Friday 13 February 2015

Pitsford WeBS Count

Hello

The WeBS count for Pitsford Reservoir was completed today, and although wildfowl numbers were very low, interesting birds were about and visible. The three White-fronted Geese were generally showing well in the area of the causeway and on the shoreline by the Fishing Lodge, 3-4 Smew (one drake) were present, a first winter Mediterranean Gull was on the water in the Holcot Bay, an adult male Peregrine was in hunting mode and waders included an Oystercatcher, two Jack Snipe, 59 Snipe and three fly-over Golden Plovers.

In addition the female Stonechat was in the Scaldwell Bay, a large passerine flock near the Old Walgrave Road in a stubble field included well over a hundred Chaffinches and two Ravens were around the Walgrave Bay.

Birds in the garden here at Hanging Houghton in the early afternoon included two Lesser Redpolls on feeders, two Reed Buntings and a Nuthatch.

Eleanor's visit to Blueberry Farm (Maidwell) this afternoon provided views of two Ravens, a Barn Owl and two pairs of Stonechat.

A visit to Market Harborough this afternoon failed to locate any Otters on the River Welland, but a Kingfisher and 2-3 Grey Wagtails were still present.

Regards

Neil M


White-fronted Geese
Courtesy of Pete Gilbert

White-fronted Goose
Courtesy of  Pete Gilbert

Peregrine
Courtesy of Pete Gilbert

Lapwing
Courtesy of Pete Gilbert

White-fronted Geese
Courtesy of Helen Franklin

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