A New Month

We are a few days into a new month but there is very little change in the birds. The drake Lesser Scaup remains at Ditchford GP, the 3 Glossy Ibis at Summer Leys,the Northern Wheatear at Clifford Hill GP and 2 drake Red Crested Pochards at Stanford Reservoir. 

Other birds around over the last few days include Caspian Gull at Stanford and Daventry Reservoirs, Marsh Harrier,  Goldeneye,  Golden Plovers,  Green Sandpiper and Jack Snipe at Summer Leys,  a Crossbill over Weekley Wood Avenue Kettering , Black Tailed Godwit at Daventry Reservoir and 4 Whooper Swans briefly at Clifford Hill GP .

Even though the birding seems to have "stalled " the abnormally mild weather has meant that quite a few butterflies are still about.  Red Admirals,  Brimstone,  Small Whites and Holly Blues have all been recorded.                        Whilst out and about I have noticed the amount and variety of plants which are out in full bloom adding blue, pink, purple and yellow colour to the russet shades of Autumn.  The forecast is for a mild week which will certainly encourage more butterflies, flying insects and flowers to show themselves,  but I'm not too sure whether the birds will do the same?!

Regards Eleanor 

Marsh Tit and Blue Tit.

Common Gull.

Woodcock.

Male Blackbird courtesy
of Robin Gossage.