Summer Leys

I decided to visit Summer Leys this morning after yesterday's sighting of a Bittern. Disappointingly the bird didn't make a return visit.
There were compensations however. A Great White Egret was fishing on the Scrape when I arrived in the Pioneer Hide. It was accompanied by a Little Egret and a rather possessive Grey Heron. The latter bird was particularly envious of the Egret's fishing success and attempted to steal fish from it before eventually displacing it from it's preferred fishing spot.
An eclipse plumage Garganey was also feeding on the scrape. A pair of Grey Wagtail's flew in and started feeding in front of the hide. Shortly afterwards a juvenile Peregrine Falcon flew low over the scrape and gave a Wood Pigeon a nasty surprise. The bird wasn't really in hunting mode and the Pigeon easily evaded its half hearted stoop. None of the other birds on the scrape noticed the Peregrine's passage!
A pair of Snipe were on Brayshaw's Bund with a second pair on Eddy's Island. A lone Hobby was hawking insects high over the car park.

              Regards,

                        Neil H.

Autumn sunshine

Hello

A stunning autumnal day meant that Eleanor was soon out of the door this morning, joined by me a little later with a few chores completed.

A 'cream crown' Marsh Harrier flew along the Brampton Valley towards Brixworth from below Hanging Houghton at about 10.45am, but there was little else to report with the valley fields being very dry at the moment.

A quick late morning walk at Harrington Airfield was profitable if you like looking at good numbers of soaring Kestrels, Common Buzzards and Red Kites as there were plenty in every direction. A female Peregrine, presumably the Blueberry bird, came over the airfield causing some consternation among the gulls feeding on the fields. Passerines were generally in low numbers with just a few common warblers, Yellowhammers, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits perhaps being the most obvious on show.

Early afternoon saw us in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res where there were five Red-crested Pochard (including a leucistic individual) and a Little Egret. The bay was disturbed due to some tree felling which will hopefully improve viewing conditions around the Bird Club hide.

Regards

Neil M

Red Kite
Harrington Airfield

Spurn

Hello

Yesterday  (Sunday 21st Sept) I was fortunate to be able to visit the Spurn/Kilnsea area in East Yorkshire with fellow Northants birders Jacob Spinks, Andrew Tyrrell and Neil Hasdell.  There were plenty of birders on the ground when we arrived and good numbers of other would-be observers from Northants too! This migration hot-spot attracts large numbers of birders from around the country, the quality and concentration of birds making the long journey worthwhile. 

Many there had come to see a juvenile Masked Shrike which was on show all day along a particular shielded hedge-line, and this was my first opportunity of seeing one in juvenile plumage. The bird was just a little too far away for my lens to cope with so I'm hoping my colleagues will supply me an image over the next few days or so!

The supporting cast of scarce and rare birds ensured that birders didn't have far to stray and we walked a loop around Kilnsea itself to see most of the birds on offer.  I can watch members of the chat family all day and with good numbers of Stonechats, Whinchats, Wheatears and Redstarts on offer I was very happy with my lot. A juvenile Barred Warbler gave itself up on the second attempt and at one stage I was able to see Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher and Red-breasted Flycatcher all in the same 'scope view! We didn't connect with an elusive Olive-backed Pipit on-site but most patient observers did even if the views were brief. Other birds of the grassy margins included up to three Jack Snipe, Snipe and Water Rail.

Other warblers included Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler and a Yellow-browed was reported. Fly-over migrants included Marsh Harrier, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Brambling and Siskin. A brief spell of sea-watching quickly provided distant views of Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Arctic and Great Skua and good numbers of Red-throated Divers as well as a supporting cast of Kittiwake, Common Tern, Gannet and Guillemot. 

As the tide turned good numbers and variety of estuary waders were pushed up towards us and we noted plenty of Little Egrets and a couple of Brent Geese. A Peregrine was about our last bird of note as we left the area during the late afternoon.

Regards

Neil M

Stonechat

Pied Flycatcher

Barred Warbler

Wheatear

Jack Snipe

Snipe

Stortons Ringing

Hello

A ringing session took place at Stortons GP this morning which resulted in 69 birds being caught of which 52 were new. Highlights included some summer migrants still in the shape of a Chiffchaff, a Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warblers and 9 Blackcaps plus 3 resident Bullfinches and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Birds noted around Hanging Houghton today included 2 Ravens, a Barn Owl and a Grey Wagtail. An excursion at Harrington Airfield this morning failed to locate much with just a pair of Grey Partridge being noteworthy.

A walk around the fields between Walgrave village and Pitsford Res this afternoon was sufficient to see an Osprey, a Redstart and 3 Golden Plovers.

Regards

Neil M

Pitsford Ringing

Hello

A period of bird ringing in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res today was sufficient to catch and process 73 birds with perhaps the highlights being a Sparrowhawk, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 9 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 7 Blackcaps, a Goldcrest and 13 Meadow Pipits.

Other birds noted in the bay included at least 2 Hobbys, 13 Red-crested Pochard, a Kingfisher, a Snipe and a Willow Tit.

An adult male Merlin appeared at Harrington Airfield this morning and two Wheatears were present around the bunkers.

At Blueberry Farm this afternoon, the southern-most field hosted a Stonechat and a Whinchat with two mobile Ravens too.

Regards

Neil M

Staying local

Hello

A visit to the village sewer works at Brixworth today provided views of a Hobby and at least five Grey Wagtails (two caught and ringed).

An afternoon visit to the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res confirmed the continued presence of the Great White Egret and adult Yellow-legged Gull plus at least six Red-crested Pochard and four Snipe.

Regards

Neil M

Unidentified fungi
on dead Ash tree near
Pitsford Res. The structure
resembled a coral or cauliflower!
Any suggestions re identity
gratefully received!

And the Hornet nest just became
bigger again!
Pitsford Res.

Great White Egret with
friends, Pitsford Res

Pitsford images

Hello

The Willow Hide is situated in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Reservoir, and because it is about a two mile hike to reach it from the causeway, not many visitors utilize this viewing opportunity. Although the wildlife is often not close, the siting of the hide frequently provides good quality light for photography for much of the day...

Regards

Neil M

Ruff
Pitsford Res

Lapwing
Pitsford Res

Grey Heron
Pitsford Res

Drake Pochard
Pitsford Res

Female Pochard
Pitsford Res

Drake Gadwall
Pitsford Res
Normally one of the first
ducks to acquire nuptial plumage
following the eclipse stage

Female Gadwall
Pitsford Res

Roesel's Bush-cricket
Pitsford Res

Little Egret
Pitsford Res

Simon Hales images

Hello

Simon is a keen local naturalist who seems to have the knack of putting himself in prime position for taking excellent images of local wildlife.  Please enjoy the results!

Regards

Neil M

Whinchat
Harrington Airfield

Hornet nest - now much more
advanced Pitsford Res!

Cetti's Warbler
Stanwick GP

Red-legged Partridge

South Northants Barn Owls

Hello

Chris Payne has been assisting Paddy Jackson to check Barn Owl nest sites near to Greens Norton recently and as elsewhere the local birds seem to be doing well and producing batches of healthy youngsters. The attached images are courtesy of Chris..

Regards

Neil M

Typical Autumn Birds

Another beautiful Autumn day which led to me being out and about rather than doing the housework !!!!
Although shrouded in fog I decided to visit Harrington Airfield and initially could only hear the Linnets, Goldfinches etc but as the fog lifted to reveal sunshine and blue skies the birds also revealed themselves.  A Redstart [? same long staying bird] was again in bushes around the shooting wall, along with a few Blackcaps and Whitethroat.  There were 2 Wheatears and 2 Whinchat and a Turtle Dove around the bunkers.
A Tree Pipit, Siskin and 2 Grey Wagtails flew over calling whilst I was busy picking blackberries for tea !
I wandered  around the southern end of Blueberry Farm area this afternoon and there were 6 Whinchat and a Redstart in the usual field/hedge.   The Whinchat were playing hide and seek as on several "scans" of the field I couldn't see anything and then they popped up on the weeds.
Plenty of raptors including a female Peregrine, Hobby, Marsh Harrier [cream crown] and Red Kites.
A Tree Pipit flew over calling as did 2 Ravens.
Just a lovely day to be out and about.


Regards Eleanor

Fineshade Wood - renewed application

Hello again

Things have been moving quite fast in the last couple of weeks so there's a lot to report... and I'm afraid we need to ask for your help again.

First the good news... the Glamping Pod application at Top Lodge. The East Northants Council Planning Officer has recommended that councillors REFUSE this application. She completed a very thorough review that included references to all the points made by the many objectors. The main reasons for the recommendation were:

failure to consider detrimental impacts on wildlife and biodiversity, 

adverse affect on residential amenity,

failure to demonstrate proposal would not have detrimental impact on highway safety,

failure to demonstrate that the access track to the junction with A43 could accommodate the proposed development.

Councillors can accept or reject this recommendation and their decision will be made at the meeting of the Development Strategy Committeenext Wednesday, 24th at 7pm in the council chamber in Thrapston. A couple of us will have the opportunity of addressing the committee and others will be there to support. Do come along if you can - the public gallery holds 50 people.

Less good news about Forest Holidays proposal for 70 cabins in Fineshade Wood itself.

Last week FH withdrew their previous application, but relief was short lived when it became clear that they were going to simply re-submit it with a slight change. They have to provide what is termed a "Mitigation and Enhancement Area" to compensate for the habitat that will be lost by their development. It was pointed out to them (by the Woodland Trust) that the small area they originally proposed was in fact designated as Ancient Woodland, so they decided to nominate a different area of just 6.6 hectares where they will carry out coppicing work. 

This change required them to start a completely new application process. They have resubmitted almost all their previous documents - the area they wish to develop and their access route remains unchanged. The only changes we can find to their plans are detailed below. Unfortunately all the 200 or so objections to the previous planning application will not be considered by the council unless they are resubmitted.  So please resubmit your objection now - probably the only thing you need to change is the planning application number. It is now 14/01704/FUL. The closing date for objections is 8th October.

Yes, this is a nuisance! One wonders whether it is a ploy to reduce the number of objections? We are determined to do all we can to ensure that there are even more objections this time around - so please can you help by enlisting others to send an objection too? Do forward this email to whoever may be prepared to help. This is probably very important indeed.

Thank you once again 

Barrie and Tricia Galpin

On behalf of a group of Fineshade residents

Please also sign and share the petition "Forest Privatisation by the back door" .

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/forest-privatisation-by-the-back-door

15 Top Lodge, Fineshade, Corby. NN17 3BB

fineshade.wood@zen.co.uk

01780-444351

07717-446417

1)  How to object

The new reference number for the application is 14/01704/FUL and it can be found online at 

http://pawebsrv.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=NBMT4XGO0A000

Objections can be made online, or simply emailed to planning@east-northamptonshire.gov.uk. 

Or by letter to Planning comments, East Northamptonshire Council, Cedar Drive, Thrapston NN14 4LZ. 

All comments must include your name and address and the reference 14/01704/FUL. The consultation period ends on 8th October.

We suggest you also put very clearly at the top: Objection

2)  What's new this time?

a) The new total application area is now  46.2 ha = 114 acres.

b)  Forest Holidays Surveyors have now found evidence of the presence of Dormice in Fineshade Wood (European-level protected species).  However, they have not carried out a proper survey to find out exactly where they are. One potential area is acknowledged to be where the new access road will be cut through the wood from the carpark. Another is where the large maintenance building will be.

c)  Forest Holidays have suggested that Duddington Lane can be used in the event of an emergency  - if it can be used for emergency vehicles it offers an alternative to the proposed main access route which is overused. 

d) 6.6 hectares of already regenerating broadleaved woodland has been set aside for Mitigation and Enhancement.  This is far too small to compensate for what will be lost since it will be impossible to provide the rich mix of habitats of a suitable size.

Wednesday's Bits and Bob's

Harrington was fairly quiet this morning with a notable lack of warblers.  There was a Redstart in the bushes by the shooting wall, 2 Wheatears around the first bunker and a covey of 7 Grey Partridge flushed. It has been a few weeks since I saw any Grey Partridge.  Jays, Blackbirds and Mistle Thrushes were very vocal and have increased in numbers over the last week.  The large mixed flock of Linnet and Goldfinch remain but were very mobile and plenty of Red Kites showing well.
On my two visits to the southern end of the Blueberry area there was a Redstart, 2 Whinchat and a Stonechat in their regular field.
A female Peregrine flew over low looking rather tatty and gave an odd profile due to her very full crop........wonder what she had just eaten ?.   Again plenty of Red Kite showing well and also 2 Ravens playing around.
A quick look at the spit of mud at the mouth of the Grange Bay Pitsford produced 2 Ruff, Snipe, Little Egret, Grey Wagtail and a Pintail with a Hobby busy hawking the insects.
This spit is well worth checking out regularly as it seems to offer the best looking area for attracting waders, but it does tend to suffer from disturbance from fishermen, sail craft and general walkers.


Regards  Eleanor

Status Quo

A rather clearer morning this morning, although with a distinctly autumnal feel to it. A trip to the reserve end of Pitsford Res produced a variation on the birds present for the last few days.
At least two Ruff were still present although mobile around the causeway/feed station areas. A further two birds were also around the Moulton Grange Bay area.
The Great White Egret was initially spotted perched in a tree at the back of the Walgrave Bay. By the time I had got to the New James Fisher hide it had relocated to the bund, where it was happily and effectively fishing for fry in the shallows.
Eleven Red-crested Pochard were also in the Scaldwell Bay, every visit the number of birds present seems to change.
At least 4 Little Egrets were seen in various locations around the reserve.
A brief foray into the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton produced probably two Redstarts in the hedge around the southern most field. One was seen and heard and a probable second bird heard. A single Whinchat was perched up on the vegetation further into the field.

       Regards,

                    Neil H.

Redstarts Remain !

This morning I had to resort to plan B due to the thick fog, which was a run along the Brampton Valley Way. There were plenty of Blackbirds in the bushes and they seem to be increasing in number. A single Brambling, Siskin and Grey Wagtail were the only birds of note.
I visited Blueberry Farm area a couple of times today and there were at least 2+ Whinchat, a Stonechat and a male Redstart in the area, although all could be elusive at times. Usually they would appear on a weed stem, bramble or hedgerow, their presence detected by a sudden movement or a flash of red or white rump areas. Jays were very vocal and obvious today as they foraged the oak trees and hedgerows. 
Sunshine and breeze provided ideal conditions for the raptors to enjoy including Hobby, Red Kites and Common Buzzard.  The recently harvested fields appear to be a magnet for the Red Kites and I came across 4 perched in the same tree.
This evening I visited Harrington Airfield which apart from a stunning sunset was quiet. A Redstart in the bushes at the first bunker being the only bird of note.


Regards  Eleanor

Chat field in the evening

Hello

An early evening perusal over the southern-most field of the Blueberry Farm complex successfully located the Stonechat and at least six Whinchats. The female Peregrine was perched up in a nearby tree...

Regards

Neil M

Pitsford WeBs Count

Hello

A WeBs count was completed at Pitsford Reservoir today, some of the count being conducted in very dull and sometimes wet conditions. Good numbers of birds were present despite some quite considerable disturbance which kept the birds active and the counters on their toes!

Highlights included a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper between the dam and Moulton Grange Bay, a Dunlin, 5 Ruff, a Redshank, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, the Great White Egret, 6 Little Egrets, the two Ruddy Shelduck (mobile), the Bar-headed Goose, several Hobbys including two perched juveniles in the Holcot Bay, 13 Red-crested Pochard (Scaldwell Bay), 2 Pintail, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Kingfisher, Yellow and Grey Wagtails and a Willow Tit. Two Cormorant nests still hold late-hatched juveniles and there are comparatively very young broods of Great Crested Grebes on-site, both species enjoying a excellent breeding season.

This morning there were four Whinchats and a Redstart in vegetation at the most southern field of the Blueberry Farm complex.

Regards

Neil M

Ruff
Pitsford Res

Distant Curlew Sandpiper
Pitsford Res

Chat field

Hello

An afternoon foray in to the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton provided views of three Whinchats and a Stonechat in the most southern field of the Blueberry Farm complex plus two Redstarts in 'shrike hedge' which borders the same field.

Regards

Neil M

Stonechat
Blueberry Farm, Maidwell

Pitsford am

Hello

Some birding at Pitsford Res by myself and Neil H this morning yielded a few birds of interest. The dam area attracted two Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, a Garganey, a Pintail, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Raven, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail.

Birds north of the causeway included the Great White Egret still, in the Scaldwell Bay between the Bird Club and the New James Fisher Hides. Two Little Egrets and another adult Yellow-legged Gull were in the same area and a probable Redstart was heard calling in a field hedge to the west of the Ringing Hut.

Regards

Neil M