Records from the archives – On This Day
For week commencing Monday 21st March 2022
21st March
The Red-breasted Goose seen at Easton (NY25U) in February was seen there again on this day, it was the eighth Cumbrian record, a Spoonbill was found at South Walney in 2013 it was the seventh Cumbrian record of the decade, a Red Kite was seen on Helton Fell (NY42) in 2003, pre-dating the Grizedale releases, a first-winter Iceland Gull frequented Tarns Dub from 1992 until this date in 1993, three Water Pipits were found on the salt-marsh pools at Campfield in 2003 and up to three were to be found on the strand line at Bardsea (SD37C) from 6th January to this date in 2011 and unusually a Hawfinch was seen on feeders at Lazonby in 2017.
22nd March
A first-winter Red-breasted Goose was found on Rockcliffe Marsh in 1992 it remained until 19th April it was the second Cumbrian record and the first since 1918, a first-winter Iceland Gull was found at Maryport remaining until 31st March 1983, it was the tenth Cumbrian record, a Water Pipit was seen in Roosecote Bay in 1985 and a wintering bird was to be found in the favoured field at Biggar, it was last seen on this day in 2011.
23rd March
A drake Green-winged Teal at Campfield Marsh on this day in 2015 was possibly the bird from 2013 on its last wintering date, it was approximately the 28th Cumbrian record, an adult drake Ring-necked Duck that frequented Sunbiggin Tarn in February was also seen on this day in 2006, it was approximately the 28th Cumbrian record, the wintering Bittern which was located on Lantern Moss, Braystones (NY00) on 26th January was last seen on this day in 2003 and a Bittern was seen on Arthuret Ponds, Longtown until 24th March 2012.
24th March
A Red Kite was seen over Kendal in 2002 pre-dating the Grizedale releases, two first-winter Iceland Gulls were present at Tarns Dub in 1991, this was approximately the 28th Cumbrian record, a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was located at Talkin Tarn in 2015 (S. Tucker) this is the last validated record in Cumbria to date, a Great Grey Shrike was found at Penton (NY45) in 2000 it was the first Cumbrian record of the new century, a Great Grey Shrike frequented the western flank of Binsey (NY23H) until 26th March 2015, it was the 13th Cumbrian record of the decade and on the verge of extinction a Corn Bunting was seen near Waverton (NY24) in 2000, there has been a further three records since this date.
25th March
A drake Green-winged Teal returned to Campfield Marsh for its fourth winter remaining until 19th April 2008, it was approximately the 15th Cumbrian record, a Ring-necked Parakeet was seen at Thwaite Head, Rusland Valley in 2012, a Great Grey Shrike frequented the Haverthwaite – Roudsea area from 15th December 2004 until this date in 2005 and a male Firecrest was seen at St Bees Head in 2005.
26th March
The Red-breasted Goose found on the 9th March 1994 at Drumburgh was last seen on this day and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen in Levens Park (SD58) in 1993 it was the eighth Cumbrian record of the 1990’s.
27th March
A Taiga Bean Goose found on Green Road Marsh (SD18) in 1993 remained until 1st April, it was the first record of the 1990’s, a Tundra Bean Goose was found with Pink-footed Geese at Kirkbride it remained until 29th March 2004 it was the first record of the century, a Red Kite was seen at Pooley Bridge (NY42S) in 2010, an Avocet was seen at Hodbarrow in 1996 it was the 23rd Cumbrian record, first-winter Iceland Gulls were recorded at Tarns Dub with one staying until 6th April 1988 and one from 20th January 1991 until this day in 1991 these were the 21st and 27th Cumbrian records and a Firecrest was found at South Walney in 1998.
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Ronnie Irving
Secretary CBC Records Panel
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