Hello
I arrived back on Thursday evening following a period of 16 days in the Camargue and Provence area of South France. The weather was sunny and dry but with persistent and at times extremely strong northerly winds. The last part of this period was as part of a thirteen strong gang from the Northants Bird Club and we scoured numerous sites and habitats in our search for birds, beasts and insects. There were numerous highlights and with over 160 species of birds recorded we did as well as could be expected. On top of the wildlife we were fortunate to enjoy a good hotel, great camaraderie and were able to sample traditional Camargue cuisine and wines. The photographers were kept busy and no doubt we will see in due course the fruits of their labour. In particular I would like to thank Bob Gill for his assistance in making it happen which included driving one of the mini-buses and co ordinating the picnic lunches.
Yesterday morning (Friday) and I noticed a couple of vocal Crossbills flying around the trees and gardens here at Hanging Houghton first thing in the morning but haven't seen them since so just a momentary drop in session I would think. A quick wander around Harrington Airfield didn't locate anything different and the best birds in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton amounted to Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit on territory.
Today (Saturday) saw a wildlife event at Pitsford Reservoir as organised by the Desborough and District supporters branch of the Wildlife Trust. Several of the Pitsford volunteers and staff were on hand to provide a little guidance for the excellent turn out, and with a buffet lunch and displays thrown in it made for a very pleasant and convivial affair. Nigel Lingley and his Desborough enthusiasts were particularly generous and provided a donation towards the wild bird feeding initiative that I co-ordinate in central Northants. Thank-you all very much indeed for your support.
Thankfully the wildlife behaved and we saw interesting birds in the shape of a Black Tern and a Hobby both hawking in the Scaldwell Bay, an Oystercatcher and a Common Sandpiper, a pair of adult Tawny Owls and some very showy Spotted Flycatchers both by the Fishing Lodge and earlier I noted some in the trees next to the Sailing Club. Red Kites, Common Terns, Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings, Reed Warblers and Great Black-backed Gulls added some more variety. Butterflies included Small Copper and eventually other insects began to appear in quite sultry conditions this afternoon.
Regards
Neil M
I arrived back on Thursday evening following a period of 16 days in the Camargue and Provence area of South France. The weather was sunny and dry but with persistent and at times extremely strong northerly winds. The last part of this period was as part of a thirteen strong gang from the Northants Bird Club and we scoured numerous sites and habitats in our search for birds, beasts and insects. There were numerous highlights and with over 160 species of birds recorded we did as well as could be expected. On top of the wildlife we were fortunate to enjoy a good hotel, great camaraderie and were able to sample traditional Camargue cuisine and wines. The photographers were kept busy and no doubt we will see in due course the fruits of their labour. In particular I would like to thank Bob Gill for his assistance in making it happen which included driving one of the mini-buses and co ordinating the picnic lunches.
Yesterday morning (Friday) and I noticed a couple of vocal Crossbills flying around the trees and gardens here at Hanging Houghton first thing in the morning but haven't seen them since so just a momentary drop in session I would think. A quick wander around Harrington Airfield didn't locate anything different and the best birds in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton amounted to Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit on territory.
Today (Saturday) saw a wildlife event at Pitsford Reservoir as organised by the Desborough and District supporters branch of the Wildlife Trust. Several of the Pitsford volunteers and staff were on hand to provide a little guidance for the excellent turn out, and with a buffet lunch and displays thrown in it made for a very pleasant and convivial affair. Nigel Lingley and his Desborough enthusiasts were particularly generous and provided a donation towards the wild bird feeding initiative that I co-ordinate in central Northants. Thank-you all very much indeed for your support.
Thankfully the wildlife behaved and we saw interesting birds in the shape of a Black Tern and a Hobby both hawking in the Scaldwell Bay, an Oystercatcher and a Common Sandpiper, a pair of adult Tawny Owls and some very showy Spotted Flycatchers both by the Fishing Lodge and earlier I noted some in the trees next to the Sailing Club. Red Kites, Common Terns, Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings, Reed Warblers and Great Black-backed Gulls added some more variety. Butterflies included Small Copper and eventually other insects began to appear in quite sultry conditions this afternoon.
Regards
Neil M
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| Greater Flamingo Camargue |
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| White Stork Camargue. |
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| Tawny Owl courtesy of Chris Payne. |
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| Spotted Flycatcher courtesy of Jacob. |
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