Birds of the frost

Hello

Yesterday (Monday) and Kenny's little team at Linford Lakes committed to early morning ringing which again provided some interesting species. In total there were 52 captures of twelve species, thirty-six of these birds were newly-ringed. Seven new Chiffchaffs included another Siberian Chiffchaff and thrushes included twelve Redwings, eight Blackbirds and a Song Thrush. Two Water Rails were also caught which included a re-trapped bird from October 2019 and five captured Siskins included one bearing a Norwegian ring!

'Bob' the Robin was on form again, landing on the equipment and ringers and the ring details confirmed him to be a first year bird ringed in October this year.

A return visit this morning (Tuesday) provided 17 birds which included five Blackbirds, a Redwing, a Kingfisher, two Chiffchaffs, a Reed Bunting, a Goldfinch and a re-trapped Robin not encountered since ringed as a juvenile back in 2017.

I took a walk at Harrington Airfield this morning and the hoar frost was very impressive. The birds were hungry and almost following me around as I broadcast food at the usual spots. A flock of thirty-five Golden Plovers were present. 

At Pitsford Reservoir today thirty birds were caught and processed which included seven Greenfinches, two Tree Sparrows, two Starlings, a Blackbird, a Marsh Tit and singles of Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer. Other birds present north of the causeway included three Great White Egrets, 200 Fieldfares, two Stonechats, a Grey Wagtail and a Brambling with an adult Yellow-legged Gull on the pontoon by the dam.

Birds in Market Harborough alongside the River Welland included an injured/sick Sparrowhawk, two nominate Chiffchaffs but no sign of the ringed Siberian Chiffchaff that has been present for a few days. The Firecrest wasn't seen but a 'crest heard calling in yews could have been it acting in a reclusive manner.

A Woodcock was at Lamport Hall this afternoon and time spent at Brixworth Water Treatment Works this afternoon provided views of a Woodcock, six Snipe, at least two Water Rails, a Grey Wagtail, about five Siskins and a roost of Reed Buntings which exceeded forty birds.

Stanford Reservoir hosted four Black-necked Grebes today and Hollowell Reservoir supported the Great Northern Diver, eleven Pink-footed Geese still, two Great White Egrets, Ruddy Shelduck, seven Crossbills and five Stonechats. Stanwick Pits still entertained the first year White-fronted Goose, a Great White Egret and two Dunlin.

Single male Blackcaps graced two gardens in Hanging Houghton today and at Priors Marston.

Regards

Neil M

A frosty morning
at Harrington Airfield.

Male Blackcap at
Hanging Houghton.

First year male
Blackbird courtesy
of Kenny Cramer.

Apparent Siberian Chiffchaff
courtesy of Kenny.

Siskin courtesy
of Kenny.

'Bob' the Robin
 courtesy of Kenny.

Adult male Kingfisher
courtesy of Kenny Cramer.