Raptors...but not the big one!

Hello

Sorry but no news on any eagles this evening!!

After the night of rain, today was remarkably spring-like with mild temperatures, some lovely sunshine and plenty of singing birds.

At Pitsford Reservoir the Great Northern Diver cruised the southern section and an adult Yellow-legged Gull was loafing on buoys off the Sailing Club. North of the causeway there was a Great White Egret, several Snipe, at least three Stonechats and some of the local raptors were watched preparing for the forthcoming breeding season.

Harrington Airfield's Golden Plover flock reached an impressive 470 birds, the majority on the sodden fields opposite the concrete track entrance. A single male Brambling was with finches and buntings there.

A Barn Owl and a pair of Stonechats were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this afternoon and last night a Barn Owl was very vocal around the village.

A Peregrine sat atop the National Grid tower off St Peter's Way, Northampton this morning and Stanwick Pits continued to host twenty-nine White-fronted Geese, two Cattle Egrets and two Great White Egrets.

Regards

Neil M

Common Buzzard.

Male Kestrel. Not a great photo
but after catching this vole the 
Kestrel carefully cached it for a 
future meal. However a Carrion
Crow was watching so who knows
who eventually ate it!

Sparrowhawk courtesy
of Jacob.