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April is traditionally a month of high expectancy for most birdwatchers, with the arrival of the bulk of our summer visitors and the hope of a passage of scarcer species heading further north to their breeding grounds. Despite the arrival of our migrant breeding species pretty much on cue, numbers initially seem to be low, several observers commenting on this, but hopefully things will pick up. Passage bird numbers were low too, with only a trickle of terns and waders. However, the month did provide a couple notable highlights.
The long staying Great Northern Diver remained in residence at Carsington Water throughout the month, and the two Red-necked Grebes also lingered until mid-month at least. A Fulmar, which made its way steadily over Shire Hill on 23rd, was the first county record for some 8 years. Little Egrets continue to show up anywhere in the county with counts of 10 at both Killamarsh and Drakelow NR. The only Whooper Swans noted were at Carsington Water, with a nice herd of 30 on the 3rd and a single bird a week later.
The undoubted highlight of the month was the immature White-tailed Eagle which dropped into Ogston Res on 29th, landing briefly in a tree and delighting the two fortunate observers. Again, an example of a just reward for their dedicated and diligent patchwork there. The bird was seen briefly high over the Beeley area shortly afterwards, before making its way north where it was seen later near Huddersfield.
Marsh Harriers were reported from four sites, whilst Ospreys were seen at seven localities. Wader records were rather sparse, with only three Black-tailed Godwits and four Bar-tailed Godwits noted. Only three single Greenshank were reported but two single Wood Sandpipers did provide a little more quality. The only other notable waders were four Ruff that put in an all too brief appearance at Carsington Water.
Little Gulls moved through late in the month with 20 at Barrow GP and 16 at Willington GP, both on the 24th. Arctic Terns, usually on move late in the month, were sadly only reported in single figures.
An early Swift was at Drakelow NR on the 12th, with no more reported for two weeks after this. All of the three hirundine sp. arrived on cue, but numbers were low and only Carsington Water saw any significant numbers with over 200 Sand Martin.
White Wagtails put in appearances at four locations, but again a rather disappointing showing. Warblers did arrive in some numbers however, and there were some reasonable counts of Blackcap, Chiffchaff, and Willow Warbler.
All in all, a fairly average month, although not without a few highlights.
Kevin Gould