Systematic List 1995 - 2009
Compiled by Robert Hoare
The systematic list (including sub-species) now stands at 180 species, recorded in the Clifton and Barton-in-Fabis area between 1995-2009. The following accounts feature a number of photographs, arrival dates of regular migrants and detailed accounts of rarer species recorded within the area. Both Black-Throated Diver Gavia arctica and Bean Goose Anser fabalis have only been recorded here once and have not occurred for many years, but are very important records and fully deserve a place on the systematic list.
I have now been recording birds here for the past fourteen years, but only on a regular basis since 2002. I don't confess to have seen all the species recorded here, and actually missed the Cattle Egret in May 2008 when it arrived on the same day that I flew to Lesvos for a two week vacation. The latest edition to the area is a female Red-backed Shrike found at Barton-in-Fabis on the 27th May 2010.
Black-Throated Diver Gavia arctica
Very rare winter visitor
Only an old record of this very rare species to the area, seen on the River Trent from Clifton Grove on the 22nd February 1979.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Resident Breeding Species in small numbers.
Noted regularly in suitable locations in the area, main sites been Holme Pit and Branshill Wood Ponds.
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Resident Breeding Species in small numbers.
Most sightings from the River Trent and occasionally from Holme Pit.
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
Very rare winter visitor.
Just one record of a single bird on the River Trent on the 30th December 1995.
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo carbo
Resident non breeding species.
A very common sighting on any area of water in the area. Large numbers can be seen flying up the River Trent prior to dusk to roost over the river at Attenborough.
Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris
Very rare winter visitor.
Only five sightings with all records coming from Holme Pit. The first record was a single bird for two days on the 27th/28th December 1998. Two sightings in 2007 were both of single birds with one sighted on the 3rd March and the second of the year was noted on five days from the 17th-28th December 2007. The most recent records probably involved the same bird that was flushed and seen fly into the reed-bed on the 23rd December 2009 (T.Shields) and on the 6th January 2010. A single bird seen near the cow drink area of Holme Pit on the 27th-28th February 2010 was possibly a different bird to the one seen in late 2009/early 2010
Holme Pit - 28th February 2010
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Very rare vagrant with just one record.
Only a single record of an adult summer bird present on fields near Barton Flash, Barton-in-Fabis for one day on the 3rd May 2008. This bird was first seen over the river at Attenborough on the 2nd May 2008.
Barton-in-Fabis - 3rd May 2008. photo's: Lynne Demaine
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
As with the national trend this species is becoming more frequent but is still a rare visitor to the area.
The first record of this species was of a pair seen seen fly into the heronry at Branshill Wood Barton-in-Fabis on the 25th March with the same pair again copulating in the heronry later on the same day. The second record involved three birds seen flying over Cottages Flash September 2006. Several sightings throughout August 2007 from Cottages Flash, sightings of this species are becoming more frequent but still remains a rare bird to the area. As it continuous to colonize Nottinghamshire it will probably become a common sighting, only time will tell. The most recent records are all of single birds that were all seen on Cottages Flash on the 12th March/2nd April and 4th May 2010
flying over the river near Cottages Flash -1st August 2009
Great White Egret Egretta alba
Vary rare vagrant to the area
Four records of this very rare bird to the area. The first record was of of a adult seen flying along the river Trent near Barton-in-Fabis on the 21st October 2007. following records were a single bird flying along the river towards Long Eaton Gravel Pits on the 27th September 2008. An adult was seen from Attenborough flying down the river Trent on the 6th June 2009. On the 4th May 2010 an adult bird in full breeding plumage was seen feeding on Cottages Flash at 7.30am. It was then seen to fly down river towards the Long Eaton Gravel Pits (P.Buxton) .
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Resident breeding species.
A large Heronry in Branshill Wood was deserted in March 2007 after continuous harassment from Common Buzzard Buteo buteo that took up territory in the area. The now deserted Heronry regularly held up to 40 breeding pairs and was one of the largest Heronries left in Nottinghamshire. A smaller Heronry in spring 2009 consisting of Twelve active nest in conifer trees behind Thrumpton Hall is now the only Heronry in the area
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Rare Vagrant
Only a single record of an adult bird drifting high S/W towards Thrumpton/Ratcliff-on-Soar at 1.00pm, viewable from Cottages Flash on the 3rd April 2009. This bird was initially found feeding over the river on Clifton Pit at Attenborough at around 10.00am, and was only viewable here when it flew off from from this site.
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Resident breeding species.
Successfully breeds in small numbers within the area, with one pair breeding successfully on Holme Pit since 2000. Large herds of c50 birds have wintered on fields S/W of Barton-in-Fabis for many years
Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbiaus
Very rare winter visitor.
The only record is of four adults in fields with the Mute Swan Cygnus olor herdS/W of Barton-in-Fabis. All four birds were first seen on 28th December 2008 and were last seen on 26th February 2009.
All four birds would sometimes go missing and were recorded at Long Eaton Gravel Pits Derby's on two occasions. One of the adults was bearing a white plastic ring on the right leg below the knee with the letters BJN. Information from the BTO showed that the bird was ringed as an adult female on Lovetskiiy Island(coast) Gulf of Korovinskaia Russia on the 16/08/2007 by a research team from the WWT. This was the first confirmed sighting of this bird since the ringing date.
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4 adults with the single Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus 30th Jan 2009 |
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Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
Scarce winter visitor.
Very scarce with only four confirmed sightings. The first record was of single adult present in fields between Barton-in-Fabis and Thrumpton for one day only on the 3rd January 2002. A group of seventeen seen flying over Beeston Weir heading towards Attenborough on the morning of the 12th November 2007 is the largest number seen in the area. The third record was of a single adult that joined the four Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbiaus in the field S/W of Barton-in-Fabis for two days on the 30th/31st January 2009. An adult was also present for two days near cottages Flash from 26th/27th April 2009.
single bird with Bewick's Barton-in-Fabis - 30th January 2009
Bean Goose Anser fabalis
Very rare winter visitor
Only an old record of a very impressive thirty seven bean geese feeding near the river at Barton-in-Fabis on the 19th December 1981 is the only record of this species here.
Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus
Uncommon passage migrant/winter visitor.
Usually seen passing over in skeins as these birds migrate across the UK. Four Skeins totaling over 1000 birds were seen heading S/W over Clifton Grove on the 31st January 2005. Two skeins of 450 birds in total were again seen heading S/W over Clifton Grove on the 10th February 2006. Four birds were found feeding in fields with Mute Swan cygnus olor fom the 31st January /5 February 2005 at Barton-in-Fabis. A single bird found feeding with Greylag Geese Anser anser in fields near Barton Flash from the 15th February 2009 to the 5th April 2009, this was closely followed by the arrival of two different individuals in the same location on the 12th and 13th April 2009.
Barton-in-Fabis - April 2009
White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
Scarce passage migrant/winter visitor with only 2 records.
Two skeins 0f c200 and c100 were seen heading west over Barton-in-Fabis on the 16th December 2000. The only other record is of 3 White Fronted Geese that were with a large group of Greylags Anser anser and Canada Geese Branta canadensis on Fields south/west of Barton-in-Fabis on 16th November 2007.
Greylag Goose Anser anser
Common resident.
A large feral flock of c100 birds that can usually be found in fields near to the river around Barton-in-Fabis. Breeds in small numbers usually on the preferred Cottages Flash location. An interesting ringed individual seen on Barton Flash on the 15th April 2009 had the credentials of a true wild bird, but on receiving information back from the WWT it turned out that this was also of feral origin ringed as a gosling in York in 2006.
Ringed individual C7U - Barton-in-Fabis
Ross's Goose Anser rossii
Escaped.
An adult male was found with the Greylag Goose Anser anser flock on the riverside fields near Cottages Flash on the 17th April 2010 and was still present in late May. It was seen on several occasions trying to copulate with a female Greylag Goose Anser anser. Oviously an escaped bird but a very smart looking indervidual.
April 2010 - Barton-in-Fabis
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Very common resident.
Large numbers found in most locations along the river. Breeds in the area but not in very large numbers as one might have expected.
Brent Goose Branta bernicla
A very rare winter visitor with just one record.
The only record of this species is of the rarer Pale-Bellied Race Branta bernicla hrota . First seen in fields facing Barton Island on the morning of the 30th November 2008. It stayed feeding in this field with Canada Geese Branta canadensis until the 12th December 2008 when it disappeared for a few days but was relocated in fields S/W of Barton-in-Fabis on the 14th December 2008 and was present at this location until the 20th December.
A Brent Goose flew West over the Long Eaton gravel pits on 21st Dec and was almost certainly the Pale Bellied bird that had been in the Barton-in-Fabis area. It was then found later that evening just over the county boundary in Leicestershire by the River Soar with the Canada Goose flock where it remained till dusk.
December 2008 - Barton-in-Fabis
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
All records refer to feral birds.
Just a single record of an adult present in fields S/W of Barton-in-Fabis for three days from the 3rd - 5th January 2002.
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegytiacus
A small resident feral population.
A count of eighteen birds in December 2008 is the highest number recorded in the area. An adult seen in June 2008 with 5 goslings was the first confirmed breeding attempt that I have seen in the area.
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
A male bird first found feeding in fields with Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegytiacus S/W of Barton-in-Fabis on the 7th December 2008. It stayed in this general area throughout its stay and is the only record of this species recorded here. The last sighting of this bird was on the 1st February 2009, although it was reported as present over the river at Attenborough shortly after its departure from the area. On the 7th March 2010 a female was seen flying over Barton Flash. This was followed by a male and female on Barton Flash on the 8th Mach 2010 (R.Gimson) with the male bird again on the 13th March 2010.
December 2008 - Barton-in-Fabis
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Scarce visitor to the area.
Scarce with most sightings coming from Cottages Flash Barton-in-Fabis. The most recent records of this species is of two birds on Cottages Flash on the 24th March 2009 and a Juvenile seen heading high south over the Rough Wood on the August 2009.
Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata
Rare visitor to the area
The first record was of an adult Drake on the 24th January 2010.
It was seen swimming around the semi-submerged trees where the Trent had flooded, between Clifton Grove and the track down to Beeston Weir (L.Archibald). This was followed by a pair that were seen to fly onto Holme Pit on the 27th February 2010 but quickly dissapeared in the reedbeds (J.Hall & K.James)
Holme Pit - 27th February 2010 (photo J.Hall)
Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
Fairly common winter visitor.
Fairly common bird to the area mainly in the months of December to March. Counts of sixty two birds on cottages flash is the largest number seen in the area. The only locations where this bird is likely to be found apart from flyover birds is Barton Flash and Cottages Flash.
Gadwall Anas strepera
Another scarce bird in the area with only small numbers seen on either Holme Pit or any other area of water in the area. Numbers usually peak in February but very rarely get into double figures.
Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
Annual winter visitor.
Numbers fluctuate from year to year but numbers have peaked in the last four years in Febuary. The favored location is on Holme Pit or Branshill Ponds where they stay near to cover of the reed beds.
Mallard Anas platyrhychos
Very common.
A very common species throughout the area with every area of water holding a number of breeding pairs.
Garganey Anas querquedula
A very scarce passage migrant and very rare breeder.
A pair were resident throughout the breeding season at Barton-in-Fabis in 1999 and possibly made an unsuccessful breeding attempt. The only other record of this species is of a female on Branshill Ponds on the 15th September 2007.
Northern Shoveler Anus clypeata
Annual winter visitor in very small numbers.
An uncommon visitor to the area with only a few sightings, apart from flyover birds all records are mainly of single birds with all records coming from Holme Pit and Branshill ponds in the winter months.
Red-crested Pochard Netta ruffina
Rare visitor
Just a single record of female seen on the river Trent in front of Barton Island on the 5th December 2009. A very confiding bird allowing close approch and was almost certainly one of the resident birds that are present over the river at Attenborough Nature Reserve.
female - on the river in front of Barton Island
Poachard Aythya ferina
Scarce winter visitor
Yet another scarce duck to the area with only a handful of sightings with the latest being two females on Holme Pit in February 2009. In February 2010 up to eight birds were present on Holme Pit peaking at ten birds on the 11th. With birds also seen on the river during the cold spell 2010 has been the best year for this species since Recording began.
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
One of the commonest ducks found in the area with up to twenty birds regularly seen on Holme Pit and smaller numbers on other ponds in the area. Numbers may rise from August onwards if breeding pairs are successful.
Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
Fairly common winter visitor.
Small numbers seen most winters with all sightings coming from the River Trent.
Smew Mergellus albellus
Very Scarce winter visitor.
Only one record of a redhead female seen on the River Trent facing Clifton Grove for one day only on the 2nd March 2000.
Redhead Clifton Grove - 2nd March 2000
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Only a two records of this very rare winter visitor.
The first record was of a female or immature bird that was seen on Beeston Weir on the 15th January 1997. The second record was of a single female seen on the river at Barton-in-Fabis on the 28th December 2009.
Goosander Mergus merganser
Fairly common winter visitor
A regular winter visitor to the River Trent but numbers remain small with counts into double figures very unusual. Birds tend to arrive at the end of December and have usually left the area by early April.
Red Kite Milvus milvus
A rare visitor but records have increased in recent years with birds sighted on many occasions from over Branshill Wood. The most recent sightings are of single birds reported from over Branshill Wood on 5th April 2008 and 21st December 2008. A single bird was seen almost daily in the winter of 2008/2009 in the Brickyard Lane area of West Leake and is possibly the same bird that has been reported in the area. On the 13th September 2009 at 10.15am I saw a Juvenile bird appear low over the flood-bank at Barton-in-Fabis, as it approached it almost flew directly over my head. It then drifted off slowly over Branshill Wood. At 12.00am the same bird was relocated on Clifton Pastures following the plough with two Common Buzzard Buteo buteo. It was watched feeding on insects disturbed by the plough for over half an hour before it flew into the small copse area facing the Gotham Road lay-by.
Juvenile September 2009 - Barton-in-Fabis
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
A rare annual passage migrant with one or two records in recent years
Only six records since 2004 of this scarce passage migrant, but many more must pass through undetected. A male and female seen over Gotham Moor/Clifton Pasture 8th August 2004, a female again from Gotham Moor/Clifton Pasture 30th July 2005, two females seen quartering the area around Branshill Ponds 8th September 2006, a female over Clifton Pasture 26th October 2008 and a male seen from the Grove over fields on the opposite side of the river 12th January 2009. A cream crown bird was found on Gotham Moor on the 1st May 2010 (D.kirman) who quickly phoned me to tell me of its presence. I located this bird quartering fields near the Fairham Brook on Clifton Pastures where it remained till dusk when it was last seen to drop down into a ditch near the brook to roost.
female September 2006 - Barton-in-Fabis
Clifton Pastures - 1st May 2010
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
Very rare to the area with just four records.
Four of the records here are of females or ringtails but the most recent record been the only male. The first record was of a ringtail seen heading over fields towards Beeston Weir on the 30th October 2006. The second ringtail recorded here was first seen by James Christmas and Russ Gimson quartering fields around the Drift on the morning of the 9th November 2008. After a quick conversation I quickly drove over towards Barton Lane where I relocated it as it drifted off over the A453 towards Barton-in-Fabis. The most recent record of a ringtail was seen on Clifton Pastures on the afternoon of the 31st January 2009. I watched it quartering fields at the side of Fairham Brook for over an hour, and it was last seen at dusk when it dropped down into an area of set-aside next to Fairham Brook at around 5.00pm. On the 16th May 2009 a 3rd cy male bird was seen appear from over Branshill Wood and drift slowly over Barton Flash and then over the river towards Attenborough, I was that busy taking photos of this bird that I had to id it from photos as I wasn't sure at the time if I was watching a Monty's or Hen Harrier. A ringtail was reported quartering an oilseed rape field near Barton-in-Fabis on the 16th May 2010 observer unknown.
Ringtail January 2009 - Clifton Pastures
3rd CY male May 2009 - Barton-in-Fabis
Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
Very rare visitor with just a single record.
Only a single record of this magnificent Raptor. On the13th September 2003 an adult male was seen catch a Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus on the edge of Branshill Wood Barton-in-Fabis. I watched this bird at very close range for around an hour as it devolved it prey from a fence post, before it flew off over the wood towards Barton.
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Common resident.
A very common Raptor throughout the area with sightings of one or two birds seen on most visits.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Escaped. Native to North America.
This bird was fist seen very briefly on the 23rd January 2006 sat in a larch tree in Branshill Wood. As it flew off into the woodland I noticed that it had a reddish pale tail, but with such a quick glimpse of the bird in flight I put the tail colour down to a trick of the light. It was not until late May early June 2006 when watching displaying Common Buzzard Buteo buteo that I again noticed that one of the displaying birds had a bright orange tail and was also noticeably larger in size. My first impression was Steppe Buzzard Buteo vulpinus but it was very distant and its true identity wasn't solved until 11th July when I managed to get some good photos of the bird. In July and August it was seen displaying with a Common Buzzard Buteo buteo over Branshill Woodand on one occasion was seen carrying sticks into the woodland as if it was nest building. I thought I saw this bird trying to mate with a Common Buzzard Buteo buteo in late august, but this was incorrect as I observed a Common Buzzard copulating with this bird on three occasions in June 2008. This bird has now been holding territory in the same area for four years but successful breeding has yet to be confirmed as no hybrids have been seen in the area so far. Where this bird came from is anyone's guess but it has prompted some interesting emails from as far a field as the U.S, with the majority commenting that it is probably a light morph eastern Canadian bird.
August 2007 - Barton-in-Fabis
June 2009 - Barton-in-Fabis
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Common Buzzard has become one of the commonest sightings throughout the area. In the early nineties any sighting of this species were virtually unknown. In 1996 regular reports started to suggest that after a long absence the Common Buzzard was once again colonizing the area.
Breeding was first suspected on 3rd July 2005 when two adult Common Buzzard were seen feeding a juvenile near Branshill Wood. Since this date pairs have been seen displaying on a regular basis in the area. In February and March 2007 the most unexpected act of avian cleansing began as the Common Buzzard with the help of an escaped Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis began the eviction of the Grey Heron's from the Heronry in Branshill wood. Continuously harassing nesting birds with regular aerial assaults resulted in all the Grey Heron been flushed time after time, by the end of March 2007 the Heronry was deserted. Common Buzzard were soon seen to take up territory in the Heronry with two different birds seen sat in various Heron nests on the 17th March.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
A rare passage migrant to the area with a total of five records, three records in spring and two autumn.
My first sighting was of an adult bird fishing on Holme Pit on the 31st March 2002. The second and third sighting were probably the same bird first seen heading high S/W over Branshill Wood heading towards Attenborough on the 29th April 2007, the following day on the 30th April 2007 possibly the same bird was seen slowly drifting towards Branshill Wood from the direction of Attenborough. In 2008 an adult was seen drifting south over the top of Branshill Wood on the 3rd September 2008 closely followed by a Juvenile bird on the 19th October 2008 circleling high over Barton Flash slowly drifting S/W towards Attenborough.
Barton Flash - 19th October 2008
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Very common with sightings virtually on every visit. Breeds in the area in suitable locations.
Merlin Falco columbarius
A rare winter visitor
One or two birds usually present each winter mainly from the area of Clifton Pastures/Gotham Moor. The most recent records are of a male present for one day only in fields S/W of Barton-in-Fabis on the 1st November 2008, a female that was present on Clifton Pastures from 2nd November 2008 to 12th March 2009 and a presumed second female seen in the Barton-in-Fabis area on the 1st January 2009 and 7th February 2009. On 20th February 2010 a male bird was seen on Barton Lane/Gotham Road Junc perched on a road sign before it flew off in the direction of the Drift. The same bird or another male was then seen again from Clifton Pastures on the 28th February 2010 (J.Christmas).
female(imm) Gotham Moor - October 2007 photo David Kirman
female Barton-in-Fabis - 1st November 2008
female Clifton Pastures - January 2009
Hobby Falco subbuteo
An uncommon summer visitor and rare breeder
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 4th May / 2003 12th May / 2004 2nd May / 2005 7th May / 2006 27th May / 2007 30th April / 2008 16th May / 2009 26th April / 2010 18th April
Fairly regular sightings from May to mid September, but August is by far the best month to see this species here as there are Juveniles as well as adults present throughout the month. The latest sighting of Hobby here is a record of a Juvenile seen over Branshill Wood on the 3rd October 2006. The best area to see this species is Branshill Wood and Holme Pit where they can be watched hawking Dragonflies.
Juvenile Branshill Wood - August 2008
adult May 2009 - Branshill Wood
Peregrine Falcon Falcon peregrinus
A scarce visitor to the area
Peregrine sightings vary from year to year but are getting more regular. Recent sightings are of an adult seen throughout the winter of 2008/09 on Clifton Pastures and Barton-in-Fabis. In August 2008 a Juvenile was present throughout the month around Branshill Wood and a adult was also seen in the same area on the 24th August 2008. Has been know to breed at the Ratcliff on Soar Power Station, where there is a nesting platform erected at the top of one of the cooling towers but this site is very hard to monitor as there is no access within the power station grounds.
Juvenile Branshill Wood - August 2008
Adult Clifton Pastures - 3rd January 2010
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa
Common resident
Fairly common around The Drift, Barton Lane and Clifton Pastures with sightings of 20 or more a common sight. Although it is very hard to distinguish how many of these birds are true wild birds as many are captive bread and released for shooting purposes
Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
Scarce resident
A resident but threatened farmland species. Recent sightings in 2009 of coveys of up to sixty birds on Clifton Pastures is evidence that this species is doing well in the area.
Barton-in-Fabis - June 2009
Quail Coturnix coturnix
Rare summer visitor
Small numbers of summer records from Gotham Moor and Clifton Pastures in recent years of singing males. It is possible that many birds go unnoticed here and I wouldn't be surprised if this was a regular summer visitor on the Clifton Pastures/Gotham Moor area. The most recent records are of two singing males from Gotham Moor on the 23rd June 2009 and possibly the same two singing males on Clifton Pastures on the 5th July 2009.
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Very common resident
Very common throughout the area but lots of birds are captive bread and released for shooting purposes.
Common Crane Grus grus
Rare vagrant
Only two records of Common Crane seen here with the first record in fields near Barton Island that was observed from over the river at Attenborough on the 14th October 2004. I heard about this sighting within one hour of it been reported, but despite searching the whole area I couldn't relocate it. On the 14th May 2009 at 5.30pm two Common Crane were seen heading over Attenborough from an easterly direction so these birds possibly flew over the area.
Water Rail Rallus aquaticus
Uncommon passage migrant/winter visitor
Calling birds can be heard on Holme Pit from November to March with up to five calling birds on some occasions. Holme Pit and the brook that runs through Clifton Wood are the only two locations in the area where Water Rail is found. It is very Possible that this species breeds in the area but it hasn't been proven and records from April to September are very rare.
Holme Pit - January 2009
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Resident breeding species.
Common species with pairs resident on all suitable habitat.
Coot Fulica atra
Resident breeding species.
Common species on all suitable habitat especially Holme Pit and Branshill Ponds
Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Scarce passage migrant/visitor
Regular records from the Cottages Flash area since 2002, with the most recent sightings of two adults throughout March and April 2009
near Cottages Flash - March 2009
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Rare passage migrant
Only six records of this rare passage migrant to the area with all records coming from Cottages Flash. There are three spring records on the 10th April 2004, 25th March 2005 and the11th April 2009. The only Autumn record is of a single bird on the 3rd August 2002. A failed breeding attempt was observed on Cottages Flash in spring 2010. A male bird present from the 2nd April was joined by a female in early May. Mating was observed on several occasions and a nest scrape was prepared on the edge of the flash but both birds vacated the site when of cattle were introduced onto the flash by the landowner.
Cottages Flash - April 2009
male and female Cottages Flash - May 2010
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Rare summer visitor
Only a single sighting of an adult on Cottages Flash on the 25th August 2007.
Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
Common passage migrant/winter visitor
Annual visitor to the area but numbers fluctuate from year to year. In 2007/2008 very large numbers were present from December 2007 to March 2008 on Clifton Pastures and The Drift with numbers peaking at 2500.
December 2007 Sightings
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 26/12/2007 250
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 27/12/2007 1500
January 2008 Sightings
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 02/01/2008 450
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 03/01/2008 350
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 04/01/2008 300
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 20/01/2008 350
February 2008 Sightings
European Golden Plover Clifton Pastures 16/02/2008 1045
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 16/02/2008 1000
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 17/02/2008 1100
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 29/02/2008 1500
March 2008 Sightings
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 04/03/2008 2515
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 06/03/2008 2000
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 08/03/2008 2515
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 11/03/2008 2050
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 12/03/2008 1600
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 16/03/2008 846
European Golden Plover Clifton Pasture 16/03/2008 1100
European Golden Plover Drift Lane 24/03/2008 152
European Golden Plover Barton-in-Fabis 26/03/2008 450
European Golden Plover Barton-in-Fabis 30/03/2008 33
A count of 846 Golden Plover over the Drift March 2008
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Uncommon breeding resident abundant passage and winter visitor.
A once common breeding species in the area has declined in recent years, but still doing fairly well as a breeding species in suitable locations. Large flocks gather in the winter months with recent counts of 1000 birds.
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Rare passage migrant
Only one record of 2 adult summer birds that were flushed from the edge of Cottages Flash on the 11th May 2010
Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
Rare winter visitor
Very few records of this very secretive bird in the area with the most recent records been, two on Barton Flash 6th February 2005 and two from Cottages Flash on the 20th January 2008
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Scarce passage/winter visitor
This is another bird that has declined in recent years and has almost certainly been lost as a breeding species. The favored areas are Clifton Pastures, Barton Flash, Cottages Flash and the many dikes that are in the area.
Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
Rare winter visitor.
One or two sightings most winters with the most recent sightings coming from the set-aside behind Barton Flash. Two birds were flushed on the 5th and 7th February 2009, and a single bird was flushed from under my feet as I almost stepped on it on the 20th February 2009.
Barton Flash - 10th January 2010
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
An uncommon passage migrant with only four separate records.
Four recent records with a single bird briefly on Barton Flash on the 16th August 2004, thirteen birds flying over Holme Pit on the 17th August 2006, a group of seven birds feeding on Cottages Flash Barton-in-Fabis on the 29th July 2007 and a feeding group of twelve birds briefly on Cottages Flash on the morning of the 19th July 2009.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Very Rare passage migrant
Only a single record of two birds flying over Barton Flash heading towards Attenborough on the 5th May 2005.
Curlew Numenius arquata
Rare passage migrant
Only three records of this rare passage migrant to the area with both records been in the spring. The first record was of two birds flying high over Barton Flash calling on the 1st April 2005. The second record was of a single bird flying high calling S/W over Holme Pit on the 22nd March 2009 followed by the second record for the year of a bird high over Clifton Pasture heading west on the 26th April 2009.
high over Holme Pit - 1st April 2009
Redshank Tringa totanus
Rare passage migrant/winter visitor
Only a few fly-over birds seen apart from a single bird that was seen on a flooded field S/W of Barton-in-Fabis 0n the 28th February 2009. The most recent record was of a calling bird high over to the north from Barton-in-Fabis on the 10th September 2009.
Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Rare passage migrant
Only two records of Greenshank here with the first of an adult present on Cottages Flash on the 12th August 2007. The second record also came from Cottages flash on the 10th June 2009.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Rare passage migrant
Only two sightings here with both records coming from Cottages Flash on the 16th August 2004 and on the 29th August 2004.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Scarce passage migrant
Only small numbers seen here with all records coming from the River Trent location, with singles seen feeding on the steps of Beeston Weir and on the Island in the middle of the river facing Clifton Grove. The most recent sightings are of two birds on the edge of the river at the side of Cottages Flash on the 19th April 2009, 18th/19th July 2009 and 7th September 2009
side of the river Barton-in-Fabis - April 2009
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Rare visitor
Only three records here of this very scarce visitor. The first record was of an adult seen near the Fairham Brook outlet that flows into the River Trent near Clifton Bridge on the12th August 2005. This was quickly followed by a second adult seen on the 9th September 2005 in the exact same location as the first record, both records probably relate to the same individual. The most recent record is of a first winter bird seen on the 1st January 2010 On Beeston Weir with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibbundus before flying off over towards the marina where it was lost from view.
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibbundus
Resident non breeding species.
A very common species throughout the area, with numbers at their greatest in winter with counts of 1000 birds not uncommon.
Common Gull Larus canus
Uncommon winter visitor.
Regular but scarce visitor from August till April, very rare outside these periods.
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus graellsii
Uncommon Autumn/Winter visitor.
Very scarce apart from Large numbers passing over en route to roost sites.
Herring Gull Larus argentatus
Scarce winter visitor.
Large numbers pass over en route to roost, but otherwise scarce
Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Rare visitor
Only a single record of a 3rd winter bird seen flying around Beeston Weir before it headed off down river on the 20th March 2010. With most large gulls only recorded as flyovers, this species is possibly more common than records suggest as they are recorded almost annualy over the river at Attenborough.
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus
Scarce Winter visitor.
Very scarce anywhere in the area apart from birds flying over en route to roost.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Common summer visitor
A very common summer visitor to any area of water in the area. No records of breeding as there is no suitable breeding sites within the area.
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
Scarce passage migrant.
Numbers vary from year to year with most years producing no sightings, but the spring passage can occasionally bring a large movement of birds through the area.
On the 19th April 2010 fithteen birds were seen on passage as they flew down river from Beeston Weir
Black Tern Chlidonias niger
An uncommon passage migrant with only three recent records.
A flock of seventeen were seen flying up the River Trent at Thrumpton on the 13th September 2006. The second record of the year was of a single immature bird seen flying up the River Trent past Barton-in-Fabis on the14th September 2006. The only spring record here is of an adult seen just over the river from Thrumpton on the 16th May 2009.
photo: Glyn Sellors
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias niger
A very rare vagrant with just one record.
An immature bird was present with the flock of Black Tern Chlidonias niger that were seen at Thrumpton on the 13th September 2006. This bird was first seen on the Long Eaton gravel pits, Derbyshire earlier in the day. Staking out the river faceing the Long Eaton gravel pits, I was rewarded as it flew up the River Trent past Thrumpton heading into Nottinghamshire. 
photo: Glyn Sellors
Feral Rock Dove Columba livia
A very common breeding species that is found throughout the area.
Stock Dove Columba oenas
Resident breeding species in small numbers.
A rather common resident throughout the area, numbers greater in the winter months when birds join the large Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus flocks to roost over at Attenborough. Breeds in small numbers where it is in competition with Jackdaw Corvus monedula for suitable tree hole nest sites.
Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
Very common resident.
Probably the most abundant species in the area with recent winter flocks in 2009/2010 estimated at 3000/4000 birds.
Collard Dove Streptopelia decaocta
Common resident.
Common resident in gardens and residential areas, less abundant in the more rural locations.
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
Rare summer visitor
As with the national trend this once fairly common summer visitor has declined alarmingly with only four sightings in 2007 and none in 2008. A single bird was a very welcomed site on the Drift Lane location on the 18th June 2009. A second sighting on the 29th June from fields near Barton-in-Fabis village was probably the same bird seen earlier in the month on the drift.
Foxcovet Lane - July 2000
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
Scarce Summer Visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 -2010
2002 3rd May / 2003 13th April / 2004 18th April / 2005 7th May / 2006 23rd April / 2007 13th May / 2008 30th April / 2009 25th April / 2010 11th April
Three or four sightings regularly each spring, but the familiar sound of the Cuckoo in the spring is getting worryingly scarcer.
Barn Owl Tyto alba
Scarce Resident
Scarce but increasing resident in the area. With the help of the Rushcliffe Barn Owl Group this species has made a dramatic comeback to the area, with successful breeding in the area helped by a nestbox scheme.
Barton-in-Fabis - February 2010
Clifton Grove - August 2008
newly rung chicks undisclosed site - June 2008
Little Owl Athene noctua
Scarce resident.
Scarce resident in the area with only one known pair that successfully bread in a dead Ash tree in spring of /2006/2007/2008 but in the winter of 2008 this nest site was lost when the tree was felled in a heavy storm. In June 2009 a pair of Little Owl were noted on many occasions in a new location but breeding wasn't proven. Two pairs were found to be breeding in the area in spring 2010 with both birds feeding owlets in the last week of May
near Foxcovet Lane - January 2010
Clifton Grove - May 2010
Tawny Owl Strix aluco
Scarce resident.
One pair successfully bread in Clifton Grove 2008. Up to eight calling birds were heard in Clifton Woods and Branshill Wood areas in spring 2008. The most recent record is of four calling birds from Branshill Wood in July 2009.
Long-eared Owl Asio otus
Rare Visitor
Only a small number of records from the area. But it is possible that this species could be more common than records suggest, as roosting birds can be very tricky to locate even when you know the roost site . Due to this species been a very rare breeding bird within the county all site locations are undisclosed.
site undisclosed
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Scarce winter visitor.
Short-eared Owl remains a scarce winter visitor to the area with most years producing no records, whilst in other years up to five birds have been present together. January 2006 was an especially good Month with three birds present all month in the set-aside area near Barton Flash peaking to five birds on the 8th. The most recent records are of a single bird on Clifton Pastures, present on several dates between January/February 2009 (J.Christmas). On the 20th/21st February 2010 a single bird was found hunting the fields between Barton-in-Fabis and Thrumpton.
Barton-in-Fabis - 20th February 2010
Swift Apus apus
Abundant summer visitor/passage migrant.
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 5th May / 2003 6th May / 2004 27th April / 2005 7th May / 2006 29th April / 2007 21st April / 2008 29th April / 2009 24th April / 2010 2nd May
Generally arrives late April and departs mid August. Large numbers recorded daily after arrival date.
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Scarce resident.
One known pair have been known to used the same breeding locations for many years up to 2007, with at least another two pairs that possibly breed within the area.
Hoopoe Upupa epops
A very rare passage migrant with only a single record.
On the 15th April 2006 I heard that a Hoopoe had been reported inside the grounds of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station. Driving over to the Power Station I was told by security staff that there was strictly no access to the site. Not to be put off I spent the rest of the day viewing the golf course area from the main road but with no luck. I spent the next few days trying to arrange some sort of access to be let in for a few hours to see if I could relocate the Hoopoe, but the situation seemed hopeless. On the morning of the 18th Andy Hall informed me that access had been granted for a small group to enter the site for one hour. On entering the complex one of the staff told us he had just seen the Hoopoe feeding below one of the cooling towers. We were all issued with high visibility vests and were driven over to the cooling towers by the security staff. On arrival at the cooling towers the Hoopoe was seen feeding on a rough patch of ground and showed very well allowing very close approach. After an hour we were told that we had to leave and were all escorted back to the gatehouse. A big thankyou to all involved that pushed for access to be granted .
Ratcliffe-on-Soar - 18th April 2006
Green Woodpecker Picus viridis
Common resident
Common throughout the area with sightings on most visits to the area.
Juvenile - Barton-in-Fabis July 2009
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
Common resident
The commonest woodpecker in the area with regular sightings of two-four daily.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor
Very rare resident.
This has never been an abundant species in the area, but recent records show that this is another species that is declining worryingly throughout the area. The most recent record of this species is of a calling male bird from Clifton Grove high in the trees behind Clifton Hall on the 28th February and 1st March 2009.
Woodlark Lullula arborea
Very rare passage migrant
Only a single record of this very rare visitor to the area. The only record of Woodlark here was found on the 27th February 2010, through low to the west over fields in front of Branshill Wood at 09.30am. The approching bird was first picked up by its very distinctive 'fluty' call of which I immediately recognised as woodlark. As it passed overhead the short-tail and short rounded wings and general Jizz were confirmation of Woodlark. It was only in view for a few minutes, as it flew straight through along the flood-bank towards Barton-in-Fabis were it was lost as it disappeared from view.
Skylark Alauda arvensis
Common resident/passage migrant
The area still holds a healthy breeding population with pairs occupying most suitable habitats within the area. In the winter months large numbers have being recorded on Clifton Pastures. A massive flock of over 1000 birds were recorded on the 7th February 2009 with 500 birds still present in this area for at least a week feeding in fields near Fairham Brook.
part of a massive movement on Clifton Pastures - 7th Feburary 2009
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 17th March / 2003 25th March / 2004 20th March / 2005 20th March / 2006 31st March / 2007 25th March / 2008 16th March / 2009 16th March / 2010 18th March
Common Summer Visitor
Generally arriving mid March with numbers increasing into April. Birds have bread in the area with small nesting colonies in suitable river-bank locations.
Swallow Hirundo rustica
Common summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 17th March / 2003 19th April / 2004 20th March / 2005 31st March / 2006 31st March / 2007 9th April / 2008 31st March / 2009 29th March / 2010 27th March
Regularly seen during the summer months with birds starting to arrival by mid March. Breeding pairs nest in any available outbuildings and any other suitable locations within the area. Post-breeding flocks begin to build up from August, and southerly passage generally begins in September.
Barton-in-Fabis - August 2009
House Martin Delichon urbica
Common summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 7th April / 2003 19th April / 2004 27th March / 2005 9th April / 2006 10th April / 2007 15th April / 2008 5th April / 2009 10th April / 2010 2nd April
Generally arrives mid to late March with numbers increasing by April. Breeds in most residential location in the area but numbers seem reduced in recent years.
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
Rare summer visitor.
Rare summer visitor with just a single record of a singing male near Branshill Wood on the 23rd April 2007
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis
Scarce resident/common passage migrant
Small numbers are present throughout the year in suitable habitat with male birds heard singing and seen displaying from March to April. This species is more numerous as a passage migrant with large numbers moving through the area in recent years.
singing male Foxcovet Lane - April 2009
Barton Flash - September 2009
Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus prtrosus
Rare visitor with only a single record.
One very well marked bird seen feeding in fields near the Landing Stage whilst looking for wheatears on the 15th April 2008.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima
Common summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 20th April / 2003 19th April / 2004 14th April / 2005 9th April / 2006 19th April / 2007 22nd April / 2008 17th April / 2009 11th April / 2010 10th April
Generally recorded as a passage migrant throughout April, but breeding pairs are usually in evidence in the first weeks of May. Breeds in good numbers on Clifton Pastures/Gotham Moor and on any other suitable cereal field within the area.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Scarce Resident
Only a few records each year with most sightings coming from the area near Beeston Weir, one pair has probably bread in this location as newly fledged Juvenile birds have been seen here in the last few years. On the 10th August 2009 two adults and five Juveniles were seen feeding on the steps of the weir, suggesting that breeding had took place on the weir.
Blue-Headed Wagtail Motacilla flava
Rare passage migrant
Only a single record of a male bird seen in the ploughed field facing Branshill Wood on the 23rd/24th April 2006.
Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrelli
Common Resident
A common resident throughout the year with numbers peaking in the winter months, where large numbers can be seen feeding together in various fields.
White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba
Scare passage migrant
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 28th April / 2003 no records / 2004 11th April / 2005 6th May / 2006 8th April / 2007 9th April / 2008 19th April / 2009 8th April / 2010 24th March
Most years only produce small numbers with birds usually arriving in the second two weeks of April. Numbers fluctuate from year to year with the largest number recorded in the area been eleven birds feeding together on a newly ploughed field facing Branshill Wood on the19th April 2006.
Barton-in-Fabis - 8th April 2009
Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus
Rare Irregular winter visitor.
Just two records of this species in the area. The first record was of a group of twenty two birds feeding on rowan berries on Greencroft Clifton on the 2nd April 2005, five birds were still present on the 10th April. A small flock of twelve birds were present in the grounds of the South Nott's University feeding on a small Rowan tree outside the Darwin building from the 15th - 17th January 2009.
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Clifton University Campus - 16th January 2009
Dipper Cinclus cinclus gularis
Very rare visitor
Only one record of a single bird on the Fairham Brook on the 3rd February 2003.
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Very common resident
A very common bird throughout. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of sixty one birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and sixty five on a late summer visit. This species was less abundant in the winter of 2007 with thirty one recorded on an early visit and only twenty three on a late visit.
Dunnock Prunella modularis
Very common resident
A very common bird throughout. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of forty birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and twenty eight on a late summer visit.
Robin Erithacus rubecula
Very common resident
A very common bird throughout. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of fifty seven birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and seventy four on a late summer visit.
Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
Very rare summer visitor
Just one record of this species from Fairham Brook of a bird that was seen and heard on at least three occasions from the 23rd June to the 5th July 2000
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Very rare passage migrant
Only two records of this very rare passage migrant. The first record was of a male seen at the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station for one day only on the 26th June 1997. On the 27th November 2009 a first winter male was found at the Lark Hill Retirement Village Clifton. But on the 28th November 2009 two first winter males were seen feeding on the same roof top. (J.Christmas). Both birds stayed faithful to the site and many observers were rewarded with excellent close up views of these superb birds. The last confirmed sighting was on the 27th December 2009.
Clifton - 13th December 2009.
Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Rare passage migrant
Only three recent records of this now rare passage migrant. A moulting male found by D.Kirman was recorded from Gotham Moor on the 6th August 2006. An adult female was seen in the Rough Wood in the evening of the 9th September 2009. It was only seen briefly before it flew into cover and was lost from view, and couldn't be relocated. On the 20th April two adult males was found on Branshill Moor just behind the hedgerow near the Rough Wood. One bird showed well briefly perched out in the open but both birds were generally elusive dissapearing for long periods into the hedgerow.
Branshill Moor - 20th April 2010
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
Scarce passage migrant
This once fairly common summer visitor is now a very scarce visitor with only twenty two records since 2002. The set-aside areas in front of Branshill Wood have been the favored locations to see this species in the last few years. The 5th September 2006 was an exceptional date with a passage of seven birds present in the set-aside in front of Branshill Wood in the evening. The most recent records are of a single female in the set-aside facing Branshill Wood on the 11th/12th October 2008, a single female in the rough field facing the Rough Wood on the 2nd May 2009 and a 1st winter male on fence post near the flood-bank behind Barton-in-Fabis on the evening of the 9th September 2009. Three males were found in the area in spring 2010 with one on Gotham Moor on the 1st May (D.Kirman), a second male on the 5th/6th May near the riverside chalet Barto-in-Fabis and another male on fence posts near the Yellow Gate on the 16th May.
female Barton-in-Fabis - 11th October 2008
female near the Rough Wood - 2nd May 2009
1st winter male - Barton-in-Fabis - 9th September 2009
Barton-in-Fabis - 5th May 2010
Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Regular winter visitor.
Arrival and Departure Dates 2002 - 2009
2002 30th Nov / 2003 28th Nov / 2004 14th Oct / 2005 22nd Oct / 2006 21st Oct / 2007 6th Oct / 2008 2nd Oct/ / 2009 4th Oct
2002 2nd March / 2003 15th Feb / 2004 16th Feb / 2005 13th Feb / 2006 12th March / 2007 18th Feb / 2008 25th Feb / 2009 22nd Feb
A annual winter visitor to the area with the earliest recorded arrival date on the 2nd October 2008. Usually always over winters in pairs with three wintering pairs seen in the area most winters. The favored wintering sites are the area near Beestone Weir, behind Holme Pit, the large field in front of Branshill Wood and the drainage dykes on Clifton Pastures. All pairs have usually departed from the area by the second week of march, with the latest recorded departure date on the 12th March 2006.
male Branshll Moor - January 2008
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe oenanthe
Regular passage migrant
Arrival dates 2002 - 2010
2002 13th march / 2003 28th march / 2004 10th April / 2005 23rd march / 2006 4th April / 2007 14th April / 2008 30th march / 2009 28th March / 2010 21st March
A regular passage migrant to the area with 130 individuals recorded since 2002. The majority of these records have occurred during the spring, with the earliest spring arrival date recorded on the 13th March 2002. Surprisingly only 8 of these records have came from autumn with the latest autumn record recorded on the 20th October 2007. There has also been a very remarkable record in the summer of 2 Juveniles seen in the location of Beeston Weir on the 28th June 2008. 
one of two Juveniles Beeston Weir - 28th June 2008
Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa
Rare passage migrant
Only five records of the race Leucorhoa have been seen in the area but has possibly been overlooked. A female bird present in the Beeston Weir area on the evening of the 26th April 2006 was thought to be of this race. On the 8th May 2010 a very bright male and two females were found on fence posts on Foxcovet Lane between the Yellow Gate and Beeston Weir. Another paler male was found in the same location on the 9th May and was present until the 11th May2010.
male and female Foxcovet Lane - 8th May 2010
Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
Rare passage migrant
Only two records of this rare passage migrant with two male birds present in the field opposite the Rough Wood on the morning of the 20th April 2008. Both birds were watched at distance for over an hour before they both flew over my head towards Branshill.
On the 20th April 2010 three males and a single female were found feeding on Branshill and Branshill Moor on the exact same date and location as the first record. All four birds could be very elusive when feeding on the ground but with persistance showed very. All four birds were present until the 27th May, but went missing on two of the days between the 20th-27th.
2 males in field on Branshill Moor - 20th April 2008
Branshill Moor - 20th April 2010
Blackbird Turdus merula
Common resident
Very common resident throughout the area with numbers increasing slightly with the arrival of winter thrushes during the Autumn. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of sixty six birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and eighty seven on a late summer visit.
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
Common winter visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2009
2002 23rd Nov / 2003 21st Oct / 2004 10th Oct / 2005 22nd Oct / 2006 2nd Nov / 2007 20th Oct / 2008 18th Oct / 2009 17th Oct
Common winter visitor throughout the area with the first birds arriving from the first week of October.
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
Common resident
Despite the national decline of this species Song Thrush seems to be doing well here with a recent breeding bird survey producing good numbers. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of forty four birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and fifty two on a late summer visit.
Redwing Turdus iliacus
Common winter visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2009
2002 30th Nov / 2003 21st Oct / 2004 9th Oct / 2005 22nd Oct / 2006 22nd Oct / 2007 28th Oct / 2008 18th Oct / 2009 16th Oct
Common winter visitor that starts to arrive in the area from the second week of October.
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus
Scarce resident.
A recent breeding bird survey produced very small numbers of Mistle Thrush throughout the breeding season with only six birds found in a early spring visit and only five on a late summer visit.
Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti
A very rare visitor with just two records. Possibly originating from the Atteborough breeding pair that raised four young in 2007 {first breeding record for Nott's}
On the27th November 2007 I was looking for Bittern Botarus stellaris on Holme Pit when I heard a Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti calling from the reed-bed in the far left corner of the pit. As usual with this species it proved very elusive and wasn't seen despite searching the area until dusk. On a return visit on the afternoon of the 28th the Cetti's was once again heard calling from the same area at 3.30pm. It was located calling from the bottom of a Hawthorn Bush near one of the fishing platforms where it stayed in view for about five minutes before disappearing into the reed-bed. It wasn't seen or heard again until the 9th December when it was very vocal for long periods but staying very elusive showing only occasionally from 1.00pm - 2.00pm.
The second record here is of two birds seen and heard on several occasions from Holme Pit in November 2008. I myself never saw or heard these birds but am reliably iinformed that they were present.
Grasshopper Warbler Locusstella naevia
Scarce summer visitor
A very scarce summer visitor here with only small numbers recorded prior to April 2009, when there was an influx of singing males in brambles on Branshill Moor facing the Rough Wood in the second week of April, with two birds present on the 13th April peaking to five on the 14th April. Males were still singing in the middle of May so it is very likely that several pairs bread in this area. On the 5th September 2009 three individuals were seen moving along the hedgerow between the Rough Wood and Branshill Wood, this record constitutes as the only autumn record.
Clifton Grove - 14th April 2009
Hedgerow near the Rough Wood - 5th September 2009
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Common summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 6th May / 2003 13th April / 2004 5th April / 2005 6th May / 2006 15th April / 2007 29th April / 2008 19th April / 2009 11th April / 2010 11th April
Breeds in good numbers in the reed beds at Holme Pit and in any suitable habitat by the side of the river.
Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Scarce summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 26th April / 2003 6th May / 2004 24th April / 2005 6th May / 2006 15th April / 2007 18th April / 2008 19th April / 2009 18th April / 2010 26th April
Breeds in reasonable numbers on Holme Pit. Has also been seen occasionaly on the small pond east of Barton-in-Fabis, the Yellow Gate Pond and the wet area in front of the Rough Wood.
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
Scarce summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 -2010
2002 26th April / 2003 6th May / 2004 24th April / 2005 6th May / 2006 no records / 2007 no records / 2008 26th April / 2009 20th April / 2010 22nd April
Only a few sightings most years with number fluctuating annually. The autumn passage always produces the best chance of seeing this species, probably breeds in small numbers.
Rough Wood - September 2009
Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis
Common summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 20th April / 2003 13th April / 2004 14th April / 2005 9th April / 2006 16th April / 2007 29th April / 2008 10th April/ 2009 13th April / 2010 10th April
A very common summer visitor with birds recorded from most locations throughout the area from April to September.
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
Scarce summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 26th April / 2003 6th May / 2004 1st May / 2005 6th May / 2006 30th April / 2007 29th April / 2008 30th April / 2009 20th April / 2010 23rd April
Fairly common summer visitor with birds more often heard singing than seen. The autumn passage can produce large numbers as birds migrate through the area.
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Common summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 31st March / 2003 19th April / 2004 4th April / 2005 2nd April / 2006 9th April / 2007 29th April / 2008 23rd March / 2009 21st March / 2010 20th March
Common summer visitor with numerous records from April to September. Several recent records of over wintering birds.
Wood Warbler Phylloscopus borin
Rare passage migrant and rare summer visitor.
Only one recent record of this now very rare summer visitor of an adult male singing in Clifton Wood on the 30th May 2004
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Common summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 31st March / 2003 19th April / 2004 4th April / 2005 20th March / 2006 31st March / 2007 25th March / 2008 29th March / 2009 21st March / 2010 19th March
Abundant summer visitor with numerous records from March to September. Several records of over-wintering birds that were seen with mobile Tit flocks.
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
Common summer visitor
Arrival Dates 2002 - 2010
2002 31st March / 2003 19th April / 2004 14th April / 2005 20th March / 2006 5th April / 2007 29th April / 2008 21st April / 2009 12th April / 2010 4th April
Fairly common summer visitor to the area but has shown a slight decline in recent years.
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
Scarce resident
More abundant in the winter months where birds can be seen foraging with mobile Tit flocks. Flocks can occasionally be in double figures in the Autumn as birds arrive from Europe. Breeds in small numbers in the areas woodlands.
Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus
Very Rare
Only a single record of a bird present in a Clifton garden on the 12th March 1998.
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Rare Summer Visitor/Passage Migrant
This once common species is now almost a rarity to the area. With no recent spring records all records here are of autumn birds passing through the area. The only recent records are of a single bird in Branshill Wood on the 8th September 2006. Two on the 11th September 2008 by the ponds in front of Branshill Wood and five in the Rough Wood on the 14th September 2008. The earliest record is of a single bird that was seen in the hedge-row between the Rough Wood and Branshill Wood on the 28th August 2009. A further three birds were found in September 2009 with a single bird in the Rough Wood and two in a paddock in Barton-in-Fabis village.
Branshill Ponds - 11th September 2008
The Rough Wood - September 14th 2008
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
Common breeding resident.
A very common resident throughout the area with mobile flocks very noticeable in the winter months.
Marsh Tit Parus palustris
Very scarce.
This once fairly common resident species has become very scarce within the area. The only recent sighting is of a single bird in Branshill Wood on the 21st July 2008, this was the first sighting of this species since 2001
Willow Tit Parus montanus
Fairly common resident.
Still fairly common in the Grove and parts of Clifton Wood but this species has shown a decline in recent years.
Coal Tit Parus ater
Fairly common resident.
Small numbers in suitable woodland areas.
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus
Very common widespread resident.
Very common breeding species throughout the area. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of ninety five birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and eighty seven on a late summer visit.
Great Tit Parus major
Very common and widespread resident.
Very common species throughout the area. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of fifty three birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and fifty seven on a late summer visit.
Nuthatch Sitta europaea
Fairly common resident.
Common near the church car-park in Clifton Village where birds can be heard calling or seen high in the trees on most visits. Elsewhere in the areas woodlands it is less abundant but still fairly common. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of fourteen birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and nine on a late summer visit.
Treecreeper Certhia familiaris
Fairly common resident.
Fairly common throughout the Grove, Clifton Wood and Branshill Wood with proved breeding at all three sites.
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
Very Rare Visitor
Only a single record of a first summer female found on fence posts near the riverside chalet at Barton-in-Fabis on the 27th May 2010. The Shrike was present from 5.30pm until dusk when it was seen to go to roost in the hedgerow. It was seen by twenty or so local birders after I quickly put the news out, but it couldn't be relocated the following morning despite many birders searching the area.
Barton-in-Fabis - 27th May 2010
Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
A very rare passage migrant
Just a single record of this very rare passage migrant. The unmistakable flutey notes of a singing male were heard in the early morning at Clifton Grove on June 27th 1998
Jay Garrulus glandarius
Scarce resident
Resident in all the areas woodlands but birds are more often heard than seen. Four birds seen together is the greatest number seen so only small numbers seem to be present as a recent survey suggests. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of thirteen birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and eleven on a late summer visit.
Magpie Pica pica
Common widespread resident.
A very common bird throughout the area with the highest counts seen in the winter months. The largest single count is fifty two birds on the edge of Clifton Grove in December 2007. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of eighty five birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and one hundred sixteen on a late summer visit.
Jackdaw Corvus monedula
Common resident.
A very common species in the area with small numbers nesting in the same tree holes in the Grove and Clifton Wood year after year. Large numbers of Jackdaw can be seen in the Barton-in-Fabis and Clifton Pastures areas from October to March with counts of 1600 birds not uncommon. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of eighty one birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and sixty three on a late summer visit.
Rook Corvus frugilegus
Common Resident
Common in the winter months with large numbers seen feeding on fields with other corvids. Only small numbers recorded breeding here as there are no large Rookeries within the area.
Carrion Crow Corvus corone corone
Very common resident
Commonest in the winter months with large numbers feeding in fields. Breeds in a number of locations throughout the area. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of hundred thirty five birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and hundred eighty six on a late summer visit.
Raven Corvus corax
Scarce Visitor
Very few records of this scarce corvid here. The first record was of a single bird seen over the Ratcliff -on- Soar power station on the 6th May 2005. Two birds seen mobbing a Peregrine Falcon peregrinus over Branshill Wood on the 2nd August 2008 is the most recent record.
mobbing Peregrine - 2nd August 2008
Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Common Resident
A common resident throughout with numbers building in June when there are lots of Juveniles birds. In the winter months large numbers of birds flock together prior to dusk to roost in favored areas, but in recent years only smaller pre roost flocks have been seen. On the 4th July 2000 a leucistic individual was seen amongst a flock of Juvenile's in my garden in Clifton. It was seen on several occasions throughout July and was last seen on the 27th July 2000.
July 2000 - Clifton
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Common Resident
Despite the national decline of this species it is still a fairly common resident around the Clifton estate and other Urban locations within the area
Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Scarce Resident.
Tree Sparrow is one of the areas scarcest residents with numbers rarely reaching over twenty birds. Favored locations are the area of hedgerows near Barton Island, and and the area near the Yellow Gate. In October 2006 I placed a number of nest-boxes in suitable locations to try and tempt pairs to breed. Success was achieved in the first season with five nest-boxes occupied. Since 2006 pairs have bread every year with several pairs having second broods. I am now thinking of adding more nest-boxes to the area.
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Very common resident
A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of sixty six birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and ninety five on a late summer visit.
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
Scarce winter visitor
Only small numbers recorded in the area with the most recent records of three birds present in the Alder Plantation at the rear of Clifton Wood throughout January/February 2008, and two birds were seen with Chaffinch Carduelis chloris feeding in fields near the Clifton Estate on Clifton Pastures January 2009.
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
Very common resident
A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of forty nine birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and hundred eighteen on a late summer visit.
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
Very common resident
A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of fifty birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and eight six on a late summer visit.
Siskin Carduelis spinus
Scarce winter visitor
Siskin numbers fluctuate yearly with some winters holding flocks of up to a hundred birds in the area, but in recent years numbers have been poor with less than twenty seen all winter. The best site to see this species is either the Alder Plantation at the rear of Clifton Wood or the small group of alder trees at the end of Clifton Wood near Fox Covet Lane.
Linnet Carduelis cannabina
Fairly common resident
A fairly common breeding species throughout the area in suitable locations. Large numbers can be seen feeding together in flocks during the winter months with one hundred birds not uncommon. Favored areas are Clifton Pasture and any set-aside in the area. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of twenty four birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and eighty two on a late summer visit.
Twite Carduelis flavirostris
Only one confirmed record of this rare winter visitor/passage migrant.
A single bird was observed at close range feeding on millet with a flock of sixty Linnet Carduelis cannabina on the edge of a set-aside behind Barton Flash at 10.30am on the 3rd February 2007.
Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret
Scarce Resident?/Winter visitor
Very scarce winter visitor with only records been of small groups of birds feeding on alders with Siskin Carduelis spinus. Themain locations to see this species is in the Alder Plantation and Clifton Wood where it can be found feeding on alder trees usually with Siskin Carduelis spinus.. A single bird seen feeding on seed heads in April 2009 is the only spring record.
Clifton Grove - April 2009
Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Scarce resident
Small numbers can be seen on most visits and are always seem to be seen in pairs. Good numbers of Juvenile birds were seen in September 2008 feeding on black berries proving that this bird is successfully breeding here. The best sites to see this species is along the hedgerow between Clifton Wood and Branshill Wood, another favored area is the hedgerow along the footpath in the Alder Plantation. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found only fifteen birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and thirteen on a late summer visit.
Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Very rare species to the area with just two records of two small flocks both from Clifton Wood.
The first record was of three birds seen in the Alder Plantation at the rear of Clifton Wood 1.00pm on the 23rd December 2005. All three birds stayed in the area for around an hour before the flew off high towards Clifton Grove. The second record was again from the Alder Plantation on the 12th March 2006 and involved a small flock of four birds. Again they stayed in the area for around an hour before they flew off in the direction of Attenborough
The Alder Plantation - 23rd December 2005
Snow Bunting
Very rare with only one record
Only a single record of a female seen feeding on the Weir Field on the 20th November 2005. It was watched at close range before it flew off in the direction of Attenborough.
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella
Fairly common resident
A fairly common species on suitable locations such as Clifton Pastures and Branshill Moor. Birds do flock in the winter months with counts of fifty not uncommon. A breeding bird survey in 2008 found a total of twenty two birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and fifty eight on a late summer visit.
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniculus
Scarce resident / breeding species.
A breeding bird survey in 2008 found only ten birds throughout the area on a early spring visit and twenty four on a late summer visit.
Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra
Rare resident/breeding species.
The Corn Bunting is probably the most Threatened species throughout the area. The small breeding population is now threatened with various construction projects that will cut right through their favored breeding sites, and will almost certainly push this species to the brink of extinction in the area. Having been red-listed in all three "Birds of Conservation Concern" reviews, this farmland species continues to be an urgent conservation priority. Remains on the Red list.
Male Barton Lane - June 2009
Robert Hoare.
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Revised: 13th July 2010 .