Nosterfield Bird and Natural History Review May 2025

Andrew (Andy) M Hanby

Langwith Gate                            David Saunders

The start of a new month is often anticipated like a slow-burn Christmas, every day another present to unwrap and surprises to be had.  For quite a few months, it has been mostly just more proverbial ‘socks’, but May is a month where real treats are uncovered!  The ‘unwrap’ session on the first day was very encouraging, with a new Temminck’s Stint on the Reserve, a Grasshopper Warbler singing away at Langwith Gate and an Osprey, possibly a bird from Rutland Water.

Temminck’s Stint     Dave Ward

The 2nd was very much the equivalent of the Christmas stocking given to the wealthy family in the big house.  The Grasshopper Warbler still sang at Langwith Gate, two Mediterranean Gulls were on the Reserve, as well as a decent count of 67 Oystercatchers and a single Bar-tailed Godwit.  However, all that was eclipsed by a magnificent American vagrant, a Lesser Yellowlegs, one of three found in Yorkshire that day. It had the decency to stay around and perform for many visitors until 16th, so that only those with Achilles Tendon injuries were unable to connect with it….

Lesser Yellowlegs                                     Dave Ward

The following day saw a Wood Sandpiper on the Reserve, now three Mediterranean Gulls, another Osprey sighting and a male Garganey.  The latter was reported thereafter on and off until 20th, with two males on 13th.  The pace continued on 4th with Turnstone and White Wagtail present.  Three Egyptian Geese, arguably in the ‘sock‘ category, were added to the mix on 5th and the first Spotted Flycatcher of the year appeared the very next day.

Garganey                                        Steve Hustwick

Background birds of interest seen on and off throughout the month included up to three different Marsh Harriers, at least three different Bittern, two Hobby and additional visits of itinerant waders such as further Turnstone, Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank and Whimbrel.

Other regulars included Marsh Harrier (Nathan Beer) and Common Tern (Tim Jones) 

Two Pink-footed Geese on 15th seem unseasonal, but we often do get these, sometimes into June, so maybe not so surprising.  The only months we haven’t recorded this species are July and August.  Adding to the ducks and geese theme were two drake Mandarin ducks on 18th, which then became regular, with up to three birds, mostly in the Langwith area.  Finally, a Eurasian White-fronted Goose on 21st really was surprisingly late.

Mandarin drake                                       Tim Jones

The only notable visible migration of the month occurred on 27th, when 338 Swift flew south.  Also that day, 41 Canada Geese moved north at some height, presumably part of the moult migration to Scotland which occurs at this time of year.

A Curlew Sandpiper on Langwith on 30th was a great addition to the area year list, but soon headed off north with a flock of 18 Dunlin.  The finale, the first Knot of the year, a monochrome individual on the Reserve, whilst not spectacular, was nevertheless welcome.

An ‘Ure and environs’ collage                                                     Dave Ward