Hi
Birds at Pitsford Res this morning included a Kingfisher below the dam and a 3rd year Yellow-legged Gull just south of the causeway. This evening, the juvenile Marsh Harrier was still present north of the causeway. Between 5.30pm and 7pm it hunted both the Scaldwell and Walgrave Bays, showing a preference for the west bank of the Walgrave Bay (between The Point and Christies Copse). Other birds present in the Walgrave Bay included a Kingfisher, 3 Red-crested Pochard, a Hobby and ca8 Crossbills.
Regards
Neil
Tuesday 31 July 2012
Monday 30 July 2012
There are birds out there!
Hi
Today quite a number of birds were on show locally, the best perhaps being the juvenile Marsh Harrier at Pitsford Res. It was seen on and off for about an hour by Neil Hasdell et al, hunting in the Scaldwell and Walgrave Bays from about 11.20am (see record shot below from Neil H).
At Ravensthorpe Res the pair of Red-crested Pochard were showing on the small side visible from the causeway. At nearby Hollowell Res, raptors included an Osprey and a female Peregrine, and a pair of Raven were on show. Four Crossbills were in Harlestone Heath in the close vicinity and visible from the garden centre just off the A428.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Today quite a number of birds were on show locally, the best perhaps being the juvenile Marsh Harrier at Pitsford Res. It was seen on and off for about an hour by Neil Hasdell et al, hunting in the Scaldwell and Walgrave Bays from about 11.20am (see record shot below from Neil H).
At Ravensthorpe Res the pair of Red-crested Pochard were showing on the small side visible from the causeway. At nearby Hollowell Res, raptors included an Osprey and a female Peregrine, and a pair of Raven were on show. Four Crossbills were in Harlestone Heath in the close vicinity and visible from the garden centre just off the A428.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Sunday 29 July 2012
Bits and pieces
Hi
Birds today included a pair of Raven over Lamport Hall this afternoon and a Nuthatch visiting the feeders in our garden (which it has been doing irregularly for the past three weeks now). A stomp around Harrington Airfield this morning failed to find anything of note and in fact there was no obvious evidence of visible migration. However the Linnets are flocking up nicely already. The gull roost at Pitsford is still very small (about 450 birds) and this evening included 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, one of which was a juvenile. It always amazes me how quickly juvenile birds (big and small) can rapidly cover huge distances shortly after fledging and becoming independent.
On a separate note, today I witnessed my fourth dead Polecat on local roads in four days, all of them probably young animals. Clearly they are numerous in the county but I have still only managed to see three live ones since they became so.
Neil Hasdell has kindly provided me with some Ruddy Darter images taken at Pitsford today and these can be found towards the bottom of this page.
TTFN
Neil
Birds today included a pair of Raven over Lamport Hall this afternoon and a Nuthatch visiting the feeders in our garden (which it has been doing irregularly for the past three weeks now). A stomp around Harrington Airfield this morning failed to find anything of note and in fact there was no obvious evidence of visible migration. However the Linnets are flocking up nicely already. The gull roost at Pitsford is still very small (about 450 birds) and this evening included 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, one of which was a juvenile. It always amazes me how quickly juvenile birds (big and small) can rapidly cover huge distances shortly after fledging and becoming independent.
On a separate note, today I witnessed my fourth dead Polecat on local roads in four days, all of them probably young animals. Clearly they are numerous in the county but I have still only managed to see three live ones since they became so.
Neil Hasdell has kindly provided me with some Ruddy Darter images taken at Pitsford today and these can be found towards the bottom of this page.
TTFN
Neil
Saturday 28 July 2012
Pitsford Moths 27th July
Hi
The Pitsford moth team enjoyed a busy morning yesterday with a significant catch from overnight. Please see below some of the specimens that were captured and identified. Images are courtesy of Neil Hasdell...
The Pitsford moth team enjoyed a busy morning yesterday with a significant catch from overnight. Please see below some of the specimens that were captured and identified. Images are courtesy of Neil Hasdell...
Marsh Harrier
Hi
A juvenile Marsh Harrier was hunting on the west bank of the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this morning for a short time (at about 8.30am). Other birds present in the same area included 2-3 Crossbills briefly, a Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Red-crested Pochard, a Kingfisher and a female Tufted Duck with 2 ducklings.
Regards
N & E
A juvenile Marsh Harrier was hunting on the west bank of the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this morning for a short time (at about 8.30am). Other birds present in the same area included 2-3 Crossbills briefly, a Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Red-crested Pochard, a Kingfisher and a female Tufted Duck with 2 ducklings.
Regards
N & E
Friday 27 July 2012
Redstart
Hi
The Redstart at Harrington Airfield was still present today, again in bushes by the first bunker at about 1.30pm. It was initially vocal and showed itself but then slipped away and hid - so typical of this species on migration.
Regards
E & N
The Redstart at Harrington Airfield was still present today, again in bushes by the first bunker at about 1.30pm. It was initially vocal and showed itself but then slipped away and hid - so typical of this species on migration.
Regards
E & N
Early birds
Hi
Birds at Sywell CP this morning included 2 Common Sandpipers, 2+ Kingfishers, a family party of Grey Wagtails and ca6 Siskins. At Pitsford Res this morning, a single Crossbill flew south west over the Walgrave Bay at 8.20am and a Green Sandpiper was heard calling there.
Regards
E & N
Birds at Sywell CP this morning included 2 Common Sandpipers, 2+ Kingfishers, a family party of Grey Wagtails and ca6 Siskins. At Pitsford Res this morning, a single Crossbill flew south west over the Walgrave Bay at 8.20am and a Green Sandpiper was heard calling there.
Regards
E & N
Thursday 26 July 2012
Pitsford Gulls
Hi
A very small gull roost has now begun to form off the yacht club at Pitsford Res, which this evening attracted a Caspian Gull (third summer moulting to fourth winter) and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (1 adult).
Regards
Neil
A very small gull roost has now begun to form off the yacht club at Pitsford Res, which this evening attracted a Caspian Gull (third summer moulting to fourth winter) and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (1 adult).
Regards
Neil
Harrington
Hi
A trundle around Harrington Airfield this morning provided a female-type Redstart in bushes along the old airstrip, near to the first bunker walking from the enclosed chippings compound, with 2 Turtle Doves flushed from bushes a little further on. A distant raptor towards Mawsley appeared to be a Marsh Harrier but the heat haze and distance prevented a firm identification. A Grasshopper Warbler was again singing in the most northerly field at Blueberry Farm.
E & N
A trundle around Harrington Airfield this morning provided a female-type Redstart in bushes along the old airstrip, near to the first bunker walking from the enclosed chippings compound, with 2 Turtle Doves flushed from bushes a little further on. A distant raptor towards Mawsley appeared to be a Marsh Harrier but the heat haze and distance prevented a firm identification. A Grasshopper Warbler was again singing in the most northerly field at Blueberry Farm.
E & N
Wednesday 25 July 2012
Summer passerines
Hi
Birds noted this morning at Harlestone Heath included 2-3 Crossbills, ca15 Siskins and a couple of Tawny Owls. Passerines in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this morning included a Crossbill, a Spotted Flycatcher and a singing Reed Warbler which was a particularly excellent mimic and able to copy about a dozen recognisable Western Palearctic species and a couple of African ones too!
TTFN
Eleanor and Neil
Birds noted this morning at Harlestone Heath included 2-3 Crossbills, ca15 Siskins and a couple of Tawny Owls. Passerines in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this morning included a Crossbill, a Spotted Flycatcher and a singing Reed Warbler which was a particularly excellent mimic and able to copy about a dozen recognisable Western Palearctic species and a couple of African ones too!
TTFN
Eleanor and Neil
Tuesday 24 July 2012
Fermyn insects
Hi
This morning we spent some time in the Fermyn CP/Fermyn Wood/Lady Wood/Souther Wood area looking for butterflies and other interesting insects. Birds were minimal but there was a Kingfisher on the fishing pool in the country park. Yesterday the Purple Emperors had showed particularly well and apparently they did so again today during the early morning, but then quickly dispersed and became very flighty. In warm conditions we eventually found a few individuals of the core species as depicted below...
At Pitsford Res this evening there were 2 Common Sandpipers on the dam and 9 Red-crested Pochard in the Walgrave Bay. Other birds noted north of the causeway included 2 Shelduck, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Red Kite and at least 2 Oystercatchers.
This morning we spent some time in the Fermyn CP/Fermyn Wood/Lady Wood/Souther Wood area looking for butterflies and other interesting insects. Birds were minimal but there was a Kingfisher on the fishing pool in the country park. Yesterday the Purple Emperors had showed particularly well and apparently they did so again today during the early morning, but then quickly dispersed and became very flighty. In warm conditions we eventually found a few individuals of the core species as depicted below...
At Pitsford Res this evening there were 2 Common Sandpipers on the dam and 9 Red-crested Pochard in the Walgrave Bay. Other birds noted north of the causeway included 2 Shelduck, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Red Kite and at least 2 Oystercatchers.
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| Moorhen |
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| Blue-tailed Damselfly |
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| White Admiral |
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| White Admiral |
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| Purple Hairstreak |
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| Comma |
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| Purple Emperor |
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| Purple Emperor |
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| Silver-washed Fritillary |
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| White-letter Hairstreak |
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| White-letter Hairstreak |
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| Emerald Damselfly |
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| Emperor Dragonfly |
Monday 23 July 2012
Sunny birding!
Hi
A few commitments curtailed birding opportunities today but Eleanor managed to find a pair of Red-legged Partridge with about 6 young in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and the white Common Buzzard was very vocal at Blueberry Farm so may also have a couple of young nearby. A couple of begging juvenile Common Buzzards in the fields behind our house originate from a different pair. A pair of Grey Partridge below the village are still without chicks.
A brief stop on the causeway at Ravensthorpe Res late afternoon confirmed the continuing presence still of at least one Red-crested Pochard, with an eclipse drake visible on the small side. I was surprised to see adult Blue Tits still feeding fledged young, surely a late replacement brood?
A short ringing session yesterday evening in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford was very modest but included just-fledged Garden Warblers. A juvenile Willow Warbler exhibited significant fault bars in the tail, a sure sign that it suffered periods of hardship and minimal food as a nestling.
Regards
Neil
A few commitments curtailed birding opportunities today but Eleanor managed to find a pair of Red-legged Partridge with about 6 young in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and the white Common Buzzard was very vocal at Blueberry Farm so may also have a couple of young nearby. A couple of begging juvenile Common Buzzards in the fields behind our house originate from a different pair. A pair of Grey Partridge below the village are still without chicks.
A brief stop on the causeway at Ravensthorpe Res late afternoon confirmed the continuing presence still of at least one Red-crested Pochard, with an eclipse drake visible on the small side. I was surprised to see adult Blue Tits still feeding fledged young, surely a late replacement brood?
A short ringing session yesterday evening in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford was very modest but included just-fledged Garden Warblers. A juvenile Willow Warbler exhibited significant fault bars in the tail, a sure sign that it suffered periods of hardship and minimal food as a nestling.
Regards
Neil
Sunday 22 July 2012
Pitsford Pics
Hi
Some images from Pitsford yesterday, courtesy of Neil Hasdell...
Some images from Pitsford yesterday, courtesy of Neil Hasdell...
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| A bit of a Common Tern.... |
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| A complete Oystercatcher! |
Sunday morning walk
Hi
Out and about early this morning with a three hour walk with the dogs around the footpaths connecting Maidwell village, the Dales, Blueberry Hill and then in to the Brampton Valley and up to Hanging Houghton. In general it was pretty quiet with the best birds being both Little and Tawny Owl showing nicely and a couple each of Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher. The bird song has dwindled significantly during the last couple of weeks and the adults of many species are already in the early stages of moult and as a result are hiding themselves away. Anyway after the early morning heavy dew and even a couple of very light showers, today looks like being a super summer day. Enjoy!
Neil
Out and about early this morning with a three hour walk with the dogs around the footpaths connecting Maidwell village, the Dales, Blueberry Hill and then in to the Brampton Valley and up to Hanging Houghton. In general it was pretty quiet with the best birds being both Little and Tawny Owl showing nicely and a couple each of Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher. The bird song has dwindled significantly during the last couple of weeks and the adults of many species are already in the early stages of moult and as a result are hiding themselves away. Anyway after the early morning heavy dew and even a couple of very light showers, today looks like being a super summer day. Enjoy!
Neil
Friday 20 July 2012
Pitsford
Hi
Early this afternoon I popped in to Pitsford Res to fill up the feeders at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station. There was a vocal male Redstart in the field hedge that parallels the perimeter fence as you walk towards the Scaldwell Bay (on the LHS) by the very large oak tree. This is a traditional spot for migrant Redstarts. The three Oystercatchers were present and there was a loafing flock of 14 Shelduck in the mouth of the Walgrave Bay, no doubt on a short stop-over en-route to Bridgewater Bay where most of the British population moult.
Regards
Neil
Early this afternoon I popped in to Pitsford Res to fill up the feeders at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station. There was a vocal male Redstart in the field hedge that parallels the perimeter fence as you walk towards the Scaldwell Bay (on the LHS) by the very large oak tree. This is a traditional spot for migrant Redstarts. The three Oystercatchers were present and there was a loafing flock of 14 Shelduck in the mouth of the Walgrave Bay, no doubt on a short stop-over en-route to Bridgewater Bay where most of the British population moult.
Regards
Neil
Thursday 19 July 2012
Reservoir Dogs!
Hi
Eleanor took a stroll around Sywell CP with the dogs this afternoon (well it was a reservoir once)!
Birds noted included a family party of Kingfishers, 4 Crossbills and 2-3 Siskins.
Visible from the causeway at Ravensthorpe Reservoir this evening was a pair of Red-crested Pochard in eclipse plumage, a drake Wigeon also in eclipse, a female Shelduck and a family party of Spotted Flycatchers. Sadly a large Grass Snake lay dead in the road there.
Regards
Neil
Eleanor took a stroll around Sywell CP with the dogs this afternoon (well it was a reservoir once)!
Birds noted included a family party of Kingfishers, 4 Crossbills and 2-3 Siskins.
Visible from the causeway at Ravensthorpe Reservoir this evening was a pair of Red-crested Pochard in eclipse plumage, a drake Wigeon also in eclipse, a female Shelduck and a family party of Spotted Flycatchers. Sadly a large Grass Snake lay dead in the road there.
Regards
Neil
Wednesday 18 July 2012
Bits and Bobs
Hi
Yesterday afternoon there was a single Crossbill flying around at Hanging Houghton before moving off south east. Amazingly a female Pheasant was chaperoning 6 half-grown youngsters below the village (I do not know how she has managed it in these weather conditions).
This morning the white Common Buzzard was still at Blueberry Farm plus a pair of Grey Partridge (no young sadly).
This afternoon a walk around Pitsford Res south of the causeway included a couple of movers in the shape of a Common Gull and 4 Common Sandpipers. There were new Coot and Mallard broods noted too.
Regards
N & E
Yesterday afternoon there was a single Crossbill flying around at Hanging Houghton before moving off south east. Amazingly a female Pheasant was chaperoning 6 half-grown youngsters below the village (I do not know how she has managed it in these weather conditions).
This morning the white Common Buzzard was still at Blueberry Farm plus a pair of Grey Partridge (no young sadly).
This afternoon a walk around Pitsford Res south of the causeway included a couple of movers in the shape of a Common Gull and 4 Common Sandpipers. There were new Coot and Mallard broods noted too.
Regards
N & E
More Pitsford moths!
Hi
The Pitsford moth team were busy again this morning and some spectacular moths were caught overnight. Please see a few of them below...
I had a quick scan for birds from the feeding station at Pitsford late morning. The best was the Goldeneye still, a successfully fledged juvenile Common Tern and the two adult Oystercatchers with just one well-grown youngster. I don't know what happened to the second youngster but it clearly isn't around any more unfortunately. A rare bird for Pitsford this year was a singing Sedge Warbler not far from the Maytrees Hide!
Happy Birding!
Neil
The Pitsford moth team were busy again this morning and some spectacular moths were caught overnight. Please see a few of them below...
I had a quick scan for birds from the feeding station at Pitsford late morning. The best was the Goldeneye still, a successfully fledged juvenile Common Tern and the two adult Oystercatchers with just one well-grown youngster. I don't know what happened to the second youngster but it clearly isn't around any more unfortunately. A rare bird for Pitsford this year was a singing Sedge Warbler not far from the Maytrees Hide!
Happy Birding!
Neil
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| Leopard |
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| Elephant Hawk-Moth and Burnished Brass |
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| Elephant Hawk-Moth warming up |
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| Light Emerald |
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| Privet Hawk-Moth |
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Pitsford Moths
Hi
A couple more Pitsford moths from this morning's catch courtesy of Neil Hasdell...
A couple more Pitsford moths from this morning's catch courtesy of Neil Hasdell...
Pitsford CES
Hi
In quite reasonable conditions this morning a CES ringing session was completed at Pitsford Res which resulted in just short of 40 birds being trapped and released. A fair proportion of these included juveniles (please see the images of juvenile Goldcrest and juvenile Treecreeper below).
In addition a Siskin flew over the Scaldwell Bay, there was a Goldeneye by the Maytrees Hide and the pair of Oystercatchers were guarding one youngster on the flooded bank between the Bird Club Hide and the feeding station. A Common Sandpiper was present there too.
Regards
N & E
In quite reasonable conditions this morning a CES ringing session was completed at Pitsford Res which resulted in just short of 40 birds being trapped and released. A fair proportion of these included juveniles (please see the images of juvenile Goldcrest and juvenile Treecreeper below).
In addition a Siskin flew over the Scaldwell Bay, there was a Goldeneye by the Maytrees Hide and the pair of Oystercatchers were guarding one youngster on the flooded bank between the Bird Club Hide and the feeding station. A Common Sandpiper was present there too.
Regards
N & E
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| Juvenile Treecreeper |
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| Juvenile Goldcrest |
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| Treecreeper - underside of tail |
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