Hello
Eleanor spent a couple of hours wandering at Harrington Airfield this morning and at least 14 Bramblings were on the feed at the concrete entrance off the Draughton Road. A couple of Tree Sparrows have joined the throng during the last few days. Other birds noted at Harrington Airfield included a pair of Grey Partridge, two Red Kites, two Ravens and a female Peregrine.
Regards
Neil M
Thursday, 13 February 2014
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
Gale force birding
Hello
In interesting weather conditions today, joint birding and wild bird feeding station maintenance was accompanied with sunshine, rain (plenty of it), hail, sleet and violent gales! Despite these conditions, no storm-driven birds could be located at Pitsford Res.
A walk around Sywell Country Park with the precipitation coming violently horizontal was interesting, the only birds of note being a pair of Smew (about noon). Still the dogs enjoyed the outing and they virtually had the whole place to themselves!
A few Siskin were noted at Hanging Houghton and Kelmarsh Hall and a Grey Wagtail was accompanied by a few Meadow Pipits in water-logged fields near Brixworth Sewer Works.
This morning there was a pair of Raven in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and a Grey Wagtail was at Draughton Pond, which continues to host good numbers of wildfowl particularly Wigeon and Teal.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
In interesting weather conditions today, joint birding and wild bird feeding station maintenance was accompanied with sunshine, rain (plenty of it), hail, sleet and violent gales! Despite these conditions, no storm-driven birds could be located at Pitsford Res.
A walk around Sywell Country Park with the precipitation coming violently horizontal was interesting, the only birds of note being a pair of Smew (about noon). Still the dogs enjoyed the outing and they virtually had the whole place to themselves!
A few Siskin were noted at Hanging Houghton and Kelmarsh Hall and a Grey Wagtail was accompanied by a few Meadow Pipits in water-logged fields near Brixworth Sewer Works.
This morning there was a pair of Raven in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and a Grey Wagtail was at Draughton Pond, which continues to host good numbers of wildfowl particularly Wigeon and Teal.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Bird Ringing Demonstration
Hello
Some advance notice that on Sunday 23rd February there is a planned wild bird ringing demonstration at Stanwick Lakes, which is part of the Stanwick Gravel Pits complex off the A45 between Higham Ferrers and Thrapston. This event is weather-dependent and with luck the constant strong winds and rain will have subsided by then!
The event is a team effort between the rangers on-site and members of the Northants Ringing Group, and on the day we will be led by Ian Wrisdale who is also the leader of the very active Mid-Nene RSPB group.
It is anticipated that most of the birds will be common birds of the Northants countryside, with a blend of species more akin to aquatic habitats. More details will follow as we progress nearer the day and everyone is invited to attend and to witness exactly what bird ringing is about, what it hopes to achieve and also observe our feathered friends up close and personal.
Regards
Neil M
Some advance notice that on Sunday 23rd February there is a planned wild bird ringing demonstration at Stanwick Lakes, which is part of the Stanwick Gravel Pits complex off the A45 between Higham Ferrers and Thrapston. This event is weather-dependent and with luck the constant strong winds and rain will have subsided by then!
The event is a team effort between the rangers on-site and members of the Northants Ringing Group, and on the day we will be led by Ian Wrisdale who is also the leader of the very active Mid-Nene RSPB group.
It is anticipated that most of the birds will be common birds of the Northants countryside, with a blend of species more akin to aquatic habitats. More details will follow as we progress nearer the day and everyone is invited to attend and to witness exactly what bird ringing is about, what it hopes to achieve and also observe our feathered friends up close and personal.
Regards
Neil M
Monday, 10 February 2014
Stortons Ringing
Hello
I wasn't the only one out ringing today. With the comparative lull in the weather before the next onslaught, John Woollett and team undertook a ringing session at Stortons Gravel Pits today.
Eighty-three birds were caught including many new arrivals. Species included Great Spotted Woodpecker and lots of Reed Buntings, Goldfinches and Greenfinches and a good selection of other common birds. Much of the influx of new birds was made up of Reed Buntings; the ringing team here have come to expect this at about this time. A Chiffchaff was noted on-site.
Regards
Neil M
I wasn't the only one out ringing today. With the comparative lull in the weather before the next onslaught, John Woollett and team undertook a ringing session at Stortons Gravel Pits today.
Eighty-three birds were caught including many new arrivals. Species included Great Spotted Woodpecker and lots of Reed Buntings, Goldfinches and Greenfinches and a good selection of other common birds. Much of the influx of new birds was made up of Reed Buntings; the ringing team here have come to expect this at about this time. A Chiffchaff was noted on-site.
Regards
Neil M
The calm before yet another storm...
Hello
Another period of ringing was undertaken at Sunderland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate today. Sixty birds of 12 species were caught and assessed in pleasant spring-like conditions. These included iconic woodland species such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Marsh Tit.
At least two Bramblings were with other birds on the seed at Harrington Airfield this afternoon and the Great Northern Diver at Pitsford Res was fishing in the mouth of the Yacht Bay late this afternoon.
Eleanor and Neil
Another period of ringing was undertaken at Sunderland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate today. Sixty birds of 12 species were caught and assessed in pleasant spring-like conditions. These included iconic woodland species such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Marsh Tit.
At least two Bramblings were with other birds on the seed at Harrington Airfield this afternoon and the Great Northern Diver at Pitsford Res was fishing in the mouth of the Yacht Bay late this afternoon.
Eleanor and Neil
Sunday, 9 February 2014
Bramblings
Hello
Little opportunity of birding today but I enjoyed some decent fresh air whilst servicing five of our wild bird feeding stations this morning.
I spent several minutes watching the broadcast seed at Harrington Airfield and it didn't take long for the myriad of colours to start blending as gorgeous male Yellowhammers fed alongside the pinks of male Chaffinches, greens of male Greenfinches and blacks and browns of the male and female Blackbirds. More sombre colours were provided by Dunnocks, Reed Buntings and Pied Wagtails but of course the centre-stage birds were twelve Bramblings with that unique and stunning vivid orange, most striking in the males.
Regards
Neil M
Little opportunity of birding today but I enjoyed some decent fresh air whilst servicing five of our wild bird feeding stations this morning.
I spent several minutes watching the broadcast seed at Harrington Airfield and it didn't take long for the myriad of colours to start blending as gorgeous male Yellowhammers fed alongside the pinks of male Chaffinches, greens of male Greenfinches and blacks and browns of the male and female Blackbirds. More sombre colours were provided by Dunnocks, Reed Buntings and Pied Wagtails but of course the centre-stage birds were twelve Bramblings with that unique and stunning vivid orange, most striking in the males.
Regards
Neil M
Saturday, 8 February 2014
Gale force birds!
Hello
An excursion to Blueberry Farm near Maidwell this afternoon provided views of birds moving fast in the very strong wind and included a pair of Raven, a Red Kite and the regular female Peregrine.
At Pitsford Res this afternoon the Great Northern Diver was seen in flight and splashing down in to the waves in the main basin and later seen fishing towards the mouth of the Pintail Bay. An adult Mediterranean Gull was present in the gull roost off the yacht club.
Regards
E & N
An excursion to Blueberry Farm near Maidwell this afternoon provided views of birds moving fast in the very strong wind and included a pair of Raven, a Red Kite and the regular female Peregrine.
At Pitsford Res this afternoon the Great Northern Diver was seen in flight and splashing down in to the waves in the main basin and later seen fishing towards the mouth of the Pintail Bay. An adult Mediterranean Gull was present in the gull roost off the yacht club.
Regards
E & N
Common Gull
Cormorants in breeding
plumage
Pitsford update
Hello
A meander around the reservoir at Pitsford this morning produced some birds of interest. The Great Northern Diver was seen in flight and it splashed down near to the dam. A Great White Egret was mostly concealed in willow bushes in the Moulton Grange Bay as were three Goosander and three Little Egrets. Gary Burrows saw the drake Scaup but we couldn't find it and I assume it had found a nice bay to shelter from the increasingly strong gale!
A female Merlin was seen a couple of times, a Jack Snipe, a fourth Little Egret and six Smew were all south of the causeway (a pair near the Holly Tree and four concealed under willows in the Catwalk Bay). Another two Smew were in the Holcot Bay, making a total of eight birds present today. A pair of Red-crested Pochard were visible in the Walgrave Bay and the Bar-headed Goose was reported. A couple of Grey Wagtails and wind-blown redpoll sp were south of the causeway.
Elsewhere, a Brambling and a Red Kite were noted at Hanging Houghton and there were two Bramblings on the seed at Harrington Airfield, albeit that the feeding area was somewhat wind-blasted!
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A meander around the reservoir at Pitsford this morning produced some birds of interest. The Great Northern Diver was seen in flight and it splashed down near to the dam. A Great White Egret was mostly concealed in willow bushes in the Moulton Grange Bay as were three Goosander and three Little Egrets. Gary Burrows saw the drake Scaup but we couldn't find it and I assume it had found a nice bay to shelter from the increasingly strong gale!
A female Merlin was seen a couple of times, a Jack Snipe, a fourth Little Egret and six Smew were all south of the causeway (a pair near the Holly Tree and four concealed under willows in the Catwalk Bay). Another two Smew were in the Holcot Bay, making a total of eight birds present today. A pair of Red-crested Pochard were visible in the Walgrave Bay and the Bar-headed Goose was reported. A couple of Grey Wagtails and wind-blown redpoll sp were south of the causeway.
Elsewhere, a Brambling and a Red Kite were noted at Hanging Houghton and there were two Bramblings on the seed at Harrington Airfield, albeit that the feeding area was somewhat wind-blasted!
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Friday, 7 February 2014
Siskins and tits
Hello
Yesterday (Thursday), and a walk around Sywell Country Park provided a flock of c50 Siskins, but nothing else of note.
Today (Friday) and about c6 Siskins were around the village here at Hanging Houghton. At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon, the birds included 2 Red Kites, 2 Ravens and a female Peregrine.
A ringing session at Sunderland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate this afternoon provided a capture of 63 birds, 48 of which were new. One of the first Blue Tits processed was a bird first ringed at Hanging Houghton in September last year. Blue Tits and Great Tits made up the bulk of the captured birds, the vast majority of these tits being birds hatched just last year.
Other birds caught and ringed included 3 Coal Tits, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Treecreepers, a Bullfinch and a couple of Chaffinches. A couple of Sparrowhawks were racing around the wood and other sightings included a Siskin and 2 Woodcock.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Yesterday (Thursday), and a walk around Sywell Country Park provided a flock of c50 Siskins, but nothing else of note.
Today (Friday) and about c6 Siskins were around the village here at Hanging Houghton. At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon, the birds included 2 Red Kites, 2 Ravens and a female Peregrine.
A ringing session at Sunderland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate this afternoon provided a capture of 63 birds, 48 of which were new. One of the first Blue Tits processed was a bird first ringed at Hanging Houghton in September last year. Blue Tits and Great Tits made up the bulk of the captured birds, the vast majority of these tits being birds hatched just last year.
Other birds caught and ringed included 3 Coal Tits, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Treecreepers, a Bullfinch and a couple of Chaffinches. A couple of Sparrowhawks were racing around the wood and other sightings included a Siskin and 2 Woodcock.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
Moulton Grange Bay
Hello
Scanning the Moulton Grange Bay at Pitsford Res this morning confirmed the continuing present of one Great White Egret. Other birds included two Little Egrets and a drake Goosander. The gull roost off the yacht club later in the day was unremarkable. In a windy and difficult day for birding, the only other bird of note was a Grey Wagtail at Brixworth Sewer Works.
Regards
Neil M
Scanning the Moulton Grange Bay at Pitsford Res this morning confirmed the continuing present of one Great White Egret. Other birds included two Little Egrets and a drake Goosander. The gull roost off the yacht club later in the day was unremarkable. In a windy and difficult day for birding, the only other bird of note was a Grey Wagtail at Brixworth Sewer Works.
Regards
Neil M
Northants Bird Club presentation tonight on Bhutan
Hello
A reminder to Northants Bird Club members and an invitation to non-club members to attend the illustrated talk tonight on the Birds of Bhutan. This will be a presentation delivered by our own Jeff Blincow who is a well-known and seasoned presenter as well as an excellent all-round naturalist talking about his recent visit to the poorly-known country of Bhutan. The more obscure Asian countries probably retain more of the natural fauna and flora than the adjacent high-population countries and I know that Jeff will have tried his very best to photograph most of it! Anyone who knows Jeff's photographic skills will know we are in for a treat!
The venue is the Moulton Village Hall off Pound Lane, Moulton on the southern outskirts of Northampton. We gather from 7.30pm with a view to starting at 7.45pm. Non-members may be asked to provide a small contribution for attendance.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Neil M
A reminder to Northants Bird Club members and an invitation to non-club members to attend the illustrated talk tonight on the Birds of Bhutan. This will be a presentation delivered by our own Jeff Blincow who is a well-known and seasoned presenter as well as an excellent all-round naturalist talking about his recent visit to the poorly-known country of Bhutan. The more obscure Asian countries probably retain more of the natural fauna and flora than the adjacent high-population countries and I know that Jeff will have tried his very best to photograph most of it! Anyone who knows Jeff's photographic skills will know we are in for a treat!
The venue is the Moulton Village Hall off Pound Lane, Moulton on the southern outskirts of Northampton. We gather from 7.30pm with a view to starting at 7.45pm. Non-members may be asked to provide a small contribution for attendance.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Neil M
Tuesday, 4 February 2014
Bits and Bobs
Today it was a case of snatching birding moments when I could.
Firstly whilst playing football in the field behind the house with the dogs there were 2 cronking Ravens and 4 Redpolls over . Whilst drinking coffee in the garden afterwards to recover I could hear the evocative calls of a couple of Red Kites and mewing call of the Common Buzzards as they had woken up and were clearly making the most of the bright and breezy weather.
I went for a run and again heard Ravens, probably the same two birds and a Grey Wagtail.
I then made a brief visit to Pitsford Reservoir to top up the feeders. As I walked along to the main feeding station I noticed that the water appeared empty of birds. Why? I then met a very unhappy birder who had his first ever visit to Pitsford ruined by the presence of 3 boats and 3 + men from DEFRA who were attempting to shoot the two remaining Ruddy Ducks which have been frequenting the Scaldwell Arm. Of course this had severely disrupted and unnerved all the wildfowl. I think this whole issue and handling raises so many questions, and it is actually quite a distressing sight to witness.
This afternoon I took Bazra and Tor on a good walk around Blueberry Farm where there were plenty of Common Buzzards, including the stunning white individual, 4 Red Kites, a Barn Owl, a Grey Wagtail and a female Peregrine, the raptors finding the sun and wind to their liking and clearly enjoying themselves.
Regards
Eleanor
Firstly whilst playing football in the field behind the house with the dogs there were 2 cronking Ravens and 4 Redpolls over . Whilst drinking coffee in the garden afterwards to recover I could hear the evocative calls of a couple of Red Kites and mewing call of the Common Buzzards as they had woken up and were clearly making the most of the bright and breezy weather.
I went for a run and again heard Ravens, probably the same two birds and a Grey Wagtail.
I then made a brief visit to Pitsford Reservoir to top up the feeders. As I walked along to the main feeding station I noticed that the water appeared empty of birds. Why? I then met a very unhappy birder who had his first ever visit to Pitsford ruined by the presence of 3 boats and 3 + men from DEFRA who were attempting to shoot the two remaining Ruddy Ducks which have been frequenting the Scaldwell Arm. Of course this had severely disrupted and unnerved all the wildfowl. I think this whole issue and handling raises so many questions, and it is actually quite a distressing sight to witness.
This afternoon I took Bazra and Tor on a good walk around Blueberry Farm where there were plenty of Common Buzzards, including the stunning white individual, 4 Red Kites, a Barn Owl, a Grey Wagtail and a female Peregrine, the raptors finding the sun and wind to their liking and clearly enjoying themselves.
Regards
Eleanor
Monday, 3 February 2014
A dry day in Northants
Hello
A Red Kite was worming at Harrington Airfield this morning and the usual woodland birds were very vocal in the woods on the Kelmarsh Estate.
This afternoon and a visit to Pitsford Res provided views of the Great Northern Diver, a drake Scaup and two 'redhead' Smew north of the dam in the vicinity of The Holly Tree . North of the causeway, birds in the Walgrave Bay included a Woodcock, a Chiffchaff and three Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A Red Kite was worming at Harrington Airfield this morning and the usual woodland birds were very vocal in the woods on the Kelmarsh Estate.
This afternoon and a visit to Pitsford Res provided views of the Great Northern Diver, a drake Scaup and two 'redhead' Smew north of the dam in the vicinity of The Holly Tree . North of the causeway, birds in the Walgrave Bay included a Woodcock, a Chiffchaff and three Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Finches galore
Hello
A ringing session at Stortons Gravel Pits this morning provided an opportunity to catch about fifty birds. The highlights included a Water Rail, two Moorhens, and plenty of Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Reed Buntings. Two Reed Buntings were controls from elsewhere.
I was one of a small crew that ventured down to the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire today where the weather was not quite as good as the bright and sunny conditions here in Northamptonshire!
Nevertheless we enjoyed a great day of quality woodland birding with the finch family taking centre stage.
Various sections of the forest were visited which included the viewpoint at New Fancy View and the woodland outskirts of the villages of Parkend and Brierley.
Exceptionally we saw large numbers of Hawfinches, probably in excess of forty birds which included flocks of 17 and 21. A large mixed finch flock included many Bramblings, although they remained elusive amongst the leaf litter and beech plantations. Crossbills were on show at almost every venue and the star birds of the day for many were about six Two-barred Crossbills in amongst one flock of Common Crossbills. The Two-barreds emitted three different calls which included the superb nasal bugle calls.
A Dipper looked a little bizarre as it swam and fed in a shallow pond and the forest Goshawks showed very well with up to five individuals which included perched adult females and displaying males. If only we could replicate these sightings in our own county!
Regards
Neil M
A ringing session at Stortons Gravel Pits this morning provided an opportunity to catch about fifty birds. The highlights included a Water Rail, two Moorhens, and plenty of Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Reed Buntings. Two Reed Buntings were controls from elsewhere.
I was one of a small crew that ventured down to the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire today where the weather was not quite as good as the bright and sunny conditions here in Northamptonshire!
Nevertheless we enjoyed a great day of quality woodland birding with the finch family taking centre stage.
Various sections of the forest were visited which included the viewpoint at New Fancy View and the woodland outskirts of the villages of Parkend and Brierley.
Exceptionally we saw large numbers of Hawfinches, probably in excess of forty birds which included flocks of 17 and 21. A large mixed finch flock included many Bramblings, although they remained elusive amongst the leaf litter and beech plantations. Crossbills were on show at almost every venue and the star birds of the day for many were about six Two-barred Crossbills in amongst one flock of Common Crossbills. The Two-barreds emitted three different calls which included the superb nasal bugle calls.
A Dipper looked a little bizarre as it swam and fed in a shallow pond and the forest Goshawks showed very well with up to five individuals which included perched adult females and displaying males. If only we could replicate these sightings in our own county!
Regards
Neil M
Water Rail at
Stortons GP by
Chris Payne
Male Two-barred Crossbill
Male Two-barred Crossbill
and nearby male Common Crossbill.
Saturday, 1 February 2014
From rain to wind
Hello
Today was good inasmuch that there wasn't any sustained rain and hopefully everyone saw some sunshine, even if it was a strong, cold wind.
Brixworth Sewer Works again hosted up to three Grey Wagtails this morning, and also provided cover for a Snipe and Water Rail with a redpoll sp over.
The Great Northern Diver was seen at Pitsford Res, riding the choppy brown water near to Yacht Bay (about noon).
Four Bramblings were found along the Brampton Valley Way just north of Lamport Station and another eight were at Harrington Airfield, which also hosted a pair of Grey Partridge.
A good hike around Blueberry Farm was just that - the strong wind ensured that all the birds were keeping their heads down!
A quick visit to Market Harborough this afternoon failed to locate the Otters; the very brown River Welland was swollen but still attracted Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail and I'm sure the Otters weren't far away!
Regards
Neil M
Today was good inasmuch that there wasn't any sustained rain and hopefully everyone saw some sunshine, even if it was a strong, cold wind.
Brixworth Sewer Works again hosted up to three Grey Wagtails this morning, and also provided cover for a Snipe and Water Rail with a redpoll sp over.
The Great Northern Diver was seen at Pitsford Res, riding the choppy brown water near to Yacht Bay (about noon).
Four Bramblings were found along the Brampton Valley Way just north of Lamport Station and another eight were at Harrington Airfield, which also hosted a pair of Grey Partridge.
A good hike around Blueberry Farm was just that - the strong wind ensured that all the birds were keeping their heads down!
A quick visit to Market Harborough this afternoon failed to locate the Otters; the very brown River Welland was swollen but still attracted Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail and I'm sure the Otters weren't far away!
Regards
Neil M
Friday, 31 January 2014
Waterlogged Birding
Hello
Okay so it's raining well now but there was actually a break in the weather this morning when it actually wasn't raining. Amazing!
I was in neighbouring Cambridgeshire today but managed to spend an hour or so birding at Paxton Pits, an interesting old gravel pit complex managed as a nature reserve just off the A1. An early morning Smew trio included two very smart drakes and a couple of Goosanders were present too. Just like the birds in Northants, the Grey Herons and Cormorants were busy sorting out their nests, the herons in particular being very vocal.
Eleanor managed to find some dry time to enjoy a walk around a waterlogged Blueberry Farm and confirmed that the usual birds were somehow still surviving the deluge and included the pair of Stonechat, a Barn Owl and two Red Kites.
A quick foray at Pitsford Res this afternoon provided views of a Great White Egret in the Moulton Grange Bay and the Great Northern Diver still in the vicinity of the Holly Tree.
Comparatively little bird ringing has taken place in the county so far this year due to the wet and windy conditions, but a couple of ringers are attracting good numbers of Reed Buntings in their respective gardens. Several ringing records and recoveries of this species last winter proved very interesting inasmuch that several local birds were clearly mobile around the county and were recorded visiting several sites including gardens, and then later found back at the original ringing venues. Clearly the provision of feedstuffs in the latter part of the winter and spring is proving crucial to their survival.
In one local garden red millet feeders are proving very attractive to this species and if you want to attract Reed Buntings to your garden you may wish to try this food too!
Regards
Neil M
Okay so it's raining well now but there was actually a break in the weather this morning when it actually wasn't raining. Amazing!
I was in neighbouring Cambridgeshire today but managed to spend an hour or so birding at Paxton Pits, an interesting old gravel pit complex managed as a nature reserve just off the A1. An early morning Smew trio included two very smart drakes and a couple of Goosanders were present too. Just like the birds in Northants, the Grey Herons and Cormorants were busy sorting out their nests, the herons in particular being very vocal.
Eleanor managed to find some dry time to enjoy a walk around a waterlogged Blueberry Farm and confirmed that the usual birds were somehow still surviving the deluge and included the pair of Stonechat, a Barn Owl and two Red Kites.
A quick foray at Pitsford Res this afternoon provided views of a Great White Egret in the Moulton Grange Bay and the Great Northern Diver still in the vicinity of the Holly Tree.
Comparatively little bird ringing has taken place in the county so far this year due to the wet and windy conditions, but a couple of ringers are attracting good numbers of Reed Buntings in their respective gardens. Several ringing records and recoveries of this species last winter proved very interesting inasmuch that several local birds were clearly mobile around the county and were recorded visiting several sites including gardens, and then later found back at the original ringing venues. Clearly the provision of feedstuffs in the latter part of the winter and spring is proving crucial to their survival.
In one local garden red millet feeders are proving very attractive to this species and if you want to attract Reed Buntings to your garden you may wish to try this food too!
Regards
Neil M
Wednesday, 29 January 2014
Hosepipe ban imminent?
Hello
Well with continual rain from dawn to dusk today was never going to be a good day for birding, and it was a pretty wet and muddy affair as we tramped around the local wild bird feeding stations!
A Grey Wagtail was present at Brixworth Sewer Works and it was possible to see six Red-crested Pochard through the murk in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res.
This afternoon a wet walk in the vicinity of the Moulton Grange Bay at Pitsford Res provided views of a drake Scaup (near the Holly Tree), three Little Egrets, four Goosanders and a Kingfisher. A couple of foxes were very vocal.
Regards
Neil M
Well with continual rain from dawn to dusk today was never going to be a good day for birding, and it was a pretty wet and muddy affair as we tramped around the local wild bird feeding stations!
A Grey Wagtail was present at Brixworth Sewer Works and it was possible to see six Red-crested Pochard through the murk in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res.
This afternoon a wet walk in the vicinity of the Moulton Grange Bay at Pitsford Res provided views of a drake Scaup (near the Holly Tree), three Little Egrets, four Goosanders and a Kingfisher. A couple of foxes were very vocal.
Regards
Neil M
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Soggy dogs !!
A rather wet day made birding difficult and I seemed to have spent my time drying out my optics and wet dogs !! .
My only birds and wildlife of note were at Harrington Airfield late this afternoon. As soon as I put the food out at least 6 Bramblings mysteriously appeared out of thin air !! . Two Redpoll sp and a huge flock of Fieldfare flew over.
Our latest canine addition Tor has a lot to learn and is already proving to be a challenge !! He seems to be a tiny percentage collie with the remainder of his make up a hound ? beagle ? foxhound. So he goes into sensory overload when he is out and the selective deafness takes over.
This afternoon he was clearly excited over a scent he could smell and disappeared into the bushes. Imagine my surprise when 3 superb Roe Deer walked out from behind the bushes......but where was Tor ? , he was more interested in a Pheasant which flew up and away leaving a very bemused dog looking skywards.
Regards Eleanor
My only birds and wildlife of note were at Harrington Airfield late this afternoon. As soon as I put the food out at least 6 Bramblings mysteriously appeared out of thin air !! . Two Redpoll sp and a huge flock of Fieldfare flew over.
Our latest canine addition Tor has a lot to learn and is already proving to be a challenge !! He seems to be a tiny percentage collie with the remainder of his make up a hound ? beagle ? foxhound. So he goes into sensory overload when he is out and the selective deafness takes over.
This afternoon he was clearly excited over a scent he could smell and disappeared into the bushes. Imagine my surprise when 3 superb Roe Deer walked out from behind the bushes......but where was Tor ? , he was more interested in a Pheasant which flew up and away leaving a very bemused dog looking skywards.
Regards Eleanor
Monday, 27 January 2014
Otter odyssey
Hello
A return to Market Harborough was the order of the day, and our attendance during the late morning coincided with two Otters being located straight-away near to the Sainsbury's supermarket. They were active for some minutes but then disappeared up on to the opposite bank and seemingly went off for a kip!
Some feeding station top-ups took up most of the day and we struggled to see any birds of note. A couple of Woodcock flushed at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) were fairly predictable.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res was monitored this evening, but no gulls of note were seen. The Great Northern Diver was viewable distantly off The Pines between Moulton Grange Bay and The Holly Tree.
A Barn Owl was still present at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell yesterday afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A return to Market Harborough was the order of the day, and our attendance during the late morning coincided with two Otters being located straight-away near to the Sainsbury's supermarket. They were active for some minutes but then disappeared up on to the opposite bank and seemingly went off for a kip!
Some feeding station top-ups took up most of the day and we struggled to see any birds of note. A couple of Woodcock flushed at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) were fairly predictable.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res was monitored this evening, but no gulls of note were seen. The Great Northern Diver was viewable distantly off The Pines between Moulton Grange Bay and The Holly Tree.
A Barn Owl was still present at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell yesterday afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Saturday, 25 January 2014
Pitsford WeBs Count
Hello
This morning and early afternoon was taken up completing the WeBs count at Pitsford Reservoir. This was in mild spring-like weather and the bird song was often quite deafening! Cormorants were ensconced on their nests and the Rooks were patching up their stick nest colony. The Great Crested Grebes were displaying and Little Grebe and Coot were seen carrying weed and sticks.
The water levels are very high and much of the water north of the causeway is brown and these conditions probably caused the complete absence of Shoveler and Pintail. Nevertheless there were plenty of water birds present, the majority having been present since the late autumn.
Two Great White Egrets were still in the Moulton Grange Bay and the Great Northern Diver had been pushed in to the Moulton Grange Bay from the Holly Tree area by the many yachts on the water. Two Smew were present - a drake just off the causeway and a 'redhead' in the Holcot Bay. A single drake Goosander flew in to the Scaldwell Bay and at least five Red-crested Pochard were mostly hidden in the waterside willows in the Walgrave Bay.
Waders included about a hundred mobile Golden Plover, a Green Sandpiper, two Redshank and c78 Snipe. A Peregrine kept them watchful. A Chiffchaff was in bushes near to the causeway and a pair of Willow Tit were a welcome sight in the Scaldwell Bay. Half a dozen flighty redpoll sp were south of the causeway.
A recce at Blueberry Farm this afternoon was brought to a swift conclusion with dramatic and powerful weather hurtling in from the west and south which included very strong gusts, rain, hail and lightning and thunder! We managed two Red Kites and a Woodcock before retreating to the car.
A period of ringing at Stortons Gravel Pits this morning with John Woollett and team resulted in 73 birds being caught, 43 of them being new birds. Greenfinch, Reed Bunting, Blackbird and Great Tit were the most common species captured.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
This morning and early afternoon was taken up completing the WeBs count at Pitsford Reservoir. This was in mild spring-like weather and the bird song was often quite deafening! Cormorants were ensconced on their nests and the Rooks were patching up their stick nest colony. The Great Crested Grebes were displaying and Little Grebe and Coot were seen carrying weed and sticks.
The water levels are very high and much of the water north of the causeway is brown and these conditions probably caused the complete absence of Shoveler and Pintail. Nevertheless there were plenty of water birds present, the majority having been present since the late autumn.
Two Great White Egrets were still in the Moulton Grange Bay and the Great Northern Diver had been pushed in to the Moulton Grange Bay from the Holly Tree area by the many yachts on the water. Two Smew were present - a drake just off the causeway and a 'redhead' in the Holcot Bay. A single drake Goosander flew in to the Scaldwell Bay and at least five Red-crested Pochard were mostly hidden in the waterside willows in the Walgrave Bay.
Waders included about a hundred mobile Golden Plover, a Green Sandpiper, two Redshank and c78 Snipe. A Peregrine kept them watchful. A Chiffchaff was in bushes near to the causeway and a pair of Willow Tit were a welcome sight in the Scaldwell Bay. Half a dozen flighty redpoll sp were south of the causeway.
A recce at Blueberry Farm this afternoon was brought to a swift conclusion with dramatic and powerful weather hurtling in from the west and south which included very strong gusts, rain, hail and lightning and thunder! We managed two Red Kites and a Woodcock before retreating to the car.
A period of ringing at Stortons Gravel Pits this morning with John Woollett and team resulted in 73 birds being caught, 43 of them being new birds. Greenfinch, Reed Bunting, Blackbird and Great Tit were the most common species captured.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Little Grebe at Pitsford Res
Courtesy of Jacob Spinks
Friday, 24 January 2014
Repeats
Hello
Eleanor took a wander around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon and at risk of sounding repetitive saw a female Peregrine, a Barn Owl and a pair of Stonechat, all these species being consistently present since late autumn. A pair of Raven were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton today and were in much the same place yesterday.
Regards
Neil M
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Kumlien's Gull....maybe!
Hello
Most of today was taken up completing the WeBs count at Ditchford Gravel Pits. The conditions under foot were very, very muddy! Good numbers of birds were present west of Ditchford Lane including hundreds of big gulls moving between the flooded pits and the nearby landfill.
An interesting individual juvenile was located amongst Herring Gulls in the field immediately east of the Viaduct Pit which superficially resembled a Kumlien's Gull. The size and structure was similar to Iceland Gull and the general colouration and patterning was similar to a juvenile Iceland. The primary tips were not white at all but biscuit coloured with the subtle shadowing and were classic Kumlien's. However, we dismissed the bird as a hybrid-type bird as the bill was all dark and possibly a touch long. However subsequent research suggests that juveniles can display all dark bills and plenty of on-line images of birds apparently depicting Kumlien's closely resemble this bird. This bird was rather distant; it is hoped that this bird might be seen again at closer range and that an identification might be clinched.
Kumlien's Gull is generally treated as a race or form of Iceland Gull, but potentially could be a New World inter-grade between Iceland and Thayer's Gull.
Other birds seen west of Ditchford Lane include the drake Scaup on the Watersports Pit, two mobile Great White Egrets, five Little Egrets, two Egyptian Geese, two adult Peregrines and a Green Sandpiper. Other birds present on the overall complex included an apparent influx of ten Chiffchaffs, two Kingfishers, four Grey Wagtails, two drake Smew (Skew Bridge Pit), two Goosanders, a Water Rail and three Cetti's Warblers.
A Brambling was flying around our garden at Hanging Houghton this morning.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Most of today was taken up completing the WeBs count at Ditchford Gravel Pits. The conditions under foot were very, very muddy! Good numbers of birds were present west of Ditchford Lane including hundreds of big gulls moving between the flooded pits and the nearby landfill.
An interesting individual juvenile was located amongst Herring Gulls in the field immediately east of the Viaduct Pit which superficially resembled a Kumlien's Gull. The size and structure was similar to Iceland Gull and the general colouration and patterning was similar to a juvenile Iceland. The primary tips were not white at all but biscuit coloured with the subtle shadowing and were classic Kumlien's. However, we dismissed the bird as a hybrid-type bird as the bill was all dark and possibly a touch long. However subsequent research suggests that juveniles can display all dark bills and plenty of on-line images of birds apparently depicting Kumlien's closely resemble this bird. This bird was rather distant; it is hoped that this bird might be seen again at closer range and that an identification might be clinched.
Kumlien's Gull is generally treated as a race or form of Iceland Gull, but potentially could be a New World inter-grade between Iceland and Thayer's Gull.
Other birds seen west of Ditchford Lane include the drake Scaup on the Watersports Pit, two mobile Great White Egrets, five Little Egrets, two Egyptian Geese, two adult Peregrines and a Green Sandpiper. Other birds present on the overall complex included an apparent influx of ten Chiffchaffs, two Kingfishers, four Grey Wagtails, two drake Smew (Skew Bridge Pit), two Goosanders, a Water Rail and three Cetti's Warblers.
A Brambling was flying around our garden at Hanging Houghton this morning.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
The Lowick Great Grey Shrike
Hello
Yesterday Phil Rogers relocated the Great Grey Shrike that was first seen several days ago near to the village of Lowick off the A6116 between Thrapston and Corby. The bird is generally viewable from the footpath (also a vehicle track with a metal barrier) that starts from the A6116 on the opposite side of the road to the village (grid reference approximately SP978813). It can be tricky to see if it is mobile but Phil has seen in several times by simply being patient and remaining on the footpath and scanning the field hedges and trees.
Walking the footpath from the A6116 towards the blocks of woodland on the hillside, the bird tends to show in hedgerows that cross the fields to the right. The first hedge almost parallels pylons that cross the field, the second hedgerow is a little further up (about SP980815). Please do not enter the fields.
Phil has kindly provided guidance and comments as follows:-
Yesterday Phil Rogers relocated the Great Grey Shrike that was first seen several days ago near to the village of Lowick off the A6116 between Thrapston and Corby. The bird is generally viewable from the footpath (also a vehicle track with a metal barrier) that starts from the A6116 on the opposite side of the road to the village (grid reference approximately SP978813). It can be tricky to see if it is mobile but Phil has seen in several times by simply being patient and remaining on the footpath and scanning the field hedges and trees.
Walking the footpath from the A6116 towards the blocks of woodland on the hillside, the bird tends to show in hedgerows that cross the fields to the right. The first hedge almost parallels pylons that cross the field, the second hedgerow is a little further up (about SP980815). Please do not enter the fields.
Phil has kindly provided guidance and comments as follows:-
'The bird is very mobile and disappears from view for long periods. When it does show, it shows well and can be seen clearly from the footpath. I saw it three times today in two hours at midday.
The best viewing spot today is as follows:-
Walk up the track for approx 200m until you reach a large gap in the right hand hedge just before the overhead power lines. The bird showed on top of the hedge directly in front of the gap and also in the half dead tree along the hedge line. If the bird is in the tree it will be viewable distantly from the barrier at the start of the track. My first sighting today was in the hedge to the far left of the field looking from the gap. This is where I located it on Saturday.
Apparently birders have been walking into the fields to get closer or to try and locate it when it is out of sight. This is not necessary, a bit of patience is all that is required.'
Best of Luck!
Neil M
Best of Luck!
Neil M
Monday, 20 January 2014
Monday Musing's
The weather today felt very spring-like, rather than the middle of winter. Blue skies, sunshine, insects buzzing about and splashes of colour thanks to Dandelions, Red Nettle, Groundsel, Aconites and Snowdrops.
We even sat out in the garden to eat our lunch listening to the evocative calls of Red Kite and Common Buzzard and then to the lower base notes of a couple of cronking Ravens.
Prior to this Neil had seen 3 Grey Wagtails and a Water Rail at Brixworth Sewer Works, whilst I had been far more energetic and had ran around the big side of Pitsford Reservoir, where the Great Northern Diver and at least one Great White Egret were seen.
This afternoon a walk around the Blueberry Area produced a female Peregrine Falcon, 2 Red Kites, 2 or 3 Woodcock, a Barn Owl, pair of Stonechat and the rather stunning "white" Buzzard.
Regards Eleanor
We even sat out in the garden to eat our lunch listening to the evocative calls of Red Kite and Common Buzzard and then to the lower base notes of a couple of cronking Ravens.
Prior to this Neil had seen 3 Grey Wagtails and a Water Rail at Brixworth Sewer Works, whilst I had been far more energetic and had ran around the big side of Pitsford Reservoir, where the Great Northern Diver and at least one Great White Egret were seen.
This afternoon a walk around the Blueberry Area produced a female Peregrine Falcon, 2 Red Kites, 2 or 3 Woodcock, a Barn Owl, pair of Stonechat and the rather stunning "white" Buzzard.
Regards Eleanor
Sunday, 19 January 2014
Wildlife showcase
Hello
Neil Hasdell had another go at watching the Otters at Market Harborough today. It seems that the animals weren't seen at all in the morning, but two finally appeared at about 1.30pm and were viewable on and off for the rest of the afternoon. This time they were mostly downstream from the Sainsbury's car park and went a long way past the railway station. A Kingfisher showed several times and a Grey Wagtail was also in residence.
At Blueberry Farm this morning there were four Red Kites, two Ravens, a Barn Owl, a pair of Grey Partridge and the pair of Stonechat still. A few Siskins were noted at Hanging Houghton and half a dozen Bramblings were present at Harrington Airfield plus a couple of Red Kites and a mobile flock of a hundred or so Golden Plovers.
An hour or so looking for the Great Grey Shrike at Lowick this afternoon proved to be a failure despite pleasant viewing conditions.
The Bird Ringing Demonstration at Barnwell Country Park today was well attended and it was good to see many children and young people enjoying seeing wild birds close up. This event was a joint effort between the Northants County Council Country Park Rangers, the RSPB and Northants Ringing Group volunteers aimed at inspiring people of all ages to appreciate wildlife and take part in wildlife recording initiatives. Only four static nets were erected but it was sufficient to catch over two hundred small birds. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Blue Tit was the most common bird with plenty of Great Tits and smaller numbers of Coal Tits and Long-tailed Tits plus a couple of Marsh Tits. Chaffinches and Goldfinches were well-represented together with a single Siskin. The Great Spotted Woodpecker and three Treecreepers were much admired and of course the common favourites of Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird and Reed Bunting look different again in the hand.
Other birds seen or heard included at least one Egyptian Goose heard calling from fields the other side of the river, a couple of Kingfishers, two singing Cetti's Warblers and a reasonable-sized flock of Siskins.
Regards
Neil and Eleanor
Neil Hasdell had another go at watching the Otters at Market Harborough today. It seems that the animals weren't seen at all in the morning, but two finally appeared at about 1.30pm and were viewable on and off for the rest of the afternoon. This time they were mostly downstream from the Sainsbury's car park and went a long way past the railway station. A Kingfisher showed several times and a Grey Wagtail was also in residence.
At Blueberry Farm this morning there were four Red Kites, two Ravens, a Barn Owl, a pair of Grey Partridge and the pair of Stonechat still. A few Siskins were noted at Hanging Houghton and half a dozen Bramblings were present at Harrington Airfield plus a couple of Red Kites and a mobile flock of a hundred or so Golden Plovers.
An hour or so looking for the Great Grey Shrike at Lowick this afternoon proved to be a failure despite pleasant viewing conditions.
The Bird Ringing Demonstration at Barnwell Country Park today was well attended and it was good to see many children and young people enjoying seeing wild birds close up. This event was a joint effort between the Northants County Council Country Park Rangers, the RSPB and Northants Ringing Group volunteers aimed at inspiring people of all ages to appreciate wildlife and take part in wildlife recording initiatives. Only four static nets were erected but it was sufficient to catch over two hundred small birds. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Blue Tit was the most common bird with plenty of Great Tits and smaller numbers of Coal Tits and Long-tailed Tits plus a couple of Marsh Tits. Chaffinches and Goldfinches were well-represented together with a single Siskin. The Great Spotted Woodpecker and three Treecreepers were much admired and of course the common favourites of Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird and Reed Bunting look different again in the hand.
Other birds seen or heard included at least one Egyptian Goose heard calling from fields the other side of the river, a couple of Kingfishers, two singing Cetti's Warblers and a reasonable-sized flock of Siskins.
Regards
Neil and Eleanor
Saturday, 18 January 2014
Otterly fantastic!
Hello
This morning Neil Hasdell and I ventured to Market Harborough in an effort to see the otters. Two animals were very showy, mostly up-river in Welland Park and it was possible to be within ten feet of them as they played and fished, gradually moving against the current. Some images are below. A Kingfisher was fishing the river.
Eleanor ventured in to Brixworth Country Park at lunch-time and saw half a dozen each of Lesser Redpoll and Siskin and two Grey Wagtails as well as large numbers of Redwings. The Great Northern Diver was viewable distantly on the adjacent Pitsford Reservoir, again by the Holly Tree.
This afternoon a male Peregrine and two Grey Wagtails were around Brixworth Sewer Works.
Regards
Neil M
This morning Neil Hasdell and I ventured to Market Harborough in an effort to see the otters. Two animals were very showy, mostly up-river in Welland Park and it was possible to be within ten feet of them as they played and fished, gradually moving against the current. Some images are below. A Kingfisher was fishing the river.
Eleanor ventured in to Brixworth Country Park at lunch-time and saw half a dozen each of Lesser Redpoll and Siskin and two Grey Wagtails as well as large numbers of Redwings. The Great Northern Diver was viewable distantly on the adjacent Pitsford Reservoir, again by the Holly Tree.
This afternoon a male Peregrine and two Grey Wagtails were around Brixworth Sewer Works.
Regards
Neil M
Otters at Market Harborough
courtesy of Neil Hasdell. They
mostly ignored the people and dogs
watching over them from the
riverside paths!
Friday, 17 January 2014
It's all happening!
Hello
Yesterday afternoon (Thursday) saw Eleanor hiking around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and she was able to confirm the continuing presence of the pair of wintering Stonechat (in the southern-most field) and a Barn Owl.
Today local birder Dave Jackson watched and photographed a Lesser Whitethroat coming to a garden feeder in his Kingsthorpe garden. This is a species we consider as a summer migrant to the UK, and any individual that pops up at this time of the year will always attract considerable interest as there is a reasonable likelihood that it might be an eastern race bird. Images of this bird are below and I think we have to be grateful that it pitched up in the garden of such a good photographer!
It seems that the Otters at Market Harborough are continuing to perform with further sightings for yesterday and today!
A female Peregrine was present at Harrington Airfield today, but the site is currently busy with trucks using the concrete track entrance and the finch/bunting flock is being disturbed. A few Brambling were present but feeding them is proving difficult with vehicles moving through the feeding area.
Three of us conducted some bird ringing at Kelmarsh Hall today and we were fortunate to catch 90 small birds, the close quarter highlights being two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Nuthatches, a Marsh Tit, seventeen Goldfinches and a smart male Lesser Redpoll. At least one Siskin was present but not captured.
Finally a reminder that this Sunday there will be a Bird Ringing demonstration at Barnwell Country Park near Oundle (details below)!
Regards
Neil M
Yesterday afternoon (Thursday) saw Eleanor hiking around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and she was able to confirm the continuing presence of the pair of wintering Stonechat (in the southern-most field) and a Barn Owl.
Today local birder Dave Jackson watched and photographed a Lesser Whitethroat coming to a garden feeder in his Kingsthorpe garden. This is a species we consider as a summer migrant to the UK, and any individual that pops up at this time of the year will always attract considerable interest as there is a reasonable likelihood that it might be an eastern race bird. Images of this bird are below and I think we have to be grateful that it pitched up in the garden of such a good photographer!
It seems that the Otters at Market Harborough are continuing to perform with further sightings for yesterday and today!
A female Peregrine was present at Harrington Airfield today, but the site is currently busy with trucks using the concrete track entrance and the finch/bunting flock is being disturbed. A few Brambling were present but feeding them is proving difficult with vehicles moving through the feeding area.
Three of us conducted some bird ringing at Kelmarsh Hall today and we were fortunate to catch 90 small birds, the close quarter highlights being two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Nuthatches, a Marsh Tit, seventeen Goldfinches and a smart male Lesser Redpoll. At least one Siskin was present but not captured.
Finally a reminder that this Sunday there will be a Bird Ringing demonstration at Barnwell Country Park near Oundle (details below)!
Regards
Neil M
Lesser Whitethroat
Northampton courtesy
of Dave Jackson
Thursday, 16 January 2014
Otters again!
Hello
Pat and Geof Douglas popped over to Market Harborough today and saw a couple of otters after waiting about 90 minutes - the images below illustrate what they were up to (the otters that is)!
Neil M
Pat and Geof Douglas popped over to Market Harborough today and saw a couple of otters after waiting about 90 minutes - the images below illustrate what they were up to (the otters that is)!
Neil M
Otters at Market Harborough
Courtesy of Pat and Geof Douglas.
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Otters at Market Harborough
Hello
A visit to Market Harborough today in an effort to see the otters was interesting. Plenty of Northants birders about and the otters were present but somehow we managed to miss them (the otters that is)!
It seems that they are seen daily by the town-folk going about their usual business and we spoke to many who regularly saw these animals. Up to four animals were on show yesterday but they can move up and down the river very rapidly. Dave Thomas managed over two hundred images yesterday and reported that they were fishing, playing etc very close to the Northampton Road bridge.
Two animals were seen on an off this morning up until just short of 12 noon, but I don't think there were any sightings between then and 2pm. They are seen anywhere along the stretch of the river between Welland Park and the train station, with the most regular sightings between the Co-op and Sainsburys. This bias is perhaps because this is the busiest section with people so hence more sightings. Fortunately there are tarmac paths alongside the river and many foot bridges so the viewing opportunities are ideal.
I think we were unlucky today and I think if you are prepared to spend a couple of hours there in the morning I think you would stand a good chance of seeing them. A Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail were perhaps the most interesting birds seen there today.
Best of Luck!
Neil M
A visit to Market Harborough today in an effort to see the otters was interesting. Plenty of Northants birders about and the otters were present but somehow we managed to miss them (the otters that is)!
It seems that they are seen daily by the town-folk going about their usual business and we spoke to many who regularly saw these animals. Up to four animals were on show yesterday but they can move up and down the river very rapidly. Dave Thomas managed over two hundred images yesterday and reported that they were fishing, playing etc very close to the Northampton Road bridge.
Two animals were seen on an off this morning up until just short of 12 noon, but I don't think there were any sightings between then and 2pm. They are seen anywhere along the stretch of the river between Welland Park and the train station, with the most regular sightings between the Co-op and Sainsburys. This bias is perhaps because this is the busiest section with people so hence more sightings. Fortunately there are tarmac paths alongside the river and many foot bridges so the viewing opportunities are ideal.
I think we were unlucky today and I think if you are prepared to spend a couple of hours there in the morning I think you would stand a good chance of seeing them. A Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail were perhaps the most interesting birds seen there today.
Best of Luck!
Neil M
Images courtesy of
Dave Thomas
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
Winter birds in situ
Hello
Dave Francis committed to some more bird ringing at Pitsford Res today, catching and processing 66 birds. Six Moorhens were amongst this total as were small numbers of Greenfinches, Tree Sparrows and Yellowhammers. Eleanor saw the Great Northern Diver early afternoon, viewed distantly from the dam.
Birds feeding at Harrington Airfield by the concrete track entrance included 12+ Bramblings, and two Ravens and two or three Red Kites were present with a couple each of redpoll sp and Siskin flying over.
Blueberry Farm only conjured up a Barn Owl and a couple more Red Kite.
Regards
Neil M
Dave Francis committed to some more bird ringing at Pitsford Res today, catching and processing 66 birds. Six Moorhens were amongst this total as were small numbers of Greenfinches, Tree Sparrows and Yellowhammers. Eleanor saw the Great Northern Diver early afternoon, viewed distantly from the dam.
Birds feeding at Harrington Airfield by the concrete track entrance included 12+ Bramblings, and two Ravens and two or three Red Kites were present with a couple each of redpoll sp and Siskin flying over.
Blueberry Farm only conjured up a Barn Owl and a couple more Red Kite.
Regards
Neil M
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