Potteric Carr Nature Reserve: Bird News

Potteric Carr Nature Reserve
Bird News

The 2010 edition of Friends of Potteric Carr Recorder (520kb PDF) A review of wildlife recording on the Reserve in 2009.

(Please read the Editor's Note by John Hancox on page 1 for printing advice)

Summary of Potteric Carr Birds to the end of February 2010 (38kb PDF) A spreadsheet of monthly bird occurrences by Roger Bird. NEW

The Potteric Carr Nestbox Monitoring Scheme 2009 (122kb PDF)
A summary of the Potteric Carr Nestbox Monitoring Scheme 2009 by John Lintin Smith.

A Beginner's Guide to Bird Survey Techniques (142kb PDF)

A one day event at Potteric Carr Nature Reserve on 20th March 2010. Limited places, booking required. NEW

March 2010

Wednesday 10th

4 winter-plumaged Dunlins arrived on Huxter Well Marsh in the morning and fed frantically for 40 minutes before departing (TE).

Mute Swan, Willow Pool, 9th March 2010 © Allan Parker

Tuesday 9th
Three BITTERNs were still on the Reserve today, with 2 at Piper Marsh (SP) and 1 at Willow Marsh (AP) which flew from in front of Beeston Hide and settled at Willow Pool. A female BRAMBLING foraged under willow branches near the Willow Pool feeding station. CETTI’S WARBLER was heard in full song in Old Eaa Marsh (MW). A total of 14 Snipe were counted, half on Decoy Marsh and the remainder on Huxter Well Marsh, where 16 Shelducks, 5 Wigeon and 9 Common Gulls were present. Pairs of Kingfishers were at Piper Marsh and Mother Drain. A Song Thrush, Green Woodpecker, 2 Treecreepers, 12 Wrens (many in song) and 3 Willow Tits were recorded. There were 3 Common Buzzards up at one time. A Canada Goose was noted nest building on the island to the left of Willow Pool Hide. Redwing was heard in sub-song near Black Carr Field (SP). At nearby Carr Hill, 2 Ringed Plovers were again seen (BGAB).

A 12 year old record of Rough-legged Buzzard has only just become known to the Potteric Carr bird recording team. The bird was seen at 9.30am on 10th December 1997 as it flew low in a circle around what was then called Huxter Well Fields, now Huxter Well Marsh. Accomplished Barnsley birder, Geoff Carr, identified the Rough-legged Buzzard but no description was submitted to any of the rarities committees at that time. If this record is accepted it adds a new species to the Potteric Carr bird list.

Sunday 7th
Water Rail and Willow Tit were seen at Willow Pool, plus 3 Jays, 5 Pheasants, numerous Chaffinches and 3 Reed Buntings. John Hancox reports: "Judging by the number of birds in song, during a walk round Willow Marsh in the morning which was sunny but cold, birds are taking their time getting into breeding mode. A Chaffinch was in full song outside the Field Centre, and along Loversall Bank there were 3 Dunnocks singing in territory but only one Robin was heard. Great Tits and Blue Tits were calling but generally not singing. Not a single Wren was heard — the cold winter will almost certainly have had a bad effect on these birds which are dependent on insects for food. A pair of Bullfinch were seen and heard calling and a small flock of Goldfinch were feeding on Teasel. A pair of Long-tailed Tits were busy gathering nesting material in St. Catherine's Copse — but little else was active. It needs a spell of reasonably warm weather to bring the clamour of birdsong to the level one is accustomed to during March. The arrival of the first summer migrants is just around the corner — Chiffchaff usually arrive nowadays around mid-March but they could be late!"

Friday 5th

Report by Roger Bird: "A Sparrowhawk took a Snipe from the ground at Decoy Marsh and flew off with it towards Old Eaa this morning, but a another Snipe got away! Also two Sparrowhawks flew over Corbett Wood and a Kestrel was in Childers Wood (RWB, SMB). BITTERNs were seen at Decoy Marsh (1) and Piper Marsh, 2 in flight (TM). Two female GOOSANDERs flew on to cell 1a and stayed for about ten minutes at mid-day (SMB, RCC). 2 Oystercatchers were on Huxter Well cell 1b. Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming in Childers Wood. Redwing in St. Catherine's Copse. Common Buzzards: 1 over motorway, plus 2 over Rossington Fields. At least 11 Shelducks were on the Lagoon. Jay at feeding station." A large bee was on the wing today.

Bittern at Piper Marsh on 5th March 2010 © Tony McCormick

Thursday 4th
A Bittern at Piper Marsh was only seen in flight in the morning, but 3 Kingfishers did show well. A Goldcrest was in the hawthorns between Mother Drain and Piper Marsh and 2 in Black Carr Wood. A pair of Little Grebes appeared to be nest building at Huxter Well Marsh. 2 Common Buzzards were seen over Beeston Plantation. A single Willow Tit was a Loversall Pool and 2 on Willow Pool feeders, where a Coal Tit, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a female BRAMBLING also visited. A Sparrowhawk swooped down over the feeders. There was good numbers of Bullfinches, with 10 around the Sensory Garden. A flock of 50 Redwings were around Loversall Fields, a pair of Kestrels showed well in the same area and a second pair were in Corbett Wood (GJ).

The heron photographed yesterday at Willow Marsh with an amphibian © Rob Mokryj

Water Rail, Willow Marsh, 3rd March 2010 © Rob Mokryj

Wednesday 3rd
230 Pink-footed Geese flew NW over Potteric Carr this morning (TE). A Grey Heron was photographed at Willow Marsh with a pair of legs sticking out of its beak. Blue Tits are looking at nestboxes and setting up territories around them.

Grey Heron, Willow Pool, 3rd March 2010 © Rob Mokryj

Blue Tit, Potteric Carr, 3rd March 2010 © Rob Mokryj

Tuesday 2nd
50 Pink-footed Geese flew north at 9.45am (KW). A CETTI'S WARBLER was heard and seen briefly in Old Eaa Marsh (MW et al.). Also noted were Kingfisher (3 Piper Marsh and 1 Mother Drain), Snipe (3, Decoy Marsh), Treecreeper, 1 Woodcock (HB), 6 Bullfinches, 8 Redpolls, Mistle Thrush (2), Goldcrest and Song Thrush. A Common Buzzard was over Loversall Fields. A Redshank appeared and Great Crested Grebe numbers increased to 8 on Huxter Well Marsh, with one pair showing some display. BITTERN was seen at Piper Marsh. Tawny Owl was heard. Outside the Reserve, 2 Ringed Plovers and a Grey Partridge were at nearby Carr Hill (BGAB).

Kingfishers entertained visitors to Piper Marsh Hide on 2nd March 2010 © Rob Mokryj

Common Buzzard, Potteric Carr, 2nd March 2010 © Dave Round

Goldcrest, Black Carr Field pines, 2nd March 2010 © Rob Mokryj

Monday 1st
Congratulations to Rob Mokryj on winning the BirdGuides website 'Photo of the Week' with his Bittern and tench photo taken at Piper Marsh on 18th February (see photo under that date, below).

February

Sunday 28th
One of the Groups visiting Potteric Carr today was the Lound Bird Club and member Richard Scott reports as follows: "75 Pink-footed Geese flew north-west over Decoy Marsh at 9.30am, CETTI'S WARBLER sang in Old Eaa Marsh. At Huxter Well Marsh: 20 Wigeon, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Golden Plovers, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 14 Shelduck. 4 Common Buzzards were over St. Catherine's Bank/Willow Marsh, and 2 Common Buzzards and a PEREGRINE (the only February record) were distant over Wadworth Carr." A full account of the LBC visit can be found here on their own website.

Also reported today was a male LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER in St Catherine’s Copse at noon, and a flock of 100 finches included mostly Siskins with some Redpolls. It was not until 2pm that the first BITTERN was reported, at Piper Marsh (GJ). Additional records were reported by Geoff Jarvis: Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker were in Childers Wood, with a GSW also at Willow Pool feeders, as usual a very busy place — 2 Jays, 2 Willow Tits and a Coal Tit being of interest. Huxter Well had 2 Great Crested Grebes.

Pheasant at the Willow Pool feeding station on 28th February 2010 © Sue Trout

Black-headed Gulls squabbling on Huxter Well Marsh on 28th February 2010 © Sue Trout

Saturday 27th
Today’s records were submitted by Mick Bird: BITTERNs were seen at Piper Marsh and Willow Marsh. A CETTI’S WARBLER was heard near Old Eaa Marsh. 60 Siskins were in Childers Wood, on alders. GSWs seen in Childers Wood, Hawthorn Bank and Willow Pool, and a female BRAMBLING was still at the feeding station. Bullfinch was near the Royal Mail building and 6 were along Willow Bank. Song Thrush was singing near the Field Centre. 12+ Shellducks were on the Lagoon or nearby embankments and an Oystercatcher was on a cell 1b island, where 6 Snipe dropped in and 200+ Lapwings were on Huxter Well Marsh. Kingfishers were seen at Decoy Lake, under Mother Drain Bridge and at Piper Marsh.

Thursday 25th
Sue Bird reports: A BITTERN at Piper Marsh was seen to fly off towards Huxter Well Marsh or Willow Marsh (DF). Kingfisher — 2 at Piper Marsh for most of the day. The year's first RINGED PLOVER flew around cell 1b, but Lapwings would not let it settle. Golden Plover - 40 over and 11 dropped on to cell 1b. Oystercatcher — 1 on cell 1b. GOLDENEYE — a male still present on cell 1b. A record number of Shelduck (20) involved 16 on Huxter Well Marsh, 2 on Decoy Marsh and 2 on Low Ellers Marsh. CETTI'S WARBLER (2) — 1 on Old Eaa Marsh and 1 on Loversall Pool/Reedbed Filtration Pond. Goldcrest — Black Carr Field/Piper Marsh Drain. Willow Tit — Hawthorn Bank and Black Carr Field.

Drake Goldeneye © FOPC achived photo library/J.McArthur

There were around 70 Redwings on Short Lane Fields today. A similar number of Goldfinches and Greenfinches were congregating in the same area. A male and female Bullfinch fed on buds in one of the hedges and a Song Thrush was singing at the top of a tree near the Lakeside flats (DH).

Wednesday 24th
Ian Heppenstall reports: "My visit today produced 2 BITTERNs at the same time at Piper Marsh; a drake Goldeneye on Huxter Well Marsh cell 1b (found by DF); a BRAMBLING adjacent Willow Pool; approx 25 Wigeon on Huxter Well, mostly at the Hawthorn Bank end; 12 Shelduck also on Huxter Well; approx 20 Redpoll by the footpath alongside Decoy Marsh; also Bullfinch, Redwing and Kingfisher (Mother Drain). A stoat pursued a Mallard unsuccessfully at Willow Pool."

Tuesday 23rd
A CETTI'S WARBLER again sang from Old Eaa Marsh. There were 2 BITTERNs at Piper Marsh and 1 on Old Eaa Marsh. A female BRAMBLING visited Willow Pool feeders. Tawny Owl was heard. Oystercatcher was on Huxter Well Marsh, plus 9 Common Gulls (West Scrape). A mixed finch flock held Goldfinches, Siskins and Redpoll. Also noted today were Green Woodpecker, GSW, Common Buzzard, Kestrel (2), Willow Tit (1), Fieldfare, Redwing (30), Snipe (1) and Bullfinch (6).

Bittern at Piper Marsh on 23rd February 2010 © Rich Wigley

Monday 22nd

Carrion Crow at Potteric Carr on 20th February 2010 © Ray Schofield

Sunday 21st
Despite a 3”/7.5cm mid-morning snowfall, two bird surveys went ahead at Potteric Carr today; the monthly WeBS (Wetland Birds Survey) count, and the annual Bittern census, a summary of which follows:

Between 10am and 2.30pm selected hides were occupied by ornithologists monitoring Bittern activity. Visitors were also asked to participate in the census by adding their own observations to the form provided. 4 BITTERNs were proved to be on site today. Single Bitterns were seen on Old Eaa Marsh and Willow Marsh (photo). The latter individual flew past Beeston Hide to Willow Pool, where it showed well in front of that hide and during one 17 minute period was photographed at close range, before flying off towards Piper Marsh. At Piper Marsh 2 individuals were recorded at the same time and were later joined by a third — timings suggested that it was the bird from Willow Marsh. Sue Bird, the census organiser, would like to thank all observers for there records, including, GH, AA, HW, SP, AP, KW, JS, DC, RWB, SMB and a number of visitors. Before this census, the Potteric Carr bird recording & monitoring team had estimated a wintering population of at least four Bitterns on the Reserve based on random observations. Interestingly, the estimate was confirmed by today’s census results.

Bittern on Willow Marsh, photographed from Willow Pool Hide on 21st February 2010 © Glyn Hudson

Other bird records included a CETTI’S WARBLER singing at 2.00–2.30pm in the east corner of Old Eaa Marsh (DC, SMB). A male and female BRAMBLING fed at Willow Pool feeding station and the male was photograhed (GH, RM, HW)... the photo of today's male gives a good comparison with yesterday's two females (see below). Waders involved a Woodcock flying over Piper Marsh, 5 Snipe and an Oystercatcher on Huxter Well Marsh (MR). Tawny Owl was heard calling from thick woodland cover. WeBS revealed some good numbers of wildfowl, with 520 Mallard and 148 Teal tally counted. 100 Redwings, 26 Fieldfares, a Willow Tit, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and three Song Thrushes were noted. A Common Buzzard was over Beeston Plantation. Water Rail scavenged around Willow Pool feeding station.

Winter-plumaged male Brambling photographed from Willow Pool Hide on 21st February 2010 © Glyn Hudson

The same male Brambling on the ground in today's fresh snow © Rob Mokryj

A Carrion Crow with the remains of a bird, photographed in falling snow at Willow Pool Hide on 21st February 2010 © Rob Mokryj

Saturday 20th

A BITTERN showed for some time at Piper Marsh and two at the same time at Willow Marsh. 2 Willow Tits were seen from Willow Pool Hide, as was the female BRAMBLING, which was often concealed under willow scrub to the right of the hide. 15 Shelduck were counted on Huxter Well Marsh. A Goldcrest sang from the conifers in Black Carr Field and a Song Thrush was singing near the pumping station.

Spring-plumaged female Brambling, Willow Pool, 19th February 2010 © Alwyn Timms

Winter-plumaged female Brambling, Willow Pool, 19th February 2010 © Alwyn Timms

Friday 19th
A 2nd-winter GLOUCOUS GULL was on Huxter Well Marsh for ten minutes at 11am (Andy Fell). East Scrape hosted a LITTLE EGRET. 2 BRAMBLINGs showed and were photographed at the Willow Pool feeding station (AT), where a single Willow Tit visited. A BITTERN was at Piper Marsh but stayed on the far side from the hide (AA) and a drake Pintail was also seen there (RWB). 2 Kingfishers were along Mother Drain.

Thursday 18th
BITTERNs were seen at Piper Marsh (where photographed with a Tench) and Decoy Marsh today, and the female BRAMBLING was again at Willow Pool feeding station (KW, AP). 4 Wigeon were at Huxter Well Marsh (MB). Full report below.

Bittern with a Tench, 18th February 2010 © Rob Mokryj
Winner of BirdGuides 'Photo of the Week'

Allan Parker reports: "Entrance — Decoy Marsh: Goldfinch flock of 12; Bullfinch 2 males and 2 females together. Decoy Marsh: Mallard 15, Gadwall 1 pair, Teal 10, Pochard 1 male, Tufted Duck 1 female, Black-headed Gull 15. Low Ellers Marsh: Very quiet with just Black-headed Gull 20, Pochard 15, Tufted Duck 6, Mallard 20, Gadwall 1 female. Old Eaa Marsh: Shelduck 1 pair, Black-headed Gull 10, Tufted Duck, Mallard and Teal also present in small numbers. Willow Pool: Mute Swan 1 pair, Canada Goose 4 at feeding station plus more out on the marsh, Greylag Goose 2, Little Grebe 1 heard calling, Pheasant 13 females and 1 male, Jay 2, Magpie 6, Mallard 6, Moorhen common, Coot 2, Willow Tit 2, Coal Tit 1, Blue Tit common, Great Tit very common, Chaffinch very common, BRAMBLING 1 female (KW, AP), Reed Bunting very common, Blackbird 1 male and 1 female, Dunnock and Robin also present, Siskin 1 female. Sparrowhawk 1 female through the area. Mother Drain: Under-bridge Kingfisher 1 male usual place. Piper Marsh: Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen all present in small numbers. BITTERN 1 showed at about 9.15am and a female Sparrowhawk flew across (these last two per RM, AP). Huxter Well Marsh: Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Coot and Moorhen all present. A total of 8 Shelducks were noted. Great Crested Grebe 1, Grey Heron 3, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 adults, Herring Gull 1 2nd-winter, Common Gull 5 adults and immatures, Cormorant 4, Lapwing 150. Field Centre to Entrance: Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 female, a mixed flock of tits etc we encountered had Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit 2, Coal Tit 1, Treecreeper 2, Siskin 1 female, and Bullfinch 1 male and 1 female. Also present on the Reserve were Carrion Crow, good numbers of Jackdaws around the entrance, and large numbers of Woodpigeons."

Bittern catching a Tench at Potteric Carr on 18th February 2010 © Rob Mokryj

Tuesday 16th
2 CETTI'S WARBLERs were heard today — one at Loversall Pool and one in the east corner of Old Eaa Marsh (SMB, DC). 3 BITTERNs were seen — one at Piper Marsh and two at Willow Marsh. There were 4 Common Buzzards up — two at Huxter Well and two over Willow Marsh — all seen from the Roger Mitchell Hide. 4 Skylarks were noted over the Reserve. Huxter Well had 300 Lapwings and 22 Golden Plovers. A mixed flock of 60 finches held Siskins and Redpolls. Willow Pool feeding station produced a Water Rail, Great Spotted Woodpeckr (pair), 10 Great Tits at once, 9 Pheasants, 9 Moorhens and 15 Magpies.

Shoveler, Potteric Carr, 15th February 2010 © Dave Round

Monday 15th
A BITTERN was seen at Piper Marsh am and pm and a Kingfisher was also sighted there. The BRAMBLING was again at Willow Pool feeding station, where large numbers of tits fed at the peanut hoppers. There were 2 Great Crested Grebes and 13 Wigeon on Huxter Well Marsh, and 7 Snipe on Central Grassland. Siskins numbered 70 in two flocks, one at the wardens' car park and the other near Piper Marsh. Three Redpolls associated with the Siskin flock.

Sunday 14th
Generally, there were signs of spring in the bird communities, with increased calls and song and territorial behaviour across the Reserve.

Allan Parker reports:

“Willow Pool — Willow Tit 1, BRAMBLING 1 female, Water Rail 1 showed well for about 20 minutes, GS Woodpecker 1 male 1 female, Chaffinch common, Reed Bunting common, Blue Tit common, Great Tit very common, Robin 5, Dunnock several, Blackbird 1 male plus a female with thrush like chest and flank markings, Mute Swan 1 pair, Canada Goose 6, Moorhen very common, Pheasant common, Little Grebe 2, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll a mixed flock in the adjacent Willows, also present Magpie and Jay.

Black Carr Wood — Robin, a bird with a single pure white centre tail feather.

Piper Marsh — BITTERN, 3 in sight at one time (per AA) with a possible fourth bird reported. Good close views at times with a bird catching a fairly large Perch in the Lesser Bulrush at the left end of the first island. A bird very close in front of the hide was noted catching a small unidentified fish and shortly after a small Perch. Kingfisher, a pair at a territory were in conflict with a second male several times. Another bird or one of the same three was between the bridges on Mother Drain seen from the under-bridge. Also present on Piper were Mallard, Teal, Shoveler and Tufted Duck. Mute Swan, a pair, and Canada Goose 6. Black-headed Gull, 20. A male Sparrowhawk flew through and there was a fair northerly passage of large gulls, mainly Lesser Black-backed Gull with a few Herring Gull.

Corbett Field — Tawny Owl, 1 called from the adjacent woodland.

Low Ellers Marsh — Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard and Tufted Duck were all present along with Moorhen, Coot and a single Grey Heron. A Cormorant was in flight over the area.”

At Short Lane Fields there were 150 Redwings, 2 Fieldfares, 60 Goldfinches and 11 Linnets, with 12 House Sparrows displaying in the horse fields at Gladstone Fields. Outside the recording area a female Goldeneye was on Lakeside (SMB, RWB), and a Bullfinch was near the B&Q bus stop.

Saturday 13th

BITTERN was photographed with a Perch in front of Piper Marsh Hide. Treecreepers were seen near the iron-railed bridge and in St. Catherine's Copse. A Willow Tit was along Cottage Drain. Green Woodpecker was in the oak near Sedum House whilst Great Spotted was heard drumming. 3 Bullfinches were near Piper Marsh path steps. Kestrel caught a vole on Willow Bank and cached it before hunting again.

Thursday 11th
2 BITTERNs were at Piper Marsh and 1 on Willow Marsh (AA). A Goldcrest was singing in Black Carr Wood. Huxter Well Marsh had 7 Wigeon and a male Pintail (Lagoon). There were 2 Snipe feeding at Decoy Marsh. A Woodcock took flight from the south end of Cottge Drain (CGJ). Small numbers of Redpoll and Siskins were noted.

Wednesday 10th
A LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER was seen from Cottage Drain path. Oystercatcher was new on Huxter Well Marsh. Willow Pool had a Water Rail, with a pair of GSW's and a Willow Tit also there. Common Buzzards appeared at Old Eaa, Piper Marsh and Huxter Well, where 3 were seen. 13 Bullfinches were counted and there was a mixed flock of Siskins, Redpolls and Goldfinches near the wardens' car park. There were still at least four BITTERNs on site, with 1 at Piper Marsh, 2 on Low Ellers Marsh and 1 on Willow Marsh. Treecreepers were well represented being seen near Decoy Marsh Hide (2), Loversal Copse, St. Catherine's Copse and 1 near Sedum House. Kingfisher was along Mother Drain. Tits were examining nestboxes, and Long-tailed Tit were in good numbers along Cottage Drain and Willow Bank.

Tuesday 9th

A female BRAMBLING was at Willow Pool feeding station (RM). 2 BITTERNs were seen at Piper Marsh.

Monday 8th
A LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER was near the wardens' car park and photographed (RM).

Sunday 7th
A BITTERN was seen at Piper Marsh, but the Reserve was generally quiet for birds. A Kingfisher was on Mother Drain between the arched bridges. 8 Cormorants included two Continental race birds Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis on Huxter Well Marsh (AP). 3 Common Gulls including a 1st-winter was on Huxter Well, with 10 Wigeon also there. Small numbers of Gadwall were on Piper Marsh, Low Ellars and Huxter Well and small numbers of Pochard on Huxter Well and Low Ellers Marshes. 2 Willow Tits were at Willow Pool feeders; also 1 Coal Tit and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. A single female Sparrowhawk was in flight over Old Eaa and a femal Kestrel perched in a tree at Huxter, with another near Old Eaa Hide. 1 Common Buzzard was in flight over the pumping station. Territorial behaviour was causing quite a splash, as was evident from the two waterfowl photos below.

Saturday 6th
Report by Geoff Jarvis: "Not the best of weather today but the birding was good, Willow Pool feeder was very busy, with 2 Willow Tits, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 13 Pheasants. Other highlights were: A large flock of Siskins and Redpolls near Piper Marsh Hide, 2 Treecreepers (one by the café, the other in Black Carr Wood) and lots of Bullfinches (a flock of 10at Loversall Fields). Kingfisher was along Mothers Drain."

Friday 5th
A Goldcrest was in the pines at the edge of Black Carr Field with 2 Treecreepers.

Thursday 4th
BITTERNs showed at Piper Marsh and Willow Marsh (RM).

Wednesday 3rd
A BRAMBLING was again at Willow Pool feeding station and was photographed (RM); also, a Goldfinch and 2 Willow Tits were seen there. A Curlew was on Huxter Well Marsh in the morning (TE). BITTERN was photographed at Willow Marsh (DR).

Tuesday 2nd
A BRAMBLING visited the Willow Pool feeding station, where good numbers of Reserve residents also sought food, including 3 Willow Tits, 2 Water Rails, 14 Pheasants and 20 Moorhens. At least 12 Bullfinches frequented the site. A Kingfisher spent some time perched near the wooden underbridge. 7 Snipe were on Decoy Marsh. Other birds noted, on what turned out to be a dull and rainy afternoon, where Wigeon, Redpolls, Siskins, 2 Goldcrests (Black Carr Field), another Willow Tit (nr Sedum House) and Common Buzzard. Although the BITTERNs did not show well, birds were reported at Piper Marsh (SMB) and Decoy Marsh flying to Old Eaa Marsh (IH).

Monday 1st
3 BRAMBLINGs visited the Willow Pool feeding station in the afternoon, and 2 Water Rails were seen there, plus one along Mother Drain. 2 BITTERNs were again at Piper Marsh. A Common Buzzard was perched in Beeston Plantation in the morning (CGJ, RT) and 2 flew over Loversall Fields. 14 Shelducks were on Huxter Well Marsh. The Redpoll flock numbered 24 at the wardens' car park.

BBC News Report on the Potteric Carr Bittern Project broadcast on 5th February 2007

2009 Potteric Carr Extension Land BBS (400 KB pdf). A survey of birds breeding on the Reserve's extension land in 2009.

2004 Potteric Carr Extension Land BBS (717 KB pdf). A survey of birds breeding on the Reserve's extension land in 2004.

2005 Potteric Carr Extension Land BBS (525 KB pdf). A survey of birds breeding on the Reserve's extension land in 2005.

2006 Potteric Carr Extension Land BBS (610 KB pdf). A survey of birds breeding on the Reserve's extension land in 2006.

2007 Potteric Carr Extension Land BBS (445 KB pdf). A survey of birds breeding on the Reserve's extension land in 2007.

2008 Potteric Carr Extension Land BBS (625 KB pdf). A survey of birds breeding on the Reserve's extension land in 2008.

Potteric Carr Top-ten Bird Lister Rankings (123 KB pdf). A list of birders that have seen the most bird species at Potteric Carr.

The Potteric Carr Nestbox Monitoring Scheme 2008 (165 KB pdf). A summary of the Potteric Carr Nestbox Monitoring Scheme 2008.

Revised Names for Areas of the Reserve Extension Land Revised names for areas on Huxter Well from 2008.

The information on sightings is given in good faith based on information supplied to us by various individuals. We have no way of verifying that all information
is correct and cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of this information

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Potteric Carr Nature Reserve Bird News

Potteric Carr Nature Reserve
Bird News