neil Randon)
06.35hrs-08.15hrs: 3 CURLEW (flooded area WC1), 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Moors), c10 SAND MARTIN, c20 SWALLOW, c30 HOUSE MARTIN (WC2), 1 REED WARBLER (WC1 reedbed next to causeway). Neil Randon

The three CURLEW departed (Gordon Hay)
Three CURLEW on the flooded area on WC1 (Gordon Hay)
06.25hrs-10.25hrs:  3 CURLEW (seen by Gordon at 05.30hrs circling around before landing in flooded area SE of WC1. Stayed until 09.10hrs, when flew NE calling loudly), 1 LITTLE EGRET (flew W over Moors), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (incl. 1 in a dead tree on Chilmead Lane), 2 GADWALL (pair Moors pools), 8 TEAL (Moors pools), 1 WIGEON (male, Moors), 1 KESTREL (Chilmead Lane), c40 COOT (incl.c5 on nests), c3 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 2 STOCK DOVE (Chilmead Farm), c20 COMMON SWIFT (1 Moors, then c20 WC), c2 SKYLARK (singing males, M.Farm), c30 SAND MARTIN (incl. c10 M.West, c20 WC), c35 SWALLOW (mainly M.West, Spynes, M.Farm), c25 HOUSE MARTIN (WC), c10 CHIFFCHAFF, c5 WILLOW WARBLER, c15 BLACKCAP (incl. c3 female), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (bushes S of Spynes bullrush pool), c8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 REED WARBLER (singing male in reedbed WC1 nr bridge), c4 ROBIN (incl. 1 juv. WC), c15 HOUSE SPARROW (incl. c12 M.Farm cottages). Ian Kehl and Gordon Hay

COMMON SWIFT (Gordon Hay)
HOUSE MARTIN (Gordon Hay)
REED WARBLER in the reedbed on WC1 (Gordon Hay)
Sat, 23 April 2016: 10.00hrs-11.30hrs: c8 COMMON SWIFT, 1 REED WARBLER (WC1 reedbed by causeway), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, c20 SAND MARTIN, c6 SWALLOW, c5 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 BLACKCAP, 1 COMMON WHITETHOAT. Richard Perry 

Fri, 22 April 2016: am: 1 HOBBY (over Spynes. 125th species in 2016), 2 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 2 SEDGE WARBLER (Spynes). Gordon Hay

Thurs, 21 April 2016: pm: 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL (flew low E over WC. 124th species in 2016), 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (flooded area WC1), 11 COMMON SWIFT, c60 SAND MARTIN, 2 LESSER REDPOLL. Gordon Hay

am: 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (flooded area, WC1), 1 LITTLE EGRET, c25 COMMON SWIFT, 1 REED WARBLER (WC causeway), c13 GREYLAG GOOSE, 22 CANADA GOOSE, 9 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 3 GADWALL, 1 WIGEON (Moors, log pool), 12 TEAL, 4 SHOVELER, 10 LITTLE GREBE, 10 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 4 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE (over WC at dawn), 1 SNIPE (Moors, log pool), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (over), c60 HERRING GULL (over), 5 COLLARED DOVE, 7 KINGFISHER, 8 GREEN WOODPECKER, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 3 ROOK, 5 SKYLARK, c35 SAND MARTIN, c10 HOUSE MARTIN, 21 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 26 BLACKCAP, 3 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Spynes), 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 NUTHATCH, 1 TREECREEPER, 1 MEADOW PIPIT (over Spynes), c35 LINNET (mainly M.CP), 1 LESSER REDPOLL (over Moors), 11 BULLFINCH, 6 YELLOWHAMMER, 2 REED BUNTING. Ray Baker
 
am: 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (flooded area WC2), 1 LITTLE EGRET (over Spynes), 2 'COMMIC' TERN (over M.Lake, pursued by Peregrine at first light), 1 PEREGRINE (pursued 'Commic' Tern over M.Lake at first light, with prey heading towards Redhill later during morning), 2 NUTHATCH (oaks, nr Cavendish Road entrance). Gordon Hay
 
Wed, 20 April 2016: no reported sightings

Tues, 19 April 2016: 16.30hrs-17.30hrs: 1 COMMON REDSTART (male, horse paddocks, M.Farm), 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (Spynes), c20 GREYLAG GOOSE (c10 Spynes, c10 M.Farm), c30 CANADA GOOSE (c15 Spynes, c15 M.Farm). Neil Randon  

COMMON REDSTART in horse paddocks on Mercers Farm (Neil Randon)
pm: 1 COMMON REDSTART (male, horse paddocks, M.Farm), 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (Spynes), 39 GREYLAG GOOSE (Spynes), 41 CANADA GOOSE (Spynes), 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 COMMON WHITETHROAT. Also: Orange Tip butterlfy. Gordon Hay 
 
Mon, 18 April 2016: late pm: c300 SAND MARTIN, c40 HOUSE MARTIN. Gordon Hay

HOUSE MARTIN (Gordon Hay)
SAND MARTIN (Gordon Hay)
10.00hrs-14.00hrs: 1 REED WARBLER (WC1 reedbed by causeway), 2 GREYLAG GOOSE, 6 CANADA GOOSE, 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 7 TEAL, 9 SHOVELER, 1 MALLARD (with 4 young), c22 TUFTED DUCK, 1 CORMORANT, 3 GREY HERON, 6 LITTLE GREBE, 12 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 1 KESTREL, 2 SNIPE (Moors), 3 GOLDCREST, 1 SKYLARK, c100 SAND MARTIN, 8+ SWALLOW, 12+ HOUSE MARTIN, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 BLACKCAP, 1 MEADOW PIPIT. Richard Perry 

am: 1 COMMON SWIFT (over WC2), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Spynes causeway), 2 HOUSE MARTIN (with the Common Swift over WC2), c20 CHIFFCHAFF, c5 WILLOW WARBLER, c15 BLACKCAP. Neil Randon

COMMON SWIFT over Water Colour Lagoons (Neil Randon)
am: 2 COMMON SWIFT (N over Spynes and M.West), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Spynes causeway), 3 COMMON WHITETHROAT, c40 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 7 WILLOW WARBLER. Ray Baker 

Sun, 17 April 2016: late pm: 1 COMMON SWIFT (over WC. 123rd species in 2016), 1 MALLARD (with first brood of 4 duckling on Moors pools by railway line) 2 HOUSE MARTIN (with the Common Swift over WC). Gordon Hay

late am/early pm: 1 GARDEN WARBLER (M.Lake. 122nd species in 2016), 2 GREY HERON (over Spynes), 2 LITTLE GREBE (Spynes), 3 COMMON BUZZARD (over Spynes), 1 KESTREL (female, Spynes), 1 PEREGRINE (over WC at 14.15hrs), c20 MAGPIE (M.Farm), 1 JAY (Spynes), c18 BLUE TIT, c12 GREAT TIT, 12 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 8 LONG-TAILED TIT, 6 WILLOW WARBLER (3 Spynes, 3 M.West), 12 BLACKCAP (6 M.Lake, 6 Spynes), c20 CHAFFINCH, 12 GOLDFINCH, 4 BULLFINCH. Also: 1 ROE DEER. Jed Cleeter 

07.30hrs-11.30hrs: 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (Cat. C, feeding 2 Canada Goose on flooded area WC1), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (singing on Middle Pit side of cycle path), 1 WIGEON (Moors), 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 1 WATER RAIL (heard only, Spynes), 1 TREECREEPER, 1 SWALLOW (over M.Farm), c12 HOUSE MARTIN (2 over WC2, c10 over Middle Pit), c10 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, c10 BLACKCAP, 2 GREENFINCH, 2 LINNET (by gate M.West), 1 YELLOWHAMMER, 2 REED BUNTING (1 WC2, 1 Spynes). Neil Randon
 
BARNACLE GOOSE with two CANADA GOOSE on WC1
flooded area (Neil Randon)
Male REED BUNTING by WC2 (Neil Randon)
06.55hrs-10.35hrs: 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (Category C bird, feeding with two Canada Geese, flooded area SE corner of WC1, then later by Moors pools, landfill side. 121st species in 2016), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (singing male Middle Pit nr cycle path), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (heard only, singing male by M.West gate), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (singing male in reedbed N of Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, (Moors), c7 GADWALL (3 Moors pools, 4 WC1), 1 WIGEON (male, Moors pools), 8 TEAL (Moors pools), c10 SHOVELER (Moors, then flew over WC), c6 GREAT CRESTED GREBE (incl. pair building nest, Moors pools by railway line, and pair 'neck dancing' WC2), c5 COMMON BUZZARD (incl. 3 together over landfill), 2 KESTREL (pair mating Chilmead Farm), 2 STOCK DOVE (Chilmead Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (oak, M.Farm), 1 KINGFISHER (Moors), 1 ROOK (over Moors), c3 SAND MARTIN (M.West), c6 SWALLOW (M.West, Spynes), c1 HOUSE MARTIN (1 M.West, poss. another later Spynes), c8 CHIFFCHAFF, c5 WILLOW WARBLER, c8 BLACKCAP, c6 REED BUNTING (Spynes area). Ian Kehl 

Sat, 16 April 2016: 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (M.West side of cycle path), c50 SAND MARTIN, 10 SWALLOW. Gordon Hay
 
Fri, 15 April 2015: pm: 1 WHIMBREL (flew low over M.West, circled Spynes, and headed S during a downpour at 13.10hrs. 120th species in 2016), 1 SHELDUCK (male, M.West then flew off SE), 1 RED KITE (over WC), c180 SAND MARTIN, c80 SWALLOW, c60 HOUSE MARTIN. Gordon Hay

07.30hrs-09.45hrs: c2 LESSER WHITETHROAT (either side of cycle path Spynes Mere. 119th species in 2016), 1 REED WARBLER (WC1 reedbed by causeway), 1 WIGEON (Moors), 1 SPARROWHAWK (over M.West), 2 KINGFISHER (WC), c40 SAND MARTIN (feeding over WC), c15 SWALLOW (feeding over WC), c15 CHIFFCHAFF, c5 WILLOW WARBLER, c8 BLACKCAP, 1 REED BUNTING (WC1 reedbed by causeway). Neil Randon


early am: 2 COMMON TERN (M.Lake, then flew E at 06.15hrs), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (WC). Gordon Hay

 
Thurs, 14 April 2016: 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (M.West, in scrub by gate. 118th species in 2016), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (briefly WC2 island) 1 COMMON TERN, 1 SEDGE WARBLER (WC2 by causeway), 12 GADWALL, 1 WIGEON, 12 TEAL, 18 SHOVELER, 2 COMMON SNIPE, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 20 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 WILLOW WARBLER, 15 BLACKCAP, 1 MEADOW PIPIT (over). Also: 1 Brimstone, 1 Small White, 9 Peacock, 2 Comma, 1 Speckled Wood butterflies. Gordon Hay

pm: 1 REED WARBLER (WC1 reedbed by causeway. 117th species in 2016). Matt Farmer

 
Wed, 13 April 2016: no reported sightings

Tues, 12 April 2016: 19.30pm: 2 WHEATEAR (1 male, 1 female horse paddocks), 1 REED BUNTING (M.CP). Neil Randon

 
Male REED BUNTING at Mercers Country Park (Neil Randon)
pm: 1 SEDGE WARBLER (WC causeway, sub-song), 2 WHEATEAR (1 male, M.Farm, 1 female, horse paddocks), 1 BRAMBLING (male, M.CP), 6 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 PEREGRINE (over), 1 WATER RAIL (heard at Spynes), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 4 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 10 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 4 LINNET. Gordon Hay
Male BRAMBLING at Mercers Country Park (Gordon Hay)
WILLOW WARBLER (Gordon Hay)
Female WHEATEAR - horse paddocks (Gordon Hay)
06.45hrs-9.15hrs: 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.Lake, Aquasports end on platform. 115th new species in 2016), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (sub-song from WC2 bushes along WC causeway. 116th new species in 2016), 2 BRAMBLING (M.CP, feeding in trees by entrance. Mobile, flew back and forth to trees along edge of car park lakeside), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Moors), 1 WIGEON (WC mini-mound then Moors), c10 CHIFFCHAFF, c6 WILLOW WARBLER, c5 BLACKCAP. Neil Randon 
 
Female BRAMBLING in tree at Mercers Lake car park (Neil Randon)
COMMON SANDPIPER at Mercers Lake (Neil Randon)
06.15hrs: 2 BRAMBLING (M.CP, by entrance). Gordon Hay
 
Mon, 11 April 2016: 11.45hrs-14.00hrs: 2 GREYLAG GOOSE, 6 CANADA GOOSE, 2 CORMORANT, 13 GADWALL, c11 TEAL, 21 SHOVELER, c26 TUFTED DUCK, 10 LITTLE GREBE, 9 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 1 KESTREL, 1 LAPWING (Moors), 2 HERRING GULL, 1 GREEN WOODPECKER, 1 GOLDCREST, 1 SKYLARK, 50+ SAND MARTIN, 10+ SWALLOW, 6+ HOUSE MARTIN, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 BLACKCAP, 1 ROBIN (with 1 newly fledged young), 1 YELLOWHAMMER, 2 REED BUNTING. Also: 1 Brimstone butterfly. Richard Perry

Sun, 10 April 2016: 06.15hrs-11.30hrs: 1 PINTAIL (Spynes), 1 OYSTERCATCHER (on submerged island WC2 flew off by 6.30hrs), 1 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (flooded area back of WC1), 1 WIGEON (male, WC mini-mound, then flew to Moors with pair of Mallard), 1 PHEASANT (Nutfield Ridge), 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 WATER RAIL (Moors, by cycle path wooden bridge), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KINGFISHER, 1 SWALLOW (M.Farm), c10 CHIFFCHAFF, c10 WILLOW WARBLER, c15 BLACKCAP, 2 REED BUNTING (1 WC, 1 Spynes). Neil Randon

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Neil Randon)
Drake PINTAIL on Spynes Mere (Neil Randon)
06.45hrs-11.30hrs: 1 PINTAIL (male, Spynes), 2 LITTLE EGRET (flew W over M.West), 1 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (flooded area SE corner WC1), 1 COMMON TERN (flew W over M.Lake. 114th new species in 2016), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Moors), 9 GADWALL (Moors pools), 1 WIGEON (Moors pools), 8 TEAL (Moors pools), 25 MALLARD, 15 SHOVELER (12 Moors, 3 WC1), 55 TUFTED DUCK, 18 LITTLE GREBE, 7 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 1 SPARROWHAWK (male, Moors), 3 COMMON BUZZARD (Spynes), c1 KESTREL (Male, M.West), 26 MOORHEN, 112 COOT, 1 LAPWING (Moors), 2 SNIPE (M.West), 11 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 2 STOCK DOVE (Chilmead Farm),  KINGFISHER (Moors), 1 LITTLE OWL (hole in 'usual' oak, M.Farm), c15 CHIFFCHAFF, c10 WILLOW WARBLER, c12 BLACKCAP, 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 2 GREY WAGTAIL (1 over Cormongers Lane overflow pool, 1 in ditch by landfill, Moors). Ian Kehl and Gordon Hay

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Gordon Hay)
COMMON TERN (Gordon Hay)
Sat, 9 April 2016: pm: 1 REDSTART (male, old fishermen's car park – at entrance of Moors/WC). Des Ball  
Male REDSTART (Gordon Hay)
SPARROWHAWK (Gordon Hay)
TREECREEPER (Gordon Hay)
GREY WAGTAIL (Gordon Hay)
Fri, 8 April 2016: 10.00hrs-14.00hrs: 4 GREYLAG GOOSE, c22 CANADA GOOSE, 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 CORMORANT, 1 GREY HERON, 9 GADWALL, 1 WIGEON (1m Moors pools), 5 TEAL, 11 SHOVELER, c43 TUFTED DUCK, 14 LITTLE GREBE, 9 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 1 KESTREL, 1 SNIPE (Moors pools), 1 HERRING GULL, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 4 GOLDCREST, 1 SKYLARK, c11 CHIFFCHAFF, c9 WILLOW WARBLER, 4 BLACKCAP, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 GREENFINCH, 1 REED BUNTING. Richard Perry 

Thurs, 7 April 2016: 19.10hrs-19.40hrs: 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 5 SAND MARTIN (over WC), 1 HOUSE MARTIN (over WC), 2 CHIFFCHAFF (M.Lake), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (M.Lake). Neil Randon

pm: 1 SPARROWHAWK (female), 12 BLACK-HEADED GULL 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (flew SW), 40 SAND MARTIN, 10 SWALLOW, 5 HOUSE MARTIN, 15 CHIFFCHAFF, 10 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 BLACKCAP. Gordon Hay

GOLDCREST fighting (Gordon Hay)
am: c20 GREYLAG GOOSE, 22 CANADA GOOSE, 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 8 GADWALL, 1 WIGEON (WC mini-mound), 12 TEAL, 18 SHOVELER, 12 LITTLE GREBE, 5 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 3 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, c38 HERRING GULL (over), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (over), 11 STOCK DOVE, 8 GREEN WOODPECKER, c7 SKYLARK, c20 SAND MARTIN, c30 CHIFFCHAFF, 5 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 BLACKCAP, 2 NUTHATCH, 6 TREECREEPER (nest building),2 MISTLE THRUSH (Nutfield Ridge), c40 LINNET (M.Farm), 4 GREENFINCH, 1 BULLFINCH, 8 YELLOWHAMMER. Ray Baker

YELLOWHAMMER at Mercers Farm (Ray Baker)
LINNET at Mercers Farm (Ray Baker)
08.00hrs-10.00hrs: 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 4 STOCK DOVE, 1 KINGFISHER (WC2), 2 SKYLARK, 5 SAND MARTIN (3 WC2, 2 M.Farm), c15 CHIFFCHAFF, 5 WILLOW WARBLER, 4 BLACKCAP (M.CP), 4 LINNET (S of Spynes), 1 BULLFINCH (Spynes), 2 YELLOWHAMMER, 1 REED BUNTING (Spynes). Neil Randon

Wed, 6 April 2016: pm: 1 LITTLE EGRET1 LAPWING, 1 SNIPE, 1 SPARROWHAWK (male, all M.West), 2 SAND MARTIN, 4 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 WILLOW WARBLER. Matt Farmer

am: 1 SCAUP (female, M.West), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 2 LITTLE EGRET (M.West), 4 JACK SNIPE (Moors), 12 GADWALL, 1 WIGEON, 20 TEAL, 18 SHOVELER, 4 SNIPE, 3 BLACK-HEADED GULL,
60 SAND MARTIN, 5 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 25 CHIFFCHAFF, 7 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 BLACKCAP, 6 LINNET, c10 YELLOWHAMMER. Gordon Hay
 
Tues, 5 April 2016: 07.45hrs-11.45hrs: 1 PINTAIL (male, Spynes. 113th new species in 2016. Latest winter/spring record), 1 SHELDUCK (WC1, then flew to Spynes), 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 WIGEON (WC mini-mound with pair of Mallard), c5 TEAL (WC1), 1 PHEASANT (Nutfield Ridge), c10 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm),2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 3 SKYLARK, c15 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BLACKCAP, 2 BULLFINCH, 1 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1 REED BUNTING (Spynes). Neil Randon

Drake PINTAIL (Gordon Hay)
Drake PINTAIL (Ray Baker)
Drake PINTAIL with CANADA GOOSE (Neil Randon)
Drake PINTAIL with SHELDUCK (Neil Randon)
early am: 1 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1 LITTLE EGRET (flying to M.West), 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 4 SNIPE (Spynes), 3 LITTLE OWL (2 S of Spynes, 1 by path across M.Farm), c25 CHIFFCHAFF, c5 BLACKCAP, 2 LINNET (M.Farm), c5 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Ray Baker 
 
Mon, 4 April 2016: 15.30hrs-16.00hrs: 1 OYSTERCATCHER (M.Lake), 50 SAND MARTIN, c5 SWALLOW (WC and M.Lake). Neil Randon

pm: 1 SCAUP (female, M.West), 60 SAND MARTIN, 6 SWALLOW,
1 RED KITE (over), 1 LAPWING (Moors), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 17 YELLOWHAMMER. Gordon Hay

am: 1 OYSTERCATCHER (M.Lake), 2 LITTLE EGRET (M.West), c8 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 29 CANADA GOOSE, 32 GREYLAG GOOSE, 6 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 12 GADWALL, 1 WIGEON, 17 TEAL,
2 PHEASANT, 18 LITTLE GREBE, 8 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE (low over Moors), 1 LAPWING (landfill), 5 SNIPE, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 5 STOCK DOVE, 2 LITTLE OWL (S of Spynes), 7 KINGFISHER, 9 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 6 JAY, 4 GOLDCREST, 50 BLUE TIT, 1 COAL TIT, 5 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 37 CHIFFCHAFF, 7 BLACKCAP, 1 NUTHATCH, 5 TREECREEPER, 95 WREN, 2 SONG THRUSH, 52 DUNNOCK, 2 MEADOW PIPIT, 4 LINNET (M.Farm), 7 BULLFINCH, 12 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 3 REED BUNTING. Ray Baker

08.45hrs-10.45hrs: 1 OYSTERCATCHER (flew SW over M.Lake calling at 10.00hrs, then landed on M.Lake platform), 1 SPARROWHAWK (M.CP), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (Nutfield Ridge), c5 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BLACKCAP, 2 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Neil Randon


OYSTERCATCHER on Mercers Lake platform (Neil Randon)
Sun, 3 April 2016: 4 WHEATEAR (M.Farm E side of cycle path), 1 SWALLOW (M.Lake), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (M.Lake), 4 MUTE SWAN, 6 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.Farm), 4 CANADA GOOSE (M.Farm), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (over Spynes), 1 GREY HERON, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 1 SPARROWHAWK (f, M.Lake), 2 COMMON BUZZARD (Spynes), 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 18 MAGPIE, 1 JAY (M.Lake), 2 COAL TIT, 4 LONG-TAILED TIT, 11 CHIFFCHAFF (5 M.Lake, 6 Spynes),  2 SONG THRUSH, 6 CHAFFINCH, 2 GREENFINCH, 6 GOLDFINCH, 6 YELLOWHAMMER. Jeremy Cleeter 

08.30hrs-13.30hrs: 1 REDSTART (male, Nutfield Ridge. 112th species in 2016. Earliest record - previous record 06/04/1999),
2 WHEATEAR (2 f, M.Farm in drilled field E side of cycle path), 2 LITTLE EGRET (flooded area WC1), 2 WILLOW WARBLER (1 singing Moors, next to path by railway line, 1 singing Chilmead Lane), c7 BLACKCAP, 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 WIGEON (WC mini-mound with pair of Mallard), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 STOCK DOVE (1 Chilmead Farm, 1 M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (oak, S of Spynes), 2 KINGFISHER, c5 SKYLARK (M.Farm), c20 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 TREECREEPER (cycle path Moors), 1 GREENFINCH, 1 BULLFINCH (WC), c5 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Neil Randon (joined by Gordon Hay and Ian Kehl at 10.30hrs when GH relocated Redstart lower down ridge in copse before if flew N)

Female WHEATEAR on Mercers Farm (Neil Randon)
LITTLE OWL perched on oak south of Spynes Mere (Neil Randon)
TREECREEPER (Neil Randon)
06.45hrs-11.25hrs: 1 RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (flew from WC mini-mound, landing N side of WC2. 111th species of 2016), 1 SCAUP (female, M.West), c3 WILLOW WARBLER, c12 BLACKCAP (c9 male, c3 female), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Moors), c8 GADWALL (Moors pools), 1 WIGEON (male, WC mini-mound feeding with pair of Mallard), c8 TEAL (Moors pools), c30 SHOVELER (4 Spynes, c26 Moors), 2 PHEASANT (pair, M.Farm), 3 COMMON BUZZARD (1 WC, pair Nutfield Ridge), c9 STOCK DOVE (1 M.Farm, c8 Chilmead Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (flew from original oak M.Farm along line of oaks), 1 KINGFISHER (M.Lake), 1 COAL TIT (Cormongers Lane), c28 CHIFFCHAFF. Ian Kehl and Gordon Hay

Sat, 2 April 2016: late pm: 70 SAND MARTIN, 10 SWALLOW (feeding over M.Lake). Gordon Hay 


2 BLACKCAP, 6 SNIPE (Spynes), 6 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm).

Also: 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Peacock, 1 Comma butterflies. Ray Baker

COMMA butterfly (Ray Baker)
PEACOCK butterfly (Ray Baker)

Fri, 1 April 2016: 10.00rs-14.00hrs: 2 WILLOW WARBLER (1 singing WC2, 1 singing M.Lake), 14 CANADA GOOSE, 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 5 GADWALL, 1 WIGEON (male, Moors pools), 11 TEAL, c18 SHOVELER, c35 TUFTED DUCK, 12 LITTLE GREBE, 7 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 2 LAPWING, 2 SNIPE (Moors pools), 12 HERRING GULL, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 3 GOLDCREST, 2 SKYLARK, c12 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 TREECREEPER, 1 SISKIN, 3 REED BUNTING (1m, 2f WC reeds). Richard Perry