Nosterfield NR January 2023 Bird Review
Continuous, unflagging effort, persistence and determination will win. Let not the man (woman) be discouraged who has these. James Whitcomb Riley
The month saw several continuous themes, resulting from continuous, unflagging effort, persistence and determination. These included regular sightings of Great Black-backed Gull, sporadic observations of up to two Marsh Tits and up to two Cetti’s Warblers in the Flasks Lake area. The Pintail flock on Lingham Lake peaked at 12 at the month’s end, Shelduck numbers reached 19 by the same time, whilst Wigeon numbers peaked at 1300 on 18th, Teal at 651 on 13th and Gadwall at 154 on 5th. In comparison to last year, very little passage of Pink-footed Geese was recorded, with a maximum of 110 through on 6th. This was more than compensated for by 720 in the field north of Flasks Lake (and briefly on Flasks Lake itself) on 18th. A single Eurasian White-fronted Goose was seen on three dates during the month.
Another continuous theme was the presence of at least two, and probably three different Peregrines snacking on birds ranging from Lapwing to Greylag Goose.
Curlew numbers rose to 285 on 30th and Oystercatcher reached 19 by the month’s end. Ruff were also a continuous feature, peaking at 19 on 26th, but a maximum of only seven Snipe was poor.
Oystercatchers on Flasks Lake Photo: Tim Jones
Twite at ‘Stercore agrum’ Photo: Tim Jones
One of this winter’s headline species, Twite, peaked at ten in the ‘Sterecore agrum’ field by Ladybridge Lake on 1st, but became elusive as the month wore on. Other species of note on that date included the only Goosander observation of the month and a Barnacle Goose.
A Marsh Harrier flew over the Reedbed on 3rd, whilst a Black-tailed Godwit was found on 4th and thereafter reported on and off until 14th.
Attention returned to ‘Sterecore agrum’ on 5th, where the Linnet flock, now in the region of 200, hosted the guest appearance of two Corn Bunting. The next day a Merlin put an appearance and on 8th, an impressive count of 23 Bullfinch was recorded.
A Chiffchaff was located at Flasks Lake on 18th and on 21st a Hawfinch was reported from Langwith.
Lesser Redpoll at Flasks Lake Photo: Tim Jones
The month drifted to an end with a star performance from a very showy Tawny Owl along Flasks Lane from 24th to the month’s end and a single male Common Scoter on Langwith Lake on 26th.
The extrovert Flasks Lane Tawny Owl Photo: Mike Smithson
Andrew Hanby, on behalf of the Nosterfield Naturalists, 2nd February 2023