Ringing at Scotland Wood

Hello

An unexpectedly productive ringing session was held at Scotland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate today.  The woodland block shielded us and the two nets from the strong breeze and occasional gusts, and the strong spring sunshine was very enjoyable!  Four of us processed 105 birds which included two Chiffchaffs, a Nuthatch, a Treecreeper, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Marsh Tits and 36 Chaffinches, the majority of them being new birds.  Other birds of note seen in this private woodland included a Lesser Redpoll, several Siskins and at least 8 Crossbills. 

At Pitsford Res the Red-necked Grebe was again off the dam showing well near the valve tower.  A pair of Smew were in the Holcot Bay still and two Sand Martins were north of the causeway.

There were still eight Bramblings at Harrington Airfield and two Wheatears were sheltering from the strong breeze.  A flock of about 150 Golden Plovers were also present.

This evening Eleanor counted about 300 Golden Plovers and the female Peregrine in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.

Some more images of the Red-necked Grebe are below...

Regards

Eleanor and Neil

Drake Goldeneye