Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)

 Present since 26th June, the second so far this year.

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

 

Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

2026 has been a good Quail year nationally and locally, with up to two birds at Middleton Moor, including one singing from fields at the north end of Black Harry Lane from 22nd June to at least 2nd July.

Recording 1

Recording 2

Recording 3

Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)

 

Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)

What is likely to be a safe bet for bird of the year in 2026, this adult male Red-backed Shrike was found by visiting birders looking for the Temminck's Stint, in bushes below the hide late afternoon on 30th May. Unfortunatley it had departed the following morning. 

More Pictures

Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii)

 One found on no.4 lagoon by Andy Butler, remained until the following day.

More Pictures

Woodlark (Lullula arborea)

 A Woodlark was a surprise find this morning. Present on the track at the north end of lagoon no.4 and in nearby fields - a first record for the site.

More Pictures

Barnacle Goose

 My second record of Barnacle Goose for the site today. My first was on the 26 May 2014 which was actually the last time the Barnacle Goose was recorded at Middleton Moor prior to today and that makes just three records for the site.

Its difficult to understand why they are so rare here when feral populations are increasing in the County with birds occurring regularly at Carsington Water.

Unfortunately it didn't stay long and departed west in the early morning when the birds were disturbed by something.

Barnacle Goose

Eurasian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

One in fields on the approach road this afternoon (technically just outside the recording area but viewable from within)

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

Female Marsh Harrier over the settling beds and north end of no.4 lagoon today

 

Common Crane (Grus grus)

 In common with other birdwatchers I always scan the sky when groups of grounded birds are spooked and take flight, in the hope of seeing a raptor overhead. Often there is no obvious reason but today I hit the jackpot with a Common Crane circling just above the gulls. 

It continued to circle, rapidly gaining height before drifting off to the south.

The first record for Middleton was on 14 June 1987 and there has probably been one other making this the third record for the site. With increasing numbers now breeding in Norfolk and Linconshire there is hope for more records in the future.

Common Crane

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba)

A nominate race White Wagtail. One of two that have been in with the resident Pieds for a couple of days.

 

Ruff (Calidris pugnax)

The five female Ruff still present and have been joined by a male (found by Roy Frost) this morning. 

Little Ringed Plover (Thinornis dubius)

 

Ruff (Calidris pugnax)

 Five Ruff, all females on no.4 lagoon today

More Pictures 

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)

Eight Whooper Swans on no.4 lagoon this morning.

Typical weather for March 2026 when we had a prolonged spell of foggy conditions

Evening visit, primarily to count Curlews as they came in to roost - 75 in total. There was also a small Starling murmuration consisting of around 5,000 birds being harrassed by a Peregrine.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S310387915

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)

 

White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

The winter of 2025 - 2026 saw a record influx of White-fronted Geese into the UK from Russia, so it wasn't totally unexpected when two appeared at Middleton Moor on 8th March.

More Pictures

Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)

Jack Snipe, photographed on the upper settling bed by Andy Butler.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S305246259

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus)

Present since 1st February, the Slavonian Grebe stayed on no.4 lagoon until 9th February, but was often elusive in foggy conditions. These pictures were taken on one of the few days that the fog lifted.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S298848498

More Pictures

Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

Two Egyptian Geese found by Ray Scally on no.4 lagoon. Although a common bird elsewhere in the county, they are a rare visitor to Middleton Moor and the north of the county generally.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S298558693

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus)

 Slavonian Grebe found by Ray Scally on no.4 lagoon this morning

https://ebird.org/checklist/S297437579