Raptors and ringing

Hi

This morning there was a ringing session held at Stortons GP under the leadership of John Woollett. Reasonable numbers of birds were dominated with catches of both adult and juvenile Reed and Sedge Warblers.  However, there were also plenty of juvenile Whitethroats about plus a couple of Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Other birds trapped and ringed included Linnet, Song Thrush and a male Sparrowhawk that was already in heavy wing moult.  Birds flying about included a couple of Kingfishers, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Little Egrets.  Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers could be heard calling from the reeds.

At or just before 8.30am this morning, an Osprey carrying a very large fish laboured over the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.  He/she finally landed in a tree to try and subdue the wriggly monster which was eventually accomplished!  Other birds in the immediate vicinity included a Red Kite and a Hobby, with a pair of Grey Partridge near Beck Dairy, Cottesbrooke.  Another Red Kite was at Walgrave, where there have been regular sightings all summer.

At lunch-time today, a Common Buzzard was found in a bewildered state in the carriageway of the A508 Brixworth bypass, presumably having been clipped by a vehicle.  It was picked up and briefly rehabilitated before being released at Pitsford Reservoir where it flew off strongly.

Regards

Eleanor and Neil

Sparrowhawk

Common Buzzard