Sunday 31 May 2020

Last day of May

Hello

More glorious sunshine, this time in association with a lovely cool northerly breeze was the background weather for today.

Early morning finds today included a Marsh Harrier flying north east at Summer Leys and two Cattle Egrets with cattle on the main lake at Stanwick Pits. A little later and a Caspian Tern was located in flight at Stanford Reservoir but stayed only a matter of minutes, but time for the single observer to obtain some images. Congratulations to Chris Hubbard for his exciting find.

A Caspian Tern was seen at three sites along the Hampshire coast this afternoon - these nomadic terns are known for their long distance wanderings and ability to cover miles very quickly so it could easily be the same bird.

Visits to Harrington Airfield and Pitsford Reservoir today didn't produce anything out of the ordinary. It is anticipated that Pitsford Reservoir will open on Tuesday 2nd June with public access to the south side as usual and permit holders only to the north of the road causeway (as usual). It is possible to apply for a free permit if you are a member of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, otherwise permits are available from the Fishing Lodge, and self vending day permits should be available again soon from the small hut at the road entrance to the Fishing Lodge.

A ringing session at Harrington Airfield is planned for this coming Tuesday during which time access to the bunker and old runway section will be restricted. Footpaths and the concrete track will still be accessible.

Regards

Neil M

A pair of Swifts in their
nest box with two eggs
courtesy of John Hunt.


Many Great Spotted Woodpecker broods are on
the verge of fledging, so it will be busy and potentially
noisy at peanut and fat feeders soon!
Images courtesy of John Tilly.

Over half the broods of Great Tits
are out now but there are some still
 to fledge.

Image courtesy of John Tilly.

It's all very well him
taking a photograph of
us, why doesn't he come over
and swat some of these flies!

Great Crested Grebe
Blatherwycke Lake.

I reckon if I crouch
down like this he'll
never see me...!

What did I tell you, he didn't
see a thing!

Little Owl at Polebrook Airfield.

Ragged Robin
Deene Lake.

Banded Demoiselle
Blatherwycke Lake.

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