Hello
John Woollett and team managed another ringing session at Stortons GP on Sunday where they successfully caught 98 birds. Twenty of these birds were re-traps from previous efforts on-site.
Birds caught included three Cetti's Warblers (one new bird), a late Reed Warbler which weighed in at a healthy weight of 13.7g, two Blackcaps and good numbers of Reed Buntings, Chaffinches, Greenfinches and Goldfinches.
Regards
Neil M
Monday 6 October 2014
Fair Isle Day 6 (Sunday)
Hello
This blog refers to our adventures on Fair Isle on Sunday...
The morning trap round produced a few birds for ringing which included Goldcrest, Song Thrush and Brambling. After breakfast we decided to venture up to the north of the island, with a freshening southerly wind-stream on our backs. We quickly notched up the island's Merlins and Peregrines as we marched over the moorland and dodged the menacing Bonxies as they swooped down towards us.
A good look around indicated that the White's Thrush from the previous day had probably gone and we flushed up several Jack Snipe and many Snipe as we checked various depressions and damp patches. A bright and bouncy Yellow-browed Warbler flitting around on the peat and heather was a treat, this little warbler seemingly coping with the lack of foliage. A Ring Ouzel was next and a climb up to Ward Hill produced plenty of Song Thrushes and Redwings and other common migrants. An inspection of the old buildings by the Mast led to the discovery of a Black Redstart.
We then zig-zagged down the hill, locating plenty of Golden Plover, pipits and Wheatears as we did so.
After a splendid Fair Isle Sunday dinner, we yomped up to Pund and managed just brief views of the long-staying Bluethroat. The Hen Harrier argued with a Peregrine over the centre of the island and Lapland Buntings called from nearby wet bogs. A couple of flocks of Whooper Swans patrolled over-head and Pink-footed Geese and Greylags ensured there was plenty of noise too!
The south end of the island hosted plenty of waders but despite our best efforts we couldn't find anything unusual in the ever-increasing windy conditions and arrived back at the obs just before dusk at 7pm, just in time for Fair Isle High Tea. I could easily become used to this!
Regards
Neil M
This blog refers to our adventures on Fair Isle on Sunday...
The morning trap round produced a few birds for ringing which included Goldcrest, Song Thrush and Brambling. After breakfast we decided to venture up to the north of the island, with a freshening southerly wind-stream on our backs. We quickly notched up the island's Merlins and Peregrines as we marched over the moorland and dodged the menacing Bonxies as they swooped down towards us.
A good look around indicated that the White's Thrush from the previous day had probably gone and we flushed up several Jack Snipe and many Snipe as we checked various depressions and damp patches. A bright and bouncy Yellow-browed Warbler flitting around on the peat and heather was a treat, this little warbler seemingly coping with the lack of foliage. A Ring Ouzel was next and a climb up to Ward Hill produced plenty of Song Thrushes and Redwings and other common migrants. An inspection of the old buildings by the Mast led to the discovery of a Black Redstart.
We then zig-zagged down the hill, locating plenty of Golden Plover, pipits and Wheatears as we did so.
After a splendid Fair Isle Sunday dinner, we yomped up to Pund and managed just brief views of the long-staying Bluethroat. The Hen Harrier argued with a Peregrine over the centre of the island and Lapland Buntings called from nearby wet bogs. A couple of flocks of Whooper Swans patrolled over-head and Pink-footed Geese and Greylags ensured there was plenty of noise too!
The south end of the island hosted plenty of waders but despite our best efforts we couldn't find anything unusual in the ever-increasing windy conditions and arrived back at the obs just before dusk at 7pm, just in time for Fair Isle High Tea. I could easily become used to this!
Regards
Neil M
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| Meadow Pipit |
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| Starling |
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| Pink-footed Geese |
Sunday 5 October 2014
Reflections...
Hello
Some reflective images of waders from Robin Gossage...
Regards
Neil M
Some reflective images of waders from Robin Gossage...
Regards
Neil M
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| Ruff - a species that varies in size, bare parts colouration and plumage! |
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| Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper |
Sunny Sunday morning
After yesterday's wet weather this morning was a very pleasant, if rather chilly, surprise. I decided to make the most of it with a rather 'iffy' forecast for the rest of the week and headed up to Harrington Airfield for the first part of my outing. Harrington was unspectacular with a Stonechat near the second bunker being the highlight. A number of Golden Plover were vocal in the autumn sunshine, various flocks numbering ~80 birds in total. Assorted finches and buntings were present in good numbers without anything unusual being noted.
The second part of the morning was spent in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Reservoir. The first bird observed was the Great-white Egret in flight between the Walgrave and Scaldwell Bays where it landed beside the Willows Hide. 5 of its smaller Little Egret cousins were dotted about the reserve. I bumped into Dave Francis who said there was a Stonechat between the feed station and the Bird Club Hide, unfortunately I couldn't relocate it.
A Green Sandpiper was on the mud next to the Bird Club hide and 10 Pintail were to the left of it just off the bund with a further 2 in front of the Willows Hide. 16 Red-crested Pochard were present, 9 of which were drakes including the leucistic bird. A pair of Black Swans were sailing serenely close to the Bird Club Hide.
The glorious weather had obviously not gone unnoticed by the raptors, 16 Buzzards were up at one point, 9 in the same thermal along with a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk.
Regards,
Neil H.
The second part of the morning was spent in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Reservoir. The first bird observed was the Great-white Egret in flight between the Walgrave and Scaldwell Bays where it landed beside the Willows Hide. 5 of its smaller Little Egret cousins were dotted about the reserve. I bumped into Dave Francis who said there was a Stonechat between the feed station and the Bird Club Hide, unfortunately I couldn't relocate it.
A Green Sandpiper was on the mud next to the Bird Club hide and 10 Pintail were to the left of it just off the bund with a further 2 in front of the Willows Hide. 16 Red-crested Pochard were present, 9 of which were drakes including the leucistic bird. A pair of Black Swans were sailing serenely close to the Bird Club Hide.
The glorious weather had obviously not gone unnoticed by the raptors, 16 Buzzards were up at one point, 9 in the same thermal along with a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk.
Regards,
Neil H.
Saturday 4 October 2014
Fair Isle Day 5
Hello
Still suffering from a very poor Internet connection up here on Fair Isle but here goes!
Today was mostly a day of rain but thankfully the strong winds of the last few days had stilled and there was barely a breath of breeze. These are quite rare conditions for up here so it was worth becoming somewhat waterlogged in order to find passerines.
However it was the geese that provided most of the avian spectacle (and sound) in the morning with over a thousand Pink-footed Geese arriving from the north and landing on various parts of the island, and other skeins passing down the sides of the island or circling over-head. Small numbers of Greylags and Barnacles added some variety and there was an increase in ducks too with mobile Wigeon, Teal and Red-breasted Merganser in good numbers.
We located a very wet Richard's-type Pipit that was so fed up at becoming wet in the grass it took to walking along the edge of roads and tracks! Other repeats included the male Bluethroat again, two smart and performing Yellow-browed Warblers, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting and plenty of Twite and Brambling. Two Merlins hunted the isle as did the male 'ringtail' Hen Harrier and the Bonxies continued to harry just about anything that passed over including the geese-flocks which looked impressive! Other birds included Arctic Tern, Red-throated Diver, Jack Snipe, Grey Wagtail, Whinchat, Wheatear, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
However bird of the day was a White's Thrush which was found in the afternoon at the north-end of the island during the daily bird census. This is a bird we have not managed to see anywhere in the world and it looked pretty much how I always expected to see one, sheltering under a peat and heather overhang on the north aspect of Ward Hill at a location known as West Lother. This big bird, the same size as a Mistle Thrush, flinched each time a flying Bonxie came too close for comfort. A fitting end to a fairly challenging but stimulating day in the great British outdoors!
Regards
Neil M
Still suffering from a very poor Internet connection up here on Fair Isle but here goes!
Today was mostly a day of rain but thankfully the strong winds of the last few days had stilled and there was barely a breath of breeze. These are quite rare conditions for up here so it was worth becoming somewhat waterlogged in order to find passerines.
However it was the geese that provided most of the avian spectacle (and sound) in the morning with over a thousand Pink-footed Geese arriving from the north and landing on various parts of the island, and other skeins passing down the sides of the island or circling over-head. Small numbers of Greylags and Barnacles added some variety and there was an increase in ducks too with mobile Wigeon, Teal and Red-breasted Merganser in good numbers.
We located a very wet Richard's-type Pipit that was so fed up at becoming wet in the grass it took to walking along the edge of roads and tracks! Other repeats included the male Bluethroat again, two smart and performing Yellow-browed Warblers, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting and plenty of Twite and Brambling. Two Merlins hunted the isle as did the male 'ringtail' Hen Harrier and the Bonxies continued to harry just about anything that passed over including the geese-flocks which looked impressive! Other birds included Arctic Tern, Red-throated Diver, Jack Snipe, Grey Wagtail, Whinchat, Wheatear, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
However bird of the day was a White's Thrush which was found in the afternoon at the north-end of the island during the daily bird census. This is a bird we have not managed to see anywhere in the world and it looked pretty much how I always expected to see one, sheltering under a peat and heather overhang on the north aspect of Ward Hill at a location known as West Lother. This big bird, the same size as a Mistle Thrush, flinched each time a flying Bonxie came too close for comfort. A fitting end to a fairly challenging but stimulating day in the great British outdoors!
Regards
Neil M
Fair Isle Day 4
Hello
Apologies for the delay in posting this blog. With Fair Isle being a little far-flung, Internet and mobile 'phone connections are sometimes problematic!
Powerful southerly winds yesterday (Friday 3rd) with rain ensured it wasn't ideal bird-watching conditions first thing, but being on the coast there is never an excuse that you can't go sea-watching! So after finding a reasonably dry piece of cliff I scanned a wild and spectacular sea for 90 minutes. Hundreds of Gannets and Fulmars careered around in all directions and there was a light passage south of auks (mostly Razorbills) and Kittiwakes. Bonxies continued to harry anything in reasonable proximity, particularly the Gannets. Other south-bound items of interest included a Great Northern Diver, five Red-breasted Mergansers and two Harbour Porpoise.
A wander around Buness and the Havens added observations of Arctic Tern and Snow Bunting amongst more regular fare, and Eleanor added Hen Harrier and Jack Snipe to the day-list.
After a splendid lunch (the food here is amazing) and an improvement in the weather, it was a wander to the north and Eleanor and I inspected the geos and creases around the cliffs in an effort to find avian items of interest. Plenty of migrant Redwings, Song Thrushes, two more Snow Buntings, a couple of Goldcrests and a fine male Ring Ouzel were about the best. Plenty of Snipe flushed up from the moors and the local Hoodies were joined by a wandering Carrion Crow. Two Peregrines in conflict with each other were both males, an adult and a juvenile.
After checking Ward Hill and the mast area, we headed down-hill to a group of birders huddled in a field about a mile away. Their quarry was a large pipit, the second to be found on the island during the day. The powers that be decided it was a Richard's Pipit but the bird seemed remarkably small to me. This and the first bird were fresh-in and probably tired and perhaps the reason that neither were heard to call (one of the best identification features of these large pipits). They were both classed as small Richard's Pipits. Perhaps we will obtain better views today.
A flying redpoll sp was seen better by other observers who identified it a a North West (Common) Redpoll.
Some late ringing provided me with an opportunity of ringing and examining a Yellow-browed Warbler in front of a throng of visitors and then we processed a small flock of drop-dead gorgeous Bramblings. A great day on Fair Isle and then it was a superb island curry and a very good presentation on the wildlife of New Zealand.
Regards
Neil M
Apologies for the delay in posting this blog. With Fair Isle being a little far-flung, Internet and mobile 'phone connections are sometimes problematic!
Powerful southerly winds yesterday (Friday 3rd) with rain ensured it wasn't ideal bird-watching conditions first thing, but being on the coast there is never an excuse that you can't go sea-watching! So after finding a reasonably dry piece of cliff I scanned a wild and spectacular sea for 90 minutes. Hundreds of Gannets and Fulmars careered around in all directions and there was a light passage south of auks (mostly Razorbills) and Kittiwakes. Bonxies continued to harry anything in reasonable proximity, particularly the Gannets. Other south-bound items of interest included a Great Northern Diver, five Red-breasted Mergansers and two Harbour Porpoise.
A wander around Buness and the Havens added observations of Arctic Tern and Snow Bunting amongst more regular fare, and Eleanor added Hen Harrier and Jack Snipe to the day-list.
After a splendid lunch (the food here is amazing) and an improvement in the weather, it was a wander to the north and Eleanor and I inspected the geos and creases around the cliffs in an effort to find avian items of interest. Plenty of migrant Redwings, Song Thrushes, two more Snow Buntings, a couple of Goldcrests and a fine male Ring Ouzel were about the best. Plenty of Snipe flushed up from the moors and the local Hoodies were joined by a wandering Carrion Crow. Two Peregrines in conflict with each other were both males, an adult and a juvenile.
After checking Ward Hill and the mast area, we headed down-hill to a group of birders huddled in a field about a mile away. Their quarry was a large pipit, the second to be found on the island during the day. The powers that be decided it was a Richard's Pipit but the bird seemed remarkably small to me. This and the first bird were fresh-in and probably tired and perhaps the reason that neither were heard to call (one of the best identification features of these large pipits). They were both classed as small Richard's Pipits. Perhaps we will obtain better views today.
A flying redpoll sp was seen better by other observers who identified it a a North West (Common) Redpoll.
Some late ringing provided me with an opportunity of ringing and examining a Yellow-browed Warbler in front of a throng of visitors and then we processed a small flock of drop-dead gorgeous Bramblings. A great day on Fair Isle and then it was a superb island curry and a very good presentation on the wildlife of New Zealand.
Regards
Neil M
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| Bonxie or Great Skua |
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| Snow Bunting |
Thursday 2 October 2014
Fair Isle Day 3
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| A stormy aspect of South Light Fair Isle. Eleanor McMahon |
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| Kittiwake |
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| Gannets |
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| Fulmar experiencing and coping well with strong wind gusts! |
Hello
An increasingly blustery day here on Fair Isle with winds expected to be at gale force tonight. However plenty of sunshine, particularly in the morning made for a couple of pleasant excursions.
It seemed there were very few fresh birds in, the best of the lingerers for us being the Bluethroat, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling, a Lapland Bunting and more routine fare. Some ringing in the morning provided opportunities of colour-ringing Starlings as part of a 30 year study on the island, plus general ringing of species including Meadow Pipit, Blackcap and Twite.
Huge numbers of Fulmars were stalling and hanging in strong winds off the cliffs all day, joined by smaller numbers of big gulls, Bonxies and Gannets. Raptors included Kestrel, Peregrine and a male 'ringtail' Hen Harrier. A Grey Phalarope was seen by just a single observer before it flew south-west in very stormy conditions.
Twite and Brambling were again in good numbers with just a couple each of Grey Wagtail, Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer. An interesting bunting seen in flight and emitting the traditional 'rare bunting tic call' flew over early morning but wasn't re-located. Waders included Jack Snipe, Sanderling and Grey Plover.
With heavy rain forecast, we may become a little wet tomorrow!
Regards
Neil M
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| Bluethroat Eleanor McMahon |
Wednesday 1 October 2014
Fair Isle Day 2
Hello
A damp start today and a cool wind this morning which then changed to a breezy but sunny afternoon. Wildfowl were on the move first thing as we notched up Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose and Barnacle Goose. As they over-flew the island, some of the patrolling Bonxies pursued them and a Pink-foot was forced down to the ground, seemingly unharmed but most indignant! Yesterday's estimate of a hundred Bonxies on the island was well short of the true number which must be nearer three hundred and far more than I remember from my last visits.
A patient wait at the derelict croft of Pund paid off with views of the elusive Bluethroat. A Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting also revealed themselves and there was a further influx of thrushes with particularly large numbers of Song Thrushes flushing up from vegetation and cliff-faces. A couple of Ring Ouzels showed during the morning and the Twite flocks included reasonable numbers of Bramblings. Small numbers of Blackcaps showed themselves today but warblers were generally few in number. A possible Pechora Pipit and a locustella warbler sp were seen briefly by other birders.
The sea around Fair Isle is a jumble of hundreds and hundreds of Fulmars and Gannets, still here in very large numbers. Eider, Black Guillemot, Shag and small numbers of common waders are normally visible from any cliff-top scan.
The Meadow Pipit is probably the most common passerine on Fair Isle currently, but Rock Pipits are common too and of course there are Fair Isle Wrens to look out for too!
Regards
Neil M
A damp start today and a cool wind this morning which then changed to a breezy but sunny afternoon. Wildfowl were on the move first thing as we notched up Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose and Barnacle Goose. As they over-flew the island, some of the patrolling Bonxies pursued them and a Pink-foot was forced down to the ground, seemingly unharmed but most indignant! Yesterday's estimate of a hundred Bonxies on the island was well short of the true number which must be nearer three hundred and far more than I remember from my last visits.
A patient wait at the derelict croft of Pund paid off with views of the elusive Bluethroat. A Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting also revealed themselves and there was a further influx of thrushes with particularly large numbers of Song Thrushes flushing up from vegetation and cliff-faces. A couple of Ring Ouzels showed during the morning and the Twite flocks included reasonable numbers of Bramblings. Small numbers of Blackcaps showed themselves today but warblers were generally few in number. A possible Pechora Pipit and a locustella warbler sp were seen briefly by other birders.
The sea around Fair Isle is a jumble of hundreds and hundreds of Fulmars and Gannets, still here in very large numbers. Eider, Black Guillemot, Shag and small numbers of common waders are normally visible from any cliff-top scan.
The Meadow Pipit is probably the most common passerine on Fair Isle currently, but Rock Pipits are common too and of course there are Fair Isle Wrens to look out for too!
Regards
Neil M
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| Skylarks |
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| Twite |
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| Bonxie |
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| Wheatear |
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| Fulmar |
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Fair Isle Day 1
Hello
Well after waiting around all morning, Eleanor and I finally managed the short flight to Fair Isle at about 1pm today.
This gave us the opportunity to wander around some of the south end of the island in a strong southerly breeze and quite warm sunshine. New-in migrants included good numbers of Redwings and Bramblings, with small flocks of both species at a variety of different locations. I was surprised at how many Bonxies were still left with perhaps still a hundred birds still in residence.
A juvenile male Peregrine hunted passerines over Malcolm's Head and we recorded singles of Yellowhammer (scarce up here) and a Lapland Bunting. Birds moving in to the headwind included both Greylag and Pink-footed Geese. Remnant crop strips hosted good numbers of Skylarks and Twite and common waders included a Common Sandpiper. Summer migrants included plenty of Wheatear and Whinchat and a couple of Swallows.
Scarce birds keeping low on the island and not seen by us included Common Rosefinch, Bluethroat, Yellow-browed Warbler and a Rose-coloured Starling. With rarities on mainland Shetland and North Ronaldsay we await to see what will appear here over the next few days!
Regards
Neil M
Well after waiting around all morning, Eleanor and I finally managed the short flight to Fair Isle at about 1pm today.
This gave us the opportunity to wander around some of the south end of the island in a strong southerly breeze and quite warm sunshine. New-in migrants included good numbers of Redwings and Bramblings, with small flocks of both species at a variety of different locations. I was surprised at how many Bonxies were still left with perhaps still a hundred birds still in residence.
A juvenile male Peregrine hunted passerines over Malcolm's Head and we recorded singles of Yellowhammer (scarce up here) and a Lapland Bunting. Birds moving in to the headwind included both Greylag and Pink-footed Geese. Remnant crop strips hosted good numbers of Skylarks and Twite and common waders included a Common Sandpiper. Summer migrants included plenty of Wheatear and Whinchat and a couple of Swallows.
Scarce birds keeping low on the island and not seen by us included Common Rosefinch, Bluethroat, Yellow-browed Warbler and a Rose-coloured Starling. With rarities on mainland Shetland and North Ronaldsay we await to see what will appear here over the next few days!
Regards
Neil M
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| Hooded Crow |
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| Rock Pipit |
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| Black Guillemot |
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| Twite |
Pitsford ringing
A ringing session was conducted around the feed station at the end of the old Scaldwell road yesterday evening and this morning. A fairly modest couple of sessions produced a total of 60 birds trapped and released, 38 of which were new birds including:
15 Tree Sparrows
6 Blackcap
6 Long-tailed Tits
2 Reed Buntings
2 Blue Tits
1 Goldfinch
1 Robin
1 Great Tit
1 Wren
1 Chiff Chaff
1 Blackbird
In addition to the ringed birds 2 Ruff were in attendance on the draw down as well as a solitary Snipe.
Regards,
Neil H.
15 Tree Sparrows
6 Blackcap
6 Long-tailed Tits
2 Reed Buntings
2 Blue Tits
1 Goldfinch
1 Robin
1 Great Tit
1 Wren
1 Chiff Chaff
1 Blackbird
In addition to the ringed birds 2 Ruff were in attendance on the draw down as well as a solitary Snipe.
Regards,
Neil H.
Monday 29 September 2014
Lerwick
Hello
Today was all about travelling as we meandered north for a short stay on Fair Isle, the birding island between the Shetland and Orkney Isles. We failed at the last hurdle as our last and third flight of the day was cancelled due to low cloud and we'll try again tomorrow. Birding opportunities were minimal today and birds seen from the bus on mainland Shetland amounted to little more than Raven, Hooded Crow, Rock Dove and the Shetland race of Starling.
Staying unexpectedly overnight at Lerwick meant we were able to spend the last hour or so of daylight around the harbour area. In excess of 50 Black Guillemots were a treat, as were several tame Grey Seals including a couple of big bulls. Other birds included Rock Pipit, Shag, Eider, Kittiwake and Gannet.
Regards
Neil M
Today was all about travelling as we meandered north for a short stay on Fair Isle, the birding island between the Shetland and Orkney Isles. We failed at the last hurdle as our last and third flight of the day was cancelled due to low cloud and we'll try again tomorrow. Birding opportunities were minimal today and birds seen from the bus on mainland Shetland amounted to little more than Raven, Hooded Crow, Rock Dove and the Shetland race of Starling.
Staying unexpectedly overnight at Lerwick meant we were able to spend the last hour or so of daylight around the harbour area. In excess of 50 Black Guillemots were a treat, as were several tame Grey Seals including a couple of big bulls. Other birds included Rock Pipit, Shag, Eider, Kittiwake and Gannet.
Regards
Neil M
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| Black Guillemot or the Shetland name 'Tystie' |
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| Shetland inter-island ferry |
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| Grey Seal All images Eleanor McMahon |
Sunday 28 September 2014
Sunday ringing...
Hello
The Stortons Gravel Pits ringing team were out and busy this morning, catching an excellent 102 birds. Highlights included an adult male Water Rail, 22 Greenfinches, plenty of Goldfinches, 8 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff and 8 Reed Buntings.
At Harrington Airfield it was day two of ringing which provided a more modest catch of 42 birds in our efforts of trying to better understand population dynamics and migration. Six Blackbirds caught and ringed appeared to have just arrived and were probably of continental origin judging from their plumage and other traits. Other birds included a juvenile Song Thrush, 3 Blackcaps, 3 new Robins, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldfinches, 4 Reed Buntings, 4 Yellowhammers and 4 Meadow Pipits.
Other birds noted on the disused airfield included 6+ Golden Plovers, up to five Ravens, 3-4 Redwings, a couple of Yellow Wagtails and common raptors.
Regards
Neil M
The Stortons Gravel Pits ringing team were out and busy this morning, catching an excellent 102 birds. Highlights included an adult male Water Rail, 22 Greenfinches, plenty of Goldfinches, 8 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff and 8 Reed Buntings.
At Harrington Airfield it was day two of ringing which provided a more modest catch of 42 birds in our efforts of trying to better understand population dynamics and migration. Six Blackbirds caught and ringed appeared to have just arrived and were probably of continental origin judging from their plumage and other traits. Other birds included a juvenile Song Thrush, 3 Blackcaps, 3 new Robins, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldfinches, 4 Reed Buntings, 4 Yellowhammers and 4 Meadow Pipits.
Other birds noted on the disused airfield included 6+ Golden Plovers, up to five Ravens, 3-4 Redwings, a couple of Yellow Wagtails and common raptors.
Regards
Neil M
Saturday 27 September 2014
Next Northants Bird Club Indoor Meeting
Hello
This is a reminder to members and an invite to non-members to attend the Northants Bird Club indoor meeting at the Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Reservoir on Wednesday 1st October. Our guest speaker will be Josh Hellon who will present on the Great Fen Project to the east of Northamptonshire. Please try and attend as soon after 7.30pm as possible with a view to the meeting starting at about 7.45pm. Hot drinks and biscuits will be available during the evening.
Regards
Neil M
This is a reminder to members and an invite to non-members to attend the Northants Bird Club indoor meeting at the Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Reservoir on Wednesday 1st October. Our guest speaker will be Josh Hellon who will present on the Great Fen Project to the east of Northamptonshire. Please try and attend as soon after 7.30pm as possible with a view to the meeting starting at about 7.45pm. Hot drinks and biscuits will be available during the evening.
Regards
Neil M
Ringing in the county today
Hello
Chris Payne was ringing down at Greens Norton today and he caught and processed fifty birds which included 21 Goldfinches, 10 Greenfinches and a Chiffchaff.
At the same time ringers were working nets at Harrington Airfield in the vicinity of the old airstrip and caught 73 birds which included 4 Green Woodpeckers, a Linnet, 14 Goldfinches, 8 Reed Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests and 18 Meadow Pipits. Other birds noted included a Grey Wagtail, 3 Yellow Wagtails, c50 Golden Plovers and large numbers of Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits. Diurnal migrants on the move included south-bound Starlings, Skylarks, Swallows, Song Thrushes, Tree Sparrows and Jays (at least nine). There will be further ringing there tomorrow and access to the airstrip and bunkers will be restricted.
Birds in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this afternoon included the Stonechat still plus a vocal Willow Tit. A pair of Stonechat remain in the large field on the hill at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.
Regards
Neil M
Chris Payne was ringing down at Greens Norton today and he caught and processed fifty birds which included 21 Goldfinches, 10 Greenfinches and a Chiffchaff.
At the same time ringers were working nets at Harrington Airfield in the vicinity of the old airstrip and caught 73 birds which included 4 Green Woodpeckers, a Linnet, 14 Goldfinches, 8 Reed Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests and 18 Meadow Pipits. Other birds noted included a Grey Wagtail, 3 Yellow Wagtails, c50 Golden Plovers and large numbers of Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits. Diurnal migrants on the move included south-bound Starlings, Skylarks, Swallows, Song Thrushes, Tree Sparrows and Jays (at least nine). There will be further ringing there tomorrow and access to the airstrip and bunkers will be restricted.
Birds in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this afternoon included the Stonechat still plus a vocal Willow Tit. A pair of Stonechat remain in the large field on the hill at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell.
Regards
Neil M
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| Adult male Green Woodpecker |
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| Juvenile female Green Woodpecker |
Friday 26 September 2014
Pitsford update...
Hello
This morning there were 13 Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res including the leucistic bird (per Neil H). Also a Stonechat was present between the Maytrees and Bird Club hides.
Work on felling the big crack willows in the Scaldwell Bay has caused a significant amount of disturbance but the biggest trees are down now so hopefully observers will soon benefit from better viewing conditions from the hides.
A couple of Ravens and a Grey Wagtail were at Hanging Houghton this morning and another six Ravens were near Draughton Pool.
Regards
Neil M
This morning there were 13 Red-crested Pochard in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res including the leucistic bird (per Neil H). Also a Stonechat was present between the Maytrees and Bird Club hides.
Work on felling the big crack willows in the Scaldwell Bay has caused a significant amount of disturbance but the biggest trees are down now so hopefully observers will soon benefit from better viewing conditions from the hides.
A couple of Ravens and a Grey Wagtail were at Hanging Houghton this morning and another six Ravens were near Draughton Pool.
Regards
Neil M
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