Waxwings!

Hello

Ten Waxwings perched in a roadside birch tree early this morning in Long Buckby was a pleasant surprise for Eleanor this morning! They flew off and Eleanor was on her way to Middleton Cheney for a dog agility competition and didn't have the time to relocate them. Sadly they weren't seen again despite some searching in the village by other birders.

I completed a WeBs count at Ditchford Pits today, starting with the complex west of Ditchford Lane. As always there were plenty of birds along the old railway line opposite Broadholme Treatment Works including lots of tits, thrushes and many more. At the metal barrier some 400m along the track (and where the old railway track comes to an end) there was quite a flock of small birds which included a vocal Siberian Chiffchaff with its hollow, piping call. Another five Chiffchaffs were nearby with one of these latching on to the Siberian and continually chasing it and consequently it was impossible to obtain an image.

Other birds west of Ditchford Lane included three Great White Egrets, two Egyptian Geese, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher, at least six Cetti's Warblers, a Grey Wagtail, a pair of Stonechats, a Siskin and a Redpoll.

East of Ditchford Lane the best birds were a Jack Snipe, just three Common Snipe, three Water Rails, two Kingfishers, a Cetti's Warbler and a couple of Grey Wagtails.

A female Blackcap came for a wash in Jim's garden in Sywell today and a pair of Peregrines were hunting pigeons at Daventry.

Stanwick Pits remained the venue for a juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Goose and the male Bearded Tit whilst the Marsh Harrier and four Great White Egrets remained visible at Summer Leys LNR, as was a very photogenic Water Rail.

Stanford Reservoir was again good for it's gulls with a Mediterranean Gull and two Caspian Gulls in the gull roost plus a Great White Egret, five Red-crested Pochard and a Cetti's Warbler.

There were two Smew (including a drake) at Eyebrook Reservoir today.

Regards

Neil M

A mostly white Carrion Crow
at Ditchford Pits today.

Long-tailed Tit.

Blackbird on haw berries.

Goldfinches on Burdock.

Bathing female Blackcap
courtesy of Jim Dunkley.