Hi
The Great White Egret at Pitsford Res has been showing well for much of the morning north of the causeway apparently (albeit that it has been quite mobile too). I saw it at 1pm near to The Point and it was viewable from the feeding station and I guess the causeway too...
Neil M
Sunday 11 November 2012
Saturday 10 November 2012
November status quo
Hi
A walk around part of Harrington Airfield this morning was pleasant but for the first day for a long time no visible migration was apparent. At least one Brambling was still present as was a Willow Tit. Common birds included plenty of Chaffinches and Woodpigeons and the Linnet flock remains.
Small numbers of Siskins were present at Sunderland Wood and Kelmarsh Hall (Kelmarsh Estate) this morning and there were 2 Bramblings and 2 redpoll sp at Hanging Houghton sewer works.
A ringing session took place in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this afternoon (and will continue tomorrow morning) and new birds included 2 Kingfishers, 18 Goldcrests and 4 Redwings. A couple of Willow Tits were in the back of the bay and the high water levels have attracted two vocal Water Rails. Up to 4 Pintail were also present. The creature of the day was possibly the superb queen Hornet disturbed in the Ringing Hut at Pitsford!
Regards
E & N
A walk around part of Harrington Airfield this morning was pleasant but for the first day for a long time no visible migration was apparent. At least one Brambling was still present as was a Willow Tit. Common birds included plenty of Chaffinches and Woodpigeons and the Linnet flock remains.
Small numbers of Siskins were present at Sunderland Wood and Kelmarsh Hall (Kelmarsh Estate) this morning and there were 2 Bramblings and 2 redpoll sp at Hanging Houghton sewer works.
A ringing session took place in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this afternoon (and will continue tomorrow morning) and new birds included 2 Kingfishers, 18 Goldcrests and 4 Redwings. A couple of Willow Tits were in the back of the bay and the high water levels have attracted two vocal Water Rails. Up to 4 Pintail were also present. The creature of the day was possibly the superb queen Hornet disturbed in the Ringing Hut at Pitsford!
Regards
E & N
Friday 9 November 2012
Local patches
Hi
There were still about six Bramblings on the feedstuff at Harrington Airfield this morning but otherwise it seemed quiet at this site.
At Pitsford Res today the Black-necked Grebe was again off the yacht club. Other birds included a male Peregrine, and 2 Crossbills and a Brambling in the Christies Copse area (Walgrave Bay).
This afternoon there was a scaley immature Ring Ouzel in a hedge in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton at about SP735740.
Despite a good yomp around much of the complex, I failed to find a single owl of any species at Blueberry Farm near Maidwell. A Roe Deer was the only creature of note.
Regards
Eleanor
There were still about six Bramblings on the feedstuff at Harrington Airfield this morning but otherwise it seemed quiet at this site.
At Pitsford Res today the Black-necked Grebe was again off the yacht club. Other birds included a male Peregrine, and 2 Crossbills and a Brambling in the Christies Copse area (Walgrave Bay).
This afternoon there was a scaley immature Ring Ouzel in a hedge in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton at about SP735740.
Despite a good yomp around much of the complex, I failed to find a single owl of any species at Blueberry Farm near Maidwell. A Roe Deer was the only creature of note.
Regards
Eleanor
Thursday 8 November 2012
Waxwings and others
Hi
At 2.30pm this afternoon five Waxwings flew fast and very low at Hanging Houghton, heading in a westerly direction and below the height of the houses. Thankfully their trilling call provided us with the opportunity of seeing these birds before they disappeared at a remarkable speed.
On then to Pitsford Res but we failed to connect with the Great White Egret. There were 4 Little Egrets on the Holcot Bay flood extension plus a Kingfisher and a Raven nearby and a Barn Owl was hunting the Scaldwell Meadow next to the Bird Club hide.
A hike along the Brixworth bank between the causeway and the dam was productive. A flock of 4 Waxwings flew rapidly west (towards Brixworth) near to The Pigs at about 3.45pm. Again their trilling call aided the observation. Also present was a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a 'redhead' Goosander and 2 drake Red-crested Pochards. The Black-necked Grebe was still present just off the yacht club.
Sarah Gibbs (Pitsford Senior Reserves Officer) kindly sent through some images of a couple of interesting moths found in the moth trap at Pitsford Res this morning (see below).
Regards
E & N
At 2.30pm this afternoon five Waxwings flew fast and very low at Hanging Houghton, heading in a westerly direction and below the height of the houses. Thankfully their trilling call provided us with the opportunity of seeing these birds before they disappeared at a remarkable speed.
On then to Pitsford Res but we failed to connect with the Great White Egret. There were 4 Little Egrets on the Holcot Bay flood extension plus a Kingfisher and a Raven nearby and a Barn Owl was hunting the Scaldwell Meadow next to the Bird Club hide.
A hike along the Brixworth bank between the causeway and the dam was productive. A flock of 4 Waxwings flew rapidly west (towards Brixworth) near to The Pigs at about 3.45pm. Again their trilling call aided the observation. Also present was a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a 'redhead' Goosander and 2 drake Red-crested Pochards. The Black-necked Grebe was still present just off the yacht club.
Sarah Gibbs (Pitsford Senior Reserves Officer) kindly sent through some images of a couple of interesting moths found in the moth trap at Pitsford Res this morning (see below).
Regards
E & N
Sprawler
Feathered Thorn
Bramblings!
Hi
A foray at Harrington Airfield this morning was interesting with about 15 Bramblings present and others seemingly arriving whilst I was walking around. About eight were on the seed just inside the road entrance to the concrete track and others were on the track about another 400m further along. The female Merlin was again present at the north-western end of the complex - she seemed interested in the good numbers of Skylarks that are slowly amassing on the top fields. A Corn Bunting was in the rough strip/game cover off the concrete track that leads to the old airstrip. Six Grey Partridges were also present.
Two Ravens and a Red Kite were between Beck Dairy and Gamboro' Plantation (Cottesbrooke) this morning and a female Red-crested Pochard was still at Ravensthorpe Res viewable from the causeway (12.50pm).
Eleanor
A foray at Harrington Airfield this morning was interesting with about 15 Bramblings present and others seemingly arriving whilst I was walking around. About eight were on the seed just inside the road entrance to the concrete track and others were on the track about another 400m further along. The female Merlin was again present at the north-western end of the complex - she seemed interested in the good numbers of Skylarks that are slowly amassing on the top fields. A Corn Bunting was in the rough strip/game cover off the concrete track that leads to the old airstrip. Six Grey Partridges were also present.
Two Ravens and a Red Kite were between Beck Dairy and Gamboro' Plantation (Cottesbrooke) this morning and a female Red-crested Pochard was still at Ravensthorpe Res viewable from the causeway (12.50pm).
Eleanor
Wednesday 7 November 2012
A quiet day in the county...
Hi
A short three hour ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall this morning was sufficient to catch 40 birds which included a Nuthatch, a Treecreeper, 12 Long-tailed Tits and 4 Goldcrests. Other birds noted included a Kingfisher, 8 Siskins, 2 redpoll sp and 2 Bramblings.
A good yomp around the Blueberry Farm complex near Maidwell failed to find very much with just a Barn Owl being the only bird of note.
And yes we again travelled west to Boddington Res this afternoon but again failed to pick out the Bonaparte's Gull in the roost! Eight Crossbills flew west at 3.30pm and other birds included a Goldeneye, 2-3 Kingfishers, 2-3 Grey Wagtails and 3 redpoll sp.
Regards
E & N
A short three hour ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall this morning was sufficient to catch 40 birds which included a Nuthatch, a Treecreeper, 12 Long-tailed Tits and 4 Goldcrests. Other birds noted included a Kingfisher, 8 Siskins, 2 redpoll sp and 2 Bramblings.
A good yomp around the Blueberry Farm complex near Maidwell failed to find very much with just a Barn Owl being the only bird of note.
And yes we again travelled west to Boddington Res this afternoon but again failed to pick out the Bonaparte's Gull in the roost! Eight Crossbills flew west at 3.30pm and other birds included a Goldeneye, 2-3 Kingfishers, 2-3 Grey Wagtails and 3 redpoll sp.
Regards
E & N
Tuesday 6 November 2012
Ringing at Pitsford etc
Hi
Dave Francis managed a ringing session at Pitsford Res yesterday afternoon and this morning, using the old Scaldwell Road Feeding Station. Seventy new birds were ringed which included 4 Goldcrests, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 26 Tree Sparrows, 6 Chaffinches, 7 Greenfinches, 10 Goldfinches, 5 Yellowhammers and a Moorhen. This brings the annual total of new Tree Sparrows ringed at this site to 170.
A walk at Harrington Airfield this morning failed to locate any particular birds of note in rather raw conditions. There were still 4 mobile redpoll sp, winter thrushes and the usual flock of Linnets. The Brampton Valley below Brixworth and Hanging Houghton also seemed unremarkable with just a few redpoll sp, the odd Siskin and winter thrushes.
And yet again this afternoon we made our way to Boddington Res in another effort to pin down the Bonaparte's Gull. The gull roost was proportionately large and although the light was initially okay it soon became just too grey and dismal to properly check the furthest birds. Despite the best efforts of the 7 birders present we didn't locate it. Other birds present included a Kingfisher and 2 Grey Wagtails.
E & N
Dave Francis managed a ringing session at Pitsford Res yesterday afternoon and this morning, using the old Scaldwell Road Feeding Station. Seventy new birds were ringed which included 4 Goldcrests, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 26 Tree Sparrows, 6 Chaffinches, 7 Greenfinches, 10 Goldfinches, 5 Yellowhammers and a Moorhen. This brings the annual total of new Tree Sparrows ringed at this site to 170.
A walk at Harrington Airfield this morning failed to locate any particular birds of note in rather raw conditions. There were still 4 mobile redpoll sp, winter thrushes and the usual flock of Linnets. The Brampton Valley below Brixworth and Hanging Houghton also seemed unremarkable with just a few redpoll sp, the odd Siskin and winter thrushes.
And yet again this afternoon we made our way to Boddington Res in another effort to pin down the Bonaparte's Gull. The gull roost was proportionately large and although the light was initially okay it soon became just too grey and dismal to properly check the furthest birds. Despite the best efforts of the 7 birders present we didn't locate it. Other birds present included a Kingfisher and 2 Grey Wagtails.
E & N
Monday 5 November 2012
On the roam...
Hi
First thing this morning I took a walk at Harrington Airfield. Loads of passerines present in the bushes and flying over which included 2 Bramblings and a couple of Tree Sparrows amongst the birds coming down for the seed on the concrete track just inside the entrance barrier. A female Merlin showed well at the opposite end of the concrete track. Other birds included 2 Ravens and 4 mobile redpoll sp.
Birds near to Kelmarsh Hall included several Siskins and a couple of Lesser Redpolls plus the usual Nuthatches.
A visit to Stanford Res was next but birders on-site informed me that the Black-throated Diver from the last few days was nowhere to be seen, so on I went to Borough Hill CP which provided a fine male Peregrine perched on the mast, 2 Ravens, 2-3 Crossbills, c6 Siskins and c6 flying repoll sp.
A short walk in to Badby Wood from the small car park next to Badby village produced a surprise in the shape of a Corn Bunting with c30 Yellowhammers in a stubble field. In the wood itself there were c4 Crossbills, 20+ Siskins, a couple of redpoll sp and large numbers of very vocal Nuthatches. There were two Ravens 'cronking' well here too. I would strongly recommend a visit to the wood now, the autumn colours are just sensational!
And of course my final destination was Boddington Res where despite Gary Pullan's best efforts we failed again to find the Bonaparte's Gull - confounded thing! Birds noted included a Goosander that flew in, plus a couple of Kingfishers
Regards
Eleanor
First thing this morning I took a walk at Harrington Airfield. Loads of passerines present in the bushes and flying over which included 2 Bramblings and a couple of Tree Sparrows amongst the birds coming down for the seed on the concrete track just inside the entrance barrier. A female Merlin showed well at the opposite end of the concrete track. Other birds included 2 Ravens and 4 mobile redpoll sp.
Birds near to Kelmarsh Hall included several Siskins and a couple of Lesser Redpolls plus the usual Nuthatches.
A visit to Stanford Res was next but birders on-site informed me that the Black-throated Diver from the last few days was nowhere to be seen, so on I went to Borough Hill CP which provided a fine male Peregrine perched on the mast, 2 Ravens, 2-3 Crossbills, c6 Siskins and c6 flying repoll sp.
A short walk in to Badby Wood from the small car park next to Badby village produced a surprise in the shape of a Corn Bunting with c30 Yellowhammers in a stubble field. In the wood itself there were c4 Crossbills, 20+ Siskins, a couple of redpoll sp and large numbers of very vocal Nuthatches. There were two Ravens 'cronking' well here too. I would strongly recommend a visit to the wood now, the autumn colours are just sensational!
And of course my final destination was Boddington Res where despite Gary Pullan's best efforts we failed again to find the Bonaparte's Gull - confounded thing! Birds noted included a Goosander that flew in, plus a couple of Kingfishers
Regards
Eleanor
Sunday 4 November 2012
Rain and some!
Hi
Clearly the interesting weather conditions locally made birding somewhat difficult so this morning was spent filling up feeders at wild bird feed stations in very wet conditions.
This afternoon we again went west to Boddington Res but were unable to pick out the Bonaparte's Gull amongst the throng of other gulls in poor lighting conditions. Such was the behaviour of the birds and their late arrival, it could easily have been there.
Other birds included a first winter Mediterranean Gull, a drake Red-crested Pochard, a Little Egret, up to 3 Kingfishers and a Water Rail.
E & N
Clearly the interesting weather conditions locally made birding somewhat difficult so this morning was spent filling up feeders at wild bird feed stations in very wet conditions.
This afternoon we again went west to Boddington Res but were unable to pick out the Bonaparte's Gull amongst the throng of other gulls in poor lighting conditions. Such was the behaviour of the birds and their late arrival, it could easily have been there.
Other birds included a first winter Mediterranean Gull, a drake Red-crested Pochard, a Little Egret, up to 3 Kingfishers and a Water Rail.
E & N
Saturday 3 November 2012
Ringing & Bonaparte's
Hi
A ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall this morning resulted in 60+ captures of woodland birds which included a male Blackcap, a Nuthatch and both Marsh and Willow Tits. Some images from Neil H below. Other birds seen included Raven, a Kingfisher, several Siskins and a couple of redpoll sp.
At Blueberry Farm this morning there were 4 Bramblings, a few Siskins and 2 Lesser Redpolls.
At Boddington Res this afternoon the maestro Gary Pullan skilfully located the adult Bonaparte's Gull in the gull roost. The bird was present until dusk and showed well if distantly. Some images below...
A ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall this morning resulted in 60+ captures of woodland birds which included a male Blackcap, a Nuthatch and both Marsh and Willow Tits. Some images from Neil H below. Other birds seen included Raven, a Kingfisher, several Siskins and a couple of redpoll sp.
At Blueberry Farm this morning there were 4 Bramblings, a few Siskins and 2 Lesser Redpolls.
At Boddington Res this afternoon the maestro Gary Pullan skilfully located the adult Bonaparte's Gull in the gull roost. The bird was present until dusk and showed well if distantly. Some images below...
Willow Tit
Willow Tit (left) and Marsh Tit (right)
The Willow Tit is an adult and the Marsh
Tit was considered a young bird of the year.
Visual features of the Willow Tit include pale-edged
secondaries, creamy and prominent cheeks, mostly
dark bill, diffuse and extended chin spot and variation
in the individual tail lengths. At this time of
the year the crown is often quite glossy.
The Marsh Tit has a more uniform upperside, whiter and
less prominent cheeks, a smaller and more
intense chin spot, a small silver 'triangle'
at the base of the upper mandible and more evenly
lengthened tail feathers. The crown is glossy.
Nuthatch
Coal Tit with abnormal growth
Bonaparte's Gull (smaller bird below
centre of image)
Friday 2 November 2012
New birds in...
Hi
Birds at Blueberry Farm this morning included 2 Short-eared Owls and a fine female Merlin all in the southern-most field.
At Harrington Airfield later there were plenty of common birds present plus an adult female Peregrine and 2 Ravens.
At Pitsford Res there was a Water Pipit in the vicinity of the Maytrees Hide at about 11.15am. At the same time three adult Whooper Swans were espied in the Scaldwell Bay. The swans later moved in to the Walgrave Bay where they were still present at 2.15pm.
Unfortunately the Bonaparte's Gull wasn't picked out amongst the Black-headed Gulls at Boddington Res this afternoon. A couple of Kingfishers, 2 Grey Wagtails and singles of Brambling and redpoll sp were rather poor compensation.
Regards
E & N
Birds at Blueberry Farm this morning included 2 Short-eared Owls and a fine female Merlin all in the southern-most field.
At Harrington Airfield later there were plenty of common birds present plus an adult female Peregrine and 2 Ravens.
At Pitsford Res there was a Water Pipit in the vicinity of the Maytrees Hide at about 11.15am. At the same time three adult Whooper Swans were espied in the Scaldwell Bay. The swans later moved in to the Walgrave Bay where they were still present at 2.15pm.
Unfortunately the Bonaparte's Gull wasn't picked out amongst the Black-headed Gulls at Boddington Res this afternoon. A couple of Kingfishers, 2 Grey Wagtails and singles of Brambling and redpoll sp were rather poor compensation.
Regards
E & N
Thursday 1 November 2012
Bonaparte's Gull
Hi
Gary Pullan found an adult Bonaparte's Gull in the gull roost at Boddington Res this afternoon, first located at about 4.15pm and still present at 5pm. This is believed to be the first reported instance of this species in Northants. Access to this location is free and there are car parking facilities. No doubt there will be quite a number of birders present tomorrow afternoon to see if it returns!
This afternoon an adult female Peregrine tore through a flock of gulls in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this afternoon and successfully caught, killed and consumed a Black-headed Gull.
Eleanor
Gary Pullan found an adult Bonaparte's Gull in the gull roost at Boddington Res this afternoon, first located at about 4.15pm and still present at 5pm. This is believed to be the first reported instance of this species in Northants. Access to this location is free and there are car parking facilities. No doubt there will be quite a number of birders present tomorrow afternoon to see if it returns!
This afternoon an adult female Peregrine tore through a flock of gulls in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this afternoon and successfully caught, killed and consumed a Black-headed Gull.
Eleanor
Ring Ouzel
Hi
This morning, at about 7.45am, there was a male Ring Ouzel with Fieldfares in field hedging just east of the Blueberry Farm complex at SP735748. Also 2 Bramblings mobile in the immediate area.
Regards
Eleanor
This morning, at about 7.45am, there was a male Ring Ouzel with Fieldfares in field hedging just east of the Blueberry Farm complex at SP735748. Also 2 Bramblings mobile in the immediate area.
Regards
Eleanor
Wednesday 31 October 2012
Damp birds
Hi
A trundle in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning produced an adult female Peregrine perched on the field seemingly awaiting passing prey. With all the Fieldfares moving through she wasn't short of a tasty target!
This afternoon and the two Short-eared Owls were again present in the southern-most field at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.
Regards
Eleanor
A trundle in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning produced an adult female Peregrine perched on the field seemingly awaiting passing prey. With all the Fieldfares moving through she wasn't short of a tasty target!
This afternoon and the two Short-eared Owls were again present in the southern-most field at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.
Regards
Eleanor
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Pitsford and places...
Hi
Dave Francis completed a ringing session at the feeding station at Pitsford Res this morning, capturing some 55 birds. New birds included 16 Tree Sparrows, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 10 Chaffinches, 3 Goldfinches and a Lesser Redpoll. A retrapped Chaffinch was first ringed in 2008. This session brings the Pitsford Tree Sparrow total to 144 for the year. Dave also had a hunting Barn Owl in the Scaldwell Meadow yesterday evening and again this morning.
This afternoon I wandered up to the old airstrip at Harrington Airfield, the reason being a combination of further dog walking duties and excellent light. Harrington tends to be a morning place to see the best birds but I took my camera to take advantage of the seemingly rare decent light this month. Images of some common birds are as below.
At Pitsford Res this afternoon, careful checking of the dam and the yacht club area produced the Black-necked Grebe again, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose with the Canada Geese, a Kingfisher, a Barn Owl, a Rock Pipit, 4 Bramblings and 2 fly-over redpoll sps.
An evening wander around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell confirmed the continuing presence of 2 Short-eared Owls and 2 Barn Owls.
Regards
Neil M
Dave Francis completed a ringing session at the feeding station at Pitsford Res this morning, capturing some 55 birds. New birds included 16 Tree Sparrows, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 10 Chaffinches, 3 Goldfinches and a Lesser Redpoll. A retrapped Chaffinch was first ringed in 2008. This session brings the Pitsford Tree Sparrow total to 144 for the year. Dave also had a hunting Barn Owl in the Scaldwell Meadow yesterday evening and again this morning.
This afternoon I wandered up to the old airstrip at Harrington Airfield, the reason being a combination of further dog walking duties and excellent light. Harrington tends to be a morning place to see the best birds but I took my camera to take advantage of the seemingly rare decent light this month. Images of some common birds are as below.
At Pitsford Res this afternoon, careful checking of the dam and the yacht club area produced the Black-necked Grebe again, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose with the Canada Geese, a Kingfisher, a Barn Owl, a Rock Pipit, 4 Bramblings and 2 fly-over redpoll sps.
An evening wander around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell confirmed the continuing presence of 2 Short-eared Owls and 2 Barn Owls.
Regards
Neil M
Common Buzzard
Fieldfare
Long-tailed Tit
Kestrel
Dark-bellied Brent Goose
The Fieldfares just keep coming...
Hi
Just back in from taking the dogs for a nice long walk. This included our new foster rescue dog Alma who seemed to enjoy herself but is new to the game after being in dog rescue compounds all her life. In very pleasant conditions, Fieldfares were again the most obvious species as we wandered from Maidwell village along footpaths to connect with Maidwell Dales and the Blueberry Farm complex. Back then across the width of the Brampton Valley and up the hill to Hanging Houghton. Still plenty of Redwings and Starlings going the same way as the 'chacking' Fieldfares and the sunny breezy conditions meant that the raptors were up cruising around and included 1-2 Red Kite(s) which seem to be maintaining an almost permanent presence now. Other passerines on the move included finches, 4 Bramblings and 3 Siskins being the most noteworthy. A couple of Ravens greeted us over the hill at HH.
And the thrushes are not just moving during the day. For a short period last night I spent time listening to birds moving south over Hanging Houghton (just after 10pm when there was almost a full moon showing and not too much other noise). Not surprisingly Redwings were the most common audible migrant with many emitting their high-pitched 'se-eep' call note. There were Blackbirds on the move too, their nocturnal call-note also similar to a Redwing but it is not so high-pitched, is a little longer and wavers in its consistency. Such are the numbers of Fieldfares moving at the moment, there were even Fieldfares calling last night. Song Thrushes are identified from their high pitched but gentle 'stic' call which is bunting-like. Quite a number of other birds can be identified as they migrate at night. Typical species for this time of the year includes the ducks (Wigeon are the easiest with their whistling call), occasionally geese, and Moorhen and Coot which remain audible the year round.
Regards
Neil M
Just back in from taking the dogs for a nice long walk. This included our new foster rescue dog Alma who seemed to enjoy herself but is new to the game after being in dog rescue compounds all her life. In very pleasant conditions, Fieldfares were again the most obvious species as we wandered from Maidwell village along footpaths to connect with Maidwell Dales and the Blueberry Farm complex. Back then across the width of the Brampton Valley and up the hill to Hanging Houghton. Still plenty of Redwings and Starlings going the same way as the 'chacking' Fieldfares and the sunny breezy conditions meant that the raptors were up cruising around and included 1-2 Red Kite(s) which seem to be maintaining an almost permanent presence now. Other passerines on the move included finches, 4 Bramblings and 3 Siskins being the most noteworthy. A couple of Ravens greeted us over the hill at HH.
And the thrushes are not just moving during the day. For a short period last night I spent time listening to birds moving south over Hanging Houghton (just after 10pm when there was almost a full moon showing and not too much other noise). Not surprisingly Redwings were the most common audible migrant with many emitting their high-pitched 'se-eep' call note. There were Blackbirds on the move too, their nocturnal call-note also similar to a Redwing but it is not so high-pitched, is a little longer and wavers in its consistency. Such are the numbers of Fieldfares moving at the moment, there were even Fieldfares calling last night. Song Thrushes are identified from their high pitched but gentle 'stic' call which is bunting-like. Quite a number of other birds can be identified as they migrate at night. Typical species for this time of the year includes the ducks (Wigeon are the easiest with their whistling call), occasionally geese, and Moorhen and Coot which remain audible the year round.
Regards
Neil M
Monday 29 October 2012
Owls and gulls.
Hi
Birds this afternoon included 2 Short-eared Owls and 2 Barn Owls at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell plus hundreds of Fieldfares in the hawthorn hedges. At Pitsford Res, the gull roost produced a smart 3rd year Yellow-legged Gull that was curiously small, plus the first real pulse of Herring Gulls of the autumn with both 'argenteus' and 'argentatus' types present. The Black-necked Grebe was still in the vicinity of Yacht Bay next to the Yacht Club.
Regards
E & N
Birds this afternoon included 2 Short-eared Owls and 2 Barn Owls at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell plus hundreds of Fieldfares in the hawthorn hedges. At Pitsford Res, the gull roost produced a smart 3rd year Yellow-legged Gull that was curiously small, plus the first real pulse of Herring Gulls of the autumn with both 'argenteus' and 'argentatus' types present. The Black-necked Grebe was still in the vicinity of Yacht Bay next to the Yacht Club.
Regards
E & N
Bird Club trip to Norfolk
Hi
Members of the Northants Bird Club ventured to the Norfolk coast yesterday on the monthly car trip. They enjoyed the spectacle of coastal migration which tends to be more spectacular and varied than inland. Below are some images taken by Robin Gossage who did well to combat the very grey conditions. As is usual on these car trips, NBC members tend to notch up some interesting species, and on this occasion came across a Barred Warbler moments after it had been found in a garden at Salthouse...
Neil M
Members of the Northants Bird Club ventured to the Norfolk coast yesterday on the monthly car trip. They enjoyed the spectacle of coastal migration which tends to be more spectacular and varied than inland. Below are some images taken by Robin Gossage who did well to combat the very grey conditions. As is usual on these car trips, NBC members tend to notch up some interesting species, and on this occasion came across a Barred Warbler moments after it had been found in a garden at Salthouse...
Neil M
Barred Warbler
Little Egret
Redshank
Redshank
Harrington Monday am
Hi
A pleasant if squelchy walk at Harrington Airfield this morning provided a further opportunity to witness visible diurnal migration. Fieldfares were the most obvious with undulating flocks steadily progressing south over the top fields, often at low level. Starlings and Redwings were probably the next most numerous with smaller numbers again of Woodpigeons and gulls moving in the same direction. At Harrington it is difficult to ascertain Skylark passage as most of them seem to be simply flying around and chasing each other and often with many singing. Persistent viewing seems to indicate that they do gradually disappear off the south or west, but I think that some birds do recirculate and appear over the fields again once they have completed a circuit or two.
The Linnet flock attracted Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches and a Brambling. At least two Short-eared Owls flushed up from the long grass and there were Common Buzzards and Sparrowhawks on the prowl. Sparse migrants included Meadow Pipit, Tree Sparrow and redpoll sp. The broadcast seed at the concrete entrance track is attracting common birds with Chaffinch and Yellowhammer being the most numerous.
Regards
E & N
A pleasant if squelchy walk at Harrington Airfield this morning provided a further opportunity to witness visible diurnal migration. Fieldfares were the most obvious with undulating flocks steadily progressing south over the top fields, often at low level. Starlings and Redwings were probably the next most numerous with smaller numbers again of Woodpigeons and gulls moving in the same direction. At Harrington it is difficult to ascertain Skylark passage as most of them seem to be simply flying around and chasing each other and often with many singing. Persistent viewing seems to indicate that they do gradually disappear off the south or west, but I think that some birds do recirculate and appear over the fields again once they have completed a circuit or two.
The Linnet flock attracted Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches and a Brambling. At least two Short-eared Owls flushed up from the long grass and there were Common Buzzards and Sparrowhawks on the prowl. Sparse migrants included Meadow Pipit, Tree Sparrow and redpoll sp. The broadcast seed at the concrete entrance track is attracting common birds with Chaffinch and Yellowhammer being the most numerous.
Regards
E & N
Sunday 28 October 2012
Harrington migration
Hi
A wander around Harrington Airfield this morning and plenty of winter thrushes on the move. Many of the Fieldfares were resting in the hawthorns and eating the haws, with smaller numbers of Redwing and appreciably more Song Thrushes and Blackbirds joining in. With reasonable numbers of migrant Starlings moving over low to the south, a flock of a hundred or so stayed to feed on the top fields. There were also plenty of finches again this morning with good numbers in particular of Linnet and Chaffinch. Many of the latter were feeding on scattered mixed seed just inside the concrete track entrance. A single male Brambling was present by the roadside early on. Raptors included a Red Kite, and a Raven was with other corvids to the west of the concrete track. A couple of flighty redpolls included a large-looking individual which for a time was with the Linnet flock. It also had a lower-toned call than is usual for Lesser Redpoll but only ever presented as a silhoutte in flight so I'm afraid no specific identification was possible. Migrant Woodpigeons moved over is small fast-moving flocks early on and quite a number of the same species were feeding on the stubble fields. Other visible movers and shakers included Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and common finches but nothing of particular note was picked out. Never mind, the thrill of migration was enough to keep me happy in cool and dank conditions!
Regards
Neil M
A wander around Harrington Airfield this morning and plenty of winter thrushes on the move. Many of the Fieldfares were resting in the hawthorns and eating the haws, with smaller numbers of Redwing and appreciably more Song Thrushes and Blackbirds joining in. With reasonable numbers of migrant Starlings moving over low to the south, a flock of a hundred or so stayed to feed on the top fields. There were also plenty of finches again this morning with good numbers in particular of Linnet and Chaffinch. Many of the latter were feeding on scattered mixed seed just inside the concrete track entrance. A single male Brambling was present by the roadside early on. Raptors included a Red Kite, and a Raven was with other corvids to the west of the concrete track. A couple of flighty redpolls included a large-looking individual which for a time was with the Linnet flock. It also had a lower-toned call than is usual for Lesser Redpoll but only ever presented as a silhoutte in flight so I'm afraid no specific identification was possible. Migrant Woodpigeons moved over is small fast-moving flocks early on and quite a number of the same species were feeding on the stubble fields. Other visible movers and shakers included Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and common finches but nothing of particular note was picked out. Never mind, the thrill of migration was enough to keep me happy in cool and dank conditions!
Regards
Neil M
Ringing Scotland Wood
Hi
Neil Hasdell and I completed a short ringing session at Scotland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate today. Birds captured included 9 Goldcrests, a couple of Nuthatches and typical woodland birds. Neil H suffered a slight occupational hazard injury (see below) as inflicted by a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming on his hand!
Good numbers of Fieldfares swirled over the wood in the strong wind and a couple each of Siskin and redpoll sp lingered briefly.
Neil M
Neil Hasdell and I completed a short ringing session at Scotland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate today. Birds captured included 9 Goldcrests, a couple of Nuthatches and typical woodland birds. Neil H suffered a slight occupational hazard injury (see below) as inflicted by a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming on his hand!
Good numbers of Fieldfares swirled over the wood in the strong wind and a couple each of Siskin and redpoll sp lingered briefly.
Neil M
Friday 26 October 2012
Ditchford WeBS
Hi
On a cold, grey and blustery day we found ourselves completing a late WeBS count today at Ditchford Gravel Pits. No sign of the forecast bright and sunny conditions unfortunately!
An adult Peregrine and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls were present west of Ditchford Lane this morning and a Rock Pipit flew west there at 11.20am. An unidentified pipit flew from the viaduct pit in windy conditions and called similar to a Water Pipit. It flew over the railway but couldn't be found thereafter. Small numbers of Siskins and redpoll sp were seen in flight on and off all day but winter thrushes were restricted to little more than a hundred Redwing and barely fifty Fieldfare. Only one Cetti's Warbler was heard calling and 3 Kingfishers were present in the mature pits between Higham Ferrers and Irthlingborough. The only wader noted was a single Green Sandpiper. A single Water Rail was audible and 3 Little Egrets were mobile throughout the complex.
E & N
On a cold, grey and blustery day we found ourselves completing a late WeBS count today at Ditchford Gravel Pits. No sign of the forecast bright and sunny conditions unfortunately!
An adult Peregrine and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls were present west of Ditchford Lane this morning and a Rock Pipit flew west there at 11.20am. An unidentified pipit flew from the viaduct pit in windy conditions and called similar to a Water Pipit. It flew over the railway but couldn't be found thereafter. Small numbers of Siskins and redpoll sp were seen in flight on and off all day but winter thrushes were restricted to little more than a hundred Redwing and barely fifty Fieldfare. Only one Cetti's Warbler was heard calling and 3 Kingfishers were present in the mature pits between Higham Ferrers and Irthlingborough. The only wader noted was a single Green Sandpiper. A single Water Rail was audible and 3 Little Egrets were mobile throughout the complex.
E & N
Thursday 25 October 2012
Harrington again...
Hi
In a complete reverse from yesterday, an excursion to Harrington Airfield this afternoon suggested that the top fields and bunker areas were mostly devoid of passerines. However in the space of five minutes, a Red Kite flew east followed shortly after by a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier taking exactly the same line. A Short-eared Owl then flushed up shortly afterwards.
With a cold northerly wind whistling down the reservoir, the gull roost at Pitsford Res failed to produce any birds of note.
E & N
In a complete reverse from yesterday, an excursion to Harrington Airfield this afternoon suggested that the top fields and bunker areas were mostly devoid of passerines. However in the space of five minutes, a Red Kite flew east followed shortly after by a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier taking exactly the same line. A Short-eared Owl then flushed up shortly afterwards.
With a cold northerly wind whistling down the reservoir, the gull roost at Pitsford Res failed to produce any birds of note.
E & N
Brampton Valley
Hi
In a rather extreme way we decided to go for a run along the Brampton Valley Way this morning to try and shift the jet-lag! Between Merry Tom Lane and Hanging Houghton we didn't meet a soul but there were plenty of birds in the hedging on both sides. The more obvious were Goldcrest in good numbers and relatively small numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare. A small covey of Grey Partridge encouraged us up the hill to HH and a couple of delightful Grey Wagtails were on show at the village sewer works. Yesterday afternoon in the murk a flock of about 30 Wigeon were circling the village seemingly in a slightly confused state about which way they should be going, and Redwings could be heard going over during the evening despite the presumed reduced visibility due to mist and low cloud. With a change in the weather seemingly imminent it will be interseting to see how this affects the visible and audible migration.
E & N
In a rather extreme way we decided to go for a run along the Brampton Valley Way this morning to try and shift the jet-lag! Between Merry Tom Lane and Hanging Houghton we didn't meet a soul but there were plenty of birds in the hedging on both sides. The more obvious were Goldcrest in good numbers and relatively small numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare. A small covey of Grey Partridge encouraged us up the hill to HH and a couple of delightful Grey Wagtails were on show at the village sewer works. Yesterday afternoon in the murk a flock of about 30 Wigeon were circling the village seemingly in a slightly confused state about which way they should be going, and Redwings could be heard going over during the evening despite the presumed reduced visibility due to mist and low cloud. With a change in the weather seemingly imminent it will be interseting to see how this affects the visible and audible migration.
E & N
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Birds in the murk
Hi
A Crossbill was present at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) early this afternoon and the Black-necked Grebe was present in the yacht bay at Pitsford Res later this afternoon...
Neil M
A Crossbill was present at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) early this afternoon and the Black-necked Grebe was present in the yacht bay at Pitsford Res later this afternoon...
Neil M
Harrington
Hi
A late morning recce at Harrington Airfield today yielded good numbers of common birds with particularly good numbers of Woodpigeons, corvids and finches. With the amount of available potential prey present I can see why there have been a couple of recent records of Merlin from this site. Linnets were the most common finch with a good 60 or so present and smaller numbers of Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinch. Up to 8 Bramblings and 6 redpoll sp were also present. With good numbers of Yellowhammers and small numbers of Reed Bunting and other birds in the bushes, the areas around the second and third bunkers were particularly lively. Migrants included a few Meadow Pipits and 4 Redwings. Birds feeding on the top fields included reasonable numbers of Skylark and Starling and a few Golden Plover. Murky conditions and a breeze from an easterly direction are ideal conditions to see birds at Harrington in the autumn even if they are not particularly rare or unusual.
E & N
A late morning recce at Harrington Airfield today yielded good numbers of common birds with particularly good numbers of Woodpigeons, corvids and finches. With the amount of available potential prey present I can see why there have been a couple of recent records of Merlin from this site. Linnets were the most common finch with a good 60 or so present and smaller numbers of Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinch. Up to 8 Bramblings and 6 redpoll sp were also present. With good numbers of Yellowhammers and small numbers of Reed Bunting and other birds in the bushes, the areas around the second and third bunkers were particularly lively. Migrants included a few Meadow Pipits and 4 Redwings. Birds feeding on the top fields included reasonable numbers of Skylark and Starling and a few Golden Plover. Murky conditions and a breeze from an easterly direction are ideal conditions to see birds at Harrington in the autumn even if they are not particularly rare or unusual.
E & N
Tuesday 23 October 2012
Brazil!
Hi
This evening Eleanor and I arrived back from a superb 18 day trip to Brazil, concentrating on the Pantanal and a little slice of the Amazon. My apologies in advance if images of a few tropical species appear on this blog over the next few weeks! Our thanks go to our travelling companions Robon and Wendy Gossage for putting up with our daily (very) early morning expeditions, patience whilst I looked for yet another ant-bird and the daily climbs up to the observations towers, night treks looking for critters and many other things!
Also our thanks to Neil Hasdell for endeavouring to keep the blog alive in our absence, and populating it with relevant images and local sightings.
Regards
Neil M
This evening Eleanor and I arrived back from a superb 18 day trip to Brazil, concentrating on the Pantanal and a little slice of the Amazon. My apologies in advance if images of a few tropical species appear on this blog over the next few weeks! Our thanks go to our travelling companions Robon and Wendy Gossage for putting up with our daily (very) early morning expeditions, patience whilst I looked for yet another ant-bird and the daily climbs up to the observations towers, night treks looking for critters and many other things!
Also our thanks to Neil Hasdell for endeavouring to keep the blog alive in our absence, and populating it with relevant images and local sightings.
Regards
Neil M
Monday 22 October 2012
Autumn Moths
A session at the Pitsford moth traps this morning had a small selection of autumn species on show. These included a couple of Carpets (Red-green and Spruce), Red-line Quaker, Green-brindled Crescent and Beaded Chestnut. The only immigrant on show was a Silver Y.
Regards,
Neil H.
Regards,
Neil H.
Saturday 20 October 2012
Ringing session
Hi,
Another misty start to a ringing session at the Pitsford feed station. The ringing was pretty slow again with the majority of the birds caught being Tree Sparrows. Most were new captures with a few retraps. Also trapped were Goldcrest (2), Great-spotted Woodpecker (2), Yellowhammer and a rather surprising House Sparrow, not a bird that is often seen let alone caught at Pitsford.
The only bird of note seen was a Peregrine Falcon terrorising the local Lapwings.
Regards,
Neil H.
Another misty start to a ringing session at the Pitsford feed station. The ringing was pretty slow again with the majority of the birds caught being Tree Sparrows. Most were new captures with a few retraps. Also trapped were Goldcrest (2), Great-spotted Woodpecker (2), Yellowhammer and a rather surprising House Sparrow, not a bird that is often seen let alone caught at Pitsford.
The only bird of note seen was a Peregrine Falcon terrorising the local Lapwings.
Regards,
Neil H.
Thursday 18 October 2012
Stour Estuary
Hi,
I have just got back from a few days spent visiting friends on the Essex/Suffolk border. Whenever I travel to this area over the autumn and winter months I love to visit the Stour estuary in the area between Mistley and Manningtree. As the tide rises large flocks of waders are gradually pushed up the mud bringing them closer and closer to the banks of the river. It's always exciting scanning through the mass of Black-tailed Godwits, Turnstones, Redshank, Knot and Dunlin in the hopes of finding something rarer. There are often Grey Plovers with their plaintive calls, small groups of Curlew, and the occasional Bar-tailed Godwit. Wintering Acocet, numbering up to 50 birds, skimming their bills from side to side as they feed, are a frequent sight. Occasional small flocks of Red-breasted Merganser sail past on the tide.
In recent years a colour ringing study of Black-tailed Godwit has been conducted with a number of birds being ringed on the adjacent Orwell estuary. On this latest visit I was able to spot 6 ringed birds whose details I have sent off to the rining scheme co-ordinator. I have had one result back already, a bird ringed as an adult in 2003 in Western Iceland whilst on passage, meaning it is at least 10 years old. The bird has been seen on the East coast every year since, often in the Stour estuary. I am looking forward to receiving information on the other 5 birds.
Regards,
Neil H.
I have just got back from a few days spent visiting friends on the Essex/Suffolk border. Whenever I travel to this area over the autumn and winter months I love to visit the Stour estuary in the area between Mistley and Manningtree. As the tide rises large flocks of waders are gradually pushed up the mud bringing them closer and closer to the banks of the river. It's always exciting scanning through the mass of Black-tailed Godwits, Turnstones, Redshank, Knot and Dunlin in the hopes of finding something rarer. There are often Grey Plovers with their plaintive calls, small groups of Curlew, and the occasional Bar-tailed Godwit. Wintering Acocet, numbering up to 50 birds, skimming their bills from side to side as they feed, are a frequent sight. Occasional small flocks of Red-breasted Merganser sail past on the tide.
In recent years a colour ringing study of Black-tailed Godwit has been conducted with a number of birds being ringed on the adjacent Orwell estuary. On this latest visit I was able to spot 6 ringed birds whose details I have sent off to the rining scheme co-ordinator. I have had one result back already, a bird ringed as an adult in 2003 in Western Iceland whilst on passage, meaning it is at least 10 years old. The bird has been seen on the East coast every year since, often in the Stour estuary. I am looking forward to receiving information on the other 5 birds.
Regards,
Neil H.
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