Friday 25 October 2013

Catching up with the birds!

Hello

First thing this morning and Eleanor revisited Harrington Airfield and kept to the concrete track.  She saw the first year Ring Ouzel which flew towards the third bunker.

Mid-morning saw two Ravens present at Hanging Houghton.

This afternoon and I found time to have a wander at Harrington Airfield.  Thanks to Alan Coles I saw the Great Grey Shrike perched on a small isolated bunker between the concrete track and the old airstrip (1.15pm) - thanks Alan!

After a quick wander around the copse further on, I returned to scan the fields and this time the Ring Ouzel was pointed out to me, this bird on the same concrete bunker that had hosted the shrike.  The Ring Ouzel was then watched for quite a time gently plucking and consuming the last of the elderberries (still present at 2.20pm).

A Peregrine chased some corvids around in the strong breeze and plenty of raptors on view included at least one Red Kite.  About seventy Golden Plover were present but mobile.

A quick look at Pitsford Res this afternoon provided views of a Great White Egret, nine Red-crested Pochard and six Pintail in the Scaldwell Bay and at least four Little Egrets scattered about the reserve.  There was an adult Yellow-legged Gull north of the causeway and subsequently a different bird off the dam.

Some scanning over parts of Blueberry Farm (Maidwell) late afternoon drew a blank but a Grey Partridge was heard again.  A 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was reported for yesterday afternoon.

Regards

Neil M


 
Red Kite

 
Common Buzzard

 
Golden Plover

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