Barn Owls, and an early Yellow Wagtail.

Hello

Unseen but tracked by satellite, a White-tailed Eagle from the re-introduction scheme flew south through the county yesterday afternoon, flying over Hollowell and Ravensthorpe Reservoirs at about 3pm. 

A Barn Owl was at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell yesterday afternoon and this evening there was another in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton. The bird found dead at Blueberry Farm a few days ago had been ringed locally so hadn't wandered far from it's natal area during it's life of nine and half years. Two Wheatears were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning, a Brambling and a Grey Wagtail were in our garden briefly and four Ravens were at Blueberry Farm.

Another Barn Owl was at Harrington Airfield this afternoon plus a pair of Grey Partridges and seventy Fieldfares flew north-east.

A Yellow Wagtail with a flock of 'alba' wagtails next to Elinor Lake at Thrapston Pits was a very good early season find by Nick today.

A female Red-crested Pochard was at Summer Leys LNR today and the adult Mediterranean Gull was seen as were eight Redshanks, four Common Snipe, a Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff. There was a liberal sprinkling of Chiffchaffs in the county today as they continue to arrive in numbers.

In the Brampton Valley below Brixworth birds noted included three Water Rails, three Grey Wagtails and several Chiffchaffs and the female Ruddy Shelduck was still at Winwick Pools today.

A ringing recovery was received today of a Redwing initially ringed at Harrington Airfield on 11th December 2021 which was subsequently recovered in Portugal at Mata de Lobos, Guarda on 11th February 2023 after being shot, sadly a common outcome for thrushes wintering in Iberia.

Regards

Neil M

Map depicting locations of
ringing and recovery of the
Redwing ringed at Harrington
Airfield and shot the following
winter in Portugal, courtesy
 of Nick Wood.

Barn Owl courtesy
of Kenny Cramer.

Yellow Wagtail courtesy
of Nathan Jones.

White-tailed Eagle.