This morning there were 2 Whinchats and a Grasshopper Warbler in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and a Barn Owl and a Hobby at Blueberry Farm.
At Harrington Airfield this afternoon a juvenile Marsh Harrier was present at 4.30pm - other birds included a Redstart, 2 Whinchats, a Hobby and a Turtle Dove.
At Pitsford Res this morning, Dave Francis completed another CES ringing session in the Scaldwell Bay, catching some 57 birds. Typical birds included 8 Reed Warblers, 6 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Garden Warblers and 2 Whitethroats. A very untypical catch in a mist net was a juvenile Grey Heron, and thankfully both bird and Dave remain unscathed!
This afternoon birds of note visible from the causeway at Pitsford were restricted to at least one Yellow-legged Gull and a female Pochard wearing a bill shield.
Regards
E & N
Thursday, 8 August 2013
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
NN6 Birding
Hello
Birds at Harrington Airfield this morning included a Hobby and 2 Crossbills flying over in a northerly-westerly direction.
Scanning from the causeway at Pitsford Res this morning provided views of an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Little Egret, a Kingfisher and a Wigeon. A very late brood of Great Tits was discovered in a nest box by The Lodge. Six Yellow-legged Gulls were in the gull roost off the dam this evening.
Birds near to Hanging Houghton this afternoon included the Little Owl family still plus an adult Grey Partridge with two young.
Blueberry Farm produced a Hobby, a Red Kite, a Barn Owl, a Grasshopper Warbler and at least four Whinchats.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Birds at Harrington Airfield this morning included a Hobby and 2 Crossbills flying over in a northerly-westerly direction.
Scanning from the causeway at Pitsford Res this morning provided views of an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Little Egret, a Kingfisher and a Wigeon. A very late brood of Great Tits was discovered in a nest box by The Lodge. Six Yellow-legged Gulls were in the gull roost off the dam this evening.
Birds near to Hanging Houghton this afternoon included the Little Owl family still plus an adult Grey Partridge with two young.
Blueberry Farm produced a Hobby, a Red Kite, a Barn Owl, a Grasshopper Warbler and at least four Whinchats.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
Blueberry
Hello
A beautiful evening at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell with still conditions and golden autumnal sunshine was reward enough, but two hunting Barn Owls, a Grasshopper Warbler and a small 'fall' of Willow Warblers made it rather special this evening.
A few images below from the last few days locally...
Regards
Neil M
A beautiful evening at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell with still conditions and golden autumnal sunshine was reward enough, but two hunting Barn Owls, a Grasshopper Warbler and a small 'fall' of Willow Warblers made it rather special this evening.
A few images below from the last few days locally...
Regards
Neil M
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| RAF Hercules over Harrington Airfield |
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| Redshank with yellow/orange legs Pitsford Res causeway |
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| Female Pochard at Pitsford Res with bill 'shield' |
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| Juvenile Lapwing Pitsford Res |
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| Hobby Draughton |
Ringing at Pitsford
Hello
Dave Francis completed a ringing session this morning at Pitsford Res, utilising the area around the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station. He had a productive time with 65 birds caught which included 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, a Willow Warbler, 15 juvenile Tree Sparrows, 11 Chaffinches, 4 Greenfinches and 3 Goldfinches.
Two Little Egrets and a Green Sandpiper were north of the causeway at Pitsford this afternoon, and this morning there were two Crossbills around the garden centre by the A428 entrance of Harlestone Heath.
Regards
E & N
Dave Francis completed a ringing session this morning at Pitsford Res, utilising the area around the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station. He had a productive time with 65 birds caught which included 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, a Willow Warbler, 15 juvenile Tree Sparrows, 11 Chaffinches, 4 Greenfinches and 3 Goldfinches.
Two Little Egrets and a Green Sandpiper were north of the causeway at Pitsford this afternoon, and this morning there were two Crossbills around the garden centre by the A428 entrance of Harlestone Heath.
Regards
E & N
Monday, 5 August 2013
Red Sky at night...
Hello
This evening there was an amazing red/orange sky to the west which hopefully means that tomorrow will be a day of stunning weather after today's deluge.
The star bird today was a juvenile Marsh Harrier at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell at 5.15pm. It was rigorously escorted out of the area by a pair of Hobby and left towards Haselbech. A Red Kite also put in an appearance.
Regards
Eleanor
This evening there was an amazing red/orange sky to the west which hopefully means that tomorrow will be a day of stunning weather after today's deluge.
The star bird today was a juvenile Marsh Harrier at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell at 5.15pm. It was rigorously escorted out of the area by a pair of Hobby and left towards Haselbech. A Red Kite also put in an appearance.
Regards
Eleanor
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Ringing at Stortons GP
Hello
Ringing sessions at Stortons Gravel Pits this year have been consistently good for both numbers and variety of birds in this aquatic and marginal habitat. This morning the ringers on-site managed to catch 107 birds prior to the late morning downpour which halted proceedings. Perhaps one of the more interesting birds was a Sedge Warbler bearing a French ring - hopefully we will receive news soon of its recorded movements (although there is frequently a delay in obtaining the information from foreign databases).
Subtle but positive habitat changes at Stortons GP over the years now ensure there is plenty of phragmites reed growing both in banks and scattered about, and scrub is regenerating around the edges. Certainly there is now a very healthy Reed Warbler population both breeding and moving through these old gravel pits, with smaller numbers of Sedge Warbler and several pairs of Cetti's Warblers present too. This small reed-bed habitat mirrors similar large projects around the country, providing stepping stones for avian wildlife.
Regards
Neil M
Ringing sessions at Stortons Gravel Pits this year have been consistently good for both numbers and variety of birds in this aquatic and marginal habitat. This morning the ringers on-site managed to catch 107 birds prior to the late morning downpour which halted proceedings. Perhaps one of the more interesting birds was a Sedge Warbler bearing a French ring - hopefully we will receive news soon of its recorded movements (although there is frequently a delay in obtaining the information from foreign databases).
Subtle but positive habitat changes at Stortons GP over the years now ensure there is plenty of phragmites reed growing both in banks and scattered about, and scrub is regenerating around the edges. Certainly there is now a very healthy Reed Warbler population both breeding and moving through these old gravel pits, with smaller numbers of Sedge Warbler and several pairs of Cetti's Warblers present too. This small reed-bed habitat mirrors similar large projects around the country, providing stepping stones for avian wildlife.
Regards
Neil M
Pitsford
Hello
Birds north of the causeway at Pitsford Res this morning included a Yellow-legged Gull, 1-2 Little Egret, a Kingfisher and a family party of Spotted Flycatcher. The Bar-headed Goose was just to the south of the causeway by the main car park.
Two female Pochard sporting green bill shields which are a result of being trapped, ringed and marked abroad were also north of the causeway. A previously-marked female had been seen in France and Spain as well as Pitsford and other sites in the UK. These shields are fixed to provide an opportunity for such birds to be recognised and reported whilst on their travels.
Regards
Neil M
Birds north of the causeway at Pitsford Res this morning included a Yellow-legged Gull, 1-2 Little Egret, a Kingfisher and a family party of Spotted Flycatcher. The Bar-headed Goose was just to the south of the causeway by the main car park.
Two female Pochard sporting green bill shields which are a result of being trapped, ringed and marked abroad were also north of the causeway. A previously-marked female had been seen in France and Spain as well as Pitsford and other sites in the UK. These shields are fixed to provide an opportunity for such birds to be recognised and reported whilst on their travels.
Regards
Neil M
Saturday, 3 August 2013
Rustic birding in the sunshine
Hello
A walk around the dam area at Pitsford Res this morning didn't provide much in the way of different birds. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was still present and there was at least one Spotted Flycatcher by the entrance to the car park reached from Pitsford village. Swifts remain in evidence, this species presumably also breeding later than in most years (often the majority of the birds have departed by the end of July).
A Redstart was present in a hedge between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton, close to the southern outskirts of the Blueberry Farm complex. Other birds within the associated loose flock included many Whitethroats and Spotted Flycatcher. We couldn't see the Whinchat from yesterday evening.
Regards
Eleanor & Neil
A walk around the dam area at Pitsford Res this morning didn't provide much in the way of different birds. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was still present and there was at least one Spotted Flycatcher by the entrance to the car park reached from Pitsford village. Swifts remain in evidence, this species presumably also breeding later than in most years (often the majority of the birds have departed by the end of July).
A Redstart was present in a hedge between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton, close to the southern outskirts of the Blueberry Farm complex. Other birds within the associated loose flock included many Whitethroats and Spotted Flycatcher. We couldn't see the Whinchat from yesterday evening.
Regards
Eleanor & Neil
Friday, 2 August 2013
Whinchat
Hi
This evening was spent wandering the fields and tracks between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton in pleasant conditions. A moulting adult Whinchat was the pick of the birds, spending its time in a wheat field adjacent to the most southerly field of the Blueberry Farm complex (and track that leads from Beck Dairy at Cottesbrooke to Hanging Houghton). A distant Red Kite and the way it was behaving adds to the speculation that a pair may be breeding nearby this year.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
This evening was spent wandering the fields and tracks between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton in pleasant conditions. A moulting adult Whinchat was the pick of the birds, spending its time in a wheat field adjacent to the most southerly field of the Blueberry Farm complex (and track that leads from Beck Dairy at Cottesbrooke to Hanging Houghton). A distant Red Kite and the way it was behaving adds to the speculation that a pair may be breeding nearby this year.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Bird Free Zone!
Hello
Well it's been hard graft finding any birds of note locally the last couple of days!
On Wednesday 31st July there was an adult Yellow-legged Gull off the dam at Pitsford Res and a Red Kite was noted at Sedgebrook Hall. A lengthy walk around Harlestone Heath in the evening failed to locate any birds of note.
Yesterday (1st August) there was a Grey Wagtail in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and a Little Egret was noted in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res.
This morning (2nd August) and a walk around Harrington Airfield produced little more than the usual birds which included a pair of Grey Partridge. An early afternoon scan from the causeway at Pitsford Res was enough to locate a Redshank and 2 Little Egrets.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Well it's been hard graft finding any birds of note locally the last couple of days!
On Wednesday 31st July there was an adult Yellow-legged Gull off the dam at Pitsford Res and a Red Kite was noted at Sedgebrook Hall. A lengthy walk around Harlestone Heath in the evening failed to locate any birds of note.
Yesterday (1st August) there was a Grey Wagtail in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and a Little Egret was noted in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res.
This morning (2nd August) and a walk around Harrington Airfield produced little more than the usual birds which included a pair of Grey Partridge. An early afternoon scan from the causeway at Pitsford Res was enough to locate a Redshank and 2 Little Egrets.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Birding pm
Hello
The pleasant weather of this afternoon incited a few raptors over the garden, the best being a couple of Hobbies. A couple of Nuthatches were the only other birds of note in the village.
A quick walk around Welford Res this evening was pleasant but quiet, although there was a family party of Spotted Flycatchers nearby.
Scanning from the dam at Pitsford Res this evening provided views of 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and 3 Common Sandpipers.
Regards
Neil M
The pleasant weather of this afternoon incited a few raptors over the garden, the best being a couple of Hobbies. A couple of Nuthatches were the only other birds of note in the village.
A quick walk around Welford Res this evening was pleasant but quiet, although there was a family party of Spotted Flycatchers nearby.
Scanning from the dam at Pitsford Res this evening provided views of 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and 3 Common Sandpipers.
Regards
Neil M
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| Great Crested Grebe Pitsford Res |
Peering through the heat haze
Hello
A visit to the Summer Leys reserve at Earls Barton GP this morning provided views of a Wood Sandpiper, a Greenshank, a Dunlin, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Snipe and a Little Egret.
A scan from the Old Scaldwell Road at Pitsford Res early afternoon was difficult with a strong heat haze. Birds noted included an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Goldeneye and a Common Sandpiper.
Regards
Neil M
A visit to the Summer Leys reserve at Earls Barton GP this morning provided views of a Wood Sandpiper, a Greenshank, a Dunlin, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Snipe and a Little Egret.
A scan from the Old Scaldwell Road at Pitsford Res early afternoon was difficult with a strong heat haze. Birds noted included an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Goldeneye and a Common Sandpiper.
Regards
Neil M
Monday, 29 July 2013
Summer in to Autumn
Hello
This morning an Osprey appeared again in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and one or two Hobby were about too.
This afternoon a visit to the west end of the Nene Barrage/Clifford Hill GP provided good views of the Great White Egret (present for its third day), and was still present at 5pm. Other birds included a Little Egret, a Wigeon and 2 Common Sandpipers.
This evening a Hobby and 2 Grey Partridges were noted at Harrington Airfield. An evening visit to Hollowell Res provided little that was new due to an increase in the water level. Birds seen included a Kingfisher, a Wigeon, a Snipe and a Common Sandpiper and now four broods of Tufted Ducks. Ravensthorpe Res attracted a Kingfisher and the Mandarin Duck was still present. A single brood of Tufted Duck was present here too.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
This morning an Osprey appeared again in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and one or two Hobby were about too.
This afternoon a visit to the west end of the Nene Barrage/Clifford Hill GP provided good views of the Great White Egret (present for its third day), and was still present at 5pm. Other birds included a Little Egret, a Wigeon and 2 Common Sandpipers.
This evening a Hobby and 2 Grey Partridges were noted at Harrington Airfield. An evening visit to Hollowell Res provided little that was new due to an increase in the water level. Birds seen included a Kingfisher, a Wigeon, a Snipe and a Common Sandpiper and now four broods of Tufted Ducks. Ravensthorpe Res attracted a Kingfisher and the Mandarin Duck was still present. A single brood of Tufted Duck was present here too.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
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| Adult and juvenile Great Crested Grebe Ravensthorpe Reservoir |
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Visible migration
Hello
Although autumn migration has been going on for some weeks now, today was noteworthy inasmuch that quite a few species were visually easy to see on migration. Gulls were drifting south over the county all day, in the main Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed, with smaller numbers of other species. Other birds on the move today included Swift, hirundines with Sand Martins in particular, and small numbers of wagtails. At Pitsford Res this morning, birds south of the causeway included the Bar-headed Goose, a Little Egret and a Dunlin. The first returning adult Great Black-backed Gull was by the dam this evening, and there were two Grey Wagtails at Hanging Houghton.
Many adult birds, particularly the larger birds, will now be in the process or just starting to moult their flight feathers. Many of the gulls overhead are clearly moulting primaries and secondaries, the stark gaps in the trailing edges of the wings often denote this. This process often leaves ducks and geese temporarily flightless as they often tend to drop their major flight feathers all in one go. However, most birds sequentially moult these larger feathers so that they can continue flying and even migrate whilst undergoing the process, and frequently both wings mirror each other to stay on an even keel! Just a few birds actually undergo primary and secondary wing moult whilst still feeding young (Sparrowhawk is probably the best local example). Many juvenile birds at this time of the year undergo a body moult, where they begin to replace their first 'nest' feathers with more substantial attire. In the main though, most juveniles will retain their flight feathers. It is these processes that sometimes helps us to age the birds we are looking at.
Regards
Eleanor & Neil
Although autumn migration has been going on for some weeks now, today was noteworthy inasmuch that quite a few species were visually easy to see on migration. Gulls were drifting south over the county all day, in the main Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed, with smaller numbers of other species. Other birds on the move today included Swift, hirundines with Sand Martins in particular, and small numbers of wagtails. At Pitsford Res this morning, birds south of the causeway included the Bar-headed Goose, a Little Egret and a Dunlin. The first returning adult Great Black-backed Gull was by the dam this evening, and there were two Grey Wagtails at Hanging Houghton.
Many adult birds, particularly the larger birds, will now be in the process or just starting to moult their flight feathers. Many of the gulls overhead are clearly moulting primaries and secondaries, the stark gaps in the trailing edges of the wings often denote this. This process often leaves ducks and geese temporarily flightless as they often tend to drop their major flight feathers all in one go. However, most birds sequentially moult these larger feathers so that they can continue flying and even migrate whilst undergoing the process, and frequently both wings mirror each other to stay on an even keel! Just a few birds actually undergo primary and secondary wing moult whilst still feeding young (Sparrowhawk is probably the best local example). Many juvenile birds at this time of the year undergo a body moult, where they begin to replace their first 'nest' feathers with more substantial attire. In the main though, most juveniles will retain their flight feathers. It is these processes that sometimes helps us to age the birds we are looking at.
Regards
Eleanor & Neil
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| Lesser Black-backed Gull Pitsford Reservoir |
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| If I hide behind this board at Pitsford you won't be able to see me! |
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| Greylag Goose in flight Pitsford Reservoir |
Garden butterflies
Hello
Sometimes there is no need to go any further than the garden for a stunning splash of summer colour...!
Neil M
Sometimes there is no need to go any further than the garden for a stunning splash of summer colour...!
Neil M
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| Small Tortoiseshell butterfly |
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| Peacock butterfly |
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| Comma butterfly |
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Birds before the rain...
Hello
A walk around the Blueberry Farm complex near Maidwell this morning provided views of Barn Owl and Hobby, and a Grasshopper Warbler was singing from an oil seed rape field between Brixworth and Hanging Houghton.
A ringing session at Stortons GP this morning was busy with 95 birds caught and processed, 79 of which were new birds. Highlights were 4 juvenile Cetti's Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs, 36 Reed Warblers, Linnet and 4 Reed Buntings.
A ringing session in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning was much quieter with only about 40 birds being caught. However it did include three juvenile Kingfishers and a few each of Garden Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. Two Mallard, a Coal Tit and a Marsh Tit added a bit of variety.
A Hobby was seen and two parties of Crossbills flew south-west over the reservoir during the morning, the first flock was only heard and probably numbered 4-5 birds and the second flock contained at least 5 birds.
A walk around Harrington Airfield this afternoon before the change in the weather failed to locate anything specifically of interest.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A walk around the Blueberry Farm complex near Maidwell this morning provided views of Barn Owl and Hobby, and a Grasshopper Warbler was singing from an oil seed rape field between Brixworth and Hanging Houghton.
A ringing session at Stortons GP this morning was busy with 95 birds caught and processed, 79 of which were new birds. Highlights were 4 juvenile Cetti's Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs, 36 Reed Warblers, Linnet and 4 Reed Buntings.
A ringing session in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning was much quieter with only about 40 birds being caught. However it did include three juvenile Kingfishers and a few each of Garden Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. Two Mallard, a Coal Tit and a Marsh Tit added a bit of variety.
A Hobby was seen and two parties of Crossbills flew south-west over the reservoir during the morning, the first flock was only heard and probably numbered 4-5 birds and the second flock contained at least 5 birds.
A walk around Harrington Airfield this afternoon before the change in the weather failed to locate anything specifically of interest.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Friday, 26 July 2013
Pitsford gull roost
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| Male Brimstone butterfly |
A visit to Pitsford Res this evening confirmed the presence of a very small gull roost off the yacht club containing five species. This included three Yellow-legged Gulls and three summering Great Black-backed Gulls. There were six Common Sandpipers flying around and two Green Sandpipers were heard calling but not seen as they flew over. A Bar-headed Goose with the Canadas is probably the same individual that has been an occasional visitor for a few years now.
A Hobby was the only bird of note at Harrington Airfield this evening.
Regards
E & N
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| Juvenile Whitethroat |
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| Bar-headed Goose |
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Frustrating observations!
Hello
Some computer problems are affecting our ability to post blogs currently but hopefully we will fix this soon.
Yesterday (Wednesday) and a Barn Owl was hunting at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell in the morning.
A visit to Harrington Airfield in the afternoon was eventful with a Red Fox vixen out in the open with her two well-grown cubs. And I didn't have my camera! A further frustration was witnessing an unidentified and interesting dark raptor moving north over the airfield. Another one to add to the list of ones that got away!
This evening, and there were one or two Barn Owl(s) again hunting at Blueberry Farm.
Regards
Eleanor
Some computer problems are affecting our ability to post blogs currently but hopefully we will fix this soon.
Yesterday (Wednesday) and a Barn Owl was hunting at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell in the morning.
A visit to Harrington Airfield in the afternoon was eventful with a Red Fox vixen out in the open with her two well-grown cubs. And I didn't have my camera! A further frustration was witnessing an unidentified and interesting dark raptor moving north over the airfield. Another one to add to the list of ones that got away!
This evening, and there were one or two Barn Owl(s) again hunting at Blueberry Farm.
Regards
Eleanor
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Summer Leys N.R.
Hello
A short scanning session from the The Pioneer Hide at the Summer Leys Nature Reserve (Earls Barton) this evening provided views of 5 Little Ringed Plovers (2 adults), 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, a juvenile Shelduck and five broods of Tufted Duck with one brood of 14 ducklings!
Regards
E & N
A short scanning session from the The Pioneer Hide at the Summer Leys Nature Reserve (Earls Barton) this evening provided views of 5 Little Ringed Plovers (2 adults), 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, a juvenile Shelduck and five broods of Tufted Duck with one brood of 14 ducklings!
Regards
E & N
Humid Highs
Hello
This morning a family of Spotted Flycatchers was visible at Lamport Hall, and Harrington Airfield provided views of a pair of Grey Partridge with three young, a Hobby and a Red Kite.
Hollowell Res this afternoon hosted 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a Wigeon, 20 Common Terns, three broods of Tufted Duck and a Grasshopper Warbler. Dragonflies included Emperor, Brown Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer and both Ruddy and Common Darter. An eclipse drake Mandarin Duck was again at Ravensthorpe Res and a Hobby was successfully hunting dragonflies around the causeway.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
This morning a family of Spotted Flycatchers was visible at Lamport Hall, and Harrington Airfield provided views of a pair of Grey Partridge with three young, a Hobby and a Red Kite.
Hollowell Res this afternoon hosted 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a Wigeon, 20 Common Terns, three broods of Tufted Duck and a Grasshopper Warbler. Dragonflies included Emperor, Brown Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer and both Ruddy and Common Darter. An eclipse drake Mandarin Duck was again at Ravensthorpe Res and a Hobby was successfully hunting dragonflies around the causeway.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Monday, 22 July 2013
Sultry birds
Hello
Yesterday evening (Sunday) provided a Kingfisher at Welford Res and a Little Egret at adjacent Sulby Res, with families of Great Crested Grebes on both waters.
A walk around Harlestone Heath this morning (Monday) produced small numbers of very mobile Crossbills. They were only ever seen in flight and there may have been just up to half-a-dozen birds involved. A family of Spotted Flycatchers were also present near the A428 entrance.
A Hobby and the family of Little Owls were again present on the outskirts of Hanging Houghton this evening and four Crossbills flew south west over the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res at 8.10pm.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Yesterday evening (Sunday) provided a Kingfisher at Welford Res and a Little Egret at adjacent Sulby Res, with families of Great Crested Grebes on both waters.
A walk around Harlestone Heath this morning (Monday) produced small numbers of very mobile Crossbills. They were only ever seen in flight and there may have been just up to half-a-dozen birds involved. A family of Spotted Flycatchers were also present near the A428 entrance.
A Hobby and the family of Little Owls were again present on the outskirts of Hanging Houghton this evening and four Crossbills flew south west over the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res at 8.10pm.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Raptors and ringing
Hi
This morning there was a ringing session held at Stortons GP under the leadership of John Woollett. Reasonable numbers of birds were dominated with catches of both adult and juvenile Reed and Sedge Warblers. However, there were also plenty of juvenile Whitethroats about plus a couple of Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Other birds trapped and ringed included Linnet, Song Thrush and a male Sparrowhawk that was already in heavy wing moult. Birds flying about included a couple of Kingfishers, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Little Egrets. Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers could be heard calling from the reeds.
At or just before 8.30am this morning, an Osprey carrying a very large fish laboured over the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton. He/she finally landed in a tree to try and subdue the wriggly monster which was eventually accomplished! Other birds in the immediate vicinity included a Red Kite and a Hobby, with a pair of Grey Partridge near Beck Dairy, Cottesbrooke. Another Red Kite was at Walgrave, where there have been regular sightings all summer.
At lunch-time today, a Common Buzzard was found in a bewildered state in the carriageway of the A508 Brixworth bypass, presumably having been clipped by a vehicle. It was picked up and briefly rehabilitated before being released at Pitsford Reservoir where it flew off strongly.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
This morning there was a ringing session held at Stortons GP under the leadership of John Woollett. Reasonable numbers of birds were dominated with catches of both adult and juvenile Reed and Sedge Warblers. However, there were also plenty of juvenile Whitethroats about plus a couple of Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Other birds trapped and ringed included Linnet, Song Thrush and a male Sparrowhawk that was already in heavy wing moult. Birds flying about included a couple of Kingfishers, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Little Egrets. Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers could be heard calling from the reeds.
At or just before 8.30am this morning, an Osprey carrying a very large fish laboured over the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton. He/she finally landed in a tree to try and subdue the wriggly monster which was eventually accomplished! Other birds in the immediate vicinity included a Red Kite and a Hobby, with a pair of Grey Partridge near Beck Dairy, Cottesbrooke. Another Red Kite was at Walgrave, where there have been regular sightings all summer.
At lunch-time today, a Common Buzzard was found in a bewildered state in the carriageway of the A508 Brixworth bypass, presumably having been clipped by a vehicle. It was picked up and briefly rehabilitated before being released at Pitsford Reservoir where it flew off strongly.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
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| Sparrowhawk |
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| Common Buzzard |
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Look out for 'crossbills'
Hi
Well it's looking interesting at the moment if you like Crossbills! Five Two-barred Crossbills have been found in Norfolk/Suffolk today and it looks like the southern half of the UK is experiencing visits from flocks of immigrant Common Crossbills including sites today in Northants.
However, we didn't come across any ourselves and in fact the only birds of note were a single Red Kite at Harrington Airfield this morning and singles of Red Kite and Hobby in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this evening.
Regards
E & N
Well it's looking interesting at the moment if you like Crossbills! Five Two-barred Crossbills have been found in Norfolk/Suffolk today and it looks like the southern half of the UK is experiencing visits from flocks of immigrant Common Crossbills including sites today in Northants.
However, we didn't come across any ourselves and in fact the only birds of note were a single Red Kite at Harrington Airfield this morning and singles of Red Kite and Hobby in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this evening.
Regards
E & N
Friday, 19 July 2013
Little to report...
Hi
This morning there was a first summer Yellow-legged Gull off the dam at Pitsford Res and this evening a Hobby was seen at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.
Regards
E & N
This morning there was a first summer Yellow-legged Gull off the dam at Pitsford Res and this evening a Hobby was seen at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.
Regards
E & N
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Redstart
Hi
This evening there was a juvenile Redstart on the old airstrip at Harrington Airfield, in the general vicinity of the second bunker. It was quite vocal and as Redstarts go, quite easy to track down. A single adult Grey Partridge was the only other bird of note.
Regards
Eleanor
This evening there was a juvenile Redstart on the old airstrip at Harrington Airfield, in the general vicinity of the second bunker. It was quite vocal and as Redstarts go, quite easy to track down. A single adult Grey Partridge was the only other bird of note.
Regards
Eleanor
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Pitsford Ringing
Hi
Ringers at Pitsford Res operating in the Scaldwell Bay were busy this morning in very warm conditions. Some 95 birds were caught and included nearly 30 warblers and many juvenile tits, which is something of a relief after last year's poor breeding season. A juvenile Grasshopper Warbler was probably the bird of the session, and with no regular singing birds on site this year it is likely to be an early migrant passing through.
My thanks to Dave Francis for providing this update.
Regards
Neil M
Ringers at Pitsford Res operating in the Scaldwell Bay were busy this morning in very warm conditions. Some 95 birds were caught and included nearly 30 warblers and many juvenile tits, which is something of a relief after last year's poor breeding season. A juvenile Grasshopper Warbler was probably the bird of the session, and with no regular singing birds on site this year it is likely to be an early migrant passing through.
My thanks to Dave Francis for providing this update.
Regards
Neil M
Purple Emperors and supporting cast
Hi
This morning was spent in the Fermyn Wood CP/Fermyn Wood/ Lady Wood and Souther Wood complex east of Corby looking at interesting insects.
The star of the show was the Purple Emperor butterfly which is currently showing very well in this warm weather. The majority were males but one larger female was on the wing today. These extraordinary insects can show very well and regularly spend long periods on the ground taking minerals, and it is quite common for them to land on delighted observers in search of salt!
Plenty of other butterflies were on the wing including White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Hairstreak and White-letter Hairstreak.
The country park ponds attracted Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Four Spot Chaser, Ruddy Darter, Large Red Damselfly and Emerald Damselfly. The Long Pond still contained plenty of Great Crested Newts showing well.
A Moorhen family included two adults, three first brood youngsters and three second brood youngsters. Surprisingly the adults were feeding youngsters of both broods even though the first brood birds were easily capable of feeding themselves!
Plenty of common birds in the woods included good numbers of Nuthatch and Marsh Tit. A Crossbill flew over Fermyn Wood and a Siskin was also present. A small party of Crossbills were heard calling in Lady/Souther Wood.
Scanning over Blatherwycke Lake produced a Wigeon, two Black Swans and a Tufted Duck brood.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
This morning was spent in the Fermyn Wood CP/Fermyn Wood/ Lady Wood and Souther Wood complex east of Corby looking at interesting insects.
The star of the show was the Purple Emperor butterfly which is currently showing very well in this warm weather. The majority were males but one larger female was on the wing today. These extraordinary insects can show very well and regularly spend long periods on the ground taking minerals, and it is quite common for them to land on delighted observers in search of salt!
Plenty of other butterflies were on the wing including White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Hairstreak and White-letter Hairstreak.
The country park ponds attracted Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Four Spot Chaser, Ruddy Darter, Large Red Damselfly and Emerald Damselfly. The Long Pond still contained plenty of Great Crested Newts showing well.
A Moorhen family included two adults, three first brood youngsters and three second brood youngsters. Surprisingly the adults were feeding youngsters of both broods even though the first brood birds were easily capable of feeding themselves!
Plenty of common birds in the woods included good numbers of Nuthatch and Marsh Tit. A Crossbill flew over Fermyn Wood and a Siskin was also present. A small party of Crossbills were heard calling in Lady/Souther Wood.
Scanning over Blatherwycke Lake produced a Wigeon, two Black Swans and a Tufted Duck brood.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
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| Small Tortoiseshell |
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| Moorhen |
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| Purple Emperor |
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| Large Skipper |
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| Emerald Damselfly |
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| Ruddy Darter |
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Evening flights
Hi
This evening a warm walk around Harrington Airfield was fairly uneventful, albeit that the bushes held plenty of juvenile warblers and finches. A Hobby hurtled past as it began to cool.
Later this evening a Barn Owl was hunting the outskirts of Cottesbrooke village and the Little Owl family was again present just below Hanging Houghton, the juveniles being quite comical as they bobbed and tilted their heads trying to work out what a Border Collie and a birder on a bike was!
Regards
Eleanor
This evening a warm walk around Harrington Airfield was fairly uneventful, albeit that the bushes held plenty of juvenile warblers and finches. A Hobby hurtled past as it began to cool.
Later this evening a Barn Owl was hunting the outskirts of Cottesbrooke village and the Little Owl family was again present just below Hanging Houghton, the juveniles being quite comical as they bobbed and tilted their heads trying to work out what a Border Collie and a birder on a bike was!
Regards
Eleanor
Monday, 15 July 2013
Hot wildlife
Hi
Warm and sunny right from the start today and insects dominated the sightings. A drive to the north-east of the county yielded a Spotted Flycatcher at Fotheringhay before we strolled around Old Sulehay. The birds were all predictable but included an extraordinary number of juvenile Green Woodpeckers. Butterflies included plenty of Marbled Whites and some Small Heaths and Pyramidal and Common Spotted Orchids were on show.
A hot trundle then to Polebrook Airfield which produced three Turtle Doves (one singing and two in flight) and further specimens of Pyramidal Orchid and Marbled White. The bean and linseed fields towards Hemington attracted Yellow Wagtails in some numbers, and a couple of juvenile Little Owls were on show near Barnwell.
A hot and sticky walk around the Titchmarsh Reserve at Thrapston GP was literally buzzing with insects but few birds of note. Redshanks were vocal, three Oystercatchers were still present and a couple of broods of Tufted Ducks were on the old Barclaycard Pit. A single Little Egret was on the trout lake and dragonflies were well represented with good numbers of Brown Hawker, Emperor and Black-tailed Skimmer plus the usual damselflies and Banded Demoiselle. A single apparent Scarce Chaser showed well. Two Silver-washed Fritillaries dancing around alongside the river was unexpected. Plenty of other butterflies were on the wing including Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and a Red Admiral.
Plenty of small birds singing today were restricted to the species that attempt multiple broods in a season. As such, some warblers are now singing with almost the same passion as when they first arrived, and even Blackbird, Song Thrush etc are singing despite the very hot conditions.
A quick look from the Pioneer Hide at the Summer Leys reserve at Earls Barton provided views of five broods of Tufted Duck and good numbers of fledged Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls. Three Little Egrets, a couple each of Shoveler, Gadwall and Teal and four Wigeon were also on show and there were numerous Black-tailed Skimmers chasing each other around the muddy margins of the scrape. Emperor and Brown Hawker were here too and at least one Marbled White was on the wing by the main car park.
Regards
Neil M
Warm and sunny right from the start today and insects dominated the sightings. A drive to the north-east of the county yielded a Spotted Flycatcher at Fotheringhay before we strolled around Old Sulehay. The birds were all predictable but included an extraordinary number of juvenile Green Woodpeckers. Butterflies included plenty of Marbled Whites and some Small Heaths and Pyramidal and Common Spotted Orchids were on show.
A hot trundle then to Polebrook Airfield which produced three Turtle Doves (one singing and two in flight) and further specimens of Pyramidal Orchid and Marbled White. The bean and linseed fields towards Hemington attracted Yellow Wagtails in some numbers, and a couple of juvenile Little Owls were on show near Barnwell.
A hot and sticky walk around the Titchmarsh Reserve at Thrapston GP was literally buzzing with insects but few birds of note. Redshanks were vocal, three Oystercatchers were still present and a couple of broods of Tufted Ducks were on the old Barclaycard Pit. A single Little Egret was on the trout lake and dragonflies were well represented with good numbers of Brown Hawker, Emperor and Black-tailed Skimmer plus the usual damselflies and Banded Demoiselle. A single apparent Scarce Chaser showed well. Two Silver-washed Fritillaries dancing around alongside the river was unexpected. Plenty of other butterflies were on the wing including Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and a Red Admiral.
Plenty of small birds singing today were restricted to the species that attempt multiple broods in a season. As such, some warblers are now singing with almost the same passion as when they first arrived, and even Blackbird, Song Thrush etc are singing despite the very hot conditions.
A quick look from the Pioneer Hide at the Summer Leys reserve at Earls Barton provided views of five broods of Tufted Duck and good numbers of fledged Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls. Three Little Egrets, a couple each of Shoveler, Gadwall and Teal and four Wigeon were also on show and there were numerous Black-tailed Skimmers chasing each other around the muddy margins of the scrape. Emperor and Brown Hawker were here too and at least one Marbled White was on the wing by the main car park.
Regards
Neil M
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| Hoverfly sp |
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| Meadow Brown |
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| Southern Hawker. Misidentified as a freshly-emerged Brown Hawker, the markings at the end of the body are diagnostic of Southern. My thanks to Doug Goddard for pointing out my error (perhaps I should stick to birds)! |
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| Pyramidal Orchid |
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| Red Kite |
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| Emperor Dragonfly |
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| Scarce Chaser. I hope I have identified it correctly - a new species for me! |
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| Tufted Duck brood |
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| Juvenile Sedge Warbler |
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| Comma |
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| Ringlet |
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Pitsford CBC
Hi
Yesterday evening provided a beautiful summer sunset in the Brampton Valley and over Blueberry Farm. A Hobby was seen just below the village at Hanging Houghton.
This morning I accompanied David Arden to complete the last Common Bird Census of the season at Pitsford Res. Plenty of common birds on-site and good to see plenty more juveniles than last year. Ducks included a female Red-crested Pochard, a Wigeon and a pink or red-billed Tufted Duck all in the Walgrave Bay and several Teal and about 140 Gadwall scattered about north of the causeway. There were plenty of broods of Coot and a couple of broods of Great Crested Grebe and a brood of Tufted Duck. Eight species of warbler were recorded and some of the young Common Terns have fledged from the rafts in the Scaldwell Bay.
We saw a Grass Snake and when the sun did finally come out, insects included Emperor and Brown Hawker dragonflies. Butterflies included large numbers of Ringlets, smaller numbers of Meadow Brown and a single Gatekeeper. Large and Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma were also on the wing.
Regards
Neil M
Yesterday evening provided a beautiful summer sunset in the Brampton Valley and over Blueberry Farm. A Hobby was seen just below the village at Hanging Houghton.
This morning I accompanied David Arden to complete the last Common Bird Census of the season at Pitsford Res. Plenty of common birds on-site and good to see plenty more juveniles than last year. Ducks included a female Red-crested Pochard, a Wigeon and a pink or red-billed Tufted Duck all in the Walgrave Bay and several Teal and about 140 Gadwall scattered about north of the causeway. There were plenty of broods of Coot and a couple of broods of Great Crested Grebe and a brood of Tufted Duck. Eight species of warbler were recorded and some of the young Common Terns have fledged from the rafts in the Scaldwell Bay.
We saw a Grass Snake and when the sun did finally come out, insects included Emperor and Brown Hawker dragonflies. Butterflies included large numbers of Ringlets, smaller numbers of Meadow Brown and a single Gatekeeper. Large and Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma were also on the wing.
Regards
Neil M
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| Sunset over Blueberry Farm |
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| Small Skipper |
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| Large Skipper |
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| Ringlet |
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