Hi
This morning there were 2 Bramblings at Kelmarsh Hall with 5 others nearby on the broadcast seed at Harrington Airfield later in the day.
At Pitsford Res the Great White Egret was in the Walgrave Bay at 11.30am and was then on The Point between the Scaldwell and Walgrave Bays at 1pm. The Old Scaldwell Road feeding station attracted a couple of Bramblings, a Lesser Redpoll and a Willow Tit. There were 2 Ravens over the dam this afternoon.
Here at Hanging Houghton there were 2 Bramblings in the garden and in the Brampton Valley below the village birds included an adult female Peregrine, 2 Ravens and a Red Kite. Blueberry Farm hosted 2 Woodcock and a Barn Owl this afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Saturday 12 January 2013
Friday 11 January 2013
Here they come!
Hi
A change in the temperature and some more traditional winter weather has ensured that there were plenty more birds on show today, particularly where food was put out for them.
In the garden there was an increase in Blackbirds etc with scarcities including 2 Siskins and 1-2 Brambling.
The Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton attracted 2 Ravens, 6 Golden Plovers, 2 Bramblings and 4 Lesser Redpolls.
A lunch-time wander around the southern edge of Northampton provided 4 Waxwings in bushes off Rowtree Road, East Hunsbury just east of the Doctor's surgery and with 2 more in hawthorns another 120 metres further east (12.35pm). At least 3 Waxwings were in roadside bushes on the B526 Newport Pagnell Road on the opposite side of the road to N'pton School for Girls (12.50pm).
This afternoon and a visit to Harrington Airfield produced a flurry of birds. The best was a fine adult male Hen Harrier hunting the complex at 2pm, on the rough areas to the right of the concrete track. Other birds included 2-3 Ravens, 2 Lesser Redpolls and 25 Meadow Pipits with the seed by the Draughton Road entrance attracting large numbers of passerines which included a spectacular 30+ Bramblings (in a variety of plumages).
The birding opportunities for this week-end look to be interesting!
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A change in the temperature and some more traditional winter weather has ensured that there were plenty more birds on show today, particularly where food was put out for them.
In the garden there was an increase in Blackbirds etc with scarcities including 2 Siskins and 1-2 Brambling.
The Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton attracted 2 Ravens, 6 Golden Plovers, 2 Bramblings and 4 Lesser Redpolls.
A lunch-time wander around the southern edge of Northampton provided 4 Waxwings in bushes off Rowtree Road, East Hunsbury just east of the Doctor's surgery and with 2 more in hawthorns another 120 metres further east (12.35pm). At least 3 Waxwings were in roadside bushes on the B526 Newport Pagnell Road on the opposite side of the road to N'pton School for Girls (12.50pm).
This afternoon and a visit to Harrington Airfield produced a flurry of birds. The best was a fine adult male Hen Harrier hunting the complex at 2pm, on the rough areas to the right of the concrete track. Other birds included 2-3 Ravens, 2 Lesser Redpolls and 25 Meadow Pipits with the seed by the Draughton Road entrance attracting large numbers of passerines which included a spectacular 30+ Bramblings (in a variety of plumages).
The birding opportunities for this week-end look to be interesting!
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Thursday 10 January 2013
More Waxwings!
Hi
Three Bramblings were on the feed station seed at Pitsford Res this morning (Old Scaldwell Road).
Two Waxwings were mobile around Hanging Houghton just after dawn this morning and a further flock of 30 were in bushes on the Brixworth bypass at about 11am.
This afternoon a flock of 12 Waxwings were in a field hedgerow in the Brampton Valley between Hanging Houghton and Blueberry Farm, and two Woodcock were flushed from the same hedgerow. A single Barn Owl was hunting at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.
Regards
Eleanor
Three Bramblings were on the feed station seed at Pitsford Res this morning (Old Scaldwell Road).
Two Waxwings were mobile around Hanging Houghton just after dawn this morning and a further flock of 30 were in bushes on the Brixworth bypass at about 11am.
This afternoon a flock of 12 Waxwings were in a field hedgerow in the Brampton Valley between Hanging Houghton and Blueberry Farm, and two Woodcock were flushed from the same hedgerow. A single Barn Owl was hunting at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.
Regards
Eleanor
Waxwings to the north
Hi
Today Eleanor and I went to the north of the county and committed to a day's birding given the excellent weather forecast. Although we didn't manage to visit many locations the passerine birding was top notch and very enjoyable in super winter sunshine.
First stop was East Carlton CP where the best birds were a Raven, a Red Kite, ca60 Siskins and 5 Lesser Redpolls.
Next was Weldon Woodland Park on the outskirts of Corby. Initially there was no sign of any Waxwings as reported during the last couple of days, but then at 11.10am a flock of 13 arrived and showed well to at least 11.50am (please see images). These birds were mostly eating rose hip berries, one of their least favourite fruits and reflecting the fact that more palatable berries have already been consumed. There were a couple of Lesser Redpolls here too.
Wakerley Wood was the next venue, and although they were only seen in flight, a flock of ca15 Crossbills were mobile and noisy around the larches near to the main car park. Three Lesser Redpolls fed here too and some 40 Siskins and scattered redpolls were throughout the wood. Two Ravens flew over.
We checked Harringworth Airfield and 3 elusive Hawfinches were in the same place as a single on 30th Dec. One bird sat up in Hawthorn and Blackthorn bushes but would not allow a close approach. A flock of 10 Waxwings were eating rose hips here but also fly-catching too. Other birds included about 20 Siskins, several redpolls, a Woodcock and a Barn Owl. Several Fallow Deer included a white animal.
Driving back around to the A43, at 4pm we came across a flock of 28 Waxwings adorning the roadside hedge opposite the Laxton Hall turning.
Our final venue was Blatherwycke lake where scanning just prior to dusk picked up on a Goosander and 6 Mandarin Ducks.
Regards
Neil M
Today Eleanor and I went to the north of the county and committed to a day's birding given the excellent weather forecast. Although we didn't manage to visit many locations the passerine birding was top notch and very enjoyable in super winter sunshine.
First stop was East Carlton CP where the best birds were a Raven, a Red Kite, ca60 Siskins and 5 Lesser Redpolls.
Next was Weldon Woodland Park on the outskirts of Corby. Initially there was no sign of any Waxwings as reported during the last couple of days, but then at 11.10am a flock of 13 arrived and showed well to at least 11.50am (please see images). These birds were mostly eating rose hip berries, one of their least favourite fruits and reflecting the fact that more palatable berries have already been consumed. There were a couple of Lesser Redpolls here too.
Wakerley Wood was the next venue, and although they were only seen in flight, a flock of ca15 Crossbills were mobile and noisy around the larches near to the main car park. Three Lesser Redpolls fed here too and some 40 Siskins and scattered redpolls were throughout the wood. Two Ravens flew over.
We checked Harringworth Airfield and 3 elusive Hawfinches were in the same place as a single on 30th Dec. One bird sat up in Hawthorn and Blackthorn bushes but would not allow a close approach. A flock of 10 Waxwings were eating rose hips here but also fly-catching too. Other birds included about 20 Siskins, several redpolls, a Woodcock and a Barn Owl. Several Fallow Deer included a white animal.
Driving back around to the A43, at 4pm we came across a flock of 28 Waxwings adorning the roadside hedge opposite the Laxton Hall turning.
Our final venue was Blatherwycke lake where scanning just prior to dusk picked up on a Goosander and 6 Mandarin Ducks.
Regards
Neil M
Tuesday 8 January 2013
Grey birds on a grey day
Hi
Birds in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning included 2 Ravens and a Red Kite, with the Stonechat still at Blueberry Farm. A flock of 25 Waxwings were seen flying towards Blueberry Farm.
At Pitsford Res this morning the Slavonian Grebe was still present south of the causeway off the Brixworth bank, half way between the Gorse Bushes and Stone Bridge Bay. Three Lesser Redpolls were in the same area. A single Goosander and a 'redhead' Smew were present in the Scaldwell Bay.
At Sywell CP this afternoon, a 'redhead' Smew was still present as was a Water Rail, a Kingfisher and a flock of 60-70 Siskins with some intermixed redpolls which included Lessers. A foraging Red Kite was at Mears Ashby.
Two Waxwings were flying around Hanging Houghton just before dusk this afternoon.
Regards
Neil M
Birds in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning included 2 Ravens and a Red Kite, with the Stonechat still at Blueberry Farm. A flock of 25 Waxwings were seen flying towards Blueberry Farm.
At Pitsford Res this morning the Slavonian Grebe was still present south of the causeway off the Brixworth bank, half way between the Gorse Bushes and Stone Bridge Bay. Three Lesser Redpolls were in the same area. A single Goosander and a 'redhead' Smew were present in the Scaldwell Bay.
At Sywell CP this afternoon, a 'redhead' Smew was still present as was a Water Rail, a Kingfisher and a flock of 60-70 Siskins with some intermixed redpolls which included Lessers. A foraging Red Kite was at Mears Ashby.
Two Waxwings were flying around Hanging Houghton just before dusk this afternoon.
Regards
Neil M
Monday 7 January 2013
Birds of mid-winter
Hi
Birds around the dam area at Pitsford Res this morning included an adult male Peregrine, a Redshank, a Kingfisher, 1-2 Lesser Redpoll and 12+ Siskins.
At 1.20pm there was a single Waxwing on the Brampton Valley Way between the Lamport and Draughton crossings, and birds at Harrington Airfield during the early afternoon included 4 Waxwings over flying north, an adult female Peregrine and 6 Bramblings. Nearby this afternoon there were at least 2 Bramblings at Kelmarsh Hall.
A wander around the Blueberry Farm complex (Maidwell) later in the afternoon provided 2 Ravens, probably the same adult female Peregrine, the male Stonechat still in the northern most field and a hunting Barn Owl.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Birds around the dam area at Pitsford Res this morning included an adult male Peregrine, a Redshank, a Kingfisher, 1-2 Lesser Redpoll and 12+ Siskins.
At 1.20pm there was a single Waxwing on the Brampton Valley Way between the Lamport and Draughton crossings, and birds at Harrington Airfield during the early afternoon included 4 Waxwings over flying north, an adult female Peregrine and 6 Bramblings. Nearby this afternoon there were at least 2 Bramblings at Kelmarsh Hall.
A wander around the Blueberry Farm complex (Maidwell) later in the afternoon provided 2 Ravens, probably the same adult female Peregrine, the male Stonechat still in the northern most field and a hunting Barn Owl.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Sunday 6 January 2013
SP54 Short Day Count etc
Hi
Another day where we split forces, with me completing another BOS Short Day Count and Eleanor staying local to NN6.
This morning the Great White Egret was again at Pitsford Res, this time in bushes between the Holcot and Walgrave bays. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was reportedly within a tit flock near to the rookery in the Walgrave Bay. A 'redhead' Smew was north of the causeway and the Slavonian Grebe was reported south of the causeway again.
This afternoon there were 12 Bramblings feeding on the seed at Harrington Airfield, by the concrete track entrance off the Draughton Road. An adult female Peregrine appeared over the old airstrip and chased Woodpigeons feeding on the fields. She was shadowed by the female Merlin which subsequently chased the passerines displaced by the larger falcon, both raptors disappearing towards Short Wood, the Merlin possibly successful in catching a small bird.
In the meantime I spent the day in SP54 which is in the south west of the county. The first hour of daylight yielded 42 species, with just another 23 species being added before 4pm. A Kingfisher was noted in the mist at Thenford as were 6 Siskins. Winter thrushes dominated the day again with big numbers in particular of Redwing feeding on the wet fields. Nuthatches and Marsh Tits seemed to be present at most sites. Two Grey Wagtails were at Middleton Cheney and Tree Sparrows and about 10 Siskins were at the Farthinghoe LNR. A Woodcock was flushed at Thorpe Mandeville.
The last few hours of the birding day was spent around the Edgcote/Trafford Bridge area where scarcer birds included a pair of Raven, 2 Snipe, another Kingfisher, a pair of Goosander, ca10 Siskins, a Lesser Redpoll and the final new addition of the day, an elusive Willow Tit.
Regards
Neil M
Another day where we split forces, with me completing another BOS Short Day Count and Eleanor staying local to NN6.
This morning the Great White Egret was again at Pitsford Res, this time in bushes between the Holcot and Walgrave bays. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was reportedly within a tit flock near to the rookery in the Walgrave Bay. A 'redhead' Smew was north of the causeway and the Slavonian Grebe was reported south of the causeway again.
This afternoon there were 12 Bramblings feeding on the seed at Harrington Airfield, by the concrete track entrance off the Draughton Road. An adult female Peregrine appeared over the old airstrip and chased Woodpigeons feeding on the fields. She was shadowed by the female Merlin which subsequently chased the passerines displaced by the larger falcon, both raptors disappearing towards Short Wood, the Merlin possibly successful in catching a small bird.
In the meantime I spent the day in SP54 which is in the south west of the county. The first hour of daylight yielded 42 species, with just another 23 species being added before 4pm. A Kingfisher was noted in the mist at Thenford as were 6 Siskins. Winter thrushes dominated the day again with big numbers in particular of Redwing feeding on the wet fields. Nuthatches and Marsh Tits seemed to be present at most sites. Two Grey Wagtails were at Middleton Cheney and Tree Sparrows and about 10 Siskins were at the Farthinghoe LNR. A Woodcock was flushed at Thorpe Mandeville.
The last few hours of the birding day was spent around the Edgcote/Trafford Bridge area where scarcer birds included a pair of Raven, 2 Snipe, another Kingfisher, a pair of Goosander, ca10 Siskins, a Lesser Redpoll and the final new addition of the day, an elusive Willow Tit.
Regards
Neil M
Saturday 5 January 2013
SP55 Short Day Count
Hi
Today was taken up completing a Banbury Ornithological Society Short Day Count in the 10km square SP55. This is a square to the south west of Daventry and the annual count endeavours to record as many species of birds as possible within an eight hour period.
We started at Fawsley Park and then walked up to and around Badby Wood. Forty-nine species were recorded in the first hour but is was very slow thereafter! Scarcer birds at Fawsley Park included at least one Grey Wagtail, a Kingfisher, a Water Rail, 3 Ravens, 5 Lesser Redpolls and a mobile flock of between 50-60 Siskins. On entering Badby Wood we located a single Brambling but it seemed very quiet in the trees as we slogged through the mud. Another Raven 'cronked' overhead and small numbers of Siskins danced around the wood. The Mistle Thrushes were in good voice and large numbers of winter thrushes descended on to the sodden grass fields on our return to Fawsley.
The next main venue was Lower Catesby and although there were plenty of common birds, the only new species was a single fly-over Lesser Black-backed Gull, the only one encountered all day. The Ravens didn't disappoint with the flock reaching at least 44 birds whilst we were present (with the flock then breaking up and pairs moving off in a variety of directions). A few more Siskins here and hundreds of Fieldfares and Starlings (many of them singing) ensured it was a pleasing scene.
A few more locations didn't really produce much else, albeit that our only Skylark of the day near Hellidon was a relief. An impossibly bright Kingfisher fishing in the shallows at Byfield Pool was the only bird of note there and with half an hour to go we still hadn't found some relatively common species. Thankfully we did manage to find a single Bullfinch finally and a small flock of Tree Sparrows. However, common birds such as Grey Heron, Red-legged Partridge and Lapwing went unrecorded and we found no owls or wader species.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Today was taken up completing a Banbury Ornithological Society Short Day Count in the 10km square SP55. This is a square to the south west of Daventry and the annual count endeavours to record as many species of birds as possible within an eight hour period.
We started at Fawsley Park and then walked up to and around Badby Wood. Forty-nine species were recorded in the first hour but is was very slow thereafter! Scarcer birds at Fawsley Park included at least one Grey Wagtail, a Kingfisher, a Water Rail, 3 Ravens, 5 Lesser Redpolls and a mobile flock of between 50-60 Siskins. On entering Badby Wood we located a single Brambling but it seemed very quiet in the trees as we slogged through the mud. Another Raven 'cronked' overhead and small numbers of Siskins danced around the wood. The Mistle Thrushes were in good voice and large numbers of winter thrushes descended on to the sodden grass fields on our return to Fawsley.
The next main venue was Lower Catesby and although there were plenty of common birds, the only new species was a single fly-over Lesser Black-backed Gull, the only one encountered all day. The Ravens didn't disappoint with the flock reaching at least 44 birds whilst we were present (with the flock then breaking up and pairs moving off in a variety of directions). A few more Siskins here and hundreds of Fieldfares and Starlings (many of them singing) ensured it was a pleasing scene.
A few more locations didn't really produce much else, albeit that our only Skylark of the day near Hellidon was a relief. An impossibly bright Kingfisher fishing in the shallows at Byfield Pool was the only bird of note there and with half an hour to go we still hadn't found some relatively common species. Thankfully we did manage to find a single Bullfinch finally and a small flock of Tree Sparrows. However, common birds such as Grey Heron, Red-legged Partridge and Lapwing went unrecorded and we found no owls or wader species.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Friday 4 January 2013
Mild weather birds
Hi
At Pitsford Res this morning there were 3 Bramblings on the old Scaldwell Road feeding station and birds in the Scaldwell Bay included a Goosander, a Siskin, a redpoll sp and 2 Willow Tits. The Great White Egret was perched in trees near The Point (between Walgrave and Scaldwell Bays) at 3.30pm this afternoon. The Slavonian Grebe was reported at the Gorse Bushes south of the causeway.
At Sywell CP this afternoon there was 1-2 'redhead' Smew, 2 Water Rails, ca12 Lesser Redpolls and ca 50 Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
At Pitsford Res this morning there were 3 Bramblings on the old Scaldwell Road feeding station and birds in the Scaldwell Bay included a Goosander, a Siskin, a redpoll sp and 2 Willow Tits. The Great White Egret was perched in trees near The Point (between Walgrave and Scaldwell Bays) at 3.30pm this afternoon. The Slavonian Grebe was reported at the Gorse Bushes south of the causeway.
At Sywell CP this afternoon there was 1-2 'redhead' Smew, 2 Water Rails, ca12 Lesser Redpolls and ca 50 Siskins.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Thursday 3 January 2013
Waxwings!
Hi
Apart from 2-3 Bramblings at Harrington Airfield this afternoon, we have no birds to report for today.
However we are conscious that there is a large flock of Waxwings currently in the county at Burton Latimer and neighbouring Barton Seagrave with an estimated 120 birds reported this afternoon. These birds are reported as being viewable from Polwell Lane in birches opposite a Morrisons supermarket, and sometimes close to the Weetabix factory. Some of these birds have been reported for a couple of days, but today's total has been the most.
Although it has been very much a Waxwing winter nationally, locally it has been difficult to catch up with these nomadic flocks and we would strongly recommend that if you want to experience these fabulous birds from the north, Barton Seagrave and Burton Latimer should be visited quickly before they consume all the food and move on again!
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Apart from 2-3 Bramblings at Harrington Airfield this afternoon, we have no birds to report for today.
However we are conscious that there is a large flock of Waxwings currently in the county at Burton Latimer and neighbouring Barton Seagrave with an estimated 120 birds reported this afternoon. These birds are reported as being viewable from Polwell Lane in birches opposite a Morrisons supermarket, and sometimes close to the Weetabix factory. Some of these birds have been reported for a couple of days, but today's total has been the most.
Although it has been very much a Waxwing winter nationally, locally it has been difficult to catch up with these nomadic flocks and we would strongly recommend that if you want to experience these fabulous birds from the north, Barton Seagrave and Burton Latimer should be visited quickly before they consume all the food and move on again!
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Wednesday 2 January 2013
New Year birds
Hi
This morning at about 10am there were about 15 Waxwings alongside the B526 Newport Pagnell Road at Wootton, which then flew over the Wyevale Garden Centre.
This afternoon a good 3 hour walk along the Woodpecker Trail at Salcey Forest was enjoyable and provided 6+ Crossbills, 2 Bramblings, 10+ unidentified redpolls and ca50 Siskins.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this afternoon included a 1st year Yellow-legged Gull and a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
This morning at about 10am there were about 15 Waxwings alongside the B526 Newport Pagnell Road at Wootton, which then flew over the Wyevale Garden Centre.
This afternoon a good 3 hour walk along the Woodpecker Trail at Salcey Forest was enjoyable and provided 6+ Crossbills, 2 Bramblings, 10+ unidentified redpolls and ca50 Siskins.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this afternoon included a 1st year Yellow-legged Gull and a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Pitsford reserve
Hi
Birds this morning north of the causeway at Pitsford Res included the Great White Egret in the Holcot Bay at about 11.10am, 2 Shelduck and 11 Goosanders in the Scaldwell Bay first thing, 3 Bramblings and a Siskin mobile around the main feeding station, and a Willow Tit and a redpoll sp at Christies Copse (Walgrave Bay).
Regards
Neil M
Birds this morning north of the causeway at Pitsford Res included the Great White Egret in the Holcot Bay at about 11.10am, 2 Shelduck and 11 Goosanders in the Scaldwell Bay first thing, 3 Bramblings and a Siskin mobile around the main feeding station, and a Willow Tit and a redpoll sp at Christies Copse (Walgrave Bay).
Regards
Neil M
Tuesday 1 January 2013
Happy New Year!
Hi
Birds at Kelmarsh Hall today included 2 Bramblings, at least 1 Lesser Redpoll and 6 Siskins. Nearby at Harrington Airfield, at least 6 Bramblings were present at the Draughton Road entrance and 2 Ravens flew over Draughton Pool.
Birds at Hanging Houghton included 2 Bramblings and 2 Lesser Redpolls and a couple of Siskins here in the garden, and the 2 Ravens in the Brampton Valley below the village again plus 2 more Bramblings, 4 Lesser Redpolls and a Siskin.
A Barn Owl was showing well on Scaldwell Meadow at Pitsford Res this afternoon, and at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell birds included 2 Woodcock, a Barn Owl and the male Stonechat again.
Happy New Year!
Eleanor and Neil
Birds at Kelmarsh Hall today included 2 Bramblings, at least 1 Lesser Redpoll and 6 Siskins. Nearby at Harrington Airfield, at least 6 Bramblings were present at the Draughton Road entrance and 2 Ravens flew over Draughton Pool.
Birds at Hanging Houghton included 2 Bramblings and 2 Lesser Redpolls and a couple of Siskins here in the garden, and the 2 Ravens in the Brampton Valley below the village again plus 2 more Bramblings, 4 Lesser Redpolls and a Siskin.
A Barn Owl was showing well on Scaldwell Meadow at Pitsford Res this afternoon, and at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell birds included 2 Woodcock, a Barn Owl and the male Stonechat again.
Happy New Year!
Eleanor and Neil
Monday 31 December 2012
Winter weight control!
Hi
John Woollett and team managed a ringing session at Stortons GP yesterday morning (Sunday 30th). An interesting retrap was of a Water Rail that was first ringed on-site in February of this year. On that occasion when the weather was cold and conditions harsh, this bird weighed 118 grams. Yesterday this bird weighed 162 grams, an indication of the much milder and easier conditions and at a time when presumably this bird is able to feed avidly on earth worms and similar invertebrates. Although we often think of small birds losing considerable weight and fat reserves during difficult periods, this is a reminder that it affects larger birds too.
The Jackdaw with the distinctive 'neck braces' remains in and around the village at Hanging Houghton, and was seen again this morning. The question as to whether it is a migrant 'Nordic Jackdaw' or simply a well-marked bird from a local population remains unanswered. Two other birds in the same flock 'ghost' similar markings.
At least one Brambling remains attracted to garden feeders in the village at The Croft. Again a couple of Ravens were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning.
A brief visit to Kelmarsh Hall this morning confirmed the presence of at least one Brambling, a Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll.
Regards
E & N
John Woollett and team managed a ringing session at Stortons GP yesterday morning (Sunday 30th). An interesting retrap was of a Water Rail that was first ringed on-site in February of this year. On that occasion when the weather was cold and conditions harsh, this bird weighed 118 grams. Yesterday this bird weighed 162 grams, an indication of the much milder and easier conditions and at a time when presumably this bird is able to feed avidly on earth worms and similar invertebrates. Although we often think of small birds losing considerable weight and fat reserves during difficult periods, this is a reminder that it affects larger birds too.
The Jackdaw with the distinctive 'neck braces' remains in and around the village at Hanging Houghton, and was seen again this morning. The question as to whether it is a migrant 'Nordic Jackdaw' or simply a well-marked bird from a local population remains unanswered. Two other birds in the same flock 'ghost' similar markings.
At least one Brambling remains attracted to garden feeders in the village at The Croft. Again a couple of Ravens were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning.
A brief visit to Kelmarsh Hall this morning confirmed the presence of at least one Brambling, a Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll.
Regards
E & N
Sunday 30 December 2012
Splitting forces!
Hi
Splitting forces is always dangerous in our household as Eleanor always sees more than me!
Today Eleanor stayed local and ran around the south side of Pitsford Res, seeing c20 redpoll sp as she did so. There was subsequently a Brambling at the feeding station on the old Scaldwell Road.
There were 2 Ravens in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and at 3.30pm 4 Waxwings were perched on the television aerial of our house at Hanging Houghton! The Great White Egret and 4 Little Egrets were again on the floodwater near Holcot village as viewable from the Walgrave and Hannington roads at about 1pm, and at 3.40pm there were 6 Bramblings on the seed at Harrington Airfield.
In the meantime Neil Hasdell and myself decided to go north for a further change of scenery. We started at East Carlton Country Park which hosted a pleasant walk but little in the way of birds. The escaped South American teal sp was still present on the ponds there but otherwise it was just the usual resident woodland birds which included Nuthatch and Marsh Tit.
We then drove slowly north along the Welland Valley which not surprisingly was flooded along most of its course. Pockets of Lapwings, common wildfowl and gulls were encountered plus a single Little Egret near Harringworth.
A walk then along a footpath that extends from the valley up on to the plateau of Harringworth Airfield. There is some interesting habitat where the old airfield meets the back of Wakerley Wood and it was here where our best bird of the day was pushed out of a bush by Bazra (our Border Collie) in the shape of a Hawfinch. This bird was probably initially on the ground beneath Blackthorn and Hawthorn bushes at about SP948975. A Waxwing was heard calling here but not seen and other birds included a couple of Lesser Redpolls, 3 Siskins and a male Stonechat.
After a bite to eat in the car park at Wakerley Wood, we moved on to Fineshade which was busy with people. A few Siskins and a Lesser Redpoll were noted and common birds were coming to the feeders in front of the wildlife hide.
Our last main venue for the day was Batherwycke Lake which contained plenty of wildfowl but surprisingly no evident Mandarin Ducks. Birds of note included 2 Shelduck and 2 'redhead' Goosanders.
Scanning over Harrington Airfield just before dusk failed to locate the regular Merlin perhaps coming in to roost - the only raptor noted was a Sparrowhawk or two!
Regards
Neil M
Splitting forces is always dangerous in our household as Eleanor always sees more than me!
Today Eleanor stayed local and ran around the south side of Pitsford Res, seeing c20 redpoll sp as she did so. There was subsequently a Brambling at the feeding station on the old Scaldwell Road.
There were 2 Ravens in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton and at 3.30pm 4 Waxwings were perched on the television aerial of our house at Hanging Houghton! The Great White Egret and 4 Little Egrets were again on the floodwater near Holcot village as viewable from the Walgrave and Hannington roads at about 1pm, and at 3.40pm there were 6 Bramblings on the seed at Harrington Airfield.
In the meantime Neil Hasdell and myself decided to go north for a further change of scenery. We started at East Carlton Country Park which hosted a pleasant walk but little in the way of birds. The escaped South American teal sp was still present on the ponds there but otherwise it was just the usual resident woodland birds which included Nuthatch and Marsh Tit.
We then drove slowly north along the Welland Valley which not surprisingly was flooded along most of its course. Pockets of Lapwings, common wildfowl and gulls were encountered plus a single Little Egret near Harringworth.
A walk then along a footpath that extends from the valley up on to the plateau of Harringworth Airfield. There is some interesting habitat where the old airfield meets the back of Wakerley Wood and it was here where our best bird of the day was pushed out of a bush by Bazra (our Border Collie) in the shape of a Hawfinch. This bird was probably initially on the ground beneath Blackthorn and Hawthorn bushes at about SP948975. A Waxwing was heard calling here but not seen and other birds included a couple of Lesser Redpolls, 3 Siskins and a male Stonechat.
After a bite to eat in the car park at Wakerley Wood, we moved on to Fineshade which was busy with people. A few Siskins and a Lesser Redpoll were noted and common birds were coming to the feeders in front of the wildlife hide.
Our last main venue for the day was Batherwycke Lake which contained plenty of wildfowl but surprisingly no evident Mandarin Ducks. Birds of note included 2 Shelduck and 2 'redhead' Goosanders.
Scanning over Harrington Airfield just before dusk failed to locate the regular Merlin perhaps coming in to roost - the only raptor noted was a Sparrowhawk or two!
Regards
Neil M
Common Buzzard-
moulting inner primaries
Sorry can't resist the
Red Kites!
Coal Tit
Fineshade
The villain
of bird feeders!
Marsh Tit at
Fineshade. Note
the silver mark
on upper mandible
which is hard to
see in the field but
easier to appreciate
with digital photography
and helps distinguish
it from the Willow Tit
Bazra - the finder of our
best bird!
Herring and Great Black-
backed Gulls over
Blatherwycke Lake
Saturday 29 December 2012
Last few birds of 2012
Hi
Birds around the garden today included a couple of flighty Bramblings but unfortunately no sign of yesterday's Waxwings.
At least one Brambling was a Kelmarsh Hall late morning.
This afternoon the Great White Egret was on the floodwater again near to Holcot village and viewable from the Hannington Road, but efforts to photograph it were thwarted as there was always vegetation in the way. Just the one Little Egret was keeping it company.
The Pitsford Res gull roost contained two Mediterranean Gulls this evening (adult and 1st winter).
Regards
Neil M
Birds around the garden today included a couple of flighty Bramblings but unfortunately no sign of yesterday's Waxwings.
At least one Brambling was a Kelmarsh Hall late morning.
This afternoon the Great White Egret was on the floodwater again near to Holcot village and viewable from the Hannington Road, but efforts to photograph it were thwarted as there was always vegetation in the way. Just the one Little Egret was keeping it company.
The Pitsford Res gull roost contained two Mediterranean Gulls this evening (adult and 1st winter).
Regards
Neil M
Great White Egret
Tufted Duck Pitsford
Common Gull Brixworth
Friday 28 December 2012
Grey day birding
Hi
Limited opportunity for birding today on a very grey dank day in the county.
A single Brambling was on the scattered seed at Harrington Airfield this morning. Neil Hasdell located the Slavonian Grebe at Pitsford Res this morning, present off the Brixworth bank next to The Gorses (about half way between the causeway and the dam). A 'redhead' Smew was still present off The Pines and a Redshank was at the yacht club this afternoon.
At 3.05pm this afternoon a lock of 11 Waxwings were in a garden at The Croft, Hanging Houghton briefly, before flying towards Lamport Grange. Two Bramblings and a redpoll sp were also flying around the gardens.
Finally this afternoon there was a male Stonechat in the most northerly field at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell plus a hunting Barn Owl.
We thought we would add an image of a pink male Lesser Redpoll caught yesterday to brighten the day up (please see below)!
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Limited opportunity for birding today on a very grey dank day in the county.
A single Brambling was on the scattered seed at Harrington Airfield this morning. Neil Hasdell located the Slavonian Grebe at Pitsford Res this morning, present off the Brixworth bank next to The Gorses (about half way between the causeway and the dam). A 'redhead' Smew was still present off The Pines and a Redshank was at the yacht club this afternoon.
At 3.05pm this afternoon a lock of 11 Waxwings were in a garden at The Croft, Hanging Houghton briefly, before flying towards Lamport Grange. Two Bramblings and a redpoll sp were also flying around the gardens.
Finally this afternoon there was a male Stonechat in the most northerly field at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell plus a hunting Barn Owl.
We thought we would add an image of a pink male Lesser Redpoll caught yesterday to brighten the day up (please see below)!
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Thursday 27 December 2012
Squelch squelch!
Hi
A good traipse around the Blueberry Farm complex today confirmed that few birds of interest remain on-site, with just 2 Woodcock being of note.
A squelchy walk around Stanford Res was a pleasant change of scenery, the only birds of interest were 5 Goosanders, ca20 Lesser Redpolls on weeds, a Cetti's Warbler and ca50 Tree Sparrows.
Small numbers of finches at Kelmarsh Hall this afternoon included a couple each of Brambling, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin.
It seems that the current mild and wet conditions are failing to produce many new birds in the county.
Regards
Eleanor & Neil
A good traipse around the Blueberry Farm complex today confirmed that few birds of interest remain on-site, with just 2 Woodcock being of note.
A squelchy walk around Stanford Res was a pleasant change of scenery, the only birds of interest were 5 Goosanders, ca20 Lesser Redpolls on weeds, a Cetti's Warbler and ca50 Tree Sparrows.
Small numbers of finches at Kelmarsh Hall this afternoon included a couple each of Brambling, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin.
It seems that the current mild and wet conditions are failing to produce many new birds in the county.
Regards
Eleanor & Neil
Wednesday 26 December 2012
Boxing Day Bramblings
Hi
Birds visible from the feed station at Pitsford Res this morning included a 'redhead' Goosander, a Brambling and a Lesser Redpoll.
Four Bramblings and a Lesser Redpoll were caught and ringed at Kelmarsh Hall today with several others of each and up to 10 Siskins present too.
About 8 Bramblings were back on the seed at Harrington Airfield this afternoon.
Finally a couple of Ravens were visible in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning.
Regards
E and N
Birds visible from the feed station at Pitsford Res this morning included a 'redhead' Goosander, a Brambling and a Lesser Redpoll.
Four Bramblings and a Lesser Redpoll were caught and ringed at Kelmarsh Hall today with several others of each and up to 10 Siskins present too.
About 8 Bramblings were back on the seed at Harrington Airfield this afternoon.
Finally a couple of Ravens were visible in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning.
Regards
E and N
Tuesday 25 December 2012
Crested Angels from the north
Hi
Eleanor has just come in from her Christmas Day morning run with the dog, and she has just seen 4 Waxwings along the Brampton Valley Way below Brixworth in bushes close to the Creaton Road access point. This would have been about 10.20am...
Also 2 Ravens at Blueberry Farm this morning.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor has just come in from her Christmas Day morning run with the dog, and she has just seen 4 Waxwings along the Brampton Valley Way below Brixworth in bushes close to the Creaton Road access point. This would have been about 10.20am...
Also 2 Ravens at Blueberry Farm this morning.
Regards
Neil M
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