Hello
A beautiful spring day with almost warm temperatures, a gentle breeze and plenty of sunshine.
A couple of Siskins were present at both Kelmarsh Hall and Scotland Wood this morning and c6 Bramblings were feeding at Harrington Airfield. Two Grey Wagtails remained at Brixworth Sewer Works.
At Pitsford Res this afternoon the Great Northern Diver was still present (in the mouth of the Pintail Bay) and the gull roost included two adult Mediterranean Gulls (one a stunning full summer plumage bird).
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Wednesday 5 March 2014
Tuesday 4 March 2014
Harrington
Hello
Eleanor managed a visit to Harrington Airfield this afternoon and noted ten Bramblings on the seed by the concrete track entrance, and the Green Sandpiper was again near to the road on the shallow pool just opposite the entrance.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor managed a visit to Harrington Airfield this afternoon and noted ten Bramblings on the seed by the concrete track entrance, and the Green Sandpiper was again near to the road on the shallow pool just opposite the entrance.
Regards
Neil M
Monday 3 March 2014
Bird Club AGM
Hello
Plenty of tasks and meetings ensured that we had little time for birding today. However there were still 10 Brambings on the feed-stuffs at Harrington Airfield at 1pm this afternoon.
A reminder to Northants Bird Club members that our next meeting is this coming Wednesday evening at our normal venue of Moulton Village Hall. This month it is the Annual General Meeting which is generally a rather short affair. As always there will be the election of committee members and other business such as the financial state of the club to be discussed. This year the membership will be asked to comment and vote on a couple of proposals from the existing committee in order to take us forward through 2014/2015.
Robin Gossage and Bob Gill will host a light-hearted quiz immediately after the AGM.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Plenty of tasks and meetings ensured that we had little time for birding today. However there were still 10 Brambings on the feed-stuffs at Harrington Airfield at 1pm this afternoon.
A reminder to Northants Bird Club members that our next meeting is this coming Wednesday evening at our normal venue of Moulton Village Hall. This month it is the Annual General Meeting which is generally a rather short affair. As always there will be the election of committee members and other business such as the financial state of the club to be discussed. This year the membership will be asked to comment and vote on a couple of proposals from the existing committee in order to take us forward through 2014/2015.
Robin Gossage and Bob Gill will host a light-hearted quiz immediately after the AGM.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Sunday 2 March 2014
Different month, same weather!
Hello
A grey dull day with a strengthening wind then giving way to persistent and heavy rain. Obviously we are paying for yesterday's decent weather.
Fifteen Bramblings and a Green Sandpiper remained at Harrington Airfield this morning and two Golden Plovers flew over. Red Kites have become a regular sighting at this site during the last year and the numbers locally are at their most significant, to the point where we will stop routinely reporting their presence. Hopefully this regularity of sightings will be a precursor to breeding.
Pied Wagtails were much in evidence today, there clearly being an increase in numbers as migrants move north through the county. Gulls and Linnets were the other more obvious diurnal migrants on the move today.
Two Woodcock were flushed at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) but probably the bird of the day was a Chiffchaff that moved through our garden here at Hanging Houghton this morning.
A walk around Welford Reservoir, a scan over Naseby Reservoir and checking through the gulls at the Pitsford roost all failed to find anything different.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
A grey dull day with a strengthening wind then giving way to persistent and heavy rain. Obviously we are paying for yesterday's decent weather.
Fifteen Bramblings and a Green Sandpiper remained at Harrington Airfield this morning and two Golden Plovers flew over. Red Kites have become a regular sighting at this site during the last year and the numbers locally are at their most significant, to the point where we will stop routinely reporting their presence. Hopefully this regularity of sightings will be a precursor to breeding.
Pied Wagtails were much in evidence today, there clearly being an increase in numbers as migrants move north through the county. Gulls and Linnets were the other more obvious diurnal migrants on the move today.
Two Woodcock were flushed at Scotland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) but probably the bird of the day was a Chiffchaff that moved through our garden here at Hanging Houghton this morning.
A walk around Welford Reservoir, a scan over Naseby Reservoir and checking through the gulls at the Pitsford roost all failed to find anything different.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Saturday 1 March 2014
March is here!
Hello
At last the weather conditions today permitted some wild bird ringing locally at three sites, with about 118 birds being caught. Species included Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail and Siskin.
At Pitsford Res this afternoon, local birder David Sharp located the Great Northern Diver north of the dam and also saw a juvenile Glaucous Gull which flew a couple laps of the reservoir as seen from near the Holly Tree, and was then associating with some Great Black-backed Gulls.
Andrew Tyrrell in the meantime spent some time at Thrapston GP this afternoon and located the two Firecrests - again in scrub and brambles next to the River Nene by the footbridge that connects Town Lake with the northern section of the Titchmarsh Reserve. He also espied the Long-tailed Duck and the drake Scaup on Town Lake.
Fifteen Bramblings were feeding on the seed in the fog at Harrington Airfield this morning and Kelmarsh Hall attracted two Siskins and two or three Ravens. Birds in the vicinity of Brixworth Sewer Works included two Snipe, one or two Water Rail (s), two Siskins and two Grey Wagtails.
Local birder Jacob Spinks was lucky to have a Willow Tit visiting feeders in his Scaldwell village garden today.
Regards
Neil M
At last the weather conditions today permitted some wild bird ringing locally at three sites, with about 118 birds being caught. Species included Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail and Siskin.
At Pitsford Res this afternoon, local birder David Sharp located the Great Northern Diver north of the dam and also saw a juvenile Glaucous Gull which flew a couple laps of the reservoir as seen from near the Holly Tree, and was then associating with some Great Black-backed Gulls.
Andrew Tyrrell in the meantime spent some time at Thrapston GP this afternoon and located the two Firecrests - again in scrub and brambles next to the River Nene by the footbridge that connects Town Lake with the northern section of the Titchmarsh Reserve. He also espied the Long-tailed Duck and the drake Scaup on Town Lake.
Fifteen Bramblings were feeding on the seed in the fog at Harrington Airfield this morning and Kelmarsh Hall attracted two Siskins and two or three Ravens. Birds in the vicinity of Brixworth Sewer Works included two Snipe, one or two Water Rail (s), two Siskins and two Grey Wagtails.
Local birder Jacob Spinks was lucky to have a Willow Tit visiting feeders in his Scaldwell village garden today.
Regards
Neil M
Friday 28 February 2014
Cool and wet!
Hello
A planned ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall this morning was partly compromised due to the wet and cool weather, but we managed to catch 67 birds between the showers. Perhaps surprisingly 43 of these were new birds and there is clearly a good number of new birds on-site.
Only nine species were represented but number-wise it included two Great Spotted Woodpeckers and ten Goldfinches. Considering the number of Goldfinches caught and ringed in the county these days, we seem to have a rather poor rate of follow-up reports. In most winters it is assumed that we support both local and birds from elsewhere, but the data so far is rather limited.
A couple of Siskins were also noted at Kelmarsh Hall and nearby there were twelve or so Bramblings on the scattered seed at Harrington Airfield.
Regards
Neil M
A planned ringing session at Kelmarsh Hall this morning was partly compromised due to the wet and cool weather, but we managed to catch 67 birds between the showers. Perhaps surprisingly 43 of these were new birds and there is clearly a good number of new birds on-site.
Only nine species were represented but number-wise it included two Great Spotted Woodpeckers and ten Goldfinches. Considering the number of Goldfinches caught and ringed in the county these days, we seem to have a rather poor rate of follow-up reports. In most winters it is assumed that we support both local and birds from elsewhere, but the data so far is rather limited.
A couple of Siskins were also noted at Kelmarsh Hall and nearby there were twelve or so Bramblings on the scattered seed at Harrington Airfield.
Regards
Neil M
Thursday 27 February 2014
A quiet day...
Hello
Today was one of those "quiet times" at Harrington, with the fields being devoid of the winter thrushes and Skylarks. It was indeed eerily quiet !!
The only birds of note were at least 10 Bramblings and 2 Red Kites. But there was lovely blue skies and sunshine.
There was a single Raven over Scotland Wood and at nearby Blueberry my little "helpers" found 2 Woodcock, and a Barn Owl was out hunting, which looked very ghostly in the late afternoon sunshine.
Regards
Eleanor
Today was one of those "quiet times" at Harrington, with the fields being devoid of the winter thrushes and Skylarks. It was indeed eerily quiet !!
The only birds of note were at least 10 Bramblings and 2 Red Kites. But there was lovely blue skies and sunshine.
There was a single Raven over Scotland Wood and at nearby Blueberry my little "helpers" found 2 Woodcock, and a Barn Owl was out hunting, which looked very ghostly in the late afternoon sunshine.
Regards
Eleanor
Wednesday 26 February 2014
Fulmar!
Hello
A walk at Harrington Airfield this morning was very pleasant but the birds were restricted to a Raven, several Red Kites, a Green Sandpiper and just four Bramblings. One or two Grey Wagtail(s) were present at Brixworth Sewer Works.
A Fulmar was found at Ravensthorpe Res today by local birder Mark Piper. I popped over there this afternoon and saw it by the island near to the dam at 4.20pm. Eleanor went over later and walked around the reservoir. The Fulmar was still by the island at 5.45pm and looks in good health. Other birds noted included six Smew (three drakes) and 42 Goldeneye, both species displaying well.
I examined a long-dead Goshawk today which had been found on the Kelmarsh Estate. This bird was an escaped captive bird and unfortunately it looks as if died after the devices on its legs becoming entangled in a bush.
Regards
Neil M
A walk at Harrington Airfield this morning was very pleasant but the birds were restricted to a Raven, several Red Kites, a Green Sandpiper and just four Bramblings. One or two Grey Wagtail(s) were present at Brixworth Sewer Works.
A Fulmar was found at Ravensthorpe Res today by local birder Mark Piper. I popped over there this afternoon and saw it by the island near to the dam at 4.20pm. Eleanor went over later and walked around the reservoir. The Fulmar was still by the island at 5.45pm and looks in good health. Other birds noted included six Smew (three drakes) and 42 Goldeneye, both species displaying well.
I examined a long-dead Goshawk today which had been found on the Kelmarsh Estate. This bird was an escaped captive bird and unfortunately it looks as if died after the devices on its legs becoming entangled in a bush.
Regards
Neil M
Grey Wagtail
Pied Wagtail
Tuesday 25 February 2014
Pitsford Glaucous Gull
Hello
Eleanor's midday excursion to Harrington Airfield today provided further views of the female Merlin, the Green Sandpiper still, at least two Red Kites and twenty Bramblings (the latter at SP 755799) as well as a Roe Deer at the north-west end of the concrete track.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this afternoon gave the impression of new birds passing through and the large gulls included a pale juvenile Glaucous Gull, the first one to be seen in the gull roost there for a good few years.
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor's midday excursion to Harrington Airfield today provided further views of the female Merlin, the Green Sandpiper still, at least two Red Kites and twenty Bramblings (the latter at SP 755799) as well as a Roe Deer at the north-west end of the concrete track.
The gull roost at Pitsford Res this afternoon gave the impression of new birds passing through and the large gulls included a pale juvenile Glaucous Gull, the first one to be seen in the gull roost there for a good few years.
Regards
Neil M
Tor and his disabled
companions Bobsey
and Theo enjoying
Harrington Airfield!
Tor, seemingly a Harrier Hound
and the latest addition to the family!
Monday 24 February 2014
Pitsford WeBs
Hello
Today was spent at Pitsford Reservoir, completing the monthly WeBs count. Birds noted included the Great Northern Diver (near the Holly Tree), a Great White Egret (Moulton Grange Bay), a Little Egret, an adult male Peregrine, an Oystercatcher, 67 Snipe, a Jack Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, the immature drake Scaup (Holly Tree area), a Ross's Goose, a Bar-headed Goose, 9 Goosanders, 1-2 Raven(s), 2 Nuthatches, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Grey Wagtails, 6 Bramblings, 2 redpoll sp and 20 Siskins.
Four Bramblings were present at Harrington Airfield this afternoon and a Green Sandpiper was present yesterday.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Today was spent at Pitsford Reservoir, completing the monthly WeBs count. Birds noted included the Great Northern Diver (near the Holly Tree), a Great White Egret (Moulton Grange Bay), a Little Egret, an adult male Peregrine, an Oystercatcher, 67 Snipe, a Jack Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, the immature drake Scaup (Holly Tree area), a Ross's Goose, a Bar-headed Goose, 9 Goosanders, 1-2 Raven(s), 2 Nuthatches, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Grey Wagtails, 6 Bramblings, 2 redpoll sp and 20 Siskins.
Four Bramblings were present at Harrington Airfield this afternoon and a Green Sandpiper was present yesterday.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Black-headed Gull
Pitsford Res
Drake Goldeneye
Pitsford Res
Sunday 23 February 2014
A day trip to Norfolk
Hello
Eleanor visited Harrington Airfield this morning and again saw a female Merlin, two Red Kites and at least 12 Bramblings.
In the meantime I visited Norfolk with a small crew. It seemed that no matter where you were today the wind was very strong and sometimes made birding difficult. A probing Woodcock on a roadside verge near Wolferton was a little unexpected.
Our first venue was mature conifer plantations near to Holt Country Park, a site that is currently attracting a flock of Parrot Crossbills. Initially we saw a splendid adult male, and then up to five, which then grew to nine, then eleven and finally fifteen or sixteen birds. At least two Common Crossbills were present in the trees too. Unfortunately the windy conditions prevented a close approach and no decent images are available. A couple of Woodlarks were a pleasant surprise.
By noon we had finally arrived at the sea and saw the first of several large flocks of Brent Geese. A flighty Richard's Pipit showed in flight at Granborough Hill, Salthouse. A walk around Stiffkey Fen and scanning in to Blakeney Harbour produced some extra birds in the shape of many common waders which included both species of godwit and a decent flock of Avocet. Plenty of wildfowl included Pintail, Red-breasted Merganser, Goldeneye and Long-tailed Duck and a calling Mediterranean Gull graced the freshwater pools there. Six Great Northern Divers were fishing the shallows in the harbour mouth and a slow-flying Sparrowhawk attempted to catch waders in the creeks of the saltmarsh.
Our last venue was Holkham Freshmarsh which normally at this time of the year hosts vasts numbers of geese, particularly Pinkfeet. However, the huge skeins of Pink-footed were absent, presumably due to the very mild conditions. Small numbers of Pinkfeet associated with good numbers of White-fronted Geese and Egyptian, Canada, Brent and Greylag were dotted about in twos or small flocks. We failed to connect with the rather elusive Rough-legged Buzzard which is currently in residence, the three Common Buzzards, six or so Marsh Harriers and a Peregrine were the best we could do!
Regards
Neil M
Eleanor visited Harrington Airfield this morning and again saw a female Merlin, two Red Kites and at least 12 Bramblings.
In the meantime I visited Norfolk with a small crew. It seemed that no matter where you were today the wind was very strong and sometimes made birding difficult. A probing Woodcock on a roadside verge near Wolferton was a little unexpected.
Our first venue was mature conifer plantations near to Holt Country Park, a site that is currently attracting a flock of Parrot Crossbills. Initially we saw a splendid adult male, and then up to five, which then grew to nine, then eleven and finally fifteen or sixteen birds. At least two Common Crossbills were present in the trees too. Unfortunately the windy conditions prevented a close approach and no decent images are available. A couple of Woodlarks were a pleasant surprise.
By noon we had finally arrived at the sea and saw the first of several large flocks of Brent Geese. A flighty Richard's Pipit showed in flight at Granborough Hill, Salthouse. A walk around Stiffkey Fen and scanning in to Blakeney Harbour produced some extra birds in the shape of many common waders which included both species of godwit and a decent flock of Avocet. Plenty of wildfowl included Pintail, Red-breasted Merganser, Goldeneye and Long-tailed Duck and a calling Mediterranean Gull graced the freshwater pools there. Six Great Northern Divers were fishing the shallows in the harbour mouth and a slow-flying Sparrowhawk attempted to catch waders in the creeks of the saltmarsh.
Our last venue was Holkham Freshmarsh which normally at this time of the year hosts vasts numbers of geese, particularly Pinkfeet. However, the huge skeins of Pink-footed were absent, presumably due to the very mild conditions. Small numbers of Pinkfeet associated with good numbers of White-fronted Geese and Egyptian, Canada, Brent and Greylag were dotted about in twos or small flocks. We failed to connect with the rather elusive Rough-legged Buzzard which is currently in residence, the three Common Buzzards, six or so Marsh Harriers and a Peregrine were the best we could do!
Regards
Neil M
Turnstone
Dark-bellied Brent Geese
Saturday 22 February 2014
Quality passerines
Hello
After morning chores (more feed stations), I picked up Neil H and we went off to complete some birding in the county. A dozen Bramblings were on the seed at Harrington Airfield and 13 Grey Herons flew up from the heronry at Pitsford Res when a couple of Common Buzzards strayed too close. Hopefully this means that there are at least half a dozen pairs breeding in the dense conifers.
A rare visit to Stanwick Gravel Pits was made in an effort to see the Marbled Duck, but despite scanning from a variety of angles the bird couldn't be located on the main pit. Waders included c130 Golden Plovers, 9 Redshank and 2 Oystercatchers. A couple of Cetti's Warblers included one showing rather well and singles of Siskin and redpoll sp flew over.
We decided to have a look for the normally rather elusive Great Grey Shrike near Lowick. This bird hadn't been reported for a couple of weeks, but it soon showed itself in trees and hedges along the footpath that runs between the village and the Greenside Wood complex. In the strong wind this bird was prone to Kestrel-like hovering and at one stage seemed to have a bumble-bee in it's bill. In the strong sunlight it was possible to determine a weak pinkish flush to the underside, presumably indicating it is a male bird.
Next was a wander around Fermyn Wood Country Park where there were plenty of people but not much in the way of birds, apart from a Siskin or two. A single Great Crested Newt showed itself a couple of times in one of the ponds and the cafe paninis were very good!
Our final destination was Thrapston GP and we noted a Little Egret, three Goosanders, two Oystercatchers, the Long-tailed Duck on Town Lake and a Chiffchaff. However the best birds were two Firecrests which were reasonably vocal but quite secretive in the bushes and brambles alongside the River Nene and Willowbrook Lake, close to the footbridge that leads from Town lake on to the Titchmarsh Reserve.
Regards
Neil M
After morning chores (more feed stations), I picked up Neil H and we went off to complete some birding in the county. A dozen Bramblings were on the seed at Harrington Airfield and 13 Grey Herons flew up from the heronry at Pitsford Res when a couple of Common Buzzards strayed too close. Hopefully this means that there are at least half a dozen pairs breeding in the dense conifers.
A rare visit to Stanwick Gravel Pits was made in an effort to see the Marbled Duck, but despite scanning from a variety of angles the bird couldn't be located on the main pit. Waders included c130 Golden Plovers, 9 Redshank and 2 Oystercatchers. A couple of Cetti's Warblers included one showing rather well and singles of Siskin and redpoll sp flew over.
We decided to have a look for the normally rather elusive Great Grey Shrike near Lowick. This bird hadn't been reported for a couple of weeks, but it soon showed itself in trees and hedges along the footpath that runs between the village and the Greenside Wood complex. In the strong wind this bird was prone to Kestrel-like hovering and at one stage seemed to have a bumble-bee in it's bill. In the strong sunlight it was possible to determine a weak pinkish flush to the underside, presumably indicating it is a male bird.
Next was a wander around Fermyn Wood Country Park where there were plenty of people but not much in the way of birds, apart from a Siskin or two. A single Great Crested Newt showed itself a couple of times in one of the ponds and the cafe paninis were very good!
Our final destination was Thrapston GP and we noted a Little Egret, three Goosanders, two Oystercatchers, the Long-tailed Duck on Town Lake and a Chiffchaff. However the best birds were two Firecrests which were reasonably vocal but quite secretive in the bushes and brambles alongside the River Nene and Willowbrook Lake, close to the footbridge that leads from Town lake on to the Titchmarsh Reserve.
Regards
Neil M
 |
| Kestrel Lowick |
 |
| Flying-away shot of the Great Grey Shrike! |
 |
| Firecrest Thrapston GP |
Friday 21 February 2014
Ditchford WeBs
Hello
This morning the Nordic-type Jackdaw was noticed again at Hanging Houghton, there were a couple of Siskins at Scotland Wood and at least four Bramblings were on the seed at Harrington Airfield.
Then it was time to drive over to Ditchford Gravel Pits and complete the monthly Wetlands Birds Count.
A strong cool wind created an edge to what would have been a bright and pleasant day, some of the gusts making birding west of Ditchford Lane quite difficult. Birds of note in this section of the complex included the drake Scaup still, a pair of Smew, an adult female Peregrine and an Oystercatcher. The older pits were quieter but did attract three Goosanders and a Water Rail.
The planned bird ringing demonstration for Stanwick GP this Sunday (23rd) has been cancelled due to the weather forecast indicating strong winds and powerful gusts.
Regards
Neil M
This morning the Nordic-type Jackdaw was noticed again at Hanging Houghton, there were a couple of Siskins at Scotland Wood and at least four Bramblings were on the seed at Harrington Airfield.
Then it was time to drive over to Ditchford Gravel Pits and complete the monthly Wetlands Birds Count.
A strong cool wind created an edge to what would have been a bright and pleasant day, some of the gusts making birding west of Ditchford Lane quite difficult. Birds of note in this section of the complex included the drake Scaup still, a pair of Smew, an adult female Peregrine and an Oystercatcher. The older pits were quieter but did attract three Goosanders and a Water Rail.
The planned bird ringing demonstration for Stanwick GP this Sunday (23rd) has been cancelled due to the weather forecast indicating strong winds and powerful gusts.
Regards
Neil M
Thursday 20 February 2014
More stirrings of Spring?
Hello
Garden birds here at Hanging Houghton this morning included three Reed Buntings and a Brambling.
This afternoon and a foray around the Harrington Airfield complex provided views of a female Merlin, a couple of Red Kites and 20 Bramblings. Skylarks had either increased in number or were simply more obvious both visually and vocally today, there perhaps being no coincidence that a Merlin was there too!
The Great Northern Diver was again visible from the dam at Pitsford Reservoir late this afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Garden birds here at Hanging Houghton this morning included three Reed Buntings and a Brambling.
This afternoon and a foray around the Harrington Airfield complex provided views of a female Merlin, a couple of Red Kites and 20 Bramblings. Skylarks had either increased in number or were simply more obvious both visually and vocally today, there perhaps being no coincidence that a Merlin was there too!
The Great Northern Diver was again visible from the dam at Pitsford Reservoir late this afternoon.
Regards
Eleanor and Neil
Wednesday 19 February 2014
Ancient Great Tit
Hello
Yesterday (Tuesday), and Eleanor saw two Otters again at Market Harborough on the River Welland next to Sainsbury's.
A mid-week ringing session at Pitsford Res at two sites (Old Scaldwell Road and Christies Copse) provided an opportunity of catching and assessing 124 birds. The weather conditions have meant it has been impossible for sustained ringing operations but the relatively still and dull conditions today provided an opportunity to utilise mist nets. There were no surprising species, but the catch included five Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 11 Tree Sparrows, 5 Reed Buntings and common tits and finches.
For me, the most interesting bird was a re-trap Great Tit. This bird was first ringed at the reservoir by The Lodge in December 2007 when it was aged as a bird hatched that year. Today it was located at Christies Copse - this bird now being six and a half years old.
A couple of Siskins were around Christies Copse and a rabbit-sized Muntjac confirmed that they breed all-year-round on site.
The Great Northern Diver was visible off the dam at Pitsford this afternoon, as was a Kingfisher and an adult Yellow-legged Gull. A Grey Wagtail was again at Brixworth Sewer Works and Harrington Airfield hosted 20 Bramblings, 2 Ravens and a pair of Grey Partridge this morning.
Regards
Neil M
Yesterday (Tuesday), and Eleanor saw two Otters again at Market Harborough on the River Welland next to Sainsbury's.
A mid-week ringing session at Pitsford Res at two sites (Old Scaldwell Road and Christies Copse) provided an opportunity of catching and assessing 124 birds. The weather conditions have meant it has been impossible for sustained ringing operations but the relatively still and dull conditions today provided an opportunity to utilise mist nets. There were no surprising species, but the catch included five Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 11 Tree Sparrows, 5 Reed Buntings and common tits and finches.
For me, the most interesting bird was a re-trap Great Tit. This bird was first ringed at the reservoir by The Lodge in December 2007 when it was aged as a bird hatched that year. Today it was located at Christies Copse - this bird now being six and a half years old.
A couple of Siskins were around Christies Copse and a rabbit-sized Muntjac confirmed that they breed all-year-round on site.
The Great Northern Diver was visible off the dam at Pitsford this afternoon, as was a Kingfisher and an adult Yellow-legged Gull. A Grey Wagtail was again at Brixworth Sewer Works and Harrington Airfield hosted 20 Bramblings, 2 Ravens and a pair of Grey Partridge this morning.
Regards
Neil M
Monday 17 February 2014
Not long 'til Spring now!
Hello
A day of consolidation was required with plenty of odd-jobs around the house this morning. A furtive Goldcrest inspected the now three still-live potted Christmas trees that adorn the garden and three Common Buzzards in the field behind us were very noisy and seemed to be involved in a bit of a 'domestic dispute'.
A brief visit to feed the birds at Harrington Airfield was sufficient to witness a big hike in the Brambling numbers, with 25 birds counted just after 2pm.
A single Red Kite sauntered over Maidwell village, half a dozen flighty redpoll sp were in Brixworth Country Park and a Barn Owl and two Ravens were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.
Finally the Great Northern Diver at Pitsford Res was viewed off the Holly Bush late this afternoon but my efforts at finding a storm-driven pelagic gull in the roost drew a blank!
Regards
Neil M
A day of consolidation was required with plenty of odd-jobs around the house this morning. A furtive Goldcrest inspected the now three still-live potted Christmas trees that adorn the garden and three Common Buzzards in the field behind us were very noisy and seemed to be involved in a bit of a 'domestic dispute'.
A brief visit to feed the birds at Harrington Airfield was sufficient to witness a big hike in the Brambling numbers, with 25 birds counted just after 2pm.
A single Red Kite sauntered over Maidwell village, half a dozen flighty redpoll sp were in Brixworth Country Park and a Barn Owl and two Ravens were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.
Finally the Great Northern Diver at Pitsford Res was viewed off the Holly Bush late this afternoon but my efforts at finding a storm-driven pelagic gull in the roost drew a blank!
Regards
Neil M
Sunday 16 February 2014
Gloucestershire attractions!
Hello
Today was another day out in Gloucestershire, the initial venue for our small crew being a small valley in the south of the county which is currently hosting a wintering Red-flanked Bluetail. This little star was on show as soon as we arrived and although he didn't come as close as we would have liked, his Redstart-like behaviour, tail flicking, sharp call and apricot-coloured flanks with a blue fore-wing and tail ensured it was a pleasure to behold. In the strong sunshine he was sub-songing, albeit that the rush of the nearby water meant we couldn't hear what it sounded like.
A couple of Ravens and a singing Grey Wagtail were the best of the rest and after some brunch we decided to spend the rest of the day at the Wildfowl and Wetlands reserve at Slimbridge.
The winter sunshine continued as we panned through very large numbers of Lapwing, Golden Plover and other waders on the wet meadows and dumbles, and checked the grazing geese to locate Eurasian White-fronted and a single Tundra Bean. Raptors included Sparrowhawk, several Common Buzzards and a marauding Peregrine. A couple of Common Cranes strode the dumbles between the hides and the River Severn and scarcer waders included Little Stint and Avocet.
The pens or paddocks holding the pinioned and captive waterfowl are always interesting and our experience included hand-feeding captive Smew, photographing potential vagrants to the UK and studying exotic water-birds from all over the world. Some North American River Otters were on show in one pen (a close relative to our Otters).
More wild bird birding was good for a variety of common birds, particularly with plenty of feeders bringing them in nice and close. A couple of Cetti's Warblers were both showy and vocal.
We finished the day by watching plenty of waterfowl coming in to the afternoon feeding session, although not as many Bewick's Swans arrived as we had hoped.
Nevertheless a super end to another great day's birding!
Regards
Neil M
Today was another day out in Gloucestershire, the initial venue for our small crew being a small valley in the south of the county which is currently hosting a wintering Red-flanked Bluetail. This little star was on show as soon as we arrived and although he didn't come as close as we would have liked, his Redstart-like behaviour, tail flicking, sharp call and apricot-coloured flanks with a blue fore-wing and tail ensured it was a pleasure to behold. In the strong sunshine he was sub-songing, albeit that the rush of the nearby water meant we couldn't hear what it sounded like.
A couple of Ravens and a singing Grey Wagtail were the best of the rest and after some brunch we decided to spend the rest of the day at the Wildfowl and Wetlands reserve at Slimbridge.
The winter sunshine continued as we panned through very large numbers of Lapwing, Golden Plover and other waders on the wet meadows and dumbles, and checked the grazing geese to locate Eurasian White-fronted and a single Tundra Bean. Raptors included Sparrowhawk, several Common Buzzards and a marauding Peregrine. A couple of Common Cranes strode the dumbles between the hides and the River Severn and scarcer waders included Little Stint and Avocet.
The pens or paddocks holding the pinioned and captive waterfowl are always interesting and our experience included hand-feeding captive Smew, photographing potential vagrants to the UK and studying exotic water-birds from all over the world. Some North American River Otters were on show in one pen (a close relative to our Otters).
More wild bird birding was good for a variety of common birds, particularly with plenty of feeders bringing them in nice and close. A couple of Cetti's Warblers were both showy and vocal.
We finished the day by watching plenty of waterfowl coming in to the afternoon feeding session, although not as many Bewick's Swans arrived as we had hoped.
Nevertheless a super end to another great day's birding!
Regards
Neil M
Raven
Bewick's Swan
Captive female Lesser Scaup.
A bird yet to be recorded in
Northamptonshire, and surely
a hot contender as the next
addition to the county list?
Rook
Drake Pintail
Sunny Sunday !!
Hello
A day of wall to wall sunshine made a pleasant change from the recent rain. Consequently I spent most of my day outside. I started at Harrington Airfield where the birds were waiting to be fed. At the moment the numbers of birds visiting mean that we feed every day.
At one point this morning there was a myriad of colours as Reed Buntings, Yellowhammers, Chaffinches, Robins, Blackbirds, Redwings, Woodpigeons, and at least 10 Brambling fed side by side.
There were a pair of Grey Partridge at the end of the track and several Common Buzzards loafing around the bunkers.
I didn't see anything else until I spent a hour loitering along the track waiting for Tor, our new boy, to come back from his foray following his nose. This enforced wait produced 2 Ravens, 2 Red Kites, a Grey Wagtail and at least 4 Lesser Redpolls.
Whilst in the garden the air was filled by the mew of the Common Buzzards, evocative calls of the Red Kites and the baritone calls of the Ravens. These birds may have been the ones seen earlier at Harrington.
Late this afternoon I took a good walk around the Blueberry area and saw more of the same, 2 Ravens, 3 Red Kites, 10+ Common Buzzards, plus a female Peregrine whom I often bump into.
There were also 2 Barn Owl, but no sign of the Stonechats which may have moved on. But it was really just nice to be out and about !
Regards
Eleanor
A day of wall to wall sunshine made a pleasant change from the recent rain. Consequently I spent most of my day outside. I started at Harrington Airfield where the birds were waiting to be fed. At the moment the numbers of birds visiting mean that we feed every day.
At one point this morning there was a myriad of colours as Reed Buntings, Yellowhammers, Chaffinches, Robins, Blackbirds, Redwings, Woodpigeons, and at least 10 Brambling fed side by side.
There were a pair of Grey Partridge at the end of the track and several Common Buzzards loafing around the bunkers.
I didn't see anything else until I spent a hour loitering along the track waiting for Tor, our new boy, to come back from his foray following his nose. This enforced wait produced 2 Ravens, 2 Red Kites, a Grey Wagtail and at least 4 Lesser Redpolls.
Whilst in the garden the air was filled by the mew of the Common Buzzards, evocative calls of the Red Kites and the baritone calls of the Ravens. These birds may have been the ones seen earlier at Harrington.
Late this afternoon I took a good walk around the Blueberry area and saw more of the same, 2 Ravens, 3 Red Kites, 10+ Common Buzzards, plus a female Peregrine whom I often bump into.
There were also 2 Barn Owl, but no sign of the Stonechats which may have moved on. But it was really just nice to be out and about !
Regards
Eleanor
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