Temminck's Stint and Middleton Moor Update

I've got a bit behind with my blog so here's an update to get things back on track starting with news of a Temminck's Stint today at Middleton Moor.

Ive been visiting Middleton early in the morning so it was just 6am when I noted a small wader on the edge of the lagoon. It was some distance away but the general impression of a diminutive Common Sandpiper led me to believe it was a Temminck's Stint. Quite a few have been recorded in Britain this Spring so it was a bird that was on the radar. I managed to get a bit closer and confirm its identification and fortunately it stayed for the rest of the day so quite a few other birders were able to see it. 

Temminck's Stint

There is one previous record at Middleton Moor on 18-19 May 2012 so it could be a while before the 3rd!

Also today a colour ringed Caspian Gull was present, I saw this bird on 17 May and managed to read the ring and found out it was ringed in Germany in 2025 and has also visited Carsington, Sheffield and the RSPB Old Moor Reserve in Barnsley.

Caspian Gull with colour ring and possibly another behind

The 17th May was a big day as a Woodlark turned up a Middleton, the first site record.

Woodlark

On the previous day (16th May) I had seen Barnacle Goose and Common Tern both rare birds at Middleton so I've had a good run recently.

Barnacle Goose

Common Tern

I've also seen three Sanderling which were the first I have seen there although they do occur most years.

Sanderling

So that's me just about up to date, I hear the Stint is still present this evening so it might hang on until tomorrow.

Ring-necked Parakeet - Darley Dale

 There were a couple of reports of a Ring-necked Parakeet visiting bird feeders on Northwood Lane during the week. 

With feral populations in Sheffield and Derby its perhaps surprising we don't get more records but they are few and far between with single birds reported on Beeley Moor in 2001 and 2007 and Bakewell in 2001.

Once established numbers can build rapidly so it's probably just as well that we just get the odd bird passing through.

Ring-necked Parakeet (photo Glen Sellors)

On a similar vein a Barnacle Goose was seen with the Canada Goose flock at Chatsworth on Wednesday, I was there on Thursday but there were only 6 Canada's and no sign of it but it may well turn up again, 

Two female Wigeon were on the river infront of the House and have been present for several days.

Still up to six Hawfinch at St Helen's Churchyard

Wigeon - female