Pitsford CBC

Hello

Debbie and Eric Graham battled through the wealth of vegetation at Titchmarsh Nature Reserve at Thrapston this morning and heard rather than saw eight species of warbler. Swifts filled the skies and the local Cuckoo's voice has changed in pitch as he considers his options, which might include an early journey back south.

I conducted a Common Bird Census on the reserve at Pitsford Reservoir this morning in grey, cloudy conditions. Plenty of common birds singing but the insects were mostly hidden away. Scattered feathers was all I could find of the predated remains of a Barn Owl in Christies Copse, which is a shame because I haven't seen a live one at Pitsford this year. A drake Goldeneye was in the Scaldwell Bay and the summer build-up of ducks has begun with an increase in loafing Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Pochard beginning their eclipse period.

Other birds noted included the persistently singing Lesser Whitethroat in the Walgrave Bay and another individual near the main feeding station. A secretive Willow Tit was heard calling, a juvenile Tawny Owl was begging for food and there seemed to be quite a number of Coal Tit families scattered around the reserve.

Good numbers of Chimney Sweeper moths were active in the Scaldwell Bay meadows despite the conditions.

A couple of Ravens were at Staverton again today, a Turtle Dove and a Hobby were at Harrington Airfield this afternoon and Blueberry Farm again hosted a Barn Owl and a couple of 'reeling' Grasshopper Warblers this evening.

Regards

Neil M

Lesser Black-backed Gull. Currently
the most numerous 'big gull' at
Pitsford Reservoir, but it won't be
long before the Yellow-legged Gulls
begin to filter back through from central
European breeding grounds.

Great Crested Grebes. Always
to be found at Pitsford Reservoir.