Ringing at Stortons and Linford

Bird records have been few and far between over the last couple of days. Yesterday there was a Honey Buzzard and 2 Marsh Harriers at Stanford Reservoir and Pectoral Sandpiper and Bittern at Summer Leys.  I managed a quick visit to Lamport Hall and Blueberry but it was very quiet. Today I popped to Harrington Airfield which again was quiet with the only birds of note being Common Redstart,  Northern Wheatear and 2 Golden Plovers. The Pectoral Sandpiper remains at Summer Leys and 2 Marsh Harriers again at Summer Leys. 

The ringers have been busy. Yesterday at Stortons GP a total of 95 birds were ringed of which 68 were new Blackcaps and 8 Chiffchaffs. Other birds included Long Tailed and Blue tits, Robin, Cetti's and Reed Warbler. Bird of the day went to Kingfisher with young Song Thrushes coming a close second. An Otter was seen at the west side of the complex.       

Today at Linford Lakes, Milton Keynes a total of 154 birds were ringed of 13 species. An amazing 92 Blackcaps and 35 Chiffchaffs were ringed along with Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge and Reed Warbler.  Several firsts of the Autumn season were noted, a " continental type Blackbird", 3 Meadow Pipits and an early Lesser Redpoll. 

Regards Eleanor 

Lesser Redpoll courtesy
of Kenny Cramer.

Lesser Whitethroat courtesy
of Kenny Cramer.

Meadow Pipit courtesy
of Kenny Cramer.

Song Thrushes courtesy
of Chris Payne.

Kingfisher courtesy
of Tony Stanford.