Birds seen at Moor Green Lakes during DECEMBER 2008

December started and ended with freezing temperatures sandwiching a mild spell with minimum temperatures of 10 degrees.

The Cormorant roost on Grove Island held a monthly peak of 30 birds on 20th. Up to two Little Egrets regularly present on the lake margins. The Goose roosts seem to an entirely nocturnal event in the mid winter, so no reliable counts. The feral Barnacle flock seems to be down to 20; the October Egyptian Geese hatching are now down to seven young; one less than last month.

Duck numbers increased: 268 Wigeon and 94 Gadwall by 29th. Goosander numbers peaked at 52 on 12th and 50 on 31st. Two males and a female Goldeneye still present from last month. A female Pintail was seen on Grove Lake on the 20th.

Raptor of the year was a juvenile Hen Harrier seen hunting the new workings on the 29th and 30th; only the third site record since 1988. The local Kestrels are seen regularly, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk present. The Barn Owl is still present and can be seen hunting in the area at dawn and dusk. At least three pairs of Little Owls regularly heard if not seen.

The number of Lapwings present during the day seems to depend on the weather, with 224 on the 19th when the temperature was at its highest. Only a handful present when it was frozen. At least three Green Sandpipers present mid month. At least 10 Common Snipe and a Jack Snipe around for most of the month. Probably at least three Water Rails present by the end of the year.

Gulls must roost elsewhere when the lakes are frozen. Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Herring Gulls and Yellow-legged Gulls recorded in small numbers during the daytime.

There seem to be very few Mistle Thrushes, Redwings and Fieldfares appearing on the paddocks so far.

 Probably at least 75 Siskins and 30 Lesser Redpolls have been present on site, but dispersed in smaller flocks. The improved feeding station is still attracting lots of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinches and Greenfinches with a few Bramblings seen occasionally – numbers seem to increase later in the winter. Bullfinches present in reasonable numbers, but again dispersed.

As always, please report your own sightings on the record sheets in Colebrook Hide.

This Summary is also available on  www.mglg.org.uk

Report compiled by Bruce Archer

December 2007 sightings  >>>