31 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake:
Map

Evening: 7:00pm - 7:15pm

This evening at dusk, hoping for my first Sand Martin sure enough 2 feeding over the Lake. Also 2 Cormorant recorded. (Martin Grant)

Morning: 11:00am

2 Sand Martin
4 Gadwall

(John Isherwood)

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Trench Lock Pool:
Map

5 Sand Martin feeding over the pool this evening. (Dave Tromans)

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On this day in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2012

Priorslee Lake
2012

Sand Martin
House Martin
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2011
Chiffchaffs at least 8 singing
Willow Warbler 2 singing
Blackcap
(Martin Grant)
------------------------------
2008
3 male Blackcaps
5 Chiffchaffs
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2007
Peregrine Falcon 
7 Sand Martin
2 Swallow
8 Redwing
6 Chiffchaff
2 Willow Tit
(Martin Adlam)

------------------------------
2006
19 Sand Martins
7 Chiffchaffs
2 Willow Warblers
5 Fieldfare
13 Redwings
5 Siskins
Ruddy Duck
2 Willow Tits
(Ed Wilson)

30 Mar 15

No Sightings in today.

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On this day in 2006 and 2012
Priorslee Lake
2012
Peregrine
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
7 Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
Swallow
1 pair of Ruddy Duck
(Martin Adlam)

29 Mar 15

Devil's Dingle:
Map

2 Little Ringed Plovers, Green Sandpiper, 4 Snipe, several Chiffchaff and a Red Kite hunting over site moving west. (Glenn Bishton)

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Buildwas:
Map

Little Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher (pair) and Lapwing

(Glenn Bishton)

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On this day in 2006 and 2008

Priorslee Lake
2008
Oystercatcher
Blackcap
5 singing Chiffchaffs
Sand Martins
(Ed Wilson/John Isherwood)
------------------------------
2006
Barn Owl
25 Sand Martins
3 Chiffchaffs
1 Willow Warbler
47 Redwing
(Ed Wilson)

28 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake:
Map

Late Morning onwards: 11:30am - 1:30pm

The 3 Oystercatchers, a pair piping and chasing the single one, on and off, for the 2 hours I was there. Great Crested Grebe 15, Cormorant 3, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan pair building nest, Gadwall 2 pairs, Tufted Duck 23, Mallard 3 (2M 1F), Coot 48, Moorhen 6, Black-headed Gull 1, Magpie 9, Jay 1, Carrion Crow 4, Wood Pigeon 17, Chiffchaff 7 (singing), Robin 6, Dunnock 3, Blackbird 5, Mistle Thrush 1, Song Thrush 1 (singing), Pied Wagtail 1, Wren 5, Great Tit 1, Blue Tit 3, Long-tailed Tit 5 + 2 completed nests, Reed Bunting 1M, Bullfinch male. (Martin Grant)

Mid Morning:  10:45am

3 Oystercatcher - 2 on SW shore, 1 on dam
4 Gadwall

Still no hirundines yet.

(John Isherwood)

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On this day in 2006 and 2013

Priorslee Lake
2013
Juvenile Glaucous Gull
Adult Yellow-legged Gull
Adult hybrid Ring-billed x Lesser Black-backed Gull!
1st winter Mediterranean Gull
(Martin Grant)
------------------------------
2006
Swallow
13 Sand Martins
Adult Kittiwake
Ruddy Ducks
Blackcap
1 Willow Warbler
(Ed Wilson / Martin Adlam)

27 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 12:45pm - 2:00pm
Map

Great-crested Grebe 16, Little Grebe 1, Cormorant 3, Mute Swan pair building nest, Gadwall 2 pairs, Tufted Duck 22, Mallard 3 (2M 1F), Coot 49, Moorhen 10, Buzzard 1, Magpie 11, Wood Pigeon 10, Skylark 1 (singing to East), Chiffchaff 6 (singing), Robin 10, Dunnock 2, Blackbird 4, Song Thrush 1 (singing), Pied Wagtail 3, Wren 3, Great Tit 4, Blue Tit 4, Long-tailed Tit, Reed Bunting 5 (3M 2 F), Chaffinch 3 (2M 1F) and Bullfinch pair. (Martin Grant)

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On this day in 2006, 2011, 2013 and 2014

Priorslee Lake
2014
1 adult Kittiwake
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2013
2nd year Common Gull
3rd year Yellow-legged Gull
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2011
1 Dunlin1 Raven
(John Isherwood)
------------------------------
2006
8 Sand Martin
2 Willow Warblers
3 Chiffchaffs
Pair of Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson/ Martin Adlam / Martin Grant)

26 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 10:45am
Map

Oystercatchers flew in at 11:00am and landed on SW shore.
No sign of Ring-necked duck or Gadwall

(John Isherwood)

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On this day in 2006, 2007 and 2013
2013
1st year Mediterranean Gull
Ring-billed x Lesser Black-backed Gull hybrid
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2007
Mallard x Pintail
Ruddy Duck
Little Ringed Plover
Kittiwake
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
Nuthatch
Barn Owl
1 Willow Warbler
1 Chiffchaff
Willow Tit
(Ed Wilson)

25 Mar 15

No Sightings in today.

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On this day in 2006, 2007 and 2014

Priorslee Lake
2014
1 adult Kittiwake
1 Sand Martin
7 Chiffchaffs
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2007
7 Chiffchaff
(Martin Adlam)
------------------------------
2006
Yellow-legged Gull
A pair of Ruddy Duck
Barn Owl
Willow Warbler
1 Chiffchaff
(Martin Adlam, Martin Grant and Ed Wilson)

24 Mar 15

No Sightings in today.

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On this day in 2007, 2010 and 2014

Priorslee Lake
2014
Chiffchaffs
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------

2010
Willow Warbler
4 Chiffchaffs
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2007
Ruddy Duck
Sand Martin
(Ed Wilson)

23 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake:
Map

No sign of the Ring-necked Duck at midday or early evening at the Lake or the Flash.
3 pairs of Gadwall
6 pairs Great Crested Grebes
c20 Tufted Duck

(Mike Cooper)

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Priorslee Flash:
Map

c40 Tufted Duck
70+ Magpies roosting on the island

(Mike Cooper)

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On this day in 2006, 2007 and 2010

Priorslee Lake
2010
Willow Warbler
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2007
Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
Ruddy Ducks
(Ed Wilson)

22 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 6:15am and 9:30am
Map

The drake Ring-necked Duck still present this morning off the dam - believe this is the first for East Telford.
6 Gadwall

(John Isherwood / Jim Almond)

Photo Here

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Devil's Dingle: 7:15am
Map

3 Oystercatcher
Teal

(John Isherwood)

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River Severn: 8:00am
Map

1 Green Sandpiper
4 Goosander
1 Raven

(John Isherwood)

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On this day in 2006, 2007 and 2010

Priorslee Lake
2010
4 Sand Martins
Willow Warbler 
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2007
Kittiwake
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
Ruddy Ducks
(Ed Wilson)

21 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 11:20am - 6:42pm
Map

A drake Ring-necked Duck showing well from the Car Park. (Jim Almond and John Reeves)
Also reported on BirdGuides Here and Shropshire Birds Here.

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At Venus Pool the first House Martin of the year.

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On this day in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2013

Priorslee Lake
2013
Little Ringed Plover
Adult Mediterranean Gull
 Male Brambling
(John Isherwood/Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2012
Bramblings
2 Chiffchaffs singing
(Martin Grant)
------------------------------
2009
Willow Tit
4 Chiffchaff
(John Isherwood)
------------------------------
2007
Merlin
(Martin Adlam)
------------------------------
2006
Chiffchaff
Barn Owl
Adult Common Gull
Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)

20 Mar 15

Shifnal
Map

200+ Golden Plover in field off Upton Lane, Shifnal at lunchtime today. (Steve Gill)

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On this day in 2006, 2007 and 2008
Priorslee Lake
2008
2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull
(Peter Wilson)
------------------------------
2007
Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
Yellow-legged Gulls
2 Common Gulls
(Martin R Adlam)

19 Mar 15

No Sightings in today.

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On this day in 2008
Priorslee Lake
2008
2 Sand Martins
(Martin Adlam)

18 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake:
Map

Sunny afternoon (12:00pm onwards) after fog in the morning. Probably accounts for the fact many birds identified by song, when I was around the Lake between 10:45am to 11:45am.

Mute Swan 2, Grey Heron 1, Cormorant 4 (including 1 continental), Great crested Grebe 9, Mallard 6, Gadwall 2 pairs, Tufted Duck 25, Pochard 2 (male and female), Coot 48, Moorhen 12, Black-headed Gulls 19, Carrion Crow 2, Magpie 4, Wood Pigeon 14, Blackbird 10, Song Thrush 2, Dunnock 10, Robin 12, Wren 6, Chiffchaff 4 (including 3 singing), Pied Wagtail 3, Great Tit 3, Chaffinch 1, Reed Bunting 6 (3 male 3 female in a loose flock, possibly migrants brought down by the fog). 

Herring Gulls c20 beginning to drop in as I was leaving at 11:50am.

(Martin Grant)

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On this day in 2006, 2007 and 2013
Priorslee Lake
2013
1st winter Mediterranean Gull
1st winter Iceland Gull
3 Great Black-backed Gulls
(Ed Wilson/John Isherwood)
------------------------------
2007
Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
3rd winter Lesser-black backed Gull Larus fuscus race: heuglini (Siberian Gull)
(Martin R Adlam)

17 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 6:30am
Map

1 Redshank on SW shore to at least 7:30am.
1 Snipe
Gadwall

Also
Chiffchaff
Grey Wagtail
Pochard

(John Isherwood)

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Devil's Dingle: 8:00am
Map

1 female Stonechat
Water Rail
9 Teal

Also
Lapwing
Red-legged Partridge
and
5 Fallow Deer

(John Isherwood)

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On this day in 2007, 2011 and 2012
Priorslee Lake
2012
Bramblings
2 Chiffchaffs
(Martin Grant)
------------------------------
2011
Sand Martins
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2007
Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)

16 Mar 15

No Sightings in so far today..............................

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On this day in 2011 and 2012
Priorslee Lake
2012
1 adult Kittiwake
2 adult Little Gulls

 (J Reeves / Jim Almond / Andy Latham)
------------------------------
2011
12 + Sand Martin
 Chiffchaff 
(Mike Cooper / Martin Grant)

15 Mar 15

Trench Lock Pool:
Map

Adult Yellow-legged Gull
3+ Chiffchaff

(Kris Webb)

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On this day in 2007
Priorslee Lake
2007
Leucistic Black-headed Gull.
(Ed Wilson)

14 Mar 15

No sightings in today.

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On this day in 2006, 2007, 2009. 2011, 2012 and 2013
Priorslee Lake
2013
1st winter Iceland Gull 
4 Yellow-legged Gulls
An adult Caspian Gull
1st winter Common Gull.
(Tom Lowe/J Reeves)
------------------------------
2012
Chiffchaff
(Martin Grant)
------------------------------
2011
3 Chiffchaff
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2009
1st winter Glaucous Gull
(John Isherwood)
------------------------------
2007
7 Chiffchaff
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
Ruddy Ducks
(Ed Wilson)

13 Mar 15

No Sightings in today.

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On this day in 2006 and 2014
Priorslee Lake
2014
1st winter female Scaup
Kingfisher
(Gary Crowder)
------------------------------
2006
Ruddy Ducks
(Ed Wilson)

12 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 5:28am - 6:50am // 7:50am - 9:05am
Map

Telford sunrise: 6:31am

7.5°C> 9.5°C Very dull and mainly low overcast. Moderate SE wind fell light. Moderate visibility, poor at times.

Back to the usual summer routine of once around the lake; walk to and around The Flash and back; and then back around the lake again – at the moment running the gauntlet of the road works along Teece Drive.

Three highlights this morning
- 2 Oystercatchers on the SW grass at the lake early only (before 06:15)
- my first Chiffchaff of the year: a singing bird at the lake
- my first Common Redpoll of the year flying over the lake

Also noteworthy were even more Great Crested Grebes, this time at Trench

The owner of the feeding station that backs on to the path between the lake and The Flash confirms that he has seen no Brambling at his feeders this winter. There is still just about time for returning migrants to appear.

(37th visit of the year)

Notes
- back to 4 Gadwall this morning
- the duck Pochard does indeed seem to be the very blotchy bird that has been present intermittently for several days
- a drake Goosander flew in low from the W: not entirely sure it actually landed: it certainly did not stay long
- Magpie seen carrying stick to start repairing nest
- two male Blackbirds fighting – a tight black ball of feathers rolling around on the ground. Later another male was seen carrying nesting material
- spent a long while checking a small flitting bird and just as I had nailed it as a Chiffchaff it decided to start singing: typical!

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
badly affected by the poor visibility
- 6 Canada Geese in 3 groups
- 26 Black-headed Gulls
- 7 Feral Pigeons
- 145 Jackdaws
- 15 Rooks
- 1 Pied Wagtail
- 1 Common Redpoll

Counts of birds leaving roosts around the lake
- 42 Magpies exactly
- 3 Redwings
Neither roost systematically counted and also affected by the poor visibility

The counts from the lake area
- 2 Mute Swans
- 4 (2♂) Gadwall
- 2 (1♂) Mallard
- 1 (0♂) Pochard
- 9 (6♂) Tufted Duck
- 1 (1♂) Goosander briefly
- 2 Cormorants
- 17 Great Crested Grebes
- 13 Moorhens
- 74 Coots
- 2 Oystercatchers early only
- 8 Black-headed Gulls only
- 1 Herring Gull
The 2 Oystercatchers on the grass by the shelter at the lake (with Coots): this species is just about annual on passage here. Many people are surprised to learn Oystercatchers often breeds inland – indeed what was likely the resident pair returned to Venus Pool area over a month ago. Not the best photo but had to set the ISO to 6400 to try and stop the movement in the early gloom.

(Ed Wilson)

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Priorslee Flash: 7:00am - 7:40am
Map

(33rd visit of the year)

Notes
- the ‘now you see then, now you don’t” Shoveler were back today

Again very little noted flying over
- 5 Black-headed Gulls

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 22 Canada Geese
- 1 all-white feral goose
- 15 (11♂) Mallard
- 1 white feral duck
- 2 (2♂) Shoveler
- 61 (35♂) Tufted Ducks
- 4 Great Crested Grebes again
- 2 Moorhens
- 20 Coots
- 7 Black-headed Gulls

(Ed Wilson)

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Trench Lock Pool: 9:15am - 9:37am
Map

(18th visit of the year)

Notes
- the long-term brownhead Goosander has either done a very quick moult or, more likely, been replaced by a splendid drake
- 8 Great Crested Grebes my highest-ever number here

Overhead (en route to Middle Pool?)
- 9 Black-headed Gulls

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 17 Canada Geese
- 10 (5♂) Mallard
- 3 feral Mallard-type ducks
- 1 (0♂) Pochard
- 40 (24♂) Tufted Ducks
- 1 (1♂) Goosander
- 2 Little Grebes
- 8 Great Crested Grebes
- 5 Moorhens
- 54 Coots
- 23 Black-headed Gulls

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013
Priorslee Lake
2013
1st winter Iceland Gull
2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls
3 Common Gulls
3rd winter Great Black-backed Gull 
(John Isherwood/J Reeves)
------------------------------
2011
Chiffchaff
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2007
Chiffchaff
(Martin Adlam)
------------------------------
2006
Peregrine
Ruddy Ducks
(Ed Wilson)

11 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 5:28am - 9:01am
Map

Telford sunrise: 6:33am

1.5°C > 6.0°C Clear and frosty to start with cloud soon beginning to encroach from the SW. Moderate SE wind fell away before freshening again from the S. Very good visibility.

A few numbers different but little change overall

(36th visit of the year)

Notes
- 6 Gadwall again this morning
- duck Pochard still not positively ID-ed as the previous incumbent: seen early when too dark to check; but it then seemed to disappear
- a small duck – Teal-sized – was seen before 06:00 landing with one of the long-term groups of 3 Mallard – noticeable that the groups comprises a drake with 2 ducks! But was not re-found
- at least 18 Great Crested Grebes found this morning – the water was rather smoother and the birds were sitting around more. There may have been at least one more but a very immature Cormorant confused me more than once as I did a quick sweep before that all moved again
- Sparrowhawk seen leaving its traditional nest area
- 11 Black-headed Gulls arrived and then left: later 11 present again – presumed same
- 12 Song Thrushes heard in song this morning – highest number this year: another 3 birds seen

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 1 Greylag Goose
- 23 Canada Geese in 7 groups
- 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 4 Herring Gulls
- 12 Feral Pigeons
- c.480 Jackdaws
- 21 Rooks only
- 9 Fieldfare
- 2 Redwings
- 1 Pied Wagtail
- 1 Siskin

Counts of birds leaving roosts around the lake
- 47 Magpies exactly
- 7 Redwings

Neither roost systematically counted this morning – incomplete numbers

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 6 (3♂) Gadwall
- 11 (6♂) Mallard
- 1 (0♂) Pochard
- 11 (8♂) Tufted Duck
- 3 Cormorants
- 1 Little Grebe
- 18? Great Crested Grebes
- 7 Moorhens
- 66 Coots
- 11 Black-headed Gulls only
- 1 possible Yellow-legged Gull
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 21 Herring Gulls
The moon is a-waning: here it is yesterday (10th) morning.

...and 24 hours later, today.

Today’s the red sky warning: wind and rain on the way.

Cloud beginning to move in: the 14 small dots are outbound Jackdaws in the distance (the bent vapour-trail was left by a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster inbound to Ramstein in Germany if anyone else is interested)

But still some pleasant early sun.

The fields to the E and N of Castle Farm Way: if planning permission is granted it might not look like this by the same time next year.

Here is a somewhat better shot of a flying Stock Dove. Smaller and shorter-tailed than a Wood Pigeon. Can often be noticed as they come in to land / perch with wings raised in quite a deep ‘V’, though not usually as much as Feral / Racing Pigeons.

Whereas this isn’t a very good shot at all! But what this edit does show is the iridescent neck mark; and the dark-bordered upper-wing lacking any white

A Buzzard: very fierce-looking with those piercing yellow irises.

And chased off by a Crow – as they often are.

I logged this a 1st year Lesser Black-backed Gull on the basis of the darkness of the upper wing with dark secondaries and secondary-coverts. However I was surprised at the paleness of the under-wing which I attributed to the strong light. The head is also rather pale but I assumed this was a bird moulting in to 1st summer plumage when the head would be mainly white. The photo reveals that the inner primaries are slightly paler. Upon reflection I am inclined to think this is in fact a 1st year Yellow-legged Gull. However this single shot is not going to give me a positive ID.

(Ed Wilson)

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Priorslee Flash: 9:04am - 9:41am
Map

(32nd visit of the year)

Notes
- no sign of the Shoveler today

Again very little noted flying over!
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 30 Canada Geese
- 1 all-white feral goose
- 20 (15♂) Mallard
- 1 white feral duck
- 73 (43♂) Tufted Ducks
- 4 Great Crested Grebes again
- 4 Moorhens
- 18 Coots again
- 11 Black-headed Gulls
One of these Canada Geese was showing a pinkish growth(?) at the base of the upper mandible and on the head. A normal bird for comparison. I can find no reference to any such feature on the web and am therefore mystified as to its cause. The bird otherwise looked and behaved like a normal and healthy bird.

(Ed Wilson)

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On this day in 2006 and 2011
Priorslee Lake
2011
1 Chiffchaff
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
Common Gull
1 Goldeneye
1 Goosander
1 Ruddy Duck
Water Rail
(Ed Wilson)

10 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake:
Map

Late Morning Update: 9:40am - 11:40am

Mute Swans 2
Great-crested Grebe 10
Little Grebe 1
Cormorant 2
Grey Heron 1
Gadwall 3 pairs
Tufted Duck 16
Mallard 3
Coot 70
Moorhen 4
Herring Gull 57
Lesser Black Backed Gull 135
Black-headed Gull 27
Buzzard 1
Tawny Owl 1
Wood Pigeon 5
Carrion Crow 4
Magpie 8
Jay 2
Robin 10
Blackbird 5
Song Thrush 2
Dunnock 4
Wren 4
Blue Tit 2
Great Tit 1
Long-tailed Tit 3
Goldcrest 2
Chiffchaff 1
Chaffinch 1
Bullfinch 8.

(Martin Grant)

Early Morning Report: 5:28am - 9:04am

Telford sunrise: 6:36am

4.0°C > 8.0°C Despite the temperature a slight frost in sheltered areas: layer of cloud to far S & E, otherwise clear. Brisk NW wind. Good visibility

(35th visit of the year)

Notes
- 4 Gadwall flew in at 05:45 and these were the only Gadwall seen today
- duck Pochard did not seem to be the same – not so obviously blotchy: but the light was strong today and could have ‘blown-out’ the contrast
- struggled to find even 11 Great Crested Grebes this morning: some seem to have left
- 64 Black-headed Gulls arrived, mainly from the W, by 06:45 but all gone by 07:15. c.30 drifted in later from the fields to the E assumed to be some of the same birds
- more than 300 Wood Pigeons seen in / over fields to NE and frequently flushed in to trees, including some to the trees around the lake. c.40, perhaps other birds, seen flying quite high and possibly on the move. These not included in fly-over totals below
- the 5 Reed Buntings seen flying together from the roost were the only Reed Buntings seen / heard this morning

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 1 Greylag Goose
- 27 Canada Geese in 7 groups
- 4 (2♂) Mallard
- 3 Black-headed Gulls
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls only
- 1 Feral Pigeon
- c.400 Jackdaws
- 35 Rooks
- 3 Fieldfare
- 15 Redwings
- 1 Sky Lark
- 3 Pied Wagtails

Counts of birds leaving roosts around the lake
- 90 Magpies exactly
- 3 Redwings
- 7 Starlings
- 5 Reed Buntings
The 3 Redwings came from 3 different locations around the lake: the normal roost site not visited

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 4 (2♂) Gadwall
- 4 (2♂) Mallard
- 1 (0♂) Pochard
- 16 (13♂) Tufted Duck
- 2 Cormorants again
- 2 Grey Herons
- 1 Little Grebe
- 11 Great Crested Grebes
- 11 Moorhens again
- 72 Coots
- 64 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 11 Herring Gulls

(Ed Wilson)

-------------------------------------------------------

Priorslee Flash: 9:07am - 9:57am
Map

(31st visit of the year)

Notes
- the cob Mute Swan with his new partner (blue 7HJJ) today: no sign of 7HXE this morning
- the Lesser Canada Goose sp. (aka Cackling Goose) with a ‘standard’ Canada Goose this morning but not the usual ringed bird – that was with another Canada Goose elsewhere
- many of the Canada Geese now obviously paired and many out of the water, probably trying to select egg-laying sites

Just 1 bird noted flying over!
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 45 Canada Geese
- 1 Lesser Canada Goose sp.
- 1 all-white feral goose
- 17 (12♂) Mallard
- 1 white feral duck
- 2 (2♂) Shoveler again
- 59 (34♂) Tufted Ducks
- 3 Great Crested Grebes again
- 6 Moorhens
- 18 Coots
- 9 Black-headed Gulls

(Ed Wilson)
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On this day in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2014
Priorslee Lake
2014
7 Great Black-backed Gulls
Chiffchaff
(John Isherwood)
------------------------------
2011
Chiffchaff
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2007
Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)

9 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 5:27am - 9:00am
Map

Telford sunrise: 6:38am

-0.5°C > 4.5°C Fine, frosty and calm start, but soon began to cloud-over with increasing SSE wind. Good visibility

A dearth of gulls today – more so than is usual on a Monday

(34th visit of the year)

Notes
- the distinctively marked moulting Pochard back again
- Little Grebe was both heard; and then seen, unusually, in the middle of the water
- at least 17 Great Crested Grebes this morning; continually diving and re-grouping these are very hard to reliably count. This is my largest total this year
- the 4 Stock Doves noted as flying over were in addition to the pair prospecting a potential nest site
- a visit to the Redwing roost site was very unproductive with just 8 birds noted – in fact there were more Blackbirds (11) in the roost area
- 3 different Goldcrests this morning: two of them in song
- none of today’s Goldfinches seemed at all interested in the trees around the lake and all flew fast overhead
- the 2 Siskins flew over together

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 1 Greylag Goose
- 17 Canada Geese in 5 groups
- 2 Black-headed Gulls
- 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 2 Herring Gulls
- 4 Feral Pigeons
- 4 Stock Doves
- 310 Jackdaws
- 10 Rooks only
- 2 Ravens
- 9 Starlings
- 11 Redwings
- 3 Pied Wagtails
- 13 Goldfinches
- 2 Siskins

Counts of birds leaving roosts around the lake
- 62 Magpies (partial count)
- 8 Redwings
- 1 Reed Bunting

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 9 Canada Geese, briefly
- 6 (3♂) Gadwall
- 9 (5♂) Mallard
- 1 (0♂) Pochard
- 12 (9♂) Tufted Duck
- 2 Cormorants
- 1 Grey Heron
- 1 Little Grebe
- 17 Great Crested Grebes
- 11 Moorhens
- 74 Coots again
- 37 Black-headed Gulls
- 12 Herring Gulls

They were right: “red sky in the morning, shepherds’ warning”. A cold wind and rain soon. But here the sun just rising over a frosty scene.

After a calm start the breeze is already ruffling the water on the lake.

Pair of Gadwall having a good preen this morning

and again: here you can see the chestnut wing panel on both the duck (left hand bird) and the drake

And with his neck stretched you can see the separate feathers that, when the bird is at rest, give that neat scalloping look.


(Ed Wilson)

-------------------------------------------------------

Priorslee Flash: 9:04am - 9:41am
Map

(30th visit of the year)

Notes
- the additional Mute Swan now seems to be paired with the resident cob: and he is now giving his last-year’s love interest a hard time (blue 7HXE was one of his daughters from 2013). The new pen has a rather pale orange bill suggesting that she too is a sub-adult. I read the ring (blue 7HJJ) today and that reveals, with thanks to Martin Grant (who keeps track of all these things), that she too is one of his daughters – but from 2012
- after yesterday’s absence 2 drake Shoveler returned
- many of yesterdays 104 Tufted Duck moved out

No birds noted flying over

The counts from the water
- 3 Mute Swans again
- 27 Canada Geese
- 1 all-white feral goose
- 20 (16♂) Mallard
- 1 white feral duck
- 2 (2♂) Shoveler
- 64 (37♂) Tufted Ducks
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 2 Moorhens only
- 20 Coots again
- no Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull


The camera reveals what I could not read with binoculars: the ‘new’ Swan at The Flash is Blue 7HJJ. Born here in 2012 when her current companion was her father.

(Ed Wilson)

-------------------------------------------------------

Trench Lock Pool: 9:48am - 10:15am
Map

(17th visit of the year)

Notes
- a singing Goldcrest was my first of the year here
- Kingfisher seen

Overhead (en route to Middle Pool)
- 3 Greylag Geese

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 39 Canada Geese
- 6 (3♂) Mallard
- 3 feral Mallard-type ducks
- 1 (0♂) Pochard
- 38 (28♂) Tufted Ducks
- 1 (0♂) Goosander
- 1 Little Grebe
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 6 Moorhens
- 58 Coots
- 9 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Herring Gull

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2009 and 2012
Priorslee Lake
2012
Adult Iceland Gull
(Martin Grant)
------------------------------
2009
Glaucous Gull
(Martin Grant)
------------------------------
2006
Ruddy Ducks
(Ed Wilson)

8 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 5:28am - 8:31am
Map

Telford sunrise: 6:40am

8.5°C > 10.0°C Mainly cloudy: a few breaks early. Moderate WSW wind. Very good visibility

A quiet morning with just a rather late Great Black-backed Gull at the lake of interest

Talking to the Fitzgerald construction workers it was the Environmental Agency that mixed the idea of putting the Wesley Brook in pipes when the Teece Drive extension is reworked as the access road for the new Academy. The steel piling is costing someone – the Council Tax payers of Telford & Wrekin (me!) I assume – over £1 million

I was also told that the whole of Castle Farm Way between the Castle Farm and Limekiln O-abouts is to be re-surfaced commencing 18 March. I hope the work to install the traffic lights at the Priorslee Avenue junction has been finished by then

(33rd visit of the year)

Notes
- the very distinctively marked moulting bird was the only Pochard noted and she flew off – see The Flash notes
- the Black-headed Gulls all came in very early this morning – before 06:45: most arrived in three large groups only one of which came from the usual W end. They soon flew off E to the fields. Some drifted back later
Great Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming this morning: for some reason although they are common enough here I rarely hear drumming

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 3 Greylag Goose
- 37 Canada Geese in 12 groups
- 1 (1♂) Tufted Duck
- 26 Black-headed Gulls
- 55 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 7 Herring Gulls
- 436 Jackdaws
- 66 Rooks
- 5 Starlings
- 4 Redwings
- 3 Pied Wagtails

Counts of birds leaving roosts around the lake
- 87 Magpies
- 4 Reed Buntings
Redwing roost area not visited: none seen leaving in the distance

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 6 (3♂) Gadwall
- 5 (3♂) Mallard
- 1 (0♂) Pochard
- 11 (8♂) Tufted Duck
- 1 Grey Heron
- 14 Great Crested Grebes
- 8 Moorhens
- 74 Coots
- c.275 Black-headed Gulls
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 16 Herring Gulls
- 1 Great Black-backed Gull

A rather strange lighting effect as the cloud moved in this morning.

A 1st year Great Black-backed Gull. It was the combination of the large black bill, white-looking head and rather scaly markings on the wing and mantle that drew my attention to this bird. The white head is a less reliable feature at this time of year as all the large gulls moult in to summer plumage.

In this view we see the inner primaries are not so extensively pale as they would be on a Herring Gull: they would be all-dark on a Lesser Black-backed Gull which would also show much darker secondary coverts.

Here it is on the water showing how white the head looks. Note at this angle the base of the bill is not so black as the rest of the bill. I did wonder whether it I had failed to notice that there was a different bird present but looking closely at the first photo there is a hint of this paleness and I think it is just the angle of the light that makes them appear different.

This pair of Great Crested Grebes seem to be trying out these reeds as possible breeding site.

(Ed Wilson)

-------------------------------------------------------

Priorslee Flash: 8:35am - 9:17am
Map

(29th visit of the year)

Notes
- additional Mute Swan still present but still not managed to ID the extra bird. Last year’s pen was on the island while the cob was with another bird around the island: this additional bird has to be another pen but apart from noting she wears a blue – and hence Shropshire – Darvic ring no data as yet
- after at least 2 weeks here the Shoveler seem to have gone
- a blotchy duck Pochard asleep seemed likely to be the bird from the lake
- lots of Tufted Duck this morning – largest count of the year: and some of the birds were excitedly calling

Birds noted flying over
- 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 2 Herring Gulls

The counts from the water
- 3 Mute Swans again
- 30 Canada Geese
- 1 all-white feral goose
- 28 (19♂) Mallard
- 1 white feral duck
- 1 (0♂) Pochard
- 103 (62♂) Tufted Ducks
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- 4 Moorhens
- 20 Coots
- 4 Black-headed Gulls only

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2007 and 2012
Priorslee Lake
2012
1st winter Iceland Gull
2 1st winter Great Black-backed Gulls
(John Isherwood)
------------------------------
2007
Woodcock
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
2nd winter Ring-billed Gull
(Observer Unknown)
2 Ruddy Ducks
(Ed Wilson)

7 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 5:42am - 9:11am
Map

Telford sunrise: 6:43am

8.5°C > 9.0°C Medium / high overcast, scattered below. Moderate SW wind fell away. Good visibility

(32nd visit of the year)

Notes
- apparently 2 new Pochard today: the duck(?) was a very distinctively marked moulting bird
- amazing number of Herring Gulls appeared after 08:30: also an unusually large arrival of Black-headed Gulls at this time – well unusual in the context of recent sightings
- possibly 2 Pheasants this morning: one heard calling along the S side and then a male seen in flight N to S over W end of lake
Sky Lark heard over fields to the E again
- single Siskin over: this species has been scarce this winter and I read that the RSPB is concerned about their sudden absence from gardens this year

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 1 Greylag Goose
- 39 Canada Geese
- 3 (3♂) Tufted Duck
- 34 Black-headed Gulls
- 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 3 Herring Gulls
- 1 Collared Dove
- 379 Jackdaws
- 96 Rooks
- 8 Fieldfare
- 10 Redwings
- 4 Pied Wagtails
- 1 Siskin

Counts of birds leaving roosts around the lake
- 83 Magpies
- 2 Reed Buntings
Redwing roost area not visited: 5 seen leaving in the distance

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 6 (3♂) Gadwall
- 6 (3♂) Mallard
- 2 (1♂) Pochard
- 10 (9♂) Tufted Duck
- 1 Grey Heron
- 2 Cormorants
- 15 Great Crested Grebes
- 8 Moorhens
- 75 Coots
- >375 Black-headed Gulls
- 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 67! Herring Gulls
An update to this year’s singing Willow Tit picture. Once again this bird started in the NW area – here in the Ricoh hedge – and then vocalised all the way along the N side; crossing Castle Farm Way and around the sluice; re-crossing the road and all along the S side. Had to tweak the exposure a bit – shooting into the light – but otherwise pretty much as it came off the camera: he did allow me to get really close.

This is a blotchy-looking Pochard that I have not noted here before. The ‘spectacle’ effect around the eye indicates this is a duck but the body plumage is paler than any illustration I can find in the literature for ducks in breeding or eclipse plumage. I can only surmise it is a moulting 1st winter bird.

Here is a motley collection of various ages of Herring Gulls. For the last few days these have appeared in some number after c.08:30 and then mainly just sat around on the water. Today there were more than 65. Oddly there are almost no Lesser Black-backed Gulls with them whereas this latter species is normally the most numerous large gull inland.

Another shot of a displaying pair of Great Crested Grebes. This started with the bird on the right proffering weed to his intended teenage conquest, though he had dropped it by the time I managed this shot. No idea what the mark is at the base of her neck – detritus of some sort I would think.

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2006, 2007 and 2014
Priorslee Lake
2014
3rd winter Yellow-legged Gull
(Gary Crowder)
------------------------------
2007
Woodcock
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------
2006
Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)

6 Mar 15

Priorslee Lake: 5:22am - 9:00am
Map

Telford sunrise: 6:45am

6.0°C > 9.0°C Overcast to start but breaks soon developed in to good sunny spells. Moderate SW wind. Very good visibility

An interesting morning with distant Golden Plover new for my UK year-list: and Snipe new for my site year list

(31st visit of the year)

Notes
- a party of 9 Canada Geese seemed to be confused and passed over the lake at least 5 times!
- yesterday’s 4th pair of Gadwall gone
- yesterday’s 4 new Pochard still here and still rather ‘jumpy’: the previous group no longer at The Flash
- very distant group of Golden Plover high to the E / SE in a characteristic and diagnostic formation
- a wisp of 10 Snipe shot over: my first record of such a group here. Good to get on the list after a blank year for this species here last year
- strange how Lesser Black-backed Gulls seem to fly over whereas the Herring Gulls drop in and hang around
- a new record count of Magpies leaving the roost: is that a good thing?
- after hearing a Jay yesterday two birds appeared this morning
- the early cloud was reflecting the light pollution from the town centre and I could just make out 22 Rooks passing over at 05:25. Nothing else was noted until Magpies started to leave their roost at 06:15 (apart from the singing Song ThrushesRobins etc.)
- 2 Ravens flew over: what was probably the same two birds came back very low a few minutes later
Sky Lark heard over fields to the E again

Counts of birds flying over the lake (in addition to those on / around lake)
- 2 Greylag Geese
- 23 Canada Geese
- c.50 Golden Plover
- 10 Snipe
- 5 Black-headed Gulls again
- 28 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 6 Herring Gulls
- 5 Feral Pigeons
- c.500 Jackdaws
- 50 Rooks exactly
- 2 Ravens
- 1 Redwing

Counts of birds leaving roosts around the lake
- 97 Magpies
- 2 Reed Buntings
Redwing roost area not visited: just 1 seen leaving in the distance

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 6 (3♂) Gadwall
- 4 (2♂) Mallard
- 4 (3♂) Pochard again
- 8 (6♂) Tufted Duck
- 1 Grey Heron
- 1 Little Grebe heard
- 14 Great Crested Grebes
- 11 Moorhens
- 68 Coots
- c.180 Black-headed Gulls
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 29 Herring Gulls
The Redwing roost around the lake is starting to thin out, but a few are still around and will be for at least the rest of this month. With luck we may even hear a few singing – a typical thrush-type song but distinctive.

Another species momentarily distracted by the workmen along Teece Drive. This Jay allowed a quick shot before it moved on.

The Daffodil heads are beginning to swell and the flowers should just about make it by Mothering Sunday on March 15.

Well I still find it quite bizarre: a Great Crested Grebe in display. The head adornment tends to draw the eye away from the raised tail, well shown here.

(Ed Wilson)

-------------------------------------------------------

Priorslee Flash: 9:05am - 9:56am
Map

(28th visit of the year)

Notes
- additional Mute Swan again, today being chased on to the grass at the N end. Later a bird was chased by the cob on to the island and that was 7HXE, his partner from last year. Whether this was different to the bird chased on the grass is hard to tell – that bird also had a blue ring on its left leg but was I unable to get a clear-enough photo to read it
- Pochard gone (with yesterday’s new group the only birds at the lake)
- Grey Wagtail flying over was my first of the year here

Birds noted flying over
- 2 Canada Geese
- 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls only
- 1 Feral Pigeon

The counts from the water
- 3 Mute Swans again
- 23 Canada Geese
- 1 all-white feral goose
- 16 (11♂) Mallard
- 1 white feral duck
- 4 (3♂) Shoveler still
- 77 (53♂) Tufted Ducks
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 2 Moorhens only
- 18 Coots
- 25 Black-headed Gulls only
- 1 Herring Gull

(Ed Wilson)

-------------------------------------------------------

Trench Lock Pool: 10:05am - 10:15am // 10:50am - 11:15am
(16th visit of the year)

Notes
Not much change of significance
- one rather blooded Canada Goose: not sure whether the cob Swan was the culprit

Overhead (en route to Middle Pool)
- 2 Canada Geese

The counts from the water
- 2 Mute Swans
- 22 Canada Geese
- 7 (5♂) Mallard
- 3 feral Mallard-type ducks
- 1 (1♂) Shoveler
- 1 (0♂) Pochard
- 26 (20♂) Tufted Ducks
- 3 Little Grebes
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 4 Moorhens
- 53 Coots
- 48 Black-headed Gulls
- 3 Herring Gulls

This poor Canada Goose has been in the wars. I think it was the one being chased earlier by the cob Swan though he did not catch it this time.

This is a decent shot of the underside of a 1st year Herring Gull. The three (four?) outer tail-feathers are noticeably short. I have searched the web to see whether this is normal or whether these are still growing after moulting out of juvenile plumage. But I did not come to any conclusion. Will have to try an adult – or perhaps better, wait a few months and see what 1st year birds look like. Problem is that Herring Gulls will mainly be on the coast in June.

This Little Grebe was, like most of its type, lurking some way away and not about to allow closer approach. What can be seen here though is the pale yellow gape – a sign it is coming in to breeding condition even though the body is only starting to get the chestnut feathering.

There is some quite different behaviour amongst the Tufted Ducks at the moment – they are spending time in quite large groups just sitting on the water, as show here. Perhaps they are becoming restless and anxious to be moving?

(Ed Wilson)

-------------------------------------------------------

Trench Middle Pool: 10:20am - 10:45am
Map

(6th visit of the year)

Notes
- many of the Mallard seem to have gone off to breed
- only 1 Great Crested Grebe found: none seen around usual nest site at E end of island, but just possibly both (?) tucked up under the vegetation.

The counts
- 2 Mute Swans
- 12 Greylag Geese
- 42 Canada Geese
- 11 (7) Mallard
- 5 feral Mallard-type ducks
- 10 (6♂) Tufted Ducks
- 1 Cormorant
- 1 Great Crested Grebes
- 9 Moorhen
- 14 Coots
- 107 Black-headed Gulls
- 3 Herring Gulls

This Long-tailed Tit is raiding a spider-web on a post at Middle Pool. Whether it is feeding on trapped insects (or indeed the spider itself) or whether it is collecting the web to use in its own nest is hard to say – it looks rather like the latter. The web material makes the web ‘elastic’ and gives a growing brood space to keep their tails (up to 8 eggs will be laid later this month). Note this bird’s tail is being held at a very strange angle having been snagged on a nail on the post.

(Ed Wilson)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this day in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2014
Priorslee Lake
2014
Adult summer Mediterranean Gull
Adult Yellow-legged Gull
(Gary Crowder)
------------------------------
2010
Barn Owl
(John Isherwood)
------------------------------
2009
Juvenile Glaucous Gull
(Observer not known)
------------------------------
2007
Merlin
(Martin Adlam)