Hello
An excursion in to Brixworth Country Park this afternoon provided a flock of 6 Crossbills in small conifers on the north side of the park.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res didn't provide a gull of note; the Great Northern Diver was viewable distantly in The Narrows by The Holly Tree, and a Grey Wagtail was about.
Regards
E & N
Wednesday 18 December 2013
Pitsford am
Hello
A breezy and cool wander at Pitsford Res this morning nevertheless confirmed the continuing presence of quite a number of interesting birds. The Green Sandpiper remains on the floodwater in the horse field below the dam, the Great Northern Diver was again present close to The Holly Tree as was a drake Scaup and a pair of Smew. Half a dozen Siskins and 2-3 Redshank were mobile south of the causeway and a male Peregrine was also covering a large area. Scanning north of the causeway provided 2-3 Great White Egrets, the 3 Black Swans still and a Redshank.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A breezy and cool wander at Pitsford Res this morning nevertheless confirmed the continuing presence of quite a number of interesting birds. The Green Sandpiper remains on the floodwater in the horse field below the dam, the Great Northern Diver was again present close to The Holly Tree as was a drake Scaup and a pair of Smew. Half a dozen Siskins and 2-3 Redshank were mobile south of the causeway and a male Peregrine was also covering a large area. Scanning north of the causeway provided 2-3 Great White Egrets, the 3 Black Swans still and a Redshank.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Tuesday 17 December 2013
Out in the sunshine
Hello
A ringing session today at Scotland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate was good if you like the tit family! I had anticipated erecting two nets in the wood but quickly realised that a solitary forty foot net (in length) was all that was required to catch 65 birds! The more interesting birds included a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Willow Tit, three Marsh Tits and thirteen Coal Tits (the latter species reflecting the amount of conifers in the wood). A Blue Tit already bearing a ring wasn't originally a local bird.
Other birds noted in this woodland area included a Raven, a redpoll sp and three Woodcock.
However today was all about enjoying the still and sunny weather before the return of more wind and rain for the remainder of the week, and Eleanor notched up two Ravens and two or three Siskins near Beck Dairy, Cottesbrooke and half a dozen redpoll sp below Hanging Houghton whilst out running.
A visit to Harrington Airfield with more seed attracted a dozen Bramblings at the concrete track entrance again.
This afternoon a yomp around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided views of a Short-eared Owl, two Barn Owls, the pair of Stonechat still, three Lesser Redpolls and plenty of winter thrushes which have now pretty much stripped the majority of the berries.
Regards
Neil M
A ringing session today at Scotland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate was good if you like the tit family! I had anticipated erecting two nets in the wood but quickly realised that a solitary forty foot net (in length) was all that was required to catch 65 birds! The more interesting birds included a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Willow Tit, three Marsh Tits and thirteen Coal Tits (the latter species reflecting the amount of conifers in the wood). A Blue Tit already bearing a ring wasn't originally a local bird.
Other birds noted in this woodland area included a Raven, a redpoll sp and three Woodcock.
However today was all about enjoying the still and sunny weather before the return of more wind and rain for the remainder of the week, and Eleanor notched up two Ravens and two or three Siskins near Beck Dairy, Cottesbrooke and half a dozen redpoll sp below Hanging Houghton whilst out running.
A visit to Harrington Airfield with more seed attracted a dozen Bramblings at the concrete track entrance again.
This afternoon a yomp around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided views of a Short-eared Owl, two Barn Owls, the pair of Stonechat still, three Lesser Redpolls and plenty of winter thrushes which have now pretty much stripped the majority of the berries.
Regards
Neil M
Monday 16 December 2013
Hidden diver!
Hello
A wander out with Bazra this morning in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton yielded a continuation of now regular sightings of the wintering female Peregrine, two Ravens and the resident mostly all-white Common Buzzard.
A couple of excursions to Pitsford Reservoir in blustery and wet conditions failed in an effort to connect with the Great Northern Diver, even though it was still present. A 'redhead' Smew, 7 Little Egrets and a sudden large increase in the numbers of roosting Great Black-backed Gulls had to do instead!
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A wander out with Bazra this morning in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton yielded a continuation of now regular sightings of the wintering female Peregrine, two Ravens and the resident mostly all-white Common Buzzard.
A couple of excursions to Pitsford Reservoir in blustery and wet conditions failed in an effort to connect with the Great Northern Diver, even though it was still present. A 'redhead' Smew, 7 Little Egrets and a sudden large increase in the numbers of roosting Great Black-backed Gulls had to do instead!
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Sunday 15 December 2013
Ringing at Kelmarsh Hall
Hello
A wild bird ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall over the week-end provided over 100 captures mostly of common woodland birds with Blue Tits dominating. However birds a little out of the ordinary and a special privilege to handle included singles of Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Goldcrest and Collared Dove. One of the Great Tits carried a ring not originating from local ringers and represents a 'control' from elsewhere, the second on-site during this period. A single Siskin attempted a little singing in the mild conditions and was preceded by singing Mistle Thrush, Great Tit and Coal Tit presumably all stimulated by the mild and almost spring-like conditions early this morning!
Re-trapped Goldfinches included birds from the 2012/2013 winter suggesting that at least some of them demonstrate regional and specific site fidelity. Are they the same birds we see breeding here in the summer or are they wintering birds from somewhere else? As always with ringing, it tends to throw up just as many questions as providing answers!
Late this afternoon a single Woodcock flew over the road between the villages of Hanging Houghton and Scaldwell.
Regards
Neil M
A wild bird ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall over the week-end provided over 100 captures mostly of common woodland birds with Blue Tits dominating. However birds a little out of the ordinary and a special privilege to handle included singles of Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Goldcrest and Collared Dove. One of the Great Tits carried a ring not originating from local ringers and represents a 'control' from elsewhere, the second on-site during this period. A single Siskin attempted a little singing in the mild conditions and was preceded by singing Mistle Thrush, Great Tit and Coal Tit presumably all stimulated by the mild and almost spring-like conditions early this morning!
Re-trapped Goldfinches included birds from the 2012/2013 winter suggesting that at least some of them demonstrate regional and specific site fidelity. Are they the same birds we see breeding here in the summer or are they wintering birds from somewhere else? As always with ringing, it tends to throw up just as many questions as providing answers!
Late this afternoon a single Woodcock flew over the road between the villages of Hanging Houghton and Scaldwell.
Regards
Neil M
Pitsford produces ...!!
It was a bright and breezy walk at Harrington Airfield this morning . The only birds of note being 4 Brambling sitting very quietly in the bushes at the shooting wall and a Red Kite over.
I decided that Pitsford reservoir had been rather neglected by us both, so after coffee I headed off there. My heart sank when I saw the amount of activity at the sailing club and I nearly drove on, but decided that I might as well walk across the dam. I'm glad that I did as the first bird I looked at was a Great Northern Diver, or at least that is what I thought!! The bird in question dived and it seemed an age before it reappeared. All I could find were Cormorants, so this set seeds of doubt, but then the Great Northern Diver appeared again and as I watched it swam towards grange bay, phew.
Next stop was the causeway. By this time it was raining and quite windy, but feeling quite hopeful I walked down the big side to the gorse bushes. On scanning I could see the huge "aircraft carrier" alias Great Northern Diver heading my way.
There was a male Scaup near the holly tree, 4 Redhead Smew in the catwalk bay and a further 2 drake Smew flying around.
Despite being wet and windblown I checked the small side. There were 2 Great White Egret viewable at the same time, at least 8 Red Crested Pochard, 2 Goosander, 3 Black Swan, 2 Redshank, 20 Snipe and Black Tailed Godwit.
The Hume's Leaf Warbler remains at the private site where it was heard calling but not seen.
Regards Eleanor
I decided that Pitsford reservoir had been rather neglected by us both, so after coffee I headed off there. My heart sank when I saw the amount of activity at the sailing club and I nearly drove on, but decided that I might as well walk across the dam. I'm glad that I did as the first bird I looked at was a Great Northern Diver, or at least that is what I thought!! The bird in question dived and it seemed an age before it reappeared. All I could find were Cormorants, so this set seeds of doubt, but then the Great Northern Diver appeared again and as I watched it swam towards grange bay, phew.
Next stop was the causeway. By this time it was raining and quite windy, but feeling quite hopeful I walked down the big side to the gorse bushes. On scanning I could see the huge "aircraft carrier" alias Great Northern Diver heading my way.
There was a male Scaup near the holly tree, 4 Redhead Smew in the catwalk bay and a further 2 drake Smew flying around.
Despite being wet and windblown I checked the small side. There were 2 Great White Egret viewable at the same time, at least 8 Red Crested Pochard, 2 Goosander, 3 Black Swan, 2 Redshank, 20 Snipe and Black Tailed Godwit.
The Hume's Leaf Warbler remains at the private site where it was heard calling but not seen.
Regards Eleanor
Saturday 14 December 2013
A few bits and pieces
Hello
The Hume's Leaf Warbler was still present at the private site today but showed only briefly.
The pair of Stonechat were still present at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon as was a Barn Owl, 2 Red Kites and 3 Ravens. A Grey Wagtail and a Woodcock were along the Brampton Valley Way near Draughton.
A Raven and 2 Bramblings were present at Kelmarsh Hall.
Regards
E & N
The Hume's Leaf Warbler was still present at the private site today but showed only briefly.
The pair of Stonechat were still present at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon as was a Barn Owl, 2 Red Kites and 3 Ravens. A Grey Wagtail and a Woodcock were along the Brampton Valley Way near Draughton.
A Raven and 2 Bramblings were present at Kelmarsh Hall.
Regards
E & N
Friday 13 December 2013
Gloomy afternoon
Hello
This afternoon and a wander in gloomy conditions at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided views of a Barn Owl, 2 Ravens, a Woodcock and a pair of Stonechat.
The lights went out early at Pitsford Res too, but it was possible to see a few birds north of the causeway which amounted to 2 Great White Egrets, 3 Black Swans and 12 Goosanders.
Regards
N & E
This afternoon and a wander in gloomy conditions at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell provided views of a Barn Owl, 2 Ravens, a Woodcock and a pair of Stonechat.
The lights went out early at Pitsford Res too, but it was possible to see a few birds north of the causeway which amounted to 2 Great White Egrets, 3 Black Swans and 12 Goosanders.
Regards
N & E
Feeding Stations
Hello
Well this morning was back to reality with visits to the majority of the wild bird feeding stations to top up feeders and add extra food. Despite the relatively mild conditions the food has been disappearing fast! A Woodcock flushed up at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) and a vocal Raven flew through the wood. A juvenile female Peregrine was chasing Woodpigeons in the fields between Scotland Wood and Maidwell village. I left her perched in an ash tree waiting for her prey to return after she had frightened them all away!
At least one Grey Wagtail was at Brixworth Sewer Works and Eleanor counted about ten Bramblings on the seed at Harrington Airfield this morning.
The Hume's Leaf Warbler was heard calling at the undisclosed private site, this being it's eighth day in residence.
A mid-week ringing session by Dave Francis at Pitsford Res provided 70 birds, the majority of which were new birds. These new individuals included a sudden influx of 23 Greenfinches plus 5 Goldfinches, 5 Tree Sparrows, 5 Yellowhammers, 2 Redwings and 2 Moorhens.
Regards
Neil M
Well this morning was back to reality with visits to the majority of the wild bird feeding stations to top up feeders and add extra food. Despite the relatively mild conditions the food has been disappearing fast! A Woodcock flushed up at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) and a vocal Raven flew through the wood. A juvenile female Peregrine was chasing Woodpigeons in the fields between Scotland Wood and Maidwell village. I left her perched in an ash tree waiting for her prey to return after she had frightened them all away!
At least one Grey Wagtail was at Brixworth Sewer Works and Eleanor counted about ten Bramblings on the seed at Harrington Airfield this morning.
The Hume's Leaf Warbler was heard calling at the undisclosed private site, this being it's eighth day in residence.
A mid-week ringing session by Dave Francis at Pitsford Res provided 70 birds, the majority of which were new birds. These new individuals included a sudden influx of 23 Greenfinches plus 5 Goldfinches, 5 Tree Sparrows, 5 Yellowhammers, 2 Redwings and 2 Moorhens.
Regards
Neil M
Thursday 12 December 2013
Dull Day !
Sadly not much time for birding today. I ran around the big side of Pitsford Reservoir in the fog, so struggled to see very much. The only birds of note being 4 Little Egret, 2+ Redshank and a very vocal Water Rail.
I managed to persuade my friend to meet at Harlestone Garden Centre, with a view to walking in the Firs after our Christmas shopping spree!!. There were at least 2 Crossbills flying around calling, 30+ Siskins and several Redpolls flying over as we walked.
So after the excitement of yesterday, it was a rather dull day.
Regards Eleanor
I managed to persuade my friend to meet at Harlestone Garden Centre, with a view to walking in the Firs after our Christmas shopping spree!!. There were at least 2 Crossbills flying around calling, 30+ Siskins and several Redpolls flying over as we walked.
So after the excitement of yesterday, it was a rather dull day.
Regards Eleanor
Wednesday 11 December 2013
Hume's on show
Hello
Today was the day when the Hume's Leaf Warbler site was opened up for chaperoned access. The bird was heard calling at 8am on a cool and murky start of the day and the bird was only seen fairly fleetingly in grey conditions for the first couple of hours. Thankfully it remained vocal which aided locating it again and again.
As the day very slowly warmed up, the bird provided longer observations and at times showed rather well with all 70 plus observers seeing the bird.
Our thanks go to John Showers and Phil Jackman for their help in assisting with the day's events and giving up their time in often cold and dank conditions.
Donations by visiting birders ensured that £248 was provided for a Grade 1 listed local restoration project on-site.
A very big thank-you to all visitors for their impeccable behaviour and helping each other to stay on the bird which was a task in itself!
If the bird winters it is hoped to run a similar event in January 2014, on this occasion at a week-end. This is naturally dependent on local conditions etc, and the event will be advertised on this blog site and linked local sites.
Eleanor visited Blueberry Farm last thing this afternoon before the mist returned and notched up 2 Red Kites, 2 Woodcock and a Barn Owl.
Regards
Neil M
Today was the day when the Hume's Leaf Warbler site was opened up for chaperoned access. The bird was heard calling at 8am on a cool and murky start of the day and the bird was only seen fairly fleetingly in grey conditions for the first couple of hours. Thankfully it remained vocal which aided locating it again and again.
As the day very slowly warmed up, the bird provided longer observations and at times showed rather well with all 70 plus observers seeing the bird.
Our thanks go to John Showers and Phil Jackman for their help in assisting with the day's events and giving up their time in often cold and dank conditions.
Donations by visiting birders ensured that £248 was provided for a Grade 1 listed local restoration project on-site.
A very big thank-you to all visitors for their impeccable behaviour and helping each other to stay on the bird which was a task in itself!
If the bird winters it is hoped to run a similar event in January 2014, on this occasion at a week-end. This is naturally dependent on local conditions etc, and the event will be advertised on this blog site and linked local sites.
Eleanor visited Blueberry Farm last thing this afternoon before the mist returned and notched up 2 Red Kites, 2 Woodcock and a Barn Owl.
Regards
Neil M
Tuesday 10 December 2013
Tuesday Tidings !!
I decided to start my day with a run around the big side of Pitsford Reservoir. It was barely light when I started off and initially I flushed numerous "dozy" passerines out of the bushes and from the track !! There were 2 Great White Egret together at the back of the Pintail Bay. However I noticed that the water level is now slightly higher and that water is being actively pumped in, which may make this bay less favourable for these birds. Two drake Smew were in the Catwalk Bay. As you can see I managed to spot all the "white" birds !!.
I had a small flock of Crossbills fly over calling as I reached the causeway and later I accidently disturbed them from the trees in the Catwalk Bay. Must be worth a closer look for the rarer two barred or parrot crossbill.
Other birds included 4+ Redpolls, 10 Siskin and Grey Wagtail.
Mid morning found me feeding the birds at Harrington Airfield. I only fed them yesterday but know that I have a couple of busy days ahead, so thought I'd better keep the birds topped up. When I arrived at the entrance there was not a single bird to be seen or heard , but when I checked the ground I could understand why ? as not a scrap of food left !!! It is a wonder any of the birds could fly after eating the amount I put out yesterday.
I fed them and did a short circuit round the airfield, which seemed quiet. When I returned to my car the track and nearby bushes were alive with birds, including 10+ Brambling, some of which are in stunning plumage.
We maintain a number of small feeding stations in nearby local woods and other locations and one of many jobs today was to go and top up all the feeders. So I took my handsome assistant and headed into the woods. Again plenty of birds around, with Nuthatches, Marsh Tits, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Siskins being very vocal. My assistant very kindly flushed out 3 or 4 Woodcock in Scotland Wood, as well as a lovely Roe Deer.
There were also 2 Raven and Red Kite in the area.
I checked the area where the Hume's Leaf Warbler was found and after a good 30 mins of searching it started to call and showed quite well for short periods at a time.
Neil has arranged access to this site for tomorrow. Please see previous blogs for details.
Regards Eleanor
I had a small flock of Crossbills fly over calling as I reached the causeway and later I accidently disturbed them from the trees in the Catwalk Bay. Must be worth a closer look for the rarer two barred or parrot crossbill.
Other birds included 4+ Redpolls, 10 Siskin and Grey Wagtail.
Mid morning found me feeding the birds at Harrington Airfield. I only fed them yesterday but know that I have a couple of busy days ahead, so thought I'd better keep the birds topped up. When I arrived at the entrance there was not a single bird to be seen or heard , but when I checked the ground I could understand why ? as not a scrap of food left !!! It is a wonder any of the birds could fly after eating the amount I put out yesterday.
I fed them and did a short circuit round the airfield, which seemed quiet. When I returned to my car the track and nearby bushes were alive with birds, including 10+ Brambling, some of which are in stunning plumage.
We maintain a number of small feeding stations in nearby local woods and other locations and one of many jobs today was to go and top up all the feeders. So I took my handsome assistant and headed into the woods. Again plenty of birds around, with Nuthatches, Marsh Tits, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Siskins being very vocal. My assistant very kindly flushed out 3 or 4 Woodcock in Scotland Wood, as well as a lovely Roe Deer.
There were also 2 Raven and Red Kite in the area.
I checked the area where the Hume's Leaf Warbler was found and after a good 30 mins of searching it started to call and showed quite well for short periods at a time.
Neil has arranged access to this site for tomorrow. Please see previous blogs for details.
Regards Eleanor
Monday 9 December 2013
Blueberry Farm
Hello
Eleanor took a wander around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon, the site attracting 2 Ravens, 2 Red Kites, 1-2 Barn
Owl(s) and a pair of Stonechat...
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor took a wander around Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon, the site attracting 2 Ravens, 2 Red Kites, 1-2 Barn
Owl(s) and a pair of Stonechat...
Regards
Neil M
Hume's still present
Hello
This morning the Hume's Leaf Warbler was still present at the restricted access site, hopefully with a view to remaining until at least Wednesday when viewing arrangements are being put in place - please see previous blogs for details. However the bird showed poorly today and for much of the time could only be heard calling.
At Harrington Airfield this morning one of the Short-eared Owls was still in residence and a dozen or so Bramblings were mobile (with many of them on sown game cover behind the bunker alongside the concrete track). The Golden Plover flock was flighty and mostly distant.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
This morning the Hume's Leaf Warbler was still present at the restricted access site, hopefully with a view to remaining until at least Wednesday when viewing arrangements are being put in place - please see previous blogs for details. However the bird showed poorly today and for much of the time could only be heard calling.
At Harrington Airfield this morning one of the Short-eared Owls was still in residence and a dozen or so Bramblings were mobile (with many of them on sown game cover behind the bunker alongside the concrete track). The Golden Plover flock was flighty and mostly distant.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Sunday 8 December 2013
Glauc en-route to breakfast!
Hello
This morning a number of the Northants Ringing Group set up a ringing demonstration on the new Wildlife Trust reserve called Irthlingborough Lakes (part of the Ditchford GP complex). Over seventy birds were captured, none of which were particularly unusual but a good range of species provided an opportunity for people to see wild birds close-up which is always a privilege.
Whilst we were there a 1st year Glaucous Gull flew west over the pits at 10.10am, no doubt on its way to Sidegate Lane Landfill. A Grey Wagtail, a Kingfisher, a redpoll sp and a couple each of calling Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler were the only other birds out of the ordinary.
This afternoon the Hume's Leaf Warbler from the last few days was again showing on and off and calling well.
Regards
Neil M
This morning a number of the Northants Ringing Group set up a ringing demonstration on the new Wildlife Trust reserve called Irthlingborough Lakes (part of the Ditchford GP complex). Over seventy birds were captured, none of which were particularly unusual but a good range of species provided an opportunity for people to see wild birds close-up which is always a privilege.
Whilst we were there a 1st year Glaucous Gull flew west over the pits at 10.10am, no doubt on its way to Sidegate Lane Landfill. A Grey Wagtail, a Kingfisher, a redpoll sp and a couple each of calling Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler were the only other birds out of the ordinary.
This afternoon the Hume's Leaf Warbler from the last few days was again showing on and off and calling well.
Regards
Neil M
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