Migrant chats, a Kingfisher and Marsh Tits

Hello

Dull, cloudy days with low windspeeds is ideal for the deployment of mist nets for bird ringing so little surprise that there were ringing sessions this morning at Stanford Reservoir, Pitsford Reservoir and Greens Norton. 

At Stanford yet another Common Redstart was caught and ringed bringing the total there this autumn to fifty-six - other birds seen there today included a Common Sandpiper and fifteen Ravens. 

At Pitsford Reservoir eighty-one birds were processed of thirteen common species, perhaps the highlights being two Marsh Tits, a Treecreeper that is at least five years old and small numbers of Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Bullfinch. Birds noted on-site included a Marsh Harrier, two Whinchats, an early-morning Tree Pipit, a couple of Ravens, a Great White Egret, a Green Sandpiper, a Kingfisher and a few over-flying Siskins.

At Greens Norton the catch of the day was a resplendent Kingfisher plus at least thirty-five Blackcaps, three Willow Warblers, three Bullfinches and a Marsh Tit amongst sixty birds processed.

A Pied Flycatcher was reported by Birdguides at Hanging Houghton yesterday evening but I'm afraid I have no information regarding this. Also yesterday a Nightjar was located roosting on a wall at Great Harrowden but a visit today didn't locate it.

This morning and an Osprey and the Ruddy Shelduck were seen at Hollowell Reservoir and other birds included a Pink-footed Goose, three Ringed Plovers, a Green Sandpiper, seven Common Sandpipers and two Greenshanks.

Two Cattle Egrets were still at Stanwick Pits today and birds on the Summer Leys LNR included a Ruff, a Common Sandpiper and a Great White Egret.

A Wheatear was all that could be found at Harrington Airfield today and a single Common Redstart was the only bird of note at Lamport Hall this afternoon.

There was much more activity at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this morning where there were four Common Redstarts, a Crossbill flying around, at least four Spotted Flycatchers, common warblers, two Hobbies and Yellow Wagtails. Nearby four Whinchats, a Wheatear and a Common Redstart were noted in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton near 'Shrike Hedge'.

An adult Caspian Gull was with other gulls near Gordon's Lodge, Ashton at 8.15am.

Regards

Neil M

Pheasant courtesy of
Tony Stanford.

Greylag Goose in the
stubble courtesy of
Tony Stanford.

Common Buzzard courtesy
of Tony Stanford.

Juvenile Wren courtesy
of Tony Stanford.

Kingfisher at Greens Norton
today courtesy of Chris Payne.

Marsh Tit courtesy of
Chris Payne.