Longer days, more birds singing

Hello

The Red-throated Diver was on show again at Ravensthorpe Reservoir, but not showing as close as yesterday. Two European White-fronted Geese arrived later after first being seen at Hollowell Reservoir and other birds included a singing Blackcap, four Ravens and three Grey Wagtails.

Hollowell Reservoir also attracted five Jack Snipe, thirteen Common Snipe, three Stonechats and a Crossbill.

A Starling murmuration at Pitsford Reservoir was north of the causeway this afternoon, perhaps about fifteen hundred in number, and they seemed indecisive as to where they were planning to roost. A Peregrine attacked a Woodpigeon which evaded capture and the powerful falcon was last seen flushing and chasing more pigeons. A dozen Common Snipe and two pairs of Stonechats were in the Scaldwell Bay.

About twenty-five European White-fronted Geese were at Stanford Hall today and five Great White Egrets were at the adjacent reservoir.

The Crossbills re-appeared at Gamboro' Plantation this morning and again this afternoon when feeding very quietly, numbering at least ten birds. Other birds there were two Redpolls, a Brambling, several Siskins and a Woodcock. A Barn Owl and the pair of Stonechats were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.

In the Nene Valley there was a Great White Egret in a flooded poplar plantation between the river and Glebe Lake below Ecton. The drake Smew was again at Clifford Hill Pits and a Curlew was there first thing before flying off. Five European White-fronted Geese were at Stanwick Pits in fields north of North Lake this morning.

The Glossy Ibis was again at Summer Leys LNR and a drake Pintail was present too. Six European White-fronted Geese were on Aldwincle Lake on the Titchmarsh reserve at Thrapston Pits where also five Pintail. Two Stonechats were at Upton Country Park.

Regards

Neil M

Stonechats at Upton Country Park
today courtesy of Tony Stanford.

Curlew courtesy of Tony Stanford.

Common Gull courtesy
of Dave Jackson.