Birding has been somewhat limited today due to getting ready for the "invasion" of the family tomorrow !!!!
I took Bazra and we went off for a couple of hours around Blueberry. The fields were very water logged and the brook had flooded part of the valley below Hanging Houghton.
The usual birds put in an appearance. The pair of Stonechat remain in the southern most field of the Blueberry complex. A Barn Owl was sitting in the hedge enjoying the winter sunshine, whilst 2 Red Kites, 2 Ravens and numerous Common Buzzard were hanging in the wind and clearly having fun.
Neil popped into the feeding station at Pitsford and saw a Great White Egret and 3 Black Swans.
We would just like to wish everyone a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and lots of good birding in 2014.
Regards Eleanor and Neil
Tuesday 24 December 2013
Monday 23 December 2013
Batten down the hatches!
Hello
Strong winds and driving rain meant that today was always going to be a touch tricky for seeing wildlife!
Early this morning I put some effort in to watching the garden birds which was something of a novelty. We put the food out each morning before it is light but are never here to see what eats it! First I counted and perused the Jackdaw flock which included a striking individual which exhibited the features normally associated with Nordic Jackdaw. Plenty of Woodpigeons invaded the garden and it seemed to be a race between them and the Grey Squirrels to consume the sunflower hearts! The stars though were a little gaggle of Long-tailed Tits which all just about fitted on to the peanut feeder at the same time!
A drive up to Barnwell Country Park near Oundle was next as we made preparations for a Ringing Demonstration on-site on 19th January 2014 (full details will be advertised nearer the date). A flock of 35 or so Siskins wheeled about the alders in the increasingly strong gusts. Eleanor in the meantime took a rather wet walk at Harrington Airfield after feeding the birds by the main entrance. Half a dozen Bramblings came down on to the food amongst the more common fare, and a flock of about a hundred Golden Plovers careered around.
More feeding station maintenance this afternoon was a rather damp affair and with trees crashing around me I decided not to remain in the woods for too long! A Woodcock flushed at Scotland Wood was the only bird of note.
An attempt to watch the gull roost at Pitsford failed due to a very intrepid but talented wind-surfer keeping the birds at bay, and the gull hide almost being blown away (with me in it)!
Regards
Neil M
Strong winds and driving rain meant that today was always going to be a touch tricky for seeing wildlife!
Early this morning I put some effort in to watching the garden birds which was something of a novelty. We put the food out each morning before it is light but are never here to see what eats it! First I counted and perused the Jackdaw flock which included a striking individual which exhibited the features normally associated with Nordic Jackdaw. Plenty of Woodpigeons invaded the garden and it seemed to be a race between them and the Grey Squirrels to consume the sunflower hearts! The stars though were a little gaggle of Long-tailed Tits which all just about fitted on to the peanut feeder at the same time!
A drive up to Barnwell Country Park near Oundle was next as we made preparations for a Ringing Demonstration on-site on 19th January 2014 (full details will be advertised nearer the date). A flock of 35 or so Siskins wheeled about the alders in the increasingly strong gusts. Eleanor in the meantime took a rather wet walk at Harrington Airfield after feeding the birds by the main entrance. Half a dozen Bramblings came down on to the food amongst the more common fare, and a flock of about a hundred Golden Plovers careered around.
More feeding station maintenance this afternoon was a rather damp affair and with trees crashing around me I decided not to remain in the woods for too long! A Woodcock flushed at Scotland Wood was the only bird of note.
An attempt to watch the gull roost at Pitsford failed due to a very intrepid but talented wind-surfer keeping the birds at bay, and the gull hide almost being blown away (with me in it)!
Regards
Neil M
Sunday 22 December 2013
Pitsford WeBs Count
Hello
Most of today was taken up completing the Wetland Bird Survey at Pitsford Res, dodging a heavy shower and a hail storm! A Snow Bunting was flushed from the shoreline by The Holly Tree at 10.50am. The bird towered up and flew strongly south and wasn't seen again. Most of the other sightings were of birds that have been present for a little while and included the Great Northern Diver, 3 Great White Egrets (all north of the causeway), 9 Little Egrets and a female Peregrine. South of the causeway 13 Red-crested Pochard plus a drake Red-crested Pochard x Mallard hybrid were in the Walgrave Bay. One of the females was a leucistic bird and the female partnered with the hybrid lacked pale cheeks.
Other wildfowl included 6 Goosanders and 4 'redhead' Smew (Holcot Bay) and waders included a Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin, 3 Redshank and 50 Snipe. Passerines included 2 Grey Wagtails, 10 Lesser Redpolls, 6 Siskins and 2 Ravens. The gull roost provided good views of an adult Caspian Gull and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Away from Pitsford, the Hume's Leaf Warbler was still present at the private site this afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Most of today was taken up completing the Wetland Bird Survey at Pitsford Res, dodging a heavy shower and a hail storm! A Snow Bunting was flushed from the shoreline by The Holly Tree at 10.50am. The bird towered up and flew strongly south and wasn't seen again. Most of the other sightings were of birds that have been present for a little while and included the Great Northern Diver, 3 Great White Egrets (all north of the causeway), 9 Little Egrets and a female Peregrine. South of the causeway 13 Red-crested Pochard plus a drake Red-crested Pochard x Mallard hybrid were in the Walgrave Bay. One of the females was a leucistic bird and the female partnered with the hybrid lacked pale cheeks.
Other wildfowl included 6 Goosanders and 4 'redhead' Smew (Holcot Bay) and waders included a Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin, 3 Redshank and 50 Snipe. Passerines included 2 Grey Wagtails, 10 Lesser Redpolls, 6 Siskins and 2 Ravens. The gull roost provided good views of an adult Caspian Gull and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Away from Pitsford, the Hume's Leaf Warbler was still present at the private site this afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Great Northern Diver
Pitsford Res
Saturday 21 December 2013
Pure Velvet!
Hello
Having seen the superb images provided by professional photographers of the long-staying drake Velvet Scoter at Eyebrook Reservoir, we just knew we had to go and see it! Eyebrook is situated within Rutland just over the Northants border and we justified our trip with a visit beforehand to Eyebrook Wild Bird Food situated in the nearby village of Great Easton to collect plenty of bird food. It was here that we met Bess, a beautiful collie pup who enjoyed plenty of cuddles and Eleanor's pockets had to be searched as we left.......just in case, as it was certainly love at first sight!!
Anyway, back to birding. Wow, what a stunning bird. It's plumage glistened in the weak winter sunshine and it really looked like smooth rich velvet. I think everyone has been captivated by this bird's beauty. It is quite difficult to adequately describe the myriad of colours which blend together in this masterpiece. You really must go and visit yourself.
On our walk to the dam we had noticed a small bird feeding station, and because of our interest and activities with our own feeding stations we checked out their feeders etc. The feeders were attractive to numerous Tree Sparrows, which in turn proved attractive to a hunting male Merlin who whizzed through looking for his lunch !
On our return to our own county we visited Wakerley Great Wood hoping for rare crossbills, but sadly we were disappointed as this vast wood was eerily quiet. Birds of note were 50+ Siskins, several Marsh Tit and Nuthatches. The most birds were located on the adjacent old airfield complex where there were large numbers of winter thrushes.
Time for lunch at the nearby café at Top Lodge, Fineshade and as ever the home-made soup was delicious. We always sit outside whilst we eat as there are always Red Kites flying low overhead, and today there were a couple of very vocal individuals, but the light was poor for photographs.
We walked the short distance to the wildlife hide and had made ourselves comfortable to watch the numerous birds on the feeders, when suddenly, chaos ......a male Sparrowhawk appeared right in front of us and gave a dramatic twist and turn as he chased the birds. We are not sure whether he caught anything before he disappeared from view. However it was obvious from the absence of the tits etc that he was still nearby and suddenly he appeared and sat on the beam supporting the feeders. He was very close, but he realised that we were in the hide and flew off. Sadly no time for a photo which was a pity as he was another stunning boy, a lovely rich orange underside complimented by a blue-grey upperside.
We just had time to look at Blatherwycke Lake before the light faded. Here we saw a Water Rail, a Kingfisher and a Barnacle Goose. There were not as many birds present here as normal, possibly as a result of nearby pheasant shooting which had been ringing out for a while.
Our final bird of the day was an adult Peregrine sheltering from the rain on a building on the outskirts of Corby.
Regards
E & N
Having seen the superb images provided by professional photographers of the long-staying drake Velvet Scoter at Eyebrook Reservoir, we just knew we had to go and see it! Eyebrook is situated within Rutland just over the Northants border and we justified our trip with a visit beforehand to Eyebrook Wild Bird Food situated in the nearby village of Great Easton to collect plenty of bird food. It was here that we met Bess, a beautiful collie pup who enjoyed plenty of cuddles and Eleanor's pockets had to be searched as we left.......just in case, as it was certainly love at first sight!!
Anyway, back to birding. Wow, what a stunning bird. It's plumage glistened in the weak winter sunshine and it really looked like smooth rich velvet. I think everyone has been captivated by this bird's beauty. It is quite difficult to adequately describe the myriad of colours which blend together in this masterpiece. You really must go and visit yourself.
On our walk to the dam we had noticed a small bird feeding station, and because of our interest and activities with our own feeding stations we checked out their feeders etc. The feeders were attractive to numerous Tree Sparrows, which in turn proved attractive to a hunting male Merlin who whizzed through looking for his lunch !
On our return to our own county we visited Wakerley Great Wood hoping for rare crossbills, but sadly we were disappointed as this vast wood was eerily quiet. Birds of note were 50+ Siskins, several Marsh Tit and Nuthatches. The most birds were located on the adjacent old airfield complex where there were large numbers of winter thrushes.
Time for lunch at the nearby café at Top Lodge, Fineshade and as ever the home-made soup was delicious. We always sit outside whilst we eat as there are always Red Kites flying low overhead, and today there were a couple of very vocal individuals, but the light was poor for photographs.
We walked the short distance to the wildlife hide and had made ourselves comfortable to watch the numerous birds on the feeders, when suddenly, chaos ......a male Sparrowhawk appeared right in front of us and gave a dramatic twist and turn as he chased the birds. We are not sure whether he caught anything before he disappeared from view. However it was obvious from the absence of the tits etc that he was still nearby and suddenly he appeared and sat on the beam supporting the feeders. He was very close, but he realised that we were in the hide and flew off. Sadly no time for a photo which was a pity as he was another stunning boy, a lovely rich orange underside complimented by a blue-grey upperside.
We just had time to look at Blatherwycke Lake before the light faded. Here we saw a Water Rail, a Kingfisher and a Barnacle Goose. There were not as many birds present here as normal, possibly as a result of nearby pheasant shooting which had been ringing out for a while.
Our final bird of the day was an adult Peregrine sheltering from the rain on a building on the outskirts of Corby.
Regards
E & N
Friday 20 December 2013
"Not a partridge in a Pear Tree but a diver by the Holly Tree!"
This morning the Great Northern Diver was showing extremely well near the Holly Tree at Pitsford Reservoir and was literally only a few feet away........guess who hadn't brought the camera? The bird looked stunning yet strangely prehistoric with it's feathers looking like an armoured suit of scales and a piercing red eye.
I had parked in the Moulton Grange car park and on my walk back I bumped into 2 Crossbills, 12 Siskins, 2 Ravens and at least 3 Little Egret.
A quick visit to a few of the numerous feeding stations we are maintaining provided good views of common woodland birds, namely Nuthatches and assorted tits.
The Humes Leaf Warbler remains in situ.
A very muddy walk around Sywell Country Park produced very little, apart from 2+ Crossbills, 10 Siskins, 3 Jays and a Red Kite. I did notice that cars were being checked in the car park for a valid permit/paid ticket today and there would have been a couple of unhappy folk when they got back to their cars to find a parking notice served! Please be warned.
This afternoon back at Pitsford Res, there was a single Great White Egret, 3 Black Swans and a group of 6 Goosander all north of the causeway.
The week-end doesn't look too promising weather wise....but you never know ! Anyway we will be undertaking the WeBs count at Pitsford on Sunday come rain or shine (and probably both)!
Regards
Eleanor
I had parked in the Moulton Grange car park and on my walk back I bumped into 2 Crossbills, 12 Siskins, 2 Ravens and at least 3 Little Egret.
A quick visit to a few of the numerous feeding stations we are maintaining provided good views of common woodland birds, namely Nuthatches and assorted tits.
The Humes Leaf Warbler remains in situ.
A very muddy walk around Sywell Country Park produced very little, apart from 2+ Crossbills, 10 Siskins, 3 Jays and a Red Kite. I did notice that cars were being checked in the car park for a valid permit/paid ticket today and there would have been a couple of unhappy folk when they got back to their cars to find a parking notice served! Please be warned.
This afternoon back at Pitsford Res, there was a single Great White Egret, 3 Black Swans and a group of 6 Goosander all north of the causeway.
The week-end doesn't look too promising weather wise....but you never know ! Anyway we will be undertaking the WeBs count at Pitsford on Sunday come rain or shine (and probably both)!
Regards
Eleanor
Thursday 19 December 2013
Ditchford WeBs count
Hello
The Hume's Leaf Warbler was heard calling at the private site in the county this morning.
Several Bramblings were waiting for me in the bushes at Harrington Airfield and no doubt came down on to the seed after I left!
Today was the WeBs count at Ditchford GP and it was a bit of a slog in the heavy mud after last night's rain. Up to two thousand big gulls were circulating west of Ditchford Lane, some in fields and others bathing in the flooded gravel pits. There was a constant to and fro from nearby Sidegate Landfill and it was tempting to spend all day watching them continually moving around. However there was a count to be done and I had to tear myself away without finding a big white-winger!
The only birds of note seen included 2 Egyptian Geese, a drake Scaup, 2 'redhead' Smew, a drake Red-crested Pochard, a first year Caspian Gull, a Woodcock, a Green Sandpiper, 3 Kingfishers, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Water Pipit and 10 Siskins.
We just had time to nip down the road and locate the 3 Long-tailed Ducks on Mary's Lake at Earls Barton GP. They were showing well until at least 3.25pm.
Regards
Neil M
The Hume's Leaf Warbler was heard calling at the private site in the county this morning.
Several Bramblings were waiting for me in the bushes at Harrington Airfield and no doubt came down on to the seed after I left!
Today was the WeBs count at Ditchford GP and it was a bit of a slog in the heavy mud after last night's rain. Up to two thousand big gulls were circulating west of Ditchford Lane, some in fields and others bathing in the flooded gravel pits. There was a constant to and fro from nearby Sidegate Landfill and it was tempting to spend all day watching them continually moving around. However there was a count to be done and I had to tear myself away without finding a big white-winger!
The only birds of note seen included 2 Egyptian Geese, a drake Scaup, 2 'redhead' Smew, a drake Red-crested Pochard, a first year Caspian Gull, a Woodcock, a Green Sandpiper, 3 Kingfishers, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Water Pipit and 10 Siskins.
We just had time to nip down the road and locate the 3 Long-tailed Ducks on Mary's Lake at Earls Barton GP. They were showing well until at least 3.25pm.
Regards
Neil M
Wednesday 18 December 2013
Some local images...
Hello
Just a couple of images (below) taken locally during the last week (including of course a festive Robin)...
Merry Christmas!
E & N
Just a couple of images (below) taken locally during the last week (including of course a festive Robin)...
Merry Christmas!
E & N
Robin
Scotland Wood
Drake Wigeon
Pitsford Res
Ugly ducklings?
First year
Mute Swans
Pitsford Res
Adult Common Gull
Pitsford Res
Laying in wait
and hiding at the
same time!
First year
Black-headed Gull
Pitsford Res
It's windy out there!
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
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
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
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