Crossbills and harriers

Hello

The open field area between Finedon and Irthlingborough off the A6 and incorporating Neville's Lodge has been attracting some attention recently and today a Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl and a male Merlin were seen. Access to this area is by farm tracks and footpaths but it is imperative that visitors keep to these areas and do not wander across fields or stray from the obvious through routes and cause undue disturbance.

A mobile flock of Crossbills in excess of twelve birds remain at Wakerley Woods - the larches around the main car park is the traditional site for these birds but this winter they seem to be wandering to other parts of the complex and are likely to be the same birds sometimes seen at Fineshade Wood the other side of the A43 where they like the mature trees to the north-east of Top Lodge. Maps of both these sites can be found on the Birdwatching Sites tab of this blog.

There were two Crossbills and fifteen Siskins attracted to woodland including larches at Lamport Hall early this afternoon. Two Ravens were there too.

The Cattle Egret remained a fixture at Wicksteed Park Water Meadows LNR again today and a Marsh Harrier was seen over the north section of the Titchmarsh reserve at Thrapston Pits today.

An adult Caspian Gull was at the Rushton Recycling Centre (formerly a landfill site) today.

Regards

Neil M

Marsh Harrier courtesy
of Robin Gossage.

Crossbill.

Merlin.

Short-eared Owl courtesy
of Robin Gossage.