Birding, running or household jobs.......a dilemma I'm faced with each morning !!
This morning I opted to start my day with a run along the Brampton Valley Way and I soon became aware of the alarm/mobbing calls of blackbirds and chaffinches in the hedge . I stopped and stuck my head into the hedge and I honestly do not know who was more surprised, me or it....a very bemused Long Eared Owl, which flew off in the direction of Brixworth.
Then it was time to walk the dogs and we took a leisurely walk around the big side of Pitsford Reservoir. I nearly missed the first good bird, a Ring Ouzel, perched on a lone bush in the field next to the causeway car park. I confess to nearly not bothering to raise my binoculars to it!!. There were 3 Great White Egrets together on the shoreline infront of the gorse bushes. Quite a sight, although they were rather nervous and as I watched 2 flew onto the small side and I saw them later in the Scaldwell Bay, whilst 1 remained at the gorse bushes. I lost count of the number of Little Egrets, easily in double figures.
As it was bright and breezy it wasn't long before the raptors were up and about, with a female Peregrine chasing the lapwings and a Red Kite causing some panic amongst the wildfowl.
The area below the dam looks quite interesting at the moment as it is soggy grass fields with horses grazing. A Black Redstart was a surprise find, but the "local" robin was a nuisance as it kept chasing it around. A Green Sandpiper was also present.
On the small side [scaldwell bay] were 3 Dunlin, a Redshank and 10 Red Crested Pochard.
Neil's token effort was a Grey Wagtail and Yellow Legged Gull from the dam at Pitsford Reservoir.
Regards Eleanor
Thursday 31 October 2013
Wednesday 30 October 2013
Dip day!
Hello
Eleanor popped over to Woodford Halse this morning but the Hoopoe didn't show and is presumed now gone? A walk around Borough Hill Country Park at Daventry thereafter didn't find any birds of note. And continuing the theme, Eleanor walked around Sywell Country Park this afternoon and still can't think of anything noteworthy to report! Ah well that's how it goes sometimes!
I spent 90 minutes this afternoon on a short walk around Ecton Sewage Works but only saw three Chiffchaffs, a Siskin, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor popped over to Woodford Halse this morning but the Hoopoe didn't show and is presumed now gone? A walk around Borough Hill Country Park at Daventry thereafter didn't find any birds of note. And continuing the theme, Eleanor walked around Sywell Country Park this afternoon and still can't think of anything noteworthy to report! Ah well that's how it goes sometimes!
I spent 90 minutes this afternoon on a short walk around Ecton Sewage Works but only saw three Chiffchaffs, a Siskin, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail.
Regards
Neil M
Tuesday 29 October 2013
Housework versus Birding !!!!!
Today was earmarked for housework and jobs, ha ha !! But on such a bright and breezy day I felt compelled to visit Harrington, Pitsford and Blueberry.........exercising the dogs of course, with a bit of birdwatching thrown in !!!
At Harrington Airfield the male Merlin whizzed low over the fields causing chaos with the Skylarks. There were at least 2 or 3 Red Kites and numerous Common Buzzard enjoying the breeze. For some reason the bushes near the "shooting wall" seem to be attractive to at least 2 Bramblings who sit very quietly watching the world go by.
I had been at Harrington for at least an hour before I saw the Great Grey Shrike around the last bunker. It really was a case of blink and you will miss it, as it literally hopped up onto a bush and dropped off out of view.
My mission at Pitsford was to find a "storm" driven bird !, but I failed. Although it looks very good there and has potential I didn't find anything new. On the big side there was a Peregrine Falcon, 2 Green Sandpipers and 3 Lesser Redpoll. On the small side there were again 3 Great White Egret and at least 7 Little Egret. The 10 Red-crested Pochard were in the Walgrave Bay and the males looked stunning in the Autumn sunshine. There were also several Pintail and Goldeneye.
My final walk was at the southern most end of the Blueberry complex, but it was quiet, apart from a pair of Stonechat.
Tomorrow is forecast to be another nice day.........
Regards Eleanor
At Harrington Airfield the male Merlin whizzed low over the fields causing chaos with the Skylarks. There were at least 2 or 3 Red Kites and numerous Common Buzzard enjoying the breeze. For some reason the bushes near the "shooting wall" seem to be attractive to at least 2 Bramblings who sit very quietly watching the world go by.
I had been at Harrington for at least an hour before I saw the Great Grey Shrike around the last bunker. It really was a case of blink and you will miss it, as it literally hopped up onto a bush and dropped off out of view.
My mission at Pitsford was to find a "storm" driven bird !, but I failed. Although it looks very good there and has potential I didn't find anything new. On the big side there was a Peregrine Falcon, 2 Green Sandpipers and 3 Lesser Redpoll. On the small side there were again 3 Great White Egret and at least 7 Little Egret. The 10 Red-crested Pochard were in the Walgrave Bay and the males looked stunning in the Autumn sunshine. There were also several Pintail and Goldeneye.
My final walk was at the southern most end of the Blueberry complex, but it was quiet, apart from a pair of Stonechat.
Tomorrow is forecast to be another nice day.........
Regards Eleanor
Monday 28 October 2013
Not a lot!
Hello
This afternoon a walk around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided views of 2 Barn Owls, a pair of Stonechat, 12 Bramblings and 2 redpoll sp in flight. The gull roost at Pitsford Res only yielded 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
E & N
This afternoon a walk around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided views of 2 Barn Owls, a pair of Stonechat, 12 Bramblings and 2 redpoll sp in flight. The gull roost at Pitsford Res only yielded 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
E & N
Post-storm birds
Hello
A walk at Harrington Airfield this morning proved the Great Grey Shrike was still in residence and still very mobile (still present at 10.30am). Other birds included a Red Kite, 2-3 Ravens, a Siskin, a redpoll sp and 2 Bramblings.
A scan from the causeway at Pitsford Res confirmed now three Great White Egrets in residence, all on view at the same time with at least five Little Egrets (12.40pm).
Regards
E & N
A walk at Harrington Airfield this morning proved the Great Grey Shrike was still in residence and still very mobile (still present at 10.30am). Other birds included a Red Kite, 2-3 Ravens, a Siskin, a redpoll sp and 2 Bramblings.
A scan from the causeway at Pitsford Res confirmed now three Great White Egrets in residence, all on view at the same time with at least five Little Egrets (12.40pm).
Regards
E & N
Great Grey Shrike
An autumn charm
of Goldfinches set
in a hawthorn bush
full of berries
Sunday 27 October 2013
Hoopoe!
Hello
This morning and a visit to Pitsford Res provided views of birds north of the causeway which included 2 Great White Egrets, at least 4 Little Egrets, 10 Red-crested Pochards, 12 Pintail, 3 Green Sandpipers and a redpoll sp.
Found today between Woodford Halse and Eydon in the west of the county was a very unexpected but welcome item of avian exotica in the shape of a Hoopoe! This bird was feeding in a car park to a small fishery between the villages and because everyone kept their distance the Hoopoe fed unconcernedly and reasonably close.
On the way back we called in at Borough Hill Country Park where Bazra enjoyed a good game - the only bird of note was a Chiffchaff.
We finished at Ravensthorpe Reservoir which provided views of a male Peregrine and a Pintail.
Regards
Neil H and Neil M
This morning and a visit to Pitsford Res provided views of birds north of the causeway which included 2 Great White Egrets, at least 4 Little Egrets, 10 Red-crested Pochards, 12 Pintail, 3 Green Sandpipers and a redpoll sp.
Found today between Woodford Halse and Eydon in the west of the county was a very unexpected but welcome item of avian exotica in the shape of a Hoopoe! This bird was feeding in a car park to a small fishery between the villages and because everyone kept their distance the Hoopoe fed unconcernedly and reasonably close.
On the way back we called in at Borough Hill Country Park where Bazra enjoyed a good game - the only bird of note was a Chiffchaff.
We finished at Ravensthorpe Reservoir which provided views of a male Peregrine and a Pintail.
Regards
Neil H and Neil M
Great White Egret
Pitsford Res
Even Hoopoes are
allowed a little stretch
and yawn!
Saturday 26 October 2013
Airfield adventures
Hello
Well I spent much of the day cleaning and disinfecting bird feeders and making preparations to again start a number of wild bird feeding stations as well as maintaining the couple that we run all year. With such mild conditions it is important to realise that bacteria and disease will potentially fester in bird feeders and spread much more quickly that in cold and frosty weather. We are hoping to maintain ten sites this winter which will require plenty of food and time to ensure that the local and transient birds have something to fall back on.
This afternoon we ventured out to Harrington Airfield where the Great Grey Shrike showed well, and was seen to catch and consume a Bumble-bee. The best way to see this bird continuously is to walk along the concrete track and scan towards the old airstrip. It has favoured locations and it is better to watch these from a distance with a telescope rather than walking around the bushes and obtaining brief views. Observers today were spending a great deal of time searching for the bird and continually flushing it without seeing it, such is the poor viewing conditions amongst the bushes and around the bunkers. There is no general permitted access around the airstrip and bunkers, the only footpath is along the concrete track and it is likely that although the landowner has few concerns about a few people walking the rough areas, a large number of people may cause a change of view to the point where no-one is permitted access to the old airstrip and bunkers.
A number of common raptors were on the wing at Harrington Airfield this afternoon, and a first year male Merlin 'beat up' the top fields and rape field next to the firing range wall in pursuit of Skylarks (3.50pm). Other birds included at least 42 Golden Plovers and 2 Bramblings.
Regards
Neil M
Well I spent much of the day cleaning and disinfecting bird feeders and making preparations to again start a number of wild bird feeding stations as well as maintaining the couple that we run all year. With such mild conditions it is important to realise that bacteria and disease will potentially fester in bird feeders and spread much more quickly that in cold and frosty weather. We are hoping to maintain ten sites this winter which will require plenty of food and time to ensure that the local and transient birds have something to fall back on.
This afternoon we ventured out to Harrington Airfield where the Great Grey Shrike showed well, and was seen to catch and consume a Bumble-bee. The best way to see this bird continuously is to walk along the concrete track and scan towards the old airstrip. It has favoured locations and it is better to watch these from a distance with a telescope rather than walking around the bushes and obtaining brief views. Observers today were spending a great deal of time searching for the bird and continually flushing it without seeing it, such is the poor viewing conditions amongst the bushes and around the bunkers. There is no general permitted access around the airstrip and bunkers, the only footpath is along the concrete track and it is likely that although the landowner has few concerns about a few people walking the rough areas, a large number of people may cause a change of view to the point where no-one is permitted access to the old airstrip and bunkers.
A number of common raptors were on the wing at Harrington Airfield this afternoon, and a first year male Merlin 'beat up' the top fields and rape field next to the firing range wall in pursuit of Skylarks (3.50pm). Other birds included at least 42 Golden Plovers and 2 Bramblings.
Regards
Neil M
Merlin in
virtual silhouette
Breezy Blueberry!
Hello
Eleanor's excursion to Blueberry Farm, Maidwell in breezy conditions this morning provided views of a Short-eared Owl, 2 Red Kites and 2 Stonechats, all birds towards the southern end of the complex.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor's excursion to Blueberry Farm, Maidwell in breezy conditions this morning provided views of a Short-eared Owl, 2 Red Kites and 2 Stonechats, all birds towards the southern end of the complex.
Regards
Neil M
Friday 25 October 2013
Catching up with the birds!
Hello
First thing this morning and Eleanor revisited Harrington Airfield and kept to the concrete track. She saw the first year Ring Ouzel which flew towards the third bunker.
Mid-morning saw two Ravens present at Hanging Houghton.
This afternoon and I found time to have a wander at Harrington Airfield. Thanks to Alan Coles I saw the Great Grey Shrike perched on a small isolated bunker between the concrete track and the old airstrip (1.15pm) - thanks Alan!
After a quick wander around the copse further on, I returned to scan the fields and this time the Ring Ouzel was pointed out to me, this bird on the same concrete bunker that had hosted the shrike. The Ring Ouzel was then watched for quite a time gently plucking and consuming the last of the elderberries (still present at 2.20pm).
A Peregrine chased some corvids around in the strong breeze and plenty of raptors on view included at least one Red Kite. About seventy Golden Plover were present but mobile.
A quick look at Pitsford Res this afternoon provided views of a Great White Egret, nine Red-crested Pochard and six Pintail in the Scaldwell Bay and at least four Little Egrets scattered about the reserve. There was an adult Yellow-legged Gull north of the causeway and subsequently a different bird off the dam.
Some scanning over parts of Blueberry Farm (Maidwell) late afternoon drew a blank but a Grey Partridge was heard again. A 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was reported for yesterday afternoon.
Regards
Neil M
First thing this morning and Eleanor revisited Harrington Airfield and kept to the concrete track. She saw the first year Ring Ouzel which flew towards the third bunker.
Mid-morning saw two Ravens present at Hanging Houghton.
This afternoon and I found time to have a wander at Harrington Airfield. Thanks to Alan Coles I saw the Great Grey Shrike perched on a small isolated bunker between the concrete track and the old airstrip (1.15pm) - thanks Alan!
After a quick wander around the copse further on, I returned to scan the fields and this time the Ring Ouzel was pointed out to me, this bird on the same concrete bunker that had hosted the shrike. The Ring Ouzel was then watched for quite a time gently plucking and consuming the last of the elderberries (still present at 2.20pm).
A Peregrine chased some corvids around in the strong breeze and plenty of raptors on view included at least one Red Kite. About seventy Golden Plover were present but mobile.
A quick look at Pitsford Res this afternoon provided views of a Great White Egret, nine Red-crested Pochard and six Pintail in the Scaldwell Bay and at least four Little Egrets scattered about the reserve. There was an adult Yellow-legged Gull north of the causeway and subsequently a different bird off the dam.
Some scanning over parts of Blueberry Farm (Maidwell) late afternoon drew a blank but a Grey Partridge was heard again. A 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was reported for yesterday afternoon.
Regards
Neil M
Red Kite
Common Buzzard
Golden Plover
Thursday 24 October 2013
Harrington Hey Day!
Harrington Airfield was certainly the place to be today, and for those birders lucky enough to visit and experience the "magic" of Harrington, a truly memorable experience of witnessing this site at its best.
Over the course of the day, beginning at 07.30hrs and ending at 18.00 some amazing birds were seen, although not by any one person. Here is my account of my Harrington experience:-
I arrived at 07.30hrs and the first bird I saw was a male Merlin disappearing over the fields chasing the Skylarks, so I thought "that's a good start". Anyway as I walked up the road to access the rough area I was aware of buntings, larks and finches flying over, a good indication of visible passage happening. It wasn't long before I had notched up a flock of 8 redpoll sp, 2 Crossbills, several Siskins, Tree Sparrows and at least 6 Brambling. At the very end bunker I disturbed a Short-eared Owl sitting in the morning sunshine. There were large numbers of Skylark, Yellowhammers, Meadow Pipits and Chaffinches, as well as Red Kite, Common Buzzard and a flock of 50 Golden Plovers.
I really didn't want to leave but I needed to be back home by 9 o' clock for an appointment, so it really was a very quick circuit, birding and walking one of our dogs, and I just know that I was missing things and hadn't done Harrington justice.
Following my appointment I felt the desire to go for a run and even whilst running around the Cottesbrooke area could hear Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. There were 2 Ravens near Cottesbrooke village.
One of our dogs is on restricted walking due to her operations and I take her out in a buggy, especially for dogs....mad I know !!! So as soon as I returned from my run I took both dogs out for a walk, or rather one walking and pushing the other, along the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton. Again there were big numbers of Skylark, Yellowhammers and Tree Sparrows, and being bright and breezy no shortage of Common Buzzard and Red Kite.
Whilst walking along I received a message informing me of a 'Great Grey Shrike at Harrington'!!! I wasn't at all surprised, but disappointed that I hadn't found it. Anyway we did a quick about turn and I called in the house for my 'scope and camera and off we went to Harrington.
When I dispatched Bazra, my old collie out of the car his face was incredulous as he looked at me as if to say " but I've already walked along here this morning !" Anyway the G G Shrike was soon located around the middle bunkers and although distant showed well. It then became quite mobile whizzing around the bunkers and bushes, where it appeared to catch a large butterfly amongst other things. It was never difficult to relocate as the Blue Tits, Chaffinches, Robin, Dunnocks etc didn't like it and were mobbing it continually.
On leaving the shrike I drove further down the road and parked at the main entrance and extracted the buggy and Bobbie and took her for a walk along the main track. Poor Bazra really thought I'd lost the plot and overdosed on Harrington, he couldn't believe it.
Anyway I pushed her slowly along the track, again aware of the sheer numbers of passerines present. As I neared the bunker and straw bales on the track I saw at least 6 Bramblings on the field edge, some of which were in bright orange plumage. The G G Shrike then appeared on the bushes nearby and also frequented the bales of straw. There were quite a few Chaffinch, Yellowhammer etc around the straw and again they did not like the shrike alone and were constantly mobbing it.
At one point it felt like "bird overload" as whilst I was watching the shrike I could hear the familiar cronk of the Ravens and harsh call of the Bramblings.
There were also numerous Common Buzzard and at least 3 Red Kites in the area.
Finally I had to draw myself away but that didn't stop me birding as over the garden whilst I was mowing or rather chopping up the wet lawn I had Red Kite, 2 redpolls, 2 or 3 Brambling, 2 Grey Wagtails and Nuthatch.
Subsequent visits by other birders at Harrington Airfield this afternoon located quality passage migrants in the shape of a Black Redstart and a Ring Ouzel.
Neil only managed to get out briefly this evening (shame!) and popped down to Blueberry Farm where he saw 2 Barn Owls, a Stonechat and heard Grey Partridge.
Regards Eleanor
Over the course of the day, beginning at 07.30hrs and ending at 18.00 some amazing birds were seen, although not by any one person. Here is my account of my Harrington experience:-
I arrived at 07.30hrs and the first bird I saw was a male Merlin disappearing over the fields chasing the Skylarks, so I thought "that's a good start". Anyway as I walked up the road to access the rough area I was aware of buntings, larks and finches flying over, a good indication of visible passage happening. It wasn't long before I had notched up a flock of 8 redpoll sp, 2 Crossbills, several Siskins, Tree Sparrows and at least 6 Brambling. At the very end bunker I disturbed a Short-eared Owl sitting in the morning sunshine. There were large numbers of Skylark, Yellowhammers, Meadow Pipits and Chaffinches, as well as Red Kite, Common Buzzard and a flock of 50 Golden Plovers.
I really didn't want to leave but I needed to be back home by 9 o' clock for an appointment, so it really was a very quick circuit, birding and walking one of our dogs, and I just know that I was missing things and hadn't done Harrington justice.
Following my appointment I felt the desire to go for a run and even whilst running around the Cottesbrooke area could hear Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. There were 2 Ravens near Cottesbrooke village.
One of our dogs is on restricted walking due to her operations and I take her out in a buggy, especially for dogs....mad I know !!! So as soon as I returned from my run I took both dogs out for a walk, or rather one walking and pushing the other, along the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton. Again there were big numbers of Skylark, Yellowhammers and Tree Sparrows, and being bright and breezy no shortage of Common Buzzard and Red Kite.
Whilst walking along I received a message informing me of a 'Great Grey Shrike at Harrington'!!! I wasn't at all surprised, but disappointed that I hadn't found it. Anyway we did a quick about turn and I called in the house for my 'scope and camera and off we went to Harrington.
When I dispatched Bazra, my old collie out of the car his face was incredulous as he looked at me as if to say " but I've already walked along here this morning !" Anyway the G G Shrike was soon located around the middle bunkers and although distant showed well. It then became quite mobile whizzing around the bunkers and bushes, where it appeared to catch a large butterfly amongst other things. It was never difficult to relocate as the Blue Tits, Chaffinches, Robin, Dunnocks etc didn't like it and were mobbing it continually.
On leaving the shrike I drove further down the road and parked at the main entrance and extracted the buggy and Bobbie and took her for a walk along the main track. Poor Bazra really thought I'd lost the plot and overdosed on Harrington, he couldn't believe it.
Anyway I pushed her slowly along the track, again aware of the sheer numbers of passerines present. As I neared the bunker and straw bales on the track I saw at least 6 Bramblings on the field edge, some of which were in bright orange plumage. The G G Shrike then appeared on the bushes nearby and also frequented the bales of straw. There were quite a few Chaffinch, Yellowhammer etc around the straw and again they did not like the shrike alone and were constantly mobbing it.
At one point it felt like "bird overload" as whilst I was watching the shrike I could hear the familiar cronk of the Ravens and harsh call of the Bramblings.
There were also numerous Common Buzzard and at least 3 Red Kites in the area.
Finally I had to draw myself away but that didn't stop me birding as over the garden whilst I was mowing or rather chopping up the wet lawn I had Red Kite, 2 redpolls, 2 or 3 Brambling, 2 Grey Wagtails and Nuthatch.
Subsequent visits by other birders at Harrington Airfield this afternoon located quality passage migrants in the shape of a Black Redstart and a Ring Ouzel.
Neil only managed to get out briefly this evening (shame!) and popped down to Blueberry Farm where he saw 2 Barn Owls, a Stonechat and heard Grey Partridge.
Regards Eleanor
Great Grey Shrike
Red Kite
Bobbie's mobile hide
and 'scope carrying
chariot!
Pitsford ringing
Hello
Dave Francis managed a short ringing session in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning. This produced 31 new birds and good numbers of re-trapped residents which included a fine female Sparrowhawk, which was first caught and ringed at the main feeding station in January 2012. New birds included 5 Goldcrests, 2 Redwings and a Kingfisher.
My thanks to Dave for this information and continued effort on-site.
Regards
Neil M
Dave Francis managed a short ringing session in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning. This produced 31 new birds and good numbers of re-trapped residents which included a fine female Sparrowhawk, which was first caught and ringed at the main feeding station in January 2012. New birds included 5 Goldcrests, 2 Redwings and a Kingfisher.
My thanks to Dave for this information and continued effort on-site.
Regards
Neil M
Wednesday 23 October 2013
Blustery birds
Hello
The first part of today was spent at Ditchford GP which was initially wet and blustery, and then it became sunny and blustery!
Two Egyptian Geese were present west of Ditchford Lane and at least one Peregrine was coasting around on the strong breeze. Other bird sightings were modest but included 4-5 Little Egrets, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Grey Wagtails and 4 Kingfishers. Insects remained busy in the mild conditions with still reasonable numbers of Migrant Hawker and Common Darter whizzing about and several species of butterfly too.
A Brambling was seen at Hanging Houghton first thing this morning and a visit to Ravensthorpe Res this afternoon yielded a first winter Mediterranean Gull, a Green Sandpiper and a Kingfisher.
A late afternoon wander around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided a brief view of the adult male Hen Harrier again, with a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier being seen twice by another birder before this. As the light began to diminish, 2-3 Barn Owls emerged to hunt and two Ring Ouzels flew in to roost in a field hedge near to the southern end of the complex.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil McMahon
The first part of today was spent at Ditchford GP which was initially wet and blustery, and then it became sunny and blustery!
Two Egyptian Geese were present west of Ditchford Lane and at least one Peregrine was coasting around on the strong breeze. Other bird sightings were modest but included 4-5 Little Egrets, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Grey Wagtails and 4 Kingfishers. Insects remained busy in the mild conditions with still reasonable numbers of Migrant Hawker and Common Darter whizzing about and several species of butterfly too.
A Brambling was seen at Hanging Houghton first thing this morning and a visit to Ravensthorpe Res this afternoon yielded a first winter Mediterranean Gull, a Green Sandpiper and a Kingfisher.
A late afternoon wander around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided a brief view of the adult male Hen Harrier again, with a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier being seen twice by another birder before this. As the light began to diminish, 2-3 Barn Owls emerged to hunt and two Ring Ouzels flew in to roost in a field hedge near to the southern end of the complex.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil McMahon
Tuesday 22 October 2013
Wet and windy
Hello
Out birding today in mild but wet and wild conditions produced some birds of interest.
This morning a walk at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided a hunting adult male Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, a Red Kite, a Chiffchaff and some winter thrushes. A Grey Wagtail was present at Hanging Houghton.
At Harrington Airfield this afternoon birds were a little sparse with two Ravens and seventy Golden Plovers on-site.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this evening produced an adult Caspian Gull, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Grey Wagtail.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Out birding today in mild but wet and wild conditions produced some birds of interest.
This morning a walk at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided a hunting adult male Hen Harrier, a Peregrine, a Red Kite, a Chiffchaff and some winter thrushes. A Grey Wagtail was present at Hanging Houghton.
At Harrington Airfield this afternoon birds were a little sparse with two Ravens and seventy Golden Plovers on-site.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this evening produced an adult Caspian Gull, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Grey Wagtail.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Sunday 20 October 2013
Stortons Bird Ringing
Hello
John Woollett and other members of the Northants Ringing Group spent time at Stortons GP today catching and ringing 60 migrant and resident birds. Highlights included a new Cetti's Warbler, a Chiffchaff and a Redwing.
Regards
Neil M
John Woollett and other members of the Northants Ringing Group spent time at Stortons GP today catching and ringing 60 migrant and resident birds. Highlights included a new Cetti's Warbler, a Chiffchaff and a Redwing.
Regards
Neil M
A little 'wet' Cornish birding
Hello
Birding in some violent storms with hail and thunder and lightening was interesting this morning as we paid The Hayle Estuary a visit!
A fishing Osprey braved the conditions at high tide, dealing with the heavy rain far better than us! When the heavy weather passed, scanning the estuarine birds revealed a Garganey, three Pintail, a couple of Brent Geese, up to ten Mediterranean Gulls and a variety of common waders.
A visit to Long Rock sands produced more common coastal birds plus a couple of views of a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling visiting gardens with Starlings.
Then time for the long journey back home to 'sunny' Northants...
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Birding in some violent storms with hail and thunder and lightening was interesting this morning as we paid The Hayle Estuary a visit!
A fishing Osprey braved the conditions at high tide, dealing with the heavy rain far better than us! When the heavy weather passed, scanning the estuarine birds revealed a Garganey, three Pintail, a couple of Brent Geese, up to ten Mediterranean Gulls and a variety of common waders.
A visit to Long Rock sands produced more common coastal birds plus a couple of views of a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling visiting gardens with Starlings.
Then time for the long journey back home to 'sunny' Northants...
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Mediterranean Gull
Curlew
Little Egret
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)