Hello
This morning local naturalist Diane Freeman enjoyed excellent views of two Otters on the River Welland at Market Harborough which is just over the county boundary in Leicestershire. Last winter there were regular sightings of Otters utilising the river here and it seems that there have been regular reports this winter too (as reported recently in the Harborough Mail).
Today two animals spent about an hour in the area under and around the bridge that carries the Northampton Road (A508) over the river, and one caught and ate a fish in full view of observers. Both animals then swam along the river and headed off towards the back of Sainsburys. At least one Kingfisher was fishing the river too.
Although Otters are believed to be relatively widespread these days, locally they are still very difficult to see and appreciate. I know that Diane was delighted with her observations today and this location appears to represent the best opportunity locally to see these normally shy and retiring creatures.
Regards
N & E
Tuesday 14 January 2014
Monday 13 January 2014
Welland Valley and back
Hello
We meandered towards the north of the county today, taking advantage of more winter sunshine before the next wet front. Despite our efforts it was a quiet day with little out of the ordinary.
The first birding session was around East Carlton at the south end of the Welland Valley and we strolled around the rough area off Wire Lane and also the country park. Good numbers of common birds were present in this area, particularly thrushes and woodland birds. A dozen Siskins fed in the alders with half a dozen Lesser Redpolls by the ponds in the country park.
It seems that much of the flooding in the Welland Valley had subsided but there were good numbers of Lapwings and Common Gulls and Fieldfares on the wet fields. Near to Gretton they were joined by about five hundred Golden Plover. A little further north near Harringworth, a pair of Shelduck added to the mix.
Wakerley Wood and adjacent areas remained stubbornly quiet for birds, the best being a pair of Raven and two Woodcock and half a dozen Siskins.
Next was Blatherwycke Lake where a first for me was watching a Hare swim the width of the lake, and fast too! Birds of interest included a 'redhead' Goosander, a Barnacle Goose, eleven Mandarin Ducks and singles of Siskin and Brambling.
Fermyn Wood Country Park was our last venue but despite plenty of scanning and walking around the site, we couldn't find anything of note.
Regards
Neil M
We meandered towards the north of the county today, taking advantage of more winter sunshine before the next wet front. Despite our efforts it was a quiet day with little out of the ordinary.
The first birding session was around East Carlton at the south end of the Welland Valley and we strolled around the rough area off Wire Lane and also the country park. Good numbers of common birds were present in this area, particularly thrushes and woodland birds. A dozen Siskins fed in the alders with half a dozen Lesser Redpolls by the ponds in the country park.
It seems that much of the flooding in the Welland Valley had subsided but there were good numbers of Lapwings and Common Gulls and Fieldfares on the wet fields. Near to Gretton they were joined by about five hundred Golden Plover. A little further north near Harringworth, a pair of Shelduck added to the mix.
Wakerley Wood and adjacent areas remained stubbornly quiet for birds, the best being a pair of Raven and two Woodcock and half a dozen Siskins.
Next was Blatherwycke Lake where a first for me was watching a Hare swim the width of the lake, and fast too! Birds of interest included a 'redhead' Goosander, a Barnacle Goose, eleven Mandarin Ducks and singles of Siskin and Brambling.
Fermyn Wood Country Park was our last venue but despite plenty of scanning and walking around the site, we couldn't find anything of note.
Regards
Neil M
Welland Valley
from Cottingham Hill
Goldcrest - which had
just consumed a long-legged
insect!
Sunday 12 January 2014
Winter delights
Hello
This morning a guided walk at The Wildlife Trust's new Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows reserve coincided with some pleasant winter sunshine. The water levels remain high on-site and the flooding attracted geese and gulls. A vocal Chiffchaff was probably the scarcest bird seen and a couple of calling Cetti's Warblers remained hidden. A Treecreeper delighted the group as it crept around hedgerow hawthorn and ash and a calling Water Rail preferred the cover of some reeds rather than showing itself!
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this afternoon attracted a stunning adult hybrid gull which appeared to be a Yellow-legged x Lesser Black-backed, and also a near-adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Local birder Martin Dove found a dead Coal Tit at Pitsford Res yesterday bearing a ring. Records indicate that this bird was first ringed at Pitsford on 21st June 2009 when it was aged as a juvenile (hatched that year). It was re-trapped again at Pitsford on 5th October 2009, 7th October 2012 and finally on 26th May 2013. Four and a half years is long-lived for a Coal Tit and it would be easy to speculate that this bird lived its whole life associated with habitat around the reservoir.
John Woollett and his company of ringers at Stortons Gravel Pits this morning caught some eighty birds which included a re-trap Water Rail and a male Bearded Tit first ringed at Stortons late last year, suggesting that the pair have been present throughout.
Regards
N & E
This morning a guided walk at The Wildlife Trust's new Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows reserve coincided with some pleasant winter sunshine. The water levels remain high on-site and the flooding attracted geese and gulls. A vocal Chiffchaff was probably the scarcest bird seen and a couple of calling Cetti's Warblers remained hidden. A Treecreeper delighted the group as it crept around hedgerow hawthorn and ash and a calling Water Rail preferred the cover of some reeds rather than showing itself!
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this afternoon attracted a stunning adult hybrid gull which appeared to be a Yellow-legged x Lesser Black-backed, and also a near-adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Local birder Martin Dove found a dead Coal Tit at Pitsford Res yesterday bearing a ring. Records indicate that this bird was first ringed at Pitsford on 21st June 2009 when it was aged as a juvenile (hatched that year). It was re-trapped again at Pitsford on 5th October 2009, 7th October 2012 and finally on 26th May 2013. Four and a half years is long-lived for a Coal Tit and it would be easy to speculate that this bird lived its whole life associated with habitat around the reservoir.
John Woollett and his company of ringers at Stortons Gravel Pits this morning caught some eighty birds which included a re-trap Water Rail and a male Bearded Tit first ringed at Stortons late last year, suggesting that the pair have been present throughout.
Regards
N & E
Water Rail
Bearded Tit. Images
courtesy of Chris Payne
Saturday 11 January 2014
Waterlogged!
Hello
Some feed station maintenance was required today on the Kelmarsh Estate and in very boggy conditions we took the opportunity to wander the woodlands at Kelmarsh Hall, Sunderland Wood and Scotland Wood. Despite the mild conditions the birds are conditioned to consume the food stuffs within three or four days! Despite the wet conditions today's winter sunshine infiltrated the woodlands and the cool and fesh air meant it was a pleasure to be out and about.
Nothing out of the ordinary was seen in Sunderland Wood, Kelmarsh Hall sported a couple of Siskins and Scotland Wood hosted 4 Woodcock and half a dozen Siskins.
Eleven Bramblings were watched feeding with Yellowhammers and others on the concrete track entrance at Harrington Airfield this morning.
This afternoon we wandered around a squelchy Blueberry Farm which provided views of 1-2 Barn Owl(s) and a couple of Ravens.
Regards
N & E
Some feed station maintenance was required today on the Kelmarsh Estate and in very boggy conditions we took the opportunity to wander the woodlands at Kelmarsh Hall, Sunderland Wood and Scotland Wood. Despite the mild conditions the birds are conditioned to consume the food stuffs within three or four days! Despite the wet conditions today's winter sunshine infiltrated the woodlands and the cool and fesh air meant it was a pleasure to be out and about.
Nothing out of the ordinary was seen in Sunderland Wood, Kelmarsh Hall sported a couple of Siskins and Scotland Wood hosted 4 Woodcock and half a dozen Siskins.
Eleven Bramblings were watched feeding with Yellowhammers and others on the concrete track entrance at Harrington Airfield this morning.
This afternoon we wandered around a squelchy Blueberry Farm which provided views of 1-2 Barn Owl(s) and a couple of Ravens.
Regards
N & E
Ringing Demonstration
On Sunday 19th January 2014 an event at Barnwell Country Park near Oundle is planned to prepare for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Part of the event will include a bird ringing demonstration which will provide an opportunity to see common birds close-up. Members of the Northants Ringing Group will be on hand to catch and ring wild birds (weather permitting). Please come along if you would like an opportunity of learning more about birds and seeing the plumage and identification features at close range.
Friday 10 January 2014
Pitsford ringing
Hello
Pitsford Reservoir was the venue for some ringing at two different locations on the reserve today. Some 148 birds were caught and processed with perhaps the most interesting species being a Willow Tit, 4 Coal Tits, a Goldcrest, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Yellowhammers, 4 Tree Sparrows, 4 Reed Buntings, 4 Goldfinches and 2 Moorhens. Other birds noted on-site included a pair of Red-crested Pochard in flight, a Chiffchaff, 3-4 Woodcock and a couple of Lesser Redpolls.
Nearby at Sywell CP there was a Water Rail and several Siskins.
Regards
Neil M
Pitsford Reservoir was the venue for some ringing at two different locations on the reserve today. Some 148 birds were caught and processed with perhaps the most interesting species being a Willow Tit, 4 Coal Tits, a Goldcrest, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Yellowhammers, 4 Tree Sparrows, 4 Reed Buntings, 4 Goldfinches and 2 Moorhens. Other birds noted on-site included a pair of Red-crested Pochard in flight, a Chiffchaff, 3-4 Woodcock and a couple of Lesser Redpolls.
Nearby at Sywell CP there was a Water Rail and several Siskins.
Regards
Neil M
Thursday 9 January 2014
Bits and Bobs
Today has found me snatching a bit of birding here and there. Firstly a gentle walk through the village with my two limping collies produced 2+ Bramblings and several Siskins. Next it was time for a run, where 2 vocal Ravens and a Red Kite near Cottesbrooke were the only birds of note.
At lunchtime a short walk at Brixworth Country Park produced 2 Bramblings and I heard a Kingfisher calling from the sailing club.
Mid afternoon found me "sales shopping" in Northampton and I took the opportunity of popping in to the Nene Barrage, an area that I don't visit very often. I parked in a small carpark on the Bedford Rd, close to the large roundabout. Obviously with all the rainfall the barrage is pretty full of water and there seemed to be plenty of birds present. I didn't really do this place justice as I did not take my scope and didn't have time to walk far. Nevertheless I saw at least 6 Goosander, a pair of Smew and a male Peregrine causing chaos with approx 200 Golen Plovers.
On arriving back at Hanging Houghton there were 2 Red Kites .
Regards Eleanor
At lunchtime a short walk at Brixworth Country Park produced 2 Bramblings and I heard a Kingfisher calling from the sailing club.
Mid afternoon found me "sales shopping" in Northampton and I took the opportunity of popping in to the Nene Barrage, an area that I don't visit very often. I parked in a small carpark on the Bedford Rd, close to the large roundabout. Obviously with all the rainfall the barrage is pretty full of water and there seemed to be plenty of birds present. I didn't really do this place justice as I did not take my scope and didn't have time to walk far. Nevertheless I saw at least 6 Goosander, a pair of Smew and a male Peregrine causing chaos with approx 200 Golen Plovers.
On arriving back at Hanging Houghton there were 2 Red Kites .
Regards Eleanor
Wednesday 8 January 2014
Siskin influx
Hello
I took a drive over to Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows (part of the Ditchford GP complex) this morning as part of preparation for a guided walk there this coming Sunday. It perhaps goes without saying that the Nene Valley is flooded and access is problematic at some points. Standard birds here included a Little Egret, half a dozen Cetti's Warblers and a Water Rail. Both a male and female Sparrowhawk were endeavouring to flush out passerines from flooded bushes and the male soon caught an unfortunate individual.
I then went on to Ditchford Lane and tried to walk westwards but the usual paths were flooded. Many of the waterbirds appeared to have been dispersed due to the excessive brown water. An adult Mediterranean Gull was on the Watersport Pit and still present to at least 1pm.
Closer to home, Pitsford Res yielded a Great White Egret this afternoon by The Holly Tree north of the dam and two Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay.
Eleanor visited the Kelmarsh Estate feeding stations where she noticed there was an influx of Siskins in all three woods. Scotland Wood attracted 15 Siskins, a couple of Red Kites and the usual Nuthatches, Marsh Tits etc. A monster tit flock at Kelmarsh Hall included 30 Long-tailed Tits and there were at least 8 Siskins present too. An unidentified raptor moved over Sunderland Wood (the view was obscured but it appeared to be a Hen Harrier) and birds in the wood included Marsh Tits, Nuthatches and 10 Siskins.
Harrington Airfield provided views of a female Peregrine, c100 Golden Plovers, a Woodcock and 10+ Bramblings.
Provisional bird ringing totals for Pitsford Res for the year 2013 came to 2411 ringed individuals. Singles of Common Buzzard and Grey Heron were new species ringed on-site. Flagship birds such as Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammer totalled 172 and 158 respectively. A great deal of effort is made on the reserve to try and support these nationally declining species with food provided all year round and managing suitable breeding areas during the summer. An on-going Constant Effort (Ringing) Site endeavours to accurately assess breeding success and survival rates of passerines using the Scaldwell Bay in the summer, and as one of the largest schemes in the UK contributes to the national assessment.
Regards
Neil M
I took a drive over to Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows (part of the Ditchford GP complex) this morning as part of preparation for a guided walk there this coming Sunday. It perhaps goes without saying that the Nene Valley is flooded and access is problematic at some points. Standard birds here included a Little Egret, half a dozen Cetti's Warblers and a Water Rail. Both a male and female Sparrowhawk were endeavouring to flush out passerines from flooded bushes and the male soon caught an unfortunate individual.
I then went on to Ditchford Lane and tried to walk westwards but the usual paths were flooded. Many of the waterbirds appeared to have been dispersed due to the excessive brown water. An adult Mediterranean Gull was on the Watersport Pit and still present to at least 1pm.
Closer to home, Pitsford Res yielded a Great White Egret this afternoon by The Holly Tree north of the dam and two Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay.
Eleanor visited the Kelmarsh Estate feeding stations where she noticed there was an influx of Siskins in all three woods. Scotland Wood attracted 15 Siskins, a couple of Red Kites and the usual Nuthatches, Marsh Tits etc. A monster tit flock at Kelmarsh Hall included 30 Long-tailed Tits and there were at least 8 Siskins present too. An unidentified raptor moved over Sunderland Wood (the view was obscured but it appeared to be a Hen Harrier) and birds in the wood included Marsh Tits, Nuthatches and 10 Siskins.
Harrington Airfield provided views of a female Peregrine, c100 Golden Plovers, a Woodcock and 10+ Bramblings.
Provisional bird ringing totals for Pitsford Res for the year 2013 came to 2411 ringed individuals. Singles of Common Buzzard and Grey Heron were new species ringed on-site. Flagship birds such as Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammer totalled 172 and 158 respectively. A great deal of effort is made on the reserve to try and support these nationally declining species with food provided all year round and managing suitable breeding areas during the summer. An on-going Constant Effort (Ringing) Site endeavours to accurately assess breeding success and survival rates of passerines using the Scaldwell Bay in the summer, and as one of the largest schemes in the UK contributes to the national assessment.
Regards
Neil M
Tuesday 7 January 2014
Brief Birding Exploits
Another one of those days where birding was restricted. A very blustery walk at Harrington produced a female Peregrine, 2 Red Kites and numerous Common Buzzard enjoying the wind and sunshine. After putting the food down it wasn't long before at least 10 Bramblings, many looking stunning in the winter sunshine.
Whilst eating my sandwich and watching the birds in our garden a male Sparrowhawk paid a visit and took a Goldfinch for his lunch!
This afternoon, the Great Northern Diver was half way down the big side of Pitsford , whilst 5 Smew were sheltering against the causeway.
The water level is extremely high and the three distinct bays on the small side are rapidly becoming one huge bay.!!! There were 4 Goosander and 2 further Smew in the Holcot arm, 4 Red-crested Pochard in the Walgrave arm and a further 2 in the Scaldwell arm.
I couldn't see any sign of the Great White Egret's today, but I did notice a couple of Cormorants building a nest !!
A reminder of the Northamptonshire Bird Club Meeting tomorrow evening. It is the Annual Photographic Competition, and this is always a lively meeting as we disagree with the judge's choice !! But it is always a good meeting to start the year, so come along, sit back, relax and feast your eyes on images of birds and other wildlife.
Regards Eleanor
Whilst eating my sandwich and watching the birds in our garden a male Sparrowhawk paid a visit and took a Goldfinch for his lunch!
This afternoon, the Great Northern Diver was half way down the big side of Pitsford , whilst 5 Smew were sheltering against the causeway.
The water level is extremely high and the three distinct bays on the small side are rapidly becoming one huge bay.!!! There were 4 Goosander and 2 further Smew in the Holcot arm, 4 Red-crested Pochard in the Walgrave arm and a further 2 in the Scaldwell arm.
I couldn't see any sign of the Great White Egret's today, but I did notice a couple of Cormorants building a nest !!
A reminder of the Northamptonshire Bird Club Meeting tomorrow evening. It is the Annual Photographic Competition, and this is always a lively meeting as we disagree with the judge's choice !! But it is always a good meeting to start the year, so come along, sit back, relax and feast your eyes on images of birds and other wildlife.
Regards Eleanor
Monday 6 January 2014
A wet and blustery Pitsford!
Hello
A concerted effort was made this morning to try and locate the Hume's Leaf Warbler from last month. There was a decent slot of weather this morning but sadly there was no sign or sound of our quarry. It is possible the bird is still present but is now presumed gone. There will be regular visits to the venue during the winter and if the bird is located viewing opportunities will be organised.
It was hard work birding at Pitsford Res today with regular heavy showers and a blustery strong wind. Birds located as a result of a co-operative effort between Andrew Tyrrell, Eleanor and myself amounted to the Great Northern Diver still, eight Smew (three drakes) between the causeway and the Catwalk Bay, 4 Goosanders, three Red-crested Pochard in the Walgrave Bay, a drake Pintail, 2-3 Kingfishers, 2-3 Grey Wagtails and 6 Lesser Redpolls.
Regards
Neil M
A concerted effort was made this morning to try and locate the Hume's Leaf Warbler from last month. There was a decent slot of weather this morning but sadly there was no sign or sound of our quarry. It is possible the bird is still present but is now presumed gone. There will be regular visits to the venue during the winter and if the bird is located viewing opportunities will be organised.
It was hard work birding at Pitsford Res today with regular heavy showers and a blustery strong wind. Birds located as a result of a co-operative effort between Andrew Tyrrell, Eleanor and myself amounted to the Great Northern Diver still, eight Smew (three drakes) between the causeway and the Catwalk Bay, 4 Goosanders, three Red-crested Pochard in the Walgrave Bay, a drake Pintail, 2-3 Kingfishers, 2-3 Grey Wagtails and 6 Lesser Redpolls.
Regards
Neil M
Sunday 5 January 2014
Short Day Count SP55
Hello
Eleanor kindly visited some of the feed stations locally whilst I was committed to the west of the county. Broadcast seed at Harrington Airfield was sufficient to attract at least six Bramblings.
A visit to Blueberry Farm at Maidwell produced sightings of a Barn Owl, four Red Kites and the pair of Stonechat.
In the meantime I completed a BOS Short Day Count in SP55 to the south and west of Daventry. Nearly half of the day was spent at Fawsley Park and Badby Wood. This area is particularly good for a variety of species due to the variety of habitat - lakes, streams, reed-beds, woodland and parkland.
The cold frosty morning helped produce a stunning red sun-rise, all the more dramatic when back-lighting the stark fingers of winter trees.
The birds were vocal, perhaps anxious to shake off the dreary wet weather from the day before and I quickly seized upon the calls of Water Rail, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail - all species difficult to record elsewhere in the tetrad. About a dozen Siskins inhabited the alders and Nuthatch and Treecreeper were both active and vocal first thing. Waterfowl were present in small numbers but 17 Pochard was a good total for the site.
Gulls quickly arrived from the north-west and included the standard five species in some numbers. A male Lesser Redpoll was feeding on flooded Rosebay Willow-Herb.
I then took the Knightley Way up to Badby Wood. A nice surprise was a flock of 20 - 25 Bramblings in the beeches en-route. A circular and muddy wander in Badby Woods added Marsh Tit, Raven and a few more common species.
After brunch back at Fawsley Park, I then drove slowly via Badby village to Lower Catesby, one of my favourite sites. An interesting falcon disappeared behind some woodland (why do they never appear the other side?) and other birds of interest included Raven, a monster flock of Redwings and a single Brambling contained within a Chaffinch flock. A Greylag was a bonus bird and Grey Heron is locally very scarce in this square so a fly-over individual was very welcome. A couple more Ravens were located near Hellidon and a walk around Byfield Pool added the third Kingfisher of the day.
An afternoon cup of tea at local birder Ian Dobson's house was appropriate as his feeding exploits provided me with my only Tree Sparrow of the day and at least four Lesser Redpolls on suspended feeders (a possible Meally Redpoll didn't show itself while I was there). My final birding of the day was on open ground near Cannons Ashby where I failed to locate the anticipated Skylark but was happy with a flock of about 70 Golden Plovers, several Common Buzzards and a couple more Ravens.
During the lull in the wet and windy weather this morning, local ringer Chris Payne spent a short time ringing in his garden at Greens Norton where he captured several Reed Buntings coming regularly to food. An image of one of these stunning little birds is below...
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor kindly visited some of the feed stations locally whilst I was committed to the west of the county. Broadcast seed at Harrington Airfield was sufficient to attract at least six Bramblings.
A visit to Blueberry Farm at Maidwell produced sightings of a Barn Owl, four Red Kites and the pair of Stonechat.
In the meantime I completed a BOS Short Day Count in SP55 to the south and west of Daventry. Nearly half of the day was spent at Fawsley Park and Badby Wood. This area is particularly good for a variety of species due to the variety of habitat - lakes, streams, reed-beds, woodland and parkland.
The cold frosty morning helped produce a stunning red sun-rise, all the more dramatic when back-lighting the stark fingers of winter trees.
The birds were vocal, perhaps anxious to shake off the dreary wet weather from the day before and I quickly seized upon the calls of Water Rail, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail - all species difficult to record elsewhere in the tetrad. About a dozen Siskins inhabited the alders and Nuthatch and Treecreeper were both active and vocal first thing. Waterfowl were present in small numbers but 17 Pochard was a good total for the site.
Gulls quickly arrived from the north-west and included the standard five species in some numbers. A male Lesser Redpoll was feeding on flooded Rosebay Willow-Herb.
I then took the Knightley Way up to Badby Wood. A nice surprise was a flock of 20 - 25 Bramblings in the beeches en-route. A circular and muddy wander in Badby Woods added Marsh Tit, Raven and a few more common species.
After brunch back at Fawsley Park, I then drove slowly via Badby village to Lower Catesby, one of my favourite sites. An interesting falcon disappeared behind some woodland (why do they never appear the other side?) and other birds of interest included Raven, a monster flock of Redwings and a single Brambling contained within a Chaffinch flock. A Greylag was a bonus bird and Grey Heron is locally very scarce in this square so a fly-over individual was very welcome. A couple more Ravens were located near Hellidon and a walk around Byfield Pool added the third Kingfisher of the day.
An afternoon cup of tea at local birder Ian Dobson's house was appropriate as his feeding exploits provided me with my only Tree Sparrow of the day and at least four Lesser Redpolls on suspended feeders (a possible Meally Redpoll didn't show itself while I was there). My final birding of the day was on open ground near Cannons Ashby where I failed to locate the anticipated Skylark but was happy with a flock of about 70 Golden Plovers, several Common Buzzards and a couple more Ravens.
During the lull in the wet and windy weather this morning, local ringer Chris Payne spent a short time ringing in his garden at Greens Norton where he captured several Reed Buntings coming regularly to food. An image of one of these stunning little birds is below...
Regards
Neil M
Sunrise at Fawsley
Reed Bunting
Courtesy of Chris Payne
Saturday 4 January 2014
NBC Photographic Competition.
Hello
This is a reminder to members of the Northants Bird Club and an invitation to non-members that this coming Wednesday evening (8th January 2014) the club will be holding it's monthly meeting which on this occasion is the annual photographic competition. This will be held at our usual venue of Moulton Village Hall, Pound Lane, Moulton commencing at about 8pm. Members will have submitted digital images from wildlife experiences during the previous twelve months in a variety of categories. These images have been assessed and will be shown during the evening for all to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Eleanor and Neil
This is a reminder to members of the Northants Bird Club and an invitation to non-members that this coming Wednesday evening (8th January 2014) the club will be holding it's monthly meeting which on this occasion is the annual photographic competition. This will be held at our usual venue of Moulton Village Hall, Pound Lane, Moulton commencing at about 8pm. Members will have submitted digital images from wildlife experiences during the previous twelve months in a variety of categories. These images have been assessed and will be shown during the evening for all to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Eleanor and Neil
A soggy Short Day Count!
Hello
On a very wet day, Eleanor popped out to Pitsford Res this afternoon and spent some time birding in the Scaldwell Bay. Birds noted included two Great White Egrets, two Egyptian Geese, four Goosanders, two drake Smew and a pair of Red-crested Pochard.
I spent the day out in the rain completing a Banbury Ornithological Society Short Day Count. This is an annual event whereby efforts are made to search a tetrad and record as many wild bird species within the square as possible. SP54 which encompasses villages and countryside in the south west of Northamptonshire is a regular tetrad which I cover. I started within the parishes of Thenford and Middleton Cheney at 8am and then moved in to countryside in and around Thorpe Mandeville, Culworth and Edgcote before concluding with some scanning over fields near Sulgrave and Weston.
It's not often that I spend all day in the rain and despite good clothing by the end it was beginning to soak in! I managed to locate 62 species, perhaps the most common 'misses' included Red-legged Partridge and Meadow Pipit! Mind you I could only find one Pied Wagtail and had to wait until 2.37pm to find it! In addition I only saw one Linnet and found only one flock of Tree Sparrows which continues a worrying trend.
In contrast there were Redwings and Fieldfares everywhere, all taking advantage of the waterlogged fields and mild temperatures to hunt for worms. By the afternoon many of them were singing from hedgerow trees and bushes, obviously content with their lot and in stark contrast to the previous two winters.
There was some serious flooding around the Trafford Bridge and the River Cherwell valley areas, some roads not being drive-able unless you were in a four wheel drive or similar.
Scarce birds included a Raven between Thenford and Middleton Cheney, two Lesser Redpolls at Edgcote and a Siskin at Trafford Marsh. Kingfishers were located at Thenford and Trafford Marsh (two birds), these birds no doubt desperate to locate clear, unsullied water in order to fish successfully (rather difficult at the moment I would think). Calling Tawny Owls were noted at two sites, and a single Snipe and a Grey Wagtail were near Thorpe Mandeville.
Another count in a different tetrad tomorrow - I hope my clothes have dried out in time for the next deluge!
Regards
Neil M
On a very wet day, Eleanor popped out to Pitsford Res this afternoon and spent some time birding in the Scaldwell Bay. Birds noted included two Great White Egrets, two Egyptian Geese, four Goosanders, two drake Smew and a pair of Red-crested Pochard.
I spent the day out in the rain completing a Banbury Ornithological Society Short Day Count. This is an annual event whereby efforts are made to search a tetrad and record as many wild bird species within the square as possible. SP54 which encompasses villages and countryside in the south west of Northamptonshire is a regular tetrad which I cover. I started within the parishes of Thenford and Middleton Cheney at 8am and then moved in to countryside in and around Thorpe Mandeville, Culworth and Edgcote before concluding with some scanning over fields near Sulgrave and Weston.
It's not often that I spend all day in the rain and despite good clothing by the end it was beginning to soak in! I managed to locate 62 species, perhaps the most common 'misses' included Red-legged Partridge and Meadow Pipit! Mind you I could only find one Pied Wagtail and had to wait until 2.37pm to find it! In addition I only saw one Linnet and found only one flock of Tree Sparrows which continues a worrying trend.
In contrast there were Redwings and Fieldfares everywhere, all taking advantage of the waterlogged fields and mild temperatures to hunt for worms. By the afternoon many of them were singing from hedgerow trees and bushes, obviously content with their lot and in stark contrast to the previous two winters.
There was some serious flooding around the Trafford Bridge and the River Cherwell valley areas, some roads not being drive-able unless you were in a four wheel drive or similar.
Scarce birds included a Raven between Thenford and Middleton Cheney, two Lesser Redpolls at Edgcote and a Siskin at Trafford Marsh. Kingfishers were located at Thenford and Trafford Marsh (two birds), these birds no doubt desperate to locate clear, unsullied water in order to fish successfully (rather difficult at the moment I would think). Calling Tawny Owls were noted at two sites, and a single Snipe and a Grey Wagtail were near Thorpe Mandeville.
Another count in a different tetrad tomorrow - I hope my clothes have dried out in time for the next deluge!
Regards
Neil M
Friday 3 January 2014
Parakeets at Pitsford
Due to both dogs unable to walk any distance, mundane errands and a trip to the vet, my birding was somewhat limited.
At Pitsford Reservoir where I had to wrestle with my scope to keep it steady the Great Northern Diver was viewed distantly from the dam and a Green Sandpiper remains on the flooded field below the dam.
A somewhat blustery walk across the causeway produced a pair of Smew sheltering against the bank.
From the feeding station 2 Great White Egret, 6 Red Crested Pochard, 2 Goosander and a further 2 Smew were noted.
As I stood looking around I could hear the next birds long before I could see them........2 noisy Ring Necked Parakeets going over with the strong wind helping them along !!
The Hume's Leaf Warbler was looked for today but not seen or heard, but the Long Tailed Tit's who have been absent were back on site, so we haven't given up and will continue to regularly monitor this site.
Regards Eleanor
At Pitsford Reservoir where I had to wrestle with my scope to keep it steady the Great Northern Diver was viewed distantly from the dam and a Green Sandpiper remains on the flooded field below the dam.
A somewhat blustery walk across the causeway produced a pair of Smew sheltering against the bank.
From the feeding station 2 Great White Egret, 6 Red Crested Pochard, 2 Goosander and a further 2 Smew were noted.
As I stood looking around I could hear the next birds long before I could see them........2 noisy Ring Necked Parakeets going over with the strong wind helping them along !!
The Hume's Leaf Warbler was looked for today but not seen or heard, but the Long Tailed Tit's who have been absent were back on site, so we haven't given up and will continue to regularly monitor this site.
Regards Eleanor
Thursday 2 January 2014
A day to be out and about!
Hello
Today a ringing session took place at Scotland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate which resulted in 110 birds being examined and released. Over sixty of these birds were birds not caught and ringed before, but it was also gratifying to catch and identify birds from previous years including several birds at least three years old. One Blue Tit was originally ringed elsewhere and will count as a 'control', albeit preliminary research suggests it was ringed within the county.
The highlights for the three ringers today included 3 Marsh Tits, 5 Coal Tits, 2 Goldcrests, 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a Jay. Other birds noted in the wood included 3-4 Siskins, a Willow Tit and a couple of Woodcock. On departing, a male Peregrine flew over the A508 just north of Maidwell.
My thanks to Chris Payne and Jacob Spinks for giving up their time to assist with this on-going project on the estate which seeks to assess woodland site fidelity.
Eleanor in the meantime visited Harrington Airfield this morning and enjoyed a good walk around the site. Birds of note included an adult female Peregrine, 2 Red Kites, about a hundred Golden Plovers, hundreds of Fieldfares and Redwings worming on the sodden fields, 10+ Bramblings and a pair of Grey Partridge.
At Blueberry Farm this afternoon Eleanor enjoyed views of a female Merlin, 6 Red Kites, lots of Common Buzzards, a Barn Owl, the pair of Stonechat still and 4+ redpoll sp over.
Regards
Neil M
Today a ringing session took place at Scotland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate which resulted in 110 birds being examined and released. Over sixty of these birds were birds not caught and ringed before, but it was also gratifying to catch and identify birds from previous years including several birds at least three years old. One Blue Tit was originally ringed elsewhere and will count as a 'control', albeit preliminary research suggests it was ringed within the county.
The highlights for the three ringers today included 3 Marsh Tits, 5 Coal Tits, 2 Goldcrests, 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a Jay. Other birds noted in the wood included 3-4 Siskins, a Willow Tit and a couple of Woodcock. On departing, a male Peregrine flew over the A508 just north of Maidwell.
My thanks to Chris Payne and Jacob Spinks for giving up their time to assist with this on-going project on the estate which seeks to assess woodland site fidelity.
Eleanor in the meantime visited Harrington Airfield this morning and enjoyed a good walk around the site. Birds of note included an adult female Peregrine, 2 Red Kites, about a hundred Golden Plovers, hundreds of Fieldfares and Redwings worming on the sodden fields, 10+ Bramblings and a pair of Grey Partridge.
At Blueberry Farm this afternoon Eleanor enjoyed views of a female Merlin, 6 Red Kites, lots of Common Buzzards, a Barn Owl, the pair of Stonechat still and 4+ redpoll sp over.
Regards
Neil M
 |
| Jay Scotland Wood Courtesy of Chris Payne |
Wednesday 1 January 2014
New Years Day
Hello
An excursion to Pitsford Reservoir this morning confirmed the continuing presence of the Great Northern Diver still near the Holly Tree plus also a drake Smew south of the causeway.
Two Woodcock were again flushed at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) this morning.
Regards
E & N
An excursion to Pitsford Reservoir this morning confirmed the continuing presence of the Great Northern Diver still near the Holly Tree plus also a drake Smew south of the causeway.
Two Woodcock were again flushed at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) this morning.
Regards
E & N
Tuesday 31 December 2013
New Years Eve pm
Hello
This afternoon's weather surprisingly took a turn for the better but little in the way of new birds were located. Eleanor came across a hunting Barn Owl between Hanging Houghton and Scaldwell villages and I notched up two Woodcock and four Siskins at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate).
Here is hoping for a wildlife-filled 2014!
Neil M
This afternoon's weather surprisingly took a turn for the better but little in the way of new birds were located. Eleanor came across a hunting Barn Owl between Hanging Houghton and Scaldwell villages and I notched up two Woodcock and four Siskins at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate).
Here is hoping for a wildlife-filled 2014!
Neil M
First Year Shag
Portland Harbour
by Jacob Spinks
Portrait of a drake Goosander
Abington Park Lake
by Robin Gossage
New Years Eve (wet) Birding!
Hello
Well the wind and the rain continues but at last it is mild! Some feed station maintenance was required this morning and whilst we were out we notched up a few birds. Harrington Airfield still attracted a few Bramblings by the concrete track entrance and several Golden Plovers on the top fields secured the attention of a large female Peregrine.
Brixworth Sewage Works continues to attract a couple of Grey Wagtails together with over forty Pied Wagtails and several Meadow Pipits. The Great Northern Diver was still present at Pitsford Res in the general vicinity of the Holly Tree still and two Grey Wagtails were on the shoreline in the grounds of the Yacht Club.
Happy New Year!
Eleanor and Neil
Well the wind and the rain continues but at last it is mild! Some feed station maintenance was required this morning and whilst we were out we notched up a few birds. Harrington Airfield still attracted a few Bramblings by the concrete track entrance and several Golden Plovers on the top fields secured the attention of a large female Peregrine.
Brixworth Sewage Works continues to attract a couple of Grey Wagtails together with over forty Pied Wagtails and several Meadow Pipits. The Great Northern Diver was still present at Pitsford Res in the general vicinity of the Holly Tree still and two Grey Wagtails were on the shoreline in the grounds of the Yacht Club.
Happy New Year!
Eleanor and Neil
Monday 30 December 2013
Dorset and back!
Hello
I know I should be stronger and resist temptation, but when a bird appears on a British coastline which I have never caught up with in the world, and with it showing so well, I had to drive down to Dorset in the pouring rain and howling gale this morning to see it!
With my crew of slightly less desperate individuals, we arrived at Portland harbour just south of Weymouth as the clouds began to clear and the blue sky appear. We managed to shelter effectively from the still strong winds and scanned the inner harbour for our quarry and after nearly 30 minutes we found him, a Brunnich's Guillemot. Arguably this is the first mainland bird in the UK that has been available for British birders to see, and it was a real treat to watch it fishing close in to the harbour wall. An excellent supporting cast of other birds also fishing in the same area included a number of Razorbills, a Common Guillemot, a Black Guillemot, a number of Shags and Cormorants, both Black-throated and Great Northern Divers and plenty of Red-breasted Mergansers.
Neil H had completed some research and thanks to him we went in search of other interesting birds nearby. On a flooded sports pitch near Radipole (Weymouth) we located the reported Glossy Ibis which was busily probing for and gobbling up plenty of worms. In strong sunlight it was possible to appreciate the iridescent greens and bronzes of it's plumage. Just as we were leaving it seems that one of the photographers approached too close and the bird was airborne.
We then took a drive to the east and arrived in the Studland area near Poole. The bay here attracts wintering birds of interest which has included a Surf Scoter for some time. A little scanning provided distant views of this bird. The bay also held Great Northern and Black-throated Divers, small numbers of both Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes, Red-breasted Mergansers, Goldeneye, Brent Geese, common waders and even a couple of wintering Sandwich Terns. A small passerine in gorse bushes showed itself as a fine male Dartford Warbler. And with daylight dwindling, our short winter birding day in Dorset was over and it was time for the long journey back. My thanks to Neil H, Jacob Spinks and David Arden for their companionship during the day.
Eleanor stayed in the county where the weather remained poor for much of the day. Her only birds of note were two 'redhead' Smew at Sywell Country Park.
Regards
Neil M
I know I should be stronger and resist temptation, but when a bird appears on a British coastline which I have never caught up with in the world, and with it showing so well, I had to drive down to Dorset in the pouring rain and howling gale this morning to see it!
With my crew of slightly less desperate individuals, we arrived at Portland harbour just south of Weymouth as the clouds began to clear and the blue sky appear. We managed to shelter effectively from the still strong winds and scanned the inner harbour for our quarry and after nearly 30 minutes we found him, a Brunnich's Guillemot. Arguably this is the first mainland bird in the UK that has been available for British birders to see, and it was a real treat to watch it fishing close in to the harbour wall. An excellent supporting cast of other birds also fishing in the same area included a number of Razorbills, a Common Guillemot, a Black Guillemot, a number of Shags and Cormorants, both Black-throated and Great Northern Divers and plenty of Red-breasted Mergansers.
Neil H had completed some research and thanks to him we went in search of other interesting birds nearby. On a flooded sports pitch near Radipole (Weymouth) we located the reported Glossy Ibis which was busily probing for and gobbling up plenty of worms. In strong sunlight it was possible to appreciate the iridescent greens and bronzes of it's plumage. Just as we were leaving it seems that one of the photographers approached too close and the bird was airborne.
We then took a drive to the east and arrived in the Studland area near Poole. The bay here attracts wintering birds of interest which has included a Surf Scoter for some time. A little scanning provided distant views of this bird. The bay also held Great Northern and Black-throated Divers, small numbers of both Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes, Red-breasted Mergansers, Goldeneye, Brent Geese, common waders and even a couple of wintering Sandwich Terns. A small passerine in gorse bushes showed itself as a fine male Dartford Warbler. And with daylight dwindling, our short winter birding day in Dorset was over and it was time for the long journey back. My thanks to Neil H, Jacob Spinks and David Arden for their companionship during the day.
Eleanor stayed in the county where the weather remained poor for much of the day. Her only birds of note were two 'redhead' Smew at Sywell Country Park.
Regards
Neil M
Brunnich's Guillemot
Razorbill
Sunday 29 December 2013
End of year birding
Hello
The start of the day began cold but the sun soon came up and lasted all day. The first venue for Eleanor was Blueberry Farm with plenty of raptors taking advantage of the splendid weather and included at least ten Common Buzzards including the the usual white bird. Five Red Kites were also present but the most interesting bird was a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier hunting over the large hillside field at 10.50am. Other birds included the pair of Stonechat still, plus a Barn Owl.
A subsequent visit to Pitsford Res presented a spectacle of the general public wandering around in all directions, but good birds remained with the Great Northern Diver showing well at the junction of The Narrows and The Basin, five Smew (one drake near the causeway and four 'redheads' in the Holcot Bay), and two drake Goosander and two Great White Egrets north of the causeway.
A ringing session at Sunderland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate today was sufficient to catch fifty birds. Perhaps the most interesting birds included a male Sparrowhawk, two Blackbirds, six Redwings, two Goldcrests and a Nuthatch. A couple of Woodcock were flushed from the woodland floor.
Regards
Neil M
The start of the day began cold but the sun soon came up and lasted all day. The first venue for Eleanor was Blueberry Farm with plenty of raptors taking advantage of the splendid weather and included at least ten Common Buzzards including the the usual white bird. Five Red Kites were also present but the most interesting bird was a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier hunting over the large hillside field at 10.50am. Other birds included the pair of Stonechat still, plus a Barn Owl.
A subsequent visit to Pitsford Res presented a spectacle of the general public wandering around in all directions, but good birds remained with the Great Northern Diver showing well at the junction of The Narrows and The Basin, five Smew (one drake near the causeway and four 'redheads' in the Holcot Bay), and two drake Goosander and two Great White Egrets north of the causeway.
A ringing session at Sunderland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate today was sufficient to catch fifty birds. Perhaps the most interesting birds included a male Sparrowhawk, two Blackbirds, six Redwings, two Goldcrests and a Nuthatch. A couple of Woodcock were flushed from the woodland floor.
Regards
Neil M
Saturday 28 December 2013
A wander to the west
Hello
At Harrington Airfield this morning there were 2 Bramblings by the shooting wall and a pair of Grey Partridge on the top fields.
A ringing session this morning at Glynn Davies Wood in the west of the county and close to the Warwickshire border provided an opportunity of handling just over a hundred birds, the majority being tits. It was the first time I had been to this small woodland which is a reserve owned and manged by the Banbury Ornithological Society. There is evidence that this is part of an ancient woodland but it is now threatened by the High Speed 2 development that seeks to plough through countryside in the south and west of Northamptonshire.
Birds of note included five Marsh Tits and five Nuthatches caught and released and other birds noted frequenting the wood included two Willow Tits and overflying Red Kite and Raven.
Regards
Neil M
At Harrington Airfield this morning there were 2 Bramblings by the shooting wall and a pair of Grey Partridge on the top fields.
A ringing session this morning at Glynn Davies Wood in the west of the county and close to the Warwickshire border provided an opportunity of handling just over a hundred birds, the majority being tits. It was the first time I had been to this small woodland which is a reserve owned and manged by the Banbury Ornithological Society. There is evidence that this is part of an ancient woodland but it is now threatened by the High Speed 2 development that seeks to plough through countryside in the south and west of Northamptonshire.
Birds of note included five Marsh Tits and five Nuthatches caught and released and other birds noted frequenting the wood included two Willow Tits and overflying Red Kite and Raven.
Regards
Neil M
Friday 27 December 2013
Windy Pitsford
Hello
On leaving the house this morning with my two collie companions I had no idea where we would be heading, but thinking that these two could do with a change of scenery we started at Brixworth Country Park. There were 2 Bramblings, 4+ Lesser Redpolls and several Siskin flying around.
I then decided to walk around the big side of Pitsford Reservoir, which proved to be quite exhilarating, due to the wild and windy weather conditions.
The majority of the birds were found sheltering in the bays with very few on the open choppy water. Those that did brave the open water bobbed up and down like corks and made me feel quite sea sick.
One of the first birds I saw was in fact the Great Northern Diver, sheltering very close to the bank in the small Yacht Bay and shortly afterwards I saw 4 Smew (2 drakes + 2 'redhead') in the Pintail Bay. I didn't see anything else of note until the small bay near "The Pigs" were there were a further 4 'redhead' Smew.
One of my collies is still recovering from major surgery so I am continuing to push her out in her buggy. I "parked" her buggy whilst I scanned the open water, but a strong gust of wind pushed it forward and propelled it at quite a speed towards the water. My initial thought was "do I save my scope, which was strapped onto her buggy, or the dog first "!!! Luckily I didn't have to make this choice as the buggy and Bobbie came to a halt at the waters edge.
Mind you Bobbie had the last laugh as we got caught out in a vicious squally shower and there was nowhere to shelter, but she remained snug and dry in her buggy.
So cold and wet we continued. As we crossed the causeway I could see 2 Great White Egrets on the small side, but I couldn't hold my 'scope steady to see anything else.
At the back of the Catwalk Bay was a Water Rail and at least 6 Lesser Redpolls feeding on some tall dead grass stems.
The other birds of note seen on my walk round were 2 drake Goosander, 2 Raven and a female Peregrine.
I thought that I might as well drive around to the causeway and then walked down the Scaldwell Bay. Again the open water was devoid of birds as they sought shelter underneath the bushes or in the shelter of the back of the bays. There were in fact 3 Great White Egrets present and 8+ Red Crested Pochard. Also 3 Goosander (2 drake, 1 'redhead'), 2 drake Smew (possibly the same birds from the big side). There were also 2 or 3 Redshank flying about.
A visit to Ravensthorpe Reservoir this afternoon failed to find anything of note.
Regards
Eleanor
On leaving the house this morning with my two collie companions I had no idea where we would be heading, but thinking that these two could do with a change of scenery we started at Brixworth Country Park. There were 2 Bramblings, 4+ Lesser Redpolls and several Siskin flying around.
I then decided to walk around the big side of Pitsford Reservoir, which proved to be quite exhilarating, due to the wild and windy weather conditions.
The majority of the birds were found sheltering in the bays with very few on the open choppy water. Those that did brave the open water bobbed up and down like corks and made me feel quite sea sick.
One of the first birds I saw was in fact the Great Northern Diver, sheltering very close to the bank in the small Yacht Bay and shortly afterwards I saw 4 Smew (2 drakes + 2 'redhead') in the Pintail Bay. I didn't see anything else of note until the small bay near "The Pigs" were there were a further 4 'redhead' Smew.
One of my collies is still recovering from major surgery so I am continuing to push her out in her buggy. I "parked" her buggy whilst I scanned the open water, but a strong gust of wind pushed it forward and propelled it at quite a speed towards the water. My initial thought was "do I save my scope, which was strapped onto her buggy, or the dog first "!!! Luckily I didn't have to make this choice as the buggy and Bobbie came to a halt at the waters edge.
Mind you Bobbie had the last laugh as we got caught out in a vicious squally shower and there was nowhere to shelter, but she remained snug and dry in her buggy.
So cold and wet we continued. As we crossed the causeway I could see 2 Great White Egrets on the small side, but I couldn't hold my 'scope steady to see anything else.
At the back of the Catwalk Bay was a Water Rail and at least 6 Lesser Redpolls feeding on some tall dead grass stems.
The other birds of note seen on my walk round were 2 drake Goosander, 2 Raven and a female Peregrine.
I thought that I might as well drive around to the causeway and then walked down the Scaldwell Bay. Again the open water was devoid of birds as they sought shelter underneath the bushes or in the shelter of the back of the bays. There were in fact 3 Great White Egrets present and 8+ Red Crested Pochard. Also 3 Goosander (2 drake, 1 'redhead'), 2 drake Smew (possibly the same birds from the big side). There were also 2 or 3 Redshank flying about.
A visit to Ravensthorpe Reservoir this afternoon failed to find anything of note.
Regards
Eleanor
Robin
Rook
Goldcrest
Above three images
courtesy of Jacob Spinks
Surface-feeding birds taking
advantage of diving ducks and
Mute Swans bringing up weed
and contents for them to pillage -
Ravensthorpe Res
Thursday 26 December 2013
Boxing Day birds
Hello
A visit to Harrington Airfield this morning confirmed the presence of 10 Bramblings and the flock of about 100 Golden Plovers still. Good numbers of Fieldfare also remain on-site.
At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon the usual birds were all still present - 2 Ravens, 2 Red Kites, a Barn Owl and the pair of Stonechat.
At Pitsford Res today, a short ringing session at the Old Scaldwell Road produced thirty birds of which half were new. Highlights were three Fieldfares and two Redwings. One of the Redwing was a re-trap from the same site first caught in early November, which is a surprise considering the nomadic nature of this species.
The Great Northern Diver was still present at Pitsford this afternoon, fishing at the juncture of The Narrows and The Basin. The gull roost contained an adult Caspian Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Regards
Eleanor & Neil
A visit to Harrington Airfield this morning confirmed the presence of 10 Bramblings and the flock of about 100 Golden Plovers still. Good numbers of Fieldfare also remain on-site.
At Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this afternoon the usual birds were all still present - 2 Ravens, 2 Red Kites, a Barn Owl and the pair of Stonechat.
At Pitsford Res today, a short ringing session at the Old Scaldwell Road produced thirty birds of which half were new. Highlights were three Fieldfares and two Redwings. One of the Redwing was a re-trap from the same site first caught in early November, which is a surprise considering the nomadic nature of this species.
The Great Northern Diver was still present at Pitsford this afternoon, fishing at the juncture of The Narrows and The Basin. The gull roost contained an adult Caspian Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Regards
Eleanor & Neil
Fieldfare
Black Swans
Great Northern Diver
All three images courtesy
of Robin Gossage
Wednesday 25 December 2013
Christmas Day morning
Hello
A stunning day's weather out there today although the roads were a little precarious first thing with black ice!
A Lesser Redpoll was calling at Kelmarsh Hall this morning and the fallen apples in the orchard there were being consumed by at least 50 Fieldfare as they slowly change their winter diet with the berries beginning to run out. The territorial Mistle Thrush couldn't keep them at bay but was making a lot of noise trying his best!
The traditional broadcasting of seed at Harrington Airfield by the concrete track entrance attracted about 8 Bramblings plus plenty of Chaffinches, Yellowhammers etc.
Enjoy your festivities!
Eleanor and Neil
A stunning day's weather out there today although the roads were a little precarious first thing with black ice!
A Lesser Redpoll was calling at Kelmarsh Hall this morning and the fallen apples in the orchard there were being consumed by at least 50 Fieldfare as they slowly change their winter diet with the berries beginning to run out. The territorial Mistle Thrush couldn't keep them at bay but was making a lot of noise trying his best!
The traditional broadcasting of seed at Harrington Airfield by the concrete track entrance attracted about 8 Bramblings plus plenty of Chaffinches, Yellowhammers etc.
Enjoy your festivities!
Eleanor and Neil
Tuesday 24 December 2013
Pre Christmas Birding !
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
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
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
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