Trip reports
Summerleys and the Hanson Environmental Centre by Brian Lloyd
Sunday, 16 April 2006
First Summerleys. The gravel pits were partially frozen over in March this year due to the frosty nights of our cold spring this year. This served to concentrate the waterfowl in the ice free areas making them easy to see. These included both drake and duck smew. Isn't the drake smew a handsome bird? On the way round there were the usual tree sparrows, finches and tits at the feeding station and the delightful aerobatic redpolls in the alder trees and on the ground beneath them. An ice-free area on the edge of the smallest pits encouraged the water rail to come out and display. In spite of the ice the sunshine was pleasantly warm, showing the charm of goldfinches eating the last of the teasel seeds at their best.
On to the Hanson Centre in April. Spring had started to arrive at last and the migrants had started to arrive. Especially the chiffchaffs. They were chiffchaffing everywhere! Sand martins and a few swallows flying overhead. Herons and little egrets on nests on the island (yes, little egrets nesting at the Hanson Centre!). There was the resident little owl, great spotted and green woodpeckers, and although most of the winter wildfowl had gone, a fine drake pintail, a drake widgeon and a few teal remained - and the ringed plover had arrived as well. Blackcaps too, one pair were already collecting nesting material, including the cock bird, much to my disgust. Instead of doing its 'man thing' and nonchalantly singing away while the woman did the work, he was actually helping with the home building!
Brian Lloyd