More from Abington Park

Hello

Doug Goddard is a regular visitor to Abington Park in Northampton and has kindly forwarded some images of a variety of species that can be found regularly in this town park...

Regards

Neil M

Treecreeper

Grey Wagtail

Green Woodpecker

Kingfisher

Grey Heron

Little Grebes

Blustery winter day!

Hello

It was a little cool and breezy at Harrington Airfield this morning, but at least it was bright and sunny. Small numbers of winter thrushes were present in the bushes along the rough strips and a covey of seven Grey Partridge were also present. A female Merlin was racing around the north side of the complex and the now regular Red Kites were showing well in the winter sun.

Scanning from the Old Scaldwell Road at Pitsford Reservoir at lunch-time produced 2-3 Great White Egrets and the wintering pair of Stonechat.

The last two hours of daylight were spent at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell but the only birds of note were 2-3 Barn Owls and a pair of Stonechat.

Regards

Neil M

Birds of the park

Hello

John Gamble has kindly forwarded some images of birds noted yesterday at Abington Park, Northampton. A pack of twenty stunning Goosanders provided some opportunities to photograph these normally shy birds, which during the last few winters have regularly visited the lakes and to a point become used to people wandering around. In addition John found the pair of Ring-necked Parakeets which seem to have taken up residence in the park and again appears to be a repeat of previous winters.

Today (Tuesday) and I was driving out near Fotheringhay at about 12 noon when I noticed a goose flock next to the road and River Nene in some grass meadows. Close to the assembly of Greylag and Canada Geese and Mute Swans were four Pink-footed Geese - map reference TL059928.

Regards

Neil M

Goosanders

Ring-necked Parakeet

Winter feed stations

Hello

Quite cold in the strong breeze today making it feel like a proper winter day. Several of the local farmers were using the conditions to slash field hedges today during pitiful examples of hedge management, but there were still plenty of winter thrushes along the Brampton Valley Way taking advantage of the berry-laden hawthorns that were not subject to such wanton habitat destruction.

I spent much of the morning visiting the winter wild bird feeding stations that we maintain, replenishing suspended feeders and broadcasting mixed seed. The Kelmarsh sites have plenty of tits and other woodland birds coming to them now, including Nuthatches, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and possibly Jays. We are again putting down mixed seed on the concrete track at Harrington Airfield, at the entrance to the complex off the minor road to Draughton. We are always grateful for visiting birders/photographers to broadcast safe seed at this location should they visit. So far it has been mostly common birds coming down such as Chaffinch and Yellowhammer, but as the season progresses more species are anticipated to join them.

Three feed stations are maintained at Pitsford Reservoir, including one at Christies Copse in the Walgrave Bay. Diane Freeman commits to most of the work at this location, visiting every couple of days to ensure the feeders still dispense the foodstuffs. Although a broad range of species utilise this feed station in a woodland setting, priority and targeted species such as Willow and Marsh Tit regularly visit to supplement their winter feeding. In due course it is hoped to construct a simple bench and wooden blind to provide permit holders the opportunity of watching birds at this feed station without causing any disturbance.

A Woodcock flushed up at Sunderland Wood (Kelmarsh Estate) this morning, but I didn't see anything else of note on my travels...

Regards

Neil M

Blueberry am

Good Morning

An early morning walk by Eleanor at Blueberry Farm today yielded observations of a single Short-eared Owl, a Barn Owl, a pair of Stonechat and a couple of Ravens...

Regards

Neil M

BTO Conference

Hello

This week-end I attended the annual British Trust for Ornithology Conference at Swanwick, Derbyshire. As always there was a full itinerary which included lectures, workshops and presentations on subjects mostly associated with birds. The theme was 'Birds, people and places'.

The majority of delegates are amateur birdwatchers who devote their time to monitor resident and migrant wild birds and pool their findings for the benefit of all interested in the welfare of our natural avi-fauna.

The Friday evening presentation was orchestrated by Helen McDonald who has researched and provided a personal view of the history of falconry and its links with the naturalist and indeed the culture of rural communities associated with birds of prey in their midst.

On the Saturday morning an input on 'Birds and renewable energy' introduced us to the Collision Risk Model associated with offshore turbines, which predicts the number of bird collisions with offshore installations. It seems that an increase in the size of the turbines but with greater distances between each installation may reduce the likelihood of collisions. It is thought that breeding sea-birds foraging for food and attempting to fly around these installations are most affected when it comes to loss of energy and an increase in physical stress. Migrants are thought to mostly divert around these banks of turbines and simply continue on their journey.

'Birds in a Changing Climate' was associated with global warming, and galvanizing the irrefutable fact that we as a species are increasing the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and that the warming affect will adversely affect those organisms on the planet that cannot easily respond and their ultimate extinction. In the birding world, it is generally believed that sea-birds and those birds utilising tropical areas of the world will be most affected.

The Witherby Lecture was entitled Birds in an Urbanising World and provided some stark statistics. It is thought that in the UK there are now only 2.5 breeding birds per human being illustrating a 40% reduction in bird numbers since 1980. The message was that many of the new generation were disengaged with the natural world but that amateur naturalists were doing their best with as many as 7.4 million bird feeders and 4.7 million nest boxes out there! Seemingly 25% of our bird species comprise 95% of all breeding individuals, reflecting that there are some species doing well but a disturbing large number of species that are clearly not. Highlighting environmental growth not sustainability was a key message.

The last session of the morning included the award of medals, there being two recipients this year. Our very own Dave Francis was awarded the Tucker medal for his contribution and outstanding services to the BTO, as presented by Chris Packham. Very fitting, particularly as it was Dave's 70th Birthday too!

The Saturday afternoon sessions included an update on the Breeding Bird Survey which has been running since 1994 and Mark Thomas from the RSPB provided a powerful presentation associated with wildlife crime, particularly raptor prosecution. A lively presentation about the Nest Record Scheme was well-delivered.

This morning there were a series of individual inspirational presentations by young naturalists ('New Generation Birders') aged 12-16 years and why birds and their monitoring had illuminated their lives. Amazing stuff and a breath of fresh air and a taste of hope that there are youngsters out there who are prepared to pick up the baton! And of course it falls to us to inspire and mentor the next generations.

'Keeping Track of Birds' highlighted the use of technology to enhance our knowledge of migrating birds, not surprisingly the Cuckoo, Nightingale and Swift were many of the examples. Stop-overs in Africa and inter-continent migration appears related to the timing of rain-fall, particularly following periods of drought and the related response by insects such as termites. 'Flight Lines' is a BTO-led project at linking art, imagery and science to reach out and influence and engage new audiences, and our last main-line presentation.

Another very good conference which provided plenty of information and opportunity for the future. More details will be documented via the BTO website - www.bto.org  - plus plenty of other information too...

Regards

Neil M

Dave and Sue Francis
tackling the Birthday cake!

Photo courtesy of Helen Franklin

Images from Stanwick Lakes.

Hello

Simon Hales has kindly forwarded some images of birds taken at Stanwick Lakes today...

Regards

Neil M

Robin

Redwing

Blackbird

Fieldfare

Blueberry Farm update...

Hello

Apologies for the late entry regarding birds noted by Eleanor at Blueberry Farm (Maidwell) yesterday (Friday)...

A female Peregrine presided over the complex and two pairs of Stonechat were still present, one pair in Big Lichfields and the other in Large Redgrass. Two Short-eared Owls were also hunting, mostly in Large Redgrass. Please refer to the Birdwatching Site maps to identify the Blueberry Farm field names...

Regards

Neil M

Ringing at Brixworth

Hello

A ringing session this morning at Brixworth Sewer Treatment Works was successful with 45 birds captured and released. Highlights included 4 Redwings, a Lesser Redpoll, 17 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails and 10 Meadow Pipits. Two of the Meadow Pipits had first been captured at the same location in October 2014, indicating that they may be trying to winter at this site which is rich in insectivorous food. A Chiffchaff was also present today but not captured.

A quick look at Pitsford Reservoir in the vicinity of the yacht club confirmed the continuing presence of the pair of Ruddy Shelduck with the goose flock, and a redpoll sp and a Little Egret were present too.

Regards

Neil M

Hen Harrier

Hello

Eleanor spent some time out and about today but again found the local sites quiet for birds. The exception was a fine male Hen Harrier that graced Big Lichfields (the southern-most field) at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell. This bird was flying low along a hedgerow at about 3pm but wasn't seen again...

Regards

Neil M

Kelmarsh Ringing

Hello

A modest ringing session took place this morning at Kelmarsh Hall utilising just a single strategically-placed mist net. Birds captured and released included two Nuthatch, a Treecreeper, two Marsh Tits, four Coal Tits and three Redwings.

Other birds noted on site included two or three Ravens, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail.

Regards

Neil M

Coal Tit

Marsh Tit

Nuthatch

The handsome Redwing

All pictures courtesy of Neil Hasdell.

A grey December day

Hello

Despite spending quite a bit of time outdoors today we struggled to find much. About a hundred Golden Plovers were visible from the main concrete track at Harrington Airfield, there was a single Siskin at Kelmarsh Hall and the only bird of note at the Pitsford Res gull roost was a single adult Yellow-legged Gull.

Good news from the Kelmarsh Estate following some perusal of areas around the upper reaches of the River Ise is that there is evidence of both Otter and Water Vole in residence.

With the very grey conditions of the last two days, I think we deserve a splash of colour! Below is an image of a Peacock butterfly taken on the Titchmarsh Reserve at Thrapston Gravel Pits by Simon Hales as recently as Sunday...

Regards

Neil M

Peacock butterfly
Courtesy of Simon Hales

Christmas Shopping already!

Hello

Sorry for this late notice which is advertised on behalf our local Wildlife Trust albeit the venue is in Cambridgeshire...

Neil M

Bits and Bobs

Hello

We have just returned from a two week excursion to Gujarat in India looking for wildlife and the Blog has been left in the very capable hands of Neil Hasdell during that time for which I am very grateful.

Eleanor popped in to Market Harborough this afternoon and saw a single Otter showing briefly near the Railway Station. It seems that the current sightings are regular but the pattern is inconsistent and the hit rate has not yet reached the standards of the last two winters. Please report any sightings and we'll endeavour to document them here.

A visit to Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon produced five Red-crested Pochard, the Bar-headed Goose and a redpoll sp all visible from the yacht club area. Birds north of the causeway included three Little Egrets, three Great White Egrets on view at the same time, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and an adult Mediterranean Gull.

Finally a ringing session took place at Stortons Gravel Pits yesterday which provided good numbers of captures including the migrant bird of the session, a hard-to-catch Fieldfare (please see below).

Regards

Neil M

Fieldfare at
Stortons GP
Courtesy of Chris Payne

Northants Bird Club Meeting this Wednesday

Hello

This is an invite to non-members and an reminder to members of the Northants Bird Club, that our next indoor meeting and illustrated presentation will be held this Wednesday evening (3rd December 2014), at our usual venue at Pitsford Reservoir using the classroom in the Fishing Lodge just off the causeway and close to Holcot village. Eminent naturalist Jeff Blincow will be our presenter, speaking on a birding tour to Texas, USA in 2013. Please be seated so that we can begin the evening from about 7.30pm.

Tea and coffee and biscuits will be available and you are invited to partake!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Neil M

Fineshade Wood update...

Hello again everyone

East Northants Council Development Control Committee met to consider the Forest Holidays application on 27th Nov and came within an inch of rejecting it completely. In the end they decided to defer a decision.

It was quite a meeting as councillor after councillor spoke up - referring to the letters, emails and phone calls that they had all received from us all. Thank you so much to everyone who played a part in this over the last week. It really was a most important factor in drawing Councillors' attention to the value of this piece of woodland that is treasured by so many people.

Here's an account of what happened.

Tension was already high as the Committee began to discuss Fineshade - previously they had granted approval to a contentious application for a new supermarket in Rushden and vocal irate protestors in the public gallery had forced the chair to temporally adjourn the meeting. Once our application got under way the Case Officer gave a surprisingly brief introduction - we had expected a long spiel in which he would repeat his view that there was "overwhelming" support for the proposal from planning policy and explain his recommendation to grant planning approval. In fact he said only a few sentences, but did manage to get one key fact wrong: he said that the applicants were proposing a new route from the A43. There was a challenge to this from the public gallery and again the chair adjourned the meeting.

3 minute addresses were next: one from me representing objectors, from Shenagh Hackett representing our parish council and then from the applicants represented by David Williamson, Head of Recreation etc for Forestry Commission (FC) England. Two Forest Holidays planners were in the gallery. Some councillors' body language was already looking encouraging and we could also see them looking through the booklet we had sent them, with pictures showing heavy traffic at the A43 junction. The address from Mr Williamson stressing FC experience and expertise did not go down at all well, and was almost immediately undermined by one Councillor who expressed his distrust and disapproval of the FC.

Before that Councillor Glithero, acting as our Ward Councillor, with carefully judged words, made a strong case against approval. This was quickly followed by two or three others from nearby Wards who had clearly been primed to follow his line. We were still expecting to hear support for the plan from Councillors  further south but this is when the weight of your support really began to come through, as one after another spoke of the volume and quality of letters that they had received. Others stressed how much they were influenced by the detailed lengthy objection from the Wildlife Trust - unique in their experience. Not one Councillor spoke in favour of the the application and by now Mr Williamson's head was often in his hands and the FH guys were stony-faced.  We had been expecting and hoping that Councillors would vote to defer a decision until the ruling by the Secretary of Stately about our legal challenge concerning Environmental Impact Assessments was known, but realisation gradually came that there was a chance they would actually reject the application. A deferral was moved by Councillor Glithero but then there was also a move to reject by Councillor Mercer and there was much nodding of heads and words of support.

There then followed a lengthy debate about the merits of straight refusal now and whether the council might then face a costly appeal from the applicants. Here the road situation was crucial. Northants Highways had previously supplied a wishy-washy "no objection" comment and because of that, the Planning Officers and legal advisor warned that an appeal might be possible. It was decided to press Highways for a clearer statement and defer a decision which would also give more Councillors a chance for a site visit.  A vote on deferral was almost unanimous - though it's not clear at the moment how long that deferral will be. What was quite clear was that, had there been a vote on rejection, Fineshade would have won last night.  My neighbour said it was a case of snatching a draw from the jaws of victory!  Certainly we came away very encouraged indeed and Forest Holidays must have had a nasty long journey home through the fog.

So, we have a reprieve. What will Forest Holidays do now? We still are pretty certain that council officials want the development to go ahead, but now they must realise that elected Councillors, as well as local people, have different ideas.

Once again, thank you so much for your support so far. We'll keep in touch and may well need to ask for your help again.

The battle for Fineshade continues.

Barrie Galpin

Pitsford stroll

A walk south of the causeway this morning was pleasant without being terribly productive. A single redhead Goosander (my first of the season) flew past heading towards the causeway and presumably onto the reserve half. A large flock of mostly Canada Geese was feeding on a field near the gorse bushes until the crow scarer in the field went off and spooked them.  In flight the long staying Bar-headed Goose was obvious amongst the flock along with a hybrid Canada/Greylag.
Back at the causeway a scan of the reserve side revealed two Great White Egrets, one in the Walgrave Bay and the second near the Lagoon Hide. Two Ruddy Shelduck were resting near the mouth of the Holcot Bay and two drake Red-crested Pochard were sleeping in the mouth of the Walgrave Bay.

     Regards,

               Neil H.

Deja Vu

A strong similarity to last Sundays post today. I visited Market Harborough for a second time in search of otters, with a similar outcome to Sunday. At least it wasn't raining today, well not very much anyway. Instead of otters the supporting cast of Grey wagtail and Kingfisher were on display. The Kingfisher remained perched for long enough to take a very grainy picture in the dismal light, before disappearing off downstream. 

Later this afternoon I made a visit to the feed station at Pitsford to top up the feeders. A few minutes bird watching from the Maytree's Hide revealed the presence of two Great White Egrets, one in the Walgrave Bay and the other in the Scaldwell Bay.

       Regards,

                  Neil H.

Sunny Summer Leys

What a difference a day makes. After the wash out that was Sunday today was bright and sunny, if somewhat cooler.
As it was sunny I decided to try my luck at Summer Leys, in the hope that there may be a Bittern enjoying the warmth. As with yesterday my hopes were not realised. There was a marked absence of waterfowl on the main lake, presumably due to the high water levels caused by the recent rains. The only bird of note was a Peregrine sunning itself on a distant pylon. Approximately 200 Golden Plover periodically filled the air with their calls as they flew around the reserve. 2 Cetti's Warblers were also vocal a little closer to the ground.

Spot the pylon

                                        Spot the Peregrine on the pylon

The pylon the Peregrine was sitting on is somewhere in the middle third of the top picture, I think! Both pictures were taken on my phone, the second one through my telescope.

      Regards,
               
                 Neil H.

Soggy Sunday

Lacking inspiration on a thoroughly damp Sunday morning I decided to head over to Market Harborough to look for otters.
After 21/2hrs of walking up and down the River Welland in persistent rain I finally admitted defeat and headed for Pitsford. There was some consolation in a smart Grey Wagtail and two sightings of Kingfisher.
I called in at Pitsford for a coffee and a Rocky in the Maytree's hide after topping up the peanut feeder at the feed station. A pleasant 1hr was spent seeing not a great deal. Plenty of common water birds, including a smart drake Goldeneye. For the first time I managed to see 3 Great White Egrets at the same time, one of which was asked to relocate by one of the others.
Chris Payne had a ringing session at Bradden on Friday where he and associates caught a total of 57 birds, mostly Tits and Chaffinches, in approximately 2 hrs.  Star bird was a Nuthatch.

   Regards,

          Neil H.