29 Feb 16

Priorslee Lake: 07:15 – 09:10
Location

Telford sunrise: 06:54

c.-2.0°C. Frosty. Broken low stratus gave way to high overcast. Calm. Good visibility

Highlights today
- my first Cormorant of the year at The Flash
- a Reed Bunting in song alongside the lower pool between the lake and The Flash – a new location
(29th visit of the year)

Notes
- in addition to the Redwing over at least 4 more in the trees
- a Pied Wagtail in the car park of the new Academy this morning
- Willow Tit in song again: he seems to be on his own
also
- another Dotted Border moth on one of the lamps

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 2 Canada Geese (1 group)
- 8 Black-headed Gulls
- 25 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 10 Jackdaws
- 8 Rooks
- 3 Starlings
- 1 Redwing
- 7 Greenfinches
- 2 Goldfinches
- 1 Siskin

The counts from the lake area
- 2 Mute Swans
- 5 (3♂) Gadwall remain
- 9 (5♂) Mallard
- [Pochard gone]
- 9 (6♂) Tufted Ducks again
- 15 Great Crested Grebes remain
- 17 Moorhens
- 66 Coots
- 26 Black-headed Gulls
- 2 Herring Gulls

This morning’s sunrise with the high cloud ahead of late afternoon rain, already spreading across.

Did another sneaking job: got this Jay with good detail of the blue and black feathers. He(?) seems to be keeping a close eye on me.

He allowed me to get slightly closer but began to look rather anxious so I retreated.

A repeat of a Dotted Border moth – this specimen at rest with, unusually, the very pale under-wing exposed.

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Priorslee Flash: 09:20 – 09:35
Location

(19th visit of the year)

Again rather pushed for time to catch the bus home so another possibly incomplete count.

Birds noted flying over
- none

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 8 Canada Geese
- 1 all-white feral goose
- 13 (11♂) Mallard
- 1 (1♂) Pochard
- 25 (15♂) Tufted Duck
- 1 all-white feral duck
- 1 Cormorant
- 1 Great Crested Grebe only
- 2 Moorhens
- 20 Coots
- 9 Black-headed Gulls

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2008 and 2012
2012
Priorslee Lake

4 Great Crested Grebes
4 Pochard
32 Tufted Duck
Iceland Gull
11 Song Thrushes
c.33 Redwing
(Ed Wilson, Ian Grant)

Priorslee Flash
4 Great Crested Grebes
10 Pochard
45 Tufted Duck 
(Ed Wilson)

2008
Priorslee Lake

700+ Lesser Black-backed Gull
12 Herring Gulls
1 Yellow-legged Gull
(Martin Adlam)

Nedge Hill
A pair of Wheatear
6 Sky Larks
1 Fieldfare
3 Redwings
Lapwing
Green Woodpecker
14 Linnets.
(Ed Wilson)

28 Feb 16

No sightings in today.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
2015
Priorslee Lake

Today's Sightings Here

2014
Little Wenlock, Candles Landfill Site

2 Iceland Gulls
(Observer Unknown)

2013
Priorslee Lake

31 Wigeon
7 Gadwall
5 Pochard
18 Tufted Ducks
1 Greater Scaup
2 Lapwings
c.1600 Black-headed Gulls
c.800 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
c.100 Herring Gulls
1 Iceland
1 Glaucous Gull
1 Caspian Gull
1 Yellow-legged Gull
38 Redwings
2 Fieldfare
15 Siskins
(Ed Wilson, Martin Grant, Tom Lowe)

The Flash
1 Little Grebe
10 Pochard
123 Tufted Duck
(Ed Wilson)

Trench Lock Pool
21 Tufted Duck
1 Goosander
(Ed Wilson)

Horsehay Pool
1 Yellow-legged Gull
(Tom Lowe)

Little Wenlock, Candles Landfill Site
2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
(Tom Lowe)

2012
Priorslee Lake

4 Great Crested Grebes
3 Pochard
32 Tufted Duck
4 Curlew
2 Siskins
(Ed Wilson)

Trench Lock
26 Tufted Duck
9 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
13 Herring Gulls
1 Yellow-legged Gull
(Ed Wilson)

2010
Priorslee Lake

1 Little Grebe as noted
6 Great Crested Grebes
4 Gadwall
39 Pochard
57 Tufted Ducks
99 Coots
29 Blackbirds
4 Redwing
8 Song Thrushes
22 Siskins
3 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

2009
Priorslee Lake

Common Gull
6 Ravens
(Ed Wilson)

Woodhouse Lane

Stonechat
(John Isherwood)

2007
Priorslee Lake

Cormorant 4
2 Pochard
15 Tufted Duck
1 Ruddy Duck
1 Peregrine Falcon
26 Robin
11 Redwing
63 Magpie
196 Jackdaw
12 Greenfinch
10 Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake

2 Little Grebes
6 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
7 Pochard
35 Tufted Ducks
1 Water Rail
800 Wood Pigeon
142 Starlings
14 Pied Wagtails
18 Robins
20 Blackbirds
11 Fieldfare
10 Song Thrushes
2 Willow Tits
15 Greenfinches
11 Siskins
7 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

27 Feb 16

Priorslee Lake:  07:15 – 09:30
Location

Telford sunrise: 07:01

c.2.0°C. Clear overhead with cloud to E soon encroaching over the whole area. Light but keen ENE wind. Very good visibility but rather hazy

Highlights today
- a Stoat: my first-ever at the lake
- a pair of Pintail seen leaving The Flash: a new species for my 2016 list

(28th visit of the year)

The fishing group were out on the water after 09:00 doing some maintenance work and this naturally flushed some of the birds (though they didn’t seem to be at The Flash)

Notes
- the ‘extra’ Swan was seen inbound as I was leaving and may have landed or been warned off – I have assumed the latter!
- the Cormorants were all singles today: each arriving, fishing and then leaving before the next arrived. The 4th saw the boat on the lake and decided to carry on
- less than 10 Black-headed Gulls arrived early but soon left to the N. A few drifted in later but after 09:00 a group of >50 arrived with, unusually for this year, a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls all of which stayed in an unusually tight group on the water until they were all flushed by fishermen’s boat
- I counted 248 Wood Pigeons leaving the trees in the area – mostly alongside the Ricoh factory and on the edge of the estate. All the birds in this unusually large number flew off E, with the bird-scarers in the fields here ensuring they kept going
also
- presumably the same March Moth in a different position but on the same lamp as yesterday

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 1 Mute Swan
- 4 Canada Geese (1 group) again
- 3 (?♂) Goosander
- 1 Cormorant
- 2 Black-headed Gulls
- 19 Lesser Black-backed Gulls again
- 1 Herring Gull (4th day!)
- 4 Feral Pigeons (2 groups)
- 6 Jackdaws
- 2 Rooks
- 8 Starlings
- 4 Greenfinches
- 4 Goldfinches
- 4 Siskins

The counts from the lake area
- 2 Mute Swans
- 5 (3♂) Gadwall again
- 5 (3♂) Mallard
- 2 (2♂) Pochard
- 9 (6♂) Tufted Ducks
- 3 Cormorants
- 2 Grey Herons
- 15 Great Crested Grebes again
- 20 Moorhens
- 63 Coots
- >60 Black-headed Gulls
- 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 2 Herring Gulls

The cloud encroaching from the east, spoiling a promising start.

Here are some of the Black-headed Gulls in their tight group. Still rather few getting the black head of summer plumage. Note it is easy to tell the wind direction – gulls habitually rest on the water pointing in to the wind.

Here is today’s March Moth: in a slightly different position but on the same lamp as yesterday. However today it is the right forewing that is uppermost whereas yesterday it was the left forewing that was uppermost. Most species seem to be consistent as to which wing is ‘on top’ and my previous searches on the web have failed to produce any explanation as to whether individuals may be e.g. ‘left-handed’ – or even perhaps ‘ambi-wing-drous’!

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Priorslee Flash: 09:40 – 10:00
Location

(18th visit of the year)

After talking to locals I was rather pushed for time to catch the bus home so a possibly incomplete count.

Of note
- the Pintail as highlighted

Birds noted flying over
- 1 Herring Gull
- 2 Goldfinches
- 3 Siskins

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 14 Canada Geese again
- 1 all-white feral goose
- 20 (12♂) Mallard
- 1 (1♂) Pochard
- 23 (15♂) Tufted Duck
- [the all-white feral duck not seen]
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- 5 Moorhens
- 18 Coots
- 24 Black-headed Gulls

Here is the pair of Pintail leaving The Flash.

Another view: the drake in particular is a splendid-looking bird with the white stripe up its elegant neck and its thin ‘pin tail’. In Shropshire it is probably the least common of our regular dabbling ducks.

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in 2006, 2007,  2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
2015
Priorslee Lake

Today's Sightings Here

2014
Little Wenlock, Candles Landfill Site

2 Iceland Gulls

1 Caspian Gull
(Observer Unknown)

2013
Priorslee Lake

6 Great Crested Grebes

1 Greater Scaup
26 Wigeon
4 Gadwall
33 Tufted Ducks
84 Coots
c.800 Black-headed Gulls

c.450 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
c.60 Herring Gulls
1 Great Black-backed Gull
(Ed Wilson)

Horsehay Pool
1 Glaucous Gull
(J W Reeves )

2012
Priorslee Lake

4 Great Crested Grebes
1 Shelduck
4 Pochard

30 Tufted Duck
35 Robins
24 Wrens
15 Dunnocks 
(Ed Wilson)

Priorslee Flash
3 Great Crested Grebes
9 Pochard

53 Tufted Duck
(Ed Wilson)


2010
Priorslee Lake

1 Little Grebe
6 Great Crested Grebes
1 Heron
4 Gadwall
35 Pochard
51 Tufted Ducks
1 Water Rail
103 Coots
c.700 Black-headed Gulls
c.225 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
27 Herring Gulls
Common Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
2 Willow Tit
124 Jackdaws
86 Rooks
1 Linnet
14 Siskins
2 Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson)

2009
Priorslee Lake
1 Glaucous Gull
1 Iceland Gull
(Ed Wilson)

2007
Priorslee Lake

4 Pochard
19 Tufted Duck
1 Ruddy Duck
600 Black-headed Gulls
100 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
1 Herring Gull
1 Great Black-backed Gull
36 Wren
28 Robin
7 Redwing
20 Magpie
134 Jackdaw
8 Greenfinch
4 Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson, Martin Adlam)

2006
Priorslee Lake

6 Great Crested Grebes
1 Heron
2 Cormorant
2 Gadwall
7 Pochard
42 Tufted Ducks
110 Coots
150 Starlings
23 Pied Wagtails
21 Wrens
15 Robins
17 Blackbirds
2 Redwings
1 Willow Tit
16 Greenfinches
38 Siskins
1 Redpoll
4 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

26 Feb 16

Priorslee Lake: 07:15 – 09:25

Telford sunrise: 07:03

c.2.0°C. Bank of cloud to the NE moving away, otherwise watery sunshine through high overcast. Light ESE wind. Very good visibility but rather hazy

(27th visit of the year)

A very quiet morning but there is always something. The star of the morning was the Hare flushed – not saying where as I know there is illegal hare coursing in the area

My first Raven here this year flew over

Also my first record here this year of a singing Yellowhammer – from the fields the other side of Castle Farm Way. I had my suspicion on Tuesday but the traffic noise drowned any repeat performance. Later when I went across the road I found at least two singing birds but they were very mobile so would have been only occasionally audible from the lake area

Notes
- a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming away again
- just 2 singing Song Thrushes this morning
- in addition to the Redwings overhead there were 3 seen in the trees
- confirmed that there are 3 different singing Mistle Thrushes in the area: one of these was seen to carry on singing even as it flew
- the 2 Reed Buntings that have been singing recently were singing again; another bird flew high W over the lake
also
- my first March Moth for three years on one of the lamps

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 4 Canada Geese (1 group)
- 6 Black-headed Gulls
- 19 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull yet again
- 11 Jackdaws
- 13 Rooks
- 1 Raven
- 1 Starling
- 3 Redwings
- 12 Greenfinches
- 6 Goldfinches
- 1 Siskin
- 1 Reed Bunting

The counts from the lake area
- 2 Mute Swans
- 5 (3♂) Gadwall
- 4 (2♂) Mallard
- 3 (3♂) Pochard
- 10 (7♂) Tufted Ducks
- 1 Cormorant
- 1 Grey Heron
- 15 Great Crested Grebes
- 18 Moorhens
- 68 Coots again
- 28 Black-headed Gulls again
- 5 Herring Gulls

this morning’s rather watery sunrise.

The best I could do capturing the rather strange propulsion of Great Crested Grebes. Because their legs are positioned so far back it is a furious paddle with wings, and surprisingly white wings, flailing. Look like hard work.

This Robin is another poser.

A March Moth.

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Woodhouse Lane: 08:15 – 08:40

Equally quiet but notable
- no parties of Wood Pigeons seen over the area while at the lake and very few in fields / trees when I ventured here
- 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming here as well as at the lake
- 1 Song Thrush only singing here – I would have expected at least 3
- 1 Sky Lark eventually burst in to song (and was later audible from the lake)
- 2 different Yellowhammers in song, but as noted above, very mobile and singing from many different song-posts

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2007, 2009,  2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015
2015
Priorslee Lake

Today's Sightings Here

2014
Priorslee Lake

4 Great Crested Grebes 
3 Cormorants 
1 Grey Heron 
8 Pochard 
4 Tufted Duck 
164 Black-headed Gulls
78 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
9 Herring Gulls
1 Yellow-legged Gull
16 Fieldfare
18 Redwings
c.800 Jackdaws
 >250 Rooks
20 Siskins
(Ed Wilson, Gary Crowder)

The Flash
1 Little Grebe 
185 Tufted Ducks
(Ed Wilson)

Little Wenlock, Candles Landfill Site
2 Iceland Gulls
3 Caspian Gull
(Observer Unknown)

2013
Priorslee Lake

6 Great Crested Grebes 
33 Wigeon 
1 Common Teal 
4 Gadwall 
33 Tufted Ducks 
89 Coots 
c.650 Black-headed Gulls
c.410 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
41 Herring Gulls
1 Great Black-backed Gull
(Ed Wilson / John Isherwood)

The Flash
1 Little Grebe
9 Pochard 
89 Tufted Duck 
1 Greater Scaup
(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood)

2010
Priorslee Lake
6 Great Crested Grebes 
18 Swans 
4 Gadwall
35 Pochard
44 Tufted Duck
96 Coots 
c.650 Black-headed Gulls 
c.220 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 
12 Herring Gulls 
1 other 'strange gull'!
(Ed Wilson)

2009
Priorslee Lake
Iceland Gull
2 Curlew
(Ed Wilson)

2007
Priorslee Lake
Water Rail
2 Sky Larks
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake
1 Little Grebe
6 Great Crested Grebes
1 Heron
1 Cormorant
2 Gadwall
6 Pochard
45 Tufted Ducks
96 Coots
c.1000 Black-headed Gulls
274 Wood Pigeon
135 Jackdaws
111 Rooks
78 Starlings
45 Pied Wagtails
20 Robins
17 Blackbirds
10 Song Thrushes
4 Redwings
2 Willow Tits
20 Greenfinches
6 Siskins
5 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

25 Feb 16

Priorslee Lake: 07:15 – 09:25
Location

Telford sunrise: 07:06

c.1.0°C > 3.0°C. Some areas of cloud but mostly clear skies. Very light NW wind. Good visibility but fog-bank to E for a while

(26th visit of the year)

Just one highlight: a male Pheasant strutted across the grass in front of the sailing club shelter

Notes
- a Stock Dove was seen in the area where I have suspected nesting in both 2014 and 2015. Sadly several limbs have broken off the trees in the winter gales and I am not sure there is any suitable site now
- Sky Lark heard in song over fields to the E: well why not on a sunny morning
- the 11 Starlings were over the estate this morning. Perhaps they have returned to inspect their nest sites. It is unlikely that they will become truly ‘resident’ for some while yet
- 3 Coal Tits were seen having a right scrap, chasing each other around. At least one other bird singing
- 2 Reed Buntings singing again this morning, one from the W end; the other was along the S side today
also
- 2 Dotted Border moths on the lamps this morning

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 10 Canada Geese (3 groups)
- 3 Black-headed Gulls
- 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull again
- >120 Wood Pigeons over fields to the E
- 16 Jackdaws
- 18 Rooks
- 11 Starlings
- 1 Pied Wagtail
- 2 Greenfinches
- Goldfinches
- 4 Siskins

The counts from the lake area

- 2 Mute Swans
- 3 (2♂) Gadwall
- 2 (1♂) Mallard still
- 1 (1♂) Pochard only
- 12 (9♂) Tufted Ducks
- 5 Cormorants
- 2 Grey Herons again
- 1 Little Grebe
- 13 Great Crested Grebes
- 21 Moorhens again
- 68 Coots
- 28 Black-headed Gulls

Male Greenfinch in the yellow early light.

A Dunnock (Hedge Sparrow as was) greets the day with a song.

And here is another in better light showing off all its plumage.

A Blue Tit having a real go at this Alder.

A handsome Pheasant runs across the grass.

Mrs. Bullfinch eating the buds.

Mr. Reed Bunting was managing to sing whilst demolishing these Greater Reedmace.

And here he is doing so.

And for a change of diet lets have a go at the Willowherb.

I make no excuse of including another photo of a male Siskin.

... and indeed another.

... and yet another. This bird was feeding on unusually low-hanging branches and in full sun so how could I resist?

Another Dotted Border moth.

As is this very differently-toned specimen.

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Priorslee Flash: 09:35 – 09:55
Location

(17th visit of the year)

Of note
- new for me here this year was Greenfinch: plenty at the lake but silent here until today whilst I have been present
- c.6 Siskins still in trees to SW

Birds noted flying over
- 1 Siskin again!

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 14 Canada Geese
- 1 all-white feral goose
- 24 (16♂) Mallard
- 4 (3♂) Pochard
- 28 (15♂) Tufted Duck
- 1 all-white feral duck
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 8 Moorhens
- 10 Coots only
- 13 Black-headed Gulls

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
2015
Priorslee Lake

Today's Sightings Here

2014
Priorslee Lake

8 Pochard 
5 Tufted Duck
5 Cormorant
1 Kittiwake
1 Great Black-backed Gull.
1 Iceland Gull
1 Caspian Gull
23 Redwings
c.800 Jackdaws
 >300 Rooks
 9 Siskins
(Ed Wilson, J.Reeves, P.Jordan, John Isherwood, Gary Crowder)

The Flash
1 Little Grebe
215 Tufted Ducks
2 Goosanders
(Ed Wilson)

Trench Middle Pool
11 Tufted Duck
(Ed Wilson)

Telford Crematorium
Cackling Goose
300 Lesser Black-backed Gull
c.20 Herring Gull
500 Black-headed Gull 
1 Great Black-backed Gull
(Gary Crowder)

Nedge Hill
1 Stonechat
(John Isherwood)

2013
Priorslee Lake

3 Great Crested Grebes
25 Wigeon
4 Gadwall
17 Tufted Ducks
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash
Greater Scaup
50 Tufted Duck
12 Pochard
(Jim Shannon)

2012
Priorslee Lake
5 Redpoll

Priorslee Flash
1 Goosander

Nedge Hill
8 Lapwing
(John Isherwood)

2010
Priorslee Lake

1 Little Grebe 
5 Great Crested Grebes
4 Gadwall
47 Pochard
55 Tufted Duck
c.550 Black-headed Gulls
c. 800 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 
56 Herring Gulls
(Ed Wilson)

2007
Priorslee Lake
1 Little Grebe
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Ruddy Duck
2 Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Lapwing
Grey Wagtail
26 Wren
28 Robin
21 Blackbird
15 Redwing
53 Magpie
14 Greenfinch
Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake

1 Little Grebe
6 Great Crested Grebes
2 Gadwall
9 Pochard
56 Tufted Ducks
5 Cormorants
121 Coot
1 Mediterranean Gull
c.1100 Black-headed Gulls
211 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
33 Herring Gulls.
741 Wood Pigeon
289 Jackdaws
108 Rooks
290 Starlings
21 Reed Bunting
1 Sky Lark
11 Greenfinches
6 Siskins
23 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

24 Feb 16

Priorslee Lake: 12:30

2 Great Black-backed Gulls
5 Pochard
2 Gadwall

(John Isherwood)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Devil's Dingle: 11:00
Location

18 Teal
4 Snipe

(John Isherwood)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
2015
Priorslee Lake

Today's Sightings Here

2014
Priorslee Lake

4 Cormorant
8 Pochard
6 Tufted Duck
1 Iceland Gull
3 Yellow-legged Gull.
650 Lesser Black-backed Gull.
450 Black-headed Gull.
110 Herring Gull.
10 Great Black-backed Gull
Common Gull
2 Lapwing
2 Redwings
353 Jackdaws
134 Rooks
(Ed Wilson, Gary Crowder)

The Flash
1 Little Grebe 
207 Tufted Ducks
1 Scaup
(Ed Wilson, Martin Grant)

2013
Priorslee Lake

Glaucous Gull
(Observer Unknown)

The Flash
Scaup
(Dave Tromans)

2012
Priorslee Lake
20 Tufted Duck
6 Pochard
2 Great Black-backed Gulls
184 Lesser Black-backed Gull
20 Herring Gull
320 Black-headed Gull
(Martin Grant)

2010
Priorslee Lake

Woodcock
4 Gadwall

47 Pochard
94 Tufted Ducks
2 Redwings

8 Siskins
(Ed Wilson)

2009
Priorslee Lake

1 Glaucous Gull
Iceland Gull
Yellow-legged Gull
600+ Black-headed Gulls
(Jason Buckley, John Isherwood, et al)

2007
Priorslee Lake
1 Little Grebe
9 Cormorant
Pochard
13 Tufted Duck
281 Wood Pigeon
16 Blackbird
1 Fieldfare
Redwing
31 Magpie
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake

2 Cormorants
2 Gadwall
7 Pochard
47 Tufted Ducks
15 Blackbirds
5 Redwings
8 Siskins
4 Redpolls
8 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

23 Feb 16

Priorslee Lake: 07:15 – 09:35
Location

Telford sunrise: 07:10

c.2.0°C > 5.0°C. Showery rain clearing to fair skies. Light / moderate W wind. Very good visibility

(25th visit of the year)

After yesterday’s goodies it was back to normality this morning

Notes
- I’ve seen this previously: some of the Cormorants arrive and straight away haul themselves out on the boat-launching platforms. So presumably even by 07:45 they have been elsewhere and eaten that morning?
- the Little Grebe seems to be well tucked away in the NE reeds at the moment. As it is calling from out of sight I assume this means there is probably a pair
- the 9 Feral Pigeons were different birds to the 9 seen yesterday – different mix of colour morphs and sizes of groups
- in addition to the 300 Wood Pigeons over the fields to the E there were at least 75 more flying overhead: all these very low and apparently just local movements
- a / the Willow Tit was singing and giving its nasal call along the N side: presumably the same bird was at the W end later
- 2 Reed Buntings singing this morning, one from the W end; the other from the main N-side reed bed

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 11 Canada Geese (3 groups)
- 7 Black-headed Gulls
- 28 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull
- 9 Feral Pigeons (2 groups) again
- 4 Stock Doves (2 groups)
- >300 Wood Pigeons over fields to the E
- 29 Jackdaws
- 15 Rooks
- 6 Greenfinches
- 9 Goldfinches
- 2 Siskins

The counts from the lake area
- 2 Mute Swans
- 5 (3♂) Gadwall remain
- 2 (1♂) Mallard again
- 5 (5♂) Pochard
- 21 (11♂) Tufted Ducks
- 4 Cormorants
- 2 Grey Herons
- 1 Little Grebe heard only
- 15 Great Crested Grebes
- 21 Moorhens
- 63 Coots
- 17 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull

As the showers cleared away another great cloudscape over the lake.

With the reeds bathed in the yellow early-light.

Almost as good as Autumn colours.

Immature Herring Gull. An immature Lesser Black-backed Gull would be more heavily marked on the underwing and, crucially, would not show such translucent inner primaries.

Managed to sneak up on one of the Cormorants today and get a close-enough shot to show the nice blue eye of the adults. You would not want to mess with this bill.

One of the houses that backs on to the footpaths between the lake and The Flash has bird-feeders in its garden and this attracts birds to the trees alongside the path as well. This morning ...

This Siskin might at least wait for the Alder cones to ripen before attacking them! This female lool a lot more yellow-toned than one I photographed last Friday (19th) – perhaps the other was a 1st winter bird. A male would have less flank streaking and a black crown.

“are you taking my photo?”

So with the black crown this is a male with the blood rushing to his head!

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Priorslee Flash: 09:40 – 10:00
Location

(16th visit of the year)

Of note
- 1 Kingfisher again
- c.6 Siskins in trees to SW

Birds noted flying over
- 1 Siskin

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 17 Canada Geese
- 1 all-white feral goose
- 25 (17♂) Mallard
- 2 (1♂) Pochard again
- 38 (18♂) Tufted Duck
- 1 all-white feral duck
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- 5 Moorhens
- 11 Coots only
- 10 Black-headed Gulls

Rather a foreshortened view of this adult Black-headed Gull (a 1st year bird would have an orange-toned bill), still with little black on the head. But then ...

Neither has this bird. This IS probably a 1st year bird and the bill is more orange-toned. Note it looks decidedly slimmer and I am not sure that is all explained by perspective.

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
2015
Priorslee Lake

Today's Sightings Here

2014
Priorslee Lake

5 Cormorants
3 Grey Herons
8 Pochard
8 Tufted Duck
1 Water Rail
1 Kingfisher
6 Redwings
391 Jackdaws
217 Rooks
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash
201 Tufted Ducks
2 Goosanders
(Ed Wilson)

Trench Lock Pool
4 Great Crested Grebes
(Ed Wilson)

Hortonwood
21 Redwings
(Dave Tromans)

2013
Priorslee Lake

Glaucous Gull
(Observer Unknown)

The Flash

Drake Scaup
(Richard Vernon)

2012
Priorslee Lake
1 Glaucous Gull
1 Caspian Gull
1 Yellow-legged Gull
(Observer Unknown)

2010
Priorslee Lake

2 Wigeon
55 Pochard
104 Tufted Duck
1 Common Gull
2 Ravens
22 Linnets
(Ed Wilson)

2009
Priorslee Lake

Iceland Gull
200 Black-headed Gulls
400 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
20 Herring Gulls
1 Yellow-legged Gull
Glaucous Gull
(Ed Wilson, Martin Adlam)

2008
Priorslee Lake

Iceland Gull
(Pete Nickless)

2007
Priorslee Lake
1 Little Grebe
3 Cormorant
5 Pochard
9 Tufted Duck
2 Kestrel
556 Wood Pigeon
27 Robin
23 Blackbird
1 Fieldfare
14 Redwing
47 Magpie
100 Jackdaw
96 Rook
16 Greenfinch
3 Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake

2 Little Grebes
6 Great Crested Grebes
1 Heron
2 Cormorants
9 Pochard
36 Tufted Ducks
3 Water Rails
c.420 Wood Pigeon
c.60 Starling
29 Pied Wagtails
23 Blackbirds
6 Greenfinches
17 Siskins
1 Redpoll
6 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

22 Feb 16

Priorslee Lake: 07:15 – 09:30
Location

Telford sunrise: 07:12

c.5.0°C. Medium-high overcast with clearance from NW making little progress. Light / moderate W wind. Very good visibility

(24th visit of the year)

Two things to highlight, both distant fly-overs
- early-on a distant high-flying party of Golden Plover was seen heading N to the E. These fly in very distinctive formations and can be confidently identified at a great distance. It has been a much better year for this species with 100s of birds on the fields in the Newport area
- a party of c.20 gulls left the tip area c.08:45 and flew S well to the W of the lake. It contained what seemed to be an Iceland Gull – just perhaps a Kumlein’s Gull. Separation of these closely related (sub?) species requires more than a photo from a mile away no matter how good Mr. Canon’s camera is. Which is a shame as I have never seen a Kumlein’s Gull in the UK

More signs of Spring
- the Swans spent some while inspecting their traditional nest site: and the cob was motivated to stand no nonsense from the two geese this morning and soon dispatched them
- my first Sky Lark of the year flew over; and then one was heard in song over the fields to the E
- no fewer than 9 Song Thrushes singing with another 4 birds seen

Other notes
- the small Cackling / Lesser Canada Goose was with one of the groups of geese this morning. Many of the geese were in pairs (I suppose strictly ‘in twos’ as I cannot sex this species)
- the only Mallard seen this morning were a pair flushed from the Wesley Brook as I was leaving
- 8 (of the 9) Feral Pigeons were in a single group one of which was of the less unattractive so-called red-bar morph
- as a follow-up to Saturday’s notes at least 4 Linnets were seen / heard in the trees at the edge of the estate – one was confirmed visually, though perversely this bird flew in from elsewhere [the Cetti’s Warbler was not heard this morning]

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 32 Canada Geese (11 groups)
- 1 Cackling / Lesser Canada Goose
- 1 Cormorant again
- c.30 Golden Plover (see above)
- 46 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 6 Herring Gulls
- 1 Iceland Gull (see above)
- 1 Great Black-backed Gull
- 9 Feral Pigeons (2 groups)
- 1 Collared Dove
- 10 Jackdaws
- 27 Rooks
- 1 Sky Lark
- 2 Starlings
- 21 Fieldfare (2 groups)
- 1 Pied Wagtail
- 9 Greenfinches
- 2 Goldfinches
- 11 Siskins

The counts from the lake area
- 2 Mute Swans
- 2 Canada Geese for a while
- 5 (3♂) Gadwall again
- 2 (1♂) Mallard
- 10 (9♂) Pochard
- 12 (5♂) Tufted Ducks
- 5 Cormorants
- 1 Grey Heron again
- 16 Great Crested Grebes
- 19 Moorhens
- 64 Coots
- 33 Black-headed Gulls
- 2 Herring Gulls

This edited shot – well the birds were >1 mile away – seems to show an immature (3rd? year) Great Black-backed Gull and a presumed Iceland Gull. To be positive on identification we would have to see the bird much better than this. We have to rule out a leucistic bird (lacking pigment) and the rather similar Kumlein’s Gull, which shows pale grey tones on the primaries and the tail. The only other ‘white-winged gull’ is Glaucous Gull and that is the same size (or larger) than the Greater Black-backed Gull.

Here we see it with two immature Herring Gulls and notice its distinctly chunkier appearance.

And here is the underwing. As best as I can see from these shots it has a dark eye and a mainly yellow bill which perhaps indicates it is not a leucistic bird. And there seems to be no grey in the tail to suggest Kumlein’s Gull. So I would vote for Iceland Gull – statistically the most likely.

Perhaps a pair of Cormorants here. I am not aware of the breeding rituals of this species, the bird on the right seems to be presenting nesting material for inspection by the other bird. Apparently there is no difference between male and female plumages, the amount of white acquired during the breeding season dependant solely upon age. Males tend to be larger but we cannot really tell that here as the poses are so different.

The ‘whitest’ of today’s Cormorants. They are always very wary and do not allow close approach. Shooting through the vegetation is the only option.

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
2015
Priorslee Lake

Today's Sightings Here

2014
Priorslee Lake

3 Great Crested Grebes 
5 Cormorants 
1 Grey Heron 
7 Pochard 
3 Tufted Duck
11 Redwings
>800 Jackdaws
127 Rooks
9 Ravens
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash
1 Little Grebe 
1 Greylag x Canada x ? Goose 
172 Tufted Ducks 
3 Goosanders 
(Ed Wilson)

Telford Crematorium
Iceland Gull
(Observer Unknown)

Stiperstones
4 Sky Larks
1 Meadow Pipit 
1 Redwing 
4 Ravens
c.30 Chaffinches
(Ed Wilson)

2013
Priorslee Lake

23 Wigeon
4 Gadwall
(Martin Grant)

The Flash
Drake Scaup
(JW Reeves)

Horsehay Pool
Iceland Gull
(Jim Almond)

Little Wenlock, Candles Landfill Site
2 Iceland Gulls 
2 Glaucous Gulls
(Tom Lowe)

2012
Priorslee Lake

1 Great Black-backed Gull
(Martin Grant)

2010
Priorslee Lake

2 Teal
(Ed Wilson)

2007
Priorslee Lake

1 Mallard x Pintail
Shoveler
Pochard
4 Tufted Duck
Buzzard
Common Gull
Fieldfare
Redwing
41 Magpie
197 Jackdaw
13 Greenfinch
Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake

1 Little Grebe
7 Great Crested Grebes
2 Herons
4 Cormorants
6 Pochard
21 Tufted Ducks
116 Coots
1 Water Rail
627 Wood Pigeon
13 Pied Wagtails
28 Blackbirds
4 Willow Tits
10 Greenfinches
133 Siskins
1 Linnet
6 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

21 Feb 16

No Sightings in today.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
2015
Priorslee Lake

Today's Sightings Here

2014
Priorslee Lake

5 Cormorants
1 Grey Heron
7 Pochard
2 Tufted Duck
14 Redwing
c.600 Jackdaws
268 Rooks
17 Siskins
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash
1 Greylag x Canada x ? Goose
180 Tufted Ducks
2 Goosanders
(Ed Wilson)

The Wrekin
1 Raven
2 groups of Fallow Deer.
(Ed Wilson)

2013
Priorslee Lake

 1 Iceland Gull 
1 Yellow-legged gull
(JW Reeves)

Little Wenlock, Candles Landfill Site / Buildwas
2 Caspian Gull
Herring x Lesser Black-backed Gull hybrid
A leucistic Herring Gull
8 Yellow-legged Gulls
1 Common Gull
(Tom Lowe)

2012
Priorslee Lake

33 Tufted Duck
8 Pochard
175 Black-headed Gulls
160 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
11 Herring Gulls
5 Great Black-backed Gull
1 Iceland Gull
35+ Redwing
(Martin Grant, John Isherwood)

Holmer Lake
7 Goosander
1 Sparrowhawk
(John Isherwood)

2007
Priorslee Lake

12 Tufted Ducks
2 Buzzards
2 Kestrels
1 Water Rail
269 Wood Pigeons
25 Blackbirds
11 Song Thrushes
4 Redwings
58 Magpies
140 Jackdaws
4 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake

2 Gadwall
5 Pochard
19 Tufted Ducks
116 Coots
1 Water Rail
1 Great Black-backed Gull
403 Wood Pigeons
Barn Owl
228 Jackdaws
88 Rooks
1 Sky Lark
35 Pied Wagtails
31 Blackbirds
1 Fieldfare
10 Song Thrushes
1 Redwing
2 Willow Tits
16 Greenfinches
49 Siskins
2 Redpolls
13 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

20 Feb 16

Priorslee Lake: 07:15 – 09:30
Location

Telford sunrise: 07:16

c.8.0°C. Broken medium / high level cloud filled and some lower cloud later. Moderate / fresh W wind. Very good visibility, especially early

(23rd visit of the year)

Two things to highlight, both of which require follow-up
- a Cetti’s Warbler was heard in song, just once. The far-carrying song was hard to locate with much road-noise from the M54 and the fresh breeze, but seemed to come from the area at the S end of the dam – but here there seems to be rather little suitable habitat
- what seemed to be at least 18 Linnets left the trees between the estate and the school playing field. As it usually Green- and Gold- Finches that leave a roost here then I would have liked to have seen them rather better to avoid problems with my ‘ears being on wrong’ this morning. They certainly looked small for Greenfinches

Other notes
- 2 Swans flew low W to the N of the lake: a (near?) adult with a 1st winter so different from yesterday’s two birds
- 3 brownhead Goosanders flew W and seen descending towards The Flash
- >100 Wood Pigeons over field / trees to E of Castle Farm. Three more small groups totalling c.25 birds seen flying E seemed to be ‘on the move’ rather than local birds
- 2 Kingfishers today, making a lot of noise
- Great Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming this morning – first for me this year

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 2 Mute Swans again
- 5 Greylag Geese (2 groups)
- 18 Canada Geese (5 groups)
- 3 (0♂) Goosanders
- 1 Cormorant
- 6 Black-headed Gulls
- 36 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 3 Herring Gulls
- >125 Wood Pigeons
- 74 Jackdaws
- 26 Rooks
- 4 Starlings
- 1 Redwing again
- 4 Greenfinches
- 11 Goldfinches
- 4 Siskins

The counts from the lake area
- 2 Mute Swans
- 2 Canada Geese again
- 5 (3♂) Gadwall
- 4 (2♂) Mallard
- 13 (11♂) Pochard
- 14 (9♂) Tufted Ducks
- 4 Cormorants
- 1 Grey Heron
- 1 Little Grebe heard
- 17 Great Crested Grebes
- 18 Moorhens
- 63 Coots
- 55 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull

This adult Herring Gull is a rather sad case. Most obvious is the dangling left leg – a not uncommon sight and often will heal naturally. This bird also shows a rather swollen breast which may just be due to a recent large meal but at 08:00 seems more likely to be due to botulism or some such parasite. At a date when many of its congeners are rapidly acquiring summer plumage this bird still retains winter plumage, especially around the eye and seem likely to be in poor condition. It was the only large gull to visit the lake before I left and while it flew off strongly-enough it spent the time sitting in sheltered water.

5 of the Great Crested Grebes at rest on the water. Note that birds 1 and 4, counting from the left, show little sign of head plumes and are likely 1st winter birds (3 Black-headed Gulls in the foreground; and a Coot against the reeds at the back).

So what is this bird then? Not much to go on here with some brown tones in the upper tail the only real clue – but how often do you look at these? Head shape? You will have no trouble when it turns around!

told you.

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014 and 2015
2015
Priorslee Lake

Today's Sightings Here

2014
Priorslee Lake

5 Pochard
7 Tufted Duck
13 Redwings
227 Jackdaws
172 Rooks
Meadow Pipit
5 Siskins
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash
2 Pochard
174 Tufted Ducks
2 Goosanders
(Ed Wilson)

2013
Priorslee Lake
2 Gadwall
29 Wigeon
2 Great Black-backed Gulls
1 Yellow-legged Gull
(JW Reeves, John Isherwood)

Holmer Lake
2 Goosander
Little Grebe
(John Isherwood)

Horsehay Pool
1 Yellow-legged Gull
(JW Reeves)

2009
Priorslee Lake

Kumlien's Gull
(Peter Wilson/Dawn Balmer )

2007
Priorslee Lake

1 Pochard
13 Tufted Ducks
1 Curlew
c.620 Black-headed Gulls
68 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
146 Wood Pigeons
34 Robins
18 Blackbirds
15 Song Thrushes
8 Redwings
193 Jackdaws
101 Rooks
12 Greenfinches
11 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake

7 Great Crested Grebes
1 Heron
3 Cormorants
2 Gadwall
10 Pochard
27 Tufted Ducks
122 Coots
963 Wood Pigeons
17 Pied Wagtails
14 Greenfinches
62 Siskins
1 Redpoll
4 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)