Siskins, Common Redstarts and Grey Wagtails

Hello.

The migrant of the day was very much the Siskin with flocks moving over all day. Grey Wagtails were also on the move with a concentration of at least four at Brixworth.

Some four or five Common Redstarts were at Harrington Airfield this morning, all concentrated between the Chippings Compound and Bunker One made up of two adult males, a first year male and one or two female(s). Also present was a Golden Plover and a Wheatear and there was also a Painted Lady butterfly.

Nearby at Lamport Hall there were still at least four Common Redstarts and two Spotted Flycatchers and the Linnet flock on the fields attracted an adult male Merlin. Two Common Redstarts were still in hedging at Blueberry Farm this afternoon. A Clouded Yellow and a Painted Lady were on the nectar strip in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.

Elsewhere and a Whinchat was near Glapthorn Cow Pasture, a Spotted Flycatcher was at Hardingstone Lake and there were still several Swifts at Clifford Hill Pits and over twenty Yellow Wagtails in cow fields between Little Brington and Brockhall.

In the Nene Valley Summer Leys LNR provided a Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper and Great White Egret and Titchmarsh LNR at Thrapston yielded a Yellow-legged Gull, a Common Snipe and two Peregrines. A juvenile Shag remained at Pitsford Reservoir just south of the causeway and a Lesser Redpoll at Wellingborough is only the second I've heard of so far this autumn.

A ringing session will take place at Harrington Airfield on Monday 7th September during which time general access to the bunkers and old airstrip will be restricted. The concrete track and footpaths remain open.

A Naturetrek birdwatching day tour at Pitsford Reservoir is planned for this Thursday 10th September starting at 9am and there are still a few places available. Should you wish to come along to the all day event please look at the Naturetrek website (https://www.naturetrek.co.uk/) and if it appeals sign up on line and I look forward to seeing you there!

Regards

Neil M

Starlings.

A red dawn at Pitsford
Reservoir yesterday morning.

A first year male
Common Redstart at
Harrington Airfield today.