Although I have been out and about I seem to have missed everything !!!! Harrington Airfield has been very cold, windswept and devoid of birds. Blueberry has not been much better and the recent changes in the land management has dramatically reduced the bird population.
My "best" birds have been a couple of Barn Owls below Hanging Houghton village and the usual Ravens at Staverton.
The ringers were out at the weekend.
Nick Wood's group caught 5 Sedge Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackbird, 2 Cettis Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Dunnock, 1 Wren and 15 Blue Tit pulli at Stortons Pits.
Meanwhile another group were ringing at Linford. Kenny reports " Linford today was very much the epitome of quality over quantity, with 21 new birds, 9 retraps and a total of 15 species.
Two Garden Warbler and 3 Reed Warbler validated my predictions, a new Willow Warbler was a nice surprise, while 2 Goldfinches and a Bullfinch added some colour to the proceedings.
At this point it is worth saying that we have long hoped that one of Linford's reliably regular Cuckoo's would find its way into a net but always felt it was a remote possibility. It would therefore be fair to say that never in our wildest dreams did we think we might catch two, a male and female. "
Regards Eleanor
Monday, 8 May 2017
Wednesday, 3 May 2017
Wednesday Wader Fix
The highlight of an early morning visit to Harrington airfield were 4 Grey Partridge !!
Pitsford Reservoir was equally as quiet with 5 Oystercatcher, 6 Ringed Plover, Greenshank and 2 Common Sandpiper being the only birds of note. A far cry from the numbers and species of waders present a few days ago.
It was quite apt that the talk at the Birdclub this evening was by Wader Quest which is an entirely voluntary charity dedicated to supporting and promoting wader conservation projects around the world and raising awareness about the challenges that these birds face in every environment that they inhabit..
Rick and Elis gave a very entertaining and informative talk which prompted many questions afterwards, and it certainly made us aware of the many issues facing this fantastic and often evocative family of birds. I'll never take waders for granted anymore.
If you want to find out more check out www.waderquest.org
Regards Eleanor
Pitsford Reservoir was equally as quiet with 5 Oystercatcher, 6 Ringed Plover, Greenshank and 2 Common Sandpiper being the only birds of note. A far cry from the numbers and species of waders present a few days ago.
It was quite apt that the talk at the Birdclub this evening was by Wader Quest which is an entirely voluntary charity dedicated to supporting and promoting wader conservation projects around the world and raising awareness about the challenges that these birds face in every environment that they inhabit..
Rick and Elis gave a very entertaining and informative talk which prompted many questions afterwards, and it certainly made us aware of the many issues facing this fantastic and often evocative family of birds. I'll never take waders for granted anymore.
If you want to find out more check out www.waderquest.org
Regards Eleanor
Tuesday, 2 May 2017
Birds of early May
Hello
Birds at Pitsford Reservoir today included a rather unseasonal Great White Egret in the Scaldwell Bay at about 9am and then later this afternoon, but interestingly Dave Francis saw three together in the Walgrave Bay on Sunday (30th April).
Other birds today at Pitsford included a Greenshank in the Scaldwell Bay, a couple of Common Sandpipers, three Oystercatchers and a pair of Shelduck.
The first Constant Effort ringing session took place in the Scaldwell Bay this morning and resulted in a modest capture of birds but which included two male Kingfishers.
Birds in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning included a Barn Owl, two Wheatears and a pair of Grey Partridge.
Regards
Neil M
Birds at Pitsford Reservoir today included a rather unseasonal Great White Egret in the Scaldwell Bay at about 9am and then later this afternoon, but interestingly Dave Francis saw three together in the Walgrave Bay on Sunday (30th April).
Other birds today at Pitsford included a Greenshank in the Scaldwell Bay, a couple of Common Sandpipers, three Oystercatchers and a pair of Shelduck.
The first Constant Effort ringing session took place in the Scaldwell Bay this morning and resulted in a modest capture of birds but which included two male Kingfishers.
Birds in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning included a Barn Owl, two Wheatears and a pair of Grey Partridge.
Regards
Neil M
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| Jim Dunkley kept his distance but still managed some interesting shots of a recent Honey Bee swarm! |
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| ...and Graham Bentley was rather close to this singing Goldcrest which is always a treat...! |
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| Yellowhammer coming for garden feeding seed still, courtesy of Cathy Ryden. |
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| A posing Red-legged Partridge courtesy of Jacob Spinks. |
Monday, 1 May 2017
More waders!
Hello
An early morning visit to Pitsford Reservoir provided a fresh batch of migrant waders with the spit near the Moulton Grange Bay providing most of the records. A summer plumage Knot was a different bird to yesterday and there were also 2 Grey Plovers, 4 Ringed Plovers, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, at least 7 Common Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Sanderling, 2-3 Oystercatchers and 2 Greenshank. Pitsford spring records of wader passage have been poor in recent years and this passage is somewhat unprecedented and helped by low water levels.
Other birds on-site today included a female Blue-headed or Channel Wagtail, two Hobby, a Black Tern, two Shelduck and a drake Red-crested Pochard.
Eleanor had five Whimbrel flying north over Blueberry Farm this morning and there were two singing Grasshopper Warblers there too. A Barn Owl was again hunting in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this evening.
Regards
Neil M
An early morning visit to Pitsford Reservoir provided a fresh batch of migrant waders with the spit near the Moulton Grange Bay providing most of the records. A summer plumage Knot was a different bird to yesterday and there were also 2 Grey Plovers, 4 Ringed Plovers, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, at least 7 Common Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Sanderling, 2-3 Oystercatchers and 2 Greenshank. Pitsford spring records of wader passage have been poor in recent years and this passage is somewhat unprecedented and helped by low water levels.
Other birds on-site today included a female Blue-headed or Channel Wagtail, two Hobby, a Black Tern, two Shelduck and a drake Red-crested Pochard.
Eleanor had five Whimbrel flying north over Blueberry Farm this morning and there were two singing Grasshopper Warblers there too. A Barn Owl was again hunting in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this evening.
Regards
Neil M
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| Little Ringed Plover courtesy of Robin Gossage. |
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| Waders at Pitsford Reservoir today - Dunlin, Knot and Ringed Plover. |
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| Cuckoo at Summer Leys today courtesy of Robin Gossage. |
Ringing recoveries
Hello
Some recent ringing recoveries have come through from the BTO Ringing Unit and kindly disseminated by our local ringing secretary Nick Wood...
W24716 is a ring fixed on the leg of an adult Mute Swan on 5th April 2008 in Leicestershire. The ring was photographed by Cathy Ryden at Guilsborough Fish Ponds on 15th March 2017 where this bird is the male on territory. Cathy successfully photographed the ring on this bird at the same venue in 2015 so these small ponds are clearly his own back yard. This bird is at least eleven years old.
A male Fieldfare was caught and ringed at Pitsford Reservoir on 30th December 2011 (LC22169) and was sadly killed by hunters on or about 15th January 2017 at Trainou, Loiret, France. Although the simple distance between the two sites is 530km clearly this nomadic bird had travelled many thousands of km during its life.
On 28th July 2016 a young Blackbird was ringed by a Swedish ringer at Vanbo, Smedjebacken, Dalarnas Lan near Kopparberg. This bird turned up in a mist net at Milton Keynes Community Orchard on 20th February this year where it's gender was confirmed as a female. In 207 days this young migrant travelled a minimum of 1347km and probably wintered in Milton Keynes.
Yellowhammers are generally considered sedentary so when John Woollett caught and ringed a female at Astcote on 8th January 2015 and this bird was found dead in the village (believed to be a road casualty) on 17th March this year it wasn't particularly surprising. It is a shame that with small birds many of our recoveries are only recorded when they become a casualty.
Regards
Neil M
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| Mute Swan. |
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| Fieldfare. |
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| Blackbird. Courtesy of Cathy Ryden. |
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| Yellowhammer courtesy of Robin Gossage. |
House Martin survey
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Sunday, 30 April 2017
Waders and terns...
Hello
What a fantastic day to be birding in the county today! The conditions conspired to provide some excellent visible migration with particular concentrations of waders and terns on the move in the Nene Valley and at our county reservoirs.
By way of example, Pitsford Reservoir attracted a Little Tern, 23+ Black Terns, at least 2 Arctic Terns, 8-9 Whimbrel, an injured Knot (which was colour-ringed), 2 Grey Plovers, about 6 Ringed Plovers, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Little Gull, an Osprey, a pair of Red-crested Pochard and a White Wagtail.
Summer Leys pulled in 2-3 Whimbrel, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Greenshanks, 6 Redshanks, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Turnstones, a Black Tern, a Little Tern, 4 Shelduck, a Peregrine and a Wheatear.
Six Black Terns were at Thrapston Gravel Pits with the Titchmarsh Reserve attracting singing Nightingales, a singing Grasshopper Warbler and a drake Red-crested Pochard.
Harrington Airfield managed just four Grey Partridges!
Regards
Neil M
What a fantastic day to be birding in the county today! The conditions conspired to provide some excellent visible migration with particular concentrations of waders and terns on the move in the Nene Valley and at our county reservoirs.
By way of example, Pitsford Reservoir attracted a Little Tern, 23+ Black Terns, at least 2 Arctic Terns, 8-9 Whimbrel, an injured Knot (which was colour-ringed), 2 Grey Plovers, about 6 Ringed Plovers, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Little Gull, an Osprey, a pair of Red-crested Pochard and a White Wagtail.
Summer Leys pulled in 2-3 Whimbrel, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Greenshanks, 6 Redshanks, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Turnstones, a Black Tern, a Little Tern, 4 Shelduck, a Peregrine and a Wheatear.
Six Black Terns were at Thrapston Gravel Pits with the Titchmarsh Reserve attracting singing Nightingales, a singing Grasshopper Warbler and a drake Red-crested Pochard.
Harrington Airfield managed just four Grey Partridges!
Regards
Neil M
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| Hobby at Summer Leys yesterday courtesy of Dave Jackson. |
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| Peregrine with prey at Summer Leys yesterday courtesy of Dave Jackson. |
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| Little Gull courtesy of Dave Jackson. |
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| Little Tern at Pitsford Reservoir today courtesy of Jacob Spinks. |
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| Grey Plover at Pitsford Reservoir today courtesy of Jacob Spinks. |
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| Knot at Pitsford Reservoir today courtesy of Jacob Spinks. |
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| A very oddly marked Peregrine at Summer Leys today, sporting a pale brown upperside and very pale underside... |
Waderquest coming to the Bird Club
Hello
This coming Wednesday (3rd May) is the next indoor meeting of the Northants Bird Club and the guest speakers are Elis and Rik Simpson who will be providing an insight into Waderquest, a small organisation set up to support shorebird conservation (more details at www.waderquest.org).
As usual the meeting will commence at 7.30pm at the Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Reservoir, just off the Brixworth Road outside the village of Holcot (NN6 9SJ). Hot drinks and biscuits will be available and for those wader enthusiasts, there may just be a wader or two to look at on the edges of the reservoir before the meeting commences, such is the current low water level!
Regards
Neil M
This coming Wednesday (3rd May) is the next indoor meeting of the Northants Bird Club and the guest speakers are Elis and Rik Simpson who will be providing an insight into Waderquest, a small organisation set up to support shorebird conservation (more details at www.waderquest.org).
As usual the meeting will commence at 7.30pm at the Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Reservoir, just off the Brixworth Road outside the village of Holcot (NN6 9SJ). Hot drinks and biscuits will be available and for those wader enthusiasts, there may just be a wader or two to look at on the edges of the reservoir before the meeting commences, such is the current low water level!
Regards
Neil M
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| Pectoral Sandpiper. |
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| Bar-tailed Godwits. |
Saturday, 29 April 2017
A busy day at Pitsford Reservoir!
Hello
The advertised Pitsford Reservoir dawn chorus event was held this morning, starting at 4am! I was very impressed that all participants attended at this unearthly hour and we were not disappointed as the conditions were almost perfect to appreciate the multitude of songs and calls making up the chorus just before and after dawn. It was still, relatively mild and the ground mostly dry as we listened to the early morning calls of Fox, Tawny Owl and predictable early songsters such as Robin, Blackbird and Song Thrush. Other common residents joined in and were joined by the warbler family which included Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Garden Warbler.
Early morning sightings included Muntjac, Little Egrets and a couple of bats and the provision of muffins, pastries, fruit and hot drinks made it a very convivial affair! Thank-you to the volunteers from the Pitsford team and Mischa Cross for organising the event!
Also this morning at Pitsford, Jacob Spinks was conducting a Common Bird Census and whilst doing so located a splendid singing Wood Warbler in the Walgrave Bay, which spent the early morning in waterside trees near to the Old Walgrave Road.
Twenty-four birds were caught and quickly processed during a two and half hour ringing session at Christies Copse (in the Walgrave Bay) and included two Willow Tits, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Willow Warblers, a Blackcap and a Garden Warbler. One of the Willow Warblers was first ringed in the Scaldwell Bay as an adult male on 27th April 2015 and the Garden Warbler was first ringed as a juvenile and also in the Scaldwell Bay on 8th August 2013.
Other birds noted at Pitsford today included a dozen Common Terns, an Arctic Tern, a pair of Shelduck, as many as five Little Egrets, a female Redstart, a Little Ringed Plover and two Common Sandpipers.
Eight or nine Wheatears were well spread between the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and Blueberry Farm this afternoon...
Regards
Neil M
The advertised Pitsford Reservoir dawn chorus event was held this morning, starting at 4am! I was very impressed that all participants attended at this unearthly hour and we were not disappointed as the conditions were almost perfect to appreciate the multitude of songs and calls making up the chorus just before and after dawn. It was still, relatively mild and the ground mostly dry as we listened to the early morning calls of Fox, Tawny Owl and predictable early songsters such as Robin, Blackbird and Song Thrush. Other common residents joined in and were joined by the warbler family which included Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Garden Warbler.
Early morning sightings included Muntjac, Little Egrets and a couple of bats and the provision of muffins, pastries, fruit and hot drinks made it a very convivial affair! Thank-you to the volunteers from the Pitsford team and Mischa Cross for organising the event!
Also this morning at Pitsford, Jacob Spinks was conducting a Common Bird Census and whilst doing so located a splendid singing Wood Warbler in the Walgrave Bay, which spent the early morning in waterside trees near to the Old Walgrave Road.
Twenty-four birds were caught and quickly processed during a two and half hour ringing session at Christies Copse (in the Walgrave Bay) and included two Willow Tits, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Willow Warblers, a Blackcap and a Garden Warbler. One of the Willow Warblers was first ringed in the Scaldwell Bay as an adult male on 27th April 2015 and the Garden Warbler was first ringed as a juvenile and also in the Scaldwell Bay on 8th August 2013.
Other birds noted at Pitsford today included a dozen Common Terns, an Arctic Tern, a pair of Shelduck, as many as five Little Egrets, a female Redstart, a Little Ringed Plover and two Common Sandpipers.
Eight or nine Wheatears were well spread between the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and Blueberry Farm this afternoon...
Regards
Neil M
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| Wood Warbler at Pitsford Reservoir today... |
Friday, 28 April 2017
Migration on-going...
Hello
A walk around the Harrington Airfield complex this morning confirmed the presence of plenty of on-territory Willow Warblers and Whitethroats plus a singing Lesser Whitethroat and three passage Wheatears.
A Barn Owl was again hunting field margins in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this afternoon and a couple of Swifts had made it back to their breeding quarters in Mears Ashby village.
Jacob's tally of birds at Pitsford Reservoir today included singles of Yellow and White Wagtail, an Arctic Tern briefly, two Shelduck and one or two Common Sandpiper(s), and he witnessed a huge flock of over three hundred Black-tailed Godwits heading north- west over Scaldwell village late this evening...
Regards
Neil M
A walk around the Harrington Airfield complex this morning confirmed the presence of plenty of on-territory Willow Warblers and Whitethroats plus a singing Lesser Whitethroat and three passage Wheatears.
A Barn Owl was again hunting field margins in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this afternoon and a couple of Swifts had made it back to their breeding quarters in Mears Ashby village.
Jacob's tally of birds at Pitsford Reservoir today included singles of Yellow and White Wagtail, an Arctic Tern briefly, two Shelduck and one or two Common Sandpiper(s), and he witnessed a huge flock of over three hundred Black-tailed Godwits heading north- west over Scaldwell village late this evening...
Regards
Neil M
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| Oystercatcher. |
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| Shelduck. |
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| Common Tern. All these images were taken at Pitsford Reservoir today by Robin Gossage. |
Thursday, 27 April 2017
Grasshopper Warblers and Black Terns
Hello
Eleanor came across a singing Grasshopper Warbler showing well at Blueberry Farm this morning, but with the lack of available habitat it is likely that this is a returning bird from last year that will quickly move on... A hunting Barn Owl was also present.
This afternoon Eleanor was at Harlestone Heath and saw at least two Siskins in the trees. A wander around the rough fields and scrub between Harlestone Heath and Kings Heath provided two more singing and visible Grasshopper Warblers, a Cuckoo and an adult male Peregrine.
There were two Black Terns visible from the dam at Pitsford Reservoir this evening and Robin Gossage saw another today at Summer Leys Nature Reserve at Earls Barton.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor came across a singing Grasshopper Warbler showing well at Blueberry Farm this morning, but with the lack of available habitat it is likely that this is a returning bird from last year that will quickly move on... A hunting Barn Owl was also present.
This afternoon Eleanor was at Harlestone Heath and saw at least two Siskins in the trees. A wander around the rough fields and scrub between Harlestone Heath and Kings Heath provided two more singing and visible Grasshopper Warblers, a Cuckoo and an adult male Peregrine.
There were two Black Terns visible from the dam at Pitsford Reservoir this evening and Robin Gossage saw another today at Summer Leys Nature Reserve at Earls Barton.
Regards
Neil M
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| Black Tern today at Summer Leys NR courtesy of Robin Gossage. |
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
Mid week round up
Although I have been out and about during the last couple of days I have not really seen many birds of note.
A Barn Owl was again hunting in the valley below Hanging Houghton at 07.00hrs and 20.00hrs today. Other birds included a pair of Grey Partridge, Sedge Warbler and a party of 4 Fieldfare heading north.
I have bumped into both Blackbird and Song Thrush out with their newly fledged young, starting out on the most dangerous part of their life. Fingers crossed that they will survive.
I always find this time of year quite exciting in the county as you never know what you might bump into. Birds on migration can turn up in the most unlikely places. Chris Dobbie reports hearing the distinctive song of a Nightingale at dusk on 23rd April next to the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line approx 200m NW of Norton Junction.
It really is a case of ears and eyes wide open and you just might find a good bird in an unexpected place.
Regards Eleanor
A Barn Owl was again hunting in the valley below Hanging Houghton at 07.00hrs and 20.00hrs today. Other birds included a pair of Grey Partridge, Sedge Warbler and a party of 4 Fieldfare heading north.
I have bumped into both Blackbird and Song Thrush out with their newly fledged young, starting out on the most dangerous part of their life. Fingers crossed that they will survive.
I always find this time of year quite exciting in the county as you never know what you might bump into. Birds on migration can turn up in the most unlikely places. Chris Dobbie reports hearing the distinctive song of a Nightingale at dusk on 23rd April next to the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line approx 200m NW of Norton Junction.
It really is a case of ears and eyes wide open and you just might find a good bird in an unexpected place.
Regards Eleanor
Monday, 24 April 2017
Weekend Ringing
Whilst most of us were out and about enjoying the lovely weather , searching for migrants or perhaps catching up with the gardening the ringers were busy at Pitsford and Linford.
Dave Francis reports that at Pitsford there were a steady flow of 38 birds. 15 Yellowhammer, 11 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackbird, 2 Robin , and 1 of Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Lesser Whitethroat.
Kenny Cramer at Linford reported 43 birds, of which 26 were new birds and 17 retraps of 11 species. Spring migration was in evidence with 11 new Blackcaps and 4 new Sedge Warblers. A new female Cettis Warbler was caught with a well developed brood patch indicating that this species is continuing to successfully colonise the area.
Notable retraps included a female Blackcap ringed 9/7/16, Sedge Warbler and Willow Warbler both ringed 7/5/16. Whilst it is always nice to see returning migrants it is also good to encounter resident old friends such as HHL503 a Long Tailed Tit ringed on the very first session at Linford on 13/4/14 making it at least 4 years old !!
Hope that you find this interesting.
Regards Eleanor
Dave Francis reports that at Pitsford there were a steady flow of 38 birds. 15 Yellowhammer, 11 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackbird, 2 Robin , and 1 of Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Lesser Whitethroat.
Kenny Cramer at Linford reported 43 birds, of which 26 were new birds and 17 retraps of 11 species. Spring migration was in evidence with 11 new Blackcaps and 4 new Sedge Warblers. A new female Cettis Warbler was caught with a well developed brood patch indicating that this species is continuing to successfully colonise the area.
Notable retraps included a female Blackcap ringed 9/7/16, Sedge Warbler and Willow Warbler both ringed 7/5/16. Whilst it is always nice to see returning migrants it is also good to encounter resident old friends such as HHL503 a Long Tailed Tit ringed on the very first session at Linford on 13/4/14 making it at least 4 years old !!
Hope that you find this interesting.
Regards Eleanor
Sunday, 23 April 2017
Restful Sunday
Today was a much quieter as I had very little "birding" time, most of it being confined to an early morning visit to Harrington Airfield. I actually went there to feed the birds but ended up wandering about for two hours. We were planning on reducing the amount of times we are feeding the birds but with the cold weather forecast for the coming week we will continue.
The most surprising bird on my walk round was a singing and very showy Grasshopper Warbler in the roadside bushes. This bird was clambering about on the top of a bramble bush but I had left my camera at home !! In the past I have found that these warblers show themselves very well when they first arrive.
Other birds seen were 2 Northern Wheatear, 2 or 3 pairs of Grey Partridge, 4 dapper summer plumaged Golden Plover a Lesser Whitethroat, several Willow Warbler and plenty of Whitethroat.
This evening I managed a walk with the dogs below Hanging Houghton where the Barn Owl was again hunting and a Sedge Warbler singing from its perch on top of a field hedge.
Regards Eleanor
The most surprising bird on my walk round was a singing and very showy Grasshopper Warbler in the roadside bushes. This bird was clambering about on the top of a bramble bush but I had left my camera at home !! In the past I have found that these warblers show themselves very well when they first arrive.
Other birds seen were 2 Northern Wheatear, 2 or 3 pairs of Grey Partridge, 4 dapper summer plumaged Golden Plover a Lesser Whitethroat, several Willow Warbler and plenty of Whitethroat.
This evening I managed a walk with the dogs below Hanging Houghton where the Barn Owl was again hunting and a Sedge Warbler singing from its perch on top of a field hedge.
Regards Eleanor
Saturday, 22 April 2017
Bluebells and Birds
It has been a lovely sunny day and for once I've managed to be out and about for most of it.
First stop was Ravensthorpe Reservoir which was very quiet apart from an Osprey going over heading towards the village. On to Daventry Reservoir which was equally as quiet.
I decided to visit Badby Wood as I knew that the bluebells would be out which are one of my favourite flowers. I parked at Fawsley where there was a Water Rail, Sedge Warbler, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and 2 Siskins. I then headed across the fields towards the wood following the Knightley Way which gives some stunning views across the rolling south Northamptonshire countryside. As I entered the wood I was not disappointed as I was met by a rich carpet of blue, dappled sunlight and the sweet heady perfume smell of the bluebells, a truly wonderful sight. A good walk round produced 2 Brambling, 2+ Siskin, 4 scruffy looking Raven, Marsh tit,numerous Nuthatches and two Roe Deer.
I then headed towards my agility training at Staverton and took the gated road to Upper Catesby. It is quite an interesting area and over the years we have seen some good birds along this road. This morning there were at least 6 Northern Wheatears and a male Ring Ouzel feeding in a sheep field.
Tor was his usual self at agility, making everyone laugh whilst I was pulling my hair out and the resident Ravens were entertaining .
I decided that we both still had a bit of energy left so I had a wander around Borough Hill where there was a male Common Redstart and 2 Northern Wheatear.
This evening there was a Barn Owl, 2 Northern Wheatears and a pair of Grey Partridge in the valley below Hanging Houghton.
Tomorrow will definitely be a quieter day for myself and the dogs.
Regards Eleanor
First stop was Ravensthorpe Reservoir which was very quiet apart from an Osprey going over heading towards the village. On to Daventry Reservoir which was equally as quiet.
I decided to visit Badby Wood as I knew that the bluebells would be out which are one of my favourite flowers. I parked at Fawsley where there was a Water Rail, Sedge Warbler, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and 2 Siskins. I then headed across the fields towards the wood following the Knightley Way which gives some stunning views across the rolling south Northamptonshire countryside. As I entered the wood I was not disappointed as I was met by a rich carpet of blue, dappled sunlight and the sweet heady perfume smell of the bluebells, a truly wonderful sight. A good walk round produced 2 Brambling, 2+ Siskin, 4 scruffy looking Raven, Marsh tit,numerous Nuthatches and two Roe Deer.
I then headed towards my agility training at Staverton and took the gated road to Upper Catesby. It is quite an interesting area and over the years we have seen some good birds along this road. This morning there were at least 6 Northern Wheatears and a male Ring Ouzel feeding in a sheep field.
Tor was his usual self at agility, making everyone laugh whilst I was pulling my hair out and the resident Ravens were entertaining .
I decided that we both still had a bit of energy left so I had a wander around Borough Hill where there was a male Common Redstart and 2 Northern Wheatear.
This evening there was a Barn Owl, 2 Northern Wheatears and a pair of Grey Partridge in the valley below Hanging Houghton.
Tomorrow will definitely be a quieter day for myself and the dogs.
Regards Eleanor
Thursday, 20 April 2017
It was grey and drizzly when I went out this morning, perfect for a good bird at Harrington ............wrong, as all I could find was a Wheatear.
I thought that I would try my luck at Pitsford Reservoir. Firstly I ran around the big side with my hound but it was quiet apart from a Redshank and a Ringed Plover on the shoreline near the causeway carpark. Then I checked the small side. In the Scaldwell arm there was a Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers and several displaying Goldeneye. There were also good numbers of Swallows and at one point they were sitting in rows on the fence chattering away. You could almost imagine the conversations they were having about their recent migration journey to get here.
This evening in the valley below Hanging Houghton there was a Barn Owl, 2 Wheatears and a flock of about 200 Fieldfares which were heading northwards.
Regards Eleanor
I thought that I would try my luck at Pitsford Reservoir. Firstly I ran around the big side with my hound but it was quiet apart from a Redshank and a Ringed Plover on the shoreline near the causeway carpark. Then I checked the small side. In the Scaldwell arm there was a Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers and several displaying Goldeneye. There were also good numbers of Swallows and at one point they were sitting in rows on the fence chattering away. You could almost imagine the conversations they were having about their recent migration journey to get here.
This evening in the valley below Hanging Houghton there was a Barn Owl, 2 Wheatears and a flock of about 200 Fieldfares which were heading northwards.
Regards Eleanor
Tuesday, 18 April 2017
Young herons and migrant wagtails...
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| A curious image of a Coot hitching a ride on the back of a Muscovy Duck at Abington Park, Northampton. Image courtesy of Phil Davies. |
Hello
Yesterday evening Nick Parker paid Thrapston Gravel Pits a visit and located 4 Wheatears, a couple of Yellow Wagtails, 250+ Sand Martins, 23 Common Terns, 2 Redshank, 2 Shelduck and a pair of Egyptian Geese. This morning Eric Graham was there and also saw the Egyptian Geese and two drake Red-crested Pochards.
This morning Eleanor saw a stunning summer plumage Grey Plover flying around and calling in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton, but the bird sadly didn't linger.
Jacob has been at Pitsford Reservoir this evening and has picked out a male 'Channel Wagtail' at the dam amongst some 50+ Yellow Wagtails. Other birds on-site include a Rock Pipit, two White Wagtails, a Wheatear, two Little Ringed Plovers, three Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper.
Regards
Neil M
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| Nestling Grey Herons at Abington Park, Northampton, courtesy of John Gamble and Phil Davies. |
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| Purple Thorn Moth courtesy of John Gamble. |
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| Great Crested Grebe courtesy of Robin Gossage. |
Monday, 17 April 2017
Easter sightings
Hello
Yesterday morning at around 7am Dave Burnapp was lucky enough to see an Otter in the River Nene in Northampton at the marina next to Beckett's Park, so it seems that our urban Otters are still there!
Also yesterday a small band of ringers were active at Linford Lakes on the outskirts of Milton Keynes where they caught and processed 45 birds made up of 18 new birds and 27 re-traps of 14 species. Highlights included a Jay, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Greenfinches, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers and a Chiffchaff first ringed there in July 2016.
A couple of Cuckoos were present and two Great Crested Newts were also seen.
Eleanor saw a Whitethroat and four Grey Partridges at Harrington Airfield yesterday.
Today and a singing Lesser Whitethroat was near Arthingworth and Brixworth Sewer Works attracted a couple of Yellow Wagtails and a small swarm of Swallows.
An influx of passerines at Pitsford Reservoir in the vicinity of the dam this afternoon and evening included at least ten Bramblings feeding in the trees at the Sailing Club, a Wheatear, a Rock Pipit and a flock of forty plus Yellow Wagtails, courtesy of Jacob Spinks.
Other birds noted at Pitsford by Jacob today included a White Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, a Kingfisher, 2 Common Terns, a Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper.
Four more Bramblings and a Wheatear were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this evening.
Regards
Neil M
Yesterday morning at around 7am Dave Burnapp was lucky enough to see an Otter in the River Nene in Northampton at the marina next to Beckett's Park, so it seems that our urban Otters are still there!
Also yesterday a small band of ringers were active at Linford Lakes on the outskirts of Milton Keynes where they caught and processed 45 birds made up of 18 new birds and 27 re-traps of 14 species. Highlights included a Jay, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Greenfinches, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers and a Chiffchaff first ringed there in July 2016.
A couple of Cuckoos were present and two Great Crested Newts were also seen.
Eleanor saw a Whitethroat and four Grey Partridges at Harrington Airfield yesterday.
Today and a singing Lesser Whitethroat was near Arthingworth and Brixworth Sewer Works attracted a couple of Yellow Wagtails and a small swarm of Swallows.
An influx of passerines at Pitsford Reservoir in the vicinity of the dam this afternoon and evening included at least ten Bramblings feeding in the trees at the Sailing Club, a Wheatear, a Rock Pipit and a flock of forty plus Yellow Wagtails, courtesy of Jacob Spinks.
Other birds noted at Pitsford by Jacob today included a White Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, a Kingfisher, 2 Common Terns, a Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper.
Four more Bramblings and a Wheatear were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this evening.
Regards
Neil M
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| Grey Heron River Nene, Northampton courtesy of John Boland. |
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| Wheatear at Pitsford Reservoir today, courtesy of Jacob Spinks. |
Saturday, 15 April 2017
Odds and Ends
The last couple of days have been fairly quiet on the birding front. The only birds of note yesterday were 2 Wheatears at Blueberry Farm and a Raven near Walgrave.
Today was the more productive of the two days. At 07.30hrs I was watching an adult Otter fishing at Ravensthorpe Reservoir.
Next venue was Daventry Country Park where a walk around the reservoir was disappointingly quiet with nil birds of note. The only excitement was the presence of a large group of runners and Tor baying loudly as he wanted to run with them !!
I then went to Borough Hill and parked with great difficulty as every available space was taken, it seemed as if the whole world was there, and it did feel as if I was walking down Oxford Street at times. But despite this I managed 2 Wheatears and 2 Common Redstarts.
At Staverton the pair of resident Ravens were very vocal and put on some spectacular acrobatic displays as Tor was clowning around on the agility course. I don't know who caused us to laugh the most the Ravens or Tor !!
Regards Eleanor
Today was the more productive of the two days. At 07.30hrs I was watching an adult Otter fishing at Ravensthorpe Reservoir.
Next venue was Daventry Country Park where a walk around the reservoir was disappointingly quiet with nil birds of note. The only excitement was the presence of a large group of runners and Tor baying loudly as he wanted to run with them !!
I then went to Borough Hill and parked with great difficulty as every available space was taken, it seemed as if the whole world was there, and it did feel as if I was walking down Oxford Street at times. But despite this I managed 2 Wheatears and 2 Common Redstarts.
At Staverton the pair of resident Ravens were very vocal and put on some spectacular acrobatic displays as Tor was clowning around on the agility course. I don't know who caused us to laugh the most the Ravens or Tor !!
Regards Eleanor
Friday, 14 April 2017
Potential developments for Freight Terminals and loss of habitat
Below is a message we have received regarding proposals to site two Rail Freight Terminals on the outskirts of Northampton and of the possible implications for the wildlife. I have included it on our blog site to raise awareness and to provide the opportunity to contact Brian for further information and/or sign the petition if you so wish.
Whilst I am not very familiar with the area in question alot of my birding is done on farmland and I know just how important our farmland is in supporting our birds and other wildlife. Any loss of this habitat will have a significant impact on our birds and once it has gone it will be too late for some of the species we take for granted.
Whilst I am not very familiar with the area in question alot of my birding is done on farmland and I know just how important our farmland is in supporting our birds and other wildlife. Any loss of this habitat will have a significant impact on our birds and once it has gone it will be too late for some of the species we take for granted.
My name is Brian Sumpton and I have been a RSPB volunteer for over 30
years. I am currently working on wildlife issues for a group called stop
rail central. I am sure many of your members will know about the proposals
to site two massive Rail Freight Terminals near junctions 15 and 15A of the
M1. If these go ahead almost1,200 acres of farmland will be lost to
wildlife. Whilst this area is not of major importance for birds it is
classed as supporting habitat for the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA.
Notable birds include overwintering Golden Plover, (500+), Lapwings and
Skylarks. As a part of our fight to stop these proposals going ahead we
have a petition that will go to the Secretary of State for Transport. Could
I ask if your members would be prepared to sign our petition,I can send a
paper based version, or on our website at norailinterchange.co.uk
Andrea Leadsom our local MP and SoS for the Environment is supporting us
Please feel free to contact me should you wish to discuss.
Thanks,
Regards,
Brian Sumpton | briansumpton1@btinternet.com
years. I am currently working on wildlife issues for a group called stop
rail central. I am sure many of your members will know about the proposals
to site two massive Rail Freight Terminals near junctions 15 and 15A of the
M1. If these go ahead almost1,200 acres of farmland will be lost to
wildlife. Whilst this area is not of major importance for birds it is
classed as supporting habitat for the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA.
Notable birds include overwintering Golden Plover, (500+), Lapwings and
Skylarks. As a part of our fight to stop these proposals going ahead we
have a petition that will go to the Secretary of State for Transport. Could
I ask if your members would be prepared to sign our petition,I can send a
paper based version, or on our website at norailinterchange.co.uk
Andrea Leadsom our local MP and SoS for the Environment is supporting us
Please feel free to contact me should you wish to discuss.
Thanks,
Regards,
Brian Sumpton | briansumpton1@btinternet.com
Thursday, 13 April 2017
Another odd mix !!
Another odd mixture of birds today. One minute I was watching our winter visitors and the next our summer visitors and sometimes both together in the same field of view.
Early morning there were 2 Wheatears and a Cuckoo in the valley below Hanging Houghton. Already this year I have seen three Cuckoo's which I think is more than I saw during the whole of Spring/Summer last year.
This afternoon at Harrington Airfield there was a super male Common Redstart in the bushes close to the compound, 2 Wheatears and 4 Grey Partridge around the bunkers. Whilst walking around the bunkers I literally stumbled over a Short Eared Owl which was sitting on the ground seemingly asleep in the sun !!
Blueberry Farm area was quiet apart from a Wheatear, Fieldfares and Redwing feeding on the short grass in the horse fields.
Regards Eleanor
Early morning there were 2 Wheatears and a Cuckoo in the valley below Hanging Houghton. Already this year I have seen three Cuckoo's which I think is more than I saw during the whole of Spring/Summer last year.
This afternoon at Harrington Airfield there was a super male Common Redstart in the bushes close to the compound, 2 Wheatears and 4 Grey Partridge around the bunkers. Whilst walking around the bunkers I literally stumbled over a Short Eared Owl which was sitting on the ground seemingly asleep in the sun !!
Blueberry Farm area was quiet apart from a Wheatear, Fieldfares and Redwing feeding on the short grass in the horse fields.
Regards Eleanor
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
Exciting Times
I think that I have just about recovered from our amazing trip to Argentina and Chile. More details and pics to follow after we have sorted through the hundreds of images taken !!
My birding has been snatched in between the many jobs, errands etc that I have needed to undertake to catch up with what has been happening.
It has been great to come back to such lovely weather and see the signs of spring . I have been amazed at how many butterflies are already on the wing, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell are in abundance. The hedgerows are bursting into new growth as well as bursting into song with large numbers of Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap.
It is also the time when our winter and summer visitors overlap. This morning I was watching Fieldfares and Redwing feeding in the grass field behind the house whilst a Cuckoo was calling nearby and Swallows flying overhead.
It was a similar scenario at Harrington Airfield with more Fieldfares and Redwings preparing to leave and 4 Wheatears and a male Ring Ouzel around the bunkers. Other birds included 2+ Brambling, 4 Grey Partridge, Willow Warbler and Swallows.
There were also 2 Wheatears in the valley below Hanging Houghton this morning and a Common Redstart this evening.
Yesterday I came across 4 Brambling sitting in a hedgerow in the valley below Hanging Houghton.
Exciting times as birds are on the move and you just never know what you are going to see.......so ears and eyes wide open !!
Regards Eleanor
My birding has been snatched in between the many jobs, errands etc that I have needed to undertake to catch up with what has been happening.
It has been great to come back to such lovely weather and see the signs of spring . I have been amazed at how many butterflies are already on the wing, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell are in abundance. The hedgerows are bursting into new growth as well as bursting into song with large numbers of Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap.
It is also the time when our winter and summer visitors overlap. This morning I was watching Fieldfares and Redwing feeding in the grass field behind the house whilst a Cuckoo was calling nearby and Swallows flying overhead.
It was a similar scenario at Harrington Airfield with more Fieldfares and Redwings preparing to leave and 4 Wheatears and a male Ring Ouzel around the bunkers. Other birds included 2+ Brambling, 4 Grey Partridge, Willow Warbler and Swallows.
There were also 2 Wheatears in the valley below Hanging Houghton this morning and a Common Redstart this evening.
Yesterday I came across 4 Brambling sitting in a hedgerow in the valley below Hanging Houghton.
Exciting times as birds are on the move and you just never know what you are going to see.......so ears and eyes wide open !!
Regards Eleanor
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