Friday 20 April 2012

Breeding Wader Survey No.2

Hi Alison, Stephen.
 Had another very enjoyable visit this morning, to do the second of this years breeding wader surveys. Results as follows....
 Lapwing – a total of 54 birds, suggesting 27 pairs – a slight increase on the fist survey visit (poss 24 pairs) – the field immediately in front of the hide today held 13 incubating birds – with the 9 nests from the first survey two weeks ago still all present – which is excellent. The smaller adjacent field also still held 5 incubting birds, the same as two weeks ago – this indicates good nest survival (note – getting these figures did not involve nest visits, just observation from the same vantage point !) A further 4 incubating birds were noted on other fields.
 Redshank – 2 birds seen calling and feeding
 Curlew – at least 3 individuals seen calling, in flight and some strong display seen.
 Oystercatcher – 4 birds noted.
Additionally, more wheatear were again noted, 5 in one field and 1 in another – these are most likely passage birds still heading up to the moors, but the dry stone walls on the farm could well attract a breeding pair. Lots of pied wagtails in various locations, and up near Delph Lane, redpoll and siskin again heard, and also other summer migrants – willow warbler and chiffchaff.
 Best wishes
 Andrew.

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