Pitsford WeBS count

Hello

Cold and frosty this morning gave way to a lovely winter day with sunshine and a light breeze.

An ideal day to complete the Pitsford Reservoir WeBS count which south of the causeway provided the Black-necked Grebe, a 'redhead' Smew, nine European White-fronted Geese, two Grey Wagtails, over thirty Siskins, about eight Redpolls, one Chiffchaff and four Ravens. North of the causeway there was a female Peregrine, two adult Yellow-legged Gulls, two Jack Snipe, thirty-one Common Snipe, two Stonechats, a Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.

At Wellingborough the Glossy Ibis was again in a wet field next to the Embankment near the Premier Inn.

A small flock of Crossbills were on the west side of Harlestone Heath today where also two Ravens. Up to fifteen Crossbills were again at Gamboro' Plantation showing well this morning (a small block of woodland between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton). One Stonechat was seen in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and a Grey Wagtail was in the village.

A flock of no less than twenty-two Corn Buntings were between Wicken and Deanshanger again today, showing well and singing from the overhead wires.

Little news from the Nene Valley today but three Goosanders were along the River Nene at Hardwater Mill.

Three Blackcaps were visiting a Duston, Northampton garden this morning feeding on ivy berries. A Peregrine was seen over Daventry town today.

Regards

Neil M

Some pictures of the
Gamboro' Plantation
Common Crossbills
courtesy of Jim Dunkley.