16 Apr 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

8.0°C > 11.0°C: Clear when I arrived. Within 15 minutes fog had rolled in from the E. Lifted slightly after 08:15. Calm start with light SE breeze failing to blow away the fog. Very good visibility initially; very poor for a while, then generally poor.

Sunrise: 06:10 BST

* = a photo today

Priorslee Lake: 05:20 – 06:35 // 07:25 – 09:10

(90th visit of the year)

Much of the time it was almost impossible to see anything on the water and certainly anything flying over. A very few clearer intervals.

Bird notes:
- Two Common Sandpipers noted.
- There seems to be five Goldcrest territories in the area this year. I noted four last year.
- No Willow Warblers heard.
- The Common Whitethroat first noted yesterday was heard and occasionally seen in the SW area.

Birds noted flying over here:
This won't take long!
- 2 Jackdaws

Hirundines etc. noted:

None

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler as usual
- no Willow Warblers
- 20 (16) Chiffchaffs
- 21 (17) Blackcaps
- 1 (1) Common Whitethroat again

Counts from the lake area:
- 1? Canada Goose remains keeping watch
- 2 Mute Swans: pen on nest throughout
- 3 (3♂) Mallard
- no Tufted Ducks
- 6 Moorhens
- no meaningful count of Coots possible
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 2 Common Sandpipers

Noted on / around the street lamp poles pre-dawn:
The poles were again covered in a heavy dew
1 small black beetle
- 1 Tetragnatha sp. stretch spider

Noted later:
- Hedge Garlic or Jack-by-the-Hedge (Alliaria petiolata) flowers

Thin high cloud taking some clarity off the nearly full moon - note that craters are just visible around the left side. It is 100% at 19:55 this evening. I read we are supposed to call this the Pink Moon: not because it ever looks pink but because that was the name given to it by American Native Indians as it coincides with the flowering of Phlox subulata. Another web source says this is the Snow Moon and that it is March's full moon is the Pink Moon, The Indians had no calendar as such: We do: "April Moon" seems to be perfectly apposite name and removes any confusion.

One of 10 Starlings that were feeding on the football field and flew in to a small tree on the approach of dog-walkers. I assume they some of the birds nesting in the estate though I don't see them everyday.

I have seen this small black beetle on lamp post previously. I am no nearer identifying it. The rather swollen femur would seem to provide a clue. I have not fund it helpful!

The first flowers of Hedge Garlic or Jack-by-the-Hedge (Alliaria petiolata) I have seen around here this year. This plant is not related to garlic: the leaves have a garlic smell when bruised. The leaves are also good to eat (leave some for the insects to eat).

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:40 – 07:20

(87th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- The two Mallard ducklings were significantly larger than any seen previously so not a new hatch. But where were many of the Mallard? There were six drakes on the lower pool and two more in the Wesley Brook by the tunnel.
- The visibility was not good but that does not account for the very low number of Tufted Duck.
- Just one Willow Warbler remains.
- Two male Bramblings flushed off the ground along the West side.

Birds noted flying over here:

None

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

Noted on / around the water: all numbers potentially visibility effected
- 18 Canada Geese
- 6 Greylag Geese: of these a pair arrived
- 5 Mute Swans
- 9 (8♂) + 2 (1 brood) Mallard
- 1 (1♂) all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 13 (10♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 Moorhens
- 22 Coots
- 1 Herring Gull: first year again

On / around the street lamp poles or elsewhere

Nothing noted

Handsome I think is the right word for the Greylag Goose.

Scampering across the path in the mist is this family party of Mallard.

Safely(?) on the water.

At last a half-decent photo of a Brambling. This male was feeding on the ground and popped up on to a branch for a few seconds. A significant amount of black on the head and the nape on this bird.

As with most birds a head-on view looks like Mr. Angry.

(Ed Wilson)

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Between the lake and The Flash

- 6 drake Mallard on the lower pool
- 1 Chiffchaff singing from trees between the pools
- 2 Blackcaps singing near the upper pool

(Ed Wilson)

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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel

- the usual plumed midges – all female without plumes
- two different crane flies

There were two different craneflies on the wall of the tunnel. One was very plain but I thought this well-marked individual might be possible to identify. Sadly not as the head, certainly as viewed here, is not well-separated from the thorax as all the photos I can find of well-marked species.

(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

1 Little Grebe

3 Great Crested Grebes

1 Cormorant

2 Grey Herons

10 Tufted Duck

2 Common Sandpipers

6 Sand Martin

2 Swallow

11 Song Thrushes

11 Blackcaps

6 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warbler

112 Jackdaws

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

2 Great Crested Grebes

2 Cormorants

1 Grey Heron

4 Greylag Geese

25 Tufted Ducks

2 Blackcap

2 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

Curlew

6 Sky Lark

3 Meadow Pipit

5 Blackcap

3 Chiffchaffs

2 Linnets

1 Yellowhammer

(Ed Wilson)

2013

Priorslee Lake

1 Wheatear

2 Common Sandpiper

(John Isherwood)

East Priorslee

5 Wheatear

(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill

3 Yellow Wagtails

Common Whitethroat

62 Wheatear

1 Fieldfare

3 Common Redstart 

Willow Warbler

2 Swallows

Linnet

Skylark

Chiffchaff

(Martin Grant, Ian Grant, John Isherwood)

Long Lane, Wellington

1 Little Ringed Plover

1 Ringed Plover

12 Lapwing

2 Stock Dove

4+ Skylark

5 Teal

(Martin Grant)

2012

Nedge Hill

1 White Wagtail

1 Redstart

2 Wheatear

(John Isherwood)

2011

Priorslee Lake

1 Yellow Wagtail

(John Isherwood/ Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

1 Lesser Whitethroat

1 Whitethroat

15 Wheatear

2 Linnets

(John Isherwood, Ed Wilson)

2009

Priorslee Lake

2 Great Crested Grebes

9 Tufted Duck

1 Buzzard

25 Sand Martins

6 Swallows

3 Skylarks

2 Blackcaps

3 Chiffchaffs

3 Willow Warblers

1 Willow Tit

2 Jays

4 Linnets

1 Siskin

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

Common Sandpiper

Redpoll

(Ed Wilson)

2007

Priorslee Lake

4 Chiffchaff

5 Blackcap

1 Willow Warbler

1 Reed Bunting

8 Tufted Duck

(Martin Grant)

2006

Priorslee Lake

4 Great Crested Grebes

1 Little Grebe

2 Heron

4 Tufted Ducks

2 Ruddy Duck

7 Common Sandpiper

4 Swallow

3 Sand Martin

1 Kestrel

1 Raven

2 Sky Lark

2 Grey Wagtail

2 Meadow Pipit

1 Wheatear

9 Chiffchaff

4 Willow Warbler

5 Blackcaps

1 Sedge Warbler.

5 Greenfinch

2 Siskin

1 Linnet

5 Reed Bunting.

(Martin Adlam, John Isherwood)

7 Willow Warbler

6 Blackcaps

1 Sky Lark

2 Grey Wagtail

1 Willow Tit

4 Greenfinch

3 Linnet

5 Reed Bunting.

(Martin Adlam, John Isherwood)

15 Apr 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

6.0°C > 10.0°C again: Another day that was mainly clear early. Medium-level cloud rolled in from the W after 07:30. Almost calm. Very good visibility.

Sunrise: 06:13 BST

* = a photo today

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

(88th visit of the year)

Best today was my first singing Common Whitethroat of the year, singing at 05:45 behind the sailing club shelter. I did not hear or see it later. My 81st bird species here this year.

Bird notes:
- At least four Common Sandpipers. At various times I noted singles, duos, trios and a quartet flying around in response to disturbance around the lake. There were possibly more individuals.
- One pair of the local Jays started making even more noise than usual and I noted two other Jays flying high W and nothing to do with the lake.
- In additions to the Sky Lark singing as usual over the fields to the E another bird was seen flying SW and calling. This strikes me as most unusual at this date as most birds have been on territory for some weeks.
- Just two Willow Warblers today. One of them singing from the same location where I have heard song for the last ten days. Whether it is the same bird setting up a territory or several birds stopping in a suitable feeding location is impossible to say.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 2 Canada Geese: pair inbound
- 2 Greylag Geese: pair outbound
- 2 Feral Pigeons: singles again
- 3 Stock Doves: single and pair
- 21 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Black-headed Gull: adult
- 7 Herring Gulls: all immatures
- 6 Cormorants: a quintet and a single
- 2 Jays: see notes
- 19 Jackdaws
- 5 Rook
- 1 Skylark: see notes

Hirundines etc. noted:
- 2 Sand Martins briefly over the water
- 1 Barn Swallow briefly over N side trees

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

Counts from the lake area:
- 1? Canada Goose remains keeping watch
- 2 Mute Swans: pen on nest throughout
- 4 (3♂) Mallard: no ducklings
- 11 (9♂) Tufted Ducks: of these a pair and drake arrived separately again
- 8 Moorhens
- 25 Coots
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- *4 Common Sandpipers: see notes
- no gulls

Noted on / around the street lamp poles pre-dawn:
The poles were again covered in a heavy dew
- 1 Common Green Lacewing (Chrysoperia carnea)

Noted later:
- *1 small ichneumon

Another day, another sunrise.

A touch of mist to take the edge off the view.

Surely not Autumn already? Did I miss Summer?

Eight of this morning's Tufted Ducks reposition. Number two in line the only duck in this view, all the others drakes.

Another in the long series of 'this won't win prizes'. Four Common Sandpipers depart the dam face as a dog-walker approaches.

One Common Sandpiper, likely one of the above, caught as it perched, briefly.

Two in flight showing the wing-bar. Something I had never noticed previously are the white marks on the leading edge of the wings. I had to check with photos on the web that this was not some aberration.

This small ichneumon briefly perched in the sun on one of the lamp poles. I was not able to get enough detail to attempt an identification.

The flowers of these Wood Anemones (Anemone nemorosa) are now holding their heads proudly even though some have been nibbled.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:55 – 07:45

(86th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- More of the Willow Warblers have, as expected, moved on.
- No Bramblings seen or heard

Birds noted flying over here:
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull: adult
- 1 Rook

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

Noted on / around the water:
- 24 Canada Geese: of these a single and a trio departed
- 12 Greylag Geese
- 5 Mute Swans
- 22 (17♂) Mallard: no ducklings found
- 1 (1♂) all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 40 (28♂) Tufted Duck
- 9 Moorhens
- 24 Coots
- no Great Crested Grebe
- 1 Herring Gull: first year

On / around the street lamp poles:

Nothing noted

Seen elsewhere:
- 1 Grey Squirrel

 Looking North-West across the water as the early sun provides contrast with the approaching cloud.

A Willow Warbler. Note the well-defined and long eye-brow (supercilium) and also the long wings reaching beyond the base of the tail.

As far as I can determine this is the Long-tailed Tits' nest that I photographed a couple of weeks ago that has been dragged out of the hedge. Not sure what would have done so. Magpie? Grey Squirrel? Marvel at the intricacy of the nest and wonder how they do it with such a short stubby bill (and no hands!).

(Ed Wilson)

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Between the lake and The Flash

- 1 Moorhen beside the upper pool
- 2 Willow Warblers singing: one at the lower pool; the other above the upper pool
- 1 Chiffchaff singing from trees between the pools
- 1 Blackcap singing by the upper pool: first in this area this year

This Song Thrush stood on a wall and looked at me.

An unusual fly / midge with particularly long front legs. No idea as to family / species.

A tiny, tiny spider though perhaps just a young spiderling. I'll see what Nigel makes of it.

(Ed Wilson)

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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel

- the usual plumed midges
- *a fly or midge with unusually long front legs
- *a tiny, tiny spider

(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

3 Grey Herons

2 Greylag Geese over

9 Tufted Duck

1 Little Ringed Plover

2 Common Sandpipers

10 Blackcaps

6 Chiffchaffs

5 Willow Warbler

117 Jackdaws

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

2 Great Crested Grebes

1 Cackling-type Goose

29 Tufted Ducks

3 Blackcap

4 Chiffchaffs

4 Willow Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

Trench Lock Pool

4 Great Crested Grebes

5 Tufted Ducks

4 Blackcaps

3 Chiffchaffs

7 Willow Warblers

(Ed Wilson)

Trench Middle Pool

3 Great Crested Grebes

8 Greylag Geese

13 Tufted Duck

3 Blackcaps

2 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

4 Wheatear

Willow Warbler

Blackcap

(Ian Grant)

2013

Priorslee Lake

2 Great Crested Grebe

1 Buzzard

3 Chiffchaff

(Tony Beckett)

Long Lane, Wellington

10 Ringed Plover

5 Dunlin

(J W Reeves)

2012

Nedge Hill

2 Redstart

1 Wheatear

(Martin Grant)

2011

Priorslee Lake

Grey Wagtail

1 Common Sandpiper

5 Tufted Duck

1 Kingfisher

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

2 Wheatear

Common Redstart

11 Wheatear

(John Isherwood, Ed Wilson)

Telford Railway Station

11 Waxwings

(Colin Wright)

2007

Nedge Hill

1 Buzzard

4 Skylark

1 Fieldfare

3 Willow Warbler

2 Chiffchaff

3 Greenfinch

4 Linnet

(Martin Adlam)

Priorslee Village

Black-tailed Godwit

(Martin Adlam)

2006

Priorslee Lake

4 Great Crested Grebes

1 Heron

3 Greylag Geese

3 Tufted Ducks

2 Ruddy Duck

1 Water Rail

3 Common Sandpiper

1 Ringed Plover

12 Chiffchaff

7 Willow Warbler

6 Blackcaps

1 Sky Lark

2 Grey Wagtail

1 Willow Tit

4 Greenfinch

3 Linnet

5 Reed Bunting.

(Martin Adlam, John Isherwood)

14 Apr 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

6.0°C > 10.0°C: Mainly clear early. Then patches of cloud at multiple levels made it generally overcast. Almost calm. Very good visibility.

Sunrise: 06:15 BST

* = a photo today

The clear night seemed to have allowed many of the Willow Warblers to move on. I noted just four at the lake; one between the lake and The Flash; and a more modest eight around The Flash.

Priorslee Lake: 05:20 – 06:40 // 07:45 – 09:25

(88th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- The Great Crested Grebes continue to confuse. Four seen at the same time on one occasion. Usually just one or two visible. Can appear anywhere and everywhere in the water.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 4 Canada Geese: two singles outbound; pair inbound
- 1 Greylag Goose: outbound
- 2 Feral Pigeons: singles
- 17 Wood Pigeons
- 2 Herring Gulls: immatures
- 45 Jackdaws
- 1 Rook

Hirundines etc. noted:

None

One of the fishermen reported "good numbers of swallows and martins" late yesterday afternoon.

Despite the paucity of records here at least two House Martins had returned overhead their breeding site in Newport yesterday afternoon – nine days earlier than I recorded in 2021.

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler
- 4 (3) Willow Warblers
- 18 (14) Chiffchaffs
- *14 (9) Blackcaps

Counts from the lake area:
- 1? Canada Goose remains keeping watch
- 2 Mute Swans: pen on nest throughout
- 7 (7♂) Mallard
- 3 (2♂) Tufted Ducks: pair and drake arrived separately
- 7 Moorhens
- 27 Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull: adult, briefly
- 1 Grey Heron

Noted on / around the street lamp poles pre-dawn:
Rather little as the poles were covered in a heavy dew
- *1 unidentified hairy caterpillar
- several plumed midges

Noted later:
- *amongst many small flies on various lamp poles was a Muscid or Face Fly Musca autumnalis.

Definitely a sunrise worth getting up for.

From a slightly different vantage point. This was the only time in the morning when there were clear skies.

Blackcaps have been particularly hard to photograph so far this year not helped by a succession of dull and cloudy mornings. This male is my best so far here. I hope we get some sunny weather before the leaves open and enable these birds to hide away.

Well this is hard! Caterpillars are not well served with ID guides and this, 15 feet up a lamp pole and with hairs covered in dew, will have to go unidentified.

This is almost certainly the Muscid fly Musca autumnalis, distinguished by the black line running down the brown belly. Despite its scientific appellation it is common from Spring right through to Autumn. It is also known as the Face Fly as this species "lands on the faces of cattle where it feeds on tears, sweat and blood (from the bites of other flies). It also feeds on nectar". [credit to the NatureSpot web site Here] [Should that not be Blood, Sweat and Tears?]

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:45 – 07:40 again

(85th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- Seems likely that some of the Tufted Duck have moved out though it seems to be the ducks that are in short supply. Could they be hauled out nesting on the island?
- There were six immature Herring Gulls comprising all three ages – first, second and third year birds. All but one of these arrived. Several seemed to leave but the overall number did not change – did more arrive or were they just flying around?
- Two silent Bramblings were noted high in trees in the far reaches of the wooded area on the top left.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 1 Herring Gull: immature

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 8 (8) Willow Warblers
- 9 (8) Chiffchaffs
- 6 (5) Blackcaps again

Noted on / around the water:
- 29 Canada Geese: of these a pair departed and a pair arrived
- 1 Greylag x Canada Goose: arrived
- 4 Greylag Geese
- 5 Mute Swans
- 20 (18♂) Mallard: no ducklings found
- [the all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck) not seen]
- 38 (27♂) Tufted Duck
- 8 Moorhens
- 25 Coots
- 1 Great Crested Grebe still
- *6 Herring Gulls: at least: all immatures: see notes
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull: first year: departed

On / around the street lamp poles or elsewhere:

Nothing noted

Two of the six Herring Gulls (at least) seen here this morning. The bird on the right looks like an adult but note the black in the bill. In flight it showed a smudge of black on the tail, part of the remnant tail-band: so a third year bird. The bird on the left is probably a first year bird from the extent of brown in the folded wing though the obvious pale tip and base to the black bill are more indicative of a second year bird. Ideally I would like to have seen this bird in flight.

(Ed Wilson)

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Between the lake and The Flash

- 1 Moorhen in the lower pool
- 1 Willow Warbler singing near the upper pool
- 1 Chiffchaff singing from trees between the pools

(Ed Wilson)

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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel

- 2 plumed midges
- *2 owl midges
- *2 Porcellio spinicornis aka Brickwork Woodlouse

 I do like these tiny owl midges.

So here is another! As previously noted the 99(!) UK species of Psychodidae, sometimes also known as moth flies, cannot be separated on wing pattern (or anything else without a microscope and a lot of knowledge).

A very different-looking woodlouse from the small reddish individual seen yesterday. This seems to be Porcellio spinicornis which some websites call Brickwork Woodlouse.

(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

12 Cormorants over

3 Grey Herons

2 Tufted Duck

4 Common Sandpipers

c.6 Sand Martins

1 Swallow

Green Woodpecker

9 Blackcaps

7 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warbler

193 Jackdaws

(Ed Wilson)

The Wrekin

Tree Pipit

Pied Wagtail

Willow Tit

Marsh Tit

5 Pied Flycatchers

2 Common Redstarts

Willow Warblers

Siskins

(Ed Wilson)

2013

Priorslee Lake

2 Little Ringed Plover

6 Willow Warbler

5 Chiffchaff 

1 House Martin

4 Sand Martin

(Martin Grant)

2012

Priorslee Lake

Willow Warbler

Chiffchaff

Blackcap

Willow Tits

2 Jays

(Martin Grant)

Nedge Hill

4 Common Redstart

31 Wheatear

(John Isherwood)

The Wrekin

5 Pied Flycatcher

1 Common Redstart

2 Tree Pipit

6 Willow Warbler

Marsh Tit

Goldcrest

Green Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Siskin

Lesser Redpoll

Crossbill

(Glenn Bishton)

2011

Priorslee Lake

4 Common Sandpiper

1 Reed Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

4 Wheatear

(Ed Wilson)

2008

Priorslee Lake

1 Osprey

4 Gadwall

12 Sand Martin

2 Swallows

6 Willow Warblers

4 Chiffchaffs

1 Blackcap

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

1 Common Sandpiper

6 Willow Warbler

4 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

Trench Lock

5 Sand Martin

Swallows

4 Willow Warbler

2 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

2 Swallows

1 Willow Warbler

2 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

2007

Priorslee Lake

1 Pintail x Mallard

17 Tufted Duck

1 Grey Heron

2 Willow Warblers

8 Chiffchaffs

5 Blackcaps

20 Wrens

2 Linnet

6 Reed Bunting

(Martin Adlam)

Nedge Hill

2 Willow Warblers

1 Blackcap

2 Chiffchaff

1 Fieldfare

1 Great Spotted Woodpecker

1 Swallow

1 Buzzard

4 Skylark

2 Meadow Pipit

4 Yellowhammer

3 Greenfinch 3 

4 Linnet

(Martin Adlam)

2006

Priorslee Lake

5 Great Crested Grebes

1 Heron

7 Tufted Ducks

2 Ruddy Duck

1 Water Rail

3 Common Sandpiper

8 Chiffchaff

5 Willow Warbler

5 Blackcaps

1 Garden Warbler

3 Swallows

1 Kestrel

2 Great Spotted Woodpecker

1 Sky Lark

1 Willow Tit

2 Siskin

5 Reed Bunting

(Martin Adlam)

(Ed Wilson)

13 Apr 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

9.0°C > 10.0°C: Some early brightness but also some low-level misty areas. More general cloud at multiple levels later with rain and drizzle after 08:30. Calm early with light SW wind later. Very good visibility but only moderate once rain arrived.

Sunrise: 06:17 BST

* = a photo today

The big passage of Willow Warblers continues. Ten again at the lake; three between the lake and The Flash; and at least 16 around The Flash. There were probably many more at The Flash: for much of my walk around at any one time I could hear three or four birds singing. Keeping track of them as they actively fed in the trees and bushes was a challenge. The largest number I have recorded on any single day.

Will we get some of the promised sun and warm weather soon?

Priorslee Lake: 05:20 – 06:40 // 07:45 – 09:20

(87th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- The second Common Sandpiper of Spring on a more typical 'first date' that had been eclipsed this year by the bird on 29 March.
- A Cetti's Warbler was frequently singing from his most recently favoured area between the Wesley Brook bridge and the sailing club's concrete ramp. I also saw a bird along the N side lurking in reeds / willow scrub. Whether our songster has a partner / competitor or whether he was taking a trip away from home territory is hard to say.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 1 Feral Pigeon
- 5 Wood Pigeons only
- 1 Collared Dove
- 5 Herring Gulls
- 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Cormorant
- 16 Jackdaws

Hirundines etc. noted:
- c.30 Sand Martins
- 2 Barn Swallows again
These arrived at the onset of the heavier rain at 08:45

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler: see notes
- 10 (9) Willow Warblers again
- 19 (14) Chiffchaffs
- 16 (12) Blackcaps

Counts from the lake area:
- 1? Canada Goose still
- 2 Mute Swans: pen on nest throughout
- 3 (3♂) Mallard
- 6 Moorhens
- 29 Coots
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- *1 Common Sandpiper

Noted on / around the street lamp poles pre-dawn:
- *several plumed midges
- *a 'Pushmi-Pullyu fly (Diptera dolittlii)'
- *a small crane fly sp.
- Common Green Lacewing (Chrysoperia carnea)
- several springtails
- *Common Pygmy Woodlouse (Trichoniscus pusillus agg.)
- *a ground beetle probably Agonum emarginatum

Noted later:
- slugs and
- *1 possible Shiny Glass Snail (Zonitoides nitidus)

Good of this Common Sandpiper to pose so well. Pity there was not more light. Note the rain drops on its back. The best identification for this species when on the ground is the white area extending on to the shoulder and, typically, the continual bobbing of its rear end. It flies on fluttering wings that never rise above the horizontal as it skims the water.

A Great Tit attacking one of last year's reed stems to get at insects within. The wide black 'zip' on the belly means this is a male.

The 'Pushmi-Pullyu fly (Diptera dolittlii)'. In reality of course two flies mating. Note that in this species, whatever it is, the male's antennae are not plumed.

Since they were together I decided to show these two plumed midges that I am sure are of different species, the upper individual looks more robust.

This is a small crane fly and a female – note the pointed abdomen. The photo caught it just as it took off. I can only make out five legs; the front pair seem disproportionately long. The trailing edge of the right wing seems to be hairy. None of these features helps me identify the species involved.

I think a Common Pygmy Woodlouse (Trichoniscus pusillus agg.). The 'agg. (aggregate)' in the scientific name is appended because it is now known that there are two very similar species involved and separation is only possible – you guessed it – by examining the genitalia.

This is a ground beetle and likely the very common species Agonum emarginatum. There are several similar beetles in this genus all of which have the rather blunt-ended abdomen. Most of the other species having varying amounts of brown on their legs.

I am certain this is one of the glass snails. The orange spot behind the opening might indicate it is a Shiny Glass Snail (Zonitoides nitidus) though none of the photos of this species show such pronounced markings in the whorls.

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:45 – 07:40

(84th visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- The Tufted Duck were even more mobile today, chasing around in small groups and flying around as well as up and down. Best effort on numbers.
- Very low count of Moorhens. Probably partly because I was looking up at and for Willow Warblers.
- At least ten Bramblings were high in trees in the top left area again. To dull to even try for another poor photo.

Birds noted flying over here:

None

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

Noted on / around the water:
- 29 Canada Geese: of these a pair departed
- 7 Greylag Geese
- 5 Mute Swans
- 19 (17♂) + 2 ducklings (1 brood) Mallard
- 1 all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 48 (30♂) Tufted Duck
- 4 Moorhens only
- 24 Coots
- 1 Great Crested Grebe again
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull: first year

On / around the street lamp poles:
Nothing noted

Seen elsewhere:
- 1 Grey Squirrel

(Ed Wilson)

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Between the lake and The Flash

- 2 (1♂) Mallard on grass beside the lower pool
- 1 Moorhen in the upper pool
- 3 Willow Warblers: all in song
- 2 Chiffchaffs: one singing alongside each pool
- 1 Starling
and
- 2 Grey Squirrels

(Ed Wilson)

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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel

- 2 plumed midges
- 1 small snail
- >5 slugs including what is probably a *Yellow Slug (Limacus flavus)
Yesterday's rain has brought the slugs out though they won't find food in the tunnel!

Slugs are very hard to specifically identify. 'Black slugs' can be yellow: 'yellow slugs' can be black. This may well be a Yellow Slug (Limacus flavus), though in much of the country this species is being replaced by and / or is hybridising with the Irish Yellow Slug (Limacus maculatus) ["the Irish coming over here and eating all our lettuces..."!]. The length of the yellow line running up the abdomen from the tail favours the former species.

(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 Grey Herons

2 Greylag Geese

1 Common Sandpiper

c.10 Sand Martins

>6 Barn Swallows

1 House Martin

2 Tawny Owls

2 Meadow Pipits

8 Blackcaps

8 Chiffchaffs

3 Willow Warbler

276 Jackdaws

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

1 Greylag Goose

1 Cackling-type Goose

17 Tufted Ducks

1 Swallow

5 Blackcap

5 Chiffchaffs

3 Willow Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

2013

Priorslee Lake

3 Little Ringed Plover 

>20 Willow Warbler

(John Isherwood)

The Flash

2 Shoveler

(John Isherwood)

Nedge Hill

2 Common Redstart

8 Wheatear

(John Isherwood)

Long Lane, Wellington

47 Black-tailed Godwit

6 Ringed Plover

3 Redshank

1 Dunlin

3 Swallows

(Andy Latham)

2011

Priorslee Lake

2 House Martin

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

7 Wheatear

(John Isherwood)

2008

Priorslee Lake

4 Common Sandpiper

4 Gadwall

(John Isherwood)

2006

Priorslee Lake

12 Swallow

23 Sand Martin

1 House Martin

5 Great Crested Grebes

3 Tufted Ducks

2 Ruddy Ducks

1 Water Rail

1 Great Spotted Woodpecker

2 Fieldfares

3 Blackcaps

5 Chiffchaffs

6 Willow Warblers

2 Greenfinches

1 Siskin

1 Reed Bunting

(Martin Adlam)

12 Apr 22

Priorslee Lake and The Flash

8.0°C: Early broken high cloud briefly moved away before medium-level cloud spread from the S. Rain after 07:30, sometimes persistent. Light ESE breeze. Very good visibility but moderate once rain arrived.

Sunrise: 06:19 BST

* = a photo today

A significant number of Willow Warblers was logged with ten birds noted at the lake, two between the lake and The Flash and then another ten around The Flash. Not all the birds were singing. There were probably more individuals: seeing them in the dull and rainy conditions was not easy. The number is not unusual during Spring passage though it is about week later than usual. Few, if any, will stay and breed in this area.

Priorslee Lake: 05:20 – 06:45 // 07:40 – 09:15

(86th visit of the year)

Very little seen in the dull and wet conditions

Bird notes:
- On my first walk-around I noted five ducklings with the duck Mallard, down from ten yesterday. On my second walk around there seemed to be only four duckling.
- Sand Martins appeared over the water c.08:15 and numbers built up until a passing Sparrowhawk caused them all to gather high in the sky with most of them moving away. A very few other hirundines with them.
- I read that this year's RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch noted a big increase in Jay numbers that they attributed to the invasion of the species from the Continent last Autumn due to the failure of the acorn crop. This seems to be mirrored here were I suspect there are three pairs preparing to nest.

Birds noted flying over here:
- 1 Greylag Goose: inbound
- 9 Wood Pigeons only
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls: one (near) adult; one first year
- 3 Cormorants: duo and single
- 1 Sparrowhawk
- 14 Jackdaws
- 3 Rooks

Hirundines etc. noted:
- c.25 Sand Martins
- 2 Barn Swallows
- 1 House Martin

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

Counts from the lake area:
- 1? Canada Goose again
- 2 Mute Swans
- *3 (2♂) + 5>4 (1 brood) Mallard: see notes
- 1 (1) Tufted Duck: arrived and almost immediately departed
- 5 Moorhens
- 27 Coots again
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- 1 Grey Heron

Noted on / around the street lamp poles pre-dawn:
- *1 Early Thorn moth (Selenia dentaria)
- plumed midges of at least two species
- *1 White-legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger)

Noted later:
- *1 spider sp., probably Eratigena sp.

With early high cloud dispersing and the rain clouds yet to appear there was an interesting sunrise.

Initially tingeing much of the eastern sky.

"Always have some foreground interest" the photography experts say. Will this tree do?

If not here is the sun without too much foreground.

It is now being eaten by the encroaching rain clouds.

A duck Mallard with a brood of four. I think the same group that I saw 90 minutes earlier with five ducklings.

The Early Thorn moth (Selenia dentaria) taken with camera flash.

This photo was taken later when it was sitting out the rain. The eye is not so 'staring' and it is perhaps easier to see that the folded back antenna is pectinate – i.e. has feathering on one side only. Any feathering on the antennae of a moth indicates the individual to be a male: females usually have filiform – simple thread-like – antennae.

 A White-legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger).

This spider was some 15 feet up at the top of a lamp pole. It is related to the house spiders with the genus recently split in to those species with banded legs and those, as here, with plain legs. Thus it is of the genus Eratigena. Most species in this genus are usually to be found under stones....

(Ed Wilson)

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The Flash: 06:50 – 07:35

(83rd visit of the year)

Bird notes:
- All five Greylag Geese were on their own. Perhaps they have partners sitting on eggs inside the island.
- When I first heard and then saw the two Mallard ducklings there were no adults nearby. A pair flew in and seemed to adopt / be the parents of the ducklings.
- A Great Crested Grebe has reappeared.
- At least *two Bramblings high in trees in the SE corner.

Birds noted flying over here:

None

Warblers noted (figures in brackets relate to singing birds):
- 10 (8) Willow Warblers
- 10 (8) Chiffchaffs also
- 9 (8) Blackcaps

Noted on / around the water:
- 31 Canada Geese: of these a pair arrived
- 5 Greylag Geese: of these a single arrived
- 5 Mute Swans
- *18 (15♂) + 2 ducklings (1 brood) Mallard
- 1 all-white duck (Aylesbury Duck)
- 52 (33♂) Tufted Duck
- 12 Moorhens
- 26 Coots still
- 1 Great Crested Grebe
- 2 Herring Gulls: one second year and one first year

On / around the street lamp poles:
Nothing noted 

Elsewhere:

Nothing of note

These two Mallard ducklings were calling loudly and there were no adults around. A pair of Mallard flew in a few minutes later and seemed to take charge.

High in the tallest trees were these two male Brambling. I could hear others calling.

(Ed Wilson)

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Between the lake and The Flash

- 1 drake Mallard flew out of the upper pool
- 1 Moorhen on the grass beside the upper pool
- 2 Willow Warblers alongside the upper pool
- 1 Chiffchaff also singing alongside the upper pool

(Ed Wilson)

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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel

- *11 plumed midges
- *2 owl midges

One of the smaller plumed midges with one of the owl midges.

(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

2 Grey Herons

1 Greylag Goose

2 Common Sandpipers

c.6 Sand Martins

2 Barn Swallows

1 Grasshopper Warbler

10 Blackcaps

5 Chiffchaffs

1 Willow Warbler

(Ed Wilson)

2012

Priorslee Lake

2 Swallows flew through 

2 Meadow Pipits 

4 Great Crested Grebes 

3 Tufted Duck 

9 Blackcaps

4 Willow Warblers

12 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

The Flash

1 Swallow

1 Reed Bunting

3 Great Crested Grebes

33 Tufted Duck 

5 Blackcaps

6 Willow Warblers

3 Chiffchaffs

(Ed Wilson)

Nedge Hill

5 Lapwings

1 Swallow

1 Green Woodpecker

8 Skylarks

3 Willow Warblers

4 Chiffchaffs

1 Common Redstart

13 Wheatear

1 Raven

(Ed Wilson, John Isherwood)

East Priorslee

2 Wheatear

(John Isherwood)

2006

Priorslee Lake

3 Blackcaps

6 Chiffchaffs

2 Willow Warblers

2 Sand Martins

2 Greylag Geese

3 Stock Doves

1 Lapwing

(Ed Wilson)