Year List Update - 15th March 2026

This week, I've managed to add a few new species to this year's "Year List", bringing the total so far to 116 birds.

The first new bird was added on Tuesday, when I had a quick post-work drive across to Catcliffe Flash, in Sheffield for a 1st winter Scaup (115). The bird was easily found (despite looking into the sun!) and I managed some good 'scope views and a  few, distant, heavily-cropped photos.

Scaup (and Tufted Duck)

Spot the Scaup!

The next species was Lesser Redpoll (116), that I saw in the garden. Numbers increased over the week, so that today, 15th, there were 10 birds, on and around, the feeders.

After yesterday's visit to Linacre, Jayne and I went for a walk around Chatsworth Park. We didn't add anything new to the Year List, but we did see our first Derbyshire Oystercatcher of the year, down on the river.

Oystercatcher

Year List Update - 21st April 2025

 This last week, I've been out and about a few times, and have managed to add 6 more species to this year's Year List.

The first bird, Garganey (149), was a male bird that was seen at Catcliffe Flash, in Sheffield on Tuesday. It was asleep the entire time I was there (!), and quite distant, but I managed to get a record shot, along with a couple of Tufted Duck, a Gadwall and some Teal.

Garganey

The other 5 species, were added today in Lincolnshire. The first one, Common Crane (150), was added in a field about 1 mile away from the Willow Tree Fen reserve. In total, there were 18 birds all feeding in one field. Quite a sight, and not one I was expecting to see!!

3 of the 18 birds present

The last 4 new species seen were Sedge Warbler (151), Reed Warbler (152), Whitethroat (153) and Yellow Wagtail (154), which were all added at RSPB Frampton Marsh.

Yellow Wagtail (with friend)

Whilst there, Jayne and I also spotted a good number of other species, including: Canada, Greylag and Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Ruff, Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch, Linnet, Pintail, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, and, best of all, a self-found male Green-winged Teal!!!

Green-winged Teal (asleep)