30 Apr 18

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

2.0°C > 4.0°C: Mainly high overcast with some low cloud at times; clear to far W. Very fresh N wind. Very good visibility

Sunrise: 05:40 BST

In the very chilly conditions it was a rather shorter visit than usual

Priorslee Lake: 05:30 – 06:15 // 07:05 – 08:25

(53rd visit of the year)

Notes from today:
- quite where the extra adult Mute Swans came from is a mystery. The two nesting pairs still present. The other 5 were in a group along the S side. Whether the two recently seen on the dam were amongst these is hard to say as contractors were mowing the grass on the dam and the birds would have moved anyway
- pair of Tufted Ducks until they flew of W at 07:20
- just 1 Great Crested Grebe braving the chilly, breezy conditions
- Coots not counted – too windy and chill on the dam. However a single juvenile seen with adults in the NW corner
- 9 Sand Martins flew W at 06:05: a few more later
- by 07:25 at least 6 Barn Swallows were sheltering from the wind between forays on the reeds in the NW corner
- no idea why two Willow Warblers have (re?)appeared. Neither were where I have heard song in recent weeks
- just 1 Reed Warbler heard: many reeds were flattened by the heavy snow and have not recovered. We may not get as many breeding birds as usual
- Tree Creepers heard calling near the Teece Drive gate and also in the NE corner
and
- the cluster of unidentified fungus somewhat increased to c.20 fruits

Today’s bird totals

Birds noted flying over / near the lake:
- 2 (2♂) Mallard
- 3 Greylag Geese
- 6 Canada Geese (3 separate pairs)
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 4 Wood Pigeons

Hirundines seen today (minimum numbers)
- 13 Sand Martins
- 8 Barn Swallows
- 4 House Martins

Warblers noted: figure in brackets is singing birds (not all the males seen might have been singing)
- 10 (6) Chiffchaffs
- 2 (2) Willow Warblers
- 9 (5) Blackcaps
- 1 (1) Garden Warbler again
- 3 (3) (Common) Whitethroats still
- 1 (1) Reed Warblers

The counts from the lake area
- 9 Mute Swans
- 3 (3♂) Mallard
- 2 (1) Tufted Duck
- 1 Great Crested Grebe only
- 4 Moorhens
- [Coots not counted, but see notes]
- 1 Common Sandpiper

The 5 ‘spare’ Mute Swans seemed to be getting together OK – perhaps to avoid too much attention from the aggressive resident cobs.

Distant shot of my first juvenile Coot of the year. Just one ugly-looking red-headed juvenile seen in this brood, though possibly more sheltering in the reeds.

Here we see 6 Barn Swallows resting on sheltered reeds between forays for insects.

A flower of Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum): there have been flowers around for a few days but this was the first time I had easy access for a photo.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:25 – 06:55

(39th visit of the year)

Notes from today
- 2 Sand Martins over at 06:35; 1 flew through at 06:50
- 1 Pied Wagtail in the roadway of Derwent Drive. My first in the area for several weeks
and
- the same Streamer moth remains in exactly the same place on the lamp in squirrel alley after 6 days

Birds noted flying over
None

Hirundines seen today
- 3 Sand Martins

Warblers noted: figures in brackets is singing birds (not all the males seen might have been singing)
- 2 (2) Chiffchaffs
- 3 (3) Willow Warblers
- 7 (5) Blackcaps

The counts from the water
- 2 resident Mute Swans
- 1 Greylag Goose
- 18 Canada Geese
- 16 (14♂) Mallard again
- 6 (3♂) Tufted Ducks
- 1 Great Crested Grebe
- 2 Moorhens
- 14 Coots

A different angle on a duck Mallard. We see the whit-bordered blue speculum and also the edging on the feathers and especially the tail feathers.

Noted between the lake and The Flash
- Moorhen calling from upper pool
- 1 Blackcap singing by the lower pool
- another Blackcap singing from gardens opposite primary school field

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day..........

2017
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2016
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2015
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2013
Priorslee Lake
1 Common Sandpiper
2 Raven
2 Reed Warbler
(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill
1 Whinchat
1 Yellow Wagtail
1 White Wagtail
2 Common Redstart
40 Wheatear
(John Isherwood)

Long Lane, Wellington
3 Whimbrel
(JW Reeves)

2012
Priorslee Lake
1 Lesser Whitethroat
1 Reed Warbler
(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill
1 Common Redstart
15 Wheatear
1 Lesser Whitethroat
2 Raven
(John Isherwood)

The Wrekin
2 Pied Flycatchers
Common Redstart
(Observer Unknown)

2009
Priorslee Lake
Hobby
2 Red-legged Partridge
Lesser Whitethroat
Cormorant
5 Lapwings
6 Reed Warblers
3 Whitethroats
8 Blackcaps
5 Chiffchaffs
4 Linnet
(Ed Wilson)

2008
Priorslee Lake
17 Mute Swans
(Martin Adlam)

2007
Priorslee Lake
1 Swift
c.20 Sand Martins
1 Swallow
6 House Sparrows
2 Sparrowhawk
Buzzard
Kestrel
2 Stock Dove
2 Grey Wagtails
1 Sedge Warbler
4 Reed Warblers
Chiffchaff
126 Jackdaw
(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill
2 Buzzards
Swallow
Ring Ouzel
2 Common Whitethroat
1 Chiffchaff
2 Linnets
(Ed Wilson)

Priorslee Flash
3 Great Crested Grebes
Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake
5 Great Crested Grebes
2 Greylag Geese
6 Tufted Ducks
2 Common Sandpiper
1 Cuckoo
1 Sky Lark
c.10 Sand Martins
c.8 Swallows
c.20 House Martins
1 Meadow Pipit
2 Grey Wagtails
32 Wren
26 Blackbirds
2 Sedge Warblers
3 Reed Warblers
2 Lesser Whitethroats
2 Garden Warbler
10 Blackcaps
6 Chiffchaffs
1 Willow Warbler
1 Jay
11 Chaffinches
8 Greenfinches
3 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

29 Apr 18

No sightings in today.

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On this day..........

2016
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2014
Nedge Hill
2 Lesser Whitethroat
10 Wheatear
(John Isherwood)

2013
Priorslee Lake
2 Great Crested Grebes 
1 Common Sandpiper 
4 Reed Warblers 
2 Common Whitethroat 
18 Blackcaps 
7 Chiffchaffs 
5 Willow Warblers 
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash
3 Greylag Goose 
1 Richardson's / Cackling-type Canada Goose 
1 Pochard 
11 Tufted Duck 
4 Blackcaps 
3 Chiffchaffs 
5 Willow Warblers
(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill
2 Red-legged Partridges 
Swallows
7 Wheatear
2 Common Whitethroats 
3 Blackcaps 
1 Chiffchaffs 
4 Bullfinches 
(Ed Wilson)

2011
Priorslee Lake 
3 Common Sandpipers
(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood) 

Nedge Hill
2 Wheatear
(John Isherwood)

2010
The Wrekin
1 Wood Warbler
4 Common Redstart
1 Pied Flycatcher
(Paul Rutter)

2009
Priorslee Lake
Common Sandpiper
1 Sand Martin
2 Swallows
6 Reed Warblers
Common Whitethroat
3 Blackcap
4 Chiffchaff
3 Reed Buntings
3 Linnets
1 Yellowhammer
(Ed Wilson)

2007
Priorslee Lake
4 Great Crested Grebe
6 Tufted Duck
2 Ruddy Duck
3 Swifts
2 Sand Martins
4 Swallows
4 Cormorants
1 Kestrel
1 Sparrowhawk
3 Common Sandpipers
2 Grey Wagtail
6 Blackcap
1 Garden Warbler
2 Sedge Warbler
2 Reed Warblers
5 Chiffchaff
3 Greenfinch
2 Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson, Martin Adlam)

Nedge Hill
1 Ring Ouzel
Common Whitethroat
2 Swallows
(Martin Adlam)

Priorslee Flash
2 Greylag Geese
1 Grey Wagtail here
2 Chiffchaffs
1 Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake
3 Great Crested Grebes
2 Ruddy Ducks
1 Common Buzzard
1 Kestrel
1 Swallows
1 Grey Wagtail
4 Sedge Warbler
2 Reed Warblers
4 Blackcaps
2 Garden Warbler
5 Chiffchaffs
3 Willow Warblers
2 Lesser Whitethroat
4 Greenfinches
2 Reed Buntings
(Martin Adlam)

28 Apr 18

No sightings in so far today...........

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On this day..........

2016
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2015
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2014
Nedge Hill
2 Lesser Whitethroat
10 Wheatear
(John Isherwood)

2013
Priorslee Lake
2 Cormorants
2 Swans 
5 Greylag Geese
1 Common Sandpiper 
8 Swallows
1 Swift
2 Reed Warblers 
2 Common Whitethroat 
17 Blackcaps 
8 Chiffchaffs 
4 Willow Warblers 
1 Common Redstart
1 Nuthatch
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash
3 Greylag Goose 
1 Richardson's / Cackling-type Canada Goose 
1 Pochard 
11 Tufted Duck 
4 Blackcaps 
3 Chiffchaffs 
5 Willow Warblers
(Ed Wilson)

2012
Priorslee Lake
6 Goosanders
6 Greylag Geese
2 Tufted Duck 
6 Goosander 
1 Grasshopper Warbler
2 Sedge Warbler
18 Blackcaps
4 Willow Warblers
14 Chiffchaffs
1 Wheatear
1 Swift
Swallow
House Martin
Sand Martin
1 Sky Lark
1 Yellowhammer
(Ed Wilson, Phil Walters)

Priorslee Flash
4 Greylag Geese
27 Tufted Duck 
5 Blackcaps
4 Willow Warblers
3 Chiffchaffs
(Ed Wilson)

2011
Priorslee Lake
5 Reed Warblers 
2 Common Whitethroat 
10 Blackcaps 
10 Chiffchaffs 
1 Willow Warbler
(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood)

Priorslee Flash
3 Blackcaps 
4 Chiffchaffs 
1 Willow Warbler
1 Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood)

2010
Priorslee Lake
1 Sedge Warbler
2 Reed Warbler
2 Common Sandpiper
(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill
1 Whinchat
2 Lesser Whitethroat
18+ Wheatear
(John Isherwood)

2007
Priorslee Lake
6 Great Crested Grebes
6 Tufted Ducks
Ruddy Duck
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Lesser Whitethroat
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warblers
2 House Sparrows
(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood)

2006
Priorslee Lake
5 Great Crested Grebes
1 Heron
2 Tufted Ducks
2 Ruddy Duck
1 Kestrel
1 Common Sandpiper
1 Cormorant
1 Stock Dove
3 Sand Martins
10 Swallows
1 Grey Wagtails
5 Sedge Warbler
2 Reed Warblers
7 Blackcaps
1 Garden Warbler
4 Chiffchaffs
4 Willow Warblers
1 Lesser Whitethroat
3 Reed Buntings
(Martin Adlam)

27 Apr 18

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

5.0°C > 6.0°C: Brief sunrise; otherwise cloudy, lowering with light rain as early as 06:45 and moderate after 07:20. Calm start with a light SE breeze later. Good visibility

Sunrise: 05:46 BST

Generally rather quiet. Could the birds detect the approaching rain and therefore get on with feeding rather than singing?

Priorslee Lake: 05:35 – 06:10 // 07:05 – 09:00

(52nd visit of the year)

Notes from today:
- for a long while no Mallards seen despite searching all the usual loafing areas. Then suddenly one was asleep on the water. And a few minutes later another bird was in the middle of the water. So where did these come from
- not included in my counts as outside my recording area but worth noting were 11 Wood Pigeons feeding in the roadway of the first 100 yards of Teece Drive
- first two Barn Swallows at 07:25 with numbers gradually increasing as the rain set in
- a Reed Bunting flew off E calling: birds frequently call from the crops to the E of the lake. I did not expect them to be still using the lake as well
and
- a ‘stretch spider’ on one of the lamps: perhaps Pachygnatha clercki (no vernacular name)
- a cluster of unidentified fungus found

Today’s bird totals

Birds noted flying over / near the lake:
- 4 Canada Geese
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull
- 6 Wood Pigeons

Hirundines seen today
- 4 Sand Martins
- 12 Barn Swallows

Warblers noted: figure in brackets is singing birds (not all the males seen might have been singing)
- 11 (9) Chiffchaffs
- 11 (6) Blackcaps
- 1 (1) Garden Warblers
- 3 (3) (Common) Whitethroats again
- 2 (1) Reed Warblers

The counts from the lake area
- 6 Mute Swans again
- 2 (2♂) Mallard
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 5 Moorhens
- 31 Coots
- 2 Common Sandpipers

Considering how soon the rain arrived the red sky warning was rather late.

This looks like a Tetragnathidae spider with rounded body suggesting it is not a Common stretch-spider (Tetragnatha extensa). It looks more like a Pachygnatha clercki, though the rubric for that species suggests it is a ground-living species and should not be found 10’ up a lamp. Provisional ID therefore.

A cluster of emerging fungus.

Here we see part of the underside. Looks quite like a small Field Mushroom. However all species in that genus are generally found in Autumn – perhaps last week was summer after all!

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:20 – 06:55

(38th visit of the year)

Notes from today
- no sign of the Mallard ducklings
- one lone drake Tufted Duck on the water, otherwise all in pairs: several of these pairs tucked up on the island so perhaps his partner was also there?
- the two presumed resident Great Crested Grebes chasing a 3rd bird
and
- a midge of the lamps again: likely a female plumed midge (Chironomus plumosus) – females do not have a plumed antenna. Neither sex bites man
- the same Streamer moth yet again in exactly the same place on the lamp in squirrel alley

Birds noted flying over
- 3 Wood Pigeons

Hirundines seen today
None

Warblers noted: figures in brackets is singing birds (not all the males seen might have been singing)
- 5 (5) Chiffchaffs
- 2 (2) Willow Warblers again
- 2 (2) Blackcaps

The counts from the water
- 2 resident Mute Swans
- 20 Canada Geese
- 9 (9♂) Mallard again
- 11 (6♂) Tufted Ducks
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 4 Moorhen
- 16 Coots

Noted between the lake and The Flash
- 1 Willow Warbler singing by the lower pool
- the first flowers of White Dead-Nettle (Lamium album)

Here is the Willow Warbler that was singing here this morning. This shot is very comparable with the photo I took of a Chiffchaff yesterday and shows the differences. The supercilium extends behind the eye; the whole underside of the bill is pale, as are the legs.

Here he is from another angle. The wings do indeed look quite long.

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day..........

2017
Local area
Today's Sightings Here

2016
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2015
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2013
Priorslee Lake
4 Great Crested Grebes 
2 Greylag Geese
3 Common Sandpipers 
1 Reed Warblers 
1 Common Whitethroat 
11 Blackcaps 
10 Chiffchaffs 
2 Willow Warblers 
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash
Wood Warbler
2 Great Crested Grebe 
1 Greylag Goose 
1 Richardson's / Cackling-type Canada Goose 
16 Tufted Duck 
5 Blackcaps 
Wood Warbler
1 Chiffchaff
6 Willow Warblers
(Ed Wilson)

The Wrekin
3 Wood Warblers
1 Redstart
5 Pied Flycatchers
2 Tree Pipits
2 Redpolls
1 Siskin
(Ed Wilson, JW Reeves)

2012
Priorslee Lake
6 Tufted Duck
6 Swift
50 Swallow
25 House Martin
2 Sand Martin
1 Grasshopper Warbler
1 Wheatear
1 Sedge Warbler
6 Common Sandpiper
(John Isherwood, Martin Grant)

Nedge Hill
1 Lesser Whitethroat
26 Wheatear
1 Greenland Wheatear
1 Fieldfare
1 Raven
(John Isherwood)

2011
Priorslee Lake
1 Wood Sandpiper
1 Common Sandpiper
1 Sedge Warbler
1 Lesser Whitethroat
1 Swift
(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill
2 Wheatear
1 Lesser Whitethroat
(John Isherwood)

2008
Priorslee Lake
3 Sedge Warblers
6 Reed Warblers
2 Lesser Whitethroats
2 Whitethroats
1 Garden Warbler
9 Blackcaps
9 Chiffchaffs
1 Willow Warbler
1 Little Grebe
2 Common Sandpipers 
c.10 Sand Martins
c.45 Swallows
1 House Martin
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash 
4 Sand Martins
12 Swallows 
2 Blackcaps
4 Chiffchaffs
4 Willow Warblers
(Ed Wilson)

The lane to the E of Priorslee
6 Whitethroats
1 Blackcap
3 Chiffchaffs 
1 Willow Warbler 
2 Linnets 
3 Yellowhammers
(Ed Wilson)

2007
Priorslee Lake
9 Great Crested Grebes
5 Tufted Ducks
2 Ruddy Ducks
1 Kestrel
2 Stock Doves
2 Swallows
House Martins
2 Grey Wagtails
Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
1 Jay
(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill
2 Swallows
House Martin
Ring Ouzel
Fieldfare
Common Whitethroat
Blackcaps
Chiffchaff
Willow Warblers
(Ed Wilson)

Priorslee Flash
1 Swallow
6 Willow Warbler
Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake
5 Great Crested Grebes
1 Heron
3 Greylag Geese
2 Ruddy Ducks
3 Common Sandpipers
1 Stock Dove
7 Swallows
3 Grey Wagtails
26 Wrens
17 Robins
30 Blackbirds
9 Song Thrushes
1 Sedge Warbler
3 Reed Warblers
8 Blackcaps
4 Chiffchaffs
2 Willow Warblers
5 Greenfinches
5 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)

26 Apr 18

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

6.5°C > 9.5°C: Variable cloud with a few very light showers in the area. Moderate WSW wind, feeling chill again. Very good visibility

Sunrise: 05:48 BST

Priorslee Lake: 05:35 – 06:20 // 07:25 – 09:30
(51st visit of the year)

Notes from today:
- the pair of Mute Swans in the SE area briefly took to flight but soon returned. Both the cobs of nesting birds paid close attention and made sure they did not leave their ‘top of dam’ home
- three Common Sandpipers today
- 2 Sky Larks seen singing in flight over fields to the E
- single Barn Swallows flew through at 05:45 and 06:05: 2 more stayed around with 12 Sand Martins after c.08:10
- 3 Starlings seen flying out of the estate area – likely the remnant of a once large nesting group now deprived of nest holes by the installation of plastic soffits to the houses
- no Willow Warblers heard today
- Mistle Thrush again seen leaving the football field: it, or another, heard in song briefly from the Ricoh area
and
- yet again a White-legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) was on one of the lamps
- a plumed midge sp. (Chironomus plumosus?) also on a lamp
- the first flowers of Ramsons (Allium ursinum) are just breaking
- also first noted in flower was Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)

Today’s bird totals

Birds noted flying over / near the lake:
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 1 Sparrowhawk again
- 1 Common Buzzard
- 3 Stock Doves
- 9 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Rook

Hirundines seen today
- 2 Common Swifts
- 12 Sand Martins
- 4 Barn Swallows

Warblers noted: figure in brackets is singing birds (not all the males seen might have been singing)
- 10 (8) Chiffchaffs
- 16 (11) Blackcaps
- 3 (3) Garden Warblers
- 3 (3) (Common) Whitethroats
- 2 (2) Reed Warblers

The counts from the lake area
- 6 Mute Swans again
- 4 Canada Geese again
- 3 (3♂) Mallard
- 4 Great Crested Grebes again
- 4 Moorhens
- 33 Coots
- 3 Common Sandpipers

One of the pair of Mute Swans leaves the top of the dam and takes a short flight.

Rather distant (it was over the fields the other side of Castle Farm Way) but the distinctive rounded wing silhouette of a sing Skylark.

Best shot this year to date of Chiffchaff. All the features – indistinct supercilium; broken eye-ring; dark legs often, as here, with some orange on the feet; brown tones only under the base of the lower mandible. This also shows the not often seen olive tone to the rump.

I knew I’d get a better shot of (Common) Whitethroat. This male collecting nesting material was managing to sing with its beak full as I took this photo.

I wonder why they are called whitethroats?

A ‘blizzard’ of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) blossom – and blizzard it was with the gusty wind blowing petals everywhere.

I noted Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) in flower a few days ago. My attempts to photograph these in heavy shade were rubbish. This is slightly better and shows they are close to the end of their flowering season.

The first flower of Ramsons (Allium ursinum) just beginning to open. These will soon be pervading the air around the Teece Drive gate with the smell of onions.

For a change this plumed midge sp., likely Chironomus plumosus, was not too high up a lamp post and provided an usually detailed image. Seems to be missing part of its right front leg.

Now what exactly is this sitting on top of a nettle leaf?

Turning it over shows it is not bug. My best suggestion is that it is the discarded sheath of a leaf-bud.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:30 – 07:15

(37th visit of the year)

Notes from today
- I was told that a duck Mallard with c.8 small ducklings was seen both yesterday and earlier this morning: hiding from me!
- today more Tufted Ducks: still very obviously in pairs
- 1 Great Crested Grebe seen lurking under overhanging vegetation: partner likely hiding there too
- the Sedge Warbler not heard or seen
and
- the same Streamer moth in exactly the same place on the lamp in squirrel alley

Birds noted flying over
None

Hirundines seen today
- 8 Barn Swallows flew N 07:10

Warblers noted: figures in brackets is singing birds (not all the males seen might have been singing)
- 4 (3) Chiffchaffs
- 2 (2) Willow Warblers
- 6 (4) Blackcaps

The counts from the water
- 2 resident Mute Swans
- 3 Greylag Geese again
- 11 Canada Geese only
- 9 (9♂) Mallard
- 14 (7♂) Tufted Ducks
- 1 Great Crested Grebe
- 2 Moorhen
- 12 Coots again

This male Blackbird with its beakful of worms shows rather little yellow eye-ring. I can only assume this is a first-year bird.

Noted between the lake and The Flash
- a Moorhen heard at the upper pool
- 1 Blackcap singing by the upper pool today

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day..........

2016
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2014
Priorslee Lake
3 Cranes
(Observer Unknown)

The Wrekin
3 Wood Warbler
(Damon H, Jim A, Yvonne C)

2013
Priorslee Lake
1 Cormorant
1 Dunlin
1 Common Sandpipers
1 Yellow Wagtail
1 Wheatear
3 Reed Warblers 
12 Blackcaps 
7 Chiffchaffs 
2 Willow Warblers 
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash
3 Greylag Goose 
1 Richardson's / Cackling-type Canada Goose 
3 Pochard 
7 Tufted Duck 
4 Blackcaps 
2 Chiffchaffs 
4 Willow Warblers
2 Swallows
1 Redpoll
(Ed Wilson)

Trench Middle Pool
3 Great Crested Grebes 
28 Greylag Geese 
1 Tufted Duck
1 Blackcap 
3 Chiffchaffs 
3 Willow Warblers
(Ed Wilson)

Trench Lock Pool
3 Great Crested Grebes 
6 Tufted Duck 
2 Swifts 
c.5 Sand Martins 
c.30 Swallows 
c.40 House Martins 
1 Blackcap 
1 Chiffchaff 
1 Willow Warbler
Sparrowhawk
(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill
19 Wheatear
Swallows
(Richard Camp)

Long Lane, Wellington
c10 Ringed Plover
c10 Dunlin
Spotted Redshank
(JV Reeves)

2012
Priorslee Lake
1 Swift
12 House Martin
7 Swallow
(Martin Grant)

2011
The Wrekin
3 Pied Flycatcher
1 Common Redstart
2 Marsh Tit
1 Wood Warbler
(Ed Wilson)

2008
Priorslee Lake
Swift
3 Common Sandpipers 
1 Sedge Warbler
6 Reed Warblers
9 Chiffchaffs
(Ed Wilson)

East of Priorslee Lake
6 Whitethroats
2 Sky Larks
1 Yellowhammer
(Ed Wilson)

2007
Priorslee Lake
4 Great Crested Grebes
7 Greylag Geese
1 Tufted Duck
3 Swallows
3 Blackcaps
1 Chiffchaff
2 Jays
28 Magpies
(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill
1 Ring Ouzel
(Peter Nickless)

Priorslee Flash
1 Cormorant
Swallows
34 Blackbirds
6 Willow Warbler
1 Reed Bunting
(Ed Wilson)

Lanes to the east of Priorslee Flash
5 Mallard
1 Buzzard
1 Heron
Sky Larks
Blackcaps
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake
5 Great Crested Grebes
1 Heron
7 Tufted Ducks
2 Ruddy Ducks
1 Kestrel
1 Common Sandpiper
6 Stock Doves
1 Swift
2 Sand Martins
2 Swallows
1 Yellow Wagtail
2 Grey Wagtails
26 Wrens
26 Blackbirds
1 Sedge Warbler
3 Reed Warblers
1 Lesser Whitethroat
7 Blackcaps
6 Chiffchaffs
2 Willow Warblers
17 Magpies
1 Raven
7 Greenfinches
5 Reed Buntings.
(Ed Wilson)

25 Apr 18

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

6.0°C > 9.0°C: Mainly clear start: soon began to cloud: light shower c.09:15. Moderate WSW wind, feeling chilly. Very good visibility

Sunrise: 05:50 BST

Priorslee Lake: 05:35 – 06:35 // 07:50 – 09:20

(50th visit of the year)

Notes from today:
- the pair of Mute Swans in the SE area were on the water at dawn but moved back to the grass above the dam sometime later
- another Common Sandpiper on passage
- two singing Goldcrests by the Castle Farm Gate disputing territory with their ‘crests’ open
- today’s Willow Warbler was singing in a very different location from the bird heard yesterday
- just inside the Teece Drive gate my ears were being assaulted by song from what I think was 2 Blackcaps and 3 Garden Warblers all mixed up with a Song Thrush, a Blackbird and a Wren all shouting their territorial claims. Both before and after this a Garden Warbler was singing a few yards away and seemed likely to be a 4th bird
- no Reed Warbler heard singing from the N-side reeds this morning: when I investigated I saw two birds working their way through the scrub here. Perhaps he has found a mate
and
- nothing on the lamps
- a few flowers of Lady's Smock (Cardamine pratensis) in the sheltered area near the boat club hut
- first spike of Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon) noted

Today’s bird totals

Birds noted flying over / near the lake:
- 3 Canada Geese
- 1 Cormorant
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls again
- 1 Sparrowhawk
- 3 Wood Pigeons only

Hirundines seen today
- 4 Common Swifts
- >4 Sand Martins
- >2 Barn Swallows
- >2 House Martin
a total of at least 24 birds, most not specifically identified

Warblers noted: figure in brackets is singing birds (not all the males seen might have been singing)
- 10 (9) Chiffchaffs
- 1 (1) Willow Warbler again
- 11 (9) Blackcaps
- 4 (4) Garden Warblers (see notes)
- 5 (4) (Common) Whitethroats again
- 3 (1) Reed Warblers

The counts from the lake area
- 6 Mute Swans
- 2 Greylag Geese
- 4 Canada Geese
- 6 (5♂) Mallard
- 1 Grey Heron
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 2 Moorhens again
- 28 Coots
- 1 Common Sandpiper

Today’s sunrise.

And slightly later with more colour.

A Wood Pigeon proves that despite its bulk it can be acrobatic when after food.

A calling / singing Nuthatch: from this angle we see the deep orange-brown on the undertail – males are darker here than females.

“I spy with my little eye a juicy worm”.

Yummy!

The first spike of Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon).

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:45 – 07:40

(36th visit of the year)

Notes from today
- the slightly fewer Tufted Ducks were all very obviously in pairs
- two Willow Warblers seen chasing and wing-flicking: as only one was singing I assume this was a pair-bonding exercise rather than a territorial dispute
- the Garden Warbler not heard or seen today
- the Sedge Warbler remains at the top end, skulking away: briefly seen in flight between two scrubby clumps of brambles
and
- a Streamer moth found on one of the lamps in squirrel alley
- many spikes of a horsetail sp. (likely Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)) also in ‘squirrel alley’

Birds noted flying over
- 4 Wood Pigeons

Hirundines seen today
None

Warblers noted: figures in brackets is singing birds (not all the males seen might have been singing)
- 6 (4) Chiffchaffs
- 3 (2) Willow Warblers
- 6 (4) Blackcaps
- 1 (1) Sedge Warbler again

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 3 Greylag Geese
- 25 Canada Geese
- 14 (13♂) Mallard
- 8 (4♂) Tufted Ducks
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- 1 Moorhen
- 12 Coots

Male Great Tit stares me out.

A Willow Warbler showing all its key features: the long and wide supercilium; the pale legs; and the wholly pale underside to the lower mandible.

An unusual view as the two Willow Warblers fought.

Some feature are less obvious at some angles: here the supercilium looks rather narrow, if still longer than it would be on a Chiffchaff. Note the long wings: as a long-distance migrant this species has longer wings than a Chiffchaff.

Need I say this is a male Blackbird.

Can a bird look beseeching? This Dunnock is making a good effort.

Head-down on a lamp is this nicely-marked Streamer moth.

Rather more well-developed than the horsetail I photographed at the lake yesterday: I am pretty certain this is Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense).

Noted between the lake and The Flash
- 1 Blackcap singing by the lower pool

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day..........

2016
Local Area
Today's Sightings Here

2014
Priorslee Lake
1 Reed Warbler
1 Sedge Warbler
(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill
1 Lesser Whitethroat
5 Wheatear
(John Isherwood)

2013
Priorslee Lake
Tawny Owl
4 Great Crested Grebes 
2 Cormorants
2 Lapwings 
2 Common Sandpiper 
3 Reed Warblers
14 Blackcaps 
8 Chiffchaffs 
2 Willow Warblers 
(Ed Wilson)

The Flash
2 Great Crested Grebe 
1 Greylag Goose 
1 Richardson's / Cackling-type Canada Goose 
12 Tufted Duck 
5 Song Thrushes 
3 Blackcaps 
3 Chiffchaffs 
3 Willow Warblers
(Ed Wilson)

Woodhouse Lane
3 Common Whitethroats
2 Linnets.
7 Yellowhammers
Blackcaps
Chiffchaffs 
Willow Warbler.
(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill
4 Meadow Pipits
4 Sky Lark
20 Wheatear
2 Fieldfare
1 Lesser Whitethroat.
2 Common Whitethroats.
3 Blackcaps.
2 Chiffchaffs.
1 Linnet.
2 Yellowhammer
(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood)

Long Lane, Wellington
1 Whimbrel
2 Curlew
6 Dunlin
2 Ringed Plover
(JW Reeves)

2012
Priorslee Lake
35 Swallows
2 House Martins
Grey Wagtail
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
2 Swift
1 Grasshopper Warbler
(John Isherwood, J W Reeves, Martin Grant)

Nedge Hill
1 Wheatear
(John Isherwood)

2011
Priorslee Lake
1 Yellow Wagtail
Common Sandpiper
(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill
9 Wheatear
(John Isherwood)

2010
Priorslee Lake
3 Common Sandpiper
(Andy Latham)

Nedge Hill
Swift
12 Wheatear
1 Whinchat
Lesser Whitethroat
2 Whitethroat
Blackcap
(Andy Latham)

2009
Priorslee Lake
1 Wheatear
(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill
19 Wheatear
1 Lesser Whitethroat
2 Turtle Doves
(John Isherwood)

2008
Priorslee Lake
4 Great Crested Grebes
Sand Martins
Swallows
1 Tufted Duck
1 Sedge Warbler
4 Reed Warblers
1 Lesser Whitethroat
1 Common Whitethroat
3 Blackcaps 
6 Chiffchaffs 
1 Willow Warbler
(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill
2 Wheatear
1 Common Whitethroat
(Ed Wilson)

2007
Priorslee
3 Great Crested Grebes
1 Tufted Duck
1 Wheatear
1 Chiffchaff
1 Willow Tit
1 Willow Warbler
(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill
5 Wheatears
1 Whinchat
1 Sedge Warbler
Common Whitethroat
4 Linnets
(Ed Wilson)

Priorslee Flash
Swallows
1 Grey Wagtail
6 Blackcaps
6 Willow Warbler
(Ed Wilson)

2006
Priorslee Lake
7 Great Crested Grebes
4 Herons
4 Greylag Geese
4 Tufted Ducks
2 Ruddy Duck
2 Kestrels
2 Common Sandpipers
1 Sky Lark
23 Sand Martins
12 Swallows
29 Wrens
2 Sedge Warblers
2 Reed Warblers
11 Blackcaps
8 Chiffchaffs
2 Willow Warblers
2 Jays
7 Greenfinches
21 Redpolls
5 Reed Buntings.

Lanes
3 Whitethroats
2 Sky Larks
3 Whitethroats
2 Blackcaps
1 Chiffchaff
4 Linnets
6 Yellowhammers
(Ed Wilson)