Tuesday 31 December 2013

New Years Eve pm

Hello

This afternoon's weather surprisingly took a turn for the better but little in the way of new birds were located. Eleanor came across a hunting Barn Owl between Hanging Houghton and Scaldwell villages and I notched up two Woodcock and four Siskins at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate).

Here is hoping for a wildlife-filled 2014!

Neil M



First Year Shag
Portland Harbour
by Jacob Spinks


Portrait of a drake Goosander
Abington Park Lake
by Robin Gossage


New Years Eve (wet) Birding!

Hello

Well the wind and the rain continues but at last it is mild!  Some feed station maintenance was required this morning and whilst we were out we notched up a few birds.  Harrington Airfield still attracted a few Bramblings by the concrete track entrance and several Golden Plovers on the top fields secured the attention of a large female Peregrine.

Brixworth Sewage Works continues to attract a couple of Grey Wagtails together with over forty Pied Wagtails and several Meadow Pipits.  The Great Northern Diver was still present at Pitsford Res in the general vicinity of the Holly Tree still and two Grey Wagtails were on the shoreline in the grounds of the Yacht Club.

Happy New Year!

Eleanor and Neil

Monday 30 December 2013

Dorset and back!

Hello

I know I should be stronger and resist temptation, but when a bird appears on a British coastline which I have never caught up with in the world, and with it showing so well, I had to drive down to Dorset in the pouring rain and howling gale this morning to see it!  

With my crew of slightly less desperate individuals, we arrived at Portland harbour just south of Weymouth as the clouds began to clear and the blue sky appear. We managed to shelter effectively from the still strong winds and scanned the inner harbour for our quarry and after nearly 30 minutes we found him, a Brunnich's Guillemot.  Arguably this is the first mainland bird in the UK that has been available for British birders to see, and it was a real treat to watch it fishing close in to the harbour wall. An excellent supporting cast of other birds also fishing in the same area included a number of Razorbills, a Common Guillemot, a Black Guillemot, a number of Shags and Cormorants, both Black-throated and Great Northern Divers and plenty of Red-breasted Mergansers.

Neil H had completed some research and thanks to him we went in search of other interesting birds nearby. On a flooded sports pitch near Radipole (Weymouth) we located the reported Glossy Ibis which was busily probing for and gobbling up plenty of worms.  In strong sunlight it was possible to appreciate the iridescent greens and bronzes of it's plumage. Just as we were leaving it seems that one of the photographers approached too close and the bird was airborne.

We then took a drive to the east and arrived in the Studland area near Poole.  The bay here attracts wintering birds of interest which has included a Surf Scoter for some time.  A little scanning provided distant views of this bird. The bay also held Great Northern and Black-throated Divers, small numbers of both Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes, Red-breasted Mergansers, Goldeneye, Brent Geese, common waders and even a couple of wintering Sandwich Terns.  A small passerine in gorse bushes showed itself as a fine male Dartford Warbler.  And with daylight dwindling, our short winter birding day in Dorset was over and it was time for the long journey back.  My thanks to Neil H, Jacob Spinks and David Arden for their companionship during the day.

Eleanor stayed in the county where the weather remained poor for much of the day.  Her only birds of note were two 'redhead' Smew at Sywell Country Park.

Regards

Neil M



Brunnich's Guillemot



Razorbill

Sunday 29 December 2013

End of year birding

Hello

The start of the day began cold but the sun soon came up and lasted all day.  The first venue for Eleanor was Blueberry Farm with plenty of raptors taking advantage of the splendid weather and included at least ten Common Buzzards including the the usual white bird.  Five Red Kites were also present but the most interesting bird was a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier hunting over the large hillside field at 10.50am.  Other birds included the pair of Stonechat still, plus a Barn Owl.

A subsequent visit to Pitsford Res presented a spectacle of the general public wandering around in all directions, but good birds remained with the Great Northern Diver showing well at the junction of The Narrows and The Basin, five Smew (one drake near the causeway and four 'redheads' in the Holcot Bay), and two drake Goosander and two Great White Egrets north of the causeway.

A ringing session at Sunderland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate today was sufficient to catch fifty birds. Perhaps the most interesting birds included a male Sparrowhawk, two Blackbirds, six Redwings, two Goldcrests and a Nuthatch.  A couple of Woodcock were flushed from the woodland floor.

Regards

Neil M

Saturday 28 December 2013

A wander to the west

Hello

At Harrington Airfield this morning there were 2 Bramblings by the shooting wall and a pair of Grey Partridge on the top fields.

A ringing session this morning at Glynn Davies Wood in the west of the county and close to the Warwickshire border provided an opportunity of handling just over a hundred birds, the majority being tits. It was the first time I had been to this small woodland which is a reserve owned and manged by the Banbury Ornithological Society.  There is evidence that this is part of an ancient woodland but it is now threatened by the High Speed 2 development that seeks to plough through countryside in the south and west of Northamptonshire.

Birds of note included five Marsh Tits and five Nuthatches caught and released and other birds noted frequenting the wood included two Willow Tits and overflying Red Kite and Raven.

Regards

Neil M

Friday 27 December 2013

Windy Pitsford

Hello

On leaving the house this morning with my two collie companions I had no idea where we would be heading, but thinking that these two could do with a change of scenery we started at Brixworth Country Park. There were 2 Bramblings, 4+ Lesser Redpolls and several Siskin flying around.

I then decided to walk around the big side of Pitsford Reservoir, which proved to be quite exhilarating, due to the wild and windy weather conditions.

The majority of the birds were found sheltering in the bays with very few on the open choppy water. Those that did brave the open water bobbed up and down like corks and made me feel quite sea sick.

One of the first birds I saw was in fact the Great Northern Diver, sheltering very close to the bank in the small Yacht Bay and shortly afterwards I saw 4 Smew (2 drakes + 2 'redhead') in the Pintail Bay.  I  didn't see anything else of note until the small bay near "The Pigs" were there were a further 4 'redhead' Smew.

One of my collies is still recovering from major surgery so I am continuing to push her out in her buggy. I "parked" her buggy whilst I scanned the open water, but a strong gust of wind pushed it forward and propelled it at quite a speed towards the water.  My initial thought was "do I save my scope, which was strapped onto her buggy, or the dog first "!!!  Luckily I didn't have to make this choice as the buggy and Bobbie came to a halt at the waters edge.
Mind you Bobbie had the last laugh as we got caught out in a vicious squally shower and there was nowhere to shelter, but she remained snug and dry in her buggy.

So cold and wet we continued. As we crossed the causeway I could see 2 Great White Egrets on the small side, but I couldn't hold my 'scope steady to see anything else.

At the back of the Catwalk Bay was a Water Rail and at least 6 Lesser Redpolls feeding on some tall dead grass stems.

The other birds of note seen on my walk round were 2 drake Goosander, 2 Raven and a female Peregrine.

I thought that I might as well drive around to the causeway and then walked down the Scaldwell Bay.  Again the open water was devoid of birds as they sought shelter underneath the bushes or in the shelter of the back of the bays.  There were in fact 3 Great White Egrets present and 8+ Red Crested Pochard.  Also 3 Goosander (2 drake, 1 'redhead'), 2 drake Smew (possibly the same birds from the big side).  There were also 2 or 3 Redshank flying about.

A visit to Ravensthorpe Reservoir this afternoon failed to find anything of note.

Regards

Eleanor

 
Robin

 
Rook

 
Goldcrest
 
Above three images
courtesy of Jacob Spinks


 
Surface-feeding birds taking
advantage of diving ducks and
Mute Swans bringing up weed
and contents for them to pillage -
Ravensthorpe Res


Thursday 26 December 2013

Boxing Day birds

Hello

A visit to Harrington Airfield this morning confirmed the presence of 10 Bramblings and the flock of about 100 Golden Plovers still.  Good numbers of Fieldfare also remain on-site.

At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon the usual birds were all still present - 2 Ravens, 2 Red Kites, a Barn Owl and the pair of Stonechat.

At Pitsford Res today, a short ringing session at the Old Scaldwell Road produced thirty birds of which half were new.  Highlights were three Fieldfares and two Redwings.  One of the Redwing was a re-trap from the same site first caught in early November, which is a surprise considering the nomadic nature of this species.

The Great Northern Diver was still present at Pitsford this afternoon, fishing at the juncture of The Narrows and The Basin.  The gull roost contained an adult Caspian Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull.

Regards

Eleanor & Neil


 
Fieldfare

 
Black Swans

 
Great Northern Diver
All three images courtesy
of Robin Gossage

Wednesday 25 December 2013

Christmas Day morning

Hello

A stunning day's weather out there today although the roads were a little precarious first thing with black ice!

A Lesser Redpoll was calling at Kelmarsh Hall this morning and the fallen apples in the orchard there were being consumed by at least 50 Fieldfare as they slowly change their winter diet with the berries beginning to run out.  The territorial Mistle Thrush couldn't keep them at bay but was making a lot of noise trying his best!

The traditional broadcasting of seed at Harrington Airfield by the concrete track entrance attracted about 8 Bramblings plus plenty of Chaffinches, Yellowhammers etc.

Enjoy your festivities!

Eleanor and Neil

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Pre Christmas Birding !

Birding has been somewhat limited today due to getting ready for the "invasion" of the family tomorrow !!!!
I took Bazra and we went off for a couple of hours around Blueberry.  The fields were very water logged and the brook had flooded part of the valley below Hanging Houghton.
The usual birds put in an appearance. The pair of Stonechat remain in the southern most field of the Blueberry complex.  A Barn Owl was sitting in the hedge enjoying the winter sunshine, whilst 2 Red Kites, 2 Ravens and numerous Common Buzzard were hanging in the wind and clearly having fun.
Neil popped into the feeding station at Pitsford and saw a Great White Egret and 3 Black Swans.

We would just like to wish everyone a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and lots of good birding in 2014.

Regards Eleanor and Neil

Monday 23 December 2013

Batten down the hatches!

Hello

Strong winds and driving rain meant that today was always going to be a touch tricky for seeing wildlife!

Early this morning I put some effort in to watching the garden birds which was something of a novelty.  We put the food out each morning before it is light but are never here to see what eats it!  First I counted and perused the Jackdaw flock which included a striking individual which exhibited the features normally associated with Nordic Jackdaw.  Plenty of Woodpigeons invaded the garden and it seemed to be a race between them and the Grey Squirrels to consume the sunflower hearts!  The stars though were a little gaggle of Long-tailed Tits which all just about fitted on to the peanut feeder at the same time!

A drive up to Barnwell Country Park near Oundle was next as we made preparations for a Ringing Demonstration on-site on 19th January 2014 (full details will be advertised nearer the date).  A flock of 35 or so Siskins wheeled about the alders in the increasingly strong gusts.  Eleanor in the meantime took a rather wet walk at Harrington Airfield after feeding the birds by the main entrance.  Half a dozen Bramblings came down on to the food amongst the more common fare, and a flock of about a hundred Golden Plovers careered around.

More feeding station maintenance this afternoon was a rather damp affair and with trees crashing around me I decided not to remain in the woods for too long!  A Woodcock flushed at Scotland Wood was the only bird of note.

An attempt to watch the gull roost at Pitsford failed due to a very intrepid but talented wind-surfer keeping the birds at bay, and the gull hide almost being blown away (with me in it)!

Regards

Neil M




Sunday 22 December 2013

Pitsford WeBs Count

Hello

Most of today was taken up completing the Wetland Bird Survey at Pitsford Res, dodging a heavy shower and a hail storm!  A Snow Bunting was flushed from the shoreline by The Holly Tree at 10.50am.  The bird towered up and flew strongly south and wasn't seen again.  Most of the other sightings were of birds that have been present for a little while and included the Great Northern Diver, 3 Great White Egrets (all north of the causeway), 9 Little Egrets and a female Peregrine.  South of the causeway 13 Red-crested Pochard plus a drake Red-crested Pochard x Mallard hybrid were in the Walgrave Bay.  One of the females was a leucistic bird and the female partnered with the hybrid lacked pale cheeks.

Other wildfowl included 6 Goosanders and 4 'redhead' Smew (Holcot Bay) and waders included a Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin, 3 Redshank and 50 Snipe.  Passerines included 2 Grey Wagtails, 10 Lesser Redpolls, 6 Siskins and 2 Ravens.  The gull roost provided good views of an adult Caspian Gull and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.

Away from Pitsford, the Hume's Leaf Warbler was still present at the private site this afternoon.

Regards

Eleanor and Neil



 
Great Northern Diver
Pitsford Res

Saturday 21 December 2013

Pure Velvet!

Hello

Having seen the superb images provided by professional photographers of the long-staying drake Velvet Scoter at Eyebrook Reservoir, we just knew we had to go and see it!  Eyebrook is situated within Rutland just over the Northants border and we justified our trip with a visit beforehand to Eyebrook Wild Bird Food situated in the nearby village of Great Easton to collect plenty of bird food. It was here that we met Bess, a beautiful collie pup who enjoyed plenty of cuddles and Eleanor's pockets had to be searched as we left.......just in case, as it was certainly love at first sight!!

Anyway, back to birding.  Wow, what a stunning bird.  It's plumage glistened in the weak winter sunshine and it really looked like smooth rich velvet. I think everyone has been captivated by this bird's beauty. It is quite difficult to adequately describe the myriad of colours which blend together in this masterpiece.   You really must go and visit yourself.

On our walk to the dam we had noticed a small bird feeding station, and because of our interest and activities with our own feeding stations we checked out their feeders etc.  The feeders were attractive to numerous Tree Sparrows, which in turn proved attractive to a hunting male Merlin who whizzed through looking for his lunch !






On our return to our own county we visited Wakerley Great Wood hoping for rare crossbills, but sadly we were disappointed as this vast wood was eerily quiet. Birds of note were 50+ Siskins, several Marsh Tit and Nuthatches.  The most birds were located on the adjacent old airfield complex where there were large numbers of winter thrushes.

Time for lunch at the nearby café at Top Lodge, Fineshade and as ever the home-made soup was delicious.  We always sit outside whilst we eat as there are always Red Kites flying low overhead, and today there were a couple of very vocal individuals, but the light was poor for photographs.

We walked the short distance to the wildlife hide and had made ourselves comfortable to watch the numerous birds on the feeders, when suddenly, chaos ......a male Sparrowhawk appeared right in front of us and gave a dramatic twist and turn as he chased the birds. We are not sure whether he caught anything before he disappeared from view.  However it was obvious from the absence of the tits etc that he was still nearby and suddenly he appeared and sat on the beam supporting the feeders. He was very close, but he realised that we were in the hide and flew off. Sadly no time for a photo which was a pity as he was another stunning boy, a lovely rich orange underside complimented by a blue-grey upperside.

We just had time to look at Blatherwycke Lake before the light faded. Here we saw a Water Rail, a Kingfisher and a Barnacle Goose.  There were not as many birds present here as normal, possibly as a result of nearby pheasant shooting which had been ringing out for a while.

Our final bird of the day was an adult Peregrine sheltering from the rain on a building on the outskirts of Corby.

Regards

E & N

 
 
 
 

Friday 20 December 2013

"Not a partridge in a Pear Tree but a diver by the Holly Tree!"

This morning the Great Northern Diver was showing extremely well near the Holly Tree at Pitsford Reservoir and was literally only a few feet away........guess who hadn't brought the camera?  The bird looked stunning yet strangely prehistoric with it's feathers looking like an armoured suit of scales and a piercing red eye.

I had parked in the Moulton Grange car park and on my walk back I bumped into 2 Crossbills, 12 Siskins, 2 Ravens and at least 3 Little Egret.

A quick visit to a few of the numerous feeding stations we are maintaining provided good views of common woodland birds, namely Nuthatches and assorted tits.

The Humes Leaf Warbler remains in situ.

A very muddy walk around Sywell Country Park produced very little, apart from 2+ Crossbills, 10 Siskins, 3 Jays and a Red Kite. I did notice that cars were being checked in the car park for a valid permit/paid ticket today and there would have been a couple of unhappy folk when they got back to their cars to find a parking notice served!  Please be warned.

This afternoon back at Pitsford Res, there was a single Great White Egret, 3 Black Swans and a group of 6 Goosander all north of the causeway.

The week-end doesn't look too promising weather wise....but you never know ! Anyway we will be undertaking the WeBs count at Pitsford on Sunday come rain or shine (and probably both)!

Regards 

Eleanor 

Thursday 19 December 2013

Ditchford WeBs count

Hello

The Hume's Leaf Warbler was heard calling at the private site in the county this morning.

Several Bramblings were waiting for me in the bushes at Harrington Airfield and no doubt came down on to the seed after I left!

Today was the WeBs count at Ditchford GP and it was a bit of a slog in the heavy mud after last night's rain.  Up to two thousand big gulls were circulating west of Ditchford Lane, some in fields and others bathing in the flooded gravel pits.  There was a constant to and fro from nearby Sidegate Landfill and it was tempting to spend all day watching them continually moving around.  However there was a count to be done and I had to tear myself away without finding a big white-winger!

The only birds of note seen included 2 Egyptian Geese, a drake Scaup, 2 'redhead' Smew, a drake Red-crested Pochard, a first year Caspian Gull, a Woodcock, a Green Sandpiper, 3 Kingfishers, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Water Pipit and 10 Siskins.

We just had time to nip down the road and locate the 3 Long-tailed Ducks on Mary's Lake at Earls Barton GP.  They were showing well until at least 3.25pm.

Regards

Neil M

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Some local images...

Hello

Just a couple of images (below) taken locally during the last week (including of course a festive Robin)...

Merry Christmas!

E & N

 
Robin
Scotland Wood

 
Drake Wigeon
Pitsford Res

 
Ugly ducklings?
First year
Mute Swans
Pitsford Res

 
Adult Common Gull
Pitsford Res

 
Laying in wait
and hiding at the
same time!

 
First year
Black-headed Gull
Pitsford Res