Muddy Northamptonshire

Hello

It seems as usual that it's a case of living in a pair of wellingtons each winter from September to May if you want to take a wander in the Northamptonshire countryside! With wet, mild and breezy winters being the norm now, gone on the days when you could wander around in a pair of walking boots.

Today was one of those typical days with fast moving weather, mild temperatures, some rain and wintry sunshine and plenty of mud!

A couple of Hawfinches were still on show today with one at Deene Churchyard this morning and one by the church at Cottesbrooke village also this morning where there were also a couple of Redpolls and several Siskins. Singles of Siskin and Redpoll were at Kelmarsh this afternoon.

At Summer Leys LNR a Black-tailed Godwit was rather unseasonable but then many of this species go no further than the the UK these days to winter. The Glossy Ibis was sighted again, this time in a field visible from the old railway track.

Wintering Blackcaps included two coming to fat balls in a Kettering garden and one likewise in a garden at Brixworth.

At least two Green Sandpipers were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton where there was a Grey Wagtail and a Barn Owl.

Two Scaup were at Blatherwycke Lake this morning, five Cattle Egrets were at Kinewell Lake, Ringstead Pits before flying east towards Woodford and at Hollowell Reservoir a Jack Snipe and at least five Common Snipe were located.

Two Smew were still at Eyebrook Reservoir today.

Regards

Neil M

Mute Swan.

Cormorant.

Goldeneye.