Species Account
Extract from Bird Report 2024
Relatively common breeder, usually more numerous as a winter visitor, particularly in hard weather. Included in 25.1% of BirdTrack lists. (Green list).
Successful breeding took place at the following sites: Broom East (1 pair); Coronation ClP (3 pairs); Gadsey Brook (2 broods); Girtford Lakes (1 pair); Great Barford Lake (1 pair); Lodge Farm Lake (2 pairs); MCP Wetlands NR (2 pairs); Meadow Lane GP (2 pairs); Octagon Farm GP (1 pair); Poppy Hill Lakes (2 pairs); Priory CP (3 pairs); Quest ClP (5 pairs); Rookery North ClP (1 pair); Southill Lake (6 pairs). In addition, occupied nests were at Black Cat GP, Blunham Lakes and Grovebury SP.
During the first quarter most of the high counts were from Priory CP (peak of 47 on 9th January) and Stewartby Lake (peak of 41 on 17th January). Other counts of 20 or more were 24 at Luton Hoo on 12th February and 19th March, 22 at Grovebury SP on 14th January and 21 at Brogborough Lake on 1st January. That pattern continued into the April to June period, with peaks of 22 at Stewartby Lake on 10th April and 18 at Priory CP on 29th April. Notable counts in the third quarter were 29 at Priory CP on 24th July and 1st September, and 23 at Coronation ClP on 20th July. In the last quarter, once again the highest counts were at Stewartby Lake, with 31 on 29th December, and at Priory CP, with 28 on 24th October. There were also 20 at MCP Wetlands NR on 28th October.
