11 Apr 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

5.0°C > 8.0°C: Mainly a medium / high overcast; clearer, especially to the E, first thing. Light SE breeze increasing somewhat. Very good visibility.

Sunrise: 06:22 BST

* = a photo today

Priorslee Lake: 05:30 – 06:50 // 07:50 – 09:20

(85th visit of the year)

At last: some hirundines with my first Barn Swallows of the year here taking my 2022 bird species total to 80. There were probably more individual birds than my totals indicate as I suspect some of them were moving through.

Other bird notes:
- I have no idea where the third Great Crested Grebe appeared from or where it went to. Most of the time I could only find one bird.
- Early on one Grey Heron was 'helping' another on its way. Both of these seemed full-winged. Later the often-seen individual with missing feathers in its right wing was seen flying over and was presumably a different individual.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 3 Canada Geese: single and pair outbound
- 2 Greylag Geese: pair outbound
- 3 Stock Doves: single and pair
- 19 Wood Pigeons
- 7 Herring Gulls: all immatures
- 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: all (near) adults
- 2 Common Buzzards again
- *1 Grey Heron: see notes
- 29 Jackdaws

Hirundines etc. noted:
- 6 Sand Martins
- 3 Barn Swallows
- 2 House Martins

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler
- 2 (2) Willow Warblers
- 17 (14) Chiffchaffs
- 15 (12) Blackcaps

Counts from the lake area:
- 1? Canada Goose
- 2 Mute Swans
- 3 (2♂) + 10 (1 brood) Mallard
- no Tufted Duck
- 6 Moorhens again
- 27 Coots
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 1 Herring Gull: third year, briefly
- 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: all (near) adults and all briefly
- 2 Grey Herons: see notes

Noted on / around the street lamp poles pre-dawn:
- five plumed midges of at least two species
- *1 Common Green Lacewing (Chrysoperia carnea)

Noted later:

Nothing

Clearer to the East and therefore some colour in the dawn.

Soon faded away.

The very recognisable Grey Heron with feathers missing from its right wing. It manages to avoid flying round in circles.

A Common Green Lacewing (Chrysoperia carnea). My first 'green' one of the year, all earlier sightings were of individuals in their brown winter garb.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:55 – 07:45

(82nd visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- One pair of Canada Geese have taken over the Mute Swans' nest.
- Just two ducklings again. I was struck by how small they seemed and wonder whether they are from a different brood.
- The three Herring Gulls flew in at 07:25, cruised around for a few minutes and then two of them departed leaving one first year bird remaining.
- Still at least 10 Bramblings. Initially in the tall trees between The Priorslee and squirrel alley. Later high in trees along the E side. I did not even manage a poor photo of any of them today!

Birds noted flying over here:
- 6 Wood Pigeons: high N

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 4 (4) Willow Warblers
- 7 (6) Chiffchaffs
- 5 (5) Blackcaps

Noted on / around the water:
- 29 Canada Geese: of these a pair departed
- 4 Greylag Geese: of these two singles departed
- 5 Mute Swans
- 22 (19♂) + *2 ducklings (1 brood) Mallard: same as yesterday
- 1 all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 52 (31♂) Tufted Duck
- 11 Moorhens
- 26 Coots again
- 3 Herring Gulls: one second year and two first years: see notes

On / around the street lamp poles:
- 1 plumed midge (Chironomus plumosus)
- *1 Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus)

Elsewhere:

Nothing of note

On one of the lamp poles in squirrel alley I found this Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus).

(Ed Wilson)

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Between the lake and The Flash

- 1 Chiffchaff singing beside the lower pool

(Ed Wilson)

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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel

- 1 plumed midge was all I could find

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.

Sightings from previous years without links are below

2014

Priorslee Lake

3 Great Crested Grebes

1 Cormorant

3 Grey Herons

2 Greylag Geese

4 Tufted Duck

1 Common Sandpiper

>6 Sand Martins

1 Grasshopper Warbler

7 Blackcaps

7 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warblers

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

4 Greylag Goose

1 Cackling-type Goose

24 Tufted Ducks

3 Sand Martins

3 Blackcap

3 Chiffchaffs

4 Willow Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

Trench Lock Pool

4 Great Crested Grebes

1 Greylag Geese

22 Tufted Ducks

3 Blackcaps

2 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

Trench Middle Pool

12 Greylag Geese

4 Tufted Duck

2 Blackcap

3 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warblers

(Ed Wilson)

2013

Priorslee Lake

12 Swallow, House Martin & Sand Martin.

2 Little Ringed Plover 

2 Common Sandpiper

2 Willow Warbler

(Arthur Harper, Ian Grant and John Isherwood)

The Flash

Cackling Canada Goose

4 Sand Martins

2 Shoveler

(John Isherwood, Martin Grant)

Trench Middle Pool

House Martin

4 Sand Martin

2 Chiffchaffs

(Martin Grant)

Trench Lock Pool

12 Sand Martins

(Martin Grant)

2008

Priorslee Lake

4 Gadwall

80+ Hirundines

1 House Martin

(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill

10 Wheatear

(John Isherwood)

2007

Priorslee Lake

4 Tufted Duck

1 Ruddy Duck

1 Buzzard

2 Blackcap

3 Chiffchaff

3 Linnet

2 Reed Bunting

(Martin Adlam)

Priorslee Village

Willow Warbler

Chiffchaff

(Martin Adlam)

Nedge Hill

1 Mallard

1 Buzzard

2 Red-legged Partridge

1 Great Spotted Woodpecker

8 Skylark

3 Meadow Pipit

1 Fieldfare

1 Blackcap

2 Willow Warbler

2 Chiffchaff

4 Linnet

(Martin Adlam)

2006 

Priorslee Lake 

5 Great Crested Grebes

1 Heron

4 Tufted Ducks

2 Ruddy Ducks

2 Stock Doves

90 Wood Pigeons

2 Kestrels

1 Sky Lark

1 Meadow Pipit

4 Grey Wagtails

6 Pied Wagtails

2 House Martin 

24 Wrens

15 Robins

24 Blackbirds

1 Wheatear

4 Blackcaps

5 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warblers

13 Greenfinches

3 Siskins

2 Linnets

7 Reed Buntings

(Ed Wilson)

10 Apr 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

0.0°C > 6.0°C: Frosty start. Mostly clear, just a few patches of thin high cloud. Calm, with light SE breeze later. Very good visibility.

Sunrise: 06:24 BST

* = a photo today

Priorslee Lake: 05:35 – 07:10 // 08:20 – 09:25

(84th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- Again just a single Canada Goose noted, its presumed partner likely on the nest.
- At least two Brambling were seen on the N side.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 1 Canada Goose; outbound
- 2 Greylag Geese: pair outbound
- 6 Racing Pigeons: together
- 63 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Herring Gull: immature
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: (near) adults
- 2 Common Buzzards
- 24 Jackdaws
- 3 Rooks again

Hirundines etc. noted:

None

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler
- 3 (3) Willow Warblers
- 16 (15) Chiffchaffs
- 11 (9) Blackcaps

Counts from the lake area:
- 1? Canada Goose: see notes
- 2 Mute Swans
- 7 (6♂) Mallard
- 3 (2♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 Moorhens
- 25 Coots
- 2 Great Crested Grebes again
- 1 Herring Gull: immature, briefly
- 1 Grey Heron: seen intermittently

On / around the frosted street lamp poles pre-dawn:

Nothing noted

Noted later:
- *1 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella 7-punctata)
- 1 Grey Squirrel

A good sunrise this morning. The start..

Spreading across what little cloud there was.

Reaching as far as the overhead.

The colour fading a bit. Light mist over the lake on the right.

Taking the morning sun was this Jay.

Looking eager to get on with things.

But we'll have a quick squawk first.

My first 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella 7-punctata) of the year here.

I logged my first flowers of Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) on this date last year. Not yet open enough this year for a 'first date' logging.

Calm mornings allow balloon flights to take place. The Wood Pigeons were none too impressed and scattered giving me my highest count for a while. The balloon is a Cameron A-400 operated by AirXcite Ltd., trading as Virgin Balloon Flights and based in Stafford Park (though I am not sure where the actually launch their balloons).

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 07:15 – 08:15

(81st visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- Just two ducklings remain from the first brood of the year.
- Once again I could not find any Great Crested Grebes.
- Three of the Herring Gulls spent most of the time in the shade inside the island making their age difficult to see. This seems rather odd behaviour – perhaps they are looking to pounce on any unattended eggs?
- More than 20 *Bramblings noted. 10 flew off W from trees around the medical practice car parks; five more were noted between The Priorslee and the water; then at least five more were in trees at the left top.

Birds noted flying over here:

None

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 2 (2) Willow Warblers
- 6 (6) Chiffchaffs again
- *6 (6) Blackcaps

Noted on / around the water:
- 34 Canada Geese again
- 4 Greylag Geese again
- 5 Mute Swans as usual
- 22 (19♂) + *2 ducklings (1 brood) Mallard
- 1 all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 48 (32♂) Tufted Duck
- 8 Moorhens
- 26 Coots
- 4 Herring Gulls: probably two second years and two first years again: see notes
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: first year

On / around the street lamp poles

Nothing of note

Seen elsewhere:
- 1 Grey Squirrel

Just two Mallard ducklings remain from the brood of at least 10, perhaps as many as 15.

At last: a Blackcap singing in the open. This one was in a strange location, right alongside the path and in the only small bush between the path and the water. Normally they lurk in denser and more extensive shrubbery.

An obvious name for this species though the even more skulking females have brown caps.

One of the Bramblings near The Priorslee. Despite the lack of black on the head the extent of the orange shoulders indicates this is a male.

And another. Neither quite in focus as they lurk behind branches.

The Bramblings at the top end were no easier. A female does her best to hide.

A male sits up but stayed behind numerous branches and twigs.

Then I noticed this male sitting still in the sun! I could almost find a way through the twigs!

He even gave me a song – well what passes for a song in the species: a nasal drawl.

(Ed Wilson)

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Between the lake and The Flash

- 1 Moorhen on the lower pool
- 1 Sparrowhawk over
- 1 Chiffchaff singing beside the lower pool
- 5 Starlings

(Ed Wilson)

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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel

Nothing of note

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.

Sightings from previous years without links are below

2014

Priorslee Lake

4 Great Crested Grebes

6 Cormorants

2 Grey Herons

3 Greylag Geese

13 Tufted Duck

2 Common Sandpipers

1 Dunlin

>50 Sand Martins

1 Swallow

8 Blackcaps

7 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood)

Woodhouse Lane

4 Sky Larks

1 Meadow Pipit

1 Blackcap

3 Chiffchaffs

1 Willow Warbler

3 Linnets

3 Yellowhammers

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

2 Great Crested Grebes

10 Greylag Goose

1 Cackling-type Goose

26 Tufted Ducks

1 Common Sandpiper

2 Blackcap

4 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

1 Common Redstart

1 Wheatear

Kestrel

Lapwing

> 50 Meadow Pipits

(John Isherwood)

2013

The Flash

Cackling Goose

(Tom Lowe)

2012

Priorslee Lake

1 Fieldfare

(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill

3 Wheatear

10 Meadow Pipit

(John Isherwood)

2009

Nedge Hill

1 Redstart

3 Wheatear

1 Redwing

6 Lapwing

(John Isherwood)

2007

Priorslee Lake

2 Sand Martin

Ruddy duck

(Martin Adlam)

2006

Priorslee Lake 

5 Great Crested Grebes

2 Herons

11 Tufted Ducks

2 Ruddy Ducks

387 Jackdaw

2 Stock Doves

1 Great Spotted Woodpeckers

1 Sky Lark

1 Tree Pipit

1 Meadow Pipit

2 Grey Wagtails

17 Wrens

10 Dunnocks

17 Robins

18 Blackbirds

4 Blackcaps

5 Chiffchaffs

3 Willow Warblers

8 Greenfinches

5 Siskins

5 Reed Buntings

(Ed Wilson)

9 Apr 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

2.0°C > 7.0°C: Clear early and just frosted. Shower clouds building before I left. Moderate W wind. Very good visibility.

Sunrise: 06:26 BST

* = a photo today

Priorslee Lake: 05:35 – 09:05

(83rd visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- Mainly just a single Canada Goose noted, its presumed partner probably on the nest. A pair and a single Canada Geese visited briefly before being chased away.
- Six adult Black-headed Gulls flew through together.
- At least four *Brambling were seen on the N side. The three birds that flew W over the football field c.07:15 may have been some of these. Parties of 17 and six finches had been seen flying W earlier but were too far away to hear and visually identify. These could well have been some of the many Bramblings being reported in the area at the moment.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 1 Canada Goose; inbound
- 4 Greylag Geese: two pairs outbound
- 2 Stock Doves: pair
- 21 Wood Pigeons
- 6 Black-headed Gulls: adults, together
- 4 Herring Gulls: all immatures
- 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: mostly (near) adults
- 1 Cormorant
- 85 Jackdaws
- 3 Rooks
- 23 finches, possibly Brambling: see notes

Hirundines etc. noted:

None

One of the fishermen reported Barn Swallows and unidentified martins yesterday afternoon.

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler
- 4 (4) Willow Warblers
- *15 (13) Chiffchaffs
- 7 (7) Blackcaps still

Counts from the lake area:
- 5? Canada Geese: see notes
- 2 Mute Swans
- 6 (5♂) Mallard
- 5 (4♂) Tufted Duck
- 8 Moorhens
- 30 Coots
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull: adult, briefly

On / around the frosted street lamp poles pre-dawn:
Nothing noted

Noted later:
- 1 Grey Squirrel

The best of the sunrise.

Singing its heart out in dappled sunlight is a Wren.

For a change a female Chiffchaff though I only know that because it was with a singing male which would not have let a rival that close. Sexes are visually alike. This one certainly has black legs and feet.

Yet another in my sequence of poor Brambling photos! A male here. They only ever seem to be around when the light-level is still rather low for photography.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 09:10 – 10:05

(80th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- My first Racing Pigeons of the season where two groups totalling c.40 birds that shot across heading NW.
- I could not find any Great Crested Grebes.
- At least one Brambling heard calling along the E side. Not seen.

Birds noted flying over here:
- c.40 Racing Pigeons

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 1 (1) Willow Warbler still
- 6 (6) Chiffchaffs
- 4 (4) Blackcaps

Noted on / around the water:
- 34 Canada Geese
- 4 Greylag Geese
- 5 Mute Swans
- 19 (16♂) Mallard: no ducklings seen
- 1 all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 50 (33♂) Tufted Duck
- 7 Moorhens
- 25 Coots
- no Great Crested Grebe
- *4 Herring Gulls: two second years and two first years
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: both first year

On / around the street lamp poles or elsewhere:

Nothing of note

One of the four Herring Gulls present. A second year bird with some grey in the centre of the wing and clean-looking upper-tail above the dark tail-band.

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.

Sightings from previous years without links are below

2014

Priorslee Lake

4 Great Crested Grebes

2 Cormorants

2 Grey Herons

12 Tufted Duck

3 Swallows

7 Blackcaps

7 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warblers

133 Jackdaws

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

2 Great Crested Grebes

1 Cackling-type Goose

29 Tufted Ducks

5 Blackcap

3 Chiffchaffs

5 Willow Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

1 Sky Lark

1 Meadow Pipit

1 Blackcap

2 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

Trench Middle Pool

4 Great Crested Grebes

22 Tufted Ducks

2 Blackcaps

2 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

2013

Priorslee Lake

1 Little Grebe 

5 Great Crested Grebes 

5 Tufted Ducks

Little Ringed Plover

8 Chiffchaffs

1 Willow Tit

3 Redwings

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

2 Greylag Goose 

1 Cackling Goose 

73 Tufted Duck 

Brambling

(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill

2 Wheatear

(John Isherwood)

Long Lane, Wellington

6 Redshank

18 Teal

(Martin Grant)

2011

Nedge Hill

Ring Ouzel

4 Common Redstart

7 Wheatear

(John Isherwood,Ed Wilson)

The Wrekin

3 Pied Flycatchers

2 Common Redstarts

1 Tree Pipit

(JW Reeves)

2007

Priorslee lake

4 Tufted Duck

1 Sparrowhawk

2 Sand Martin

1 Skylark

1 Meadow Pipit

4 Blackcap

2 Willow Warbler

9 Chiffchaff

1 Willow Tit

3 Reed Bunting

(Martin Adlam) 

Priorslee Village

1 Swallow

(Martin Adlam)

2006 

Priorslee Lake 

5 Great Crested Grebes

3 Herons

1 Cormorant

7 Tufted Ducks

1 Ruddy Duck

259 Jackdaw

4 Stock Doves

1 Great Spotted Woodpecker

13 Meadow Pipits

21 Wrens

18 Robins

22 Blackbirds

1 Redwing

3 Blackcaps

7 Chiffchaffs

3 Willow Warblers

4 Jays

6 Greenfinches

2 Siskin

6 Reed Buntings

(Ed Wilson)

8 Apr 22

No Sightings in today.

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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.

Sightings from previous years without links are below

2014

Priorslee Lake

4 Great Crested Grebes

3 Cormorants

2 Grey Herons

2 Greylag Geese

11 Tufted Duck

4 Blackcaps

4 Chiffchaffs

284 Jackdaws

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

2 Great Crested Grebes

30 Tufted Ducks

2 Blackcap

2 Chiffchaffs

1 Willow Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

The Wrekin

Buzzard

Stock Dove

Willow Warbler

Siskin

Redpoll

Common Redstart

Pied Flycatcher

Crossbill

(Ed Wilson)

2013

Priorslee Lake

5 Chiffchaffs

2 Little Grebes 

5 Great Crested Grebes 

1 Heron 

7 Tufted Ducks 

1 Great Black-backed Gull 

28 Redwings

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

2 Great Crested Grebes 

1 Canada x ? hybrid goose 

1 Pochard 

59 Tufted Duck 

(Ed Wilson)

Trench Lock Pool

6 Great Crested Grebes 

14 Tufted Duck 

(Ed Wilson)

Trench Middle Pool

Oystercatcher

2 Great Crested Grebe 

2 Cormorant 

7 Tufted Ducks 

(Ed Wilson)

2012

Nedge Hill

7 Lapwings

2 Skylarks

5 Chiffchaffs

2 Blackcap

1 Willow Warbler

1 Wheatear

2 Jays

(Martin and Ian Grant)

2011

Nedge Hill

5 Wheatear

4 Common Redstart

Ring Ouzel

(John Isherwood)

The Wrekin

2 Tree Pipits

1 Pied Flycatcher

(Ed Wilson)

2010

Nedge Hill

Male Common Redstart

Little Owl

(Pete Nickless)

2007

Priorslee Lake

1 Pintail x Mallard

4 Tufted Duck

2 Meadow Pipit

5 Blackcap

7 Chiffchaff

3 Reed Bunting

(Martin Adlam)

Nedge Hill

Ring Ouzel

8 Fieldfare

(Martin Grant)

2006

Priorslee Lake

6 Great Crested Grebes

1 Heron

3 Cormorants

6 Tufted Ducks

2 Ruddy Ducks 

5 Stock Doves

105 Wood Pigeons

4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers

9 Sand Martin.

14 Swallow

4 Meadow Pipits

20 Wrens

21 Robins

23 Blackbirds

1 Blackcap

8 Chiffchaffs

4 Willow Warblers

16 Magpies

1 Jay

15 Greenfinches

2 Siskins

6 Reed Buntings

(Ed Wilson, Martin Adlam)

7 Apr 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

7.0°C > 8.0°C: Blustery showers driven by fresh / strong NW wind. Very little sun. Very good visibility, moderate in showers.

[Sunrise: 06:31 BST]

* = a photo today

A delayed start and a brief visit to the lake between showers after visiting The Flash for a more normal walk around.

Priorslee Lake: 10:30 – 11:00

(82nd visit of the year)

Just time for a quick look between showers from the Castle Farm Way lay-by. Noted flying in the lee at the W end were:
- 4 Sand Martins
- 2 House Martins: these were my first of the year and species #79 here this year.
Nothing else seemed to have been blown in and apart from the resident Canada Geese, Mute Swans, Moorhens and Coots nothing else was seen.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 09:25 – 10:25

(79th visit of the year)

Still at least two *Brambling in trees alongside squirrel alley.

However the biggest surprise of the day was a *drake Goosander present when I arrived but which almost immediately flew off. A very unusual date for this species to be away from its riverine nesting site. My last sighting here was on 26 January (23rd for my last drake).

Other bird notes:
- More Mallard drakes noted. They had probably been blown off the roof-tops they like to hide on.
- For some reason the number of Tufted Duck has (more than) recovered.
- One of the Great Crested Grebes caught a fish to present to its partner.
- A Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling alongside squirrel alley.

Birds noted flying over here:

None

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 1 (1) Willow Warbler again
- 9 (8) Chiffchaffs
- 3 (3) Blackcaps

Noted on / around the water:
- *53 Canada Geese: 22 of these arrived including a group of 18 with...
- *3 Canada x Greylag Geese
- 3 Greylag Geese: a pair of these flew off
- 5 Mute Swans
- 27 (23♂) Mallard: no ducklings seen
- 1 all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 67 (40♂) Tufted Duck
- *1 (1♂) Goosander: departed
- 6 Moorhens
- 23 Coots
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- 2 Herring Gulls: one second year and one first year
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull: first year

On / around the street lamp poles:

Nothing noted

Noted elsewhere:
- *Wood Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) flowers: the same date that I first recorded them last year.

A group of 21 geese flew in amongst which was this sub-group of three Canada Geese and three Canada x Greylag Geese. Whenever I have seen a trio of hybrids previously they have either been on their own or with an apparently paired Canada and Greylag Goose. It may of course not be the same trio.

Very much a record shot of this morning's very much out of season drake Goosander. Just as I arrived it paddled to the middle of the water and took-off.

A first year Herring Gull with pink undercarriage down.

The photos are getting better but will the Brambling stay around long-enough for me to get a good photo? Another first year male with broad orange shoulders and significant black on, especially, the front part of the head and nape. Note again the white rump visible between the folded wings.

This is Wood Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica). The flowers of Forget-me-not species have five petals. The Speedwell family (Veronica sp.) has just four petals on each flower.

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.

Sightings from previous years without links are below

2014

Priorslee Lake

2 Great Crested Grebes

1 Snipe

(Ed Wilson, A. Harper)

The Flash

2 Great Crested Grebes

34 Tufted Ducks

1 Blackcap

3 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

Trench Lock Pool

4 Great Crested Grebes

11 Tufted Ducks

12 Sand Martins

1 Swallow

2 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

2013

Priorslee Lake

2 Little Grebes 

5 Great Crested Grebes 

2 Cormorants

1 Heron

15 Tufted Ducks 

Woodcock

1 Sky Lark

3 Meadow Pipits

7 Redwings

39 Fieldfare 

149 Jackdaws

Brambling

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

1 Pochard 

48 Tufted Duck 

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

2 Red-legged Partridge

2 Sky Larks 

1 Redwing

1 Linnet

(Ed Wilson)

2012

Priorslee Lake 

20+ Sand Martins 

3 Swallows 

1 House Martin 

7 Chiffchaff 

2 Blackcap 

(Martin Grant) 

2011

Priorslee Lake

1 Redshank 

(Ed Wilson) 

Nedge Hill 

Common Redstart 

(Observer Unknown) 

2007

Priorslee lake

3 Great Crested Grebe 

1 Pintail x Mallard 

11 Tufted Duck 

1 Ruddy Duck 

2 Buzzard 

2 Sand Martin 

5 Meadow Pipit 

4 Blackcap 

8 Chiffchaff 

1 Willow Tit 

3 Reed Bunting 

(Martin Adlam) 

2006 

Priorslee Lake 

6 Great Crested Grebes 

1 Heron 

3 Cormorants 

4 Tufted Ducks 

2 Ruddy Ducks 

118 Jackdaws 

4 Stock Doves 

3 Sky Larks 

3 Meadow Pipits 

19 Robins 

27 Blackbirds 

1 Redwing 

1 Blackcap 

7 Chiffchaffs 

4 Willow Warblers 

17 Magpies 

3 Jays 

8 Greenfinches 

10 Siskins 

5 Reed Buntings 

(Ed Wilson)

6 Apr 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

9.0°C > 10.0°C: Another mixture. Initially broken cloud below a medium overcast again. Then more scattered cloud below high level cloud giving a few sunny spells. Then once again more cloud with even a light shower. Moderate WSW wind. Very good visibility.

Sunrise: 06:34 BST

* = a photo today

Priorslee Lake: 05:25 – 06:45 // 07:45 – 09:35

(81st visit of the year)

It remains depressingly quiet.

Bird notes:
- Only a single Canada Goose seen. Its presumed partner was heard calling from a nest-site in the reeds.
- I suspect the Little Grebes have gone, though it is hard to be certain with this secretive species. I have not heard calls for four days.
- Once Black-headed Gulls depart for breeding sites it is unusual to see any here until they return in mid-June. It is even more unusual for adults to be seen. The two that flew through today were in full breeding plumage.
- Chiffchaffs were heard singing from two additional locations. 12 have been settled on territory for many days now.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 1 Stock Dove
- 12 Wood Pigeons
- 2 Black-headed Gulls: adults
- 3 Herring Gulls: all immatures
- 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: mostly (near) adults
- 1 Cormorant
- 47 Jackdaws
- 1 Rook

Hirundines etc. noted:

Still none

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler
- 3 (3) Willow Warblers
- 14 (14) Chiffchaffs
- 7 (7) Blackcaps again

Counts from the lake area:
- 2 Canada Geese
- 2 Mute Swans
- 2 (1♂) Mallard
- 7 Moorhens
- 26 Coots
- 1 Great Crested Grebe
- 1 Grey Heron

Noted on / around the street lamp poles pre-dawn:
- many plumed midges mostly of the medium-sized species
- 1 springtail
- 1 Tetragnatha sp. stretch spider
- *1 Bridge Orb-web Spider (Larinioides sclopetarius)

Noted later:
- *Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
And the following plants first noted in flower:
- *Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
- *Cowslip (Primula veris)
- *Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa)
- *Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon)

 Now this would be a reasonable photo of a Long-tailed Tit were in not for the out of focus strand of barred wire across its chest!

A Honey Bee (Apis mellifera). I don't wish to suggest that bees are not important for pollination: however unlike hoverflies, other flies and beetles they take much pollen away with them in their pollen sacs, as seen here. Fewer pollen grains tend to get attached to their their bodies to rub off on the next flowers they visit. The flowers you see here are on...

...spikes of Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). This popular garden shrub only has these flowering spikes when it is not pruned and left to grow wild.

These are the first Cowslips (Primula veris) I have seen here this year. Last year I recorded my first flowers in the same location on 26 February.

 As always Wood Anemone flowers (Anemone nemorosa) lurk in the shadiest areas.

These are flowers of Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon).

A close-up of two of the flowers giving a view a bee would see.

These leaves look rather sad but are supposed to look like this. They are Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) leaves just emerging from sticky-buds.

A Bridge Orb-web Spider (Larinioides sclopetarius). It seems to be eating something.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:50 – 07:40

(78th visit of the year)

Still many *Brambling around. As I passed the island there was one bird on a tree top and more could be heard calling. In the high trees at the top left there were at least 20 birds both calling and occasionally singing. Finally there were at least 10 in trees alongside squirrel alley until a cruising Sparrowhawk scattered them.

Other bird notes:
- A significant reduction in the number of Tufted Duck
- Just one Great Crested Grebe seen. I could not locate the other at the usual nest site.
- A Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming from the island.
- While I was watching the Bramblings a lone Redwing flushed out of the trees at the top end.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 3 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Sparrowhawk
- 2 Jackdaws

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 1 (1) Willow Warbler
- 6 (6) Chiffchaffs
- 5 (5) Blackcaps

Noted on / around the water:
- 25 Canada Geese: five of these arrived
- 13 Greylag Geese
- 5 Mute Swans
- 23 (19♂) Mallard: no ducklings seen
- 1 all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 42 (26♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 Moorhens
- 24 Coots
- 1 Great Crested Grebe
- 6 Herring Gulls: two second years and four first years; four of these arrived together and one departed

Noted on / around the street lamp poles:
- 1 male plumed midge (Chironomus plumosus)

Elsewhere

Nothing of note

Yet more poor photos of Brambling. My excuse is that they were high up in trees whose branches were waving in the wind. Also it was overcast and dull. The orange on the shoulder of this bird is too extensive for it to be a female so it has to be a first winter male that is rather late developing black on the head and nape.

Possibly the same bird still showing two female-like parallel black lines down the nape. Also just visible between the folded wings is the white rump that is often obvious as birds fly away. The white rump is not as extensive and clear as is shown by Bullfinch.

The same bird as the last photo confirming it as a male with the orange shoulders.

(Ed Wilson)

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Between the lake and The Flash

- 1 (1♂) Mallard on the lower pool
- 2 Moorhens on the lower pool
- 2 Chiffchaffs: a bird singing beside each pool
- 3 Starlings

(Ed Wilson)

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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel

Nothing noted

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.

Sightings from previous years without links are below

2014

Priorslee Lake

3 Cormorants

2 Grey Herons

12 Tufted Duck

7 Blackcaps

6 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warblers

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

1 Cormorant

1 Cackling Goose

39 Tufted Ducks

1 Blackcap

4 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

Trench Lock Pool

4 Great Crested Grebes

23 Tufted Ducks

1 Sand Martin

1 Blackcap

2 Chiffchaffs

1 Willow Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

2013

Priorslee Lake

1 Little Grebe 

4 Great Crested Grebes 

1 Cormorant 

2 Gadwall

21 Tufted Ducks 

6 Redwings

1 Fieldfare 

372 Jackdaws

Kestrel

Willow Tit

(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood)

The Flash

2 Great Crested Grebes 

1 Cormorant 

1 Pochard 

58 Tufted Duck 

1 Brambling

(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood)

Trench Lock Pool

2 Great Crested Grebes 

2 Cormorants

2 Greylag Geese

4 Shoveler 

19 Tufted Duck 

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

50 Meadow Pipit

100 Redwing

Green Woodpecker

3 Red legged Partridge

Fieldfare

7 Lapwing

Linnet

(John Isherwood)

2012

Nedge Hill

2 Wheatear

(John Isherwood)

2011

Nedge Hill 

2 Common Redstart

4 Wheatear

(John Isherwood)

Priorslee Flash

Garden Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

2007

Priorslee Lake

20 Tufted Duck

2 Buzzard

1 Kestrel

1 Skylark

36 Meadow Pipit

9 Chiffchaff

1 Redpoll

8 Bullfinch

5 Reed Bunting

(Martin Adlam)

2006 

Priorslee Lake 

5 Great Crested Grebes

2 Cormorants

6 Tufted Ducks

1 Ruddy Duck

7 Stock Doves

235 Wood Pigeons

3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers

7 Meadow Pipits

20 Wrens

21 Blackbirds

2 Fieldfares again

2 Blackcaps

5 Chiffchaffs

3 Willow Warblers

1 Willow Tit

15 Greenfinches

3 Siskins

3 Reed Buntings

(Ed Wilson)