Chris Coe

Hello

A blustery day with strong southerlies began with rain but later also some pleasant sunshine and mild temperatures.

A male Common Redstart was a good find at Pitsford Reservoir this morning, the bird inhabiting the perimeter hedging in the Scaldwell Bay eighty metres north-west of Maytrees Hide. Later in the day there was a Grass Snake on the Bird Club hide entry ramp.

Martin found an Osprey flying along the Brampton Valley this afternoon and it headed up to Pitsford Reservoir and spent the afternoon and evening showing over the Walgrave Bay and fishing in the area of the Catwalk Bay. Martin also saw a couple of Swallows heading along the Brampton Valley.

New birds in at Pitsford Reservoir included a Common Sandpiper this morning and this afternoon there were two male Yellow Wagtails on the dam plus a Grey Wagtail and an increase in Pied Wagtails. Arriving hirundines included five Swallows and at least eight Sand Martins and the adult Yellow-legged Gull was still present.

At least seven Siskins visited a garden on the east side of Northampton today and at least one remained in our garden Silver Birch at Hanging Houghton.

Three Short-eared Owls returned to their drying out field near Lamport today and two were at nearby Blueberry Farm, Maidwell. Swallows popped up at Byfield and Summer Leys LNR, the latter site also producing a Peregrine, three Pintail, a Common Tern, a Little Ringed Plover and a Cattle Egret. Six Little Egrets and two Little Ringed Plovers were at Earls Barton New Workings.

The female Ring-necked Duck was again at the Cotton Reel Lake at Ditchford Pits today, a Wheatear was at Harrington Airfield, a Common Swift was reported over Kettering and an Osprey flew west at Stanford Reservoir this morning where there was also a Great White Egret, five Little Egrets, two Swallows and five Ravens.

Today we learnt of the passing of Chris Coe, a long term county bird recorder, pioneering local birder and Northants Bird Club member. Many of us began our birding careers in the county with steer and encouragement from Chris who was never quick to judge and provided tuition and leadership in the often confusing world of birds and nature. Chris without doubt influenced the birding scene in a positive way, often with humour and joviality as well as displaying a passion for recording and accuracy. His legacy will remain for generations, inspired by his honesty, integrity and genuine fellowship.

Regards

Neil M

Male House Sparrow.

Mute Swan courtesy
of Robin Gossage.

Reed Bunting courtesy
of Robin Gossage.

Rouzel and Jaeger were both
winners of their respective
 agility winter leagues with
additional placings during the 
weekend just gone. Now looking
forward to seeing what the new
agility season provides and
hopefully with more successes
 to the future.