April 2025 highlights
A surprising YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER was seen in Derby on the 12th. The RED-THROATED DIVER remained at Carsington Water to the 7th with the GREAT NORTHERN DIVER departing on the 24th. A cracking summer plumaged BLACK-NECKED GREBE was found briefly at Middleton Moor Lagoons on the 12th. A WHITE STORK was over Mickleover on the 30th, and a SPOONBILL dropped in for one lucky observer at Willington Wetlands on the 7th. A WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was still at Glossop on the 19th, with one at Willington Wetlands on the 12th.
The RUDDY SHELDUCK at Staunton Harold Reservoir was seen again on the 30th, but has spent some time in Nottinghamshire too. A drake GREEN-WINGED TEAL was seen briefly for one observer at Erewash Meadows on the 21st but no further sign the following day. One/two female RED CRESTED POCHARD were at Carsington Water for most of the month. AVOCET graced Carsington Water with two on the 4th, and two also dropped into Carr Vale NR on the 23rd. WOODLARK on the move were seen at Pride Park Sanctuary LNR on the 4th, Chaddesden Cemetery on the 12th and Pilsley (Near Clay Cross), one over the observer's garden on the 17th.
A male GARGANEY was found at Shipley Country Park on the 2nd and remained the following day too, and other brief pairs were seen at Ambaston, 2 on the 1st, and Greenacres NR, 2 on the 20th. Two WOOD SANDPIPER were at Middleton Moor Lagoons on the 29th. A BLACK REDSTART was seen at Kinder Reservoir on the 7th.
Steve Thorpe
