Hi
This evening Eleanor and I arrived back from a superb 18 day trip to Brazil, concentrating on the Pantanal and a little slice of the Amazon. My apologies in advance if images of a few tropical species appear on this blog over the next few weeks! Our thanks go to our travelling companions Robon and Wendy Gossage for putting up with our daily (very) early morning expeditions, patience whilst I looked for yet another ant-bird and the daily climbs up to the observations towers, night treks looking for critters and many other things!
Also our thanks to Neil Hasdell for endeavouring to keep the blog alive in our absence, and populating it with relevant images and local sightings.
Regards
Neil M
Tuesday 23 October 2012
Monday 22 October 2012
Autumn Moths
A session at the Pitsford moth traps this morning had a small selection of autumn species on show. These included a couple of Carpets (Red-green and Spruce), Red-line Quaker, Green-brindled Crescent and Beaded Chestnut. The only immigrant on show was a Silver Y.
Regards,
Neil H.
Regards,
Neil H.
Saturday 20 October 2012
Ringing session
Hi,
Another misty start to a ringing session at the Pitsford feed station. The ringing was pretty slow again with the majority of the birds caught being Tree Sparrows. Most were new captures with a few retraps. Also trapped were Goldcrest (2), Great-spotted Woodpecker (2), Yellowhammer and a rather surprising House Sparrow, not a bird that is often seen let alone caught at Pitsford.
The only bird of note seen was a Peregrine Falcon terrorising the local Lapwings.
Regards,
Neil H.
Another misty start to a ringing session at the Pitsford feed station. The ringing was pretty slow again with the majority of the birds caught being Tree Sparrows. Most were new captures with a few retraps. Also trapped were Goldcrest (2), Great-spotted Woodpecker (2), Yellowhammer and a rather surprising House Sparrow, not a bird that is often seen let alone caught at Pitsford.
The only bird of note seen was a Peregrine Falcon terrorising the local Lapwings.
Regards,
Neil H.
Thursday 18 October 2012
Stour Estuary
Hi,
I have just got back from a few days spent visiting friends on the Essex/Suffolk border. Whenever I travel to this area over the autumn and winter months I love to visit the Stour estuary in the area between Mistley and Manningtree. As the tide rises large flocks of waders are gradually pushed up the mud bringing them closer and closer to the banks of the river. It's always exciting scanning through the mass of Black-tailed Godwits, Turnstones, Redshank, Knot and Dunlin in the hopes of finding something rarer. There are often Grey Plovers with their plaintive calls, small groups of Curlew, and the occasional Bar-tailed Godwit. Wintering Acocet, numbering up to 50 birds, skimming their bills from side to side as they feed, are a frequent sight. Occasional small flocks of Red-breasted Merganser sail past on the tide.
In recent years a colour ringing study of Black-tailed Godwit has been conducted with a number of birds being ringed on the adjacent Orwell estuary. On this latest visit I was able to spot 6 ringed birds whose details I have sent off to the rining scheme co-ordinator. I have had one result back already, a bird ringed as an adult in 2003 in Western Iceland whilst on passage, meaning it is at least 10 years old. The bird has been seen on the East coast every year since, often in the Stour estuary. I am looking forward to receiving information on the other 5 birds.
Regards,
Neil H.
I have just got back from a few days spent visiting friends on the Essex/Suffolk border. Whenever I travel to this area over the autumn and winter months I love to visit the Stour estuary in the area between Mistley and Manningtree. As the tide rises large flocks of waders are gradually pushed up the mud bringing them closer and closer to the banks of the river. It's always exciting scanning through the mass of Black-tailed Godwits, Turnstones, Redshank, Knot and Dunlin in the hopes of finding something rarer. There are often Grey Plovers with their plaintive calls, small groups of Curlew, and the occasional Bar-tailed Godwit. Wintering Acocet, numbering up to 50 birds, skimming their bills from side to side as they feed, are a frequent sight. Occasional small flocks of Red-breasted Merganser sail past on the tide.
In recent years a colour ringing study of Black-tailed Godwit has been conducted with a number of birds being ringed on the adjacent Orwell estuary. On this latest visit I was able to spot 6 ringed birds whose details I have sent off to the rining scheme co-ordinator. I have had one result back already, a bird ringed as an adult in 2003 in Western Iceland whilst on passage, meaning it is at least 10 years old. The bird has been seen on the East coast every year since, often in the Stour estuary. I am looking forward to receiving information on the other 5 birds.
Regards,
Neil H.
Monday 8 October 2012
Monday Moths
Hi,
A relatively quiet night's mothing at Pitsford reservoir last night. There were however some very attractive species present including: Blair's Shoulder-knot, Merveille du Jour, Black Rustic (see below), Garden Carpet, Spruce Carpet and Red-line Quaker. There was also a lone immigrant Silver Y.
Regards,
Neil H.
A relatively quiet night's mothing at Pitsford reservoir last night. There were however some very attractive species present including: Blair's Shoulder-knot, Merveille du Jour, Black Rustic (see below), Garden Carpet, Spruce Carpet and Red-line Quaker. There was also a lone immigrant Silver Y.
Regards,
Neil H.
Sunday 7 October 2012
Ringing in the fog
Hi,
Despite the very foggy conditions (see pic below) a ringing session was carried out at the feed station at Pitsford reservoir this morning.
Total number of birds captured was 54, which included 22 new Tree Sparrows (mostly youngsters), 1 female G.S. Woodpecker, 1 male Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit and a Song Thrush. Unfortunately the weather went from foggy to bright sunshine in a very short space of time, neither conditions being ideal for ringing. There's no pleasing ringers itseems:)
The Pintail was still in the back of the Scaldwell Bay.
Despite the very foggy conditions (see pic below) a ringing session was carried out at the feed station at Pitsford reservoir this morning.
Total number of birds captured was 54, which included 22 new Tree Sparrows (mostly youngsters), 1 female G.S. Woodpecker, 1 male Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit and a Song Thrush. Unfortunately the weather went from foggy to bright sunshine in a very short space of time, neither conditions being ideal for ringing. There's no pleasing ringers itseems:)
The Pintail was still in the back of the Scaldwell Bay.
Saturday 6 October 2012
Black-necked Grebe
Hi,
Not much to report after a gloriously sunny autumn morning walk at Pitsford. There was quite a lot of disturbance on the reserve half of the reservoir today from a number of low flying hot-air ballons making the most of the conditions. The only bird of note in the Scaldwell Bay was a Pintail.
At the other end of the reservoir the Black-necked Grebe was showing well close into the dam wall along with a couple of Little Grebes.
Regards,
Neil H.
Not much to report after a gloriously sunny autumn morning walk at Pitsford. There was quite a lot of disturbance on the reserve half of the reservoir today from a number of low flying hot-air ballons making the most of the conditions. The only bird of note in the Scaldwell Bay was a Pintail.
At the other end of the reservoir the Black-necked Grebe was showing well close into the dam wall along with a couple of Little Grebes.
Regards,
Neil H.
Thursday 4 October 2012
Brampton Valley migration
Hi
This morning there were migrants moving over the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and included a Fieldfare, a Brambling and quite a number of redpoll sp and Siskin. Two Barn Owls remained on show at Blueberry Farm.
A little later 5 Curlews arrived in the valley between the Brixworth and Spratton crossings, having arrived from the direction of Pitsford Res.
A smashing mixed flock of small birds in the garden included Long-tailed Tits, a couple of Goldcrests and 4 Chiffchaffs.
Regards
Eleanor
This morning there were migrants moving over the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and included a Fieldfare, a Brambling and quite a number of redpoll sp and Siskin. Two Barn Owls remained on show at Blueberry Farm.
A little later 5 Curlews arrived in the valley between the Brixworth and Spratton crossings, having arrived from the direction of Pitsford Res.
A smashing mixed flock of small birds in the garden included Long-tailed Tits, a couple of Goldcrests and 4 Chiffchaffs.
Regards
Eleanor
Tuesday 2 October 2012
Grumpy Sparrowhawk!
Hi
A trundle around at Harrington Airfield this morning provided an opportunity to again witness visible migration with passerines passing over the airfield in a southerly direction. The most dominant species were Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Swallow and House Martin. Other species moving in smaller numbers included 'alba' wagtail, Tree Sparrow, Siskin and redpoll sp. No particular birds of note were seen but there were at least 24 Golden Plovers in the fields. Two Ravens were cruising over Hanging Houghton during the late morning.
Whilst at home today, anxiety calls from the garden birds announced the arrival of the usual male Sparrowhawk. He was on the lawn with prey in his talons, 'kneading' an unidentified victim in the way they kill small birds. However it soon became clear that he actually had a sprig of ice plant in his talons and no bird! I assume he had impacted with the bird and the ice plant at the same time and thought he had both. After realising his mistake the now grumpy Sparrowhawk walked around the border looking for his anticipated victim, but I don't think he found it and it had long gone! Please see the images below. The bird was ringed and although four males have been caught and ringed in the garden over the years, it is likely that this bird was DB92870 and originally ringed as a yearling in 2005 and retrapped in 2011. He is now very much a mature male.
Birds off the yacht club at Pitsford Res this evening included the Black-necked Grebe and the 4th year Caspian Gull.
Regards
E & N
A trundle around at Harrington Airfield this morning provided an opportunity to again witness visible migration with passerines passing over the airfield in a southerly direction. The most dominant species were Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Swallow and House Martin. Other species moving in smaller numbers included 'alba' wagtail, Tree Sparrow, Siskin and redpoll sp. No particular birds of note were seen but there were at least 24 Golden Plovers in the fields. Two Ravens were cruising over Hanging Houghton during the late morning.
Whilst at home today, anxiety calls from the garden birds announced the arrival of the usual male Sparrowhawk. He was on the lawn with prey in his talons, 'kneading' an unidentified victim in the way they kill small birds. However it soon became clear that he actually had a sprig of ice plant in his talons and no bird! I assume he had impacted with the bird and the ice plant at the same time and thought he had both. After realising his mistake the now grumpy Sparrowhawk walked around the border looking for his anticipated victim, but I don't think he found it and it had long gone! Please see the images below. The bird was ringed and although four males have been caught and ringed in the garden over the years, it is likely that this bird was DB92870 and originally ringed as a yearling in 2005 and retrapped in 2011. He is now very much a mature male.
Birds off the yacht club at Pitsford Res this evening included the Black-necked Grebe and the 4th year Caspian Gull.
Regards
E & N
Monday 1 October 2012
Meadow Pipits and others...
Hi
A wander in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and around Blueberry Farm was very busy with birds this morning. Large numbers of Meadow Pipits were on the move so it was no real surprise when a male Merlin appeared in pursuit. Other birds included 3 Redwings, 2+ redpoll sp, plenty of Skylarks and Siskins and 2 Barn Owls.
Then up to Harrington Airfield and much of the same with large flocks of Meadow Pipits, a Wheatear, a female Stonechat, a Redstart (the first for a little while), a Grey Wagtail, 30+ Golden Plovers and further visible migration included flocks of Linnets and a few Tree Sparrows passing over.
This afternoon it was back down to the Brampton Valley with many of the morning species still present. Additional birds included 2 Red Kites, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Crossbills.
Birds visible from the causeway at Ravensthorpe Res this afternoon included a juvenile Caspian Gull and a pair of Red-crested Pochard.
E & N
A wander in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and around Blueberry Farm was very busy with birds this morning. Large numbers of Meadow Pipits were on the move so it was no real surprise when a male Merlin appeared in pursuit. Other birds included 3 Redwings, 2+ redpoll sp, plenty of Skylarks and Siskins and 2 Barn Owls.
Then up to Harrington Airfield and much of the same with large flocks of Meadow Pipits, a Wheatear, a female Stonechat, a Redstart (the first for a little while), a Grey Wagtail, 30+ Golden Plovers and further visible migration included flocks of Linnets and a few Tree Sparrows passing over.
This afternoon it was back down to the Brampton Valley with many of the morning species still present. Additional birds included 2 Red Kites, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Crossbills.
Birds visible from the causeway at Ravensthorpe Res this afternoon included a juvenile Caspian Gull and a pair of Red-crested Pochard.
E & N
Sunday 30 September 2012
Finches and things
Hi
Some of the county ringers were active over the week-end. John Woollett and team processed 77 birds at Stortons GP today which included a Water Rail, a Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Reed Warblers and a Siskin.
Some ringers are reporting particularly large numbers of Greenfinches and Goldfinches coming to garden feeders where ringing provides some idea of the true numbers involved. After a couple of difficult years for the Greenfinch which has been suffering from avian diseases, this upturn in numbers is very welcome. A ringer operating in South Northants has ringed over 300 Greenfinches in his garden this year including some 177 during this month alone! The same ringer has caught and ringed over 300 Goldfinches this year in the garden too. I hate to think how much he is spending on sunflower hearts and niger seed!
But are these birds simply the adults and offspring of local breeding stock or from further afield? Hopefully some of these birds will be recorded again and provide the answer.
Birds noted today included 2 Ravens in Lamport village, 3 Crossbills in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res late morning (in trees between Christies Copse and West Hide) and a drake Red-crested Pochard and a drake Mandarin Duck at Ravensthorpe Res.
Regards
Neil M
Some of the county ringers were active over the week-end. John Woollett and team processed 77 birds at Stortons GP today which included a Water Rail, a Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Reed Warblers and a Siskin.
Some ringers are reporting particularly large numbers of Greenfinches and Goldfinches coming to garden feeders where ringing provides some idea of the true numbers involved. After a couple of difficult years for the Greenfinch which has been suffering from avian diseases, this upturn in numbers is very welcome. A ringer operating in South Northants has ringed over 300 Greenfinches in his garden this year including some 177 during this month alone! The same ringer has caught and ringed over 300 Goldfinches this year in the garden too. I hate to think how much he is spending on sunflower hearts and niger seed!
But are these birds simply the adults and offspring of local breeding stock or from further afield? Hopefully some of these birds will be recorded again and provide the answer.
Birds noted today included 2 Ravens in Lamport village, 3 Crossbills in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res late morning (in trees between Christies Copse and West Hide) and a drake Red-crested Pochard and a drake Mandarin Duck at Ravensthorpe Res.
Regards
Neil M
Saturday 29 September 2012
Blueberry
Hi
At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this morning there was a male Stonechat partnered with a Whinchat in the northern-most field along the central ditch.
Other birds included 2 Red Kites, 2 Barn Owls and 3 Ravens. South-bound passerines included Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, Skylarks and Swallows and House Martins.
Neil M
At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this morning there was a male Stonechat partnered with a Whinchat in the northern-most field along the central ditch.
Other birds included 2 Red Kites, 2 Barn Owls and 3 Ravens. South-bound passerines included Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, Skylarks and Swallows and House Martins.
Neil M
Pitsford waterfowl
Hi
It is not the best time of the year to photograph local waterfowl. Most of the adults are still in eclipse plumage, a term of 'out of plumage' is sometimes used by birders, and the young birds of the year have yet to acquire their first adult plumage finery. Nevertheless I had a go this morning at photographing some of the common birds at Pitsford in rather poor light conditions. All the below images were taken from the Walgrave West Hide...
Gadwall female
Gadwall male
Pochard female
Pochard female
Pochard male
Pochard male
Shoveler male
Great Crested Grebe adult
Gadwall pair
It is not the best time of the year to photograph local waterfowl. Most of the adults are still in eclipse plumage, a term of 'out of plumage' is sometimes used by birders, and the young birds of the year have yet to acquire their first adult plumage finery. Nevertheless I had a go this morning at photographing some of the common birds at Pitsford in rather poor light conditions. All the below images were taken from the Walgrave West Hide...
Gadwall female
Gadwall male
Pochard female
Pochard female
Pochard male
Pochard male
Shoveler male
Great Crested Grebe adult
Gadwall pair
Friday 28 September 2012
Harrington and Pitsford
Hi
Birds noted at Harrington Airfield this morning included a Short-eared Owl, a female Stonechat, 5 Redwings over south and singles of Yellow and Grey Wagtail also over south.
At Pitsford Res this evening the Black-necked Grebe was still present off the yacht club as was the Caspian Gull.
Some images from Pitsford below, courtesy of Robin Gossage...
E & N
Black-necked and Little Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
Meadow Pipit
Birds noted at Harrington Airfield this morning included a Short-eared Owl, a female Stonechat, 5 Redwings over south and singles of Yellow and Grey Wagtail also over south.
At Pitsford Res this evening the Black-necked Grebe was still present off the yacht club as was the Caspian Gull.
Some images from Pitsford below, courtesy of Robin Gossage...
E & N
Black-necked and Little Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
Meadow Pipit
Thursday 27 September 2012
Sywell CP
Hi
Birds at Sywell Country Park this afternoon amounted to 2 drake Red-crested Pochard (the Pitsford birds?), 2 Grey Wagtails, a Kingfisher, a Common Sandpiper and 12 Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor
Birds at Sywell Country Park this afternoon amounted to 2 drake Red-crested Pochard (the Pitsford birds?), 2 Grey Wagtails, a Kingfisher, a Common Sandpiper and 12 Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor
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