Winter begins tomorrow

Hello

The topsy turvy weather continues with a mild and breezy day but cooler conditions are again around the corner.

With two days outside ringing I spent much of today catching up on admin etc but a wander up to Harrington Airfield this afternoon initially didn't find much in the way of the birds. The big numbers of thrushes were scoffing the hawthorn berries at the far north end of the complex and a large flock of about ninety Bramblings flew in from the west and their calls echoed out from the bushes, particularly the nasal calls of the males. 

Birds in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Reservoir included the Wood Sandpiper still plus at least four Great White Egrets, thirteen Red-crested Pochard and eight Pintail. A Green Sandpiper and a pair of Stonechats were at Upton Country Park this afternoon.

Two Great White Egrets were noted at Thrapston Pits today but there was no sign of any Cattle Egrets at Ringstead Pits this afternoon. A pair of Blackcaps were seen in Hollowell village and a pair of Ravens remain visitors to the village here at Hanging Houghton.

Birds at Stanford Reservoir today included a Great White Egret, an Egyptian Goose, a Green Sandpiper, a Kingfisher and a Chiffchaff.

Regards

Neil M

Yellowhammer.

The humble Robin
holds territory throughout
the year, albeit that the 
winter territories might be temporary.

Red-crested Pochards.