Winter weather not far away!

Hello

Another cold rather raw day but with good visibility and it seems we have missed the snow that has visited not too far away!

The Great Northern Diver was again off the dam at Pitsford Reservoir today and a Great White Egret was in the Walgrave Bay with the Redshank still on the causeway. The two Bearded Tits remain at Stanford Reservoir (believed still on Leicestershire bank). The Ruddy Shelduck was again reported from Hollowell Reservoir, sticking with the Canada Goose flock.

In the Nene Valley, twenty-six White-fronted Geese were in meadows near to Summer Leys LNR (with a Great White Egret on the reserve) and at least five were still at the north end of Stanwick Pits. The Bittern was seen again late morning in flight at the Quarry Walk reedbed, Earls Barton.

At Abington Park, Northampton today there were six Goosanders and twelve Ring-necked Parakeets present (and a lot of people)! Four Stonechats were still in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.

There seems to be plenty of garden Blackcaps around this winter - Phil Jackman has three visiting him regularly at his Kettering garden (plus a Grey Wagtail).

This afternoon fifty Golden Plovers were in flight over Harrington Airfield - tomorrow there is a ringing session planned at this site and there will be no access to the old airstrip and bunker areas during the course of the operation - access along the concrete track and other footpaths is unaffected.

Regards

Neil M

Goldcrest.

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Goldfinch.

First year Grey Heron.

All images courtesy of
Robin Gossage.