Monday Musings

Despite a day of running errands and walking the dogs I managed to enjoy some good birding.
My first visit to Blueberry area produced 2 Whinchat and a Grasshopper Warbler, whereas this evening, along with a dramatic sunset it produced at least 6 Whinchats, Hobby, Barn Owl and I presume the same Osprey at 20.00hrs.
A visit to Pitsford Reservoir late morning provided some entertainment in the form of a family party of Common Buzzards who were very noisy and very funny to watch as they balanced precariously on the hay bales below the dam. They were clearly enjoying themselves whilst learning valuable life skills.
On the causeway there were 2 Common Sandpipers and sitting amongst the wildfowl in the Scaldwell arm was a Goldeneye and 2 female Red Crested Pochard.
On a brief visit to Sywell Reservoir there was a Common Sandpiper, Red Kite and Grey Wagtail.  I did note that the Great Crested Grebes appear to have done very well there, with several broods of at least 4 well grown young.
Of course I couldn't keep away from Harrington Airfield and late this afternoon I took the dogs for a long walk, covering as much of the area as I could. It was quite breezy and the sky grey and threatening, but this didn't deter the two "cream crown" Marsh Harriers who again frequented the area between the pond and the Brampton Valley way. I first saw them at 17.30hrs and watched them from the footpath which leads from Draughton Village and runs parallel with the main track and eventually joins the main track.   There was a Redstart in the field hedge near the pond, and at least 2 young Little Grebe on the pond.

Regards   Eleanor