Hi
Birds today included a hungry-looking male Peregrine in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning that was definitely on the hunt.
At Blueberry Farm today there was a Red Kite, 2 Hobbies and 2 Whinchats.
Despite a great deal of disturbance, the 4th year Caspian Gull defied the sailboards at Pitsford Res and resolutely stood his ground! However the remainder of the gulls were distant and it wasn't possible to identify anything further.
Regards
E & N
Monday 10 September 2012
Sunday 9 September 2012
Harrington & Blueberry
Hi
Harrington Airfield seemed quiet for passerines this morning. The best birds were a male Peregrine, a Hobby, 2 Ravens and 5 Crossbills.
A subsequent visit to the south section of Blueberry Farm provided 2 Hobby, a Curlew flying over and at least 4 Whinchats.
Regards
Eleanor
Harrington Airfield seemed quiet for passerines this morning. The best birds were a male Peregrine, a Hobby, 2 Ravens and 5 Crossbills.
A subsequent visit to the south section of Blueberry Farm provided 2 Hobby, a Curlew flying over and at least 4 Whinchats.
Regards
Eleanor
Saturday 8 September 2012
Blueberry Farm
Hi
Birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell today included a Red Kite, a Hobby, a Barn Owl, 4 Whinchats and a Wheatear.
Regards
Eleanor
Birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell today included a Red Kite, a Hobby, a Barn Owl, 4 Whinchats and a Wheatear.
Regards
Eleanor
Pitsford am
Hi
Birds north of the causeway at Pitsford Res this morning included the two drake Red-crested Pochard still in the Scaldwell Bay, with a south-bound movement of passerines overhead which included a Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, a few Yellow Wagtails and a Siskin.
Ringing in the Walgrave Bay was quite productive with several Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests and Blackcaps amongst the more routine fare...
Regards
Neil M
Birds north of the causeway at Pitsford Res this morning included the two drake Red-crested Pochard still in the Scaldwell Bay, with a south-bound movement of passerines overhead which included a Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, a few Yellow Wagtails and a Siskin.
Ringing in the Walgrave Bay was quite productive with several Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests and Blackcaps amongst the more routine fare...
Regards
Neil M
Juvenile Sedge Warbler
Male Goldcrest
Friday 7 September 2012
Return of a SeOwl?
Hi
Just after midday today the two drake Red-crested Pochard were visible in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning.
At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this evening there was the welcome sight of a Short-eared Owl hunting the rough grassland. It would be interesting to know if it was a returning bird from last winter. Also present was a Barn Owl, a Hobby and a Wheatear.
Regards
E & N
Just after midday today the two drake Red-crested Pochard were visible in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning.
At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this evening there was the welcome sight of a Short-eared Owl hunting the rough grassland. It would be interesting to know if it was a returning bird from last winter. Also present was a Barn Owl, a Hobby and a Wheatear.
Regards
E & N
Harrington am 7th Sept
Hi
It was one of those rare but special mornings at Harrington Airfield that makes it one of those exciting places to witness visible inland migration. There were birds everywhere and one of those mornings where I just knew I was missing more than I was seeing!
The willow bushes along the concrete track were alive this morning with 4 Spotted Flycatchers, a Garden Warbler, a Redstart and many other birds in a large active flock. A group of hirundines were working the airspace along the conifers that parallel the track (to the LHS) and a pair of Hobby were screaming around and were vocally very excited.
A small flock of six Crossbills flew over a couple of times and seemed to make their way to the conifers alongside the B576. On the rough areas associated with the old airstrip there was a Redstart, 2 Wheatears, 2 Whinchats and a Turtle Dove. The area abounded with Linnets and Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits and Yellow Wagtails were moving overhead for much of the time.
I just love this time of the year!
Regards
Eleanor
It was one of those rare but special mornings at Harrington Airfield that makes it one of those exciting places to witness visible inland migration. There were birds everywhere and one of those mornings where I just knew I was missing more than I was seeing!
The willow bushes along the concrete track were alive this morning with 4 Spotted Flycatchers, a Garden Warbler, a Redstart and many other birds in a large active flock. A group of hirundines were working the airspace along the conifers that parallel the track (to the LHS) and a pair of Hobby were screaming around and were vocally very excited.
A small flock of six Crossbills flew over a couple of times and seemed to make their way to the conifers alongside the B576. On the rough areas associated with the old airstrip there was a Redstart, 2 Wheatears, 2 Whinchats and a Turtle Dove. The area abounded with Linnets and Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits and Yellow Wagtails were moving overhead for much of the time.
I just love this time of the year!
Regards
Eleanor
Thursday 6 September 2012
North Norfolk coast
Hi
A little bit different today with an excursion to the North Norfolk coast with the four dogs! Managed to squeeze a little birdwatching inbetween playing with the dogs on beaches at Holkham and Titchwell!
The juvenile Barred Warbler showed in elder bushes at Burnham Overy dunes and Titchwell was busy with good numbers of waders, gulls and Spoonbills!
Pleasant sunshine but a keen cool wind kept the temperatures in check...
A little bit different today with an excursion to the North Norfolk coast with the four dogs! Managed to squeeze a little birdwatching inbetween playing with the dogs on beaches at Holkham and Titchwell!
The juvenile Barred Warbler showed in elder bushes at Burnham Overy dunes and Titchwell was busy with good numbers of waders, gulls and Spoonbills!
Pleasant sunshine but a keen cool wind kept the temperatures in check...
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| Sanderling |
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| Common Gull |
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| Sandwich Tern |
Whimbrel
Shelduck
Black-tailed Godwit
Shoveler
Egyptian Geese
Lapwing
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Harlestone Heath etc
Hi
At Harlestone Heath this morning birds included at least 8 Spotted Flycatchers, 4+ Siskins and ca10 Crossbills. The rough area between Harlestone Heath and Kings Heath provided 2 Redstarts and 6+ Whinchats.
Later at Harrington Airfield a Hobby was noted together with 2 Ravens, a Wheatear and 2 Redstarts, and this evening birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell amounted to a Barn Owl, 2-3 Hobby and 4 Whinchats.
This evening's gull roost at Pitsford Res attracted 2 Caspian Gulls (adult and 4th winter) and at least 4 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
E & N
At Harlestone Heath this morning birds included at least 8 Spotted Flycatchers, 4+ Siskins and ca10 Crossbills. The rough area between Harlestone Heath and Kings Heath provided 2 Redstarts and 6+ Whinchats.
Later at Harrington Airfield a Hobby was noted together with 2 Ravens, a Wheatear and 2 Redstarts, and this evening birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell amounted to a Barn Owl, 2-3 Hobby and 4 Whinchats.
This evening's gull roost at Pitsford Res attracted 2 Caspian Gulls (adult and 4th winter) and at least 4 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
E & N
Tuesday 4 September 2012
Harrington late morning
Hi
A tour of Harrington Airfield late this morning produced some more migrants in the shape of a Tree Pipit, a Redstart, a Wheatear and 2 Whinchats...
Regards
Eleanor
A tour of Harrington Airfield late this morning produced some more migrants in the shape of a Tree Pipit, a Redstart, a Wheatear and 2 Whinchats...
Regards
Eleanor
Blueberry and Pitsford
Hi
This morning birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell included a Tree Pipit over south, 6 Crossbills and a Siskin likewise, a Grey Wagtail moving west, 2-3 Hobby, 5 Whinchats and a light passage south east of Meadow Pipits and Yellow Wagtails.
Scanning in to the Scaldwell Bay by the Maytrees Hide at Pitsford Res provided views of 2 drake Red-crested Pochard and 2 Pintail.
Regards
E & N
This morning birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell included a Tree Pipit over south, 6 Crossbills and a Siskin likewise, a Grey Wagtail moving west, 2-3 Hobby, 5 Whinchats and a light passage south east of Meadow Pipits and Yellow Wagtails.
Scanning in to the Scaldwell Bay by the Maytrees Hide at Pitsford Res provided views of 2 drake Red-crested Pochard and 2 Pintail.
Regards
E & N
Monday 3 September 2012
Blueberry & Harrington
Hi
The Blueberry Farm area (near Maidwell) was busy with migrants this morning with 2 Tree Pipits, a Wheatear, 7 Whinchats and plenty of Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroats and other warblers including a Sedge Warbler. The supporting cast included a Hobby, a Willow Tit and small flights of Meadow Pipits and Yellow Wagtails moving over south-east. This evening there was also a Barn Owl, at least one Raven and a Redstart.
Working our regular patch at Harrington Airfield this afternoon produced 3-4 Redstarts, a Wheatear and 4 Grey Partridges.
Regards
E & N
The Blueberry Farm area (near Maidwell) was busy with migrants this morning with 2 Tree Pipits, a Wheatear, 7 Whinchats and plenty of Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroats and other warblers including a Sedge Warbler. The supporting cast included a Hobby, a Willow Tit and small flights of Meadow Pipits and Yellow Wagtails moving over south-east. This evening there was also a Barn Owl, at least one Raven and a Redstart.
Working our regular patch at Harrington Airfield this afternoon produced 3-4 Redstarts, a Wheatear and 4 Grey Partridges.
Regards
E & N
Sunday 2 September 2012
Gulls and stuff
Hi
John Woollett and his ringing team caught 154 Swallows last night (evening of 1st Sept) at Stortons GP which included three 'controlled' birds, i.e. birds ringed elsewhere. The catch also included a few other species including Reed Warblers and Sand Martins.
An adult Yellow-legged Gull was in a field with Lesser Black-backs near Arthingworth this afternoon, and at about 5pm a flock of 6 vocal Crossbills flew low south over Hanging Houghton, the first I have noted for a couple of weeks.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this evening included a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, 2 Caspian Gulls (juvenile and 4th winter), 3 Yellow-legged Gulls and 14 Common Terns.
Regards
Neil M
John Woollett and his ringing team caught 154 Swallows last night (evening of 1st Sept) at Stortons GP which included three 'controlled' birds, i.e. birds ringed elsewhere. The catch also included a few other species including Reed Warblers and Sand Martins.
An adult Yellow-legged Gull was in a field with Lesser Black-backs near Arthingworth this afternoon, and at about 5pm a flock of 6 vocal Crossbills flew low south over Hanging Houghton, the first I have noted for a couple of weeks.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this evening included a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, 2 Caspian Gulls (juvenile and 4th winter), 3 Yellow-legged Gulls and 14 Common Terns.
Regards
Neil M
Pitsford Feeding Station
Hi
For about ten years now we have been maintaining a feed station at Pitsford Res situated at the end of the Old Scaldwell Road and close to the Maytrees Hide. This feed station is managed all year round for a number of species but with a particular leaning towards the Tree Sparrow. This project and others like it seem to indicate that this species tends to be able to maintain a healthy population if there are adequate nesting sites and there is appropriate food provision (both insectivorous for nestlings and seeds/grain for fledged birds). At Pitsford we have provided nestboxes and provide a mixture of coarse and fine seed types. Nestlings and juveniles benefit from hatching damselflies and other insects around the water's edge.
This year the nestboxes were used successfully for the first broods but the second broods didn't really materialise. Dave Francis supported by John Kempster and Neil Hasdell has completed two ringing sessions during the last three weeks at the feed station to try and provide further information. Tree Sparrows totalled 46 birds, all which were juveniles and many were likely to have come from late broods (they can have as many as four broods but 2-3 is more the norm). Like many other species it seems that the late broods may have saved the day in respect of species reproduction and resilience for this year.
Juveniles and adults of Tree and House Sparrows undertake a complete moult at this time of the year so it was particularly important that we captured our juveniles now whilst we could age them as this year's birds!
In total 110 different birds of a variety of species were captured and processed during these two sessions, indicating that it isn't just the Tree Sparrows that are benefiting from the feed station.
Regards
Neil M
For about ten years now we have been maintaining a feed station at Pitsford Res situated at the end of the Old Scaldwell Road and close to the Maytrees Hide. This feed station is managed all year round for a number of species but with a particular leaning towards the Tree Sparrow. This project and others like it seem to indicate that this species tends to be able to maintain a healthy population if there are adequate nesting sites and there is appropriate food provision (both insectivorous for nestlings and seeds/grain for fledged birds). At Pitsford we have provided nestboxes and provide a mixture of coarse and fine seed types. Nestlings and juveniles benefit from hatching damselflies and other insects around the water's edge.
This year the nestboxes were used successfully for the first broods but the second broods didn't really materialise. Dave Francis supported by John Kempster and Neil Hasdell has completed two ringing sessions during the last three weeks at the feed station to try and provide further information. Tree Sparrows totalled 46 birds, all which were juveniles and many were likely to have come from late broods (they can have as many as four broods but 2-3 is more the norm). Like many other species it seems that the late broods may have saved the day in respect of species reproduction and resilience for this year.
Juveniles and adults of Tree and House Sparrows undertake a complete moult at this time of the year so it was particularly important that we captured our juveniles now whilst we could age them as this year's birds!
In total 110 different birds of a variety of species were captured and processed during these two sessions, indicating that it isn't just the Tree Sparrows that are benefiting from the feed station.
Regards
Neil M
Harrington
Hi
A walk around Harrington Airfield this morning was pleasant but mostly uneventful. Plenty of evidence of migration on-going, the more obvious being small bands of Meadow Pipits on the move, a few wagtails overhead and quite a number of Whitethroats in the bushes. Other warblers included Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat. Mike Alibone located a single Tree Pipit in amongst the Meadow Pipits and a single Wheatear played hide and seek. A pair of Grey Partridge hid in the wheat stubble.
As I'm typing this a Raven has just 'croaked' over and the Nuthatches are again attracted to the garden feeders.
Regards
Neil M
A walk around Harrington Airfield this morning was pleasant but mostly uneventful. Plenty of evidence of migration on-going, the more obvious being small bands of Meadow Pipits on the move, a few wagtails overhead and quite a number of Whitethroats in the bushes. Other warblers included Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat. Mike Alibone located a single Tree Pipit in amongst the Meadow Pipits and a single Wheatear played hide and seek. A pair of Grey Partridge hid in the wheat stubble.
As I'm typing this a Raven has just 'croaked' over and the Nuthatches are again attracted to the garden feeders.
Regards
Neil M
Saturday 1 September 2012
Canine birding
Hi
No time for pure birding or ringing today; the only birds recorded were whilst conducting chores or dog minding! An early morning run with the dogs around Harlestone Heath and the rough area between there and Kings Heath produced no unusual birds, perhaps the best being Willow Warbler and Nuthatch.
A Raven flew north west over the garden at Hanging Houghton late morning and 2 Nuthatches were around the garden on and off for much of the day. An early afternoon dog walk provided 3 Spotted Flycatchers and a Little Owl at Lamport Hall plus the resident Nuthatch. The final dog walk today was late this evening at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and yielded 3 Whinchats and 2 Barn Owls.
Regards
Neil M
No time for pure birding or ringing today; the only birds recorded were whilst conducting chores or dog minding! An early morning run with the dogs around Harlestone Heath and the rough area between there and Kings Heath produced no unusual birds, perhaps the best being Willow Warbler and Nuthatch.
A Raven flew north west over the garden at Hanging Houghton late morning and 2 Nuthatches were around the garden on and off for much of the day. An early afternoon dog walk provided 3 Spotted Flycatchers and a Little Owl at Lamport Hall plus the resident Nuthatch. The final dog walk today was late this evening at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and yielded 3 Whinchats and 2 Barn Owls.
Regards
Neil M
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