Hi
A walk around Harrington Airfield this morning was a little disappointing as the weather conditions looked good for finding something a little different. As it was the best birds were a female Stonechat, 18 Golden Plovers, 3 Blackcaps and southbound singles of Siskin, Grey Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail.
Regards
E & N
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Wednesday 26 September 2012
Tuesday 25 September 2012
Birds of a grey day...
Hi
A trundle out to Welford Reservoir between the showers this afternoon provided a Grey Wagtail, a Snipe and a Kingfisher. The water level and that of adjacent Sulby Reservoir are at their maximum level. Naseby Reservoir was quiet and also full of water. Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests were in good numbers and all decent hedges and bushes seemed to hold them. House Martins were in good numbers at the local reservoirs today and the dominant migrating hirindine.
A return to Pitsford Reservoir this evening confirmed the continued presence of the Caspian Gull, the Little Gull and the Arctic Tern and the Common Tern. Also visible was the Black-necked Grebe again and a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull.
E & N
Grey Wagtail
Little Grebe
House Martins
Black-necked Grebe
A trundle out to Welford Reservoir between the showers this afternoon provided a Grey Wagtail, a Snipe and a Kingfisher. The water level and that of adjacent Sulby Reservoir are at their maximum level. Naseby Reservoir was quiet and also full of water. Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests were in good numbers and all decent hedges and bushes seemed to hold them. House Martins were in good numbers at the local reservoirs today and the dominant migrating hirindine.
A return to Pitsford Reservoir this evening confirmed the continued presence of the Caspian Gull, the Little Gull and the Arctic Tern and the Common Tern. Also visible was the Black-necked Grebe again and a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull.
E & N
Grey Wagtail
Little Grebe
House Martins
Black-necked Grebe
A breezy morning at Pitsford and Harrington!
Hi
Birds at Harrington Airfield this morning included a juvenile Marsh Harrier, a male Peregrine, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Ravens, a Wheatear, a pair of Stonechat, a Blackcap and still 2 Whitethroats. Finches moving over included a Brambling, a redpoll sp and 8 Siskins.
Birds visible from the yacht club at Pitsford Res this morning involved the Caspian Gull still, a 1st winter Little Gull, an Arctic Tern, a Common Tern and a male Peregrine.
Regards
E & N
Birds at Harrington Airfield this morning included a juvenile Marsh Harrier, a male Peregrine, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Ravens, a Wheatear, a pair of Stonechat, a Blackcap and still 2 Whitethroats. Finches moving over included a Brambling, a redpoll sp and 8 Siskins.
Birds visible from the yacht club at Pitsford Res this morning involved the Caspian Gull still, a 1st winter Little Gull, an Arctic Tern, a Common Tern and a male Peregrine.
Regards
E & N
Monday 24 September 2012
Pitsford today
Hi
The highlight of a very wet morning at Pitsford Reservoir was a glimpse of an Otter in the Walgrave Bay.
This afternoon the 4th winter Caspian Gull was again present off the yacht club and the moulting adult Black-necked Grebe was at the mouth of the yacht bay near to the pontoons. Also present were two 1st year Arctic Terns and two 1st year Common Terns and several lateish Sand Martins amongst the hirundines.
Regards
Neil M
The highlight of a very wet morning at Pitsford Reservoir was a glimpse of an Otter in the Walgrave Bay.
This afternoon the 4th winter Caspian Gull was again present off the yacht club and the moulting adult Black-necked Grebe was at the mouth of the yacht bay near to the pontoons. Also present were two 1st year Arctic Terns and two 1st year Common Terns and several lateish Sand Martins amongst the hirundines.
Regards
Neil M
Further images from Titchwell
Hi
Robin Gossage has kindly forwarded some additional images from the NBC trip to Titchwell (RSPB reserve on the Norfolk coast) yesterday. The majority of the images on this blog are low resolution but prints from Robin are available at a higher resolution. If you would like a print from a blog picture, please contact me or the photographer credited with the image.
It really was a day of birds from all seasons with quite a number of summer migrants about but also plenty of birds normally associated with winter. There were already thousands of Pink-footed Geese in the stubble fields adjacent to the coast road, Brent Geese passing by over the sea and Bramblings and Redwing dropping in.
Regards
Neil M
Robin Gossage has kindly forwarded some additional images from the NBC trip to Titchwell (RSPB reserve on the Norfolk coast) yesterday. The majority of the images on this blog are low resolution but prints from Robin are available at a higher resolution. If you would like a print from a blog picture, please contact me or the photographer credited with the image.
It really was a day of birds from all seasons with quite a number of summer migrants about but also plenty of birds normally associated with winter. There were already thousands of Pink-footed Geese in the stubble fields adjacent to the coast road, Brent Geese passing by over the sea and Bramblings and Redwing dropping in.
Regards
Neil M
Sunday 23 September 2012
Norfolk birding
Hi
A short day out today with other members of the Northants Bird Club to Norfolk was a pleasant change of scenery, even if the rain brought things to an early conclusion.
Birds of note included at least 3 Lapland Buntings, a Yellow-browed Warbler (with another heard) and a Red-breasted Flycatcher, with a supporting cast of Pied Flycatcher, skuas, Marsh Harrier, Spoonbill etc.
A few images from Titchwell are below...
Neil M
Bearded Tits
Distant image of Chinese Water Deer (note tusks)
Black-tailed Godwit
Redshank
Little Egret
A short day out today with other members of the Northants Bird Club to Norfolk was a pleasant change of scenery, even if the rain brought things to an early conclusion.
Birds of note included at least 3 Lapland Buntings, a Yellow-browed Warbler (with another heard) and a Red-breasted Flycatcher, with a supporting cast of Pied Flycatcher, skuas, Marsh Harrier, Spoonbill etc.
A few images from Titchwell are below...
Neil M
Bearded Tits
Distant image of Chinese Water Deer (note tusks)
Black-tailed Godwit
Redshank
Little Egret
Saturday 22 September 2012
Saturday birds
Hi
A Short-eared Owl was sunning itself in one of the field hedges adjacent to the southern-most field at Blueberry Farm this morning.
A ringing session in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning was responsible for the capture and release of 55 birds, with Goldcrest being the most numerous species captured. Warblers included Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Migrants noted passing over included several Siskins, a Grey Wagtail and plenty of Meadow Pipits. Migrants on the deck included a Yellow Wagtail and a Dunlin.
Regards
E & N
Kingfisher
Goldcrest
Ruddy Darter
A Short-eared Owl was sunning itself in one of the field hedges adjacent to the southern-most field at Blueberry Farm this morning.
A ringing session in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning was responsible for the capture and release of 55 birds, with Goldcrest being the most numerous species captured. Warblers included Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Migrants noted passing over included several Siskins, a Grey Wagtail and plenty of Meadow Pipits. Migrants on the deck included a Yellow Wagtail and a Dunlin.
Regards
E & N
Kingfisher
Goldcrest
Ruddy Darter
Friday 21 September 2012
Pitsford Gull Roost
Hi
Despite interesting weather conditions this evening the gull roost at Pitsford Res didn't provide any surprises. The Caspian Gull was again present plus just a single adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Common Tern.
Regards
Neil M
Despite interesting weather conditions this evening the gull roost at Pitsford Res didn't provide any surprises. The Caspian Gull was again present plus just a single adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Common Tern.
Regards
Neil M
Harrington am
Hi
Birds at Harrington Airfield this morning included a Turtle Dove, a Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Whitethroats. Most birds were by the concrete track near to the small bean field. There were good numbers of Linnets and Goldfinches and the Skylarks are beginning to flock up now too.
Regards
Eleanor
Birds at Harrington Airfield this morning included a Turtle Dove, a Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Whitethroats. Most birds were by the concrete track near to the small bean field. There were good numbers of Linnets and Goldfinches and the Skylarks are beginning to flock up now too.
Regards
Eleanor
Thursday 20 September 2012
A brief foray to Pitsford
Hi
Birds in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this afternoon included the two drake Red-crested Pochards (where were they when we did the WeBS count yesterday?). Other birds included 4 Crossbills feeding in larches in Christies Copse plus several Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor
Birds in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this afternoon included the two drake Red-crested Pochards (where were they when we did the WeBS count yesterday?). Other birds included 4 Crossbills feeding in larches in Christies Copse plus several Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor
Wednesday 19 September 2012
Pitsford
Hi
Today a WeBS count was completed at Pitsford Res but only small numbers of wetland birds were present. A Caspian Gull was present in the Walgrave Bay, a Black-necked Grebe was present just off the dam and a Red Kite sauntered over the nature reserve. Other birds included a Common Tern, a Goldeneye and a continuous southward movement of Siskins and Meadow Pipits.
The best big bird of the day was the Avro Vulcan displaying over the reservoir, sometimes in tandem with a Spitfire and the local demonstration team The Blades!
At least one Nuthatch visited the garden today and 2 Ravens played in the airspace overhead for a short time.
Regards
E & N
(photos by Neil Hasdell)
Today a WeBS count was completed at Pitsford Res but only small numbers of wetland birds were present. A Caspian Gull was present in the Walgrave Bay, a Black-necked Grebe was present just off the dam and a Red Kite sauntered over the nature reserve. Other birds included a Common Tern, a Goldeneye and a continuous southward movement of Siskins and Meadow Pipits.
The best big bird of the day was the Avro Vulcan displaying over the reservoir, sometimes in tandem with a Spitfire and the local demonstration team The Blades!
At least one Nuthatch visited the garden today and 2 Ravens played in the airspace overhead for a short time.
Regards
E & N
(photos by Neil Hasdell)
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Chats about it!
Hi
Birds at Harrington Airfield this morning included 3 Ravens, 2 Wheatears, 2 Crossbills, 2 Whitethroats, a Blackcap, a Hobby and a strong movement south of hirundines and Meadow Pipits.
South of the causeway at Pitsford Res today provided 2 Whinchats, 2 Grey Wagtails and 6+ Siskins.
Blueberry Farm attracted a pair of Stonechat (the most southerly field still), 2 Whinchats (the most northerly field), 2+ Ravens, a Red Kite, a migrating Osprey heading high south east, a Hobby, a Barn Owl, a family party of Grey Partridges (about 7 youngsters) and a strong passage of Meadow Pipits and Siskins.
Birds around the garden at Hanging Houghton were much the same with 2 Ravens, 2 Nuthatches, a Hobby and several Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor
Birds at Harrington Airfield this morning included 3 Ravens, 2 Wheatears, 2 Crossbills, 2 Whitethroats, a Blackcap, a Hobby and a strong movement south of hirundines and Meadow Pipits.
South of the causeway at Pitsford Res today provided 2 Whinchats, 2 Grey Wagtails and 6+ Siskins.
Blueberry Farm attracted a pair of Stonechat (the most southerly field still), 2 Whinchats (the most northerly field), 2+ Ravens, a Red Kite, a migrating Osprey heading high south east, a Hobby, a Barn Owl, a family party of Grey Partridges (about 7 youngsters) and a strong passage of Meadow Pipits and Siskins.
Birds around the garden at Hanging Houghton were much the same with 2 Ravens, 2 Nuthatches, a Hobby and several Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor
Monday 17 September 2012
Blue-winged Teal
Hi
In respect of the last blog, below are some images of Blue-winged Teal taken in Canada in 2009 (for bill comparison). Please be aware these images are of a pair in spring, wheareas the bird at Daventry appears to be a bird of the year...
Neil M
In respect of the last blog, below are some images of Blue-winged Teal taken in Canada in 2009 (for bill comparison). Please be aware these images are of a pair in spring, wheareas the bird at Daventry appears to be a bird of the year...
Neil M
Blue-winged Teal-like duck
Hi
Below are some images taken today of a duck found at Daventry Country Park this morning. Certainly on initial views the bird looks very much like a Blue-winged Teal, with a suite of supporting plumage characteristics and typical pallid-grey plumage tones. This species is rather closely related to Northern Shoveler and some individuals in the UK have in the past been attributed to being Blue-winged Teal x Shoveler hybrids.
To my mind there can be no doubt that its parentage includes a pure Blue-winged Teal, and although this species normally exhibits a spatula-like bill, the Daventry bird's bill seems too broad and long and too much like a Shoveler. Other observers have commented on the colouration of bare parts, but it seems that such colouration can be quite variable. I would value comments on the identity of this intriguing bird which was an excellent find and quite probably of transatlantic origin whatever its true parentage!
Other birds at Daventry CP today included 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Green Sandpiper and 2 Common Sandpipers.
Another effort at catching roosting Swallows at Stortons GP this evening was successful with about a hundred birds captured. Interestingly more of them now are adults, the earlier catches tending to be mostly juveniles. Other birds caught included a Sand Martin and a Chiffchaff.
Regards
Neil M
Below are some images taken today of a duck found at Daventry Country Park this morning. Certainly on initial views the bird looks very much like a Blue-winged Teal, with a suite of supporting plumage characteristics and typical pallid-grey plumage tones. This species is rather closely related to Northern Shoveler and some individuals in the UK have in the past been attributed to being Blue-winged Teal x Shoveler hybrids.
To my mind there can be no doubt that its parentage includes a pure Blue-winged Teal, and although this species normally exhibits a spatula-like bill, the Daventry bird's bill seems too broad and long and too much like a Shoveler. Other observers have commented on the colouration of bare parts, but it seems that such colouration can be quite variable. I would value comments on the identity of this intriguing bird which was an excellent find and quite probably of transatlantic origin whatever its true parentage!
Other birds at Daventry CP today included 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Green Sandpiper and 2 Common Sandpipers.
Another effort at catching roosting Swallows at Stortons GP this evening was successful with about a hundred birds captured. Interestingly more of them now are adults, the earlier catches tending to be mostly juveniles. Other birds caught included a Sand Martin and a Chiffchaff.
Regards
Neil M
Ravens and stuff
Hi
Birds at Blueberry Farm this morning included a Red Kite, a pair of Ravens and a Hobby. Plenty of migrants in the fields and hedges between there and the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton included good numbers of Meadow Pipits and Blackcaps. Birds moving south included a single Brambling.
The water level at Pitsford Res has dropped a little over the last week or so, but it was still something of a pleasant surprise to see a flock of 7 Little Egrets this morning on the shoreline between the Bird Club Hide and Maytrees Hide. A common bird now in the Nene Valley gravel pit complexes, they tend to only linger at the reservoirs if there is some nice muddy edges. Other birds noted at Pitsford this morning included a south-bound redpoll sp. and 2 Ravens. There are good numbers of Tree Sparrows and Greenfinches in particular making use of the old Scaldwell Road feeding station.
Two Ravens overflying the garden here at Hanging Houghton were potentially the third pair encountered this morning! Melancholy-sounding Siskins continue to undulate south or linger around the gardens.
Regards
E & N
Birds at Blueberry Farm this morning included a Red Kite, a pair of Ravens and a Hobby. Plenty of migrants in the fields and hedges between there and the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton included good numbers of Meadow Pipits and Blackcaps. Birds moving south included a single Brambling.
The water level at Pitsford Res has dropped a little over the last week or so, but it was still something of a pleasant surprise to see a flock of 7 Little Egrets this morning on the shoreline between the Bird Club Hide and Maytrees Hide. A common bird now in the Nene Valley gravel pit complexes, they tend to only linger at the reservoirs if there is some nice muddy edges. Other birds noted at Pitsford this morning included a south-bound redpoll sp. and 2 Ravens. There are good numbers of Tree Sparrows and Greenfinches in particular making use of the old Scaldwell Road feeding station.
Two Ravens overflying the garden here at Hanging Houghton were potentially the third pair encountered this morning! Melancholy-sounding Siskins continue to undulate south or linger around the gardens.
Regards
E & N
Sunday 16 September 2012
Autumn is happening!
Hi
A pair of Raven were noted at Haselbech, Hanging Houghton and Harrington Airfield today. What wasn't clear was whether it was the same pair circulating in the area or different birds. A Wheatear was still at Harrington Airfield and a pair of Stonechat were still present in the southern-most field at Blueberry Farm plus a Hobby.
There was a heavy diurnal passage of passerines in the NN6 area this morning which was still evident at midday. The southward passage was dominated with constant flocks of Meadow Pipits, but also a few 'alba' and Yellow Wagtails, several species of finches including a couple of Crossbills and many Siskins. Swallows and House Martins were moving in the same direction. A very autumnal day!
E & N
A pair of Raven were noted at Haselbech, Hanging Houghton and Harrington Airfield today. What wasn't clear was whether it was the same pair circulating in the area or different birds. A Wheatear was still at Harrington Airfield and a pair of Stonechat were still present in the southern-most field at Blueberry Farm plus a Hobby.
There was a heavy diurnal passage of passerines in the NN6 area this morning which was still evident at midday. The southward passage was dominated with constant flocks of Meadow Pipits, but also a few 'alba' and Yellow Wagtails, several species of finches including a couple of Crossbills and many Siskins. Swallows and House Martins were moving in the same direction. A very autumnal day!
E & N
Pitsford Ringing
Hi
A ringing session took place at Pitsford Reservoir today, mostly in the Walgrave Bay. Some 87 birds were captured which included 59 new birds. Warblers were represented by 7 Blackcaps, a Whitethroat and 9 Chiffchaffs. Bigger birds included a Moorhen, a Woodpigeon and a Sparrowhawk (please see below images).
Regards
Neil M
A ringing session took place at Pitsford Reservoir today, mostly in the Walgrave Bay. Some 87 birds were captured which included 59 new birds. Warblers were represented by 7 Blackcaps, a Whitethroat and 9 Chiffchaffs. Bigger birds included a Moorhen, a Woodpigeon and a Sparrowhawk (please see below images).
Regards
Neil M
Saturday 15 September 2012
Saturday evening
Hi
At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this evening there was a pair of Stonechat (but no Whinchats), a Wheatear, a Hobby and a Barn Owl.
Off the yacht club at Pitsford Res this evening the Black-necked Grebe was again present but rather distant, plus 2 Caspian Gulls (juvenile and 4th year) and 5 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
E & N
At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this evening there was a pair of Stonechat (but no Whinchats), a Wheatear, a Hobby and a Barn Owl.
Off the yacht club at Pitsford Res this evening the Black-necked Grebe was again present but rather distant, plus 2 Caspian Gulls (juvenile and 4th year) and 5 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
E & N
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