Spring surprises

Hello

Debbie and Eric Graham had a fabulous surprise this morning with their weekly walk around the Titchmarsh Reserve at Thrapston when two Spoonbills flew in and around and then flew on. Although it is assumed this species will gradually become more common and easier to see in the UK, it is still a rare bird here in sunny Northants!

There were also plenty of early singing warblers which included both Sedge and Reed, Swallows, Common Terns and two drake Red-crested Pochard (Elinor and Aldwincle Lakes). An array of butterflies included Orange-tip and Speckled Wood.

Eleanor was at Blueberry Farm this afternoon where there were singing Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps and she bumped in to a relatively early singing Cuckoo too...

The last few days has seen a flock of spring Waxwings arrive in the vicinity of Rushmere Road, Northampton and spilling over towards Abington Park and sub-urban areas nearby with up to 31 birds present...

Regards

Neil M

Waxwings in the vicinity
of Rushmere Road, N'pton
courtesy of Cathy Ryden.
The patterning on the wings
of the bird above suggest it is
an adult male. The top bird
is colour-ringed and Cathy has
hopefully captured sufficient
details with her camera to
identify this individual...

Grey Herons at Abington Park,
Northampton courtesy of John
Gamble. John reports that a pair
have attempted to nest here three
times during the past four years.
They have already produced
 young this year...