Wednesday 20 May 2015

Pitsford Common Bird Census

Hello

This morning I walked the reserve section of Pitsford Reservoir to complete the regular Common Bird Census. It was remarkably cold first thing this morning, to the point that I suspect some of the usual early morning activity/singing was suppressed. Although a little showery it was reasonably bright and the usual species eventually appeared!

Single Spotted Flycatchers were located in each of the main bays, but Reed Warblers were in very short supply and only one pair of Sedge Warbler was located. Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were present in good numbers but the Garden Warblers weren't very vocal.

A Little Egret was in the Holcot Bay, a female Shoveler was looking a little maternal in the Scaldwell Bay and the pair of Oystercatcher were high profile all morning. Small numbers of Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls are clearly attracted to the rafts in the Scaldwell Bay.

A single Willow Tit was found in the Scaldwell Bay and two Marsh Tit territories were confirmed. A singing Yellow Wagtail was holding territory near the Willow Hide and quite a number of fledglings were out and about the reserve, including Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tit.

A Hobby was at Harrington Airfield this morning and a singing Grasshopper Warbler was again heard in the southern-most field at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.

Regards

Neil M

No comments: