The Fieldfares just keep coming...

Hi

Just back in from taking the dogs for a nice long walk.  This included our new foster rescue dog Alma who seemed to enjoy herself but is new to the game after being in dog rescue compounds all her life.  In very pleasant conditions, Fieldfares were again the most obvious species as we wandered from Maidwell village along footpaths to connect with Maidwell Dales and the Blueberry Farm complex.  Back then across the width of the Brampton Valley and up the hill to Hanging Houghton.  Still plenty of Redwings and Starlings going the same way as the 'chacking' Fieldfares and the sunny breezy conditions meant that the raptors were up cruising around and included 1-2 Red Kite(s) which seem to be maintaining an almost permanent presence now.  Other passerines on the move included finches, 4 Bramblings and 3 Siskins being the most noteworthy.  A couple of Ravens greeted us over the hill at HH.

And the thrushes are not just moving during the day.  For a short period last night I spent time listening to birds moving south over Hanging Houghton (just after 10pm when there was almost a full moon showing and not too much other noise).  Not surprisingly Redwings were the most common audible migrant with many emitting their high-pitched 'se-eep' call note.  There were Blackbirds on the move too, their nocturnal call-note also similar to a Redwing but it is not so high-pitched, is a little longer and wavers in its consistency.  Such are the numbers of Fieldfares moving at the moment, there were even Fieldfares calling last night.  Song Thrushes are identified from their high pitched but gentle 'stic' call which is bunting-like.  Quite a number of other birds can be identified as they migrate at night.  Typical species for this time of the year includes the ducks (Wigeon are the easiest with their whistling call), occasionally geese, and Moorhen and Coot which remain audible the year round.

Regards

Neil M