Hi
With rain all day turning to snow this evening and a cold northerly wind, today was probably the most miserable weather of the winter to date. The birds seemed under the weather too with little in the way of sightings today.
A Woodcock was flushed at Sunderland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) this morning and at least 2 Bramblings were at Harrington Airfield. Calling finches at Kelmarsh Hall included a singing Siskin, redpoll sp and Brambling. Three Lesser Redpolls remained at Hanging Houghton.
Regards
Neil M
Sunday 10 February 2013
Saturday 9 February 2013
Birds of mud and winter showers
Hi
Birds in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this morning included singles of Brambling, Siskin, redpoll sp and Red Kite. Four Woodcock were flushed from Christies Copse and the Great White Egret was on view on the west side of the Walgrave Bay for most of the late morning.
This afternoon a Barn Owl was hunting at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and 2 Woodcock were flushed, but despite a good stomp around nothing else of note could be found.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Birds in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Res this morning included singles of Brambling, Siskin, redpoll sp and Red Kite. Four Woodcock were flushed from Christies Copse and the Great White Egret was on view on the west side of the Walgrave Bay for most of the late morning.
This afternoon a Barn Owl was hunting at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and 2 Woodcock were flushed, but despite a good stomp around nothing else of note could be found.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Friday 8 February 2013
Static finches
Hi
Apologies for the lack of information the last couple of days. We have both been committed with a variety of tasks during the last two days which has curtailed much of our birding. The few bits we have noticed are simply repeats of birds during the last week with still daily sightings of Raven here at Hanging Houghton and still regular Bramblings at Harrington Airfield, here at Hanging Houghton and Kelmarsh Hall. Ringing recoveries seem to suggest that at least some of the current Lesser Redpolls and Bramblings are the same birds that were here locally in November and they have remained reliant on the food placed out for them during that time. However that is soon to change I think and these finches will soon begin to move more freely again as Spring beckons around the corner (but with snow to come first yet methinks)!
Regards
Neil M
Apologies for the lack of information the last couple of days. We have both been committed with a variety of tasks during the last two days which has curtailed much of our birding. The few bits we have noticed are simply repeats of birds during the last week with still daily sightings of Raven here at Hanging Houghton and still regular Bramblings at Harrington Airfield, here at Hanging Houghton and Kelmarsh Hall. Ringing recoveries seem to suggest that at least some of the current Lesser Redpolls and Bramblings are the same birds that were here locally in November and they have remained reliant on the food placed out for them during that time. However that is soon to change I think and these finches will soon begin to move more freely again as Spring beckons around the corner (but with snow to come first yet methinks)!
Regards
Neil M
Wednesday 6 February 2013
Cold and windy again!
Hi
The weather conditions today were similar to yesterday with strong cold winds, some wintery showers and a very dull afternoon. Not particularly inspiring stuff and the birds locally remain the same.
The finch entourage at Kelmarsh Hall included at least 4 Bramblings and a minimum of 5 Lesser Redpolls and 5 Siskins. A Raven was heard croaking somewhere in the village.
Two Ravens remain here at Hanging Houghton and a small buzz of Lesser Redpolls circulated in the village gardens.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
The weather conditions today were similar to yesterday with strong cold winds, some wintery showers and a very dull afternoon. Not particularly inspiring stuff and the birds locally remain the same.
The finch entourage at Kelmarsh Hall included at least 4 Bramblings and a minimum of 5 Lesser Redpolls and 5 Siskins. A Raven was heard croaking somewhere in the village.
Two Ravens remain here at Hanging Houghton and a small buzz of Lesser Redpolls circulated in the village gardens.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Tuesday 5 February 2013
Cold and windswept
Hi
We didn't bump in to any birds of note today in rather wild and cold conditions. A couple of Ravens remain around the village here as well as a small flock of Lesser Redpolls and a Brambling. A similar story at Kelmarsh Hall this morning which continues to host a Brambling, at least 5 Siskins and 5 Lesser Redpolls. A Raven was by the side of the A508 between Lamport and Maidwell.
Scrutiny of the gulls in the roost at Pitsford Res provided two adult Yellow-legged Gulls and the Redshank showed up again.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
We didn't bump in to any birds of note today in rather wild and cold conditions. A couple of Ravens remain around the village here as well as a small flock of Lesser Redpolls and a Brambling. A similar story at Kelmarsh Hall this morning which continues to host a Brambling, at least 5 Siskins and 5 Lesser Redpolls. A Raven was by the side of the A508 between Lamport and Maidwell.
Scrutiny of the gulls in the roost at Pitsford Res provided two adult Yellow-legged Gulls and the Redshank showed up again.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Monday 4 February 2013
Chiffchaffs
Hi
About 10 Bramblings came down on to the seed at Harrington Airfield this morning amongst a mob of Chaffinches, Yellowhammers and others. Small numbers of Brambling and Lesser Redpoll were present at both Hanging Houghton and Kelmarsh Hall.
A visit to Ecton Sewage Farm/Billing Gravel Pits provided views of at least 8 Chiffchaffs at the western end of Clover Lake at its junction with the stream. The strong wind has evidently pushed these birds and a large flock of Long-tailed Tits the other side of the hedging - none of these birds were visible from the small stone bridge. Most of these birds were 'collybita' types and were calling and singing accordingly. One Siberian-type was seen briefly, a washed-out bird with a broad supercillia and a slight wing-bar. Another sepia-coloured bird was seen briefly but the mantle was green/olive and the overall plumage tones and lack of clean ear-coverts would not have been typical of this race. At no point did I ever hear the distinctive 'peep' or 'pee-ip' calls of Siberian, the grey birds seemingly keeping quiet. All these Chiffchaffs and Long-tailed Tits were joined by Goldcrests and other birds fly-catching over the stream - some images below...
Other birds nearby included a Green Sandpiper and a Grey Wagtail.
This afternoon there was an adult female Peregrine at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and there were 60 Golden Plovers and 2 Ravens in the Brampton Valley between HH and Cottesbrooke this morning. Possibly a different pair of Raven were in Hanging Houghton village late morning and in to the afternoon.
Late this afternoon a second winter (or third calendar year if you like) Yellow-legged Gull was the only bird of note seen in the Pitsford Res gull roost (apologies for the ropey image - it was a bit gloomy).
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
About 10 Bramblings came down on to the seed at Harrington Airfield this morning amongst a mob of Chaffinches, Yellowhammers and others. Small numbers of Brambling and Lesser Redpoll were present at both Hanging Houghton and Kelmarsh Hall.
A visit to Ecton Sewage Farm/Billing Gravel Pits provided views of at least 8 Chiffchaffs at the western end of Clover Lake at its junction with the stream. The strong wind has evidently pushed these birds and a large flock of Long-tailed Tits the other side of the hedging - none of these birds were visible from the small stone bridge. Most of these birds were 'collybita' types and were calling and singing accordingly. One Siberian-type was seen briefly, a washed-out bird with a broad supercillia and a slight wing-bar. Another sepia-coloured bird was seen briefly but the mantle was green/olive and the overall plumage tones and lack of clean ear-coverts would not have been typical of this race. At no point did I ever hear the distinctive 'peep' or 'pee-ip' calls of Siberian, the grey birds seemingly keeping quiet. All these Chiffchaffs and Long-tailed Tits were joined by Goldcrests and other birds fly-catching over the stream - some images below...
Other birds nearby included a Green Sandpiper and a Grey Wagtail.
This afternoon there was an adult female Peregrine at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and there were 60 Golden Plovers and 2 Ravens in the Brampton Valley between HH and Cottesbrooke this morning. Possibly a different pair of Raven were in Hanging Houghton village late morning and in to the afternoon.
Late this afternoon a second winter (or third calendar year if you like) Yellow-legged Gull was the only bird of note seen in the Pitsford Res gull roost (apologies for the ropey image - it was a bit gloomy).
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
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| Canada Goose |
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| Chiffchaff |
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| Long-tailed Tit |
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| Long-tailed Tit |
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| Chiffchaff |
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| Chiffchaff |
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| Chiffchaff |
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| Chiffchaff |
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| Chiffchaff |
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| Chiffchaff |
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| Long-tailed Tit |
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| Chiffchaff |
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| Chiffchaff |
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| Goldcrest |
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| Yellow-legged Gull |
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| Yellow-legged Gull |
Sunday 3 February 2013
Local patch birding
Hi
Well while Neil was gossiping, slurping coffee and testing optics at Pitsford, someone had to carry on birding our local patch!
Harrington Airfield played host to about 20 Bramblings again today, together with a Red Kite and 2 Ravens.
Birds in the garden here at Hanging Houghton included 6 Lesser Redpolls and a Brambling with 10 Golden Plovers and 2 Ravens in the Brampton Valley below the village.
Blueberry Farm near Maidwell provided 2 Barn Owls and a Short-eared Owl this afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor
Well while Neil was gossiping, slurping coffee and testing optics at Pitsford, someone had to carry on birding our local patch!
Harrington Airfield played host to about 20 Bramblings again today, together with a Red Kite and 2 Ravens.
Birds in the garden here at Hanging Houghton included 6 Lesser Redpolls and a Brambling with 10 Golden Plovers and 2 Ravens in the Brampton Valley below the village.
Blueberry Farm near Maidwell provided 2 Barn Owls and a Short-eared Owl this afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor
Pitsford Opticron event
Hi
A big thank-you for all the people that turned up at the optics demonstration event at Pitsford today. Among the attendees there was some familiar faces from the present and the past and it was great to meet some of the followers of this blog and put faces to the names! Thank-you all for making the event successful in support of the Wildlife Trust, particularly as it was a touch cold and a little grey on the shoreline below the Lodge!
For those that missed it a similar event will be held at Pitsford in June when again the full range of Opticron binoculars and telescopes and accessories will be available to test under field conditions.
Thank-you
Neil M
A big thank-you for all the people that turned up at the optics demonstration event at Pitsford today. Among the attendees there was some familiar faces from the present and the past and it was great to meet some of the followers of this blog and put faces to the names! Thank-you all for making the event successful in support of the Wildlife Trust, particularly as it was a touch cold and a little grey on the shoreline below the Lodge!
For those that missed it a similar event will be held at Pitsford in June when again the full range of Opticron binoculars and telescopes and accessories will be available to test under field conditions.
Thank-you
Neil M
Saturday 2 February 2013
Opticron optics demonstration
Hi
Just a little reminder...
The Pitsford Opticron event is on tomorrow between 10am and 4pm (see post of 28th Jan). We look forward to seeing you there!
Neil M
Just a little reminder...
The Pitsford Opticron event is on tomorrow between 10am and 4pm (see post of 28th Jan). We look forward to seeing you there!
Neil M
Bird feeding again...
Hi
In between and including plenty of dog walking and other chores, it was a case of visiting and replenishing all the local wild bird feeding stations again today. Despite mud everywhere, it was nice to be out and about with cool temperatures, plenty of sunshine and exceptional visibility. It's hard to beat a really nice winter's day!
A single Brambling was present at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station at Pitsford Res this morning and the birds at the feeding station in Christies Copse were pretty much standard fare. At nearly all my feeding areas I now have tame cock Pheasants that almost run to greet me, and now the shooting season is over I guess they are going to be nice and fat and resplendent for the breeding season!
Sunderland Wood was particularly muddy, but I didn't mind as the slog to the feeders was worth it with a flock of Long-tailed Tits almost landing on me as I added some more fat to the feeder. The local Robins seem to have survived the cold snap and hop up to meet me, and thankfully there are still reasonable numbers of Goldcrests and Wrens in the woods, but some must have perished in the severe conditions last month.
Two noisy Ravens were at Kelmarsh Hall, and the impressive finch flock utilizing the feed station here remains with 4 Bramblings, 3 Lesser Redpolls and a Siskin mixing in with the Chaffinches and Goldfinches. Greenfinches seem very scarce though. Scotland Wood was uneventful but the cheeky Marsh Tits were both scolding and singing at me as I refilled the feeders!
A brief visit to Harrington Airfield to broadcast more food was enough to spot two female Bramblings this morning, but I assume there would have been plenty more later.
A Raven was noted on the northern outskirts of Brixworth village just off the A508 today (possibly attracted to no less than three road kill Badgers in the last 48 hours).
The food at the eighth feeding station was almost completely exhausted today (one of three feeding stations at Pitsford), but the birds soon came to see me as I filled the feeders here too. Which just about left time to check the gull roost at Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon and it yielded a first winter Kittiwake, distant views of the Slavonian Grebe near the Holly Tree and a Redshank.
Regards
Neil M
In between and including plenty of dog walking and other chores, it was a case of visiting and replenishing all the local wild bird feeding stations again today. Despite mud everywhere, it was nice to be out and about with cool temperatures, plenty of sunshine and exceptional visibility. It's hard to beat a really nice winter's day!
A single Brambling was present at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station at Pitsford Res this morning and the birds at the feeding station in Christies Copse were pretty much standard fare. At nearly all my feeding areas I now have tame cock Pheasants that almost run to greet me, and now the shooting season is over I guess they are going to be nice and fat and resplendent for the breeding season!
Sunderland Wood was particularly muddy, but I didn't mind as the slog to the feeders was worth it with a flock of Long-tailed Tits almost landing on me as I added some more fat to the feeder. The local Robins seem to have survived the cold snap and hop up to meet me, and thankfully there are still reasonable numbers of Goldcrests and Wrens in the woods, but some must have perished in the severe conditions last month.
Two noisy Ravens were at Kelmarsh Hall, and the impressive finch flock utilizing the feed station here remains with 4 Bramblings, 3 Lesser Redpolls and a Siskin mixing in with the Chaffinches and Goldfinches. Greenfinches seem very scarce though. Scotland Wood was uneventful but the cheeky Marsh Tits were both scolding and singing at me as I refilled the feeders!
A brief visit to Harrington Airfield to broadcast more food was enough to spot two female Bramblings this morning, but I assume there would have been plenty more later.
A Raven was noted on the northern outskirts of Brixworth village just off the A508 today (possibly attracted to no less than three road kill Badgers in the last 48 hours).
The food at the eighth feeding station was almost completely exhausted today (one of three feeding stations at Pitsford), but the birds soon came to see me as I filled the feeders here too. Which just about left time to check the gull roost at Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon and it yielded a first winter Kittiwake, distant views of the Slavonian Grebe near the Holly Tree and a Redshank.
Regards
Neil M
Friday 1 February 2013
Bramblings only
Hi
Nothing much to report today, but a fabulous twenty Bramblings were still at the feeding station at Harrington Airfield this morning...
Regards
Eleanor
Nothing much to report today, but a fabulous twenty Bramblings were still at the feeding station at Harrington Airfield this morning...
Regards
Eleanor
Thursday 31 January 2013
Windblast birds
Hi
At lunch-time today there were about a dozen Bramblings among the feeding birds on the concrete track at Harrington Airfield, just off the Draughton Road. An adult female Peregrine was feeding on prey on the top fields, itself being mobbed by a Kestrel.
A walk around Pitsford Res south of the causeway provided views of 2 'redhead' Smew, 8 Lesser Redpolls, about 30 Siskins and 2 Ravens.
Regards
Eleanor
At lunch-time today there were about a dozen Bramblings among the feeding birds on the concrete track at Harrington Airfield, just off the Draughton Road. An adult female Peregrine was feeding on prey on the top fields, itself being mobbed by a Kestrel.
A walk around Pitsford Res south of the causeway provided views of 2 'redhead' Smew, 8 Lesser Redpolls, about 30 Siskins and 2 Ravens.
Regards
Eleanor
Wednesday 30 January 2013
Five white nuns
Hi
Birds at Hanging Houghton today included 2 Lesser Redpolls and up to 4 Ravens. Two Bramblings and 6 Lesser Redpolls were along the Brampton Valley Way below Brixworth.
At Ravensthorpe Res this afternoon, a total of 13 Smew (5 adult drakes) were on view from the road causeway (please see some images below).
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Tuesday 29 January 2013
Siskin splendour
Hi
Birds in the garden today at Hanging Houghton included 5 Lesser Redpolls and a nice bright adult male Siskin (please see below). A Raven flew over north at 12.30pm.
At Pitsford Res this afternoon there was a Lesser Redpoll and a Willow Tit in Christies Copse in the Walgrave Bay and a 'redhead' Smew was just off the causeway car park (not quite coming to bread!).
In the gull roost later, an adult Mediterranean Gull again showed up as did a second winter Yellow-legged Gull. Two Ravens flew over.
Regards
Neil M
Birds in the garden today at Hanging Houghton included 5 Lesser Redpolls and a nice bright adult male Siskin (please see below). A Raven flew over north at 12.30pm.
At Pitsford Res this afternoon there was a Lesser Redpoll and a Willow Tit in Christies Copse in the Walgrave Bay and a 'redhead' Smew was just off the causeway car park (not quite coming to bread!).
In the gull roost later, an adult Mediterranean Gull again showed up as did a second winter Yellow-legged Gull. Two Ravens flew over.
Regards
Neil M
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| Siskin |
Monday 28 January 2013
I preferred the snow to this...!
Hi
This morning there were two vocal Bramblings at Pitsford Res on the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station. Neil Hasdell went on to locate a drake and a 'redhead' Smew south of the causeway, both in the vicinity of the gorse bushes but the drake was quite mobile.
At about 1.30pm this afternoon the flock of feeding birds at Harrington Airfield included about 15 Bramblings. A walk in the wind and rain added a Red Kite but little else!
Regards
Neil M
This morning there were two vocal Bramblings at Pitsford Res on the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station. Neil Hasdell went on to locate a drake and a 'redhead' Smew south of the causeway, both in the vicinity of the gorse bushes but the drake was quite mobile.
At about 1.30pm this afternoon the flock of feeding birds at Harrington Airfield included about 15 Bramblings. A walk in the wind and rain added a Red Kite but little else!
Regards
Neil M
Optics Demonstration Pitsford Res 3rd Feb
Hi
This coming Sunday (3rd February 2013), there is an optics demonstration at Pitsford Reservoir between 10am and 4pm. This is an event organised by the local Wildlife Trust utilizing Opticron equipment in field conditions. Attendees will be provided the opportunity of trying a range of Opticron binoculars and telescopes with an Opticron expert on hand. Neil Hasdell and I will be present with the task of finding some subject matter for attendees to look at!
This event is taking place at The Lodge which is situated just off the road causeway on the Holcot Road. We hope to use the nearby Goosander Hide in the Holcot Bay and will be able to wander further afield if weather conditions permit. There is no obligation to make purchases, but this will provide an excellent opportunity for anyone with even a passive interest in observing our British wildlife in an enhanced manner to try out optical equipment from a well-known and established manufacturer. We look forward to seeing you there!
The official flyer is as follows:-
Sunday 3rd February, 10am - 4pm
Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Reservoir, Northamptonshire NN6 9TF
An optics expert will be on hand to offer you the opportunity to test and compare Opticron binoculars and telescopes under field conditions. A great opportunity to purchase optics and support the local Wildlife Trust – drop in to try before you buy – no booking required. For more details: contact Amanda on 01954 713500 /amanda.spivack@wildlifebcn.org or visit http://www.wildlifebcn.org/events.
Sunday 27 January 2013
Abandoned!
Hi
With the disappearance of the snow and comparative soaring temperatures, the birds that have been regular in the garden for the last ten days were mostly absent today. We've been abandoned!
A few birds did show up which included a pair of Brambling briefly, 3 Lesser Redpolls and the Nordic-like Jackdaw in the sheep field behind the garden.
A visit to Ravensthorpe Res this afternoon was a treat with a posse of eight Smew (two drakes), a first winter drake Scaup and four Pintail.
Regards
Neil M
With the disappearance of the snow and comparative soaring temperatures, the birds that have been regular in the garden for the last ten days were mostly absent today. We've been abandoned!
A few birds did show up which included a pair of Brambling briefly, 3 Lesser Redpolls and the Nordic-like Jackdaw in the sheep field behind the garden.
A visit to Ravensthorpe Res this afternoon was a treat with a posse of eight Smew (two drakes), a first winter drake Scaup and four Pintail.
Regards
Neil M
Saturday 26 January 2013
A couple of nice surprises!
Hi
Driving through Wilby village this morning, Eleanor saw two Waxwings in roadside bushes.
At Pitsford Res this morning at 10.15am, a Bittern was disturbed from the water's edge in the Scaldwell Meadow and it flew to The Point where it landed out of view in the waterside willow trees. The first record at Pitsford for quite some number of years I think. Other birds in the immediate area included two Ravens over and a Brambling at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station.
At Harrington Airfield, a calling Snow Bunting flew over the concrete track just past the straw bale stacks at 1.45pm, flying low north. It gave the impression of having flown up off the ground with a Skylark and was only about a metre off the ground when it went out of view so could still be in the area.
A quick wander around the thawing and waterlogged fields at the south end of Blueberry Farm this afternoon failed to locate any Short-eared Owls.
Regards
Neil M
Driving through Wilby village this morning, Eleanor saw two Waxwings in roadside bushes.
At Pitsford Res this morning at 10.15am, a Bittern was disturbed from the water's edge in the Scaldwell Meadow and it flew to The Point where it landed out of view in the waterside willow trees. The first record at Pitsford for quite some number of years I think. Other birds in the immediate area included two Ravens over and a Brambling at the Old Scaldwell Road feeding station.
At Harrington Airfield, a calling Snow Bunting flew over the concrete track just past the straw bale stacks at 1.45pm, flying low north. It gave the impression of having flown up off the ground with a Skylark and was only about a metre off the ground when it went out of view so could still be in the area.
A quick wander around the thawing and waterlogged fields at the south end of Blueberry Farm this afternoon failed to locate any Short-eared Owls.
Regards
Neil M
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