Hello
A visit to Brixworth Sewage Works today provide views of a Peregrine, and two Grey Wagtails amongst quite a flock of Pied Wagtails.
Myself and Baz fed the birds at the start of the track at Harrington Airfield, and it wasn't long before at last 6 Bramblings appeared. There is quite a lot of fallen leaves on the ground which makes it rather a challenge picking out the Bramblings from the orange and gold colours of these leaves.
We flushed a Woodcock and 2 Short-eared Owls on our walk. I suspect that the Short-eared Owls are very recent arrivals judging by their flighty action.
There were 2 Red Kites over Walgrave village, seen as I opened my parents' front door, after I had visited them.
Poor Baz really wanted a snooze this afternoon, but I had other ideas !!! It was such a glorious afternoon and I couldn't miss the opportunity of a good walk around the Blueberry Farm complex.
There was a tractor ploughing which attracted large numbers of gulls, corvids, Starlings and winter thrushes. They were very vocal and a real test for my ears!!! Anyway it wasn't long before there were calls of alarm and chaos as a female Peregrine whizzed through, closely followed by 2+ Ravens.
When I reached the summit of the large field I loitered awhile to give Baz a rest and there was a fantastic sight of 3 Red Kites, the resident white Common Buzzard, a Raven and a Short-eared Owl all circling around in the air together, with the Raven and kites being very vocal. It really was a beautiful scene.
Other birds on our walk included a Barn Owl, Woodcock and a pair of Stonechat.
Regards
Eleanor
Saturday, 7 December 2013
Hume's Leaf Warbler
Hello
The apparent Yellow-browed Warbler from yesterday was seen today and primarily as a result of it's call has now been identified as the far rarer Hume's Leaf Warbler. This used to be treated as a race of Yellow-browed but is now regarded as a full species in its own right.
Access to the site remains restricted, but if the bird remains efforts will be made to provide an opportunity for chaperoned access in the near future.
Regards
Neil M
The apparent Yellow-browed Warbler from yesterday was seen today and primarily as a result of it's call has now been identified as the far rarer Hume's Leaf Warbler. This used to be treated as a race of Yellow-browed but is now regarded as a full species in its own right.
Access to the site remains restricted, but if the bird remains efforts will be made to provide an opportunity for chaperoned access in the near future.
Regards
Neil M
Images courtesy of
Neil Hasdell
Friday, 6 December 2013
Winter Woodcock & Co
Hello
Yesterday (Thursday) and a blustery walk at Harrington Airfield was enough to see two Woodcock and about ten Bramblings.
Today (Friday) and two visits to Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided observations of a female Peregrine, a Barn Owl, two Red Kites, 2+ Ravens, two Woodcock and a pair of Stonechat. Hundreds of Fieldfares remain on-site.
A Yellow-browed Warbler was heard calling at a private site today - efforts will be made to try and locate the bird tomorrow and if it is still present small numbers of birders may be able to visit the site by way of restricted and escorted access.
Pitsford Res continued to hold birds of interest today, two drake Smew, a Goosander and a Great White Egret were visible from the dam and birds on show from the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station included two Great White Egrets, eight Red-crested Pochard, four 'redhead' Smew, a Black-tailed Godwit and two Redshank.
A ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall today provided 95 captures which included plenty of tits, a Nuthatch, three Bullfinches, thirteen Goldfinches, a Treecreeper and nine Blackbirds. A Woodcock was seen on our initial arrival.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Yesterday (Thursday) and a blustery walk at Harrington Airfield was enough to see two Woodcock and about ten Bramblings.
Today (Friday) and two visits to Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided observations of a female Peregrine, a Barn Owl, two Red Kites, 2+ Ravens, two Woodcock and a pair of Stonechat. Hundreds of Fieldfares remain on-site.
A Yellow-browed Warbler was heard calling at a private site today - efforts will be made to try and locate the bird tomorrow and if it is still present small numbers of birders may be able to visit the site by way of restricted and escorted access.
Pitsford Res continued to hold birds of interest today, two drake Smew, a Goosander and a Great White Egret were visible from the dam and birds on show from the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station included two Great White Egrets, eight Red-crested Pochard, four 'redhead' Smew, a Black-tailed Godwit and two Redshank.
A ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall today provided 95 captures which included plenty of tits, a Nuthatch, three Bullfinches, thirteen Goldfinches, a Treecreeper and nine Blackbirds. A Woodcock was seen on our initial arrival.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
It's becoming colder...
Hello
A day of chores today meant that we were both out of action for much of the time.
I noticed a Grey Wagtail at Pitsford Quarry this morning and later there was a Red Kite circling over Hanging Houghton village.
Whilst at Pitsford Res restocking and organising the feed station at the Old Scaldwell Road, I noted the long-staying Black-tailed Godwit, the Bar-headed Goose and at least 6 Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay.
A short birding session at Ravensthorpe Res this afternoon in plummeting temperatures failed to find much of note, the highlights being a Grey Wagtail, a Kingfisher and a Water Rail.
Regards
Neil M
A day of chores today meant that we were both out of action for much of the time.
I noticed a Grey Wagtail at Pitsford Quarry this morning and later there was a Red Kite circling over Hanging Houghton village.
Whilst at Pitsford Res restocking and organising the feed station at the Old Scaldwell Road, I noted the long-staying Black-tailed Godwit, the Bar-headed Goose and at least 6 Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay.
A short birding session at Ravensthorpe Res this afternoon in plummeting temperatures failed to find much of note, the highlights being a Grey Wagtail, a Kingfisher and a Water Rail.
Regards
Neil M
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Oldsquaw!
Hello
Today on my early morning run there were 2+ Bramblings, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Ravens near Beck Dairy, Cottesbrooke. I think that I gave the pair of Stonechat [at the southern end of Blueberry] a fright as it was barely light when I ran past them as they perched on the brambles next to the track!!
Whilst drinking my coffee at home and recovering from my run I had 2 Crossbills, 6 Siskins and probably the same 2 Ravens over the garden.
I found myself running errands around the Wellingborough area so I took Bazra and enjoyed a very pleasant stroll around Sywell Country Park. It is quite a favourite walk of mine and I think a rather under-watched place. The autumn colours were quite stunning, mind you so were the birds as I coincided my walk with a brief spell of sunshine. Two 'redhead' Smew, a Water Rail, a pair of Stonechat, 10+ Lesser Redpolls and 50+ Siskin certainly brightened up the day.
One of my aims for today was to visit Earls Barton and hopefully photograph the 3 Long-tailed Ducks present on Mary's Lake. I do not remember seeing three of these birds together in the county before and they certainly looked quite spectacular and were showing well - diving, preening, flying and loafing around. Sadly the light was pretty poor this afternoon.......well that's my excuse for my poor attempts at photographing them!
Regards
Eleanor
Today on my early morning run there were 2+ Bramblings, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Ravens near Beck Dairy, Cottesbrooke. I think that I gave the pair of Stonechat [at the southern end of Blueberry] a fright as it was barely light when I ran past them as they perched on the brambles next to the track!!
Whilst drinking my coffee at home and recovering from my run I had 2 Crossbills, 6 Siskins and probably the same 2 Ravens over the garden.
I found myself running errands around the Wellingborough area so I took Bazra and enjoyed a very pleasant stroll around Sywell Country Park. It is quite a favourite walk of mine and I think a rather under-watched place. The autumn colours were quite stunning, mind you so were the birds as I coincided my walk with a brief spell of sunshine. Two 'redhead' Smew, a Water Rail, a pair of Stonechat, 10+ Lesser Redpolls and 50+ Siskin certainly brightened up the day.
One of my aims for today was to visit Earls Barton and hopefully photograph the 3 Long-tailed Ducks present on Mary's Lake. I do not remember seeing three of these birds together in the county before and they certainly looked quite spectacular and were showing well - diving, preening, flying and loafing around. Sadly the light was pretty poor this afternoon.......well that's my excuse for my poor attempts at photographing them!
Regards
Eleanor
Monday, 2 December 2013
Feeding the birds
Hello
Eleanor's walk at Harrington Airfield this morning failed to find much of note, but a dozen Bramblings were on the seed with other birds by the main entrance.
After a short period of bird ringing in the garden this morning I spent much of the day visiting and re-stocking wild bird feeding stations nearby. Three Woodcock were noted in Scotland Wood, a private site on the Kelmarsh Estate.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor's walk at Harrington Airfield this morning failed to find much of note, but a dozen Bramblings were on the seed with other birds by the main entrance.
After a short period of bird ringing in the garden this morning I spent much of the day visiting and re-stocking wild bird feeding stations nearby. Three Woodcock were noted in Scotland Wood, a private site on the Kelmarsh Estate.
Regards
Neil M
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Watch out for European Immigrants!
Hello
A ringing session held in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res provided over sixty birds of a variety of species. Quite a number of Blackbirds included a female bearing a Dutch ring, further proof that many of the Backbirds around at the moment are transient European birds looking for suitable winter quarters. A male Sparrowhawk was the highlight for many, these fierce and undaunted little predators always demand respect and generate just a little awe. A Lesser Redpoll was also caught together with a Willow Tit and a couple of Redwings plus six tiny Goldcrests.
Other birds noted in and around the Walgrave Bay included nine Red-crested Pochard, a Kingfisher, a couple more redpoll sp and about six Siskins.
A still and cold Blueberry Farm yielded a hunting Barn Owl and two Stonechats this afternoon and a Peregrine was reported.
Regards
Eleanor, Neil H and Neil M
A ringing session held in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res provided over sixty birds of a variety of species. Quite a number of Blackbirds included a female bearing a Dutch ring, further proof that many of the Backbirds around at the moment are transient European birds looking for suitable winter quarters. A male Sparrowhawk was the highlight for many, these fierce and undaunted little predators always demand respect and generate just a little awe. A Lesser Redpoll was also caught together with a Willow Tit and a couple of Redwings plus six tiny Goldcrests.
Other birds noted in and around the Walgrave Bay included nine Red-crested Pochard, a Kingfisher, a couple more redpoll sp and about six Siskins.
A still and cold Blueberry Farm yielded a hunting Barn Owl and two Stonechats this afternoon and a Peregrine was reported.
Regards
Eleanor, Neil H and Neil M
Sparrowhawk
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Week-end foray
Hello
Birds noted at Pitsford Reservoir today included 2 Great White Egrets, at least 16 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Redshank, a drake Pintail south of the causeway and a Woodcock.
Blueberry Farm continued to host 2 Stonechat, 2-3 Woodcock, 2 Ravens, a Barn Owl, 2 Red Kites, a female Peregrine and still large numbers of winter thrushes.
At least ten Bramblings were on the seed at Harrington Airfield, at the concrete track entrance off the Draughton Road. Small numbers of fidgety redpoll sp were present at all three sites.
Regards
Eleanor, Neil H and Neil M
Birds noted at Pitsford Reservoir today included 2 Great White Egrets, at least 16 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Redshank, a drake Pintail south of the causeway and a Woodcock.
Blueberry Farm continued to host 2 Stonechat, 2-3 Woodcock, 2 Ravens, a Barn Owl, 2 Red Kites, a female Peregrine and still large numbers of winter thrushes.
At least ten Bramblings were on the seed at Harrington Airfield, at the concrete track entrance off the Draughton Road. Small numbers of fidgety redpoll sp were present at all three sites.
Regards
Eleanor, Neil H and Neil M
Friday, 29 November 2013
Dank afternoon!
Hello
A dull and dank afternoon failed to inspire, additional birds at Pitsford Res visible from the yacht club amounted to a Great White Egret, 4 Little Egrets and a Yellow-legged Gull. It was also rather samey at Blueberry Farm with a Barn Owl and the pair of Stonechat being the only birds of note. Hundreds of noisy 'chacking' Fieldfares there were in their element - plenty of berries and nice thick hedges to roost in.
Regards
N & E
A dull and dank afternoon failed to inspire, additional birds at Pitsford Res visible from the yacht club amounted to a Great White Egret, 4 Little Egrets and a Yellow-legged Gull. It was also rather samey at Blueberry Farm with a Barn Owl and the pair of Stonechat being the only birds of note. Hundreds of noisy 'chacking' Fieldfares there were in their element - plenty of berries and nice thick hedges to roost in.
Regards
N & E
Plenty of Goldeneye are
now present at Pitsford Res
including many fine drakes.
Egrets & Co
Hello
This morning I took a wander in to the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res. The bird highlights were 1-2 Great White Egret(s), 13 Red-crested Pochard (still including the leucistic drake), 13 Pintail, a drake Goosander, 3 Black Swans, several Little Egrets, a Dunlin, 2 Redshank and a few Golden Plover. At least one Marsh Tit is regularly at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station these days and today a Willow Tit was by the James Fisher Hide.
Eleanor flushed a Woodcock along the Brampton Valley Way, again by the Spratton crossing, and 2 Bramblings were also along the Way below Brixworth.
Good numbers of common birds were at the concrete track entrance of Harrington Airfield this morning, many of them bathing in the puddles there. Birds coming down for the seed at the same place included 8 Bramblings.
Regards
Neil M
This morning I took a wander in to the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res. The bird highlights were 1-2 Great White Egret(s), 13 Red-crested Pochard (still including the leucistic drake), 13 Pintail, a drake Goosander, 3 Black Swans, several Little Egrets, a Dunlin, 2 Redshank and a few Golden Plover. At least one Marsh Tit is regularly at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station these days and today a Willow Tit was by the James Fisher Hide.
Eleanor flushed a Woodcock along the Brampton Valley Way, again by the Spratton crossing, and 2 Bramblings were also along the Way below Brixworth.
Good numbers of common birds were at the concrete track entrance of Harrington Airfield this morning, many of them bathing in the puddles there. Birds coming down for the seed at the same place included 8 Bramblings.
Regards
Neil M
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Birds setting their stall out for winter.
Hello
This morning a scan at Ravensthorpe Reservoir provided views of the still present leucistic female Red-crested Pochard and a Raven proclaiming its territory.
A visit to Harrington Airfield this morning confirmed the presence of hundreds of Fieldfares stripping the berries off the hawthorns. Also present were two Red Kites, 4 Bramblings and a Chiffchaff. Fly-overs included 2+ redpoll sp and a Grey Wagtail.
A single Grey Wagtail was present in Hanging Houghton village. Single Woodcock were present at Kelmarsh Hall and Scotland Wood.
Birds noted at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon included a Barn Owl, 2 Woodcock, 2 Grey Partridges, a pair of Stonechat, 2-3 Red Kites and over-flying finches included 5 Bramblings and 2+ redpoll sp.
Scanning from the yacht club at Pitsford Res this afternoon provided views of two fishing Great White Egrets, four Little Egrets and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
This morning a scan at Ravensthorpe Reservoir provided views of the still present leucistic female Red-crested Pochard and a Raven proclaiming its territory.
A visit to Harrington Airfield this morning confirmed the presence of hundreds of Fieldfares stripping the berries off the hawthorns. Also present were two Red Kites, 4 Bramblings and a Chiffchaff. Fly-overs included 2+ redpoll sp and a Grey Wagtail.
A single Grey Wagtail was present in Hanging Houghton village. Single Woodcock were present at Kelmarsh Hall and Scotland Wood.
Birds noted at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon included a Barn Owl, 2 Woodcock, 2 Grey Partridges, a pair of Stonechat, 2-3 Red Kites and over-flying finches included 5 Bramblings and 2+ redpoll sp.
Scanning from the yacht club at Pitsford Res this afternoon provided views of two fishing Great White Egrets, four Little Egrets and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Brampton Valley and beyond...
Hello
Today Eleanor spent some time locally, starting with a run along Merry Tom Lane, along the Brampton Valley Way and around Cottesbrooke to Hanging Houghton. Birds en-route included about 6 Bramblings near to Brixworth, a Woodcock along the BVW towards the Spratton Crossing, 2-3 Crossbills between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton (Gamboro' Plantation) and 2 Ravens below HH.
A visit to Brixworth Country Park provided views of 16 Lesser Redpolls by the hide, at least 2 Bramblings and another Woodcock. A walk at Harrington Airfield confirmed the continuing presence of 4+ Bramblings by the shooting wall.
In the meantime Dave Francis was completing a ringing session at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station at Pitsford Reservoir, the overall session providing 80 birds, with just over half of the birds being new. Ringing has helped us to confirm that this year at least 166 new Tree Sparrows have made use of the foodstuffs which is provided year-round.
New birds included a Moorhen, 3 Redwings, 6 Blackbirds, 4 Yellowhammers, 6 Tree Sparrows and 10 Greenfinches.
Egrets noted south of the causeway this afternoon included four Little and two Great Whites.
Regards
Neil M
Today Eleanor spent some time locally, starting with a run along Merry Tom Lane, along the Brampton Valley Way and around Cottesbrooke to Hanging Houghton. Birds en-route included about 6 Bramblings near to Brixworth, a Woodcock along the BVW towards the Spratton Crossing, 2-3 Crossbills between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton (Gamboro' Plantation) and 2 Ravens below HH.
A visit to Brixworth Country Park provided views of 16 Lesser Redpolls by the hide, at least 2 Bramblings and another Woodcock. A walk at Harrington Airfield confirmed the continuing presence of 4+ Bramblings by the shooting wall.
In the meantime Dave Francis was completing a ringing session at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station at Pitsford Reservoir, the overall session providing 80 birds, with just over half of the birds being new. Ringing has helped us to confirm that this year at least 166 new Tree Sparrows have made use of the foodstuffs which is provided year-round.
New birds included a Moorhen, 3 Redwings, 6 Blackbirds, 4 Yellowhammers, 6 Tree Sparrows and 10 Greenfinches.
Egrets noted south of the causeway this afternoon included four Little and two Great Whites.
Regards
Neil M
Monday, 25 November 2013
Pitsford WeBs Count
Hello
Today was taken up completing the monthly count of water-birds present at Pitsford Reservoir.
Three or four Great White Egrets were again present - it still has not been possible to see all suspected four birds at the same time! One showed particularly well just off the causeway this afternoon, causing a small gathering of curious on-lookers taking photos. Possibly as many as 15 Little Egrets were present.
Good numbers of waterfowl were present, the highlights being 11 Goosanders, a drake Smew (Holcot Bay), a Black-necked Grebe (near yacht club), 10 Pintail and 24 Red-crested Pochard (plus an extraordinary drake RC Pochard x Mallard hybrid)! Less authentic species included the Bar-headed Goose still and three Black Swans.
Waders were well-represented - a single Black-tailed Godwit, 4-5 Redshank, 40 Snipe, a Grey Plover and a Common Sandpiper.
Other birds included an adult female Peregrine, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, two Kingfishers, 12 redpoll sp, a couple of Siskins, a Grey Wagtail and a Chiffchaff. One of the adult Great Black-backed Gulls present has learnt to catch fish by diving in to the shallows in a similar manner to a Gannet - the Scaldwell Bay is its usual fishing haunt.
One of the many Little Grebes present suffered predation in the jaws of a large Pike in the Pintail Bay - probably a regular but rarely witnessed event. The Little Grebe clearly saw the underwater predator because it was sounding the alarm and tried to take evasive action but to no avail.
Regards
Eleanor & Neil
Today was taken up completing the monthly count of water-birds present at Pitsford Reservoir.
Three or four Great White Egrets were again present - it still has not been possible to see all suspected four birds at the same time! One showed particularly well just off the causeway this afternoon, causing a small gathering of curious on-lookers taking photos. Possibly as many as 15 Little Egrets were present.
Good numbers of waterfowl were present, the highlights being 11 Goosanders, a drake Smew (Holcot Bay), a Black-necked Grebe (near yacht club), 10 Pintail and 24 Red-crested Pochard (plus an extraordinary drake RC Pochard x Mallard hybrid)! Less authentic species included the Bar-headed Goose still and three Black Swans.
Waders were well-represented - a single Black-tailed Godwit, 4-5 Redshank, 40 Snipe, a Grey Plover and a Common Sandpiper.
Other birds included an adult female Peregrine, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, two Kingfishers, 12 redpoll sp, a couple of Siskins, a Grey Wagtail and a Chiffchaff. One of the adult Great Black-backed Gulls present has learnt to catch fish by diving in to the shallows in a similar manner to a Gannet - the Scaldwell Bay is its usual fishing haunt.
One of the many Little Grebes present suffered predation in the jaws of a large Pike in the Pintail Bay - probably a regular but rarely witnessed event. The Little Grebe clearly saw the underwater predator because it was sounding the alarm and tried to take evasive action but to no avail.
Regards
Eleanor & Neil
Red Fox and escort!
First year Great Crested Grebe
Lapwing
Drake Teal
Bar-headed Goose
Cormorant
Drake Smew
Great White Egret
Little Egret
Little and Large!
Vanity is a terrible thing -
he/she clearly admires the reflection!
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Ditchford GP
Hello
Today was spent wandering around Ditchford Gravel Pits completing a rather late WeBs count.
Birds west of Ditchford Lane included an adult drake Scaup, 3 Egyptian Geese, a first year Yellow-legged Gull, a first year Caspian Gull, 2 Little Egrets, a Woodcock, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher, 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Birds east of Ditchford Lane included hundreds of Gadwall, 2 Woodcock, 2 Green Sandpipers, a Little Egret, a Water Rail, 5 Kingfishers, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Today was spent wandering around Ditchford Gravel Pits completing a rather late WeBs count.
Birds west of Ditchford Lane included an adult drake Scaup, 3 Egyptian Geese, a first year Yellow-legged Gull, a first year Caspian Gull, 2 Little Egrets, a Woodcock, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher, 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Birds east of Ditchford Lane included hundreds of Gadwall, 2 Woodcock, 2 Green Sandpipers, a Little Egret, a Water Rail, 5 Kingfishers, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Cetti's Warblers.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Distant image of the
drake Scaup (centre
bird below the Coot).
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Long-tailed Duck!
Hello
Thanks to Neil Hasdell's careful scanning, a Long-tailed Duck was located at Pitsford Res this afternoon, frequenting the Walgrave Bay. This is a species which has become a very rare visitor to the county in recent years, no doubt linked to a world-wide reduction in numbers. The bird was still present at dusk, still in the Walgrave Bay albeit it was seen in flight briefly. Please see Neil's images below...
Other birds noted north of the causeway this afternoon included a Black-tailed Godwit and a drake Goosander, and 7 Little Egrets and 2 Great White Egrets were seen flying to roost.
A ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall today was very busy with 126 birds being caught of 12 species. Confirming a good breeding year locally, 49 of 50 Blue Tits were birds fledged this year. Great Tits and Goldfinches were similarly caught in good numbers and again with high numbers of youngsters from this year. The overall catch included two Marsh Tits, four Coal Tits, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and ten Blackbirds.
Other birds noted included two Ravens, 1-2 Siskin(s), a Brambling, plenty of Nuthatches and a Kingfisher.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil M
Thanks to Neil Hasdell's careful scanning, a Long-tailed Duck was located at Pitsford Res this afternoon, frequenting the Walgrave Bay. This is a species which has become a very rare visitor to the county in recent years, no doubt linked to a world-wide reduction in numbers. The bird was still present at dusk, still in the Walgrave Bay albeit it was seen in flight briefly. Please see Neil's images below...
Other birds noted north of the causeway this afternoon included a Black-tailed Godwit and a drake Goosander, and 7 Little Egrets and 2 Great White Egrets were seen flying to roost.
A ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall today was very busy with 126 birds being caught of 12 species. Confirming a good breeding year locally, 49 of 50 Blue Tits were birds fledged this year. Great Tits and Goldfinches were similarly caught in good numbers and again with high numbers of youngsters from this year. The overall catch included two Marsh Tits, four Coal Tits, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and ten Blackbirds.
Other birds noted included two Ravens, 1-2 Siskin(s), a Brambling, plenty of Nuthatches and a Kingfisher.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil M
Friday, 22 November 2013
Quick look!
Hello
A quick look at Pitsford Res this morning confirmed the continued presence of at least 2 Great White Egrets north of the causeway plus 3 Little Egrets and at least 8 Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay. A Dunlin was heard calling.
A female Peregrine was perched in a tree on the west side of Hanging Houghton this morning, there were 2 Ravens nearby and 2 Red Kites and at least 2 Bramblings near to Beck Dairy, Cottesbrooke. Harrington Airfield seemed quiet.
Regards
Neil & Eleanor M
A quick look at Pitsford Res this morning confirmed the continued presence of at least 2 Great White Egrets north of the causeway plus 3 Little Egrets and at least 8 Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay. A Dunlin was heard calling.
A female Peregrine was perched in a tree on the west side of Hanging Houghton this morning, there were 2 Ravens nearby and 2 Red Kites and at least 2 Bramblings near to Beck Dairy, Cottesbrooke. Harrington Airfield seemed quiet.
Regards
Neil & Eleanor M
Common Buzzard
in afternoon sunshine
Blueberry Farm
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
Wet, Windy Wednesday
A quick walk at Harrington this morning produced 4 Bramblings, again sitting very quietly in the bushes near the shooting wall. A flock of about 100 Golden Plover were very restless and vocal. Heavy rain soon put a stop to my birding.
As soon as it stopped I went for a run. This means that I have to rely on my ears and I heard the familiar "cronk, cronk" of the Ravens as two went overhead near Lamport. The Red Kites were equally as vocal, and there were 3 together near Draughton.
Late afternoon found me and Baz walking around Blueberry, again dodging the showers. The female Merlin was again present at dusk, as well as a Barn Owl and pair of Stonechat.
Neil visited Ravensthorpe Reservoir and noted a leucistic female Red-crested Pochard, a Kingfisher and a Water Rail. At Pitsford Res there were 2 Great White Egrets, one either side of the causeway.
A Woodcock was flushed at Sunderland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate.
Regards
Eleanor + Neil
As soon as it stopped I went for a run. This means that I have to rely on my ears and I heard the familiar "cronk, cronk" of the Ravens as two went overhead near Lamport. The Red Kites were equally as vocal, and there were 3 together near Draughton.
Late afternoon found me and Baz walking around Blueberry, again dodging the showers. The female Merlin was again present at dusk, as well as a Barn Owl and pair of Stonechat.
Neil visited Ravensthorpe Reservoir and noted a leucistic female Red-crested Pochard, a Kingfisher and a Water Rail. At Pitsford Res there were 2 Great White Egrets, one either side of the causeway.
A Woodcock was flushed at Sunderland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate.
Regards
Eleanor + Neil
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Northern Autumn Glory
It was a spur of the moment decision this morning to 'head north'! Following a hasty breakfast I literally bundled the dogs into the car and off we went for the day.
First stop was East Carlton Country Park where the ground was white with frost and the air crisp and clear. Initially it seemed very quiet but then I came across a flurry of activity as a rather vocal mixed tit flock moved through the bushes. As I watched them I realised that there was a number of additional birds quietly feeding on the floor, and counted 10+ Brambling.
Other birds included a male Blackcap, 30+ Siskin, 8+ Redpolls, Marsh Tit, Nuthatches and of course Red Kite.
I then drove the short distance to a large area of rough grass outside East Carlton [Wire Road], where the first bird I saw was a Short-eared Owl. I walked a quick circuit and bumped into a pair of Stonechat, 4 Lesser Redpoll and numerous Red Kites.
Coffee time found me at Wakerley Wood, and suitably refreshed I walked around for just over 2 hours and actually found places in the wood which I had never visited before.
The autumn colours were simply stunning, a beautiful mixture of yellows, gold, orange and brown bathed in the sunlight. The change in temperature meant that the trees were now shedding their leaves rapidly and it reminded me of confetti. I wish that I had taken my camera as I would have had a fantastic picture of Bazra, my collie boy, standing amongst the larch trees in the dappled sun with the fine larch needles gently falling over him. He looked fantastic against this backdrop.
Anyway, back to birding ......it was quiet, just a smattering of Siskin, Nuthatches, Marsh Tit, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Common Buzzard and Red Kite.
A Roe Deer stepped out onto the track in front of us and realised it's mistake and in slow motion it walked back into the trees and melted from view. The dogs took one look at it and thought "too big for us"!
There were some really sheltered areas in the wood and I saw at least 2 Red Admiral Butterfly, amazing for the time of year.
I usually visit the café at Fineshade Top Lodge for their delicious home made soup and today was no exception. I only walked a short circuit here and it seemed quiet. I did come across 2 Brambling which were feeding on the ground. My personal observations of the Bramblings this autumn is that there are quite a few about, but that they are not very vocal. They seem to be either sitting around or feeding quietly, just getting on with things rather than shouting about it.
Time to start making my way home, but I still had two further venues to visit. Firstly Blatherwycke Lake, which I always find a strange place, yet there is often something good there. I had to do a double take this afternoon as the first bird I saw was a Great White Egret standing on the grass towering over it's companions, 2 Little Egrets. This place certainly attracts the geese and there were 100's of Greylag Geese and a careful look through them provided singles of Egyptian and Barnacle Goose. Other birds present were 4 Mandarin Duck, 2 Kingfisher, 12 Siskins and umpteen Red Kite and Common Buzzard.
As I was driving near Bulwick myself and the car coming towards me had to almost do an emergency stop as 2 Red Kites decided to swoop down into the road after a fresh road kill. The kites appeared totally oblivious to the potential danger they were in and played about like two children vying for the best bit of the meat. I wonder if they were youngsters who still have a lot to learn?
Final destination was Fermyn, somewhere I haven't visited for a while. The bushes in the country park itself were alive with Redwings and Fieldfares. I walked through the country park and headed to the Lady's/Souther Wood complex, but I stopped at the obvious open area of farmland where I could look back towards Fermyn and forwards towards Lyveden New Bield. The fields towards Lyveden were alive with birds - Black-headed Gulls, 50 Golden Plover, Lapwings, Starlings and corvids . I also counted 18 Red Kite in the air together, an amazing sight, and the sound of their evocative calls simply spine tingling.
A 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was quartering the fields near to Lyveden and a Merlin, on size suggesting a female, caused chaos for a few minutes as she zapped through.
It was difficult to draw myself away, but I had to as I was quite a way from the car with 2 tired dogs and it was dark when we reached the car park, all rather tired and muddy.
I think that the next few days are going to be quiet in comparison to today.
Regards
Eleanor
First stop was East Carlton Country Park where the ground was white with frost and the air crisp and clear. Initially it seemed very quiet but then I came across a flurry of activity as a rather vocal mixed tit flock moved through the bushes. As I watched them I realised that there was a number of additional birds quietly feeding on the floor, and counted 10+ Brambling.
Other birds included a male Blackcap, 30+ Siskin, 8+ Redpolls, Marsh Tit, Nuthatches and of course Red Kite.
I then drove the short distance to a large area of rough grass outside East Carlton [Wire Road], where the first bird I saw was a Short-eared Owl. I walked a quick circuit and bumped into a pair of Stonechat, 4 Lesser Redpoll and numerous Red Kites.
Coffee time found me at Wakerley Wood, and suitably refreshed I walked around for just over 2 hours and actually found places in the wood which I had never visited before.
The autumn colours were simply stunning, a beautiful mixture of yellows, gold, orange and brown bathed in the sunlight. The change in temperature meant that the trees were now shedding their leaves rapidly and it reminded me of confetti. I wish that I had taken my camera as I would have had a fantastic picture of Bazra, my collie boy, standing amongst the larch trees in the dappled sun with the fine larch needles gently falling over him. He looked fantastic against this backdrop.
Anyway, back to birding ......it was quiet, just a smattering of Siskin, Nuthatches, Marsh Tit, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Common Buzzard and Red Kite.
A Roe Deer stepped out onto the track in front of us and realised it's mistake and in slow motion it walked back into the trees and melted from view. The dogs took one look at it and thought "too big for us"!
There were some really sheltered areas in the wood and I saw at least 2 Red Admiral Butterfly, amazing for the time of year.
I usually visit the café at Fineshade Top Lodge for their delicious home made soup and today was no exception. I only walked a short circuit here and it seemed quiet. I did come across 2 Brambling which were feeding on the ground. My personal observations of the Bramblings this autumn is that there are quite a few about, but that they are not very vocal. They seem to be either sitting around or feeding quietly, just getting on with things rather than shouting about it.
Time to start making my way home, but I still had two further venues to visit. Firstly Blatherwycke Lake, which I always find a strange place, yet there is often something good there. I had to do a double take this afternoon as the first bird I saw was a Great White Egret standing on the grass towering over it's companions, 2 Little Egrets. This place certainly attracts the geese and there were 100's of Greylag Geese and a careful look through them provided singles of Egyptian and Barnacle Goose. Other birds present were 4 Mandarin Duck, 2 Kingfisher, 12 Siskins and umpteen Red Kite and Common Buzzard.
As I was driving near Bulwick myself and the car coming towards me had to almost do an emergency stop as 2 Red Kites decided to swoop down into the road after a fresh road kill. The kites appeared totally oblivious to the potential danger they were in and played about like two children vying for the best bit of the meat. I wonder if they were youngsters who still have a lot to learn?
Final destination was Fermyn, somewhere I haven't visited for a while. The bushes in the country park itself were alive with Redwings and Fieldfares. I walked through the country park and headed to the Lady's/Souther Wood complex, but I stopped at the obvious open area of farmland where I could look back towards Fermyn and forwards towards Lyveden New Bield. The fields towards Lyveden were alive with birds - Black-headed Gulls, 50 Golden Plover, Lapwings, Starlings and corvids . I also counted 18 Red Kite in the air together, an amazing sight, and the sound of their evocative calls simply spine tingling.
A 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was quartering the fields near to Lyveden and a Merlin, on size suggesting a female, caused chaos for a few minutes as she zapped through.
It was difficult to draw myself away, but I had to as I was quite a way from the car with 2 tired dogs and it was dark when we reached the car park, all rather tired and muddy.
I think that the next few days are going to be quiet in comparison to today.
Regards
Eleanor
Monday, 18 November 2013
Grey day birds again...
Hello
Spending time at Pitsford Res today indicated that there were at least three Great White Egrets present but possibly four birds. Two spent a long period south of the causeway with singles in the Scaldwell and Walgrave Bays at much the same time, however logistics ensured that it wasn't possible to see all the birds at the same time! About ten Little Egrets also remain.
Other birds include one or two adult Yellow-legged Gull(s), 2 Redshank, 2 Dunlin and at least 2 Grey Wagtails. Three Redwings and three Meadow Pipits were caught and ringed at the reservoir today. A Chiffchaff and a redpoll sp were present in the adjacent Brixworth Country Park.
Birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon included a female Merlin, 2 Barn Owls, 2 Red Kites and the pair of Stonechat.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Spending time at Pitsford Res today indicated that there were at least three Great White Egrets present but possibly four birds. Two spent a long period south of the causeway with singles in the Scaldwell and Walgrave Bays at much the same time, however logistics ensured that it wasn't possible to see all the birds at the same time! About ten Little Egrets also remain.
Other birds include one or two adult Yellow-legged Gull(s), 2 Redshank, 2 Dunlin and at least 2 Grey Wagtails. Three Redwings and three Meadow Pipits were caught and ringed at the reservoir today. A Chiffchaff and a redpoll sp were present in the adjacent Brixworth Country Park.
Birds at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon included a female Merlin, 2 Barn Owls, 2 Red Kites and the pair of Stonechat.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Birds of a grey day...
Hello
A little ringing at Kelmarsh Hall this morning resulted in 36 birds being captured in a single net, the highlights being a Goldcrest, a Marsh Tit and 12 Goldfinches. However John Woollett and his team at Stortons GP enjoyed the exciting capture of a pair of Bearded Tits this morning!
Other birds seen at Kelmarsh this morning included two Ravens, a redpoll sp and 1-2 Siskin.
At Pitsford Res today, the three Great White Egrets were still present (two north of the causeway and one south), the 12 Red-crested Pochard were still in the Walgrave Bay and waders included a Black-tailed Godwit, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and four Redshank. A Chiffchaff, a Grey Wagtail and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were south of the causeway. A flock of about a hundred Golden Plover was the only sighting of note at Harrington Airfield this afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor, Neil H and Neil M
A little ringing at Kelmarsh Hall this morning resulted in 36 birds being captured in a single net, the highlights being a Goldcrest, a Marsh Tit and 12 Goldfinches. However John Woollett and his team at Stortons GP enjoyed the exciting capture of a pair of Bearded Tits this morning!
Other birds seen at Kelmarsh this morning included two Ravens, a redpoll sp and 1-2 Siskin.
At Pitsford Res today, the three Great White Egrets were still present (two north of the causeway and one south), the 12 Red-crested Pochard were still in the Walgrave Bay and waders included a Black-tailed Godwit, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and four Redshank. A Chiffchaff, a Grey Wagtail and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were south of the causeway. A flock of about a hundred Golden Plover was the only sighting of note at Harrington Airfield this afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor, Neil H and Neil M
Bearded Tits
Stortons GP
courtesy of
Chris Payne
Saturday, 16 November 2013
Pitsford has it!
Hello
A modest ringing session at Pitsford Res utilising the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station produced a nice variety of birds including quite a few Goldfinches and Greenfinches, a Redwing and an adult male Lesser Redpoll. Birding the site confirmed the continued presence of three Great White Egrets with two birds north of the causeway and a third ensconced south of the causeway on the Brixworth bank. Other birds included 12 Red-crested Pochard in the Walgrave Bay and 5 Pintail and an adult Yellow-legged Gull in the Scaldwell Bay. A Shelduck appeared north of the causeway and the day's surprise was three Black Swans touching down and swimming in to the Scaldwell Bay. Waders were well represented with a gaggle of Snipe, 2 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper and 10 Golden Plovers. There were plenty of Goldeneye and a Raven was heard croaking.
Birds elsewhere were hard work, Harrington Airfield provided 4 Bramblings by the shooting wall and the Blueberry Farm area yielded just 2 Stonechats and a Brambling.
Regards
Neil H, Neil M and Eleanor
A modest ringing session at Pitsford Res utilising the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station produced a nice variety of birds including quite a few Goldfinches and Greenfinches, a Redwing and an adult male Lesser Redpoll. Birding the site confirmed the continued presence of three Great White Egrets with two birds north of the causeway and a third ensconced south of the causeway on the Brixworth bank. Other birds included 12 Red-crested Pochard in the Walgrave Bay and 5 Pintail and an adult Yellow-legged Gull in the Scaldwell Bay. A Shelduck appeared north of the causeway and the day's surprise was three Black Swans touching down and swimming in to the Scaldwell Bay. Waders were well represented with a gaggle of Snipe, 2 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper and 10 Golden Plovers. There were plenty of Goldeneye and a Raven was heard croaking.
Birds elsewhere were hard work, Harrington Airfield provided 4 Bramblings by the shooting wall and the Blueberry Farm area yielded just 2 Stonechats and a Brambling.
Regards
Neil H, Neil M and Eleanor
Adult Redwing
Pitsford Res
Friday, 15 November 2013
Long-tailed Tits out in force!
Hello
A ringing session in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Reservoir this morning was enjoyable in the super late autumn sunshine and produced 91 small birds. Bird of the session was definitely the Long-tailed Tit with 30 birds captured. Other birds processed included 3 Song Thrushes, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Coal Tits and a Marsh Tit.
Other birds noted in the Walgrave Bay included a Raven, 7 Red-crested Pochard, a Little Egret, a Grey Wagtail and a Kingfisher.
A wander around Harrington Airfield this morning provided another viewing of an immature male Merlin, 2 Crossbills over heading towards Kettering, 8 Bramblings and 4 redpoll sp.
A Sparrowhawk took a Greenfinch off our garden feeder this afternoon, it all happening so quick that I don't think the prey item knew much about it.
This afternoon, birds in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and at the adjacent Blueberry Farm complex included a female Peregrine, 2 Red Kites, 2 Ravens, 2 Barn Owls and 2 Stonechat.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A ringing session in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Reservoir this morning was enjoyable in the super late autumn sunshine and produced 91 small birds. Bird of the session was definitely the Long-tailed Tit with 30 birds captured. Other birds processed included 3 Song Thrushes, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Coal Tits and a Marsh Tit.
Other birds noted in the Walgrave Bay included a Raven, 7 Red-crested Pochard, a Little Egret, a Grey Wagtail and a Kingfisher.
A wander around Harrington Airfield this morning provided another viewing of an immature male Merlin, 2 Crossbills over heading towards Kettering, 8 Bramblings and 4 redpoll sp.
A Sparrowhawk took a Greenfinch off our garden feeder this afternoon, it all happening so quick that I don't think the prey item knew much about it.
This afternoon, birds in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and at the adjacent Blueberry Farm complex included a female Peregrine, 2 Red Kites, 2 Ravens, 2 Barn Owls and 2 Stonechat.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
November status quo
Hello
A visit to Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon produced the adult Mediterranean Gull in the gull roost again (assumed to be the regular returning wintering bird). Two Great White Egrets and four Little Egrets were south of the causeway on the Brixworth bank and a Grey Wagtail was in the grounds of the yacht club.
A pair of Stonechat and a Barn Owl were noted at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon.
Earlier in the day and an exploration of Harrington Airfield only provided heavy numbers of migrating Fieldfares plus four Bramblings.
Regards
E & N
A visit to Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon produced the adult Mediterranean Gull in the gull roost again (assumed to be the regular returning wintering bird). Two Great White Egrets and four Little Egrets were south of the causeway on the Brixworth bank and a Grey Wagtail was in the grounds of the yacht club.
A pair of Stonechat and a Barn Owl were noted at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon.
Earlier in the day and an exploration of Harrington Airfield only provided heavy numbers of migrating Fieldfares plus four Bramblings.
Regards
E & N
Red-crested Pochards!
Hello
A quick scan at Ravensthorpe Reservoir from the causeway this morning was sufficient to see a leucistic female Red-crested Pochard, a Siskin and a Grey Wagtail.
At Pitsford Reservoir today, a flock of 21 Red-crested Pochard were in the Walgrave Bay at 12.10pm (including a leucistic male), and a Great White Egret was visible from the causeway about half an hour later.
Regards
Neil M
A quick scan at Ravensthorpe Reservoir from the causeway this morning was sufficient to see a leucistic female Red-crested Pochard, a Siskin and a Grey Wagtail.
At Pitsford Reservoir today, a flock of 21 Red-crested Pochard were in the Walgrave Bay at 12.10pm (including a leucistic male), and a Great White Egret was visible from the causeway about half an hour later.
Regards
Neil M
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Egrets steal the show !
It has been another one of those autumn days which meant that birding won hands down over indoor jobs......they will get done one day, honest !
I began the day with my collie companions in the valley below Hanging Houghton and walked towards Blueberry. There was certainly no shortage of birds around. There was a constant movement of Skylarks and Starlings, but I think that the most amazing sight was that of literally hundreds and hundreds of Fieldfare flying across the fields resembling a "snow blizzard".
Other birds included 3 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Grey Partridge, Barn Owl, 2 Red Kites, 2+ Ravens, a pair of Stonechat and a few Tree Sparrows.
After brunch I decided to visit Pitsford Reservoir. On the small side at least 20 Red-crested Pochard were easily visible, the males looked stunning in the sunshine. Two Great White Egrets were together in the Scaldwell bay, along with 3 Redshank and 8 Pintail.
I decided that I would walk around the whole of the bigside !! Bazra, my old collie didn't look too impressed at the prospect, whilst Bobbie was delighted to be pushed around and act as my "scope bearer".
As I walked across the causeway I noticed a group of walkers looking quite intently at something and laughing. They were watching a Little Egret which was standing on a bed of weed next to the causeway and this bird was really playing to its audience. The bird was dancing about, turning from side to side and not remotely bothered by the people who were within touching distance. It evoked memories of being in the Everglades many years ago with Egrets etc literally walking over our feet. This bird certainly gave a lot of pleasure to folk and who knows may have ignited a spark of interest in bird-watching.
Later I was stopped by a couple of folk walking around as they said that they had just seen a "huge White Heron"!, and I was able to confirm that indeed they were looking at a huge White Heron or more specifically the third Great White Egret currently present. We then chatted and they were keen to find out more about the birds and some of the other birds nearby.
Other birds around the big side included a Redshank, Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 10+ Lesser Redpoll and another pair of Red-crested Pochard.
It took me just over 4 hours to walk around and it was dark by the time I returned to my car; a couple of Little Owls were making all kinds of weird and wonderful noises near to the causeway.
Regards
Eleanor
I began the day with my collie companions in the valley below Hanging Houghton and walked towards Blueberry. There was certainly no shortage of birds around. There was a constant movement of Skylarks and Starlings, but I think that the most amazing sight was that of literally hundreds and hundreds of Fieldfare flying across the fields resembling a "snow blizzard".
Other birds included 3 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Grey Partridge, Barn Owl, 2 Red Kites, 2+ Ravens, a pair of Stonechat and a few Tree Sparrows.
After brunch I decided to visit Pitsford Reservoir. On the small side at least 20 Red-crested Pochard were easily visible, the males looked stunning in the sunshine. Two Great White Egrets were together in the Scaldwell bay, along with 3 Redshank and 8 Pintail.
I decided that I would walk around the whole of the bigside !! Bazra, my old collie didn't look too impressed at the prospect, whilst Bobbie was delighted to be pushed around and act as my "scope bearer".
As I walked across the causeway I noticed a group of walkers looking quite intently at something and laughing. They were watching a Little Egret which was standing on a bed of weed next to the causeway and this bird was really playing to its audience. The bird was dancing about, turning from side to side and not remotely bothered by the people who were within touching distance. It evoked memories of being in the Everglades many years ago with Egrets etc literally walking over our feet. This bird certainly gave a lot of pleasure to folk and who knows may have ignited a spark of interest in bird-watching.
Later I was stopped by a couple of folk walking around as they said that they had just seen a "huge White Heron"!, and I was able to confirm that indeed they were looking at a huge White Heron or more specifically the third Great White Egret currently present. We then chatted and they were keen to find out more about the birds and some of the other birds nearby.
Other birds around the big side included a Redshank, Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 10+ Lesser Redpoll and another pair of Red-crested Pochard.
It took me just over 4 hours to walk around and it was dark by the time I returned to my car; a couple of Little Owls were making all kinds of weird and wonderful noises near to the causeway.
Regards
Eleanor
Monday, 11 November 2013
And an afternoon of drizzle too...
Hello
A wander in the midday drizzle at Harrington Airfield today provided views of a Peregrine and about c100 Golden Plovers. Good numbers of Chaffinches are currently feeding on the seed at the concrete track entrance, and some days a few Bramblings join them.
At about 1.20pm this afternoon, 4 Red-crested Pochard were visible in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res, and presumably different birds from the birds seen in the Scaldwell Bay earlier on.
A change of scenery this afternoon with a visit over to Stanwick GP; however the birds were about as dismal as the weather! The gulls didn't behave and kept away from the main lake and other birds noted included a Kingfisher, a Little Egret, a Redshank, a Dunlin and two Chiffchaffs with plenty of Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers audible from the reed margins.
A ringing session at Stortons GP on Sunday was very successful with 60+ birds being captured which included Water Rail, Redwing, Song Thrush and Treecreeper in addition to the usual Reed Buntings, Chaffinches, tits etc.
Regards
E & N
A wander in the midday drizzle at Harrington Airfield today provided views of a Peregrine and about c100 Golden Plovers. Good numbers of Chaffinches are currently feeding on the seed at the concrete track entrance, and some days a few Bramblings join them.
At about 1.20pm this afternoon, 4 Red-crested Pochard were visible in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res, and presumably different birds from the birds seen in the Scaldwell Bay earlier on.
A change of scenery this afternoon with a visit over to Stanwick GP; however the birds were about as dismal as the weather! The gulls didn't behave and kept away from the main lake and other birds noted included a Kingfisher, a Little Egret, a Redshank, a Dunlin and two Chiffchaffs with plenty of Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers audible from the reed margins.
A ringing session at Stortons GP on Sunday was very successful with 60+ birds being captured which included Water Rail, Redwing, Song Thrush and Treecreeper in addition to the usual Reed Buntings, Chaffinches, tits etc.
Regards
E & N
Birds of the heavy drizzle!
Hello
In pretty filthy conditions this morning, a couple of Ravens were near Cottesbrooke and two each of redpoll sp and Brambling were on the Brampton Valley Way below Brixworth.
At Pitsford Res, scanning in to the Scaldwell Bay revealed that the Red-crested Pochard flock had increased to 18 birds including a leucistic male. Apart from a scattering of Goldeneye the only other bird of note visible in the wet and murky conditions was an adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Regards
E & N
In pretty filthy conditions this morning, a couple of Ravens were near Cottesbrooke and two each of redpoll sp and Brambling were on the Brampton Valley Way below Brixworth.
At Pitsford Res, scanning in to the Scaldwell Bay revealed that the Red-crested Pochard flock had increased to 18 birds including a leucistic male. Apart from a scattering of Goldeneye the only other bird of note visible in the wet and murky conditions was an adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Regards
E & N
Sunday, 10 November 2013
A sunny November day!
Hello
A bird ringing session took place in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this morning, after setting up yesterday afternoon. In excess of sixty birds were caught, the majority being tits but also included a Treecreeper, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Linnets, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and several of the thrush family. Highlights amongst the tits included singles of both Willow and Marsh. Three Crossbills flew south west over the bay shortly after 9am and a couple of redpoll sp and Little Egrets were seen on and off. A migrant flock of about a hundred Woodpigeons flew south west shortly after dawn and small numbers of Redwings were fidgeting about and flying over.
At Blueberry Farm (Maidwell) this morning birds included a female Peregrine, 3+ Red Kites, a Barn Owl and a pair of Stonechat. The warm sunshine was sufficient to attract Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral butterflies to fly again today.
At Harrington Airfield this afternoon, the young male Merlin was again present and spending time around the third bunker.
At Pitsford Res late this afternoon, the gull roost attracted an adult Mediterranean Gull and quite an influx of Herring Gulls which included many of the 'argentatus' types. A Great White Egret and at least 4 Little Egrets were active between the causeway and the dam, the GWE spending time fishing the shoreline between the Gorse Bushes and the Pintail Bay.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A bird ringing session took place in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this morning, after setting up yesterday afternoon. In excess of sixty birds were caught, the majority being tits but also included a Treecreeper, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Linnets, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and several of the thrush family. Highlights amongst the tits included singles of both Willow and Marsh. Three Crossbills flew south west over the bay shortly after 9am and a couple of redpoll sp and Little Egrets were seen on and off. A migrant flock of about a hundred Woodpigeons flew south west shortly after dawn and small numbers of Redwings were fidgeting about and flying over.
At Blueberry Farm (Maidwell) this morning birds included a female Peregrine, 3+ Red Kites, a Barn Owl and a pair of Stonechat. The warm sunshine was sufficient to attract Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral butterflies to fly again today.
At Harrington Airfield this afternoon, the young male Merlin was again present and spending time around the third bunker.
At Pitsford Res late this afternoon, the gull roost attracted an adult Mediterranean Gull and quite an influx of Herring Gulls which included many of the 'argentatus' types. A Great White Egret and at least 4 Little Egrets were active between the causeway and the dam, the GWE spending time fishing the shoreline between the Gorse Bushes and the Pintail Bay.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Willow Tit
Dodgy digi-scope images of
adult Mediterranean Gull
Pitsford Reservoir!
Saturday, 9 November 2013
A day of heavy passage...
Hello
Today was a day of very heavy diurnal migration with thousands of Starlings passing south through the county and regular very large flocks of Woodpigeons and Fieldfares flapping the same way. A large skein of about a hundred Pink-footed Geese flew over Blueberry Farm this morning, disappearing off towards Haselbech at about 9.45am. A couple of Red Kites and the pair of Stonechat were still present and two Ravens were about.
Harrington Airfield today hosted c100 Golden Plovers, a female Peregrine, c8 Bramblings and 2 Red Kites.
Birds in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this afternoon included 4 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, a Grey Wagtail and a Barn Owl.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Today was a day of very heavy diurnal migration with thousands of Starlings passing south through the county and regular very large flocks of Woodpigeons and Fieldfares flapping the same way. A large skein of about a hundred Pink-footed Geese flew over Blueberry Farm this morning, disappearing off towards Haselbech at about 9.45am. A couple of Red Kites and the pair of Stonechat were still present and two Ravens were about.
Harrington Airfield today hosted c100 Golden Plovers, a female Peregrine, c8 Bramblings and 2 Red Kites.
Birds in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this afternoon included 4 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, a Grey Wagtail and a Barn Owl.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Friday, 8 November 2013
Birds before the rain...
Hello
A ringing session at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station at Pitsford Reservoir provided 57 captures, the majority of which were new birds. Birds included 10 Tree Sparrows, 7 Goldfinches, 5 Chaffinches, 2 Redwings and a Meadow Pipit.
Other birds seen in the Scaldwell Bay included 12 Red-crested Pochard, c10 Pintail and 2 Green Sandpipers, a couple of Little Egrets and a Grey Wagtail
Also this morning there was a Grey Wagtail at Hanging Houghton, a Red Kite in the Brampton Valley below the village and 2 Ravens near Cottesbrooke.
A wander around Harrington Airfield produced a heavy passage of Starlings, 2 Little Egrets on standing water on the top fields, c50 Golden Plovers, 2 Red Kites and 10+ Bramblings (shooting wall area). However the best bird was a first year Ring Ouzel around the third bunker.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A ringing session at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station at Pitsford Reservoir provided 57 captures, the majority of which were new birds. Birds included 10 Tree Sparrows, 7 Goldfinches, 5 Chaffinches, 2 Redwings and a Meadow Pipit.
Other birds seen in the Scaldwell Bay included 12 Red-crested Pochard, c10 Pintail and 2 Green Sandpipers, a couple of Little Egrets and a Grey Wagtail
Also this morning there was a Grey Wagtail at Hanging Houghton, a Red Kite in the Brampton Valley below the village and 2 Ravens near Cottesbrooke.
A wander around Harrington Airfield produced a heavy passage of Starlings, 2 Little Egrets on standing water on the top fields, c50 Golden Plovers, 2 Red Kites and 10+ Bramblings (shooting wall area). However the best bird was a first year Ring Ouzel around the third bunker.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
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