Stanwick Bird Event

Hello

In preparation of the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 penciled in for next week-end, members of the Mid-Nene RSPB group, the Stanwick Lakes Rangers and members of the Northants Ringing Group combined resources to run events at Stanwick Lakes this morning which included displays, the provision of resources, escorted birdwatching and a bird ringing demonstration. It was cold but the sunshine and frosty conditions brought many people out including plenty of children who hopefully will be inspired to be tomorrow's wildlife gurus and conservationists.

About sixty birds were caught and processed with Great Tits and Blue Tits dominating but also several other species including a Treecreeper, two Reed Buntings and three Redwings. Birds to be seen around the frozen pits included four Great White Egrets, two Egyptian Geese, a Woodcock, 6-7 Goosanders and a Redpoll.

Birds at Harrington Airfield today included two Ravens, fifty Golden Plovers, ten Grey Partridges, two Bramblings and a Barn Owl. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was off the Sailing Club at Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon.

A Whitehills (Northampton) garden has been attracting up to three Blackcaps recently and other Blackcaps included a pair in a Woodford Halse garden this morning. Other warblers attracting some attention was up to four Siberian Chiffchaffs at Ecton SF/Billing Pits with numerous Common Chiffchaffs (seventy estimated) today and other birds there included a Green Sandpiper, a Water Rail, two Stonechats and a Grey Wagtail. A Redpoll was in a Grange Park (Northampton) garden today.

The Scaup remained at Hollowell Reservoir and Stanford Reservoir attracted an excellent four adult Caspian Gulls, the Red-crested Pochard still, twenty Goosanders, a Great White Egret, a Green Sandpiper and six Common Snipe. At least four Smew remain at Eyebrook Reservoir.

Regards

Neil M

Siberian Chiffchaff.

Reed Bunting courtesy
of Robin Gossage.

Teal courtesy of
Robin Gossage.