Fineshade Wood update...

Hello again

New documents and comments from Forest Holidays(FH) were lodged on the ENC website on 18th August. If you had already sent an objection you will (probably) have had a letter from East Northants Council listing the new documents and pointing out that NEW objections are welcome. There's loads of new stuff to read and we really hope you may feel able to make further objections to their responses.

Below are some suggestions for possible areas that you may feel able to comment on before 17th September. Please don't try to tackle them all. Best to choose just one (or two?) points... something that you feel you can express strongly in your own words. If everyone says the same thing these objections will be ignored.

Yes, it's very complicated!.... but well worth the effort, so please do something if you can.

Best wishes 

Barrie Galpin

On behalf of a group of Fineshade Residents  Email: fineshade.wood@zen.co.uk

1)  How to object

The reference number for the application is 14/00195/FUL and it can be found online at 

http://pawebsrv.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=externalDocuments&keyVal=N7F2W2GO03N00

Objections can be made online, or simply emailed to planning@east-northamptonshire.gov.uk. 

Or by letter to Planning comments, East Northamptonshire Council, Cedar Drive, Thrapston NN14 4LZ. 

All comments must include your name and address and the reference 14/01156/FUL. The consultation period ends on 17th September.

We suggest you also put at the top: Objection relating to documents published 18th August

1)  Comments/objections on Road Access

New stuff is mainly contained in the document called Forest Holidays response to Transport Assessment review and objections 18.8.14

This documents is headed: Response to Transport Assessment review and objections 

Key objection: Timing of survey

Our previous objections highlighted that they had surveyed the road before Easter and not during the holiday period. This response seems ludicrous: 

"By their nature traffic flows are variable on an hourly, daily, weekly and seasonal basis. The traffic surveys were commissioned at a time of very good weather in Spring and evidence of the sunshine hours for March was included in the Transport Assessment. The traffic survey on the Fineshade access road was completed over a period of 2 weeks to learn about flows.

Traffic flows may be higher in the summer months but this means that the impact of the known traffic generation to the cabins will make up a lower proportion of the overall flows and therefore have a lesser impact."

Key objection: Sunday traffic

Page 3 lists revised estimates for weekend traffic movements (again based on survey data from early March, before the main holiday period started and the caravan site was fully open) However, figures are produced only for Saturday, while the applicant's own survey, conducted in March, shows that Sunday traffic was much heavier. (see Appendix E of their original document)

Key objection: Construction vehicles

The document provides some new details of the type of construction vehicles, but crucially only in relation to “the construction of the cabins”. These vehicles will include low loaders, long wheelbase 7.5 tonne tracks, occasional articulated trucks, bulk delivery on 10 ton trucks and transit vans. What this list does not include is the type and number of vehicles needed for the construction of the additional 2 miles of vehicle tracks, parking and passing places. How many lorry-loads of roadstone is this?

Key objection: Cyclists and caravans

The document, which purports to deal with our objections, makes no reference to use of the lane and A43 junction by cyclists or to the special problems faced and caused by caravans. There is no reference to our concerns about winter conditions.

Key objection: No offer of funds

The documents states that FH will not be providing funds to improve the A43 junction, even with skid resistant patches since "such improvements are not justified".

Key objection: Recent traffic problems

Some of us experienced the total gridlock caused by FC mismanagement of a nationally publicised Gruffalo event on 5th August.  We can certainly mention this in comments about current over-use of the road. (We have some photos if you want to use them) The FH covering letter concludes that at the A43 junction  "the risk of a queue remains very small and the junction will continue to operate safely" .  If you have recently experienced a queue at that junction or have recent evidence of it not operating safely please include this information  

2) Some new wildlife surveys

Details are contained in the document called Final Ecological Report 18.8.14

Key objection: Surveys not complete or inadequate

It appears that even this "Final" report is still incomplete. Second sentence of Executive Summary: “Some of these surveys are still to be completed”

Bats

Survey has now been carried out by means of walking around the edge of the site (so-called transects) and just 4 remote bat detectors in the interior.

"The assemblage of bats recorded indicates that Fineshade Forest is likely to be of at least local value for roosting and foraging bats, and the presence of Myotis species and barbastelle bats suggests that the Forest may be of county value for bats."

Dormice 

Not surveyed for spurious reasons 

Birds 

No specific bird surveys have been carried out - which, in itself, is an appalling omission. But FH surveyors have incidentally recorded Nightjars in both April and June. This constitutes sufficient evidence to claim Probable Breeding and would make the wood of at least county if not regional importance. There is also confirmation of breeding Woodcock, Tree Pipits, Grasshopper Warblers and recent records of Turtle Dove and Willow Tit. 9 Red list species and 9 Amber list species. Avoidance measures are proposed (no vegetation clearance will take place in the nesting bird season etc) 30 bird boxes to be erected

Badgers

No specific survey - they think all active setts are to the west of the site. Foraging paths present on the site.

Reptiles and Amphibians

All four species of reptile found throughout the site. Further surveys of ponds for amphibians confirm presence of Great Crested Newts and the locally uncommon, Palmate Newt. Measures to "displace" reptiles are proposed (reducing height of tall vegetation etc)

Flora

A second survey was undertaken on 20th July 2014 to identify certain species that would be evident at this time due to their flowering period, such as species of sedge. This survey brings the total of  Axiophytes (worthy plants in need of protection)  to 50  and 

 Ancient Woodland Indicators to 21.

Invertebrates

No invertebrate surveys were considered necessary despite strong objections from Butterfly Conservation etc.. Glow-worms recorded in many location

Area of access road

Surveys here confined only to a walkover survey on a single day. This was "limited to the route of the road i.e not the full area within the red line boundary"

Key objection: Refer to (and perhaps quote) expert objections

A strong objection has been published from RSPB joining those from the Wildlife Trust and many other conservation groups and individual experts. These can be found on the ENC website under External Documents  and then Application - Consultation or Request

3) Mitigation and Enhancement Area

The amended planning application includes "an area of woodland measuring approx 3.7 Ha to the south west of the the application site for the purposes of a Mitigation and Enhancement Area and "inclusion of forest rides within the red line area to provide a link between the development Site Area and the mitigation and Enhancement Area".

Key objection: Failure to provide environmental enhancement.

Ecological mitigation in the broadest sense involves: Avoidance (e.g. avoid area or particular times of year), Mitigation (reduce adverse impacts. Eg tunnels under roads), Compensation (offset damage that’s unavoidable by creating new habitat)

Ecological enhancement involves improving the ecological condition of the development site (or an alternative site) after the development is complete. Ecological enhancement measures must, therefore, be over and above any avoidance, mitigation and compensation measures required to neutralise the impacts of the development on wildlife.

(More detail in a useful Natural England Document on their website)

The new documents fail to show that Fineshade Wood will be a better place for wildlife after the development

Key objection: The new area is too small and, since restoration is already under way, it cannot count as compensation.

Where is it?   Approximately 1 km SW of the site of the nearest cabin! It is the first cleared bit of wood on the left as one walks south from Top Lodge along the bridleway towards KIngs Cliffe. It was cleared of conifer in 2010 and is regenerating nicely. FH claim that ""in the absence of development it is likely this area would be allowed to regenerate to broadleaved woodland."  This seems to denigrate aims and successes of the Forestry Commissions own "Ancient Woodland Project" - of which this area is a part.

FH are trying to claim that this small area which is already being restored by the FC can in some ways compensate for the very large undisturbed areas where they plan to create 2 miles of new roads and accommodation for 350 people.

Why are they doing it?

The newly published "Habitat Management Plan", section A6 gives details of what management is proposed here and why. The section starts 

The development will affect areas of open grassland with scattered trees, an uncommon habitat within the wood. The areas retained around the lodges will be subject to increased disturbance, therefore reducing their potential for some of the bird species which have been recorded, including nightjar, grasshopper warbler and tree pipit. Compensatory measures require that suitable habitat is created and maintained in perpetuity outside the boundary of the development.

The areas of "open grassland with scattered trees" which are referred to here comprise a total of 15.5 Ha, according to the FH "Woodland Management Plan" 

Key objection: How will reptiles and other wildlife get to the new area?

FH covering letter refers to forest rides and there are red lines drawn showing these linking the new area and the development area (see thick red lines drawn on site plan 47A). The only detail about this is on page 10 of the Habitat Management Plan which refers vaguely to maintenance of ride margins. Once again existing FC plans, drawn up before the FH application, show that these rides are to be opened up, so this cannot be counted as part of the enhancement and mitigation package.

Can anyone produce a cartoon showing an adder looking at a signpost that says"mitigation area this way"?  !

Saturday sightings

Hello

A period of bird ringing in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res today concluded with the capture of 79 birds. Fifty of these were new birds. Warblers included 16 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, a Whitethroat, a Reed Warbler and a Sedge Warbler. Other birds of interest were singles of Kingfisher, Spotted Flycatcher and Marsh Tit. Two re-trap Willow Tits were also processed.

Wildfowl within the bay again included 2 Ruddy Shelduck and 9 Red-crested Pochard. The shelduck were again on the bund and the pochard were diving near to the tern rafts.

Yesterday (Friday), there was a Redstart and Hobby at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and this evening there was a female Peregrine in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.

Birds of note at Harrington Airfield today included the 2 Ravens still plus singles of Whinchat and Redstart and Tree Pipit.

Finally Chris Payne noted a Siskin on his garden feeders at Greens Norton today...

Regards

Neil M

Harrington Ringing

Hello

A ringing session resumed at Harrington Airfield today which led to the capture of 56 birds, 51 of which were new.  There were good numbers of birds in and around the bushes but many of the birds stayed low or flew from the site due to the hunting activities of a Hobby and a Sparrowhawk.

The more interesting birds caught and ringed included 14 Yellowhammers, 4 Reed Buntings, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, a Whinchat, 2 Meadow Pipits and a Linnet.  The male Sparrowhawk from Wednesday was trapped again.

Other birds noted on the disused airfield included a Grey Wagtail, c25 Yellow Wagtails (one flock of 17+), 1-2 Tree Pipit(s), a Redstart and numerous Red Kites.

In the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon, a pair of Ruddy Shelduck were on the bund in front of the New James Fisher Hide and there were 9 Red-crested Pochard near to the tern rafts.

Regards

Neil M

Juvenile male Whinchat

Juvenile male Green
Woodpecker from Wednesday

Sparrowhawk from Wednesday
and again today...

All images courtesy of Neil Hasdell.

The finches are coming!

Hello

This morning a visit to Sywell Country Park didn't provide much of interest but there were two Greenshank flying around for a short time (not believed to have settled).

A couple of days ago a couple of redpoll sp were the first of the autumn for us, and today more nomadic finches appeared with an early male Brambling in the Brampton Valley Way below Hanging Houghton, a Siskin over Hanging Houghton village and a couple of Crossbills flew in to conifers on the outskirts of the village.

At Harrington Airfield this afternoon, notable birds included a Redstart and two Whinchats between the first and second bunkers and two mobile Ravens.

Regards

Neil M

Gannet gallery

Hello

Gary Burrows has kindly forwarded a number of images (please see below) of one of our more imposing sea-birds, the North Atlantic Gannet.  The UK, as with many sea-birds in Europe, is particularly important as a safe breeding haven for this species and these images originate from the famous Bass Rock colony.

The Gannet it seems is a bird that is currently doing well with the national population still increasing or at least remaining stable. Many of the colonies, the majority of which are on off-shore islands, report increases in numbers.

There are few birding experiences that match the atmosphere of being on a boat with close-quarter Gannets diving head-first in to the waves for their quarry!  Very much 'built for the job', their fantastic calls as they peel off to dive is just something else...

Regards

Neil M

Migration watch at Harrington Airfield

Hello

A ringing session at Harrington Airfield today provided the capture of 53 birds which included 11 Whitethroats (3 adults), 2 Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, a Chiffchaff and 3 Willow Warblers. Breeding birds on-site included 5 Reed Buntings and 8 Yellowhammers. Probably the most interesting birds were a male Sparrowhawk and a juvenile Green Woodpecker. A further session is planned for Friday.

Other birds noted at the airfield today included 2 Redstarts (still by the concrete track entrance in roadside bushes and the very opposite end of the concrete track), a Whinchat, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Hobby and a Curlew. Small numbers of Yellow Wagtails and Meadow Pipits filtered over all morning. Two Ravens remained here at Hanging Houghton.

A quick visit to the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res early this afternoon provided views of at least four Red-crested Pochard.

Regards

Neil M

Sparrowhawk
Courtesy of Lynne Barnett

Restricted access Harrington Airfield

Hello

Tomorrow and again on Friday, there will be restricted access at Harrington Airfield due to bird ringing operations.  Access to the surrounding roads, concrete track and footpaths will all be unaffected, but the scrubby area associated with the old airstrip and bunkers will be used for mist-netting.  Any visiting birders are asked to be aware of these sessions and the fact that nets and traps provide something of a hazard to the unwary.  In addition it is asked that birders do not linger next to nets or bring dogs on to the trapping area. 

Anyone interested in seeing this work first hand to the future is very welcome. Thank-you for your understanding and patience.

Neil M

Tuesday's birds

Hello

At 7.30am this morning two Tree Pipits headed south low over Hanging Houghton, calling loudly.

At 8am a single Redstart was along the Brampton Valley Way between Brixworth and Chapel Brampton at it's junction with Merry Tom Lane.

This afternoon there were two Restarts in a field hedge between Walgrave village and Pitsford Reservoir, and two Ravens spent much of the day in fields at Hanging Houghton.  A single Raven was also at Brixworth this afternoon.

This evening a visit to the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res provided views of eight Red-crested Pochard and five Little Egrets.

Regards

Neil M

Cute Chicks!

Hello

Local naturalist, photographer and ringer Chris Payne has forwarded a couple of images of young sea-birds on the island of Skokholm. This tiny Pembrokeshire island is becoming a firm favourite with many local naturalists to Northamptonshire...

Regards

Neil M

Manx Shearwater chick

Storm Petrel chick
Wow!

I've managed to miss yet another Ibis!

Hello

This morning a Tree Pipit overflew Brixworth Sewer Works at 6.35am, calling well as it flew south. A Grey Wagtail was on-site.

A short ringing session in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning provided about 35 captures which included nine Blackcaps, three Garden Warblers, two Reed Warblers, half a dozen Chiffchaffs and a Green Woodpecker.

We quickly stopped the ringing to look for the Glossy Ibis seen by Eleanor flying towards Pitsford from Harrington but failed to locate it. Other birds noted included an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Golden Plover over and a Hobby.

This evening a visit to Hollowell Res provided views of two Black Terns, two Barnacle Geese, three Pintail, four Little Ringed Plovers, a Common Sandpiper and a Dunlin.

Regards

Neil M

Common Buzzard
Courtesy of Simon Hales

Right time and right place

 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

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

Juvenile Sedge Warbler
Pitsford Res courtesy of
Jacob Spinks

Vulcan on it's way to the
Bournemouth Air Show 1500hrs

Pitsford Reservoir this evening

Vulcan on it's way back
from the Bournemouth Air
Show 1615hrs

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

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

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

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

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

Redstart
Harrington Airfield

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

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

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

Red Fox
Summer Leys Nature Reserve

Little Egret
Summer Leys Nature Reserve

Vulcan and escort over
Harrington Airfield

Wheatear
Harrington Airfield

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

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

Sparrowhawk
Courtesy of Chris Payne

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

Ruff
Pitsford Res

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.

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

Redstart
Courtesy of Chris Payne

Yellow Wagtail
Courtesy of Simon Hales

'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

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

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

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

Sand Martin

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