Ditchford WeBS count.

Hello

It was time for the WeBS count at Ditchford Pits today and it was interesting to see small numbers of Pochard on many of the pits, an increase in Tufted Ducks and a strong passage of gulls along the Nene Valley. Birds west of Ditchford Lane included two Peregrines, three Oystercatchers, an Egyptian Goose, a Great White Egret, a Grey Wagtail, just one Cetti's Warbler and two Lesser Redpolls. Birds east of Ditchford Lane included three Common Snipe, just two Cetti's Warblers, three Goosanders and a Siskin. Surprisingly I didn't encounter Kingfisher, Water Rail or Chiffchaff.

A procession of would-be observers visited Stanwick Pits in an effort to track down the Bearded Tits and most failed. However social media suggests that an individual was seen at some stage today. Vocal Cetti's Warblers and a Water Rail were present around the edges of the same pit.

Two first year Caspian Gulls were seen at Daventry Country Park this morning and birds at Sywell Country Park included a Water Rail, a Cetti's Warbler, two Grey Wagtails, a pair of Stonechats and about twenty Siskins. A Barn Owl was again on show at Lamport Hall this afternoon.

The female Ring-necked Duck was reportedly again off the causeway at Ravensthorpe Reservoir this morning and three Scaup were still at Eyebrook Reservoir.

Regards

Neil M

The Ditchford Oystercatchers
today...and very noisy they were too!

Blue Tit courtesy of
Robin Gossage.

Male Blackbird courtesy
of Robin Gossage.