Georgia Days 4-6

Hello

My apologies for no blogs the last few days but our last venue was without an Internet facility.

The last few days saw us leave Kazbegi, drive back through Tbilisi and then drive to the eastern finger of Georgia in an area known as Chachuna.

Driving out through the mountains on Day 4 provided us with views of a couple more Wallcreepers and a Horned Lark in addition to more standard fare. One of our stops was in a hillside beech wood and provided us with a couple of Green Warblers and we heard a Caucasian Chiffchaff. Also present was a pair of Semi-collared Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Redstart and our first Blackcaps and Nuthatch.

At our lunch-time stop we witnessed a Peregrine knock a Swift to the floor and then go to retrieve it, and other birds included Black-eared Wheatear, Ortolan Bunting and the first of many Corn Buntings and Calandra Larks.

On arrival in the Chachuna area we quickly connected with some new birds for the trip which included Imperial Eagle, Menetrie's Warbler, Egyptian Vulture and the first of many shrikes. Our accommodation was a 'cottage' some 30km from the nearest road and reached by sandy tracks.

Black Redstart

Wallcreeper

Rock Bunting

Red-backed Shrike

Day 5 commenced with an early morning walk amongst scrub and tamarisk below a reservoir dam. There was an astounding array of birds in this habitat which included Black Francolin, Quail, Menetrie's Warbler, Common Nightingale, Penduline Tit, Kingfisher, Roller, Lesser Kestrel and White-tailed Eagle. After another late breakfast we drove to an upland area which was dominated by large cliffs of sandstone, and a natural place for both breeding and migrant raptors. We went on to record 18 different species of raptor during the day which included Saker, Red-footed Falcon, Honey Buzzard, three species of vulture and three species of eagle.

The afternoon was spent checking the vast rolling plains of this region, and also tracking down the passerines inhabiting the dry wadis and light vegetated areas. We located good numbers of singing 'Eastern' Orphean Warblers, Pied Wheatear, Rock Nuthatch and Lesser Short-toed Lark. There were large numbers of Rollers and flock after flock of migrating Eurasian Bee-eaters.

After another full day out in warm sunshine and very pleasant conditions, it was time for our basic but comfortable cottage retreat! However a couple of Scop's Owls had other ideas and could be heard calling nearby on and off all night!

Black Francolin

Lesser Kestrel

Lesser Short-toed Lark

Cuckoo

Day 6 (today) was our last day in the Chachuna area and we tracked down Short-toed Eagle, Golden Oriole, Turtle Dove as well as plenty of repeats of the previous days...

Regards

Neil M

Lesser Whitethroat

An unlikely duo -
Black-headed Bunting
and Red-backed Shrike

Eurasian Roller

Female Woodchat Shrike

Calandra Lark

Georgia Day 3

Hello

A very cold but dry morning was perfect for another wander up the mountainside in our efforts at seeking birds of the high tops. We were spoiled with a couple of Caucasian Black Grouse straightaway and could hear the Caucasian Snowcock calling loudly to each other. Then a dilemma when one 'scope user found a pair of relatively close Snowcock on a jagged peak at precisely the same time as the other 'scope user located an ambling Brown Bear! Thankfully they all stayed on view for a long period providing everyone with good views. A male Wallcreeper flew past us yodeling his flight song and alighted briefly before flying off to rock buttresses below us. Other birds included Chukar, Red-fronted Serin, Great Rosefinch, Twite, Ring Ouzel and others. The session concluded with both male and female Caucasian Black Grouse putting on a distant show of running, chasing and flying.

After another late breakfast we drove to a strange geological formation which is a breeding site for Kestrel, Red-billed Chough, Wallcreeper and Red-fronted Serin. We saw them all and also lots of Black Redstarts and a Tree Pipit.

We then ascended to the deep snowfields of the high peaks and the melt areas all held birds anxious to proclaim their territory for the summer. The target species of Snow Finch and Horned Lark were found with persistence and there were good numbers of Water Pipit, Ring Ouzel, Black Redstart, White Wagtail and Twite. The fourth Wallcreeper of the trip briefly alighted on a bridge parapet.

A late lunch then left us time to explore the river valleys again and we were surprised and delighted to locate a migrant Moustached Warbler, a species we hadn't collectively seen for many years. Probably the same Wryneck was located again and there were plenty of Willow Warblers and small numbers of other migrant warblers, a smart male Red-breasted Flycatcher and an apparent 'Western' Common Redstart. New birds for the trip included a singing Hoopoe, Bullfinch and Common Treecreeper.

Regards

Neil M

Wallcreeper

Ring Ouzel

Red-fronted Serin

Red-billed Chough

Grey Wagtail

Horned Lark

Red Fox

Moustached Warbler

Georgia Day 2

Hello

After yesterday's excitement of heavy snow falls, blizzard conditions and blocked roads, today was filled with warm sunshine and blue skies. However the montane landscape ensured it was below freezing at dawn and very dry and cold as we scampered up the mountainside. It was possible to keep warm whilst on the move but long periods of time were required to 'scope the vast mountain slopes above us in search of our quarry. It wasn't long before a couple of male Caucasian Black Grouse materialised, their strange down-pointing tails looking quite sad in comparison with their European counterparts.

Blackbirds and Ring Ouzels were vocal and flying around the scant bushes and finches included flighty views of Twite, Red-fronted Serin and Siskin. However the best finches were much bigger - the huge Great Rosefinch flew in and we ended up seeing quite a number of these birds as they crunched their way through the fruit/stones of shrubs looking very similar to something resembling Sea Buckthorn.

Pretty much all the time we could hear the far-carrying Curlew-like calls of the Caucasian Snowcock. They were very high up and John managed some very distant 'scope views as they flew among the snowy crags.

Despite the very cold conditions, oodles of Water Pipits flitted around us as they preyed on seemingly invisible insects and cold-looking migrant raptors were dotted about us. Dunnocks were very common in the bushes and other familiar birds included Wren and Mistle Thrush.

We returned to our abode for a late breakfast and then birded a small park in the town before meandering up a gorge and open fell area. Guldenstadt's Redstart was probably the favoured bird of this session. This is a big, gaudy redstart which is just on the edge of its range here in Georgia. The overflying raptors were easily dominated in numbers by Steppe Buzzards as they ran the gauntlet of mobbing Ravens and Peregrines. Other birds included Crag Martin, lots of Black Redstarts, Rock Bunting, Song Thrush and several Griffon Vultures which breed on the cliffs.

After lunch we birded the valley floor and the deciduous trees and bushes along the river. a surprise bird was a male Wallcreeper feeding around stones and small boulders at the river edge. Sadly it didn't permit a close approach! A migrant Wryneck was next and then another spanking Guldenstadt's Redstart and a flock of Choughs containing both species. A large number of Black Kites were attracted to a rubbish dump and a pair of Lammergeier put in several appearances.

The remainder of the day was spent watching repeat species and checking through migrant Willow Warblers, and adding Common Redstart, Dipper, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail and Linnet to the day-list.

Regards

Neil M

Male Great Rosefinch

Female Great Rosefinch

Ring Ouzel

Water Pipit

Chiffchaff

Coal Tit

Wallcreeper

Georgia Day 1

Hello

Together with three colleagues, yesterday I flew to the country of Georgia for a short birding trip in the Caucasus Mountains and other areas. Yesterday was taken up with travel but today we spent some time committed to roadside birding as we traveled from Tbilisi to Kezbagi.

Despite rain and cloud lower down and snow and ice higher up, a variety of raptors were migrating northwards. Although not a migrant, the best raptor was definitely the amazing Lammergeier with a couple of individuals flying overhead. Plenty of Black Kites and Steppe Buzzards were on the move or loafing about, and we also saw Steppe Eagle, Golden Eagle, Sparrowhawk, Lesser Kestrel, Hobby and Peregrine.

Summer visitors included wagtails, warblers, chats and hirundines plus Water Pipits, Night Heron, Purple Heron and Common Swift.

Heavy snow delayed us making it over the mountain pass to Kezbagi, with ice and blizzard conditions on the high tops and three snow ploughs working hard to keep the road open. Red-billed and Alpine Choughs kept us entertained while we waited.

Hopefully the weather tomorrow will be a little less severe!

Neil M

'Eastern' Common Redstart

'Eastern' Black Redstart

'Eastern' White Wagtail

Lammergeier

Black Kite

Pitsford causeway

Hello

Very little time for birding today, but a twenty minute stop on the causeway at Pitsford Res early this afternoon provided a first summer Yellow-legged Gull, two Oystercatchers, two Common Terns, a White Wagtail and a singing Garden Warbler.

Broadcast seed in the garden continues to attract at least four Reed Buntings, up to half a dozen Yellowhammers and two Tree Sparrows and the local Stock Doves have really tamed up and regularly feed just the other side of the window.

Regards

Neil M

Pitsford Ringing

Hello

Dave Francis and Lynne Barnett completed some bird ringing at Pitsford Reservoir this morning, using the Old Scaldwell Road as their base. Thirty-five birds were captured, twenty-three of them being new birds. The catch comprised of nine Tree Sparrows, three Chaffinches, four Blackcaps, two Goldfinches, a Reed Bunting, twelve Yellowhammers, two Greenfinches and singles of Great and Blue Tit.

Regards

Neil M

Pitsford gulls

Hello

Eleanor's perusal of the Blueberry Farm area this morning yielded two singing Grasshopper Warblers but nothing else of note.

At Pitsford Reservoir today, a pair of Oystercatcher remain and seem likely to breed again on-site. A couple of pairs of Black-headed Gulls also look very maternal and are showing a great deal of interest in the rafts and pollarded willows in the Scaldwell Bay. Last year they made it to the egg stage but didn't seem to progress any further.

In most springs a pair or two of Lesser Black-backed Gulls scout around the reserve obviously contemplating breeding and then move on. Today a pair were doing just that and were very interested in a couple of Coots fighting (again) in the open water. The Coots as usual just kept fighting regardless!

A Wheatear and a Whitethroat were noted at Harrington Airfield this afternoon.

Regards

Neil M

Kestrel
Scaldwell Meadow,
Pitsford Res

Adult Black-headed Gull
Pitsford Res

Lesser Black-backed Gull
and Coots Pitsford Res

A Raven caught and
ringed today at Chase Park
Farm, Yardley Chase.
Image courtesy of
Nick Wood.

Kelmarsh birds

Hello

Eleanor took a wander around Harrington Airfield this morning but the only birds of note were two Wheatears and a pair of Grey Partridge.

At Pitsford Res today a Willow Tit was again singing near to the Fishing Lodge and a Whitethroat and an Oystercatcher were near to the Old Scaldwell Road.

The Kelmarsh Estate woodlands were full of birds this afternoon causing me to try and capture some of them in my camera lens!

Regards

Neil M

Blue Tit

Nuthatch. This bird is
exhibiting a growth
next to the bill.

Cock Pheasant

Robin

Cool Friday birding

Hello

Plenty of time out and about today in a cool wind and sometimes quite grey conditions.

The first venue was Newnham Hill on the outskirts of Daventry, and a pair of Ring Ouzel soon showed themselves in the grass fields there. The male even sang a little. Other birds included a Wheatear, a Raven, a Fieldfare and a few common summer migrants.

Next was a walk around Borough Hill CP at Daventry but this proved to be very quiet with no birds of note, so we moved on to Daventry Country Park which provided six Common Terns, a Little Ringed Plover and a Green Sandpiper.

On our way back home we stopped off at Ravensthorpe Reservoir, the best bird being a singing and showy Lesser Whitethroat. A wander around part of the Harrington Airfield complex failed to locate any Wheatears or Ring Ouzels and I can't think of a single bird worth mentioning!

An afternoon visit to Brixworth Water Treatment Works was good for Swallows and common birds but nothing out of the ordinary so on to Pitsford Reservoir where the cool wind and air-borne insects attracted two very fine if distant adult Little Gulls off the Sailing Club, which were in the company of a single Black Tern.

A gang of Reed Buntings occupied the garden this afternoon in loose company with a couple each of Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow.

Regards

Neil M

Very distant images
of the adult Little
Gulls at Pitsford Res

Rather closer views of
first summer Black-headed
Gulls present at Pitsford
Res today, showing the
variation in plumage at
this age.

Harrington Airfield

Hello

Eleanor managed some time to visit Harrington Airfield at lunch-time and came across a male Ring Ouzel by the second bunker and six Wheatears. A pair of Grey Partridge remain on-site...

Regards

Neil M

Local Ringing

Hello

An all-day ringing session today commenced at Harrington Airfield this morning for a number of hours which among others provided a capture of nine Yellowhammers, a couple of Reed Buntings and a male Green Woodpecker. Of two Willow Warblers caught, one was a returning adult first caught and ringed on 18th April 2014 and thought to be a bird that breeds on-site.

Most migrants noted were overflying with particularly good numbers of Meadow Pipits moving north and small numbers of Yellow Wagtails and hirundines also circulating.

We then moved on to Kelmarsh Hall and caught a variety of common birds which included four re-trap Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Jackdaw, a Nuthatch, a Blackcap and small numbers of Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinch. The day total came to 80 birds being processed with re-traps out-numbering new birds with plenty of individuals proven as several years old.

Other birds noted at Kelmarsh included Raven and Grey Wagtail.

Regards

Neil M

Green Woodpecker
Courtesy of Neil Hasdell

Jackdaw
Courtesy of Neil Hasdell

'Tis the nesting season

Hello

Plenty of migrants about today, even if the morning started off cool and dull.

The owl boxes were checked at Pitsford Reservoir today, and of the three pairs of Tawny Owls initially utilising the nest-boxes only one pair remain with three eggs ready to hatch. Dave Francis and Lynne Barnett checked the boxes today and found Grey Squirrels again in most of them. The squirrels had ousted two of the female Tawnies and their abandoned eggs remained in the nest-boxes. It seems that the Grey Squirrels are seriously affecting the potential breeding success of our most common owl. However a pair of Stock Doves have managed to hatch and rear two youngsters almost to the fledgling stage in one of the nest-boxes already.

Eleanor visited Harrington Airfield first this morning and espied a male Ring Ouzel at the shooting wall just off the concrete track. Two Wheatears were also present plus 20 Golden Plovers and a pair of Grey Partridge. A female Merlin was hunting across the top fields and summer migrants included Yellow Wagtails and Willow Warblers.

An Osprey was noted flying towards Pitsford Reservoir from Brixworth at about 2pm and Blueberry Farm again hosted two hunting Barn Owls this evening.

Regards

Neil M

Tawny Owl clutch
Pitsford Reservoir
courtesy of Lynne Barnett

Open-fronted nest-box
in ivy as suitable for birds
such as the Robin...

...and a clutch of Robin eggs
to prove it!
Pictures courtesy of Chris Payne

Hercules transport aircraft
over Blueberry Farm, Maidwell
Courtesy of Eleanor McMahon

Peregrine

Hello

Little to report today apart from Eleanor seeing an adult male Peregrine this morning in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton, the bird disappearing off towards Blueberry Farm...

Our small garden here at Hanging Houghton continues to attract small numbers of Reed Buntings and a couple of Tree Sparrows but the Marsh Tit and Nuthatches have been absent for a couple of weeks now and the continental Chaffinches also seem to have moved on. However there are still a few new Goldfinches popping in to fuel up before continuing their journeys north.

Regards

Neil M

Blustery Sunday

Hello

The first Common Bird Census for the season at Pitsford Reservoir took place today. It was initially just three degrees centigrade when we commenced at 6.15am but it soon warmed up in the spring sunshine before becoming very blustery. Plenty of singing Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers were on-site and scarcer migrants included an Arctic Tern and a Yellow Wagtail first thing and a White Wagtail later on the causeway. At least one pair of Oystercatcher remain.  Mammals were very much in evidence with nine Muntjac counted on the way around the reserve plus a couple each of Red Fox and Brown Hare and a small number of common butterflies in more sheltered areas.

Also early on this morning, four Yellow Wagtails and a Cuckoo were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton, but without doubt the most unexpected bird of the day was a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Blueberry Farm in small hedgerow trees between the two farmhouses, the first record locally for many years. A hunting Barn Owl there was far more predictable!

A ringing session at Stortons Gravel Pits this morning included a catch of an early Sedge Warbler, a re-trap from a couple of years ago.

Regards

Neil M

Brown Hare
Pitsford Reservoir

Red Kite
Pitsford Reservoir

White Wagtail
Pitsford Reservoir

Sedge Warbler
Stortons Gravel Pits
Courtesy of Chris Payne

Cool wind migrants

Hello

A wander around Harrington Airfield in the rain this morning did little for the soul or the day bird list!

A visit to the water treatment works near Brixworth during the afternoon provided my first two House Martins of the year. They were with a dozen Swallows, the old-style filter beds attracting insects for these aerial hunters even in the cool wind.

Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps are now pretty widespread in the centre of the county although there are clearly many more individuals yet to arrive.

An evening visit to Summer Leys Nature Reserve in bright but cool conditions provided views of a single Little Ringed Plover, a Ruff, 2-3 Oystercatchers, a pair of Shelduck and other fairly standard fare. The feed station there is currently providing excellent views of common birds including Bullfinch, Reed Bunting and today a Marsh Tit too...

Regards

Neil M

The spring migrants are arriving!

Hello

A few more Willow Warblers had arrived this morning with individuals singing on the Kelmarsh Estate in a couple of places. Also this morning a male Redstart was showing at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell, along a fence-line between the two farm-houses.

This afternoon and a Yellow Wagtail flew south over Hanging Houghton and birds at Harrington Airfield during the late afternoon include a Wheatear and two Grey Partridges...

Regards

Neil M

Spring warming up

Hello

Not much to report today but Eleanor noted a single Wheatear and a pair of Grey Partridge at Harrington Airfield this morning and two singing Willow Warblers were along the Brampton Valley Way between Brixworth and Hanging Houghton.

Two Barn Owls were hunting at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon.

Regards

Neil M

Pitsford Ringing

Hello

A morning ringing session in sunny conditions in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Reservoir provided a catch of 81 birds. Of these 48 were re-traps and 33 were new birds which were subsequently ringed.

For many the highlight was a re-trapped Tawny Owl which flew in to a mist net. This bird was initially ringed as an adult in the Walgrave Bay on 5th June 2010. A re-trap male Blackcap was also interesting inasmuch that it was first ringed as an adult in the Scaldwell Bay on 6th May 2011 and then subsequently re-trapped that year and again in 2012. This migrant will be at least five years old this year.

The remainder of the catch included a Chiffchaff, a Marsh Tit, two Treecreepers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 25 Blue Tits, 29 Great Tits including a controlled bird from elsewhere, and 15 Chaffinches (13 new).

Other birds noted on-site included a male Brambling, a redpoll sp, a constant but light passage of Swallows and Meadow Pipits and a plethora of Common Buzzards wheeling about in the spring thermals.

David Sharp noted a Willow Warbler at Orlingbury this morning.

Regards

Neil M