Nosterfield Complex & Nicholson’s Lagoons, Tuesday 8th January 2019 - Trip Report

Leader: June E. Atkinson
A sunny but breezy day was a bonus after a severe gale the day before. A good start to the day was made at Nosterfield when a Peregrine Falcon was sitting on one of the islands, later flying off. Ducks were present with good numbers of Wigeon and Teal. Tufted Duck, a single Goldeneye and three Redshanks were also present, plus a small party of Linnets which flew around. Greylag and Canada Geese were present but a bonus was when five Pink-footed Geese flew over. A Pied Wagtail was seen on our walk down to the North Hide. From there, across the field, large numbers of Golden Plovers, with equal numbers of Lapwings, were found. Grey Heron was added to the list and a lone Robin was in the bushes.
Lunch was taken at Lingham before exploring the lake, where two fine drake Pintails were the main attraction while Gadwall, Shelduck, Mute Swan and Great Crested Grebe were added to the list. A walk to Kiln and Flask produced Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Starling and also Collared Dove for the two members who took the short route via the village. A Common Buzzard flew over, but the regular Little Owl was having the day off. A Little Grebe was on Kiln with Redshank. The first bird at the screen was a Goldcrest which gave close views. Gadwall and Teal were present and a Water Rail called from the reed bed, but there was no sound from the Cetti’s Warbler.
As there was time left in the day, it was suggested that we should visit Nicholson’s Lagoons to see the pair of Red-crested Pochards which had been there for some time, to which everyone agreed. The ducks were easily found, the drake in fine plumage, with the female; other species found were Shoveler, a well-disguised Common Snipe, Redwing, Mistle Thrush and Bullfinch. An excellent end to the day, with 51 species recorded by the enthusiastic members. The lack of passerines was very notable.

Bird list for 8Jan2019