The "Goose fest" continues!!

Thankfully the arrival of some interesting geese on Christmas eve was not a one day wonder and the influx of geese, mainly White Fronted has continued with sightings dotted around the county.   This event certainly seems to have encouraged folk to get out and about today or maybe it was the two days of festivities and withdrawal from birding which spurred folk on too.    For myself it was definitely the latter. Over Christmas/Boxing day I managed two brief visits to Pitsford but saw nothing and a few brief visits to shrike hedge/blueberry area with the dogs and saw my usual Stonechats,  Bramblings and female Merlin.                                                                                                                I earmarked today as "my day" and loaded the dogs into the car and headed north,  destination Wakerley Wood as its one of my favourite places.  As I was driving on the A43 approaching the turning for Blatherwycke I nearly turned off to go and look for the geese etc there first, but I didn't as I wanted to walk around Wakerley before it got busy with people.  I was very pleased to find a small party of Crossbills in the carpark as I set off for a 3 hour meander in the Wood.  All was well with the world until I looked at my messages and saw that Stuart was at Blatherwycke Lake watching a Common Crane flying over!!! Birding is often all about being in the right place at the right time,  I was nearly there, I was so close and in the area, if only I had gone to Blatherwycke first, I might have seen the Crane.  Anyway I enjoyed my walk around Wakerley Wood where there were small parties of Crossbills,  Siskins,  Redpolls and Bramblings dispersed throughout the wood.  A Ringtail Hen Harrier was a surprise find as I was looking from the wood towards Laxton and the A43.    I never bumped into anyone else until I was virtually back at the carpark where I found that the  whole world had woken up!!                                                                                              Blatherwycke Lake was my next stop and unsurprisingly there were plenty of birders looking for the Tundra Bean Goose which was quite tricky to find and the very smart White Fronted Geese which were a lot easier to find. I visited the Churchyard in search of Hawfinch,  but none seen, so I continued along the footpath which gives a good view of the northern end of the lake and the Black Necked Grebe was showing well.                                                                                       Next was Deene Churchyard,  again no Hawfinch,  but a scan of the lake produced 6 Shelduck,  a Grey Wagtail and a Stonechat.                                               News had broken of a drake American Wigeon in front of the Peter Scott hide at Titchmarsh LNR,  found by Nick. As I haven't seen one of these in the county for a while I took the longer route home to see this bird. I'm glad that I did as it was very obliging and showing well.         So a good day out birding in the county for me.

Plenty of White Fronted Geese today. 10 at Stanwick GP, 9 at Clifford Hill GP, 60 at Stanford Reservoir and 6 at Aynho in the Cherwell Valley.  Other birds seen today include Caspian Gull at Summer Leys, Sanderling at Titchmarsh LNR,  drake Smew at Clifford Hill GP and Greater Scaup at Thrapston on the town lake and 3 birds at Stanford Reservoir.        But one of the most interesting and remarkable records today ( Tyler) was that of a staggering 22 Corn Buntings in crop fields from the footpath between Deanshanger and Wicken. Not an area that I'm familiar with but definitely worth a "twitch" !!

Regards Eleanor 

GEESE GALORE!!

 Today has seen a significant drop in temperature, a change in the wind direction and a scattering of wild geese throughout the county. European White Fronted Geese were seen at Pitsford Reservoir (7+), Stanford Reservoir (56),Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows (31) and at Blatherwycke Lake (12). Pink Footed Geese were at Pitsford Reservoir (3) and Summer Leys (1). But the scarcest of the geese were 6 Tundra Bean Geese at Pitsford Reservoir.           I was lucky enough to be able to get to Pitsford Reservoir and enjoy this Goose feast.  I'd had a pretty quiet morning for birds. Just a couple of Grey Wagtails,  Siskins and Bramblings whilst out running,  about 15 Siskins at Kelmarsh Hall and birdless visit to Harrington Airfield. I was taking a break in-between errands when the news broke of the birds at Pitsford so the remaining errands were put on hold, and infact they got done!!.                             As I walked down the old road to view the birds my heart sank as a lot of the geese started to fly around.  There seemed to be an awful lot of Canada's and Greylags present.  After searching I picked up several White Fronted Geese near to the point where the Cormorants sit. As I watched them they swam away from me and disappeared into the Walgrave Bay and out of sight. In order to get a better view of these birds I walked towards the causeway and looked back into the Walgrave Bay where they had tucked themselves.  Then I turned my attention to the area between the Walgrave and Holcot Bays as this is where the majority of geese seemed to be.  As I scanned the geese I found at least 3 Pink Footed Geese, 7 White Fronted Geese and 4 Tundra Bean Geese which were joined by a further 2. This was just amazing to see and I can't remember seeing all these different species of geese present together in the same place in Northamptonshire.                                                 I had to drag myself away,  not to finish my errands but to walk the dogs. However it was a quiet walk with just a few Bramblings and female Peregrine near shrike hedge,  2 Woodcock nearby and 15 Golden Plovers with 160 Lapwings feeding on a crop field. 

Other birds around today include 2 Greater Scaup,  2 Goosanders at Thrapston on Town Lake, Black Necked Grebe at Blatherwycke Lake,  Glossy Ibis at Stanford Reservoir and Wellingborough embankment and 3 female Greater Scaup at Stanford Reservoir. 

Yesterday saw another scarce winter visitor,  a drake Red Breasted Merganser briefly at Ravensthorpe Reservoir, plus 2 Red Crested Pochards at Kislingbury on the main lake.        There seems to be a bit of competition between the gull roosts at Pitsford and Stanford Reservoirs, both had Mediterranean Gulls ( adult at Pitsford and 2 x 1st winters at Stanford) and Yellow Legged Gull.  But Stanford also produced a Caspian Gull. 

We would just like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas 🎄 and hope that you enjoy the day however and wherever you spend it.

Regards Eleanor 

All three 'sawbills' at Clifford Hill

Hello

Grey, dreary but essentially dry and mild today and periods when it was possible to see some birds at distance.

The two Wellingborough Glossy Ibis remained in wet fields adjacent to the carriageway of the Embankment, these must be the easiest Glossy Ibis ever to see in the county! A Great White Egret was in the same general area.

The juvenile Shag was seen again along the Grand Union Canal near the lock just north of junction 15A of the M1 motorway.

Stanford Reservoir today recorded the Glossy Ibis again plus a first winter Caspian Gull and two adult Yellow-legged Gulls roosting this afternoon. Other birds were six Great White Egrets, five Goosanders, two Water Rails and a Kingfisher.

Eyebrook Reservoir provided distant views of six Smew (four adult drakes) and three Greater Scaup.

A productive morning at Clifford Hill Pits provided a drake Red-breasted Merganser seen moving west along the River Nene, a mobile drake Smew, four Goosanders, two Great White Egrets, eight Golden Plovers and a Stonechat.

A Hawfinch was in Cottesbrooke village late this morning, mobile between the playing field and the church - this following a similar pattern in recent winters.

A Short-eared Owl was in the Brampton Valley/Blueberry Farm area this morning plus a pair of Stonechats, four Bramblings and this afternoon there was a Woodcock at Blueberry Farm and the big female Peregrine was still around - this time menacing the flock of Fieldfares and Starlings.

An adult Caspian Gull (a particularly stunning bird with a bright bill and perfect plumage) was at Naseby Reservoir where also a Grey Wagtail. Another Grey Wagtail was at Welford Reservoir and birds in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Reservoir this morning included singles of Brambling, Siskin and Redpoll.

A Siberian Chiffchaff was identified at Daventry Country Park in the company of a couple of Chiffchaffs around the Grit Trap.  Also an adult Caspian Gull was present and an adult Mediterranean Gull was seen briefly.

Regards

Neil M

Mediterranean Gull.

Short-eared Owls (these birds
photographed during the
'invasion year' of 2011).

Long-tailed Tit.

A Peregrine's varied diet

Hello

Another grey day and with some rain too, milder this afternoon.

At Stanford Reservoir the Glossy Ibis was still present today and other birds were two Great White Egrets, three Goosanders, four Water Rails and three Cetti's Warblers.

Five Scaup and six Smew were at Eyebrook Reservoir and a Black-necked Grebe, a Black Swan, a Great White Egret, two Ravens and a Brambling were at Blatherwycke Lake.

A Cattle Egret was espied in a field at London Road, Little Irchester this morning and seven Crossbills were mobile at Harlestone Heath this morning.

A misty Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton was again the hunting ground of a female Peregrine which today had killed a Grey Partridge. A large flock of Golden Plovers flew though the murk and the pair of Stonechats and several Bramblings were still present. A Siskin was in Hanging Houghton village.

A Woodcock and two Redpoll were noted at Scotland Wood, Kelmarsh Estate today.

Regards

Neil M

Cock Pheasant.

Red Kite.

Rook.

A murky day in December

Hello

A much murkier day than predicted and it certainly took a while for the sun to shine in some parts of the county.

A male Stonechat, a Great White Egret and a Grey Wagtail were somewhere in the mist north of the causeway at Pitsford Reservoir this morning.

The two Glossy Ibis were still off the Embankment at Wellingborough late this morning and the wing-tagged Marsh Harrier was again on view at Summer Leys LNR.

The Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton in the fields leading up to Blueberry Farm within the parish of Maidwell provided a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, the female Peregrine again, this time taking a Teal in mid-flight, a pair of Stonechats, three Crossbills at Gamboro' Plantation, small numbers of Redpolls and Siskins on the move in the mist and only about four Bramblings.

A Woodcock was at Harrington Airfield today and there were reasonable numbers of winter thrushes present. A Grey Wagtail was in our garden at Hanging Houghton.

The two Greater Scaup were again on Town Lake, Thrapston Pits today.

At least four Smew were at Eyebrook Reservoir today and the nine Great Northern Divers were again visible from the Fishing Lodge at Grafham Water.

Regards

Neil M

Kestrel.

Nuthatch.

Drake Mandarin Duck.

Pre-Christmas birding

Hello

A lovely bright winter's day and cool too.

The juvenile Shag was seen again along the Grand Union Canal not far from junction 15A of the M1 motorway and close to the original lock where first found.

The two Greater Scaup were again on Town Lake, Thrapston Pits and a remarkable nine Great Northern Divers were at Grafham Water (Cambs) today and with two at Draycote Water (Warks) with seemingly none for us in-between!

Eyebrook Reservoir was also showing off with seven Greater Scaup and five Smew. The wing-tagged Marsh Harrier was reported from Summer Leys LNR this morning.

The 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was again in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning but didn't show this afternoon. Other birds included a pair of Stonechats and several Bramblings and a female Peregrine was disturbed from the remnants of it's Woodpigeon kill.

Caspian Gulls were located at Naseby Reservoir (an adult) and Hollowell Reservoir (third winter) and also at Hollowell there were a Water Rail, three hundred and seventeen Teal, a Water Rail and two Stonechats.

A male Blackcap was in a garden at Mears Ashby this morning, a few Siskins were at Kelmarsh Hall and two Woodcocks were at Scotland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate. Two Redpolls were at Lamport Hall.

Regards

Neil M

Members of the Northants
Ringing Group were busy
again in the Nene Valley today,
successfully processing six
Water Rails and a Moorhen.

Images courtesy of
Chris Payne.

Rain spoiled the show

Hello

Heavy rain from late morning no doubt dampened the enthusiasm of local birders so again very few reports locally.

The wing-tagged Marsh Harrier was seen again at Summer Leys LNR this morning and several Bramblings were again in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning.

Some ringing recoveries associated with Northants Ringing Group activities at Linford Lakes, Milton Keynes are as follows:-

1. A juvenile male Greenfinch was ringed at Dunton, Buckinghamshire on 24th August 2025 and trapped again at Linford Lakes, Milton Keynes on 11th October 2025, forty-eight days later and having traveled 19km to the north;

2. A first year Black-headed Gull was ringed at Linford Lakes on 12th October 2024 and was seen again on 22nd October 2025 when it was seen in the field at nearby Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes, 375 days later;

3. A first year Robin was ringed at Linford Lakes on 25th August 2024 and re-trapped again at Port Meadow, Oxford 370 days later on 30th August 2025 when it was 48km further south-west;

4. A first year Reed Warbler was ringed at Linford Lakes on 9th August 2025 and nineteen days later was re-trapped at Highfield, Southampton on 28th August 2025 135km further SSW;

5. A first year Garden Warbler was ringed at Stanford Reservoir on 30th August 2024 and re-trapped this year at Linford Lakes on 14th August some 349 days later, and of course with a journey to Africa and back in between;

6. A first year Sedge Warbler was ringed at Linford Lakes on 14th August 2025 and thirteen days later was caught again at Elms Farm, Icklesham, East Sussex having traveled 166km in a south-east direction;

7. A first year Reed Warbler was ringed at Linford Lakes on 9th August 2025 and re-trapped at Beachy Head, East Sussex fourteen days later having traveled 166km in a SSE direction.

Regards

Neil M

Robin courtesy
of Tony Stanford.

Ring-necked Parakeet
 courtesy of Tony Stanford.

Little Egret.

Sea-bird on the canal!

Hello

With a wet night and then a morning freeze, it wasn't the foggy morning as predicted.

The best find today was a juvenile Shag found by Tony on the Grand Union Canal at the lock close to junction 15A of the M1 motorway. The bird tried to hide from the finder using the lock as a barrier but subsequently showed nicely.

A wing-tagged Marsh Harrier was seen at Summer Leys LNR late this morning and birds in the Whiston Lock area included a pair of Stonechats and four Egyptian Geese.

Several Siskins were noted at Billing Fishponds, a Raven was eating something on a grass verge near Old village, at least four Tree Sparrows were at Rectory Farm, Old and at least one Brambling was in a bird food/nectar crop adjacent to the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Reservoir. A Great White Egret at Pitsford Reservoir today displayed all yellow legs and feet.

Five Grey Partridges and up to two hundred Fieldfares were at Harrington Airfield before the pheasant/partridge shooting began.

This afternoon birds in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton included the 'ringtail' Hen Harrier again (towards Blueberry Farm) plus the pair of Stonechats and several Bramblings.

The single Glossy Ibis was at Stanford Reservoir this morning.

Regards

Neil M

Juvenile Shag today
courtesy of Tony Stanford.

Scant news today

Hello

Very little local bird news today I'm afraid and neither of us had time to properly explore our local patches.

The two Greater Scaup were again on Town Lake, Thrapston Pits today but for the second day the Ring-necked Duck wasn't located. Five Smew at Eyebrook Reservoir included two drakes, viewable from Stoke Dry car park.

Two or three Crossbills were at Gamboro' Plantation again this morning, this small area of woodland is situated on the ridge between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton. At least two Bramblings were around the bird crop areas in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton also this morning.

Regards

Neil M

One of the fabulous old
and mostly dead Sweet
Chestnut trees at Harlestone
on the Northampton Golf Course.

Great Black-backed Gull.

Cetti's Warbler courtesy
of Robin Gossage.

Pitsford WeBS count

Hello

Today was the monthly WeBS count at Pitsford Reservoir in weather which was mild, breezy but dry and with some nice periods of sunshine.

The juvenile Whooper Swan was still present this morning, flying south over the causeway and relocating near to the Holly Tree. A first year Little Gull was mobile in the Scaldwell Bay and slowly flew south over the fields. Three Stonechats were in the Scaldwell Bay and forty-three Common Snipe and two Jack Snipe were between the Old Scaldwell Road and the causeway and a Tree Sparrow was heard calling at the nearby feeding station bushes. Pochard were present in small flocks, four Green Sandpipers remained in the Holcot Bay and there was a Grey Wagtail, a Raven, two Great White Egrets and reasonable numbers of Lapwings all north of the causeway.

Birds south of the causeway were the Black-necked Grebe again in the Pintail Bay, two Green Sandpipers in Catwalk Bay, six Stonechats, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, three Grey Wagtails, eight Redpolls, two Bramblings and small numbers of Siskins plus two Ravens.

Elsewhere and the two Glossy Ibis were again feeding in wet fields at the Embankment at Wellingborough, a Marsh Harrier was at Stanwick Pits and a pair of Blackcaps were feeding apples in a Woodford Halse garden.

Two adult Caspian Gulls were at Ravensthorpe Reservoir and Hollowell Reservoir was good for an adult Caspian Gull, a first year Mediterranean Gull, two Stonechats and a drake Mandarin Duck.

A Glossy Ibis was still at Stanford Reservoir today, an adult Caspian Gull and seventy Great Black-backed Gulls were in the afternoon roost and seven Goosanders were present.

Four Smew were at Eyebrook Reservoir, the two Greater Scaup were reported from the south end of Town Lake at Thrapston Pits again and there was a report of two Short-eared Owls yesterday in a field at Wollaston by the junction of Harrold Road and Dungee Road.

This afternoon the 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was seen again in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton where also a pair of Stonechats and at least six Bramblings.

Regards

Neil M

Cormorant.

Stonechat.

Jack Snipe.

One Swallow doesn't make a summer!

Hello

Possibly bird of the day was a Swallow feeding at Islip Water Treatment Works this afternoon with other birds at nearby Thrapston Pits being the drake Ring-necked Duck at the north end of Town Lake and two Greater Scaup at the southern end.

The two Glossy Ibis were again in wet fields at the Embankment at Wellingborough and the super Black Redstart was still at Thursby/Sandringham Road, Northampton.

Four Stonechats and two Ravens were in the area of Whiston Lock in the Nene Valley and Upton Country Park hosted a Jack Snipe, about thirty Common Snipe and a Stonechat.

A Grey Wagtail was at Hanging Houghton and the Kelmarsh Estate held a few Siskins at Kelmarsh Hall, a Woodcock at Scotland Wood and a Golden Plover and Grey Wagtail near New Covert.

The Glossy Ibis was still at Stanford Reservoir today where also one hundred and twenty Pochard, five Goosanders, eighty Cormorants, two Water Rails, a Kingfisher and two hundred Fieldfares.

Regards

Neil M

Black Redstart today
courtesy of Martin Swannell

A probable fourth calendar year
Caspian Gull courtesy of Robin
Gossage, taken at Summer Leys
LNR two days ago. Although quite
thick-necked and heavy-billed and
rather pinkish feet, most of the 
features match this species.

Displaying Drake Teal
at Summer Leys LNR
courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Ditchford WeBS count

Hello

A rather cold and foggy start today gave way to some winter sunshine and pleasant weather.

This provided us with the opportunity to complete the WeBS count at Ditchford Pits - the older pits were checked first and the latter part of the count concentrated on the newer pits west of Ditchford Lane.

A Marsh Harrier was seen a couple of times west of Ditchford Lane at one stage interacting with a dark Common Buzzard. Other birds in this section included a drake Pintail, a couple of Goldeneye, two Egyptian Geese, three Goosanders, three or four Great White Egrets, a Green Sandpiper, a Water Rail, a pair of Stonechats and four Cetti's Warblers.

East of Ditchford Lane and birds included another four Great White Egrets, at least four Cetti's Warblers, four Grey Wagtails and a couple of Chiffchaffs.

The two Glossy Ibis were showing very well close to the road at the Wellingborough Embankment today, using both wet fields either side of the road.

Two Ring-necked Ducks were reported via Birdguides as being present at Summer Leys LNR today with no other details known.

The Black Redstart was again in Northampton this morning, showing on rooftops in Sandringham Road at about 10am.

The Glossy Ibis remains at Stanford Reservoir where also six Great White Egrets and a Peregrine were seen.

Regards

Neil M

The Glossy Ibis at the Wellingborough Embankment today.

Tystie is quickly growing up!

Caspian Gulls, more Black-necked Grebes and the Black Red still!

Hello

Yesterday's birds (11th) included the Black Redstart still off Sandringham Road, Northampton and a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was seen again in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton. Birds around Spring Pond off the Brampton Valley Way below Brixworth included a Water Rail, a Cetti's Warbler and at least one Chiffchaff with a couple of Bramblings nearby.

Three Black-necked Grebes stopped off for a brief stay at Daventry Country Park yesterday and a Caspian Gull was present too. A Caspian Gull was seen at Hollowell Reservoir and birds at Stanford Reservoir included the Glossy Ibis still plus six Great White Egrets and two Goosanders.

Also yesterday the Black-necked Grebe was in Pintail Bay at Pitsford Reservoir with the juvenile Whooper Swan in the Narrows and two Goosanders were at Town Lake, Thrapston Pits.

A Merlin was a good record for Hinton Airfield in the afternoon and Clifford Hill Pits attracted a Raven and two Great White Egrets in the morning.

Today (12th Dec) and the Black Redstart was still showing nicely in Northampton in the same place, clearly enjoying it's urban setting. A different Caspian Gull was at Hollowell Reservoir today where there was also a Water Rail, three Stonechats and two Common Snipe.

Thrapston Pits was the venue again for the drake Ring-necked Duck at the north end of Town Lake and two Greater Scaup and two Goosanders were at the south end by the sailing club (early afternoon).

Two Glossy Ibis were on flood pools by the bend in the road at Wellingborough Embankment and an adult Caspian Gull was identified at Summer Leys LNR.

A Siskin was at Lamport Hall and good numbers of Starlings and Fieldfares were at Harrington Airfield and Stonechats were heard calling in the gloom in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.

Stanford Reservoir's birds today included the Glossy Ibis, four Great White Egrets, three Goosanders and ninety Pochard. Two Caspian Gulls were at Daventry Country Park today.

Variable numbers of Scaup have been reported at Eyebrook Reservoir recently with four today and where also five Smew including three drakes.

Regards

Neil M

Cetti's Warbler.

Chiffchaff.

Water Rail.

Winter lingerers

Hello

A much better day's weather provided more sightings in the county.

A Glossy Ibis was seen again at Stanford Reservoir and the Black Redstart was on and off in the Sandringham Road area in Northampton.

Two Greater Scaup were on Town Lake, Thrapston Pits this morning and a Marsh Harrier was on the Titchmarsh reserve.

The Black-necked Grebe was again at Pitsford Reservoir just off the shoreline between Pintail Bay and the Sailing Club, the juvenile Whooper Swan was also present and other birds included a Yellow-legged Gull, a Peregrine, a Redpoll and at least ten Common Snipe. Four Green Sandpipers were in the Holcot Bay at lunchtime.

Two Ravens and a couple of Siskins were at Hanging Houghton and the Brampton Valley below the village yielded a Short-eared Owl, a female Merlin, a pair of Stonechat and eight Bramblings. A Red Admiral was on the wing at Lamport Hall.

A pair of Stonechat were at Upton Country Park.

Regards

Neil M

Drake Gadwall.

Drake Teal.

Red Fox.

Another dark and dingy day

Hello

Another short and dark day but we have avoided the worst of Storm Bram it seems!

A Glossy Ibis was near the feeding station at Summer Leys LNR today and the Black Redstart was still in Northampton to the west of Abington Park at Sandringham Road.

A first year drake Greater Scaup was at Thrapston Pits early this afternoon, still on Town Lake and the Black-necked Grebe was in Yacht Bay, Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon.

Two Ravens were at Hanging Houghton today, a couple of Siskins were at Kelmarsh Hall.        

I've recently returned from a short trip to south France and another page/tab has been produced - Wallcreeper and the Camargue December 2025 - with a few images included.

Regards

Neil M

Raven.

Tufted Duck.

Pied Wagtail.

There's a Black Red in Town!!

Yesterday it appeared to be rather quiet with very few birds reported.  Just the Black-necked Grebe in the Pintail Bay, Pitsford Reservoir,  Glossy Ibis at Stanford Reservoir, Bittern and Marsh Harrier at Summer Leys. 

For a while I have suspected that the large mixed flock of buntings and finches that I see regularly at shrike hedge/ blueberry area feed elsewhere as sometimes I see absolutely nothing and a few hours later the area is alive with birds. This was certainly the case yesterday.  My first visit was fruitless with just a handful of birds. So I decided to have a good walk around the fields ( I have permission) and check out some other sunflower strips. All of these other strips yielded a mixture of buntings and finches including quite a few Bramblings.  I think that these birds are covering quite an area in their search for food.   When I returned to shrike hedge/Blueberry in the afternoon the area was full of birds including a Corn Bunting,  15+ Bramblings and a female Merlin hunting her favourite prey item, Skylarks. 

Today we were reminded that you don't have to travel miles to find a good bird, but instead just be aware of the birds which visit your garden.  Tyler Atkinson did just that by spotting a Black Redstart in his garden. A great find. The bird remained in the area of Sandringham Road/Thursby Road and King Edwards Road, Northampton.  This area of town is close to Abington Park which has been put on the birding map thanks to Tyler birding it regularly. 

Today there were 2 Hawfinches in  the churchyard at Blatherwycke.  Hopefully these birds will hang around.  This is a regular wintering site for these birds. It is worth checking out the other known wintering areas of Cottesbrooke and Deene Churchyard as well as looking out for new sites.                                                                                      Other birds reported today include a Short-eared Owl and 2 Stonechats at Nevilles Lodge, Finedon, 7 Crossbills at Bucknell Wood, 3 Glossy Ibis on flooded area near Irchester, a Glossy Ibis at Stanford Reservoir, Black-necked Grebe and Goosander at Pitsford Reservoir, Caspian Gull and 2 Woodcock at Naseby Reservoir and a 1st winter drake Greater Scaup on the Town Lake at Thrapston. 

Regards Eleanor 

Black Redstart today
courtesy of Tyler Atkinson.

Short December Days

It's the time of year when the days seem to be so short. Because I usually have lots of things to get done I'm chomping at the bit waiting for the day to get light. This morning I went out early and used the brightness of the moon to light my way.  It was lovely being out at that time and I was treated to a spectacular daybreak with the sky turning various shades of blue and pink. It was crispy underfoot due to the hard frost and this had the added advantage of coming back with clean dogs instead of the wet and muddy ones of late. 

It seems pretty quiet everywhere in the county. Glossy Ibis were seen at Stanford Reservoir,  Summer Leys and a flooded field near Irchester. The regular Marsh Harriers were at Summer Leys and Titchmarsh LNR.  A Caspian Gull was at Hollowell and Ravensthorpe Reservoir,  Black-necked Grebe in the Pintail Bay at Pitsford Reservoir,  Bittern at Summer Leys, Cettis Warbler and 5 Stonechats at Hollowell Reservoir and on the Town Lake at Thrapston the drake Ring Necked Duck and both male and female Greater Scaup. Two Stonechats were at Upton Country Park today.

I have had very quiet visits to Harrington Airfield and shrike hedge/Blueberry.

 

Of interest a Common Gull seen and photographed (Stuart Mundy) at Pitsford Reservoir had been ringed at a site 500 miles away at Heligoland Island north of Germany. 

Have a good weekend

 

Regards Eleanor 

Stonechat.

Robin.

Common Gull.

Blackcap.

Goldfinch.

All images courtesy
of Tony Stanford.

Birds lost in the fog

Hello

Foggy start to the day and then some sunny, still conditions made the afternoon brief but pleasant.

The Red-breasted Merganser wasn't seen at Boddington Reservoir today but there were fourteen Goosanders and a Raven there.

A drake Goosander was on Rotary Island at Summer Leys LNR this afternoon and a Common Snipe was the only bird of note seen at Harrington Airfield before the pheasant shooting began.

A male Blackcap visited a Little Billing garden this morning.

A/the female Merlin was again in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this afternoon, hunting Meadow Pipits trying to go to roost and other birds included the Corn Bunting again plus a pair of Stonechats and at least six Bramblings.

Regards

Neil M

Female Blackbird. Very few
Blackbirds about currently.

Robin.

Peregrine.