Monday 14 March 2016

Barn Owls and more...

Hello

Yesterday (Sunday) Eric and Debbie Graham braved a flooded Titchmarsh Reserve at Thrapston Gravel Pits and their efforts were rewarded with sightings of a Curlew, six Little Egrets and seven Goosanders. Also yesterday Eleanor watched two hunting Barn Owls in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.

Today (Monday) and two male Bramblings re-appeared in our garden at Hanging Houghton, joined by four Yellowhammers and a small gathering of Reed Buntings. Two Woodcock were flushed at Blueberry Farm this morning and this evening a Barn Owl was lingering at Easton Maudit.

Details have now come through of the ringed Barn Owl found dead alongside the A508 at Hanging Houghton on 31st January 2016. This was an old bird, first being ringed as a nestling near Guilsborough on 5th August 2004. On examination it appeared to be a male bird and although it hadn't travelled far from it's origins it was nearly 12 years old when it was unfortunately struck by a vehicle (the oldest known Barn Owl was just over fifteen years old).

Regards

Neil M


Barn Owl.

Courtesy of Robin Gossage.


Water Rail.

Kingfisher.

Male Brambling.

John Gamble kindly forwarded these
images following a recent visit to
the RSPB reserve at Titchwell, Norfolk.

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