Much the Same

Two more lovely Autumn days, blue skies, warm sunshine and a gentle breeze.  It's nice not having to wear wellies and fleeces and the rustic colours of the hedgerows are stunning.  What more could you wish for??  Probably a few new birds as the birds around seem to be the same. The Glossy Ibis remain at Stanford Reservoir,  Summer Leys and Titchmarsh LNR.  Over at Daventry Reservoir there is a drake Red Crested Pochard and the Pectoral Sandpiper at Hollowell Reservoir.   Whooper Swans have been seen at Stanford Reservoir (3birds) and Titchmarsh LNR (1 bird).     

This morning there was a bit of a movement of Redwings.  I heard several calling as they went over the garden before dawn and when I arrived at shrike hedge a few small parties went over. Redwings were also heard from Great Oxendon and Kettering.  I actually didn't hear anymore during the rest of the day.   Infact I've had a couple of very quiet days.  There are definitely a lot less birds around shrike hedge/Blueberry area.  Today I could only find one pair of Stonechat instead of the double figures which have been there. Skylark and Meadow Pipit numbers have also decreased. Yesterday there were 3 Bramblings in the area but today just a single bird. A Golden Plover flew over this afternoon.                        Harrington Airfield seems to have turned into a "birdless zone" with hardly any passerines.  I did have a lovely encounter with a female Merlin yesterday.  I suspect that it's the same bird that I have seen twice at shrike hedge.  I was standing at the end of bunker 3 looking north and saw her coming low across the fields.  She perched up for a while on a concrete post and she was constantly on the look out. She actually allowed me to get quite close before she dropped off the post and chased a Meadow Pipit.     I  thought that I would do an evening visit today incase there are any Owls about. But I saw absolutely nothing of note bird-wise but just a stunning sunset and then the bright Harvest or Hunters Moon appear which is at its peak this week. 

Regards Eleanor 

Reeve (Ruff).

Male House Sparrow
courtesy of Chris Payne.

Sparrowhawk with Starling
courtesy of John Tilly.

After the Storm

We are very lucky in Northamptonshire and tend to miss the worst of the weather and this was the case over the weekend with Storm Amy. It was quite windy on Saturday which made birding challenging at times and most birds kept their heads down.  I visited Harrington Airfield early afternoon and found a rather tired looking Short Eared Owl and a pair of Stonechat sheltering at bunker three. Unsurprisingly there was very little else.                                    In the evening I checked out the area below Hanging Houghton and shrike hedge.  10 Stonechats were sheltering in the ditches. The large flock of Skylarks were still on the fields and they weren't bothered by the wind but by the female Merlin who put in an appearance. On this occasion she didn't catch anything but she was fab to watch.                 Birds reported on Saturday include the juvenile American Golden Plover and Osprey at Pitsford Reservoir,  Pectoral Sandpiper at Hollowell Reservoir,  Cattle Egret at Kinewell Lake Ringstead, 2 Glossy Ibis at Stanford Reservoir,  a Glossy Ibis at Titchmarsh LNR and Glossy Ibis,  Jack Snipe,  Cattle Egret,  Caspian and Yellow Legged Gull at Summer Leys. 

Sunday was a much quieter day. My birding was limited to predawn and dusk as I was at my last outdoor agility competition of the season.  As I walked the dogs in the dark I nearly jumped out of my skin when a Barn Owl started hissing and screaming very close to me.  It certainly frightened Tystie the pup.  At dusk I heard both Little and Tawny Owl calling.                                                                           Very few birds reported.  No sign of the American Golden Plover but the Pectoral Sandpiper remained at Hollowell Reservoir.   At Lilbourne Meadows there were 2 Northern Wheatears and 3 Stonechats whilst at Pitsford Reservoir a flock of 8 Whooper Swans flew over at 08.00hrs.

This morning I  heard Redwings calling as they flew over the garden whilst it was still dark at 06.00hrs. This spurred me into action and after a quick breakfast I headed to Harrington Airfield.  I had literally just got out of the car when I could hear Siskins,  Grey and Pied Wagtails going over.  Even before I had reached bunker one it was clear that there was a significant movement of birds happening. I had to disregard the Skylarks and Mipits who were very vocal as they moved around and really concentrate on what else was about. I'm sure that I didn't catch everything but I did hear and see my first Brambling of the Autumn,  3 Crossbills,  2 Redpolls and at least 50 Siskins. There was a Northern Wheatear and pair of Stonechat at Bunker three and as I moved slowly through the bushes I was aware of the presence of Song Thrushes and Blackbirds.    Then I  had a quick look at shrike hedge/Blueberry area and there were at least 14 Stonechats in the area,  large numbers of Skylarks/Mipits/Linnets/Goldfinches and a Brambling and more Siskins over.                                                                           Birds seen elsewhere include a Crossbill flying over Weekly Wood Ave, Kettering at 07.10hrs, a single Whooper Swan,  drake Red Crested Pochard and Caspian Gull at Daventry Reservoir,  Pectoral Sandpiper at Hollowell Reservoir, female Goosander at new workings Earls Barton GP and Glossy Ibis at Titchmarsh LNR, Summer Leys and Stanford Reservoir .

The warm weather has certainly brought the butterflies out today. Brimstone, Speckled Wood,  Small Whites and Red Admiral all being reported.  I  bumped into a Clouded Yellow near shrike hedge and singles were seen at Pitsford Reservoir and Clifford Hill GP. 

Regards Eleanor 

Brambling courtesy
of Pete Gilbert.

Merlin courtesy
of Beth Clyne.

Barn Owl courtesy of
Nathan Jones.

Calm before the Storm!

I was very relieved when the juvenile American Golden Plover was relocated at Pitsford Reservoir yesterday. It showed really well at the back of the Scaldwell bay where it was feeding on the mud alongside Ruff and Ringed Plovers. The bird was still there today.                                                        Yesterday morning a Pectoral Sandpiper was found at Hollowell Reservoir feeding on the mud near the point. It was nice to be able to catch up with this bird too. I think that quite a few birders managed to see both these birds as it is only a 15 min drive between these two sites.  This bird was also showing well again today. 

Today there were 4 Glossy Ibis at Stanford Reservoir,  an Ibis at Summer Leys and another bird at Titchmarsh LNR where it favours the scrape infront of the Peter Scott hide. Two adult Caspian Gulls were seen at Naseby Reservoir. 

A very quiet visit to Harrington Airfield and it resembled a "birdless zone". Shrike hedge area was productive yesterday with 10 Stonechats,  2 Whinchats and large numbers of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits which attracted a female Merlin.  She was relentless in her pursuit of a Skylark.  I was willing the Skylark to get away but sadly it did not escape. 

The weekend may be challenging due to storm Amy which is due to hit although I think that we will escape the worst of it.  It will be interesting to see whether it brings new birds our way.                                                                                   Have a good weekend. 

Regards Eleanor 

Robin courtesy 
of Tony Stanford.

Stonechat and Reed Bunting
courtesy of Tony Stanford.

Kingfisher courtesy of
Robin Gossage.

Hobby in storm clouds
courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Great White Egret flying
through a rainbow courtesy
of Robin Gossage.

American Golden Plover

Great excitement yesterday when a juvenile American Golden Plover was located at Clifford Hill GP.  The bird showed well and despite taking flight on several occasions it returned to the shoreline . However this morning during one of it's period of flight it continued flying south and was not relocated.  Unfortunately due to commitments I never managed to see the bird. I had earmarked this afternoon for a visit but that was not to be.  It has been a few years since I have seen this species in the county.                                My birding has been confined to a couple of visits to Harrington Airfield which was quiet.  The only birds of note being 2 Stonechats,  Northern Wheatear,  Marsh Harrier and a female Peregrine.  Today I was literally tripping over released Pheasants/Red Legged Partridges in preparation for the start of the shooting season.    I managed a few visits to shrike hedge area and at least 6 Stonechats and a Whinchat remain with a further 2 Stonechats at Blueberry.   

Yesterday at Pitsford Reservoir there was a Tree Pipit and Osprey, at Hollowell,  Ruff,Ringed Plover,  Yellow Wagtail and Redpoll, at Summer Leys, Glossy Ibis,  Marsh Harrier and Sedge Warbler, at Daventry Reservoir 2 drake Red Crested Pochards and 2 Glossy Ibis at Stanford Reservoir.      Today at Hollowell Reservoir there was a Caspian Gull ( German ringed) which also frequents Naseby Reservoir.  The juvenile Glossy Ibis remains at Titchmarsh LNR for its 8th day along with Ruff, Greenshank,  Green Sandpiper and a Bittern.   The other long standing Glossy Ibis were also reported from Summer Leys and Stanford Reservoir.       A male Merlin was seen heading south at New Sandy Lane Attenuation pond Duston. 

A ringing session yesterday at Linford by Kenny Cramer and his team produced 177 birds of 20 species,  of which 144 were new. Warblers included 20 Blackcaps,  19 Chiffchaffs,  3 Reed Warblers and 2 Cettis Warblers.  Other birds of note,12 Reed Buntings,  6 Meadow Pipits,  4 Song Thrushes,  2 Kingfishers and 2 male Bullfinches.

Looking at the weather forecast I think that we need to make the most of tomorrow before the wet and windy weather hits

Regards Eleanor 

Meadow Pipit courtesy
of Tony Stanford.

Painted Lady butterfly
courtesy of Tony Stanford.

Chiffchaff courtesy of
Tony Stanford.

Bullfinch courtesy of
Kenny Cramer.

Weekend Recap

 Saturday was another lovely Autumn day and I was lucky to be able to be out and about enjoying myself as I ambled about with my four legged companions.  Plenty of birds around "shrike hedge area " and surrounding fields including 4 Stonechats and 2 Whinchats.   Early afternoon I decided to visit Harrington Airfield and as it was such lovely weather I spent over 2 hours meandering around,  stopping and starting,  listening and looking. My tactics paid off. Whilst sitting at bunker 3 I thought I heard a distant harsh chacking call. Despite listening intently I didn't hear it again but then I noticed a movement on a pile of stones which turned out to be a fem/imm Ring Ouzel which hopped about before dropping off the stones and I never saw it again.     I had literally just started walking again when a Short Eared Owl got up in front of me. The bird looked amazing in the afternoon sunlight and I never tire of watching these. Other birds around the bunkers included a pair of Stonechat,  2 Blackcaps and a few Chiffchaffs.      At the time I was sitting there plenty of birds were going over including a single Redwing,  2 Redpolls,  6 Siskins,  2 Golden Plovers and a female Peregrine.  I think that Harrington Airfield is one of the best places to experience visible migration if you time it right.                       Other birds reported on Saturday include Glossy Ibis at Summer Leys, Stanford Reservoir and Titchmarsh LNR,  a  Bittern at Stanwick GP and Titchmarsh LNR and Little Stint with assorted waders at Pitsford Reservoir. 

Sunday morning at 05.00 as I was out walking the dogs I heard Redwings going over the house !!! That was all my birding done for the day as I spent the day at Malvern competing with Jaeger as he had qualified for a special agility final with the top 70 dogs from the nationwide qualifyers taking part.  Although we didn't come away with any placings Jaeger gave it his best shot and he thoroughly enjoyed himself.                                                                               Yesterday seemed quiet in the county,  Osprey at Pitsford Reservoir, Northern Wheatear, Dunlin,  Ringed Plovers and 8 Stonechats at Hollowell Reservoir,  Northern Wheatear,  Green Sandpiper,  Yellow Wagtail and Grey Partridge at Clifford Hill GP and Glossy Ibis at Summer Leys. 

Another very autumnal day to start the new week.  Initially when I went out this morning I couldn't see very much as the mist hung in the valley.  Shrike hedge area was alive with birds, most notably the presence of over 200 Skylarks.  The sight and sound of them flying low across the fields in waves was amazing.  The numbers of Meadow Pipits and Linnets had also increased.  The 4 Stonechats,  Whinchat and Northern were also present as well as small numbers of Siskins and Swallows going over.             A much shorter visit to Harrington Airfield was equally productive with the Short Eared Owl again,  2 Stonechats and a Common Redstart.                                                                                               Birds reported today include 2 Rock Pipits and 2 drake Red Crested Pochards at Daventry Reservoir,  a first winter Mediterranean Gull at Boddington Reservoir, Osprey at both Hollowell and Pitsford Reservoirs and Glossy Ibis at Summer Leys and Stanford Reservoir. 

The Northamptonshire Bird Club will be meeting at the Lodge,  Pitsford Water on Wednesday (1st October) at 19.30hrs where the speaker will be Peter Norrie who will be talking about the work of the Stanford Ringing Group. I'm sure that it will be a fascinating evening as they have had an incredible number of warblers caught there in recent weeks and no doubt many of us have been visiting Stanford Reservoir recently trying to catch up with some of the good birds which have turned up there.                               Everyone is very welcome to come along to the meeting. 

Regards Eleanor 

American Golden Plover
at Clifford Hill Pits courtesy
of Neil Hasdell.

Ruff at Pitsford Reservoir.

Osprey at Pitsford Reservoir.

Great White Egret at Stortons Pits.

Above three images courtesy
of Tony Stanford.

Autumn bounty

Over the last couple of days the weather has been very "autumnal " with misty early mornings giving way to sunshine,  blue skies and a lovely fresh temperature.  Definitely my favourite time of year and if I could I would be outdoors from dawn until dusk. 

There are still plenty of good birds around in the county.  A Glossy Ibis remains at Summer Leys with another 2 seen at Stanford Reservoir and a further 2 at Titchmarsh LNR.  I don't think that the Pitsford bird has been reported for a few days.   Yesterday a fem/imm Common Scoter turned up at Hollowell Reservoir.  Other birds at Hollowell Reservoir include 10 Stonechats, 6 Egyptian Geese, Caspian Gull and Ringed Plovers. Nearby a Great White Egret at Ravensthorpe Reservoir and a Crossbill at Naseby Reservoir.   A Slavonian Grebe and Bittern were reported from Stanford Reservoir and 2 drake Red Crested Pochards at Daventry Reservoir whilst at Pitsford Reservoir an Osprey,  Marsh Harrier,  Little Stint,  Ruff, Dunlin, Ringed Plovers,  Red Crested Pochard and Stonechat. 

Regards Eleanor 

Ruff.

Muntjac.

Marsh Harrier.

Ruff and friends.

Small Copper.

Images courtesy of
Tony Stanford.

Quackers, Ibis & Slav Grebes.

Hello

A milder start to the morning and with some misty conditions in places, but later some super autumnal sunshine and cooling north-easterly breeze.

At Stanford Reservoir the drake Lesser Scaup was seen briefly by the original finder this morning but couldn't be found thereafter despite numerous visiting would-be observers. Chris had already pointed out the fact that the 'aythya hybrid' was still present, a probable Pochard x Tufted Duck which can resemble Lesser Scaup and it was this bird that was seen well this afternoon. Both birds were present yesterday, continually moving around the reservoir but not together - a potential trap for the unwary!

The long-staying Bittern was seen there this evening and other birds included the usual brief three Glossy Ibis in the morning with two returning to roost there this evening. Also noted was a drake Pintail, a Common Snipe, a Water Rail, a Cetti's Warbler, half a dozen Siskins and up to three Redpolls.

The usual Glossy Ibis was at Summer Leys LNR and two more were discovered on the Titchmarsh Reserve at Thrapston Pits. A Greenshank, a Yellow Wagtail and four Grey Partridges were at Clifford Hill Pits this morning.

A Slavonian Grebe was found at Daventry Country Park this morning where also two Red-crested Pochard and at Hollowell Reservoir another Slavonian Grebe was located where also two Ringed Plovers and a Wheatear.

At Pitsford Reservoir there was at least one Yellow-legged Gull off the dam and the north-easterlies have brought rather more Common Gulls through today. North of the causeway and remaining birds were the Glossy Ibis, five Great White Egrets, a Little Stint, a Dunlin, two Ruff, a Greenshank, eight Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, an Osprey, a Raven and a Kingfisher.

Naseby Reservoir hosted an adult Caspian Gull, a Common Snipe and two Green Sandpipers.

Early morning in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton provided a female Peregrine, a Golden Plover, four Stonechats, two Whinchats, a Grey Wagtail, calling Grey Partridges and singles of Siskin and Redpoll and an unusual bird for this spot - a House Sparrow! Two hundred Linnets were flocking there and this evening a flock of fifty Chaffinches had arrived. A Whinchat and a Wheatear were at nearby Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.

Harrington Airfield was the venue for fifteen Ravens flying over in a north-easterly direction and with a strong vis-mig of Meadow Pipits, Skylarks and Swallows pushing through. Other birds on the move were a Yellow Wagtail, two Grey Wagtails, at least ten Siskins and two Redpolls, all overseen by a hunting female Peregrine and a patrolling Marsh Harrier.

A Raven was over London Road cemetery in Wellingborough this morning.

Regards

Neil M

Brown Hare.

Stonechat.

Reed Bunting.

Above images courtesy
of Tony Stanford.

Sunrise yesterday morning
in the Brampton Valley below
Hanging Houghton.

Lesser Scaup.

Hello

Another cold but glorious start of the day with a spectacular pink sunrise and sunshine followed for the last of the butterflies and large insects.

Chris Hubbard's patchwork with almost daily visits to Stanford Reservoir paid off again today when he found Northamptonshire's first Lesser Scaup, an eclipse drake. Perhaps the most overdue bird not on the county list this species has been long-awaited. To see the bird it is essential to be in the reservoir grounds which is strictly permit only, there are no apparent viewing opportunities from adjacent land.

Other birds there were the three Glossy Ibis, a Bittern, a Marsh Harrier, two Pintail, a Common Sandpiper, a Common Tern, a Great White Egret and ten Little Egrets.

A Caspian Gull was at Naseby Reservoir and nearby at least three Yellow-legged Gulls were in fields at Naseby village opposite the entrance to the playing field. A Grey Wagtail and a Redpoll were at Welford Reservoir.

Hollowell Reservoir hosted eight Stonechats, a Whinchat and a Common Snipe and birds north of the causeway at Pitsford Reservoir were a Glossy Ibis, a Ringed Plover, two Ruff, a Dunlin and seven Common Snipe.

Two Greenshanks and a Raven were at Clifford Hill Pits, a Redpoll was at Scaldwell and three or four Tree Sparrows were at Rectory Farm, Old.

The Glossy Ibis was again at Summer Leys LNR with two Yellow-legged Gulls on nearby Mary's Lake.

Passerines in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton early this morning were a Corn Bunting, a Wheatear, a Whinchat, three Stonechats, a Yellow Wagtail, a Raven and two hundred Linnets but with the exception of the Linnets they soon dispersed.

A Purple Sandpiper at Draycote Water (Warks) continues an excellent run of good birds there recently.

Regards

Neil M

Common Sandpiper.

Blackcap.

Robin.

Little Egret.

Chiffchaff -  huge numbers
in the county at the moment.

All images courtesy of
Tony Stanford.

Pitsford WeBS count

Hello

The WeBS count took place at Pitsford Reservoir today, one of the few days when there is a fairly good coverage of this odd-shaped reservoir.

Birds south of the causeway included an Osprey, three Little Egrets, two Green Sandpipers, two Ravens, a pair of Stonechats, two Crossbills, a Common Redstart, forty-five Siskins, eighteen Chiffchaffs and three Grey Wagtails.

North of the causeway was busy too with tree work in the Walgrave Bay ensuring many birds were crammed in the Scaldwell Bay making counting interesting! An Osprey appeared on this side too plus waders included three Green Sandpipers, three Common Sandpipers, two Ruff, a Dunlin, a juvenile Little Stint and four Ringed Plovers. Pintails had increased to eight, a couple of Redpolls flew over (the first of the autumn for me), about ten Siskins and a few Yellow Wagtails went over and the Glossy Ibis was busy feeding on the far shore of the Scaldwell Bay. Three Stonechats were noted plus at least six Great White Egrets which were very mobile plus an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Kingfisher.

Butterflies were impressive in the sunshine with two Clouded Yellows, a Painted Lady, plus rather more Red Admirals, Small Coppers, a Comma, Speckled Woods and whites. Muntjacs were as active as usual but there was no repetition of the Otters which were near the causeway early on Saturday morning.

Elsewhere and a mighty White-tailed Eagle powered over Byfield village this afternoon and satellite tracking confirms this as a released bird from the Isle of Wight scheme, thought to be heading back south after roaming the North York moors during the summer.

At Stanford Reservoir the three Glossy Ibis put in an appearance again early morning and other birds were a Marsh Harrier, an impressive seventeen Little Egrets, a Curlew through at dawn, a Common Sandpiper, a Hobby, three Spotted Flycatchers and nine Redpolls.

Hollowell Reservoir attracted a Ringed Plover, a Little Ringed Plover, a first winter Caspian Gull and two Stonechats with a Green Sandpiper and a Siskin at Naseby Reservoir.

The Glossy Ibis was still at Summer Leys LNR today and other birds included a Water Rail, a Great White Egret, three Egyptian Geese and one hundred and ten Gadwall. A Stonechat and a Barnacle Goose were at Clifford Hill Pits and two Stonechats were at Upton Country Park.

Three Stonechats were noted in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton today with two more near Blueberry Farm, Maidwell. A Raven was seen at Billing Road cemetry, Northampton.

A Manx Shearwater was picked up on an undefined date at Blisworth and was taken into care at Animals in Need at Irchester. The big push of westerlies from the last week has driven many young shearwaters into off-shore waters and with some stranded inland away from water. Many of these birds are likely to be from Pembrokeshire breeding colonies.

Regards

Neil M

Green Sandpiper.

Cormorant.

Moorhen.

Kingfisher.

Images courtesy of
Robin Gossage.

A wind from the north

Hello

A northerly air flow has cooled everything down and the birding appears to have slowed today.

The three Glossy Ibis were again at Stanford Reservoir briefly this morning before disappearing and other birds were twenty-five Little Grebes and two Common Sandpipers.

At Pitsford Reservoir the Glossy Ibis was mobile due to disturbance and other birds present were an Osprey, six Great White Egrets, twelve Little Egrets, three Ruff, a Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper, three Pintail and a Yellow-legged Gull.

Hollowell Reservoir provided a Dunlin, two Common Sandpipers and two Stonechats.

The Glossy Ibis was again reported at Summer Leys LNR today.

Two Ravens and a Grey Wagtail were at Hanging Houghton and two Stonechats were in the Brampton Valley below the village with still two Whinchats at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.

Regards

Neil M

Yellow-legged Gull.

Great White Egret.

Great Black-backed Gull.

Holly Blue.

September birds on the move

Hello

Birds at Pitsford Reservoir today included the Glossy Ibis still, at least one juvenile Osprey, at least six Great White Egrets, three Common Terns, two Ruff, two Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Snipe, a Hobby, a Raven, a Grey Wagtail, twenty Siskins and one or two Stonechat(s). A short ringing session there provided over fifty captures which included eighteen Meadow Pipits, nineteen Chiffchaffs, a Sedge Warbler and a Stonechat.

Birding at Stanford Reservoir today provided a Black-necked Grebe, the three Glossy Ibis again briefly, a Cattle Egret, a Great White Egret, twenty-eight Little Grebes, a Hobby, two Kingfishers, two Siskins and a Redpoll.

Chris Payne at Greens Norton ringed no less than sixty-three Goldfinches in his garden today (plus six Greenfinches and a Collared Dove).

In the Nene Valley a Sandwich Tern was at Stanwick Pits and Summer Leys LNR recorded the Glossy Ibis again plus a Marsh Harrier and a Common Sandpiper. A Common Redstart was at Clifford Hill Pits and two Greenshanks and a Green Sandpiper were at the New Workings, Earls Barton. A covey of twelve Grey Partridges were near Ecton as was a Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.

A Raven was in Hanging Houghton village and a Corn Bunting was a brief visitor in the Brampton Valley below the village where also a pair of Stonechat. Two Whinchats were at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.

Harrington Airfield provided a Wheatear, a pair of Stonechat, a Marsh Harrier, ten Siskins, four Ravens, a Common Whitethroat and a big influx of Meadow Pipits moving over.

Regards

Neil M

Stonechat courtesy of
Sean Gower.

Stonechat courtesy of
Jane Neill.

Black-headed Gull 
courtesy of John Tilly.

Common Sandpiper
courtesy of Tony Stanford.

More Ibis, Grey Partridges and 26 degrees

Hello

Some strong diurnal passage witnessed early this morning at Harrington Airfield with large numbers of hirundines moving south at low level, mostly Swallows but a few House Martins and at least one Sand Martin. 'Alba' wagtails and Meadow Pipits were also moving into the southerly headwind and four Siskins flew over. The bushes were busy with routine species including quite a few Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps and two Ravens. If there was anything scarcer it managed to elude me! A few Grey Partridges were present together with large numbers of released Red-legged Partridges.

The habitat at Pitsford Reservoir with the superb 'draw-down' of water continues to attract the juvenile Glossy Ibis and a variety of waders which included three Greenshanks, five Ruff and at least three Common Sandpipers and two Green Sandpipers. At least three Great White Egrets prowl the shallows and other birds included two Marsh Harriers seen together, an Osprey, a Hobby, three Common Terns, nine Grey Partridges and a Pintail. A Clouded Yellow was also seen in the Scaldwell Bay.

Stanford Reservoir attracted it's first Glossy Ibis with three seen briefly this morning and one seen again briefly this afternoon. Other birds included a Cattle Egret, a Common Sandpiper and twenty Siskins over.

Sticking with reservoirs and there were two adult Caspian Gulls at Naseby Reservoir this morning plus a Green Sandpiper. Hollowell Reservoir was good for four Stonechats, three Common Sandpipers and a Hobby and Ravensthorpe Reservoir provided a Great White Egret, a Kingfisher, a Siskin, a Hobby, Grey Partridges in adjacent fields and a Grey Wagtail. Odonata were numerous in the warm sunshine and included Willow Emeralds in cop. A Water Rail and two Common Sandpipers were at Daventry Country Park.

The Earls Barton New Workings/Whiston Wetlands yielded a Marsh Harrier, two Grey Partridges, three Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, a Greenshank, a Hobby and a Kingfisher. Nearby and the Glossy Ibis was again at Summer Leys LNR this morning.

A Wood Sandpiper was reported from Cransley Reservoir this evening and good birds in neighbouring counties include a Lesser Scaup, a Ferruginous Duck, six Black Terns and a Grey Phalarope at Draycote Water (Warks), a Lesser Yellowlegs in Cambridgeshire and a Caspian Gull and two Spotted Redshanks at Eyebrook Reservoir.

Regards

Neil M

Willow Emerald damselfly.

Buck Muntjac.

Chiffchaff.

Red Admiral.

All images today courtesy
of Tony Stanford at
Pitsford Reservoir.