Barn Owls, Bramblings and more rain!

Hello

I forgot to mention yesterday that a Barn Owl was seen at the roadside between Moulton and Holcot early morning... there is evidence that many of the broods of young are late this year with still some pairs feeding unfledged youngsters.

A short ringing session at Woodford Halse this morning was curtailed when the forecast rain arrived earlier than anticipated. However among the small number of birds processed, highlights were probably a new Marsh Tit and five Goldcrests. Other birds on site which incorporates the upper reaches of the River Cherwell included Kingfisher, several Grey Wagtails and a drake Mandarin Duck (in flight). Decent-sized hedgerows and grazing meadows with plenty of trees and preserved corners makes for pleasant surroundings; a Hawfinch was present there on Sunday.

Eric Graham was at Thrapston Pits today and saw a Great White Egret on Aldwincle Lake and the Whooper Swan and a Yellow-legged Gull on Town Lake. Steve Fisher had two more Great White Egrets at Stanwick Pits plus a Brambling flying over.

Eleanor's morning foray in to the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton provided four Bramblings with the Chaffinch flock at the large barn by Brampton Brook and a pair of Stonechats. This afternoon there was a Corn Bunting, three Siskins and two Bramblings and a Barn Owl in the vicinity of 'shrike hedge'. A Brambling visited our garden at Hanging Houghton this afternoon.

At Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon there was a juvenile Scaup with Tufted Ducks just off the Sailing Club and the only bird of note in the rather small gull roost was just a single Yellow-legged Gull. I haven't seen any Mediterranean Gulls in the roost during the last four visits...

Regards

Neil M

Little Stint courtesy
of Robin Gossage.

Lapwing courtesy of
John Tilly.

Curlew by
Robin Gossage.

Whinchat by
 Robin Gossage.