Our life experiences are formed by being "in the right place at the right time" and birding is no different.
My plans for this morning included an early morning walk followed by a run, however, this had to be changed as I woke up with a thumping headache. By the time I went out it was already ten o clock and raining.
As Bobbie remains on limited exercise I went to Harrington Airfield so that I could use her buggy. Despite the weather there were plenty of birds in the bushes and on the fields. There was a large flock of Linnet and Goldfinch on the fresh plough by the roadside. Plenty of Whitethroat and a large tit flock moving along the roadside bushes between the compound and green gate. There were at least 2 Whinchat and a Redstart also in this area.
The bushes around the shooting wall were also busy, mainly with Blackcap, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler. As I peered into the bushes I could see 2 Turtle Doves sitting very quietly and also a Redstart.
I continued my walk along the track and this is where I had my " in the right place at the right time" moment[11am]. I was aware of a medium sized dark bird coming from my left, from the direction of the pond, and it took me a few seconds to register what it was....a Glossy Ibis !!! It simply flew over me and continued to fly in the general direction of Pitsford Reservoir. I certainly never expected to see one of the birds in the county let alone Harrington.
Birds were also plentiful around the bunkers, again good numbers of Whitethroat and also Blackbirds. Birds of note included a Redstart, 2 Wheatear and 2 Raven.
The Turtle Doves were on the main track when I walked back.
Regards Eleanor
Monday 1 September 2014
Sunday 31 August 2014
Sunday pm
Hello
Ringers at Stortons Gravel Pits yesterday morning (Saturday) caught and processed 40 birds, the majority being Blackcaps (18 new and 1 re-trap). Seven Swallows were ringed and released from the previous evening roost.
This afternoon there was a steady passage of Yellow Wagtails moving in to a strong south-westerly breeze over Hanging Houghton, the majority of them not being easy to see as they passed over against a deep blue sky. However one large flock of twenty-six birds was easier to pick out! A few Meadow Pipits were associated with the same movement.
The Redstart was still in 'Shrike Hedge' in the Brampton Valley this afternoon and there was another one at Blueberry Farm, a few hundred metres west of the farm-yard 'crossroads' on the approach to Blueberry Hill.
Other birds noted at this complex included the adult female Peregrine, a Hobby, a Spotted Flycatcher and eight Whinchats.
Two Grey Wagtails and an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Little Egret were visible from the dam at Pitsford Res this evening.
Regards
Neil M
Ringers at Stortons Gravel Pits yesterday morning (Saturday) caught and processed 40 birds, the majority being Blackcaps (18 new and 1 re-trap). Seven Swallows were ringed and released from the previous evening roost.
This afternoon there was a steady passage of Yellow Wagtails moving in to a strong south-westerly breeze over Hanging Houghton, the majority of them not being easy to see as they passed over against a deep blue sky. However one large flock of twenty-six birds was easier to pick out! A few Meadow Pipits were associated with the same movement.
The Redstart was still in 'Shrike Hedge' in the Brampton Valley this afternoon and there was another one at Blueberry Farm, a few hundred metres west of the farm-yard 'crossroads' on the approach to Blueberry Hill.
Other birds noted at this complex included the adult female Peregrine, a Hobby, a Spotted Flycatcher and eight Whinchats.
Two Grey Wagtails and an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Little Egret were visible from the dam at Pitsford Res this evening.
Regards
Neil M
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| Juvenile Sedge Warbler Pitsford Res courtesy of Jacob Spinks |
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| Vulcan on it's way to the Bournemouth Air Show 1500hrs |
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| Pitsford Reservoir this evening |
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| Vulcan on it's way back from the Bournemouth Air Show 1615hrs |
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| Swarm of Flying Ants Brampton Valley |
Northants Bird Club Indoor Meeting
Hello
This is an invite to non-members and a reminder to members of the Northants Bird Club that we will be resuming our Indoor meetings this coming Wednesday (3rd September) at our venue of the Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Water (Reservoir), Brixworth Road, Holcot (NN6 9SJ).
We would ask that you attend as soon after 7.30pm as possible with a view to starting the meeting at about 7.45pm. There should be sufficient parking next to the Fishing Lodge, but further parking is possible down by the water edge next to the fishing boat pontoon, and on the causeway. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available all evening.
Our presenters this Wednesday will be our own Chairman Bob Gill supported by Robin Gossage. They will be providing a pictorial account of their photographic trip to Ethiopia with other Bird Club members last year.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Northants Bird Club Committee
This is an invite to non-members and a reminder to members of the Northants Bird Club that we will be resuming our Indoor meetings this coming Wednesday (3rd September) at our venue of the Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Water (Reservoir), Brixworth Road, Holcot (NN6 9SJ).
We would ask that you attend as soon after 7.30pm as possible with a view to starting the meeting at about 7.45pm. There should be sufficient parking next to the Fishing Lodge, but further parking is possible down by the water edge next to the fishing boat pontoon, and on the causeway. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available all evening.
Our presenters this Wednesday will be our own Chairman Bob Gill supported by Robin Gossage. They will be providing a pictorial account of their photographic trip to Ethiopia with other Bird Club members last year.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Northants Bird Club Committee
Redstarts and company
Hello
The daily visit to Harrington Airfield this morning was sufficient to confirm the continuing presence of Redstarts, with three birds present. This species is now a much more common bird during the spring and autumn passage periods (it used to be a very scarce migrant thirty years ago despite being a species that once bred in the county regularly), and this year has provided an excellent opportunity to catch up with this elusive but stunning bird. The birds today include singles in roadside bushes near to the concrete track entrance, in bushes just before the first bunker along the old airstrip approaching from the gravel compound and at the very end (north-west) of the concrete track. Other birds included the two Turtle Doves still, a Whinchat and a Wheatear plus plenty of Whitethroats.
'Shrike Hedge' in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton hosted a very large flock of birds with many Whitethroats and Willow Warblers plus another Redstart late morning. A Wheatear was in nearby fields.
At Pitsford Res this morning, an Osprey spent some time over the Scaldwell Bay from about 10.50am before moving off west. A strong diurnal migration of hirundines (particularly Swallows), wagtails (one Grey, c20 Yellow and c10 'alba') and pipits were audible and partly visible all morning. The pipits were made up of one Tree and c6 Meadow. Other birds noted included Hobby, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and the two Black Swans still.
A ringing session at the Old Scaldwell Road Feeding Station became wind-affected and produced only a small catch of birds. Pick of the bunch was Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler and Tree Sparrow all of which delighted the 'new to ringing' attendees!
Regards
Neil M
The daily visit to Harrington Airfield this morning was sufficient to confirm the continuing presence of Redstarts, with three birds present. This species is now a much more common bird during the spring and autumn passage periods (it used to be a very scarce migrant thirty years ago despite being a species that once bred in the county regularly), and this year has provided an excellent opportunity to catch up with this elusive but stunning bird. The birds today include singles in roadside bushes near to the concrete track entrance, in bushes just before the first bunker along the old airstrip approaching from the gravel compound and at the very end (north-west) of the concrete track. Other birds included the two Turtle Doves still, a Whinchat and a Wheatear plus plenty of Whitethroats.
'Shrike Hedge' in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton hosted a very large flock of birds with many Whitethroats and Willow Warblers plus another Redstart late morning. A Wheatear was in nearby fields.
At Pitsford Res this morning, an Osprey spent some time over the Scaldwell Bay from about 10.50am before moving off west. A strong diurnal migration of hirundines (particularly Swallows), wagtails (one Grey, c20 Yellow and c10 'alba') and pipits were audible and partly visible all morning. The pipits were made up of one Tree and c6 Meadow. Other birds noted included Hobby, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and the two Black Swans still.
A ringing session at the Old Scaldwell Road Feeding Station became wind-affected and produced only a small catch of birds. Pick of the bunch was Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler and Tree Sparrow all of which delighted the 'new to ringing' attendees!
Regards
Neil M
Saturday 30 August 2014
Saturday's birds...
Hello
A check on the reserve section of Pitsford Reservoir this morning was sufficient to see five Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay plus an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Common Sandpiper.
Harrington Airfield yielded singles of Redstart, Whinchat and Wheatear.
Regards
Neil M
A check on the reserve section of Pitsford Reservoir this morning was sufficient to see five Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay plus an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Common Sandpiper.
Harrington Airfield yielded singles of Redstart, Whinchat and Wheatear.
Regards
Neil M
Friday 29 August 2014
Friday pm
Hello
Birding this afternoon at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell produced eight well-scattered Whinchats but nothing else of note. There were two Grey Wagtails at Brixworth Sewer Works and 16 Yellow Wagtails and a Swift flew south there.
A visit to a very low water Hollowell Reservoir this afternoon provided views of a Spotted Redshank before it seemingly flew off at 5.20pm. Four Dunlin were the only other waders noted despite plenty of mud. Other birds included an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Raven, two Barnacle Geese and two Yellow Wagtails.
Birds viewable from the dam at Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon and evening included the two Ruddy Shelduck, two Black Terns, a Ruff, two Swifts and twenty Yellow Wagtails.
Regards
Neil M
Birding this afternoon at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell produced eight well-scattered Whinchats but nothing else of note. There were two Grey Wagtails at Brixworth Sewer Works and 16 Yellow Wagtails and a Swift flew south there.
A visit to a very low water Hollowell Reservoir this afternoon provided views of a Spotted Redshank before it seemingly flew off at 5.20pm. Four Dunlin were the only other waders noted despite plenty of mud. Other birds included an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Raven, two Barnacle Geese and two Yellow Wagtails.
Birds viewable from the dam at Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon and evening included the two Ruddy Shelduck, two Black Terns, a Ruff, two Swifts and twenty Yellow Wagtails.
Regards
Neil M
Grey and breezy autumnal day
Hello
A breezy but pleasant autumnal morning at Harrington Airfield felt good for migrants but actually most of the birds seen have probably been there for a little while now. The couple of Ravens were mobile and there were plenty of other corvids there too. Two Redstarts included the rather elusive one in bushes by the first bunker again plus a first year male showing better in roadside bushes near to the concrete track entrance. A Whinchat was here too.
Subsequently at Pitsford Res, birds of note in the Scaldwell Bay included seven Red-crested Pochard, a Goldeneye and two Little Egrets.
Two Ravens remain at Hanging Houghton. Our garden feeders are busy now with tits, and lots of juvenile House Sparrows and Greenfinches. Two Nuthatch and the regular Marsh Tit can just about squeeze in to grab a sunflower heart or two!
Regards
Neil M
A breezy but pleasant autumnal morning at Harrington Airfield felt good for migrants but actually most of the birds seen have probably been there for a little while now. The couple of Ravens were mobile and there were plenty of other corvids there too. Two Redstarts included the rather elusive one in bushes by the first bunker again plus a first year male showing better in roadside bushes near to the concrete track entrance. A Whinchat was here too.
Subsequently at Pitsford Res, birds of note in the Scaldwell Bay included seven Red-crested Pochard, a Goldeneye and two Little Egrets.
Two Ravens remain at Hanging Houghton. Our garden feeders are busy now with tits, and lots of juvenile House Sparrows and Greenfinches. Two Nuthatch and the regular Marsh Tit can just about squeeze in to grab a sunflower heart or two!
Regards
Neil M
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| Redstart Harrington Airfield |
Thursday 28 August 2014
Thursday Morning
Today was rather frustrating as it had the feel of being a "good birding" day and my suspicions were confirmed whilst out early this morning walking the dogs around Blueberry as the hedgerows were alive with birds.
One of the favourite hedges for birds which we call Shrike hedge although we have never seen one here.......yet , was especially busy with a mixed bird flock which was following the hedgeline. Here there was at least one Redstart showing and another one calling. Warblers included Blackcap, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler. There were also two Spotted Flycatcher flitting about catching insects and quite a mixture of Tits and Finches. I had to tear myself away from these birds much to the relief of the dogs who were keen to get going.
As I continued my walk around the fields I saw two Whinchat and a Grasshopper Warbler in the southern most field and another four Whinchat in the furthest corner of the big field.
Most of the hedgerows held birds, notably Whitethroats, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Finches which were obviously on the move. There also seemed to be more Blackbirds in evidence.
The usual Red Kites, Common Buzzards and Kestrels were up and about and I saw the stunning "White Buzzard" . This is the first time I had seen her for a while, she is beautiful and very striking.
Sadly, that was my birding over and done with due to other commitments. The only other birds of note were two Ravens which were loitering in the field behind the house this morning and were still there when I returned this evening.
Regards Eleanor
One of the favourite hedges for birds which we call Shrike hedge although we have never seen one here.......yet , was especially busy with a mixed bird flock which was following the hedgeline. Here there was at least one Redstart showing and another one calling. Warblers included Blackcap, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler. There were also two Spotted Flycatcher flitting about catching insects and quite a mixture of Tits and Finches. I had to tear myself away from these birds much to the relief of the dogs who were keen to get going.
As I continued my walk around the fields I saw two Whinchat and a Grasshopper Warbler in the southern most field and another four Whinchat in the furthest corner of the big field.
Most of the hedgerows held birds, notably Whitethroats, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Finches which were obviously on the move. There also seemed to be more Blackbirds in evidence.
The usual Red Kites, Common Buzzards and Kestrels were up and about and I saw the stunning "White Buzzard" . This is the first time I had seen her for a while, she is beautiful and very striking.
Sadly, that was my birding over and done with due to other commitments. The only other birds of note were two Ravens which were loitering in the field behind the house this morning and were still there when I returned this evening.
Regards Eleanor
Wednesday 27 August 2014
Wednesday's birds
Hello
A couple of visits to Harrington Airfield today provided views of a Redstart, 2 Whinchats, a Spotted Flycatcher and two Turtle Doves.
At Pitsford Res today there was a ringing session in the Walgrave Bay which produced about thirty birds, the best probably being singles of Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler. Birds noted on the reserve included a Hobby and a Spotted Flycatcher.
This evening birds on view from the vicinity of the Sailing Club at Pitsford Res included the two Ruddy Shelduck still, a Mandarin Duck, a Ruff, two Common Sandpipers, three Yellow-legged Gulls, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and four Swifts.
Regards
Neil M
A couple of visits to Harrington Airfield today provided views of a Redstart, 2 Whinchats, a Spotted Flycatcher and two Turtle Doves.
At Pitsford Res today there was a ringing session in the Walgrave Bay which produced about thirty birds, the best probably being singles of Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler. Birds noted on the reserve included a Hobby and a Spotted Flycatcher.
This evening birds on view from the vicinity of the Sailing Club at Pitsford Res included the two Ruddy Shelduck still, a Mandarin Duck, a Ruff, two Common Sandpipers, three Yellow-legged Gulls, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and four Swifts.
Regards
Neil M
County images
Hello
Some local images from Robin Gossage - all taken in the county during the last few days (please see below)...
My thanks to Robin for sharing these with us.
Regards
Neil M
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| Red Fox Summer Leys Nature Reserve |
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| Little Egret Summer Leys Nature Reserve |
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| Vulcan and escort over Harrington Airfield |
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| Wheatear Harrington Airfield |
Tuesday 26 August 2014
Weather birds
Apologies for late blog, computer problems !!
I managed to spend most of the day out birding, dog walking and dodging the showers !
During my first wet walk of the day in the valley below Hanging Houghton, a group of 5 Greenshank flew over heading towards Brixworth.
I decided to walk the two young dogs around the south side of Pitsford Reservoir, hoping that the drizzle and winds would produce some birds. One of the first birds I noticed was a Woodpigeon sitting on one of the picnic tables . Nothing unusual in that you might think ? But it was sitting in an elongated pose looking skyward and as I followed it's gaze and saw a female Peregrine Falcon circling around. Minutes later the gulls flushed up in a panic and I assumed that it was the Peregrine.......wrong, it was an Osprey.
I continued my walk round and saw a Garganey and a colour ringed [green on right and red on left leg] Little Egret near Pintail Bay.
A juvenile Arctic Tern was near the sailing club and a Ruff and a Sanderling on the shoreline near the Grange Bay.
On the long stretch from the Grange Bay to Catwalk Bay there were at least 4 Little Egrets, the Bar-headed Goose, 2 Ruddy Shelduck, a Whinchat, a Curlew flying over calling and a male Merlin. Finally there were 2 Common Sandpiper on the causeway.
After popping home to grab a cuppa and swap dogs I headed off to Harrington Airfield where it was obvious that there had been quite a fall of birds. I only walked along the "rough strip around the bunkers" and notched up Redstart, Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher, Whitethroats and a Ring Ouzel. There was a large mixed flock of birds moving through the bushes from the first to middle bunker.
The Turtle Doves were flying around the bushes and as I stood around at the end bunker a Curlew flew over calling and a male Merlin flew through. I wondered whether these were the same birds I had seen earlier in the day at Pitsford ?
There were also numerous Red Kites, Kestrel and Common Buzzard loafing around the recently harvested fields.
Butterflies included several Clouded Yellow including one of the 'Helica' form.
Regards
Eleanor
I managed to spend most of the day out birding, dog walking and dodging the showers !
During my first wet walk of the day in the valley below Hanging Houghton, a group of 5 Greenshank flew over heading towards Brixworth.
I decided to walk the two young dogs around the south side of Pitsford Reservoir, hoping that the drizzle and winds would produce some birds. One of the first birds I noticed was a Woodpigeon sitting on one of the picnic tables . Nothing unusual in that you might think ? But it was sitting in an elongated pose looking skyward and as I followed it's gaze and saw a female Peregrine Falcon circling around. Minutes later the gulls flushed up in a panic and I assumed that it was the Peregrine.......wrong, it was an Osprey.
I continued my walk round and saw a Garganey and a colour ringed [green on right and red on left leg] Little Egret near Pintail Bay.
A juvenile Arctic Tern was near the sailing club and a Ruff and a Sanderling on the shoreline near the Grange Bay.
On the long stretch from the Grange Bay to Catwalk Bay there were at least 4 Little Egrets, the Bar-headed Goose, 2 Ruddy Shelduck, a Whinchat, a Curlew flying over calling and a male Merlin. Finally there were 2 Common Sandpiper on the causeway.
After popping home to grab a cuppa and swap dogs I headed off to Harrington Airfield where it was obvious that there had been quite a fall of birds. I only walked along the "rough strip around the bunkers" and notched up Redstart, Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher, Whitethroats and a Ring Ouzel. There was a large mixed flock of birds moving through the bushes from the first to middle bunker.
The Turtle Doves were flying around the bushes and as I stood around at the end bunker a Curlew flew over calling and a male Merlin flew through. I wondered whether these were the same birds I had seen earlier in the day at Pitsford ?
There were also numerous Red Kites, Kestrel and Common Buzzard loafing around the recently harvested fields.
Butterflies included several Clouded Yellow including one of the 'Helica' form.
Regards
Eleanor
Stortons Ringing
Hello
A short ringing session took place at Stortons GP this evening targeting Swallows. Thirty-two Swallows were caught and ringed, a combination of juveniles and adults. Other birds caught and ringed included a juvenile male Sparrowhawk, three Reed Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Wren.
Other birds noted included an adult male Peregrine, a Little Egret and four Swifts.
Regards
Neil M
A short ringing session took place at Stortons GP this evening targeting Swallows. Thirty-two Swallows were caught and ringed, a combination of juveniles and adults. Other birds caught and ringed included a juvenile male Sparrowhawk, three Reed Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Wren.
Other birds noted included an adult male Peregrine, a Little Egret and four Swifts.
Regards
Neil M
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| Sparrowhawk Courtesy of Chris Payne |
Monday 25 August 2014
Wet Bank Holiday Monday!
Hello
Excursions out today ensured we were always going to become somewhat wet, and birding is always a little more challenging in very wet conditions.
This morning Eleanor wandered around the complex at Harrington Airfield and connected with the Redstart by the first bunker, the 'cream-crown' Marsh Harrier and two Turtle Doves. Nearby there were three Grey Wagtails at Brixworth Sewer works.
At Pitsford Res, at least three Red-crested Pochard and a Goldeneye and a Common Sandpiper were in the Scaldwell Bay. Two Redstarts were in a field hedge between the village of Old and the reservoir boundary fence. In the late afternoon, birds visible near to the dam included a couple of Little Egrets, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a juvenile Ruff and a juvenile Arctic Tern.
Regards
Neil M
Excursions out today ensured we were always going to become somewhat wet, and birding is always a little more challenging in very wet conditions.
This morning Eleanor wandered around the complex at Harrington Airfield and connected with the Redstart by the first bunker, the 'cream-crown' Marsh Harrier and two Turtle Doves. Nearby there were three Grey Wagtails at Brixworth Sewer works.
At Pitsford Res, at least three Red-crested Pochard and a Goldeneye and a Common Sandpiper were in the Scaldwell Bay. Two Redstarts were in a field hedge between the village of Old and the reservoir boundary fence. In the late afternoon, birds visible near to the dam included a couple of Little Egrets, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a juvenile Ruff and a juvenile Arctic Tern.
Regards
Neil M
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| Ruff Pitsford Res |
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| This Great Tit was captured at Pitsford reservoir yesterday. This species seems to be regularly afflicted with growths, sometimes to the head and often along the flanks and breast. On this occasion the growths are affecting it's left eye to the point where it may eventually lose sight, and the right eye also exhibited a very small growth. Local ringers have reported similar issues with both Dunnock and Bullfinch in recent days, each time the head and eye being affected. Another Great Tit seen yesterday exhibited large bulbous growths on it's flanks. For the most part these birds seem to live a normal if somewhat shortened life to the point whereby it is unusual to see such afflicted birds by the following spring. |
Sunday 24 August 2014
Pitsford Ringing
Hello
Sustained efforts at ringing at Pitsford Reservoir during the week-end has resulted in the capture of some 215 birds. Forty-one Tree Sparrows were caught (thirty-six were new juveniles) suggesting that this species locally seems to have enjoyed a reasonable breeding season. Warblers included 16 Reed Warblers, 7 Sedge Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff and 7 Willow Warblers.
The star bird was a first year male Redstart trapped in the Scaldwell Bay (see images below). Other birds included 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails, a Marsh Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Other birds noted at Pitsford Res today included an adult Yellow-legged Gull, several Little Egrets, 1-2 Common Sandpiper(s) and a Spotted Flycatcher.
At Harrington Airfield this morning birds noted included a Redstart by the first bunker, a Tree Pipit over south at 6.30am, a Wheatear and two Ravens. This afternoon Eleanor went on to locate a fine adult male Redstart and several Clouded Yellow butterflies in a field between Walgrave village and Pitsford Res.
Regards
Neil M
Sustained efforts at ringing at Pitsford Reservoir during the week-end has resulted in the capture of some 215 birds. Forty-one Tree Sparrows were caught (thirty-six were new juveniles) suggesting that this species locally seems to have enjoyed a reasonable breeding season. Warblers included 16 Reed Warblers, 7 Sedge Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff and 7 Willow Warblers.
The star bird was a first year male Redstart trapped in the Scaldwell Bay (see images below). Other birds included 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails, a Marsh Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Other birds noted at Pitsford Res today included an adult Yellow-legged Gull, several Little Egrets, 1-2 Common Sandpiper(s) and a Spotted Flycatcher.
At Harrington Airfield this morning birds noted included a Redstart by the first bunker, a Tree Pipit over south at 6.30am, a Wheatear and two Ravens. This afternoon Eleanor went on to locate a fine adult male Redstart and several Clouded Yellow butterflies in a field between Walgrave village and Pitsford Res.
Regards
Neil M
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| Redstart Courtesy of Chris Payne |
%2BYellow%2BWagtail.jpg) |
| Yellow Wagtail Courtesy of Simon Hales |
Saturday 23 August 2014
'Shrike hedge' delivers!
Hello
This afternoon a Raven was spotted soaring around quite high up between Brixworth and Pitsford Res.
In the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton this evening, new migrants included a Tree Pipit, two Redstarts, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Whinchats and good numbers of common warblers, most of these birds being in 'shrike hedge'.
This is a low, inauspicious field hedge which for some reason regularly attracts passage migrants, particularly chats, warblers, pipits and wagtails. One day there will be a shrike there (hence the name)! Oddly enough there was even a vocal Nuthatch 'out of habitat' in the loose bird flock there...
Regards
Neil M
This afternoon a Raven was spotted soaring around quite high up between Brixworth and Pitsford Res.
In the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton this evening, new migrants included a Tree Pipit, two Redstarts, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Whinchats and good numbers of common warblers, most of these birds being in 'shrike hedge'.
This is a low, inauspicious field hedge which for some reason regularly attracts passage migrants, particularly chats, warblers, pipits and wagtails. One day there will be a shrike there (hence the name)! Oddly enough there was even a vocal Nuthatch 'out of habitat' in the loose bird flock there...
Regards
Neil M
Forest Holidays at Fineshade Wood - update
Hello again,
Following a period of relative calm, there has been a flurry of activity this week.
Firstly, on Wednesday there was an (unaccompanied) site visit from councillors on the planning committee who came to view both the Forest Holidays (FH) site and also the Glamping site. Residents were not allowed to talk to the councillors. The planning officer for the FH proposal was not present as he has been ill this week - they may therefore have only got as far as Top Lodge itself and not entered the wood at all. But they should have been able to see the problems with road access - probably the most easily understood problem for most councillors.
Secondly, also on Wednesday, three extra documents from FH appeared on the ENC website under 14/01156/FUL.
These are:
Final Ecological Report (104 pages inc, Appendices)Ecological Procedural Method Statement (7 pages)Habitat Management Plan (10 pages)
Most of you have already objected to the proposal but there may be extra information here which will warrant a second submission. Below this email are some interim comments from me that may help you decide whether you need to make another objection now. For those of you who have been keeping your powder dry so far, this may be the time to make your objection. We have asked East Northants planning department for a deadline date but all we can glean, in the absence of the planning officer, is a re-assurance that comments may be submitted up to the time of determination (whenever that may be!)
Thirdly and perhaps most urgently, a new Screening Opinion (SO) request in relation to this application has also been published this week (see EN/14/01573/SCR) and is marked as Pending Consideration. The new request applies to a larger area than that considered before, so it provides the planning officer with a new opportunity to rule that this application requires an Environmental Impact Assessment. His earlier decision against EIA was queried by many of us including East Northant's own ecological advisers, the local Wildlife Trust. The WT advice is published with this new SO request and it would be possible for you to make a comment to help the planning officer now. An easy direct way to do this is to make a short (less than 1000 characters) comment using the online facility on the website. (NB needs to be done on this EN/14/01573/SCR page). In forming his opinion the planning officer has to decide whether "this Schedule 2 development is likely to have significant effects on the environment" - perhaps worth remembering that planners see the environment as wider than simply ecological concerns. For example, one planning officer elsewhere argued that a FH development was worthy of EIA because "the proposals will introduce built form into the existing recreational woodland with the potential to change the character of the woodland". Sometimes the terms Environmental Impact Assessment - EIA- and Ecological Impact Statement EcIA are used )
Finally, as far as the Glamping proposal is concerned, no news may be good news: the applicant seems not to have provided the very substantial missing information from his application and without that it is almost impossible for ENC to grant the planning permission. Determination will apparently be sometime in September.
I hope all this makes sense - please do get back to me if any queries.
Best wishes for a very good bank-holiday weekend.
Barrie Galpin
barrie.galpin@zen.co.uk
Common Buzzard passage
Hello
This morning was dominated by an unprecedented passage of Common Buzzards over Harrington Airfield, first noticed at about 9am. An estimated hundred birds moved south in an hour, most of them skirting down the western edge of the complex and heading towards the Brampton Valley. 'Kettles' of birds included 18 at a time and on one horizontal scan it was possible to see 50 birds in the air at the same time. Although Common Buzzard passage has developed over the last ten years as the population has increased, this seems unusual inasmuch that it is very early in the autumn when many begging juveniles are clearly still reliant on the hunting skills of their parents to sustain them. Whether these birds are from further afield or are failed breeders etc is pure speculation but a remarkable local record in any event.
Other birds of note included c6 Red Kites, an adult male Merlin flying south at 9.15am, the 'cream crown' Marsh Harrier again and a Redstart on the airstrip between the chippings compound and first bunker.
At Pitsford Res this morning, three Red-crested Pochard were on show in the Scaldwell Bay which also hosted an adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1-2 Common Sandpiper(s) and a Hobby.
Regards
Neil M
This morning was dominated by an unprecedented passage of Common Buzzards over Harrington Airfield, first noticed at about 9am. An estimated hundred birds moved south in an hour, most of them skirting down the western edge of the complex and heading towards the Brampton Valley. 'Kettles' of birds included 18 at a time and on one horizontal scan it was possible to see 50 birds in the air at the same time. Although Common Buzzard passage has developed over the last ten years as the population has increased, this seems unusual inasmuch that it is very early in the autumn when many begging juveniles are clearly still reliant on the hunting skills of their parents to sustain them. Whether these birds are from further afield or are failed breeders etc is pure speculation but a remarkable local record in any event.
Other birds of note included c6 Red Kites, an adult male Merlin flying south at 9.15am, the 'cream crown' Marsh Harrier again and a Redstart on the airstrip between the chippings compound and first bunker.
At Pitsford Res this morning, three Red-crested Pochard were on show in the Scaldwell Bay which also hosted an adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1-2 Common Sandpiper(s) and a Hobby.
Regards
Neil M
Lamport migration
Hello
Eleanor toured the fields adjacent to Lamport Hall this morning and there was plenty of obvious migration on the go with a Spotted Flycatcher and an adult male Redstart in an old hedge, a Tree Pipit flying over in a south-east direction, a Grey Wagtail flying south-west and two Crossbills flying in to trees in the hall grounds.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor toured the fields adjacent to Lamport Hall this morning and there was plenty of obvious migration on the go with a Spotted Flycatcher and an adult male Redstart in an old hedge, a Tree Pipit flying over in a south-east direction, a Grey Wagtail flying south-west and two Crossbills flying in to trees in the hall grounds.
Regards
Neil M
Friday 22 August 2014
Martins and wagtails
Hello
An evening conducting some bird ringing near to the dam at Pitsford Res led to the capture and ringing of a Swallow, a House Martin, three Sand Martins, two Pied Wagtails, a Yellow Wagtail and singles of Robin, Linnet, Goldfinch and Moorhen. Three Grey Wagtails, about a dozen Yellow Wagtails and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were in the same area and earlier four Red-crested Pochard and two Common Sandpipers were noted in the Scaldwell Bay.
Regards
Neil M
An evening conducting some bird ringing near to the dam at Pitsford Res led to the capture and ringing of a Swallow, a House Martin, three Sand Martins, two Pied Wagtails, a Yellow Wagtail and singles of Robin, Linnet, Goldfinch and Moorhen. Three Grey Wagtails, about a dozen Yellow Wagtails and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were in the same area and earlier four Red-crested Pochard and two Common Sandpipers were noted in the Scaldwell Bay.
Regards
Neil M
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| Sand Martin |
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| House Martin All images courtesy of Chris Payne. |
Harrington Friday morning
Hello
A circuit around Harrington Airfield this morning was pleasant with a warmish autumnal breeze and lazy sunshine.
A Meadow Pipit was likely to have been a migrant and no doubt the precursor to the usual large movements in most autumns of this species through the county.
Small numbers of common warblers were busy in the bushes and an elusive Redstart was on the old airstrip in bushes between the second and third bunkers. Up to eight Red Kites patrolled the skies and the two Ravens enjoyed a little skirmish with a couple of them.
Regards
Neil M
A circuit around Harrington Airfield this morning was pleasant with a warmish autumnal breeze and lazy sunshine.
A Meadow Pipit was likely to have been a migrant and no doubt the precursor to the usual large movements in most autumns of this species through the county.
Small numbers of common warblers were busy in the bushes and an elusive Redstart was on the old airstrip in bushes between the second and third bunkers. Up to eight Red Kites patrolled the skies and the two Ravens enjoyed a little skirmish with a couple of them.
Regards
Neil M
Thursday's birds
Hello
Apologies for the late posting which refers to birds on Thursday 21st Aug...
A ringing session in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res in the morning followed on from efforts the previous evening and resulted in the total capture of 90 birds. This total included a female Sparrowhawk, three Kingfishers, 13 Wrens, 10 Bullfinches, 9 Robins, 6 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 9 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Garden Warblers, a Reed Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher. Extra birds caught near the dam during the evening included 5 House Martins, a Sand Martin, a Swallow and a Pied Wagtail.
A Hobby was in the Scaldwell Bay this morning and there was one worrying the martins by the dam in the evening. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was the only larid of interest.
Harrington Airfield in the morning hosted two Ravens and two Turtle Doves and there were again two Ravens around Hanging Houghton village.
Regards
Neil M
Apologies for the late posting which refers to birds on Thursday 21st Aug...
A ringing session in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res in the morning followed on from efforts the previous evening and resulted in the total capture of 90 birds. This total included a female Sparrowhawk, three Kingfishers, 13 Wrens, 10 Bullfinches, 9 Robins, 6 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 9 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Garden Warblers, a Reed Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher. Extra birds caught near the dam during the evening included 5 House Martins, a Sand Martin, a Swallow and a Pied Wagtail.
A Hobby was in the Scaldwell Bay this morning and there was one worrying the martins by the dam in the evening. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was the only larid of interest.
Harrington Airfield in the morning hosted two Ravens and two Turtle Doves and there were again two Ravens around Hanging Houghton village.
Regards
Neil M
Wednesday 20 August 2014
Migration is back on!
Hello
Today was the first day of several planned days of bird ringing at Pitsford Reservoir, extending in to the week-end.
The initial session was in the Walgrave Bay and then at locations in the Scaldwell Bay and at the Old Scaldwell Road by Maytrees Hide in the late afternoon/evening.
Eighty birds were processed in the Walgrave Bay with no surprises but some good numbers of common warblers and tits in particular. It was a similar story in the back of the Scaldwell Bay, but with the Old Scaldwell Road location also producing three new Moorhens and a Yellow Wagtail.
An Osprey fished the reserve for over thirty minutes from 5pm, before finally catching it's trout supper!
Other birds noted included at least four Red-crested Pochard, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, several Little Egrets, the two Black Swans still pus a Grey Wagtail and a Tree Pipit over. A Wheatear was on adjacent farmland to the west of the Walgrave Bay.
At Harrington Airfield this morning there were two Wheatears but little else.
This afternoon there was an apparent fall of migrants in the Brampton Valley and in particular around Blueberry Farm which hosted three Redstarts (including two stunning males), two Whinchats and a Tree Pipit on the ground. Raptors included the same summering cream-crown Marsh Harrier and the seemingly now regular female Peregrine. Two further Whinchats were in a field near to the Brampton Valley Way below Hanging Houghton village.
Regards
Neil M
Today was the first day of several planned days of bird ringing at Pitsford Reservoir, extending in to the week-end.
The initial session was in the Walgrave Bay and then at locations in the Scaldwell Bay and at the Old Scaldwell Road by Maytrees Hide in the late afternoon/evening.
Eighty birds were processed in the Walgrave Bay with no surprises but some good numbers of common warblers and tits in particular. It was a similar story in the back of the Scaldwell Bay, but with the Old Scaldwell Road location also producing three new Moorhens and a Yellow Wagtail.
An Osprey fished the reserve for over thirty minutes from 5pm, before finally catching it's trout supper!
Other birds noted included at least four Red-crested Pochard, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, several Little Egrets, the two Black Swans still pus a Grey Wagtail and a Tree Pipit over. A Wheatear was on adjacent farmland to the west of the Walgrave Bay.
At Harrington Airfield this morning there were two Wheatears but little else.
This afternoon there was an apparent fall of migrants in the Brampton Valley and in particular around Blueberry Farm which hosted three Redstarts (including two stunning males), two Whinchats and a Tree Pipit on the ground. Raptors included the same summering cream-crown Marsh Harrier and the seemingly now regular female Peregrine. Two further Whinchats were in a field near to the Brampton Valley Way below Hanging Houghton village.
Regards
Neil M
Ravensthorpe insects...
Hello
Gary Burrows kindly forwarded some images through of some insects he located on the dam at Ravensthorpe Reservoir yesterday.
Three Clouded Yellow butterflies were finding the meadow-like conditions to their liking as were more common small butterflies...
My thanks to Gary for his colourful contribution!
Regards
Neil M
Gary Burrows kindly forwarded some images through of some insects he located on the dam at Ravensthorpe Reservoir yesterday.
Three Clouded Yellow butterflies were finding the meadow-like conditions to their liking as were more common small butterflies...
My thanks to Gary for his colourful contribution!
Regards
Neil M
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| Common Blue |
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| Common Darter |
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| Clouded Yellow |
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| Small Copper |
Tuesday 19 August 2014
Autumn lull?
Hello
The impression is that the early tempo of a busy early autumn migration has flattened out and we are possibly in something of a comparative lull.
This afternoon a Grey Wagtail was again at Brixworth Sewer Works and two Ravens were again in a sheep field on the outskirts of Hanging Houghton. A couple of Swifts were noted in my travels around South Northants.
Eleanor spent time in the Brampton Valley and Harrington Airfield today but struggled to find anything much out of the ordinary.
Regards
Neil M
The impression is that the early tempo of a busy early autumn migration has flattened out and we are possibly in something of a comparative lull.
This afternoon a Grey Wagtail was again at Brixworth Sewer Works and two Ravens were again in a sheep field on the outskirts of Hanging Houghton. A couple of Swifts were noted in my travels around South Northants.
Eleanor spent time in the Brampton Valley and Harrington Airfield today but struggled to find anything much out of the ordinary.
Regards
Neil M
Monday 18 August 2014
Evening at Blueberry Farm...
Hello
Eleanor ventured out to Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this evening and saw a hunting Barn Owl and a Cuckoo.
Neil H and I were down at the yacht club at Pitsford Res this evening but the gulls et al all kept their distance. The best birds noted was a Hobby, 2 Swifts, a Little Egret and 3+ Yellow-legged Gulls (one adult). Birds caught and ringed included five House Martins and a Sand Martin.
The geese flocks were gleaning the stubble fields adjacent to the reservoir and included the Bar-headed Goose.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor ventured out to Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this evening and saw a hunting Barn Owl and a Cuckoo.
Neil H and I were down at the yacht club at Pitsford Res this evening but the gulls et al all kept their distance. The best birds noted was a Hobby, 2 Swifts, a Little Egret and 3+ Yellow-legged Gulls (one adult). Birds caught and ringed included five House Martins and a Sand Martin.
The geese flocks were gleaning the stubble fields adjacent to the reservoir and included the Bar-headed Goose.
Regards
Neil M
Pitsford WeBs
Hello
Much of today was taken up completing the WeBs count at Pitsford Reservoir. Decent numbers of wildfowl and other water-birds were present but nothing particularly remarkable was seen.
Highlights included the pair of Ruddy Shelduck still (Pintail Bay), the Bar-headed Goose, two Black Swans, six Red-crested Pochard (again two drakes in the Walgrave Bay and a drake and three females in the Scaldwell Bay), up to six Little Egrets, a couple of Hobby, c6 Common Sandpipers, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Kingfisher and 20 Yellow Wagtails.
Good numbers of Sand Martins were again feeding over the reservoir and Swallows and House Martins were moving through. Common butterflies on the wing included Small Copper.
Regards
Neil M
Much of today was taken up completing the WeBs count at Pitsford Reservoir. Decent numbers of wildfowl and other water-birds were present but nothing particularly remarkable was seen.
Highlights included the pair of Ruddy Shelduck still (Pintail Bay), the Bar-headed Goose, two Black Swans, six Red-crested Pochard (again two drakes in the Walgrave Bay and a drake and three females in the Scaldwell Bay), up to six Little Egrets, a couple of Hobby, c6 Common Sandpipers, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Kingfisher and 20 Yellow Wagtails.
Good numbers of Sand Martins were again feeding over the reservoir and Swallows and House Martins were moving through. Common butterflies on the wing included Small Copper.
Regards
Neil M
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| The wildlife subjects didn't want to be photographed today, so a couple of 'machinery' images from Pitsford Res instead! |
Sunday 17 August 2014
British Bird-watching Fair
Hello
No birding news from us today as we have been at the British Bird-watching Fair at Rutland Water and as usual spent far too much money!
As good as ever, this event has to be a big must for anyone who is interested in bird-watching and like-minded interests. Huge marquees packed with art, optics, holidays, information services, books, outdoor clothing and much more makes it easy to look at and potentially purchase items at competitive prices, to the extent that each year we often wait for the fair to buy any bird-watching commodities.
The local Nuthatches were on our garden feeders first thing this morning, but apart from a few birds at Rutland Water and plenty of Common Buzzards en-route, nothing else to report!
Regards
Neil M
No birding news from us today as we have been at the British Bird-watching Fair at Rutland Water and as usual spent far too much money!
As good as ever, this event has to be a big must for anyone who is interested in bird-watching and like-minded interests. Huge marquees packed with art, optics, holidays, information services, books, outdoor clothing and much more makes it easy to look at and potentially purchase items at competitive prices, to the extent that each year we often wait for the fair to buy any bird-watching commodities.
The local Nuthatches were on our garden feeders first thing this morning, but apart from a few birds at Rutland Water and plenty of Common Buzzards en-route, nothing else to report!
Regards
Neil M
Saturday 16 August 2014
Pitsford and the rest...
Hello
Eleanor visited Harrington Airfield this morning and again saw the 'cream-crown' Marsh Harrier. Passerines in good numbers included plenty of Whitethroat and Willow Warbler and the large mixed flock of Goldfinch and Linnet had returned. Two Ravens were also present.
With much of the day spent at Pitsford Reservoir, there was a reasonable day list of birds which included an Osprey in the Scaldwell Bay at 2.45pm, at least one Hobby, 6 Red-crested Pochard (two drakes Walgrave Bay, a drake and three females in the Scaldwell Bay), 2 Kingfishers, 3-6 Common Sandpipers, a Redshank, a Snipe, a Curlew, 4+ Little Egrets, a Bar-headed Goose, the pair of Ruddy Shelduck, 2 Black Swans, a Goldeneye, ca6 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 adults), and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull in the evening roost.
Ringing operations there today led to 102 birds being caught, perhaps the most interesting being a Green Woodpecker, a Marsh Tit, 6 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, 24 Chiffchaff, 11 Willow Warbler and 4 House Martin. Large numbers of migrant Sand Martins were whizzing over the water all day.
Nick Wood and Chris Payne were ringing at Stortons GP this morning and caught a number of warblers which included 9 Whitethroat and several each of Blackcap and Garden Warbler as well as the usual Reed Warbler. They also noted several Kingfishers and a Peregrine.
This evening two Ravens were in a sheep field at Hanging Houghton adjacent to the A508.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor visited Harrington Airfield this morning and again saw the 'cream-crown' Marsh Harrier. Passerines in good numbers included plenty of Whitethroat and Willow Warbler and the large mixed flock of Goldfinch and Linnet had returned. Two Ravens were also present.
With much of the day spent at Pitsford Reservoir, there was a reasonable day list of birds which included an Osprey in the Scaldwell Bay at 2.45pm, at least one Hobby, 6 Red-crested Pochard (two drakes Walgrave Bay, a drake and three females in the Scaldwell Bay), 2 Kingfishers, 3-6 Common Sandpipers, a Redshank, a Snipe, a Curlew, 4+ Little Egrets, a Bar-headed Goose, the pair of Ruddy Shelduck, 2 Black Swans, a Goldeneye, ca6 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 adults), and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull in the evening roost.
Ringing operations there today led to 102 birds being caught, perhaps the most interesting being a Green Woodpecker, a Marsh Tit, 6 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, 24 Chiffchaff, 11 Willow Warbler and 4 House Martin. Large numbers of migrant Sand Martins were whizzing over the water all day.
Nick Wood and Chris Payne were ringing at Stortons GP this morning and caught a number of warblers which included 9 Whitethroat and several each of Blackcap and Garden Warbler as well as the usual Reed Warbler. They also noted several Kingfishers and a Peregrine.
This evening two Ravens were in a sheep field at Hanging Houghton adjacent to the A508.
Regards
Neil M
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| Hornets seem to be occupying several nest-boxes at Pitsford this year, this one being in Christies Copse. |
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| Eclipse and flightless drake Goldeneye Scaldwell Bay. |
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| Pitsford Reservoir looking towards the Maytrees Hide from the New James Fisher Hide. |
Friday 15 August 2014
Birds at Pitsford
Hello
Overall a quiet day for birds today. The reserve section of Pitsford Reservoir is beginning to show a significant drop in the water level so hopefully the muddy margins will increase and begin to attract some south-bound waders. Birds noted north of the causeway included a Common Sandpiper, two Little Egrets and about a dozen Yellow Wagtails.
This evening birds noted in the vicinity of the dam and yacht club at Pitsford Res included a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, four Yellow-legged Gulls, a Little Egret and a Green Sandpiper.
Regards
Neil M
Overall a quiet day for birds today. The reserve section of Pitsford Reservoir is beginning to show a significant drop in the water level so hopefully the muddy margins will increase and begin to attract some south-bound waders. Birds noted north of the causeway included a Common Sandpiper, two Little Egrets and about a dozen Yellow Wagtails.
This evening birds noted in the vicinity of the dam and yacht club at Pitsford Res included a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, four Yellow-legged Gulls, a Little Egret and a Green Sandpiper.
Regards
Neil M
Quiet at Harrington?
Hello
Eleanor has not long returned from an excursion to Harrington Airfield, but her impression was that there had been a significant shift in the transient migrants that have been present and many have left. There were still plenty of Whitethroats moving around the bushes and the agricultural activities had attracted Red Kites and a large flock of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, but few passerines of note.
However this site has a habit of luring you in to a sense of 'there's nothing here' and then some bright spark goes and find something good, so we will see what develops!
At Hanging Houghton this morning a calling Tree Pipit flew south at about 6.45am.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor has not long returned from an excursion to Harrington Airfield, but her impression was that there had been a significant shift in the transient migrants that have been present and many have left. There were still plenty of Whitethroats moving around the bushes and the agricultural activities had attracted Red Kites and a large flock of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, but few passerines of note.
However this site has a habit of luring you in to a sense of 'there's nothing here' and then some bright spark goes and find something good, so we will see what develops!
At Hanging Houghton this morning a calling Tree Pipit flew south at about 6.45am.
Regards
Neil M
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