Spring bonanza!

Hello

Summer Leys LNR remained very much in the local spotlight today when it became clear that the male Kentish Plover and the White Stork from yesterday had remained overnight and were on the reserve first thing this morning (thanks to Jonathan Cook for putting the early news out). The heavy rain and wind overnight had conspired to keep these birds localised but as the sun shone and the rain stayed away this morning both birds became fidgety with the stork leaving the scrape just after 9.30am and seemingly flying off. The Kentish Plover remained flighty but was still present this evening, still spending much of it's time on Gull Island. That in itself was impressive enough but early this afternoon two Common Cranes circled Summer Leys LNR and after some deliberation descended to rest and forage on the scrape - to see Common Cranes on the ground in Northants is still a rare sight! These birds hung around and delighted many observers before flying off west but low at about 5.10pm.

Other birds noted included a Great White Egret, an Arctic Tern, three Common Terns, a Ringed Plover, four Little Ringed Plovers, eight Redshanks, two Oystercatchers, a Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper and a Raven.

Elsewhere an Arctic Tern was with twenty-three Common Terns at Thrapston Pits, a Wheatear, several Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail were around the dam at Pitsford Reservoir and a Common Whitethroat was at Grange Lane, Pitsford.

A male Common Redstart was at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this morning and Carrion Crows were chasing a Short-eared Owl over in a northerly direction. A Barn Owl flew over the A361 near Newnham this morning and a female Brambling has spent the last couple of days in a garden near Overstone Park, Northampton. A Caspian Gull was reported from Hollowell Reservoir today.

Regards

Neil M

Common Cranes courtesy
of Jim Dunkley.

Common Cranes courtesy
of Robin Gossage.