September 2003 Summary

The low water levels seen on August continued to make for some interesting sightings at the reservoir. Waders were again noticeable, with the pick of the crop being a long-staying Wood Sandpiper and an all to brief Curlew Sandpiper. Two more Spotted Redshanks turned up, as did more sightings of Hobbies and Whinchats. A pair of Garganey provided interest for duck enthusiasts, and two juvenile Sandwich Terns were unexpected. Finally, a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was reported, being only the fifth ever SBR record. All in all another excellent month.

 

Species

Highest Count

Date

Notes

Little Grebe

2

3rd/6th

 
Little Egret 1 1st  
Peregrine 1   Several sightings of birds throughout the month
Hobby 1 8th/22nd Two different birds
Canada Goose 358 30th  
Barnacle Goose 1 30th Presumed feral bird
Bar-headed Goose 1 30th Escaped bird
Wigeon 74 27th  
Teal 40 27th  
Shoveler 2 30th  
Garganey 2 17th Pair
Tufted Duck 3 18th  
Snipe 5 20th Also several sightings throughout the month
Lapwing 2 3rd  
Ringed Plover 2 4th Also a single bird on 3rd
Little Ringed Plover 2 4th Also a single bird on 3rd
Dunlin 3 6th Also 2 birds on 3rd
Common Sandpiper 8+ 7th Also several other sightings
Green Sandpiper 1 3rd  
Wood Sandpiper 1 2nd-12th  
Curlew Sandpiper 1 2nd Juvenile
Ruff 1 22nd  
Greenshank 13 3rd  
Spotted Redshank 2 6th  
Yellow-legged Gull 1   Single bird seen on several dates
Sandwich Tern 2 15th Two juveniles reported
Wheatear 1 9th/14th  
Whinchat 1 14th  
Pied Wagtail 40 27th  
Yellow Wagtail 6 18th Also 5 on 8th
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1 17th  
Raven 1 6th