Birds seen at Moor Green Lakes during DECEMBER 2007

It was proper December weather this year with the lakes frozen over for a period mid-month; although there was enough waterfowl to keep some areas ice-free.

Little Egrets present on most days with three on the 1st and the usual gathering of 20+ Cormorants on Grove Island. The geese are more likely to be seen feeding on the nearby paddocks than on the lakes with the 30+ Barnacle Geese, three Snow Geese plus two Snow hybrids. A Brent Goose was seen on Grove on the 15th.

The duck numbers vary as they move between sites, the freeze causing some to move to coastal waters I expect. 300+ Wigeon present all month and an influx of 90 Pochard at the end of the December. Teal numbers reaching 50+, but they are difficult to count, hidden around the edges of the lakes. The two male Goldeneye were joined by a female from middle of the month – which spent most of its time on the flooded diggings. Goosander numbers reached 43 in the Grove Lake roost on 21st, more than in the past few winters.

Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were seen regularly. Peregrine reported just once this month as far as I know.  The Little Owls could often be seen sunning themselves when conditions were right; the trees on the new workings (Manor Farm) are the best place to look for them. I am not aware of any sightings of the Barn Owls this month; they could have gone elsewhere to hunt.

The Water Rail has continued to be seen from Colebrook Hide, and others heard squealing elsewhere. The Lapwing flock exceeded 400 early in the month and were joined by at least 600 Golden Plovers; this is nearly ten times the previous site record! They all disappeared during the freeze-up in the middle of the month, but were beginning to return by the end of the year.

A Green Sandpiper has been around all month, sometimes on Grove; two were present in the Christmas week. An unseasonable Dunlin was seen on the 11th.

Gulls, like Plovers, disappear when things freeze up. At the beginning of the month 125+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls were roosting on Horseshoe Lake with a few Yellow-legged Gulls, Herring Gulls and Common Gulls.

The Work Party on the 9th were treated to a Water / Rock Pipit flying over. A possible Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was heard drumming mid-month. Finch numbers are well below average this winter with small numbers of Siskin, Redpoll and Linnets. Reed Buntings and a Coal Tit have been seen on the feeders.

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 2006 sightings  >>>