Here they come!

Hello

Mild conditions, some minor showers and gently breezes was conducive for more in-coming migrants today and the day felt exciting with lots of birds on the move!

An Osprey made it to Northamptonshire today and was spotted on a regular nest, so only a day or two behind the Rutland birds and with birds also arriving in Scotland today.

In the Nene Valley there were thirteen Redshanks and a Ringed Plover at Stanwick Pits first thing with Summer Leys LNR hosting a Wheatear, a Pintail, a Dunlin and a Little Ringed Plover. Birds on the Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows reserve included two Black-tailed Godwits and a drake Pintail.

In the Brampton Valley there was a Merlin and two Siskins near to Boughton Crossing, a Water Rail at Spring Marsh (below Brixworth), a Wheatear, an Oystercatcher and a Grey Wagtail associated with the new wetlands below Brixworth, a Woodcock and a pair of Stonechats along the stretch between Spratton Crossing and Merry Tom Lane, a Barn Owl below Hanging Houghton and at least four singing Chiffchaffs along the stretch between HH and Brampton Halt.

Reservoir birding provided four Shelduck, a Water Rail and a singing Chiffchaff at Pitsford Reservoir, the female Scaup was still at Ravensthorpe Reservoir with the female Ring-necked Duck now moving to Hollowell Reservoir where seen just off the dam. A Swallow was seen at Eyebrook Reservoir and a Caspian Gull was noted at Daventry Country Park.

Two Wheatears graced Bunker Two at Harrington Airfield today, a Blackcap was seen in an Arbours (Northampton) garden and birds in Hanging Houghton village included a Grey Wagtail and a Brambling. A drake Mandarin Duck was at Barnwell Country Park.

Regards

Neil M

Osprey courtesy of
Robin Gossage.

Little Ringed Plover courtesy
of Dave Jackson.

Great Spotted Woodpecker
courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Grey Wagtail courtesy
of Robin Gossage.