A little rain in the forecast

Hello

Some more bird ringing took place at Stortons Pits this morning resulting in twenty-eight birds being processed, seven of them being re-trapped birds from previous sessions. Twelve new Blackcaps reflect how well this species seems to be doing in recent years, and that is despite horrific human persecution in the Mediterranean basin. Other warblers included a Cetti's, a Chiffchaff, a Reed Warbler, two Sedge Warblers and three Whitethroats. A calling male Cuckoo bounced out of a net twice, so new tactics are now being planned! A Common Sandpiper was at nearby Sixfields Lake.

Over at Pitsford Reservoir some more ringing was completed by Dave Francis around the Old Scaldwell Road Feeding Station which yielded thirty-six birds of ten species. Fifteen Yellowhammers were probably the highlight (all new birds) plus six Reed Buntings, four Tree Sparrows, two Blackcaps, a Whitethroat and a Mallard.

Also at Pitsford Reservoir a Common Bird Census was undertaken which resulted in another fifty-four Blackcaps being noted plus small numbers of another six species of warblers. Waders included a Whimbrel, a Lapwing, two Oystercatchers and two Common Sandpipers and the best of the ducks was definitely the pair of Garganey still. Two Great White Egrets and at least two Little Egrets remained on-site as did a Black-headed Gull with a Pike lure wrapped around it's leg (still able to fly). Six Brown Hares together in an adjacent field was a great sight and Muntjacs were everywhere!

Barnwell Country Park is the current venue if you want to take close photos or simply enjoy the stunning colours of Mandarin Ducks!

Summer Leys LNR was still the venue today for a Spotted Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, three Ruff, two Common Sandpipers and a Great White Egret. The Titchmarsh LNR hosted four Oystercatchers, a Greenshank and a Cuckoo.

Three Whimbrels remained at Hollowell Reservoir today and the Blueberry Farm area attracted a male Common Redstart, a Cuckoo, a Hobby, five Wheatears, two singing Grasshopper Warblers and about sixty Fieldfares.

Regards

Neil M

Male Blackcap.

Female Garganey.

Drake Garganey.

Redshank.

All images courtesy of
Robin Gossage.