29 Feb 20

Priorslee Lake, The Flash, Trench Lock Pool and Trench Middle Pool

Priorslee Lake:  07:30 – 08:50
The Flash:  08:55 – 09:40
Trench Lock Pool:  09:50 – 09:55 // 10:30 – 10:55
Trench Middle Pool:  10:00 – 10:25

6.0°C > 5.0°C > 6.0°C:  Clearing after yet more rain. Brief sleet shower, then fine. Fresh and gusty WSW wind. Very good visibility.

[Sunrise: 06:57 GMT]

Priorslee Lake:  07:30 – 08:50

(45th visit of the year)

I avoided the early rain and made only a short, shower-interrupted, visit to the E end lay-by area.

Notes:
- Only two Mute Swan cygnets located. One of these was with the adults. The other ‘nearby’.
- The drake Goosander flew off and was not the bird seen flying over.
- An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull dropped in during the shower but soon left again.
- A Skylark was singing over the fields to the E.

Birds noted flying over / near here:
- 1 (1♂) Goosander
- 2 Common Buzzards
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull: adult
- 1 Herring Gull: immature
- 10 Wood Pigeons

Counts from the lake area:
- 2 + 2 Mute Swans only
- 6 (4♂) Mallard
- 8 (4♂) Tufted Duck
- 1 (1♂) Goosander
- 2 Little Grebes
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 3 Moorhens
- 47 Coots
- 105 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull: adult

Nothing else of note.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash:  08:55 – 09:40

(44th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- If the Greylag Goose seen at the edge of the island, intermittently, is ‘standing guard’ then it does not seem to be very reliable.
- Numbers of Tufted Duck continue to vary without any obvious reason. Some do haul out on the island and can be hard to find: not that many?
- One of the drake Goosanders was likely the same still-moulting first-year as seen on several days recently.

Birds noted flying over / near The Flash:
- 2 Jackdaws

Counts from the water:
- 3 Mute Swans
- 1 Greylag Goose
- 12 Canada Geese: 2 of these departed
- 26 (14♂) Mallard
- 8 (8♂) Pochard
- 35 (19♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 (3♂) Goosander
- 1 Cormorant
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- 7 Moorhen
- 18 Coots
- 13 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull: immature
- 1 Kingfisher

 Its that time of year again: Mallard sitting on the roofs. Here a drake ....

... meanwhile the duck sips water from the gutter!

Another in the ‘compare and contrast’ series: a drake Goosander compared with a Moorhen.

Now the Moorhen with a pair of Goosanders. I can’t make up my mind about the expression on the Goosanders’ faces. Are they perplexed? amused? or deciding who should eat it?

Here is the first-year male Goosander still in moult. Great hair-do.

And again. Side-on we see the extent of white along the flanks.

No mistaking the sex now: the white goes all the way across the wing so it must be a drake.

Folding the wings away.

Best view yet.

I have many photos of Goosanders diving, usually with a lot less visible than this. This duck shows their diving technique well.

And you thought Carrion Crows were black. They have a slight blue gloss like this when the light is right – Rooks gloss even more. Note the small white area in the folded wing. When this species moults in summer some birds, especially (but not exclusively) juveniles, acquire extensive white tips to wing-feathers. These mostly soon wear off.

An ‘ordinary’ male House Sparrow. A challenge for you with this common bird: draw an outline of a bird and then, without looking at any pictures, mark the plumage details and colours.

(Ed Wilson)

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Trench Lock Pool:  09:50 – 09:55 // 10:30 – 10:55

(16th visit of the year)

Bird notes from here:
- Now 13 Coots
- Stock Dove overhead was new for me at this site this year.

Birds noted flying over / near here [other than local Wood Pigeons and Jackdaws]:
- 2 Common Buzzards
- 1 Stock Dove
- 2 Starlings

Counts from the water:
- 2 Mute Swans
- 24 Canada Geese
- 4 (4♂) Mallard
- 5 (3♂) Tufted Ducks
- [no Goosander]
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 1 Moorhen again
- 13 Coots
- 23 Black-headed Gulls
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls

Additional bird species for my 2020 bird list at this site:
#45     Stock Dove

Just two large gulls here – two different adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls. I suppose this has yellow legs?

The Canada Goose pair formation team prepare to land.

A few of the nearly one hundred Black-headed Gulls. Here, unlike at the lake, very few show a lot of black in the head as yet.

(Ed Wilson)

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Trench Middle Pool:  10:00 – 10:25

(16th visit of the year)

Notes from here:
- Nothing noted on the side pool today.
- Both Great Crested Grebes confirmed. Not taking much notice of each other.
- Just 48 Black-headed Gulls when I arrived: the rest spiralled down from high overhead.

Birds noted flying over / near here:
None

Counts from the water:
- 2 Mute Swans
- 9 Greylag Geese
- 37 Canada Geese
- 1 all-white feral duck?-type
- 12 (9♂) Mallard
- 12 (7♂) Tufted Duck
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- 11 Moorhens
- 14 Coots only
- 98 Black-headed Gulls

(Ed Wilson)

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

2016
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

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 20

No Sightings in today.

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

2019
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2017
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

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
4 Cormorant
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 20

Priorslee Lake and The Flash (not in that order)

Priorslee Lake:  10:30 – 10:45
The Flash:  09:30 – 10:20

3.0°C > 5.0°C:  Cleared after rain and sleet showers. Fresh NW wind. Excellent visibility.

[Sunrise: 07:02 GMT]

Priorslee Lake:  10:30 – 10:45

(44th visit of the year)

Very little going on apart from a walking party finding the very muddy and slippery paths rather hard going.

Notes:
- One cygnet on its own in the SW area. One cygnet with the pen on the nest-site. Two cygnets with the cob nearby. Surprising sighting of a cygnet at the nest – mother showing a daughter what to do?

Counts from the lake area:
- 2 + 4 Mute Swans
- 1 Canada Goose
- 3 (3♂) Mallard
- 6 (4♂) Tufted Duck
- 1 Grey Heron
- 1 Little Grebe
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- 1 Moorhen
- 43 Coots exactly
- 21 Black-headed Gulls
- 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: all adults
- 2 Herring Gulls: 1 adult; 1 first-year

Nothing else of note.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash:  09:30 – 10:20

(43rd visit of the year)

Not the easiest viewing conditions with a cold fresh breeze blowing along the water with very few sheltered areas

Bird notes:
- I am sure the other Great Crested Grebe was lurking somewhere ....
- A presumed female Sparrowhawk was heard and then seen calling from trees. Normally this species is silent though begging juveniles can be heard in late summer. [I am obtaining opinions on the photos I took to rule out it being a most unlikely Goshawk]
- Party of four Bullfinches (two males; two females) near the surgery.

Birds noted flying over / near The Flash:
None

Counts from the water:
- 3 Mute Swans
- 4 Canada Geese only
- 34 (19♂) Mallard
- 8 (8♂) Pochard once more
- 57 (31♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 (3♂) Goosander
- 2 Cormorants
- 1 Great Crested Grebe only
- 4 Moorhen
- 13 Coots
- 38 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Kingfisher

An attempt to prove you do not have to sit in a hide at Venus Pool to photograph Blue Tits!

A female Bullfinch munching a bud – as they do. There were two males and two females in the area. This species goes around in groups and it would be presumptuous to say ‘two pairs’.

One of the male Bullfinches also munching a bud.

What you might call ‘nipped in the bud’.

Not easy to find, let alone photograph. I heard an unfamiliar call and eventually located the source. The barring suggested this was a female Sparrowhawk. I very rarely hear this species – most years it is begging juveniles in late summer.

Female Sparrowhawks are much larger than males and invite confusion with the much less frequently seen Goshawk. Early Spring is the best time to see that species so could it be? I had to check with others with more experience of Goshawk. The conclusion is: ‘no’: Goshawk has a much more pronounced white eye-brow, an orange eye, barring that would appear more grey; and it would show more obvious tail bands. Crucially this bird shows some warm tones on its cheeks and while this does not seem to be mentioned in field guides this is apparently never shown by Goshawk.

(Ed Wilson)

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

2019
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2017
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2016
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

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 20

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

Priorslee Lake:  06:10 – 08:45
The Flash:  08:50 – 09:50

2.0°C > 4.0°C:  Early sleet showers clearing; still mostly cloudy. Keen WNW wind, just frosted in sheltered areas. Excellent visibility.

Sunrise: 07:04 GMT

Priorslee Lake:  06:10 – 08:45

(43rd visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- The cob Mute Swan was again chasing presumably the same cygnet putting it to flight before forcing it on to the SW grass. Another cygnet was again keeping its distance with two still happily with the pen.
- A group of nine Goosanders high over at 07:20 was welcome: birds overhead have been much less frequent this winter.
- Only three Great Crested Grebes noted. The pair in the NE area were active throughout. Just one of the pair in the NW reeds popped out briefly. I assume a fourth was hiding in these reeds.
- All the Black-headed Gulls came in for a while. Then a Common Buzzard flew low over and they all left. Just one or two returned later.
- The two Herring Gulls that briefly dropped in were, unusually, both adults. Meanwhile those over were (just) immatures.
- A party of c.15 Redwings on the ground and in the trees of the Ricoh copse.
- Now five Reed Buntings in song.

Bird totals:

Birds noted flying over or flying near the lake:
- 2 Canada Geese (pair S to far E))
- 9 Goosander (sexes not determined)
- 3 Cormorants
- 2 Common Buzzards
- 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: all adults
- 2 Herring Gulls: one second year; one third year
- 7 Wood Pigeons only
- 44 Jackdaws
- 16 Rooks

Birds logged leaving roosts around the lake:
- 42 Magpies
- 1 Reed Bunting

Counts from the lake area:
- 2 + 4 Mute Swans
- 4 (3♂) Mallard
- 5 (2♂) Tufted Duck
- 1 Grey Heron
- 2 Little Grebes
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 8 Moorhens
- 49 Coots
- 61 Black-headed Gulls
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: both adults
- 2 Herring Gulls: both adults

Also noted: what seemed to be a few first flowers of Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris). This is some six weeks earlier than any previous ‘first date’. Not 100% confirmed as my camera was not functioning this morning. I do not pick wild flowers.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash:  08:50 – 09:50

(42nd visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- Three Cormorants throughout: on their usual perches. Two more flew in as I was about to leave – where would they sit? Probably my highest-ever total here.
- No sign of yesterday’s third Great Crested Grebe.
- After several weeks with one, two and even three Song Thrushes singing away I have heard none the past four visits.
- Bullfinch heard in quiet song above the Ivy bank.

Birds noted flying over / near The Flash:
- 1 Sparrowhawk
- 2 Common Buzzards
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull: adult again
- 2 Feral Pigeons
- 1 Starling

Counts from the water:
- 3 Mute Swans
- 8 Canada Geese
- 32 (18♂) Mallard
- 8 (8♂) Pochard remain
- 39 (19♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 (4♂) Goosander
- 5 Cormorants
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 3 Moorhen
- 17 Coots
- 17 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Kingfisher

(Ed Wilson)

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

2019
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2017
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2016
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

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
1 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 20

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

Priorslee Lake:  06:15 – 08:50
The Flash:  08:55 – 09:50

3.0°C > 5.0°C:  Late shower clearing; then clear for a while before a few puffy clouds. Light / moderate W wind. Excellent visibility.
Sunrise: 07:06 GMT

Priorslee Lake:  06:15 – 08:50

(42nd visit of the year)

Best this morning was a Common Kestrel that flew S over the dam. In level flight it looked most un-falcon-like. It was the typical falcon ‘moustache’ that gave it away.

Also worth highlighting was my best and most prolonged view of the Woodcock flying around the W end at 06:25 silhouetted against the very early light.

Bird notes:
- The cob Mute Swan was chasing one of the cygnets and forcing it to fly until it stayed at the opposite end of the lake. Another cygnet was keeping its distance. The other two cygnets remained happily alongside the pen throughout.
- Many of the Black-headed Gulls passed SE overhead. Some stopped off briefly before joining them. There was no return from the SE as is normal after 30 minutes or so.
- A small passage of Wood Pigeons today with a few loose groups heading W / NW, flying somewhat higher than the usual local movements.
- Most unusually a Collared Dove, perhaps flushed from the dam top, spent a few minutes in a tree in the SE corner. Usually all I see of this species are fly-overs.
- No big early passage of Jackdaws. Perhaps the floods have changed their foraging locations.
- Unexpectedly, a small passage of Rooks took place in the opposite direction – heading NNW. Rooks have been rather scarce for several weeks.
- Many Carrion Crows flying around in groups of up to eight birds – very difficult to keep track of numbers.

Bird totals:

Birds noted flying over or flying near the lake:
- 20 Greylag Geese (single and two groups outbound)
- 15 Canada Geese (13 outbound in four groups; pair inbound)
- 7 unidentified geese (outbound)
- 1 Cormorant
- 1 Common Kestrel
- 62 Black-headed Gulls
- 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: all adults
- 50 Wood Pigeons exactly
- 57 Jackdaws
- 35 Rooks
- 2 Pied Wagtails

Birds logged leaving roosts around the lake:
- 40 Magpies exactly
- 2 Redwings

Counts from the lake area:
- 2 + 4 Mute Swans
- 3 (3♂) Mallard
- 2 (1♂) Tufted Duck only
- [no Grey Heron]
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 11 Moorhens
- 51 Coots
- 37 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull: first-winter

Also noted: first signs of Pussy Willow – the catkins of Salix sp., likely Salix caprea (Goat Willow) – breaking out of their sheaths.

Additional bird species for my 2020 bird list at this site:
#66     Common Kestrel

One of the cygnets being ‘persuaded’ to leave. Did not go far, making a circuit and then ...

.... arriving back – ready to be chased off again.

A ‘record shot’ of this morning’s Common Kestrel. Was confused by this bird as the wings did not look ‘falcon-shaped’, yet the flight-action was quite different from the similar-sized Sparrowhawk. Only by (over) enlarging this photo could I see the characteristic falcon moustache to confirm it as this species. A Merlin would be much smaller. A Peregrine, even the smaller male, would appear much bulkier.

This photo is the right way up. The Long-tailed Tit was foraging at the very tips of the willow sp.

Male Blackbirds are not always jet black as shown by this example. I suspect a first year bird as the eye-ring does not look large and bright as it would on a full adult.

Song Thrushes are LOUD. There were eight singing this morning around the area and careful positioning meant that five were audible at the same time – but not much else!

As noted the first signs of Pussy Willow – the catkins of Salix sp., likely Salix caprea (Goat Willow) – breaking out of the sheaths

The remains of the ‘flowers’ from last year’s growth of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) blowing in the breeze and, I thought, attractively back-lit by the sun.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash:  08:55 – 09:50

(41st visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- The resident Mute Swans again visited last year’s nest site.
- Geese and ducks noted inside the island as breeding begins. All counts affected because, I am sure, others remained unseen.
- A third Great Crested Grebe today. At a long distance these birds are easily confused with duck Goosanders. Almost the best way to be sure is to check the diving action – very different between the two species.
- As at the lake the split between Black-headed Gulls on the water and flying over somewhat difficult.
- Also as at the lake many Carrion Crows were seen together: 12 on one tree and four more nearby.

Birds noted flying over / near The Flash:
- 31 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull: adult
- 4 Feral Pigeons
- 5 Wood Pigeons
- 3 Jackdaws

Counts from the water:
- 3 Mute Swans
- 19 Canada Geese
- 24 (13♂) Mallard
- 8 (8♂) Pochard again
- 34 (14♂) Tufted Duck
- 5 (3♂) Goosander
- 2 Cormorants again
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 5 Moorhen yet again
- 16 Coots
- 8 Black-headed Gulls only
- Kingfisher heard again

Also: a fly sp. disturbed from a lamp pole. However nothing found on the Ivy even though it was in full sun.

Count the retrices (tail feathers) of this landing drake Goosander!

At splash-down note the back plumage stands proud as the airflow effectively ‘stalls’.

“My territory”. The song of Robins has now changed from the winter territorial song given by both sexes to the stronger breeding season notes, mainly given by the male.

(Ed Wilson)

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

2019
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

2016
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

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
7 Pochard
7 Tufted Duck
1 Ruddy Duck
2 Kestrel
1 Peregrine Falcon
1 Lapwing
3 Grey Wagtail
26 Wren
28 Robin
21 Blackbird
15 Redwing
53 Magpie
14 Greenfinch
6 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 20

Priorslee Lake, The Flash, Trench Lock Pool and Trench Middle Pool (not in that order)

Priorslee Lake:  13:10 – 13:25
The Flash:  11:00 – 11:35
Trench Lock Pool:  11:45 – 11:55 // 12:30 – 12:50
Trench Middle Pool:  12:00 – 12:25

10.0°C > 13.0°C:  Cloudy after another very wet start to the day. Fresh and gusty W wind. Very good visibility.

[Sunrise: 07:08 GMT]

Priorslee Lake:  13:10 – 13:25

(41st visit of the year)

Very muddy water after yet more rain.

Notes:
- As yesterday two of the cygnets keeping well away from the adults.
- The lone drake Pochard was the first here for over a month (21 January was my previous log).

Counts from the lake area:
- 2 + 4 Mute Swans
- 1 (1♂) Pochard
- 6 (4♂) Tufted Duck
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- [no  Moorhens]
- 50 Coots exactly
- 78 Black-headed Gulls

Nothing else of note.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash:  11:00 – 11:35

(40th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- Difficult to know how many Black-headed Gulls qualify as ‘here’ and how many as ‘fly-overs’. At least 52 birds counted flying off. At least 10 of these had stopped on the water, perhaps more. None stayed any length of time and all had left by 11:30.

Birds noted flying over / near The Flash:
- 1 Sparrowhawk again
- >40 Black-headed Gulls (see notes)
- 1 Jackdaw

Counts from the water:
- 3 Mute Swans
- 10 Canada Geese
- 33 (18♂) Mallard
- 8 (8♂) Pochard
- 46 (23♂) Tufted Duck
- 5 (1♂) Goosander
- 2 Cormorants
- 2 Great Crested Grebes as usual
- 5 Moorhen again
- 15 Coots
- >10 Black-headed Gulls (see notes)

This drake Goosander has located some breakfast – well: more like elevenses today after all the rain.

Distinctly over-enlarged but included to show the serrations on the inside of the bill that enables Goosanders to grip slippery fish. This feature gives Goosanders and similar species the generic name ‘sawbills’.

(Ed Wilson)

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Trench Lock Pool:  11:45 – 11:55 // 12:30 – 12:50

(15th visit of the year)

Bird notes from here:
- By recent standards an invasion of Coots: 11!
- No gulls on my first look. Later two Black-headed dropped in for less than two minutes. Then another bird arrived.
- At least 60 Jackdaws making a lot of noise swirling around over the estate to the N. Seemed to be more than usual.

Birds noted flying over / near here [other than local Wood Pigeons and Jackdaws]:
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull

Counts from the water:
- 2 Mute Swans
- 10 Canada Geese
- 4 (3♂) Mallard again
- 12 (9♂) Tufted Ducks
- 2 (2♂) Goosander
- 6 Great Crested Grebes
- 1 Moorhen
- 11 Coots
- 3 Black-headed Gulls

The drake Goosander formation swimming team having a practice.

It was a challenge this morning to photograph this active Long-tailed Tit hiding amongst swaying branches. The ‘recycle bin’ is rather full of failed attempts.

(Ed Wilson)

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Trench Middle Pool:  12:00 – 12:25

(15th visit of the year)

Notes from here:
- One Canada Goose possibly on nest beside the side pool.
- Four drake Mallard also beside the side pool
- Unable to decide whether there were one or two Great Crested Grebes. Seen in various locations; never able to see two at any one time.
- The over flying Jackdaw – no doubt one of the local birds – was my first of the year at this location.

Birds noted flying over / near here:
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 1 Herring Gull
- 1 Jackdaw

Counts from the water:
- 2 Mute Swans
- 36 Canada Geese
- 1 all-white feral duck?-type
- 19 (12♂) Mallard
- 5 (3♂) Tufted Duck
- 1? Great Crested Grebe
- 10 Moorhens
- 18 Coots
- 22 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull

Additional bird species for my 2020 bird list at this site:
#39     Jackdaw

(Ed Wilson)

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

2016
Priorslee Lake
Today's Sightings Here

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)