Iceland - 4th - 8th March 2022
Hi
Today a WeBS count was completed at Pitsford Res but only small numbers of wetland birds were present. A Caspian Gull was present in the Walgrave Bay, a Black-necked Grebe was present just off the dam and a Red Kite sauntered over the nature reserve. Other birds included a Common Tern, a Goldeneye and a continuous southward movement of Siskins and Meadow Pipits.
The best big bird of the day was the Avro Vulcan displaying over the reservoir, sometimes in tandem with a Spitfire and the local demonstration team The Blades!
At least one Nuthatch visited the garden today and 2 Ravens played in the airspace overhead for a short time.
Regards
E & N
(photos by Neil Hasdell)
Hi
Birds at Harrington Airfield this morning included 3 Ravens, 2 Wheatears, 2 Crossbills, 2 Whitethroats, a Blackcap, a Hobby and a strong movement south of hirundines and Meadow Pipits.
South of the causeway at Pitsford Res today provided 2 Whinchats, 2 Grey Wagtails and 6+ Siskins.
Blueberry Farm attracted a pair of Stonechat (the most southerly field still), 2 Whinchats (the most northerly field), 2+ Ravens, a Red Kite, a migrating Osprey heading high south east, a Hobby, a Barn Owl, a family party of Grey Partridges (about 7 youngsters) and a strong passage of Meadow Pipits and Siskins.
Birds around the garden at Hanging Houghton were much the same with 2 Ravens, 2 Nuthatches, a Hobby and several Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor
Hi
In respect of the last blog, below are some images of Blue-winged Teal taken in Canada in 2009 (for bill comparison). Please be aware these images are of a pair in spring, wheareas the bird at Daventry appears to be a bird of the year...
Neil M
Hi
Below are some images taken today of a duck found at Daventry Country Park this morning. Certainly on initial views the bird looks very much like a Blue-winged Teal, with a suite of supporting plumage characteristics and typical pallid-grey plumage tones. This species is rather closely related to Northern Shoveler and some individuals in the UK have in the past been attributed to being Blue-winged Teal x Shoveler hybrids.
To my mind there can be no doubt that its parentage includes a pure Blue-winged Teal, and although this species normally exhibits a spatula-like bill, the Daventry bird's bill seems too broad and long and too much like a Shoveler. Other observers have commented on the colouration of bare parts, but it seems that such colouration can be quite variable. I would value comments on the identity of this intriguing bird which was an excellent find and quite probably of transatlantic origin whatever its true parentage!
Other birds at Daventry CP today included 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Green Sandpiper and 2 Common Sandpipers.
Another effort at catching roosting Swallows at Stortons GP this evening was successful with about a hundred birds captured. Interestingly more of them now are adults, the earlier catches tending to be mostly juveniles. Other birds caught included a Sand Martin and a Chiffchaff.
Regards
Neil M
Hi
Birds at Blueberry Farm this morning included a Red Kite, a pair of Ravens and a Hobby. Plenty of migrants in the fields and hedges between there and the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton included good numbers of Meadow Pipits and Blackcaps. Birds moving south included a single Brambling.
The water level at Pitsford Res has dropped a little over the last week or so, but it was still something of a pleasant surprise to see a flock of 7 Little Egrets this morning on the shoreline between the Bird Club Hide and Maytrees Hide. A common bird now in the Nene Valley gravel pit complexes, they tend to only linger at the reservoirs if there is some nice muddy edges. Other birds noted at Pitsford this morning included a south-bound redpoll sp. and 2 Ravens. There are good numbers of Tree Sparrows and Greenfinches in particular making use of the old Scaldwell Road feeding station.
Two Ravens overflying the garden here at Hanging Houghton were potentially the third pair encountered this morning! Melancholy-sounding Siskins continue to undulate south or linger around the gardens.
Regards
E & N
Hi
A pair of Raven were noted at Haselbech, Hanging Houghton and Harrington Airfield today. What wasn't clear was whether it was the same pair circulating in the area or different birds. A Wheatear was still at Harrington Airfield and a pair of Stonechat were still present in the southern-most field at Blueberry Farm plus a Hobby.
There was a heavy diurnal passage of passerines in the NN6 area this morning which was still evident at midday. The southward passage was dominated with constant flocks of Meadow Pipits, but also a few 'alba' and Yellow Wagtails, several species of finches including a couple of Crossbills and many Siskins. Swallows and House Martins were moving in the same direction. A very autumnal day!
E & N
Hi
A ringing session took place at Pitsford Reservoir today, mostly in the Walgrave Bay. Some 87 birds were captured which included 59 new birds. Warblers were represented by 7 Blackcaps, a Whitethroat and 9 Chiffchaffs. Bigger birds included a Moorhen, a Woodpigeon and a Sparrowhawk (please see below images).
Regards
Neil M
Hi
At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this evening there was a pair of Stonechat (but no Whinchats), a Wheatear, a Hobby and a Barn Owl.
Off the yacht club at Pitsford Res this evening the Black-necked Grebe was again present but rather distant, plus 2 Caspian Gulls (juvenile and 4th year) and 5 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
E & N
Hi
John Woollett and team enjoyed a busy evening yesterday at Stortons GP. Their intention was to catch the last few roosting Swallows only to find that some 500 birds materialised and they ended up catching and processing 159 birds!
This morning and although the weather was delightful the birds were very much the norm. A single Wheatear was all Eleanor had to show for a stomp around Harrington Airfield. The reserve section of Pitsford Reservoir seemed uneventful this morning until an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull somehow managed to trap itself in some wire mesh. With the help of Nathan from Anglian Water we managed to release the bird which suffered a minor wing strain. After a couple of hours recuperation she was sent on her way (images below).
A couple of Ravens were playing with half a dozen Common Buzzards over the garden late morning, but they were a touch distant by the time I was in place with the camera (mostly silhouttes against the light I'm afraid).
Regards
Neil M
Hi
Despite spending much of the day at Ditchford GP today completing a WeBS count, I struggled to see much out of the ordinary. A pair of Red-crested Pochard were on the main lake between Irthlingborough and Higham Ferrers and ca4 juvenile Hobbies were adeptly catching dragonflies on the more sheltered pits. There were 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in fields next to the viaduct pit, 4 Little Egrets, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 1-2 Siskin(s) and 2-3 Kingfishers present too. Calling Cetti's Warblers numbered only six birds. A terrapin sp looked quite at home!
A quick visit to Stanwick GP this evening failed to locate the Spotted Crake, but I finally managed to see the Sacred Ibis.
Regards
Neil M
Hi
A run around the Harlestone Heath area this morning was sufficient to note about 4 Crossbills by the A428 entrance and small numbers of Siskins throughout the wood.
Ravensthorpe Res seemed quiet apart from the long-staying Goldeneye and a Kingfisher. The adjacent Hollowell Res held an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Hobby and 2 Yellow Wagtails. At least 10 Common Buzzards were on show over the ridge.
Pitsford Reservoir north of the causeway remains uninspiring with birds noted this evening comprising of the two drake Red-crested Pochard still, a Goldeneye, a Kingfisher and a Siskin.
Two Whinchats and a Wheatear were present at the south end of the Blueberry Farm complex this evening.
Regards
E & N
Hi
Well it was decidedly cooler and wetter this afternoon than of late and was perhaps an afternoon to be doing some chores around the house. The local male Sparrowhawk raided the garden twice, and was successful at least on the second attempt (a House Sparrow was the apparent prey item). Two Ravens unnerved the local Carrion Crows for a while, at least one Nuthatch was visiting the feeders and a couple of Siskins zapped over.
Later at the Pitsford Res gull roost the now regular Caspian Gull made a late arrival and spent much of its time washing detritus from around its beak and face. Other gulls included 3-4 Yellow-legged Gulls and a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull.
Regards
Neil M
Hi
A quick foray out this morning provided 5 Crossbills flying south over the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res at 9.25am, and Blueberry Farm attracting 2 fly-over Grey Wagtails, a Short-eared Owl and 2 Whinchats, 2 Ravens and a Red Kite...
Regards
E & N
Hi
Birds noted north of the causeway at Pitsford Res today included a Raven, 2 Common Sandpipers and the two drake Red-crested Pochard (the latter in the Walgrave Bay).
Regards
Eleanor
Hi
A trundle around Harrington Airfield this morning provided 2 Wheatears but little else of note. Two Whinchats were still in the most southerly field at Blueberry Farm late morning. So pretty quiet but as I'm typing this Eleanor is slipping out the door with a pair of binoculars in hand....!
Regards
Neil M
Hi
Birds today included a hungry-looking male Peregrine in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning that was definitely on the hunt.
At Blueberry Farm today there was a Red Kite, 2 Hobbies and 2 Whinchats.
Despite a great deal of disturbance, the 4th year Caspian Gull defied the sailboards at Pitsford Res and resolutely stood his ground! However the remainder of the gulls were distant and it wasn't possible to identify anything further.
Regards
E & N
Hi
Harrington Airfield seemed quiet for passerines this morning. The best birds were a male Peregrine, a Hobby, 2 Ravens and 5 Crossbills.
A subsequent visit to the south section of Blueberry Farm provided 2 Hobby, a Curlew flying over and at least 4 Whinchats.
Regards
Eleanor
Hi
Birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell today included a Red Kite, a Hobby, a Barn Owl, 4 Whinchats and a Wheatear.
Regards
Eleanor
Hi
Birds north of the causeway at Pitsford Res this morning included the two drake Red-crested Pochard still in the Scaldwell Bay, with a south-bound movement of passerines overhead which included a Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, a few Yellow Wagtails and a Siskin.
Ringing in the Walgrave Bay was quite productive with several Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests and Blackcaps amongst the more routine fare...
Regards
Neil M
Juvenile Sedge Warbler
Male Goldcrest
Hi
Just after midday today the two drake Red-crested Pochard were visible in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning.
At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this evening there was the welcome sight of a Short-eared Owl hunting the rough grassland. It would be interesting to know if it was a returning bird from last winter. Also present was a Barn Owl, a Hobby and a Wheatear.
Regards
E & N
Hi
It was one of those rare but special mornings at Harrington Airfield that makes it one of those exciting places to witness visible inland migration. There were birds everywhere and one of those mornings where I just knew I was missing more than I was seeing!
The willow bushes along the concrete track were alive this morning with 4 Spotted Flycatchers, a Garden Warbler, a Redstart and many other birds in a large active flock. A group of hirundines were working the airspace along the conifers that parallel the track (to the LHS) and a pair of Hobby were screaming around and were vocally very excited.
A small flock of six Crossbills flew over a couple of times and seemed to make their way to the conifers alongside the B576. On the rough areas associated with the old airstrip there was a Redstart, 2 Wheatears, 2 Whinchats and a Turtle Dove. The area abounded with Linnets and Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits and Yellow Wagtails were moving overhead for much of the time.
I just love this time of the year!
Regards
Eleanor
Hi
A little bit different today with an excursion to the North Norfolk coast with the four dogs! Managed to squeeze a little birdwatching inbetween playing with the dogs on beaches at Holkham and Titchwell!
The juvenile Barred Warbler showed in elder bushes at Burnham Overy dunes and Titchwell was busy with good numbers of waders, gulls and Spoonbills!
Pleasant sunshine but a keen cool wind kept the temperatures in check...
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| Sanderling |
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| Common Gull |
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| Sandwich Tern |
Whimbrel
Shelduck
Black-tailed Godwit
Shoveler
Egyptian Geese
Lapwing
Hi
At Harlestone Heath this morning birds included at least 8 Spotted Flycatchers, 4+ Siskins and ca10 Crossbills. The rough area between Harlestone Heath and Kings Heath provided 2 Redstarts and 6+ Whinchats.
Later at Harrington Airfield a Hobby was noted together with 2 Ravens, a Wheatear and 2 Redstarts, and this evening birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell amounted to a Barn Owl, 2-3 Hobby and 4 Whinchats.
This evening's gull roost at Pitsford Res attracted 2 Caspian Gulls (adult and 4th winter) and at least 4 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
E & N
Hi
A tour of Harrington Airfield late this morning produced some more migrants in the shape of a Tree Pipit, a Redstart, a Wheatear and 2 Whinchats...
Regards
Eleanor
Hi
This morning birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell included a Tree Pipit over south, 6 Crossbills and a Siskin likewise, a Grey Wagtail moving west, 2-3 Hobby, 5 Whinchats and a light passage south east of Meadow Pipits and Yellow Wagtails.
Scanning in to the Scaldwell Bay by the Maytrees Hide at Pitsford Res provided views of 2 drake Red-crested Pochard and 2 Pintail.
Regards
E & N
Hi
The Blueberry Farm area (near Maidwell) was busy with migrants this morning with 2 Tree Pipits, a Wheatear, 7 Whinchats and plenty of Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroats and other warblers including a Sedge Warbler. The supporting cast included a Hobby, a Willow Tit and small flights of Meadow Pipits and Yellow Wagtails moving over south-east. This evening there was also a Barn Owl, at least one Raven and a Redstart.
Working our regular patch at Harrington Airfield this afternoon produced 3-4 Redstarts, a Wheatear and 4 Grey Partridges.
Regards
E & N
Hi
John Woollett and his ringing team caught 154 Swallows last night (evening of 1st Sept) at Stortons GP which included three 'controlled' birds, i.e. birds ringed elsewhere. The catch also included a few other species including Reed Warblers and Sand Martins.
An adult Yellow-legged Gull was in a field with Lesser Black-backs near Arthingworth this afternoon, and at about 5pm a flock of 6 vocal Crossbills flew low south over Hanging Houghton, the first I have noted for a couple of weeks.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this evening included a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, 2 Caspian Gulls (juvenile and 4th winter), 3 Yellow-legged Gulls and 14 Common Terns.
Regards
Neil M
Hi
For about ten years now we have been maintaining a feed station at Pitsford Res situated at the end of the Old Scaldwell Road and close to the Maytrees Hide. This feed station is managed all year round for a number of species but with a particular leaning towards the Tree Sparrow. This project and others like it seem to indicate that this species tends to be able to maintain a healthy population if there are adequate nesting sites and there is appropriate food provision (both insectivorous for nestlings and seeds/grain for fledged birds). At Pitsford we have provided nestboxes and provide a mixture of coarse and fine seed types. Nestlings and juveniles benefit from hatching damselflies and other insects around the water's edge.
This year the nestboxes were used successfully for the first broods but the second broods didn't really materialise. Dave Francis supported by John Kempster and Neil Hasdell has completed two ringing sessions during the last three weeks at the feed station to try and provide further information. Tree Sparrows totalled 46 birds, all which were juveniles and many were likely to have come from late broods (they can have as many as four broods but 2-3 is more the norm). Like many other species it seems that the late broods may have saved the day in respect of species reproduction and resilience for this year.
Juveniles and adults of Tree and House Sparrows undertake a complete moult at this time of the year so it was particularly important that we captured our juveniles now whilst we could age them as this year's birds!
In total 110 different birds of a variety of species were captured and processed during these two sessions, indicating that it isn't just the Tree Sparrows that are benefiting from the feed station.
Regards
Neil M
Hi
A walk around Harrington Airfield this morning was pleasant but mostly uneventful. Plenty of evidence of migration on-going, the more obvious being small bands of Meadow Pipits on the move, a few wagtails overhead and quite a number of Whitethroats in the bushes. Other warblers included Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat. Mike Alibone located a single Tree Pipit in amongst the Meadow Pipits and a single Wheatear played hide and seek. A pair of Grey Partridge hid in the wheat stubble.
As I'm typing this a Raven has just 'croaked' over and the Nuthatches are again attracted to the garden feeders.
Regards
Neil M
Hi
No time for pure birding or ringing today; the only birds recorded were whilst conducting chores or dog minding! An early morning run with the dogs around Harlestone Heath and the rough area between there and Kings Heath produced no unusual birds, perhaps the best being Willow Warbler and Nuthatch.
A Raven flew north west over the garden at Hanging Houghton late morning and 2 Nuthatches were around the garden on and off for much of the day. An early afternoon dog walk provided 3 Spotted Flycatchers and a Little Owl at Lamport Hall plus the resident Nuthatch. The final dog walk today was late this evening at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and yielded 3 Whinchats and 2 Barn Owls.
Regards
Neil M
