Records from the archives – On This Day
For week commencing Monday 20th February 2023
20th February
A drake Green-winged Teal was found on Ravenstown Pond (SD37M) in 2014 it was the 27th Cumbrian record, the first-winter drake Lesser Scaup first found on Talkin Tarn on 18th January 2003 was last seen on this day, a Bittern was seen on Bassenthwaite Marsh in 1985.
21st February
Great Grey Shrikes were found at Long Moss (NY55) in 1998 and at Dalton Crags (SD57N) in 2009 these were the second and 17th Cumbrian records since 1994.
22nd February
A Taiga Bean Goose was found in a mixed flock of grey geese at Langwathby in 1995 it was the second Cumbrian record since 1993, a drake American Wigeon was seen in Haverigg harbour from Hodbarrow sea-wall it remained until 25th February 2014, it was the 11th Cumbrian record and an Avocet found on the River Bela in 1991 was still present the next day.
23rd February
An Egyptian Goose frequented the Haverbrack Pond (SD48V) area until 1st April 2009 it was the 17th Cumbrian record and a Water Pipit was seen on Walney Island in 2012.
24th February
A drake Green-winged Teal frequented the Ravenglass area remaining until 13th March 2002, it was the sixth Cumbrian record, a Black-throated Diver was seen off Sellafield in 2012, four Black-necked Grebes were seen on Bassenthwaite Lake in 2002 and an adult Iceland Gull was seen on Parton beach in 1998 it was the 53rd Cumbrian record.
25th February
A Red Kite was seen at Woodland Hall (SD2499) in 2006 pre-dating the Grizedale releases.
26th February
The wintering drake Green-winged Teal returned in 2004 for its fourth consecutive winter in the Eskmeals/Hodbarrow area, it was seen at Newbiggin viaduct on this day in 2005, it was the 11th Cumbrian record, a Sooty Shearwater was seen offshore at South Walney in 1982 it was the tenth Cumbrian record and the 11th individual bird, a Bittern was seen at Siddick Pond in 2006, Iceland Gulls were represented with a 3CY bird seen on South Walney in 1989 plus a first-winter bird there in 1991, these were the 22nd and 30th Cumbrian records respectively and a Firecrest was found at Heads Nook in 1994.
Ronnie Irving
Secretary CBC Records Panel
Copyright © 2023