Hello
Still suffering from a very poor Internet connection up here on Fair Isle but here goes!
Today was mostly a day of rain but thankfully the strong winds of the last few days had stilled and there was barely a breath of breeze. These are quite rare conditions for up here so it was worth becoming somewhat waterlogged in order to find passerines.
However it was the geese that provided most of the avian spectacle (and sound) in the morning with over a thousand Pink-footed Geese arriving from the north and landing on various parts of the island, and other skeins passing down the sides of the island or circling over-head. Small numbers of Greylags and Barnacles added some variety and there was an increase in ducks too with mobile Wigeon, Teal and Red-breasted Merganser in good numbers.
We located a very wet Richard's-type Pipit that was so fed up at becoming wet in the grass it took to walking along the edge of roads and tracks! Other repeats included the male Bluethroat again, two smart and performing Yellow-browed Warblers, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting and plenty of Twite and Brambling. Two Merlins hunted the isle as did the male 'ringtail' Hen Harrier and the Bonxies continued to harry just about anything that passed over including the geese-flocks which looked impressive! Other birds included Arctic Tern, Red-throated Diver, Jack Snipe, Grey Wagtail, Whinchat, Wheatear, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
However bird of the day was a White's Thrush which was found in the afternoon at the north-end of the island during the daily bird census. This is a bird we have not managed to see anywhere in the world and it looked pretty much how I always expected to see one, sheltering under a peat and heather overhang on the north aspect of Ward Hill at a location known as West Lother. This big bird, the same size as a Mistle Thrush, flinched each time a flying Bonxie came too close for comfort. A fitting end to a fairly challenging but stimulating day in the great British outdoors!
Regards
Neil M
Saturday, 4 October 2014
Fair Isle Day 4
Hello
Apologies for the delay in posting this blog. With Fair Isle being a little far-flung, Internet and mobile 'phone connections are sometimes problematic!
Powerful southerly winds yesterday (Friday 3rd) with rain ensured it wasn't ideal bird-watching conditions first thing, but being on the coast there is never an excuse that you can't go sea-watching! So after finding a reasonably dry piece of cliff I scanned a wild and spectacular sea for 90 minutes. Hundreds of Gannets and Fulmars careered around in all directions and there was a light passage south of auks (mostly Razorbills) and Kittiwakes. Bonxies continued to harry anything in reasonable proximity, particularly the Gannets. Other south-bound items of interest included a Great Northern Diver, five Red-breasted Mergansers and two Harbour Porpoise.
A wander around Buness and the Havens added observations of Arctic Tern and Snow Bunting amongst more regular fare, and Eleanor added Hen Harrier and Jack Snipe to the day-list.
After a splendid lunch (the food here is amazing) and an improvement in the weather, it was a wander to the north and Eleanor and I inspected the geos and creases around the cliffs in an effort to find avian items of interest. Plenty of migrant Redwings, Song Thrushes, two more Snow Buntings, a couple of Goldcrests and a fine male Ring Ouzel were about the best. Plenty of Snipe flushed up from the moors and the local Hoodies were joined by a wandering Carrion Crow. Two Peregrines in conflict with each other were both males, an adult and a juvenile.
After checking Ward Hill and the mast area, we headed down-hill to a group of birders huddled in a field about a mile away. Their quarry was a large pipit, the second to be found on the island during the day. The powers that be decided it was a Richard's Pipit but the bird seemed remarkably small to me. This and the first bird were fresh-in and probably tired and perhaps the reason that neither were heard to call (one of the best identification features of these large pipits). They were both classed as small Richard's Pipits. Perhaps we will obtain better views today.
A flying redpoll sp was seen better by other observers who identified it a a North West (Common) Redpoll.
Some late ringing provided me with an opportunity of ringing and examining a Yellow-browed Warbler in front of a throng of visitors and then we processed a small flock of drop-dead gorgeous Bramblings. A great day on Fair Isle and then it was a superb island curry and a very good presentation on the wildlife of New Zealand.
Regards
Neil M
Apologies for the delay in posting this blog. With Fair Isle being a little far-flung, Internet and mobile 'phone connections are sometimes problematic!
Powerful southerly winds yesterday (Friday 3rd) with rain ensured it wasn't ideal bird-watching conditions first thing, but being on the coast there is never an excuse that you can't go sea-watching! So after finding a reasonably dry piece of cliff I scanned a wild and spectacular sea for 90 minutes. Hundreds of Gannets and Fulmars careered around in all directions and there was a light passage south of auks (mostly Razorbills) and Kittiwakes. Bonxies continued to harry anything in reasonable proximity, particularly the Gannets. Other south-bound items of interest included a Great Northern Diver, five Red-breasted Mergansers and two Harbour Porpoise.
A wander around Buness and the Havens added observations of Arctic Tern and Snow Bunting amongst more regular fare, and Eleanor added Hen Harrier and Jack Snipe to the day-list.
After a splendid lunch (the food here is amazing) and an improvement in the weather, it was a wander to the north and Eleanor and I inspected the geos and creases around the cliffs in an effort to find avian items of interest. Plenty of migrant Redwings, Song Thrushes, two more Snow Buntings, a couple of Goldcrests and a fine male Ring Ouzel were about the best. Plenty of Snipe flushed up from the moors and the local Hoodies were joined by a wandering Carrion Crow. Two Peregrines in conflict with each other were both males, an adult and a juvenile.
After checking Ward Hill and the mast area, we headed down-hill to a group of birders huddled in a field about a mile away. Their quarry was a large pipit, the second to be found on the island during the day. The powers that be decided it was a Richard's Pipit but the bird seemed remarkably small to me. This and the first bird were fresh-in and probably tired and perhaps the reason that neither were heard to call (one of the best identification features of these large pipits). They were both classed as small Richard's Pipits. Perhaps we will obtain better views today.
A flying redpoll sp was seen better by other observers who identified it a a North West (Common) Redpoll.
Some late ringing provided me with an opportunity of ringing and examining a Yellow-browed Warbler in front of a throng of visitors and then we processed a small flock of drop-dead gorgeous Bramblings. A great day on Fair Isle and then it was a superb island curry and a very good presentation on the wildlife of New Zealand.
Regards
Neil M
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| Bonxie or Great Skua |
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| Snow Bunting |
Thursday, 2 October 2014
Fair Isle Day 3
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| A stormy aspect of South Light Fair Isle. Eleanor McMahon |
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| Kittiwake |
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| Gannets |
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| Fulmar experiencing and coping well with strong wind gusts! |
Hello
An increasingly blustery day here on Fair Isle with winds expected to be at gale force tonight. However plenty of sunshine, particularly in the morning made for a couple of pleasant excursions.
It seemed there were very few fresh birds in, the best of the lingerers for us being the Bluethroat, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling, a Lapland Bunting and more routine fare. Some ringing in the morning provided opportunities of colour-ringing Starlings as part of a 30 year study on the island, plus general ringing of species including Meadow Pipit, Blackcap and Twite.
Huge numbers of Fulmars were stalling and hanging in strong winds off the cliffs all day, joined by smaller numbers of big gulls, Bonxies and Gannets. Raptors included Kestrel, Peregrine and a male 'ringtail' Hen Harrier. A Grey Phalarope was seen by just a single observer before it flew south-west in very stormy conditions.
Twite and Brambling were again in good numbers with just a couple each of Grey Wagtail, Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer. An interesting bunting seen in flight and emitting the traditional 'rare bunting tic call' flew over early morning but wasn't re-located. Waders included Jack Snipe, Sanderling and Grey Plover.
With heavy rain forecast, we may become a little wet tomorrow!
Regards
Neil M
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| Bluethroat Eleanor McMahon |
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Fair Isle Day 2
Hello
A damp start today and a cool wind this morning which then changed to a breezy but sunny afternoon. Wildfowl were on the move first thing as we notched up Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose and Barnacle Goose. As they over-flew the island, some of the patrolling Bonxies pursued them and a Pink-foot was forced down to the ground, seemingly unharmed but most indignant! Yesterday's estimate of a hundred Bonxies on the island was well short of the true number which must be nearer three hundred and far more than I remember from my last visits.
A patient wait at the derelict croft of Pund paid off with views of the elusive Bluethroat. A Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting also revealed themselves and there was a further influx of thrushes with particularly large numbers of Song Thrushes flushing up from vegetation and cliff-faces. A couple of Ring Ouzels showed during the morning and the Twite flocks included reasonable numbers of Bramblings. Small numbers of Blackcaps showed themselves today but warblers were generally few in number. A possible Pechora Pipit and a locustella warbler sp were seen briefly by other birders.
The sea around Fair Isle is a jumble of hundreds and hundreds of Fulmars and Gannets, still here in very large numbers. Eider, Black Guillemot, Shag and small numbers of common waders are normally visible from any cliff-top scan.
The Meadow Pipit is probably the most common passerine on Fair Isle currently, but Rock Pipits are common too and of course there are Fair Isle Wrens to look out for too!
Regards
Neil M
A damp start today and a cool wind this morning which then changed to a breezy but sunny afternoon. Wildfowl were on the move first thing as we notched up Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose and Barnacle Goose. As they over-flew the island, some of the patrolling Bonxies pursued them and a Pink-foot was forced down to the ground, seemingly unharmed but most indignant! Yesterday's estimate of a hundred Bonxies on the island was well short of the true number which must be nearer three hundred and far more than I remember from my last visits.
A patient wait at the derelict croft of Pund paid off with views of the elusive Bluethroat. A Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting also revealed themselves and there was a further influx of thrushes with particularly large numbers of Song Thrushes flushing up from vegetation and cliff-faces. A couple of Ring Ouzels showed during the morning and the Twite flocks included reasonable numbers of Bramblings. Small numbers of Blackcaps showed themselves today but warblers were generally few in number. A possible Pechora Pipit and a locustella warbler sp were seen briefly by other birders.
The sea around Fair Isle is a jumble of hundreds and hundreds of Fulmars and Gannets, still here in very large numbers. Eider, Black Guillemot, Shag and small numbers of common waders are normally visible from any cliff-top scan.
The Meadow Pipit is probably the most common passerine on Fair Isle currently, but Rock Pipits are common too and of course there are Fair Isle Wrens to look out for too!
Regards
Neil M
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| Skylarks |
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| Twite |
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| Bonxie |
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| Wheatear |
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| Fulmar |
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Fair Isle Day 1
Hello
Well after waiting around all morning, Eleanor and I finally managed the short flight to Fair Isle at about 1pm today.
This gave us the opportunity to wander around some of the south end of the island in a strong southerly breeze and quite warm sunshine. New-in migrants included good numbers of Redwings and Bramblings, with small flocks of both species at a variety of different locations. I was surprised at how many Bonxies were still left with perhaps still a hundred birds still in residence.
A juvenile male Peregrine hunted passerines over Malcolm's Head and we recorded singles of Yellowhammer (scarce up here) and a Lapland Bunting. Birds moving in to the headwind included both Greylag and Pink-footed Geese. Remnant crop strips hosted good numbers of Skylarks and Twite and common waders included a Common Sandpiper. Summer migrants included plenty of Wheatear and Whinchat and a couple of Swallows.
Scarce birds keeping low on the island and not seen by us included Common Rosefinch, Bluethroat, Yellow-browed Warbler and a Rose-coloured Starling. With rarities on mainland Shetland and North Ronaldsay we await to see what will appear here over the next few days!
Regards
Neil M
Well after waiting around all morning, Eleanor and I finally managed the short flight to Fair Isle at about 1pm today.
This gave us the opportunity to wander around some of the south end of the island in a strong southerly breeze and quite warm sunshine. New-in migrants included good numbers of Redwings and Bramblings, with small flocks of both species at a variety of different locations. I was surprised at how many Bonxies were still left with perhaps still a hundred birds still in residence.
A juvenile male Peregrine hunted passerines over Malcolm's Head and we recorded singles of Yellowhammer (scarce up here) and a Lapland Bunting. Birds moving in to the headwind included both Greylag and Pink-footed Geese. Remnant crop strips hosted good numbers of Skylarks and Twite and common waders included a Common Sandpiper. Summer migrants included plenty of Wheatear and Whinchat and a couple of Swallows.
Scarce birds keeping low on the island and not seen by us included Common Rosefinch, Bluethroat, Yellow-browed Warbler and a Rose-coloured Starling. With rarities on mainland Shetland and North Ronaldsay we await to see what will appear here over the next few days!
Regards
Neil M
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| Hooded Crow |
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| Rock Pipit |
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| Black Guillemot |
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| Twite |
Pitsford ringing
A ringing session was conducted around the feed station at the end of the old Scaldwell road yesterday evening and this morning. A fairly modest couple of sessions produced a total of 60 birds trapped and released, 38 of which were new birds including:
15 Tree Sparrows
6 Blackcap
6 Long-tailed Tits
2 Reed Buntings
2 Blue Tits
1 Goldfinch
1 Robin
1 Great Tit
1 Wren
1 Chiff Chaff
1 Blackbird
In addition to the ringed birds 2 Ruff were in attendance on the draw down as well as a solitary Snipe.
Regards,
Neil H.
15 Tree Sparrows
6 Blackcap
6 Long-tailed Tits
2 Reed Buntings
2 Blue Tits
1 Goldfinch
1 Robin
1 Great Tit
1 Wren
1 Chiff Chaff
1 Blackbird
In addition to the ringed birds 2 Ruff were in attendance on the draw down as well as a solitary Snipe.
Regards,
Neil H.
Monday, 29 September 2014
Lerwick
Hello
Today was all about travelling as we meandered north for a short stay on Fair Isle, the birding island between the Shetland and Orkney Isles. We failed at the last hurdle as our last and third flight of the day was cancelled due to low cloud and we'll try again tomorrow. Birding opportunities were minimal today and birds seen from the bus on mainland Shetland amounted to little more than Raven, Hooded Crow, Rock Dove and the Shetland race of Starling.
Staying unexpectedly overnight at Lerwick meant we were able to spend the last hour or so of daylight around the harbour area. In excess of 50 Black Guillemots were a treat, as were several tame Grey Seals including a couple of big bulls. Other birds included Rock Pipit, Shag, Eider, Kittiwake and Gannet.
Regards
Neil M
Today was all about travelling as we meandered north for a short stay on Fair Isle, the birding island between the Shetland and Orkney Isles. We failed at the last hurdle as our last and third flight of the day was cancelled due to low cloud and we'll try again tomorrow. Birding opportunities were minimal today and birds seen from the bus on mainland Shetland amounted to little more than Raven, Hooded Crow, Rock Dove and the Shetland race of Starling.
Staying unexpectedly overnight at Lerwick meant we were able to spend the last hour or so of daylight around the harbour area. In excess of 50 Black Guillemots were a treat, as were several tame Grey Seals including a couple of big bulls. Other birds included Rock Pipit, Shag, Eider, Kittiwake and Gannet.
Regards
Neil M
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| Black Guillemot or the Shetland name 'Tystie' |
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| Shetland inter-island ferry |
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| Grey Seal All images Eleanor McMahon |
Sunday, 28 September 2014
Sunday ringing...
Hello
The Stortons Gravel Pits ringing team were out and busy this morning, catching an excellent 102 birds. Highlights included an adult male Water Rail, 22 Greenfinches, plenty of Goldfinches, 8 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff and 8 Reed Buntings.
At Harrington Airfield it was day two of ringing which provided a more modest catch of 42 birds in our efforts of trying to better understand population dynamics and migration. Six Blackbirds caught and ringed appeared to have just arrived and were probably of continental origin judging from their plumage and other traits. Other birds included a juvenile Song Thrush, 3 Blackcaps, 3 new Robins, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldfinches, 4 Reed Buntings, 4 Yellowhammers and 4 Meadow Pipits.
Other birds noted on the disused airfield included 6+ Golden Plovers, up to five Ravens, 3-4 Redwings, a couple of Yellow Wagtails and common raptors.
Regards
Neil M
The Stortons Gravel Pits ringing team were out and busy this morning, catching an excellent 102 birds. Highlights included an adult male Water Rail, 22 Greenfinches, plenty of Goldfinches, 8 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff and 8 Reed Buntings.
At Harrington Airfield it was day two of ringing which provided a more modest catch of 42 birds in our efforts of trying to better understand population dynamics and migration. Six Blackbirds caught and ringed appeared to have just arrived and were probably of continental origin judging from their plumage and other traits. Other birds included a juvenile Song Thrush, 3 Blackcaps, 3 new Robins, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldfinches, 4 Reed Buntings, 4 Yellowhammers and 4 Meadow Pipits.
Other birds noted on the disused airfield included 6+ Golden Plovers, up to five Ravens, 3-4 Redwings, a couple of Yellow Wagtails and common raptors.
Regards
Neil M
Saturday, 27 September 2014
Next Northants Bird Club Indoor Meeting
Hello
This is a reminder to members and an invite to non-members to attend the Northants Bird Club indoor meeting at the Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Reservoir on Wednesday 1st October. Our guest speaker will be Josh Hellon who will present on the Great Fen Project to the east of Northamptonshire. Please try and attend as soon after 7.30pm as possible with a view to the meeting starting at about 7.45pm. Hot drinks and biscuits will be available during the evening.
Regards
Neil M
This is a reminder to members and an invite to non-members to attend the Northants Bird Club indoor meeting at the Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Reservoir on Wednesday 1st October. Our guest speaker will be Josh Hellon who will present on the Great Fen Project to the east of Northamptonshire. Please try and attend as soon after 7.30pm as possible with a view to the meeting starting at about 7.45pm. Hot drinks and biscuits will be available during the evening.
Regards
Neil M
Ringing in the county today
Hello
Chris Payne was ringing down at Greens Norton today and he caught and processed fifty birds which included 21 Goldfinches, 10 Greenfinches and a Chiffchaff.
At the same time ringers were working nets at Harrington Airfield in the vicinity of the old airstrip and caught 73 birds which included 4 Green Woodpeckers, a Linnet, 14 Goldfinches, 8 Reed Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests and 18 Meadow Pipits. Other birds noted included a Grey Wagtail, 3 Yellow Wagtails, c50 Golden Plovers and large numbers of Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits. Diurnal migrants on the move included south-bound Starlings, Skylarks, Swallows, Song Thrushes, Tree Sparrows and Jays (at least nine). There will be further ringing there tomorrow and access to the airstrip and bunkers will be restricted.
Birds in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this afternoon included the Stonechat still plus a vocal Willow Tit. A pair of Stonechat remain in the large field on the hill at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.
Regards
Neil M
Chris Payne was ringing down at Greens Norton today and he caught and processed fifty birds which included 21 Goldfinches, 10 Greenfinches and a Chiffchaff.
At the same time ringers were working nets at Harrington Airfield in the vicinity of the old airstrip and caught 73 birds which included 4 Green Woodpeckers, a Linnet, 14 Goldfinches, 8 Reed Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests and 18 Meadow Pipits. Other birds noted included a Grey Wagtail, 3 Yellow Wagtails, c50 Golden Plovers and large numbers of Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits. Diurnal migrants on the move included south-bound Starlings, Skylarks, Swallows, Song Thrushes, Tree Sparrows and Jays (at least nine). There will be further ringing there tomorrow and access to the airstrip and bunkers will be restricted.
Birds in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this afternoon included the Stonechat still plus a vocal Willow Tit. A pair of Stonechat remain in the large field on the hill at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.
Regards
Neil M
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| Adult male Green Woodpecker |
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| Juvenile female Green Woodpecker |
Friday, 26 September 2014
Pitsford update...
Hello
This morning there were 13 Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res including the leucistic bird (per Neil H). Also a Stonechat was present between the Maytrees and Bird Club hides.
Work on felling the big crack willows in the Scaldwell Bay has caused a significant amount of disturbance but the biggest trees are down now so hopefully observers will soon benefit from better viewing conditions from the hides.
A couple of Ravens and a Grey Wagtail were at Hanging Houghton this morning and another six Ravens were near Draughton Pool.
Regards
Neil M
This morning there were 13 Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res including the leucistic bird (per Neil H). Also a Stonechat was present between the Maytrees and Bird Club hides.
Work on felling the big crack willows in the Scaldwell Bay has caused a significant amount of disturbance but the biggest trees are down now so hopefully observers will soon benefit from better viewing conditions from the hides.
A couple of Ravens and a Grey Wagtail were at Hanging Houghton this morning and another six Ravens were near Draughton Pool.
Regards
Neil M
Thursday, 25 September 2014
Keep on scanning!
Hello
Early afternoon today found Eleanor standing on Blueberry Hill near Maidwell waiting for another fly-over of the Vulcan and scanning for raptors too! In addition to the Vulcan, seven species of raptor showed, the best being an adult male Merlin and an adult female Peregrine (both birds seemingly moving freely between Harrington Airfield and Blueberry Farm for some weeks now), and a Hobby.
This evening a visit to Pitsford Res in the dam area resulted in distant views of two Ruff and a Ringed Plover, a Grey Wagtail and three Yellow-legged Gulls in the gull roost.
Regards
Neil M
Early afternoon today found Eleanor standing on Blueberry Hill near Maidwell waiting for another fly-over of the Vulcan and scanning for raptors too! In addition to the Vulcan, seven species of raptor showed, the best being an adult male Merlin and an adult female Peregrine (both birds seemingly moving freely between Harrington Airfield and Blueberry Farm for some weeks now), and a Hobby.
This evening a visit to Pitsford Res in the dam area resulted in distant views of two Ruff and a Ringed Plover, a Grey Wagtail and three Yellow-legged Gulls in the gull roost.
Regards
Neil M
Fineshade Wood - another update from Barrie Galpin
Hello and Good News!
Last night the Development Control Committee of East Northants Council unanimously REFUSED the planning application for Glamping pods at Top Lodge. We have no doubt that their decision was influenced by the number and quality of objections that many of you submitted - a great team effort! The applicant did not attend to speak at the meeting and it seems unlikely that there would be any grounds for appeal... though they could always resubmit.
So that simplifies things. For the moment we can concentrate wholly on the Forest Holidays application. If you haven't submitted an objection yet details are below. If you are objecting because of the damage to wildlife there will be major and detailed objections from RSPB and the Wildlife Trust and it will be good to say that you support their views and conclusions. If you have already submitted an objection please can you get someone else to object too - before 8th October? Objections are already flowing in but we really need more objections to this new application than we had last time.
Thanks once again for your invaluable support - we can't do it without you.
Barrie
15 Top Lodge, Fineshade, Corby. NN17 3BB
01780-444351
07717-446417
1) How to object
The new reference number for the application is 14/01704/FUL and it can be found online at
Objections can be made online, or simply emailed to planning@east-
Or by letter to Planning comments, East Northamptonshire Council, Cedar Drive, Thrapston NN14 4LZ.
All comments must include your name and address and the reference 14/01704/FUL. The consultation period ends on 8th October.
We suggest you also put very clearly at the top: Objection
2) Petition
Please also sign and share the petition "Forest Privatisation by the back door" . Over 600 signatures now.
3) Achievements so far
a) The Glamping Application has been defeated!
b) With Woodland Trust help, we forced Forest Holidays to withdraw from their original plans to build in the bluebell area
c) Forest Holidays were forced to withdraw from their first planned mitigation area
d) National publicity is building up e.g. articles in Private eye, social media (Twitter and Facebook), the petition
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
Harrington Airfield - restricted access at week-end
Hello
Birds in the garden here at Hanging Houghton this morning included a couple of Nuthatch still, two Grey Wagtails which have been commuting between this village and Lamport for several days now, a Blackcap and a Chiffchaff. It seems that there are Chiffchaffs scattered about in most of our decent hedges and copses right now, their inflected calls ringing out wherever I go.
The Brampton Valley between Hanging Houghton and Cottesbrooke this morning attracted a Wheatear and 15 Golden Plovers, in wetter conditions as of late. A single Grey Wagtail was noted at Brixworth Sewer Works and Harrington Airfield this afternoon hosted a 'cream crown' Marsh Harrier, a female Peregrine, two Ravens and 4 Grey Partridge.
A period of bird ringing is planned for Harrington Airfield for this coming week-end and as such access to the old airstrip and bunkers will be restricted on both Saturday and Sunday. The main concrete track and footpaths remain unaffected. Anyone who would like to see ringing operations on-site is asked to make contact beforehand and we will endeavor to show you the key aspects of catching and processing wild birds and explain what we hope to achieve.
Regards
Neil M
Birds in the garden here at Hanging Houghton this morning included a couple of Nuthatch still, two Grey Wagtails which have been commuting between this village and Lamport for several days now, a Blackcap and a Chiffchaff. It seems that there are Chiffchaffs scattered about in most of our decent hedges and copses right now, their inflected calls ringing out wherever I go.
The Brampton Valley between Hanging Houghton and Cottesbrooke this morning attracted a Wheatear and 15 Golden Plovers, in wetter conditions as of late. A single Grey Wagtail was noted at Brixworth Sewer Works and Harrington Airfield this afternoon hosted a 'cream crown' Marsh Harrier, a female Peregrine, two Ravens and 4 Grey Partridge.
A period of bird ringing is planned for Harrington Airfield for this coming week-end and as such access to the old airstrip and bunkers will be restricted on both Saturday and Sunday. The main concrete track and footpaths remain unaffected. Anyone who would like to see ringing operations on-site is asked to make contact beforehand and we will endeavor to show you the key aspects of catching and processing wild birds and explain what we hope to achieve.
Regards
Neil M
Big Bird in the sky!
Hello
OK so it's not wildlife, but when the Vulcan puts on a flying display for free over NN6 I'm not going to ignore it! It should pass over this way again tomorrow...
Neil M
OK so it's not wildlife, but when the Vulcan puts on a flying display for free over NN6 I'm not going to ignore it! It should pass over this way again tomorrow...
Neil M
David Arden images
Hello
With many keen local naturalists embracing the digital world of photography it is possible to visually record (and appreciate at the time and later) what we see. Please find attached some stunning and very colourful images from David Arden...
Regards
Neil M
With many keen local naturalists embracing the digital world of photography it is possible to visually record (and appreciate at the time and later) what we see. Please find attached some stunning and very colourful images from David Arden...
Regards
Neil M
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| Comma |
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| Hummingbird Hawk-moth |
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| Red Admiral |
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Tuesday's Trickle !
Autumn is undoubtedly my favourite time of year, the changing landscape from golden to rich brown, the earthy smell, hedgerows laden with their rich crops of fruit and of course the wonder of visible migration.
I spent a very pleasant couple of hours with my canine companions walking and sitting around Harrington Airfield. Birds were definitely on the move as there was a constant trickle of hirundines, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks flying over. Other "fly overs" included 2 Siskin, 2+ Grey Wagtail , a Tree Sparrow and 4 Crossbill.
The bushes appeared quiet and I could only find a handful of warblers, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, plus a Marsh Tit.
There were 4 Grey Partridge,15 Golden Plover and 2 Wheatear on the field between the main track and rough strip.
Plenty of Red Kite and Common Buzzard showing well as they remain attracted to the recently harvested fields.
After a quick coffee I was out again with the other two dogs who are on "shorter" walks. This time to the southern most fields of Blueberry Farm. A large flock of tits/warblers moved along one of their favourite hedgerows, but I couldn't find anything different amongst them.
Scanning the field produced 4+ Whinchat and "the" female Peregrine. Again numerous Red Kites flying low or foraging on the newly scuffled fields. They were very vocal today with their beautiful evocative call which I never tire of hearing.
I did have a few "chores" to complete today and whilst undertaking one of these I picked up 3 cronking Ravens over Beckworth Emporium near Sywell.
Late afternoon found me back at Blueberry where I walked around the largest and highest fields. The views from the top of this field are superb and make the walk up worth it. As I looked around the skies were littered with raptors, mainly Kestrel, Red Kite and Common Buzzard, but also 2 Hobby.
There were a pair of Stonechat tucked in the furthest corner of this field and 3 Grey Partridge were flushed up.
I was aware that Meadow Pipits, Skylarks and Hirundines were still on the move. I wonder how many have moved through on this steady trickle today?
Regards Eleanor
I spent a very pleasant couple of hours with my canine companions walking and sitting around Harrington Airfield. Birds were definitely on the move as there was a constant trickle of hirundines, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks flying over. Other "fly overs" included 2 Siskin, 2+ Grey Wagtail , a Tree Sparrow and 4 Crossbill.
The bushes appeared quiet and I could only find a handful of warblers, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, plus a Marsh Tit.
There were 4 Grey Partridge,15 Golden Plover and 2 Wheatear on the field between the main track and rough strip.
Plenty of Red Kite and Common Buzzard showing well as they remain attracted to the recently harvested fields.
After a quick coffee I was out again with the other two dogs who are on "shorter" walks. This time to the southern most fields of Blueberry Farm. A large flock of tits/warblers moved along one of their favourite hedgerows, but I couldn't find anything different amongst them.
Scanning the field produced 4+ Whinchat and "the" female Peregrine. Again numerous Red Kites flying low or foraging on the newly scuffled fields. They were very vocal today with their beautiful evocative call which I never tire of hearing.
I did have a few "chores" to complete today and whilst undertaking one of these I picked up 3 cronking Ravens over Beckworth Emporium near Sywell.
Late afternoon found me back at Blueberry where I walked around the largest and highest fields. The views from the top of this field are superb and make the walk up worth it. As I looked around the skies were littered with raptors, mainly Kestrel, Red Kite and Common Buzzard, but also 2 Hobby.
There were a pair of Stonechat tucked in the furthest corner of this field and 3 Grey Partridge were flushed up.
I was aware that Meadow Pipits, Skylarks and Hirundines were still on the move. I wonder how many have moved through on this steady trickle today?
Regards Eleanor
More images from Spurn...
Hello
Please find a few more images of birds from Spurn on Sunday...
Neil M
Please find a few more images of birds from Spurn on Sunday...
Neil M
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| Pied Flycatcher Robin Gossage |
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| Redstart Robin Gossage |
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| Roe Deer Robin Gossage |
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| Wheatear Robin Gossage |
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| Masked Shrike Robin Gossage |
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| Jack Snipe Robin Gossage |
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| Barred Warbler Robin Gossage |
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| Snipe Jacob Spinks |
Pitsford Ringing
Hello
A period of ringing at the main feeding station at Pitsford Reservoir yesterday afternoon and this morning was responsible for the capture of 93 birds, 78 of them being new birds. The new birds were 4 Wrens, 8 Dunnocks, 5 Robins, 1 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blue Tits, 5 Great Tits, an impressive 37 Tree Sparrows, 6 Chaffinches, 2 Greenfinches, a Goldfinch and a Reed Bunting.
Seven Little Egrets were noted flying from the overnight roost this morning.
I'm grateful to Dave Francis and Lynne Barnett for their efforts and disclosure.
Regards
Neil M
A period of ringing at the main feeding station at Pitsford Reservoir yesterday afternoon and this morning was responsible for the capture of 93 birds, 78 of them being new birds. The new birds were 4 Wrens, 8 Dunnocks, 5 Robins, 1 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blue Tits, 5 Great Tits, an impressive 37 Tree Sparrows, 6 Chaffinches, 2 Greenfinches, a Goldfinch and a Reed Bunting.
Seven Little Egrets were noted flying from the overnight roost this morning.
I'm grateful to Dave Francis and Lynne Barnett for their efforts and disclosure.
Regards
Neil M
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| Images of the Sparrowhawk captured at Pitsford last Saturday. This was a re-trap male, first caught and ringed at Pitsford in 2013, then being aged as a bird hatched that year. Image courtesy of Pete Gilbert |
Monday, 22 September 2014
Masked Shrike
Hello
Neil H has kindly forwarded some images of the Masked Shrike at Spurn as seen on Sunday...
Please click on the images for maximum benefit.
Regards
Neil M
Neil H has kindly forwarded some images of the Masked Shrike at Spurn as seen on Sunday...
Please click on the images for maximum benefit.
Regards
Neil M
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