February 2026 highlights
The RING-NECKED DUCK continued in the county but moved locations being seen at Shipley Lake throughout most of the month but then an observer checking on the SCAUP at Butterley Reservoir stumbled on the drake on 27th.
The SLAVONIAN GREBE was seen on and off throughout the month at Foremark Res, with another found at Middleton Moor Lagoons 1st-9th, and another found at Long Eaton GP on 28th.
The Trent Valley goose-fest continued into February with TUNDRA BEAN GOOSE being seen at Newton Solney (three on 9th and six on 11th), Ingleby (one on 22nd), Willington Wetlands (four on 19th), Egginton SF (one on 1st and 8 on 2nd). WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE numbers appeared to increase in line with an influx across the country with a maximum of 94 counted at Scropton on 21st, with other big counts from Milton, Egginton SF, Draycott, Willington Wetlands, Newton Solney, and Long Eaton GP. Away from the Trent Valley records were from Carr Vale NR, 23 on 5th, Wyver Lane, eleven over north on 17th, Wormhill Moor, five briefly before heading off SE on 6th.
The RUDDY SHELDUCK was seen at Staunton Harold Res on 1st, and the drake RED-CRESTED POCHARD Wingerworth Lido throughout. Along with the Butterley bird a SCAUP was also seen at Ogston Res on 26th.
A WAXWING was reported at Hassop Station on 16th but no further sign. A BLACK REDSTART was at Brimington on 10th with a COMMON REDPOLL being found in a flock of Lesser Redpolls coming to feeders in Belper on 6th.
Steve Thorpe
