I've found Sanctuary

I've already seen the Dartford Warbler a few years ago at the Pride Park Sanctuary but that wasn't from the "official" place, we were looking over the hedge from the stadium side. After school today we visited the Sancuary proper, and it was really good!! Despite being in the middle of a big urbanised area with gas works, car showrooms and of course the home of the Mighty Rams this little spot really does feel like a Sanctuary, a space away from all the hustle and bustle where nature (and it's watchers) can be alone together. I'm starting to appreciate the ethos of David Lindo after today's visit.

Tonight's cast were this splendid female Wheatear, the nesting Sand Martins, a pair of Little Ringed Plover at close range as well as some Coot, Mallard, a Sedge Warbler which didn't show itself, a very melodious Linnet and a pair of Lapwing. A brilliant site that I encourage everyone to visit, especially as it seems to be on the verge of being swamped. To come so far with the place to only lose it again would be a shame. The list of wildlife is quite amazing, this Spring a Ring Ouzel stayed for a while. Wish I'd gone to see that now...








Bird Yearlist = 141
Moth Yearlist = is almost forgotton about due to the terrible weather!

A Purple patch

 The only problem about getting bird news during the week is that 99 times out of 100 I can't see the bird, because of work or having to pick my son up from school. The only day I can hopefully get away with it is Mondays, as firstly I don't have obligations on Mondays and this gives me the opportunity during the rest of the week to make up any time that I spend away from the desk. So yesterday's news of the Purple Sandpiper at Kilvington couldn't have come at a better time. This bird is the 16th record for Nottingham, and it was at a site that I have wanted to visit for a while but never quite found the right moment. This seemed perfect, the only problem was that it was reported twice this morning but nothing since 0945. I put this down to the working habits of most birders, and so went for it anyway. And I'm glad I did. I got onto it straight away, and it was associating with my first 2 Little Ringed Plover of the year too - bonus birds! The Purple showed well but not scope-filling views in the south corner of the West Lake and looked a bit like this, but not quite so shaky....

Also on sit were this pair of Stock Pigeons, just sat huddled in the field for the whole time I was there (about an hour), not too sure why or what they were achieving?

Bird Yearlist = 122