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SWILLINGTON INGS BIRD GROUP 
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Comment by vandervenfb8eff4a37 — April 19, 2024 @ 9:44 pm |
Swift commuting between Astley, Balance Res and WRB at 18:00. Whimbrel and Black-Tailed Godwit still in Black Pipe Bay to dusk.
Comment by Owen Michael Watson — April 19, 2024 @ 9:26 pm |
A Whimbrel was on Astley(JI)and moved to the north Ings then later to the main lake. Other waders included 5 Curlew, Common Sandpiper and Black Tailed Godwit.
The Med Gull was still near the prison gates. Six Lesser Redpolls were at the oxbow.
Comment by vaughanlister65 — April 19, 2024 @ 6:39 pm |
5 Black-tailed Godwit (South Ings), 2 Common Sandpiper (main spit), 2 Bearded Tit briefly showed well on eastern reedbed opposite triangle field. The Whimbrel (found by others) was present on north bank of Main Lake until at least c.12:20pm until I lost it to view. Also 2 White Wagtail, 2 Redshank and at least 4 Sedge and 2 Reed Warbler singing.
Comment by James Cannon — April 19, 2024 @ 6:26 pm |
Two, possibly three, Lesser Whitethroats were in the scrub around the VC car park this morning.
Comment by Dave Hunter — April 18, 2024 @ 6:42 pm |
Single swift among the sand martins over western reedbed this am.
Comment by Brian Needham — April 18, 2024 @ 4:03 pm |
Bittern survey this morning. Three booming males in WRB, and one in flood channel. A fifth bird seemed to move from Caroline Pond area over the river and was booming from Mickletown ings. There are at least three additional birds, presumably females, flying regularly between the reedbeds and Astley.
A further three bitterns booming in and around Fairburn Ings this morning.
Comment by John Ingham — April 18, 2024 @ 3:32 pm |
Lesser Whitethroat was around the Visitor centre car park yesterday morning and a male Common Redstart was photographed on a fence post at the bottom of the hillside per Facebook
Comment by Dave Hunton — April 18, 2024 @ 7:56 am |
Juvenile/1st year Gannet flew high across reserve 19:45 yesterday evening. Observed from main path between ERB and R&F, bird flew in from Great Preston/Allerton Bywater end and lost into the sun heading west.
Comment by Owen Michael Watson — April 17, 2024 @ 6:28 pm |
15 Black tailed Godwits high to the north west early morning and at least 13 birds were on the north Ings this afternoon.
other waders included 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpiper, Dunlin and 5 Curlew on the main bay. A single Snipe was on the north Ings.
The Common Tern was still on Astley Lake also 1st w Common Gull
Comment by vaughanlister65 — April 17, 2024 @ 3:33 pm |
Common tern still on Astley Lake at 16.00; also pair of garganey giving good views until flying off together to Swilly Park at 15.40
Comment by Tony O'Neill — April 17, 2024 @ 5:35 pm |
Also two Common Sandpipers on Astley 0730
Comment by Dave Hunter — April 17, 2024 @ 5:56 pm |
Yesterday evening at around 7:45 pm Owen Watson reported an immature Gannet flying west
Comment by Dave Hunter — April 17, 2024 @ 6:00 pm |
16/4/24 16:00 – 19:00 The male Whinchat and x6 Wheatear were showing incredibly well at the bottom of the Hillside ‘chat’ fence around 7pm. On the fence or on the two mounds near the bench; at one a Wheatear actually stood on the bench with a few of us a just metre or 2 away. x1 Black-wit & x1 Ringed Plover (RP) on end of The Bulge. x2 Common Sandpiper on Caroline Spit, although majority of time out of view. x2 R.L. Partridge near Fleakingley Beck entrance & another x3 on Hillside. Whitethroat in eastern hedge of Goose Fields.
Comment by Paul Scholes — April 17, 2024 @ 11:07 am |
White Stork in from the South 11.45 this morning first seen by John Higgins showed in flight for around 15 minutes before heading off East. Initial views showed no signs of leg rings but on closer inspection of a decent flight shot a blue ring on the right tibia could be made out. It was assumed the bird was part of the Knepp reintroduction scheme but apparently those birds carry rings on the left leg so it’s still of unknown origin.
Comment by Dave Hunton — April 16, 2024 @ 7:48 pm |
Also this morning Grasshopper Warbler near Caroline bridge (heard first by MB) was seen briefly in the hedge by the path before going quiet .
A stunning male Whinchat was in the trailer gate field with at least 5 Wheatears
Comment by Dave Hunton — April 16, 2024 @ 7:53 pm |
7 Black-tailed godwits on South Ings with at least 5 yellow wagtail and 6 white wagtails, yesterday (14th)
Comment by Tony Stones — April 15, 2024 @ 5:00 pm |
Lots of Sand Martins over Bower’s and the Main lake this morning with c2000 probably an underestimate. 30+ Blackwits on r&f, single Dunlin, Common Sand and Ringed Plover main lake
Comment by Dave Hunton — April 15, 2024 @ 4:28 pm |
Whitethroat between Lowther and Bower’s on the embankment this morning. Sedge warbler singing in NW corner of Bower’s
Comment by Dave Hunton — April 14, 2024 @ 8:22 pm |
2 Ringed Plover and Barnacle Goose still on South Ings along with a single Black-tailed Godwit. 2 Sedge Warbler WRB, 1 Reed Warbler Main Causeway. Common Tern Astley Lake. Common Sandpiper Caroline Spit. Mediterranean Gull moving between WRB and Astley. 15 Black-necked Grebes on Reedbeds.
Comment by Ben Moyes — April 14, 2024 @ 7:03 pm |
3 Ringed Plover with 2 Dunlin and single Common Sandpiper on the Bulge this morning. Barnacle goose still on r&f along with 10+ White and at least 2 Yellow Wagtail. 2 Reed Warblers and 3 Sedge Warblers heard but only the Reed Warbler near the crossroads showed
Comment by Dave Hunton — April 13, 2024 @ 8:43 pm |
Two Avocets on Astley very briefly early morning.
Comment by robp42 — April 13, 2024 @ 10:59 pm |
Oil depot, White Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Stock Dove, Goldfinch and m&f Wheatear.
Cuckoo over ‘pond with no name’
Comment by Julian — April 13, 2024 @ 8:24 pm |
Whitethroat singing at the old Gamblethorpe Tip site. Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming at the entrance to Leventhorpe Hall.
Comment by sibgrecorder — April 13, 2024 @ 3:05 pm |
11/4/24 different off note x2 L Redpoll Lowther. GS woody Old Astley
Comment by Paul Scholes — April 12, 2024 @ 12:11 am |
0730-1630 with Morgan
1 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 3 Black-tailed godwit, 1 Barnacle goose, 1 Pink-footed goose, 2 yellow wagtail, 15+white wagtail, 1 Blue-headed wagtail, 1 Common tern all visible from Caroline spit benches. 1 Mediterranean gull prison gates, 2 Wheatear hillside, 2 Sedge warbler (trailer gate and single bench Astley), 1 Reed warbler crossroads, 1 Bearded tit Astley causeway.
At least 5 Bitterns including 2 which spent around 20-25 mins high up flying over reedbeds and the ings.
Also 2 Green woodpecker, 40+Willow warbler, 18 Blackcap, 16 Chiffchaff, 4 Sparrowhawk, 4 Swallow.
Comment by Joe Eckersley — April 11, 2024 @ 6:30 pm |
A Jack Snipe was showing well this evening on the South Ings in the marshy area at 12 o’clock opposite Caroline Spit, remaining in view for around 20 minutes.
Comment by Dave Hunter — April 11, 2024 @ 7:35 pm |
Swallows and house martins with the sand martins over Bowers at lunchtime. Two bittern flights over or near Astley. Also sedge warbler singing off Astley causeway.
Comment by Brian Needham — April 10, 2024 @ 6:54 pm |
Several flight views of Bittern today. At least 3 each of singing Sedge and Reed Warblers. 10 Buzzards over the Hillside (a stack of 6 and another of 4). Two Marsh Harriers. A party of 20 Black-tailed Godwits flew over Astley at around 0800, reportedly landing on South Ings then flushed by Peregrine, with one remaining there until 13:00 at least. A Ruff was on the South Ings, also 5+ Yellow Wagtails, ~15 White Wagtails, 3 Dunlin and a LRP was on what remains of the now nearly submerged Caroline Spit.
At least 16 BNGs on ERB and another 2 on the Main Lake.
Comment by Dave Hunter — April 10, 2024 @ 2:24 pm |
Yesterday afternoon in very windy conditions, two Bittern trying, and failing, to fly over WRB, appeared to come from same location, gave up and dropped back into a similar location. C-C female Marsh Harrier over WRB and then across Astley Hillside. Following the rain, large numbers of Sand Martin across ERB, WRB and Main Lake, including c20-30 Swallows and one or two House Martin also seen.
Comment by Owen Watson — April 10, 2024 @ 10:59 am |
Little-ringed Plover on South Ings this evening in very blustery conditions. The 19 BTGodwits were also still present
Comment by Ben Moyes — April 9, 2024 @ 7:52 pm |
23 Black-tailed Godwits on South Ings this morning along with several White Wagtail and Yellow Wagtails. Common Sandpiper on what’s still above water at Caroline spit.
Comment by Dave Hunton — April 9, 2024 @ 12:54 pm |
3 Wheatears 1m 2f in the Trailer gate field this morning.
Comment by Gyl. SwillyBirder — April 9, 2024 @ 1:00 pm |
Reed Warbler singing from Northern corner of ERB. 23 Black-tailed Godwits on the South Ings.
Comment by Dave Hunter — April 9, 2024 @ 12:53 pm |
8/4 mid pm: sporadic reeling from brambles across the causeway from Astley double benches.
Comment by Brian Needham — April 9, 2024 @ 7:20 am |
0930-1700
1 adult Kittiwake Astley, 1 Mediterranean gull prison gates, 1 Knot, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common sandpiper, 1 Black-tailed godwit, 1 Garganey, 15+white wagtail, 7 yellow wagtail all North shore main lake and south ings. 1 Sedge warbler WRB.
1 Blue-headed wagtail (flava) with the yellow wagtails on South ings (JP) although not a full ‘tick’ was lovely to see and my 1st at Swilly.
Also 23 Willow warbler, 9 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, 6 Buzzard, 1 Marsh harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Red kite, 21 Black-necked grebe, 1 green woodpecker, 4 Bittern, 1 Bearded tit, 2 Little egret.
Comment by Joe Eckersley — April 8, 2024 @ 6:36 pm |
About 2 or 3 Sedge Warblers singing in the reeds around Astley and the nearby reeds.
2 Med Gulls flying around,near the “crossroads”and perching on fence posts there.
2 Red-Legged Partridges in the field near Lemonroyd lake.
Comment by jimw1204 — April 8, 2024 @ 5:34 pm |
Were two birds seen at the same time? I only saw one bird, it did go for a fly round a few times but whenever it was on the fence it’s behaviour was consistent.
Comment by Jim Welford — April 8, 2024 @ 7:48 pm |
Hi yes two birds together,cant presume a pair of course,i was put on to them by some other people so not my “spot” as we say..
Comment by jimw1204 — April 8, 2024 @ 9:45 pm |
An adult Kittiwake was on Astley Lake this morning.
The roadside flash in Woodlesford had a single Green Sandpiper and 6 Swallows. A Drake Garganey was opposite Caroline Spit and a Knot(MB)was on the lagoon islands.
At least 13 White Wagtails(MB) were on the South Ings.
Comment by vaughanlister65 — April 8, 2024 @ 4:09 pm |
Caroline Bridge viewing South Ings until 1945, 3+ Yellow Wag, 2+ White Wag, Bert saw Garganey and Little Gull, but I was too late. Blackcap, Cetti’s, WW and Chiffchaff all singing nearby. Swallow in with 100+ Sand Martin. Still 7 Goldeneye on main bay.
Comment by Petegriff — April 7, 2024 @ 10:15 pm |
7/4/24 Common Sandpiper on Causeway Island. From Caroline Spit benches x4 male Yellow Wagtail on S Ings & Gargeny pair in pool opposite. Med Gull still showing well on fence near Prison Gates at 5ish.
Comment by Paul Scholes — April 7, 2024 @ 10:05 pm |
in addition to reports below, A drake Garganey showed well on south ings from Caroline Spit and 3 yellow wagtails were seen on the bulge from the Warren. A common Sandpiper spent most of the afternoon on ‘med gull’ Island. And a Ringed Plover was also on the Bulge.
I also reported a Whinchat from Caroline Spit but on reflection, given the early date, poor light and only fairly brief view I am now not 100% certain. It could conceivable have been a summer plumage water pipit? The supercilium was prominent but the buff breast could possibly have been the dull pink of a pipit. I am still 95% certain of whinchat but unless there is another sighting in the next couple of days I’ll leave it as unproven.
Comment by davemusgrove7b — April 7, 2024 @ 7:13 pm |
On Astley Lake early afternoon today – 2 ad yellow legged gulls (flew off at 14.00); my 1st reed warbler of the year in reedbed to left of single seat and 2 separate booming bitterns in flight ( 1 to Spit island reedbed, the other from WRB across channel at bback of Astley Lake. Also 4 blackcaps singing along warbler alley.
Comment by Tony O'Neill — April 7, 2024 @ 4:34 pm |
Ringed Plover with 2 Dunlin main lake this morning. Jack Snipe opposite Caroline bridge showed well bobbing away after being pushed out of sedges by a Wigeon . Several Swallows and House Martins with the increased numbers of Sand Martins. Water Pipit, Yellow Wagtail and up to 4 White Wagtais on South Ings. As I was heading back to the car park I saw a Common or Arctic Tern in the distance towards main lake.
Comment by Dave Hunton — April 7, 2024 @ 1:04 pm |
Water Pipit by post 8, couple of Pied and White Wagtail moving through.
Comment by Julian — April 6, 2024 @ 10:52 pm |
Cream-crowned female Marsh Harrier low over WRB this morning. Green Sandpiper at Leventhorpe horse field flashes.
Comment by Owen Watson — April 6, 2024 @ 4:14 pm |
This morning – Common Tern main lake, at least 5 White wagtails on South Ings and 2 Yellow wagtails (JW) also. A pair of Garganey flew onto South Ings with a single Dunlin on here. Adult Med gull showed well on the new fence posts on the North Ings. Single Black- tailed Godwit on South Ings
Comment by Dave Hunton — April 6, 2024 @ 1:21 pm |
10:00-1700
3 House martin and 3 Swallow is all i could manage amongst the large Sand martin flocks throughout the day. 1 Common sandpiper on Caroline spit. 3 Marsh harrier (2f 1m). 1 Water pipit Black pipe bay. 1 Mediterranean gull high over balance res. 1 Bearded tit WRB. 17+Black-necked grebe.
Also 4 Parakeets, 2 Red-legged partridge, 6 Buzzard, 4 Bittern, 3 Red kite, 11 Willow warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Snipe.
Comment by Joe Eckersley — April 5, 2024 @ 8:35 pm |
Yesterday (03/04/2024) on Astley Lake, among the Pochard my son and I saw a bird with a darker head than the others and an almost completely black bill. We had a very clear view and it was obviously different from the other Pochard it was with. We checked on our return home and it looked very like a Canvas Back, but given the scarcity this seems unlikely. Do Pochard ever have no grey on their bill? We were thinking first season males maybe, or some other variation?
Comment by Stephen Seed — April 4, 2024 @ 8:17 pm |
There has been a Pochard/Tufted hybrid on site, first seen at Roundhay. JE has an excellent photo.
Comment by Mike Pullan — April 4, 2024 @ 9:23 pm |
This morning at Astley I noticed a small group of Pochard diving in the South Eastern
corner and several were emerging from their feeding dives with mud on their bills and heads. Perhaps the bird seen yesterday was stained with mud?
Comment by Dave Hunton — April 5, 2024 @ 5:23 pm |
Thanks all, it didn’t look like the pochard x tufted I see online, but I guess there’s a lot of variety possible. Mud is possible too, it did appear to have a dark or black forehead, which could have been mud.
Comment by stephenseed — April 6, 2024 @ 10:01 am |
Three willow warblers in trees near Lemonroyd Bridge early pm.
Comment by Brian Needham — April 4, 2024 @ 7:02 pm |
Single Little Ringed Plover on compound pools behind the SIBG hide on Fleet Lane mid morning.
Comment by beckcottagebirder — April 4, 2024 @ 4:09 pm |
with Paul Doherty and Roger Barnes
A pair of Garganey were in black pipe bay with 2 summer plumage Water Pipits.
On Balance Lake there was 21 Goldeneye and 2 Black necked Grebes.
Returning home Paul had the Glossy Ibis again on the small pool at Allerton Bywater
Comment by vaughanlister65 — April 4, 2024 @ 3:46 pm |
Recently fledged (but not independent) Collared Dove Little Preston and first Willow Warbler in garden this afternoon.
Comment by beckcottagebirder — April 2, 2024 @ 5:20 pm |
An Osprey went low west over Lemonroyd at 11:15 carrying a fish, later observed eating its prey and then over the hillside.
Also drake Garganey(DIH)in black pipe bay and summer plumage Water Pipit.
Two Black necked Grebes were on Balance Lake with 13 Goldeneye and 45 Curlew.
Singing Blackcaps and Willow Warblers at Lemonroyd Bridge
Comment by vaughanlister65 — April 2, 2024 @ 2:54 pm |
Just of interest, approx. an hour before your sighting an Osprey was flying N over Anglers c.p. (ps et al). Anglers is due south of St Aidans. Probably the same bird?
Comment by PeteGriff — April 6, 2024 @ 12:38 am |
Full bittern survey done between 7-10 this morning. Definite five different birds booming, possibly six. Also several flights and one showing well for an hour or so in cut area on northern edge of Astley Lake.
Comment by John Ingham — April 2, 2024 @ 2:52 pm |
1st April; Green Sandpiper on the flash on the North side of Fleet Lane, by the football fields. White Wagtail in the compound behind the hide, late morning/mid day.
Mid afternoon, a female Brambling was in Methley Copse.
Comment by beckcottagebirder — April 2, 2024 @ 6:23 am |
Total of 34 black-necked grebes counted across site this afternoon. All on the reedbeds apart from two on ditch between north & middle ings. Single swallow briefly over Bowers with sand martins. Two willow warblers singing to the west of the warren. Garganey pair were asleep on black pipe bay this morning.
Comment by John Ingham — April 1, 2024 @ 5:20 pm |
There was a single 2cy Caspian Gull on the Main spit again at 7pm.
Yesterday evening 3 Spoonbills flew NW at about the same time
Comment by Dave Hunter — April 1, 2024 @ 9:58 pm |
Two Little Gulls in adult winter plumage on Astley lake this morning (GYL. PRM. DAH).
Comment by Gyl. SwillyBirder — March 31, 2024 @ 12:35 pm |
Also 1st winter Caspian Gull again on main spit, Garganey in Black-pipe bay, 3 Black-tailed Godwits mainnlake and Creamcrown Marsh Harrier
Comment by Dave Hunton — March 31, 2024 @ 8:57 pm |
At least 3 Little gull yesterday. The 2 adults on Astley then a 1st winter in the ERB mid afternoon.
Comment by Joe Eckersley — April 1, 2024 @ 11:36 am |