March 2025 highlights
Migration started in earnest with an AVOCET found at Bennerley Marsh on the 10th, three at Carsington Water on the 18th, a single at Foremark Reservoir on the 1st, and two at Erewash Meadows on the 24th. A WHITE STORK was photographed over Birchwoodpark Quarries on the 26th, flying towards Uttoxeter. BLACK-NECKED GREBE were seen at Carsington Water, two on the 5th and another on the 8th, and at Ogston Reservoir, one from the 10th to the 17th. RED-CRESTED POCHARD were at Carsington Water, a female from the 7th to the month end, Shipley Lake, one from the 22nd to the 31st, and at Wingerworth Lido the male continued to the 21st.
A SANDWICH TERN was seen at Carsington Water on the 22nd, with three at Ogston Reservoir on the 23rd. ROCK PIPIT was similarly found at Carsington Water with one from the 16th to the 20th, and at Ogston Reservoir, one on the 8th and again on the 22nd. Meanwhile a good show of GARGANEY, with two birds at Carsington Water on the 22nd to the 23rd, one at Shipley Lake on the 23rd to the 30th, two at Barbrook Pools on the 23rd, and two at Hollington on the 25th. A SHAG was seen briefly at Carsington Water on the 15th.
The two WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on several dates during the month with the Barrow/Ingleby bird remaining until the 4th and the Staunton Harold Reservoir bird last seen on the 25th, and there was an additional one seen at Kedleston Park on the 20th. A RUDDY SHELDUCK was seen in partnership with an Egyptian Goose at Staunton Harold Reservoir throughout. Both RED THROATED and GREAT NORTHERN DIVER remained at Carsington Water throughout with the two male SCAUP last seen on the 17th. There was a BLACK GROUSE reported from the Peak District on the 3rd, but there are no further details yet.
Steve Thorpe
