Species Account
Extract from Bird Report 2024
Probably an under-recorded visitor, mainly in winter, with usually a small breeding population at two or three sites. (Green list).
Breeding took place at Houghton Brook Pools, with three recently fledged young on 29th May, at East Hyde, with one fledged young on 10th August, and also at Brogborough Tip & Pools. In addition, probable breeding took place in meadows near Girtford and at Rookery North ClP, and a juvenile was seen at Arlesey on several dates in June.
In the first quarter the highest counts were ten at G&M Pit on 24th March, six in meadows near Girtford on 16th February and four at Stratton Park Balancing Pond on 4th January. In the April to June period, apart from those sites mentioned earlier, birds were at Fenlake Meadows, MCP Wetlands NR, Meadow Lane GP, Smith’s Pit near Biggleswade and Willington GP. In addition to breeding sites already mentioned, during the July to September period records were received from Dunstable WTW, Harrold-Odell CP, Harrowden WM and Wrest Park. In the final quarter they were more widespread, and from a total of 19 sites.
