December 2001 Summary

December was a steady month, with some good birds being present. Highlights came in the form of wildfowl, with male Pintail, Gadwall, and Shoveler being seen. The third Mediterranean Gull of the year was also observed. A fairly good month, better than expected given the time of year and high water levels. December rounded off a good year at Sutton Bingham. Let's hope 2002 will be as good, if not better.

Species Highest Count Date Notes
Canada Goose 346 16th  
Black-headed Gull 350 5th  
Herring Gull c.100 19th Flying over southwards
Common Gull 146 1st  
Mediterranean Gull 1 5th First winter bird
Tufted Duck 15 25th  
Pochard 50 19th  
Grey Heron 5 1st  
Wigeon 151 1st  
Shoveler 1 16th Single male
Gadwall 2 12th Two male birds
Teal 87 15th  
Kingfisher 2 14th  
Pintail 1 16th-17th Single male
Coot 11 27th  
Nuthatch 1 15th Heard calling
Meadow Pipit 24 2nd Flock flew eastwards over reservoir
Long-tailed Tit 19 19th  
Woodpigeon 27 12th  
Lapwing 26 14th Flock flew over northwards
Stonechat 2 14th Also female (2nd), male (27th)
Collared Dove 2 16th  
Snipe 11 2nd  
Mute Swan 1 14th Flew over southwards
Moorhen 15 1st  
Starling c.125 14th Several flocks flying over northwards
Redwing c.40 14th  
Mistle Thrush 2 14th  
Little Grebe 1 27th  
Great Crested Grebe 32 2nd  
Jay 1 27th Heard calling
Peregrine 1 12th/16th