Stonechats!

Hello

Certainly warmer today but perhaps not as much sunshine as forecast, but still very nice for the time of the year.

The Bittern re-appeared at Summer Leys LNR today, extending it's long stay with days of not being seen (a typical Bittern)!

At Stanford Reservoir today there were two Red-crested Pochards, a Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, a Peregrine, a Green Sandpiper, a Siskin and a very late Garden Warbler was ringed.

Stonechats included a pair at Blueberry Farm, a pair at 'shrike hedge' and another pair nearer the brook in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton. Two more pairs of Stonechats were at Harrington Airfield where there were also two Redpolls and six Siskins. Two Grey Wagtails remain at the brook in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton with another one in the village itself.

A ringing session at Linford Lake, Milton Keynes caused over eighty captures which included good numbers of Chiffchaffs (which included a control) and Blackcaps and a mixture of common birds with Song Thrushes, tits, Goldcrests, two Meadow Pipits and a Magpie for variety. A Grey Wagtail, several Siskins and Redpolls, a Great White Egret and six Egyptian Geese were also present.

Some ringing is planned for Harrington Airfield on Monday when access to the bunkers and old airstrip including the scrubby areas will be restricted. The main concrete track is unaffected.

Regards

Neil M

Male Stonechat courtesy
of Dave Jackson.

Female Stonechat.

Grey Wagtail.

Redwing courtesy of
Robin Gossage.

Not many Redwings here yet
but with an estimated three
thousand today on Holy Island,
Northumberland they are not
far away!