Thursday 25 February 2016

Birds in the cold air

Hello

Bits and pieces from yesterday (Wednesday) that I forgot to mention included a pair of Grey Partridge and ca40 Golden Plovers at Harrington Airfield and an adult Caspian Gull in the gull roost at Pitsford Reservoir (but not the regular bird). In addition John Woollett conducted some ringing in his garden at Astcote yesterday and the catch included 10 new Goldfinches, 4 Siskins and a Yellowhammer. With cooler temperatures, particularly at night, and reduced natural food available, fresh birds are seeking out our gardens.

Yesterday's ringing session at Pitsford Reservoir included the processing of a Blue Tit with an old ring. Dave Francis has checked back through the records and this individual was first ringed as a juvenile at Pitsford in June 2008. This makes this little blue sprite over seven and a half years old!

Chris Payne was ringing down at Bradden again today and was kind enough to report the capture of 66 birds which included four Goldcrests, three Robins, three Greenfinches and nine Goldfinches. He noted two Tree Sparrows nearby, the first he has seen in that area...

Cathy Ryden noted six Goosanders visible from the aptly-named Goosander Hide at Pitsford Reservoir today; Eleanor saw four Stonechats at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this morning and a single Barn Owl in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.

A quick visit to the Brixworth Sewage Treatment Works today was sufficient to see two Chiffchaffs and three Grey Wagtails and a Raven was heard.

Regards

Neil M


Rook

Goldcrest

Common Cranes, Canada Goose
and Barnacle Geese at Slimbridge.

Goldcrest at Bradden today
Courtesy of Chris Payne

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