Early spring migrants

Hello

The cloud of today finally gave way to some blue sky and sunshine this afternoon but still the air temperature was cool. For many birdwatchers keen to see spring commence this period is a bit of a void between the end of winter and the slow start to the next season. Wintering birds are on the move but still very much in evidence and the much-awaited classic spring migrants are still to arrive in any numbers.

The Nene Valley dominated proceedings today - Thrapston Pits continued to host the Glossy Ibis and a White Wagtail was found within a flock of Pied Wagtails, four Cattle Egrets were on show at Stanwick Pits and Summer Leys LNR scored with a Bittern dropping in to reeds this afternoon plus four Pintail and a Shelduck.

The drake Ring-necked Duck was still on Big Lake and the drake Smew was on Delta Pit at Ditchford Pits this morning.

A White-fronted Goose was at Priors Hall Quarry, Corby this afternoon, a Ring-necked Parakeet was at Sywell this morning and a Little Ringed Plover was sound-recorded flying over Scaldwell village at 0003hrs this morning!

Birds at Pitsford Reservoir today included four hundred flying Golden Plovers, two Oystercatchers and a Great White Egret and Hollowell Reservoir was good for about fifteen Crossbills, two Jack Snipe and two to four Snipe. Two Blackcaps were in a garden at Wollaston, there were two Ravens at Hanging Houghton, there were about one hundred and sixty Golden Plovers at Harrington Airfield this afternoon and a Barn Owl was seen at Hellidon early this morning.

Regards

Neil M

Lesser Redpoll.

Coal Tit.

Siskins.

All these excellent images were
 taken at Wakerley Wood by
 Jess Jones.