The Lincolnshire Bird Club

I visited half a dozen traditional Spotted Flycatcher sites in the Lincoln area today (Monday) and the following were recorded :

1. Knaith (between Lincoln and Gainsborough) :
Adult SpotFly flycatching from Yew tree and iron railings at Knaith Hall and the Church.

2. Brampton village main street.
Adult bird feeding newly fledged juvenile in a large garden where SpotFlys have successfully nested in the past.

3. Doddington Hall
Adult flycatching c.15 minutes non-stop in the large orchard area by The Stable Yard down from the Cafe/Farm Shop. The bird repeatedly flew into dense, half-hidden fruit trees, presumably feeding young.

I called in at Blackmoor Farm (off the road to Doddington) but there was no sign of SpotFlys. (Other disappointing news : I was informed that there are no PYO Strawberries at the Farm this year).

Freddy

There were two at the Walesby Moor electricity substation on Sunday afternoon, an adult and a young bird, both showing well within the compound. Maybe worth adding to your list if you are doing another tour!

Paul

Thanks, Paul. I've been to this YEB compound ('traditional') site on the B1203 out of Market Rasen towards Tealby a few times, my last successful visit being in July 2015 (alerted by Phillip Harland).
I'll certainly include it on a Market Rasen, Normanby le Wold, Linwood Warren, Walesby, Tealby tour (all previously successful SpotFly sites).

Freddy

Baumber Park 4th July

Freddy

None have been reported to me in Baumber yet this year which is disappointing. Greg Roberts did have sighting of one in the churchyard earlier during migration time. I also have to report that I have failed to find any in the Trinity Centre/ Medical Centre in Horncastle despite checking it out a couple of times since May. All a bit depressing news for you from me!

The Spotflys in Willingham by Stow in and around St Helens church have raised 2 broods. The second pair fledged 4 young on the 26th June with 1 egg failing to hatch. They nested in a hole in the wall of the old rectory.

That's great news, Ian. Willingham by Stow remains a strong 'traditional' site for yet another year!

Freddy

Hi Michael,

That is indeed disappointing news especially re Baumber, a traditional stronghold of SpotFlys. Hopefully, they are breeding in the area but in private gardens (not visible from the road/footpath) or in secluded woodland. We'll see if Baumber Churchyard hosts any post-breeding/pre-migration group in August.

Apart from my reported sighting of 1st June, I see that there is no SpotFly news coming out of Woodhall Spa - which is unusual now that we are into early July. Perhaps news of breeding may emerge from Woodhall Country Park in due course.

At least, we have confirmed reports (mainly breeding) from the 'traditional' sites of Dunsby, Willingham by Stow, Knaith, Brampton, Doddington Hall, Hill Holt Wood, Edenham, Walesby Moor, Fillingham plus breeding in Welton le Marsh and a report of 2 birds in Keb Wood, Broughton (29 May).

Freddy

Freddy

I did get a report of a nest fledging last week in Witham Road from a private garden. no more details but fledging did coincide with those two very wet days last week. Fingers crossed?

Pair in Welton Village 3 Young

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Dean Eades



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Sorry Freddy, I haven't news of Woodhall spotted flycatchers this year. Various factors including a major health problem have stopped me spending much time looking this year. Last Sunday, 9 July, while sitting outside at The Tea House I could hear what sounded like a family group in the trees opposite, but failed to see any birds. By the time we left they had moved on. If you are in Woodhall that area is worth checking.

John

Hi John,

Thanks for the lead re the area opposite The Tea House. The next time I'm in Woodhall Spa, I'll certainly check out that area, and also the nearby Spa Road trees as post-breeding/pre-migration family groups can stay around for quite a time..........even joining up with other family groups.

Best wishes for an improvement in the health issue.

Freddy

Willingham churchyard 13.50 today, pair hawking and feeding, off gravestones to the left of the main gate.

Andrew

Hello Freddy,

Some more positive news from Woodhall Spa. This morning I found a family group in the belt of trees between the Dower House Hotel and the golf course club house. I saw an adult and two juveniles together about 100 ft. up in the very top of a Corsican pine. Judging by calls from the adjacent sycamores I estimate that a likely total of four young were present.

John