Bearded Tits

 Yesterday 6 Bearded Tits were found in the reeds at the visitor centre lake at Stanwick GP.  A great find and they were watched on and off throughout the day although they were elusive at times. Today 2 birds were seen.  Fingers crossed that they settle themselves down and decide to stay over the winter.

Nothing as exciting for me.  The pair of Stonechat and single male remain below Hanging Houghton and yesterday there were 2 Barn Owls in the evening.  At Harrington Airfield there are a couple of female Stonechat and this evening a Short-eared Owl,  Barn Owl and 6 Grey Partridge.  Brambling,  Siskin and Redpoll flew over calling.  Over the last couple of days there has been a noticeable movement of Redwings and Fieldfares moving through with their chattering filling the air. I love the sound of the Redwing and Fieldfare call.

It appears fairly quiet in the county at the moment.  Yesterday there was a Mediterranean Gull at Boddington Reservoir,  Caspian and Yellow Legged Gull at Naseby Reservoir,  Grey Plover and Pink Footed Goose at Hollowell Reservoir and a Merlin at Daventry CP.  Today there has been Cattle Egret at Summer Leys and Red Crested Pochards at both Pitsford and Stanford Reservoir. 

The garden is starting to get busier with birds.  We seem to have plenty of Goldfinches and the Starlings have returned and are making short work of the food I put out. I have missed their funny antics and constant chatter.      As it has been mild for the time of year I am still bumping into Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Red Admiral butterflies on the wing or feeding on the ivy and blackberry.                                                                                The hedgerows and trees are starting to look resplendent in their lovely browns, golds, oranges and yellows and it is just wonderful being out and about at this time regardless of whether I bump into any birds or not!

Regards Eleanor