Garganeys and Gulls!!

We have been very spoilt with the weather this week, blue skies, sunshine and balmy temperatures. With the wind coming from a southerly direction one might have expected a few more migrants although I think that if the weather is "too good " then the birds simply carry on their journey without visiting Northamptonshire.                                          However what we have enjoyed, apart from the weather are Gulls and Garganeys.  I don't remember so many Little Gulls being present in the county at this time of year.  Certainly one of my favourite gulls as they seem so dainty and bouyant  against Black headed Gulls and show a beautiful dark grey underwing.  Throughout the week Little Gulls have been at Pitsford Reservoir, Summer Leys and Boddington Reservoir.                   Other gulls seen in the county this week were Yellow-legged Gull at Pitsford Reservoir and Mediterranean Gull at Summer Leys and Boddington Reservoir.                                     Garganey are regular spring visitors although they can sometimes be difficult to see. But during the week there have been some splendid drakes seen at Pitsford Reservoir,  Summer Leys, Stanwick and Thrapston Gravel Pits.              

The Nene Valley seems to  come into its own at this time year and attracts a good variety of birds and is usually a better place than the reservoirs for attracting the migrants. Plenty of variety of birds in this area during the week including Marsh Harrier,  Dunlin, Ruff, Little Ringed and Ringed Plovers,  Oystercatchers, Shelduck and Barnacle Goose.                                                                                                                                                     There are still some long staying birds around although I'm sure that they will soon be on the move so you need to catch them while you can!! The Great Northern Diver is at Pitsford Reservoir,  Glossy Ibis at Stanwick and Black Redstart at Borough Hill.  Meanwhile there are still some Bramblings hanging on at Harrington Airfield including some absolutely stunning males.  Today in the sunshine the orange contrasting with the black was mind blowing. 

The raptors and corvids love this weather and have been very active in the air with their antics and very vocal.  My young collie sat transfixed watching a couple of Red Kites grappling with each other whilst being extremely vocal with their evocative call. She sat watching them for ages.  However this evening she nearly jumped out of her skin when a Barn Owl came up behind us and started hissing.  She wasn't the only one to jump out of her skin!!

Plenty of butterflies about, the first records of Orange Tip and Holly Blue plus more Brimstone,  Peacock,  sm Whites and sm Tortoiseshell.  Lots more frog action in our garden.  It has just been an amazing week for things springing into life and quite amazing how the gardens, hedgerows and crops have altered.   I did feel quite sad as I ran through Maidwell village early one morning and saw at least 6 toads squashed on the road.  Such a shame.  When I was growing up we always used to say "if you see a toad help it across the road ".  Hopefully many of the toads do make it across the road safely. 

It looks as if this lovely weather is going to continue over the weekend and into the middle of next week before the temperatures drop by 10 degrees and the wind changes to the north, brrh.  Don't pack the fleeces and gloves away just yet.                                                Enjoy the weekend and take time to appreciate the beauty of nature and don't forget to alter your clocks as we spring forward and British summertime begins. 

Regards Eleanor