Bramblings, a Hawfinch and hare coursing

Hello

Fifteen Bramblings in hedging at the top of Blueberry Hill, Maidwell early this morning furthers the evidence that this is definitely a Brambling autumn! A Woodcock flushed up nearby and this afternoon a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was at Blueberry Farm as was a hunting Barn Owl and the Brambling flock had inflated to over twenty birds.

Birds at Harrington Airfield also included Bramblings with perhaps some twenty birds moving around over a large area and joining in with flocks of Chaffinches and Yellowhammers. A covey of Grey Partridges were by Bunker One and two Common Snipe flew over. A ringing session is due to take place at this site around the bunkers and old airstrip tomorrow morning and Saturday morning when general access will be restricted.

The bird of the day for me was a single Hawfinch which flew into trees at Hanging Houghton at about 9.50am and could be heard calling for a short time afterwards. However the bird couldn't be relocated and is presumed to have continued on its way south. A couple of Siskins were in the village too.

Kinewell Lake and surround at Ringstead Pits attracted ten Cattle Egrets, five Great White Egrets and nine Little Egrets. A Scaup was again seen at Daventry Country Park today.

Pitsford Reservoir provided plenty of wildlife interest north of the causeway today with an Otter, at least eight Great White Egrets, at least fourteen Little Egrets, a Wood Sandpiper (near New James Fisher hide in the Scaldwell Bay this afternoon), a Green Sandpiper, ten Red-crested Pochard and twelve Pintail.

Hare coursers were active near Lamport this morning, until I intervened, and it is likely that they have spent time at Harrington Airfield during the last week judging from tyre tracks across fields, a dead hare and no live animals in the usual spots. Please be aware that this unlawful activity is prevalent locally and the Police will happily receive 999 calls if you see this occurring - it's wildlife crime in action.

Regards

Neil M

Brown or Eurasian Hare.

Brambling courtesy
of Nathan Jones.

Marsh Tit.