Brixworth Ringing

Hello

A bird ringing session took place today at Brixworth Water Treatment Works in pleasant conditions.

A few surprises among the seventy-five birds processed included a male Northern Wheatear and a Common Snipe. Other birds included two Blackbirds, seven Dunnocks, ten Wrens, six Goldcrests, four Chiffchaffs, thirteen Blue Tits, nine Great Tits, a Long-tailed Tit, a Willow Tit, six Pied Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, three Meadow Pipits, a Chaffinch and nine Reed Buntings.

Other birds on-site included another nine Snipe, a Water Rail and an overflying Raven.

A Knot and two Great White Egrets were at Summer Leys today, an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Stanwick Pits and a female Scaup was on Dragonfly Lake, Ditchford Pits.

Regards

Neil M

Common Snipe.

Northern Wheatear
(Southern European form).

Corona Virus

Hello

The Northants Bird Club have made the decision to cancel the next two indoor meetings which were planned for 1st April and 6th May 2020. This is due to the escalating Corona Virus pandemic and the fact that in due course it seems very likely that more of us will be required to self isolate even if we don't display symptoms. Any change to this policy and plans for meetings later in the year will be documented here and on the NBC blogsite.

I spent several hours at Brixworth Water Treatment Works this afternoon, preparing the site for a ringing session there tomorrow. Birds noted included a Water Rail, about a dozen Snipe, a male Stonechat, a singing Willow Tit and three Grey Wagtails. There were plenty of Redwings and Fieldfares and Meadow Pipits on the move this afternoon, particularly as the rain subsided.

The county was a good place to be today if you like Great White Egrets! Four birds were confirmed at Thrapston Pits, two were at Stanwick Pits and two were at Summer Leys. Two Cattle Egrets, a couple of Redshanks and a Peregrine were also at Stanwick and a Knot was seen in flight there this afternoon. Single Grey Wagtails were at Beck Dairy, Cottesbrooke and Maidwell.

This evening the weather perked up and Eleanor enjoyed a nice suite of birds at Harrington Airfield including two unidentified 'grey geese' distantly on the deck (possibly Bean), a Short-eared Owl, two Barn Owls, three Stonechats, four Grey Partridges and lots of Fieldfares.

Regards

Neil M

Grey Wagtail.

Great White Egret.

Stonechat.

Avocets

Hello

A little exotica in the county today with an Avocet found at Boddington Reservoir followed by five more being found at Summer Leys. There were other birds seen in counties to the south and east of us and apparently the movement was emulated as far away as Holland with large flocks turning up at a variety of sites. It seems that the Summer Leys birds didn't last very long but the Boddington bird was still there this evening.

Pitsford Reservoir today sadly didn't seem to have an Avocet, the best birds being a Great White Egret, three Little Egrets, a pair of Oystercatchers, a handful of Chiffchaffs and a couple of Grey Wagtails. Thrapston Pits supported three or four Great White Egrets, two Little Egrets, a Goosander and several Chiffchaffs. Another Goosander was at Abington Park today and nearby at Clifford Hill Pits Mark Williams saw the two drake Scaup, a Great White Egret, fourteen Goosanders, a pair of Oystercatchers, a Raven and three Stonechats.

Stanwick still hung on to three Great White Egrets today plus two Egyptian Geese and other birds for Summer Leys included a Great White Egret, two Yellow-legged Gulls, Snipe and Oystercatcher.

Two Barn Owls were hunting the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning and Harrington Airfield birders today saw a Stonechat, a Barn Owl, a few Snipe and a female Brambling.

Regards

Neil M

Robberfly sp with victim.

Wasp sp.

Spring is nearly here and it'll
be the return of the insects soon.
Both images courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Garden Rook nest!

Garden Sparrowhawk!

Both above images courtesy
of Jim Dunkley.

Ditchford WeBS count

Hello

Today it was the WeBS count at Ditchford Pits which for the most part was completed in pleasant weather conditions. A Water Pipit was located west of Ditchford Lane near to the Viaduct Pit but then it flew further west over the railway line. Other birds included a Great White Egret in the same area and at least one pair of Oystercatchers, forty-one Snipe, five Kingfishers, plenty of Cetti's Warblers and Chiffchaffs, a Grey Wagtail, three Water Rails and plenty of nesting Cormorants and Grey Herons. Two Egyptian Geese were seen on the Delta Pit but were otherwise conspicuous through their absence.

Stanwick Pits today hosted five Cattle Egrets, a Great White Egret, two Redshanks and three Ravens and Summer Leys continued to attract a Great White Egret, four Oystercatchers and three singing Chiffchaffs.

A single Egyptian Goose was seen flying fast and east over Oundle this evening.

After the rain had passed this evening Harrington Airfield was the place to be for two hunting Barn Owls, four Stonechats, a stunning male Brambling and three Ravens. The wintering flock of eight Tree Sparrows remain too.

Regards

Neil M

Cormorant.

Male Stonechat.

Images courtesy of
Robin Gossage.

Female Eurasian Wigeon.

Drake Eurasian Wigeon.

Images courtesy of John Tilly.

Subtle migration

Hello

A breezy and cool couple of days and not much different on the local birding scene. Although the strong winds reduce overhead migration it doesn't stop it. Still at night it is possible to hear the calls of Redwing, Moorhen and Coot all strong, regular nocturnal migrants and in the day time perhaps Meadow Pipits, wagtails and gulls are the more obvious movers.

Migration is further evidenced by the lack of certain birds...most of the wintering Lapwings have slipped away, as have many of the Teal, Wigeon and other waterfowl. Fieldfares and Redwings are in swirling flocks around the wet fields or sub-songing unobtrusively from copse or orchard. Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests are now joining the Robins, Skylarks, Blackbirds and Mistle and Song Thrushes in the dawn chorus. Chaffinches, Reed Buntings and chats are all on the move but it is subtle and not so easily to discern - visual skills are not always sufficient and audio plays a huge part in our appreciation of what our feathery friends are up to!

Yesterday (Wednesday) and birds reported locally included five Cattle Egrets and two Great White Egrets at Stanwick Pits plus the seven Redshanks still. Clifford Hill held two Scaup, two Oystercatchers, five Goosanders, eighty plus Golden Plovers and a couple of Ravens. A pair of Goosander were on the River Tove near Shutlanger and Andrew Cook saw a Woodcock and several singing Chiffchaffs at Harlestone Heath.

Today (Thursday) and birds reported included a Great White Egret and four Oystercatchers at Summer Leys. Pitsford Reservoir continued to attract the almost resident Yellow-legged Gull (now a third calendar year bird) near the dam and a Grey Wagtail, with a Great White Egret and two Oystercatchers and a reasonable flock of Yellowhammers in the Scaldwell Bay.

For me and a couple of other volunteers, the day was spent erecting, checking and maintaining nest boxes and topping up the feeders on the Kelmarsh Estate with no birds of note found I'm afraid!

Regards

Neil M

Second calendar year
Black-headed Gull courtesy
of John Tilly.

Adult Common Gull
courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Lots of spring lambs
about now!
Image courtesy of John Tilly.

Pairs of prospecting Oystercatchers
are now at most of our bigger wetland
sites...image courtesy of John Tilly.

Kestrel. My impression is that
there has been a reasonable number of
wintering birds in the county over
the last four or five months.
Image courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Pitsford WeBS count

Hello

The small numbers of wildfowl present meant that the WeBS count at Pitsford Reservoir today was completed by two observers in just over five hours! Eleanor walked the perimeter south of the causeway and I walked around the reserve north of the causeway in windy but mild conditions and even some weak sunshine!

Two Great White Egrets were together in the Walgrave Bay and a single seen later in the Scaldwell Bay could potentially have been a third bird. Three Little Egrets were also present in the Scaldwell Bay and Grey Herons were easy to see today as they went about their early breeding efforts. One pair has elected to build a nest in bushes between the Bird Club and James Fisher Hides.

At least two Kingfishers were in the Holcot Bay where fishing must have been difficult in the muddy, discoloured water and two Oystercatchers and twenty Snipe were between the causeway and Maytrees Hide. Migrants included a Grey Wagtail on the causeway and four Chiffchaffs.

Elsewhere and Chris Green saw a Great White Egret at East Pit on the Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows section of the Ditchford Pits complex.

Regards

Neil M

Great Crested Grebe. Present in just small
numbers at Pitsford today, some will remain
to breed.

Grey Heron. A dozen or so pairs
are expected to nest at Pitsford this year.

Just one drake Shoveler
was seen at Pitsford today!

All images courtesy of
Robin Gossage.

Ringing at Scotland Wood.

Hello

Some pleasant spring weather today which then gave way to rain this afternoon (and overnight apparently). A ringing session at Scotland Wood on the Kelmarsh Estate today provided 113 captures of eleven species made up of 73 newly-ringed birds and 40 birds with rings previously affixed.

The birds were made up of a Blackbird, two Dunnocks, two Robins, two Goldcrests, twenty-five Great Tits, fifty-three Blue Tits, five Coal Tits, a Marsh Tit, ten Long-tailed Tits, a Nuthatch and eleven Chaffinches. A Chiffchaff was present early on and a Peregrine flew low over the wood and visible migration overhead included a spattering of Meadow Pipits. Another Chiffchaff was noted at Hanging Houghton.

At Harrington Airfield this morning more visible migration saw two Grey Wagtails, more Meadow Pipits and a seasonal Sand Martin moving through. A pair of Stonechat were present and a Short-eared Owl and a Barn Owl were hunting almost together.

In the Nene Valley, Stanwick Pits hosted a fly through Barnacle Goose again, four Cattle Egrets and a Great White Egret plus seven Redshanks, six Oystercatchers, ten plus Goosanders, a Snipe and a Water Rail plus three singing Chiffchaffs. Nick Parker saw a Great White Egret at Ringstead Pits and Clifford Hill provided for two drake Scaup, two Oystercatchers, fifty plus Golden Plovers and a Peregrine.

Regards

Neil M

Long-tailed Tit. Nationally it is
thought that last year was a particularly
productive year for this species
 but my impression was that it was much
 more of an ordinary year locally.

Eurasian Wigeon. The wintering population
is fast diminishing but the remaining birds are
vocal and active and preparing for the
forthcoming breeding season.

Both images courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Sunday's birds

Hello

Eric visited Thrapston Pits today and enjoyed watching three Chiffchaffs fly-catching in the morning sunshine, three Great White Egrets, a pair of Oystercatchers and a Peregrine. Steve Fisher's early morning visit to Stanwick Pits provided a Scaup on the Main Pit and six Redshanks. Nearby there was a Great White Egret, two Oystercatchers and twelve Snipe at Ditchford Pits courtesy of Chris Green.

Clifford Hill Pits still hosted the two Scaup, a Great White Egret, twelve Goosanders, two Oystercatchers, a Bar-headed Goose, a Raven and a Stonechat. Jim Dunkley tried for the Bearded Tit at Sywell CP but it couldn't be found.

Three Barn Owls and a Short-eared Owl were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this evening and another Barn Owl was in the Brampton Valley between Spratton and Brixworth.

Regards

Neil M

Chiffchaff.

Oystercatcher.

Great White Egret
courtesy of Jacob Spinks.

March migration.

Hello

This morning Steve Fisher saw a Barnacle Goose flying over Stanwick Pits plus a Great White Egret, five Redshanks and eight Siskins.

Sadly the Bearded Tit from yesterday wasn't seen at Sywell CP today but there was a female Stonechat, a couple of Cetti's Warblers and two Water Rails too. Three Stonechats were at Bunker Three at Harrington Airfield this morning and a pair of Grey Partridge were present too.

Thrapston Pits produced a Curlew, two Great White Egrets, a Redshank and two Oystercatchers and further along the valley at Clifford Hill, Mark Williams saw two drake Scaup, a Great White Egret and twelve Goosanders; a Snipe and an Oystercatcher were noted at Summerleys.

Birds at Deene Lake today included a pair of Egyptian Geese, two Snipe and three Green Sandpipers. There were three groups of boxing Hares at nearby Blatherwycke Lake.

Hollowell Reservoir hosted a Great White Egret today plus four Snipe and a Chiffchaff was along the Brampton Valley Way below Brixworth this afternoon.

Pitsford Reservoir remains very full of water and the only birds of specific interest were two Great White Egrets in trees in the Scaldwell Bay and two Yellow-legged Gulls in the gull roost at the other end of the reservoir.

Regards

Neil M

Stonechat courtesy
of Robin Gossage. Good numbers
are currently moving through
 the county.

Reed Bunting courtesy of
Robin Gossage. Also plenty
on the move at the moment...

Brown Hare courtesy of
Robin. And this is one of the
times of the year to see these
fabulous animals active in the
fields of Northamptonshire.

Bearded Tit and other birds!

Hello

A visit to Pitsford Reservoir this morning provided two Great White Egrets and a pair of Oystercatchers in the Scaldwell Bay. Nearby there were two Grey Wagtails at Brixworth Water Treatment Works with another at Hanging Houghton.

A cracking male Bearded Tit was found at Sywell Country Park this afternoon, showing intermittently in reeds and a recently managed area in the bay nearest to the Sywell to Mears Ashby road. Subsequent would-be observers couldn't find it but it's likely to still be present. Other birds on-site included two Cetti's Warblers, a Water Rail, two Grey Wagtails and a handful of Siskins.

Two Barn Owls were again hunting\in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this afternoon and sadly another was found dead today at Harrington Airfield where there was also a female Stonechat.

Stanwick Pits attracted two Great White Egrets, three Redshanks, eight Snipe and eight Goosanders and Rushton Landfill was the venue for an adult Iceland Gull today plus a Caspian Gull. A pair of Stonechat were at Old Quarry track at Hartwell and Borough Hill Country Park (Daventry) continued to host two Short-eared Owls and six Stonechats. Birds seen at Summer Leys Nature Reserve today included a Shelduck and thirty Snipe.

Regards

Neil M

More Barn Owl images
from John Tilly.

Cool Thursday

Hello

Eleanor's foray in to the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton this morning yielded the two hunting Barn Owls again, and they were still at it this evening too. It seems likely that they are struggling to find anything to eat and perhaps explains the reason why so many people are reporting day-flying Barn Owls in the county currently.

A quick hour in a cool breeze at Harrington Airfield this morning produced another hunting Barn Owl there at 10.20am and a Woodcock was seen too.

Eric spent some time at Thrapston Pits this afternoon and was rewarded with great views of a Marsh Harrier, two Great White Egrets and a female Stonechat. Tony Vials saw a female Scaup at Ditchford Pits today, the bird being seen on Dragonfly Lake.

Regards

Neil M

Cormorants. The breeding season
is already underway for this species!
Images courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Birds of early March

Hello

This morning a Great White Egret was in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Reservoir and a Water Rail was underneath the bushes at the Old Scaldwell Road Feeding Station.

At least three Ravens were at Hanging Houghton today and this morning there was a pair of Stonechat and two Barn Owls in the Brampton Valley below the village. A Short-eared Owl was flushed from a small rough area in The Hill field at Blueberry Farm.

Two Peregrines were again at the Parish Church in Kettering town but for the second day running there was no sign of the Black-bellied Dipper at Sywell Country Park...

Regards

Neil M

Barn Owl courtesy of
John Tilly.

Ringing Recoveries and the Dipper!

Hello

A collection of ringing recoveries have been amassed recently and kindly filtered out by the Northants Ringing Group Secretary Nick Wood...

1. A first year Chiffchaff was caught and ringed at Linford Lakes on 18th August 2019 and was then caught again by French ringers on 12th October 2019 at Chenal, Chenec-Saint Seurin-d'Uzet, Charente-Maritime. This young bird in the meantime had moved 741km in a southerly direction during a period of 55 days;

2. A drake Mallard was ringed at Pitsford Reservoir on 11th November 2018 and was subsequently shot on or about 27th January this year near Thrapston, only 24km away and about 442 days later;

3. Another drake Mallard was ringed at Pitsford Reservoir on 25th September 2019 and shot near West Haddon on or about 15th January this year, some 112 days later and 16 km to the west from Pitsford;

4. A Great Tit was ringed as a nestling in a nest box at Pitsford Reservoir on 25th May 2017 and was reportedly taken by a cat in the village of Brixworth on or about 22nd February 2020. This is only about five kilometres from it's natal site and it lasted just over a 1000 days;

5. A first year Blue Tit was ringed at Woodford Halse Nature Reserve on 25th October 2015 and found freshly dead there on 26th February 2020, some 1585 days later and a decent age for this generally short-lived species;

6. A first year male Blue Tit was ringed at Pitsford Reservoir on 27th March 2019 and re-caught by ringers operating at Rosedan, Bagilt, Flintshire, North Wales on 14th February 2020. This bird had made it's way 186km in a north westerly direction, 324 days having elapsed between the two processes;

7. A first year Goldfinch was caught and ringed at Harrington Airfield on 20th October 2019 and caught and processed by French ringers operating at Bournonville, Pas-de-Calais on 3rd December 2019, only 44 days later with the bird moving 267km in a south easterly direction.

Barn Owls seem to be particularly noticeable at the moment and Eleanor saw two hunting the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton again this morning...

I'm fresh in from a seven week stint of wildlife watching in Cambodia, SE Asia - time for a rest before my next tours in south Poland looking for exciting mammals and birds of the forests!

Regards

Neil M 

Great images of the Black-bellied
Dipper at Sywell Country Park as
taken by Dave Jackson yesterday.

At last ..........A GREAT BIRD !!!

Well after seemingly weeks of very little "new" bird news that all changed yesterday when a Black Bellied Dipper was found by one of the Countryside Rangers at Sywell CP.  A bird which has been a long time coming for most of us as it has been about 24 years since the last record, and one that I had always hoped that I might find.  
I believe that it was quite elusive at times yesterday remaining hidden in the undergrowth hanging over the stream leading out of the Country Park
When the news broke yesterday I was competing at an agility competition in Warwickshire and my heart sank. For once I didn't mind Tor and Jaeger getting eliminated as it meant I didn't have to hang around for the results so I was soon heading back over the border into Northants and was very relieved to have the bird safely on my "county list".

This morning I headed back over to Sywell CP as I wanted a better view of the bird. I expected to find birders everywhere but there were only two !!!   We soon located the Black Bellied Dipper perched on the wall of the overflow.  As we watched it dropped down into the overflow to feed and then would pop up on the wall again with a tasty morsel.  It then flew further towards the dam and was bobbing about and feeding in the cascading water. It was very obliging.
More birders arrived as did the general public as Sywell CP is a very popular place at the weekends. Later in the day I think there must have been a heart stopping moment when it was attacked by a Sparrowhawk and wasn't seen for a while.  Much to everyone's relief it was found sheltering in a pipe and was quite difficult to see. Fingers crossed that it hasn't been injured or that the Sparrowhawk doesn't have another attempt.

After I had enjoyed watching the bird and spent time catching up with some "old" familiar faces who had dusted off their binoculars and met some new people it was time to walk my two young collies Jaeger and Rouzel around the reservoir.  The regular birds were evident, a Cettis Warbler, Water Rail and a scattering of Siskins.  Two Grey Wagtails were showing well in the car park and providing some entertainment by dancing about on the parked cars as they searched for food.

When I got home I took the hound Tor out for a run. My route took me along the Brampton Valley Way and past a rough field below Brixworth. Hunting over this field was a Short Eared Owl and as I neared home a Barn Owl was hunting below Hanging Houghton [11am].
This afternoon there was a Barn Owl hunting near the village of Old.
Late in the afternoon whilst feeding the birds in front of the barn below Hanging Houghton I heard the distinctive "trill" of Waxwing. The trill appeared to be coming from behind the barn and when I went to investigate there were 10 Waxwings perched on top of the trees, but they flew when they saw me approaching.
Two Barn Owls started hunting between the barn and the large manure heap. I continued walking around the fields as as the light was disappearing a Short Eared Owl joined in the hunting foray. I suspect that it was the same bird which I had seen earlier in the day 

Wow, what a weekend !!!

Regards Eleanor

Northants Bird Club AGM and Indoor Presentation.

Hello

The Northants Bird Club will be holding it's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 4th March at the usual venue of the Fishing Lodge at Pitsford Reservoir, commencing at 7.30pm. Club Chairman Bob Gill will run through a brief summary of the year and committee members will be present to answer questions. All members should receive a record of accounts by email beforehand.

Following the AGM which tends to be a brief affair, the main event of the evening is a presentation by club member Jeff Blincow depicting images of mammals and some gaudy birds following his adventures in South America. Jeff's in-depth knowledge of his subject, personal style and excellent images ensures he is a popular speaker at the club and elsewhere.

Hot drinks and biscuits will be available during the evening and we look forward to seeing you there!

Neil M

Wintry Wednesday

It has been quite a wintry day today.  When I went out with the dogs early morning the grass was white and crisp with frost and there was a beautiful pink and grey sky as the sun rose.  A Barn Owl was out hunting against this backdrop and my young collie was completely mesmerized as it hunted a few feet above her head.
During the day there was a mixture of sunshine, wind, rain and snow flurries but late afternoon was definitely the best part of the day with sunshine and a gentle breeze, so I decided to take my two young collies for a good walk around Blueberry Farm area.  They loved it and I saw some good birds.
Just beyond Blueberry Farm on the track leading up to the highest point on the complex were 5 Waxwings sitting on top of the hedge. It's at times like this that I'm glad that the dogs are obedient as they sat down as soon as I asked them and didn't move which gave me time to get my binoculars onto them. I watched them for a couple of minutes before they gave their characteristic trill and flew off in the direction of Cottesbrooke.   Earlier in the day 3 Waxwings had been seen and photographed at nearby Harrington Airfield [not by me].
I always think that the view from the highest point at Blueberry is one of the best views in Northamptonshire. I never tire of pausing here for a few minutes and taking in the view.  I had the added bonus of a Short Eared Owl and 2 Barn Owls for company as they appeared and started hunting the field below me. A beautiful sight. As I returned to my car there was a Barn Owl hunting on the large grassy patch which I feel was a different bird to those hunting at Blueberry.
Other birds seen include Tree Sparrows, Grey Wagtail, 4 Grey Partridge, Woodcock and large numbers of winter thrushes in the hedgerows and feeding on the saturated fields.

Regards Eleanor

Roundup and Owls

It really has been a very quiet week for birds. They have obviously been keeping their heads down in the wet and windy weather, and who can blame them !!  Even our garden and fields/hedges nearby have been quiet.
We carried out the Webs count at Pitsford during the week and I've never seen so few birds on the big side.  There was just vast expanses of empty water and things were not much better on the small side.
Both the Short Eared Owl and Barn Owl remain at Harrington although earlier in the week the Barn Owl was giving cause for concern as it seemed in a poor state and appeared weak.  But fingers crossed that it is able to find enough food as it is still flying around trying to hunt. 
I think that the owls have been struggling to find food as the saturated fields and verges combined with the very strong winds have certainly made things difficult for them.
However this afternoon the Northants Birds Whats App was pinging off every few minutes with sightings of Short Eared Owl and Barn Owl sightings.  There were Short Eared Owls reported from Borough Hill and Brixworth and Barn Owls at Borough Hill, Brixworth, Hanging Houghton, Summer Leys, Thrapston, Islip, Irchester, Yardley Chase and the Bringtons.......phew, and these are the ones that we know about.  
The wind finally dropped this evening and this must have been such a welcome relief for these birds who must be hungry and were making the most of this opportunity.   

Regards Eleanor

Weekend Round Up

It has been a very quiet week on the birding front, the same 2 Great Egrets , Red Crested Pochard and Stonechats at Pitsford. 
The Short Eared Owl and Barn Owl remain at Harrington and I saw them both today. They were sitting quite close together in the rough grass. 
I've seen 3 different Barn Owls today as this evening there were two hunting together below Hanging Houghton.  The recent heavy rain has caused the fields to flood and this in turn has displaced the voles etc and they are easy prey.

Eric has been out on his local patch at Titchmarsh where he too saw a Barn Owl initially flying low over Aldwincle Lake then it headed off across the marsh before settling on a fence post at the southern end of the reserve.
The drake Pintail and pair of Stonechat remain on Elinor Lake and 2 or 3 Great Egrets on the Aldwincle part of the reserve.

Plenty of birds still visiting our garden and eating us out of house and home. I cannot believe how much food they are eating.  Today there were 4 Reed Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, Pied Wagtails, Goldfinches, Tree Sparrow, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker to name but a few, plus a quick visit by a Grey Wagtail and a female Sparrowhawk who helped herself to a snack !

Regards Eleanor 

We have had a strange mixture of weather over the past week.  One minute there have been blue skies, sunshine and temperatures in double figures then today 4 degrees, gales and snow flurries !!!  The poor birds must wonder what is going on.  Last week the Great Spotted Woodpeckers were busy drumming, Great Tits in full song announcing that "spring" was here and other birds were eyeing up potential nest sites. Then over the weekend they were all keeping their heads down as gale force winds struck.  I felt really sorry for the Goldfinches who were desperately trying to hang on to the feeders in the garden.
I haven't seen anything different.  The Short Eared Owl is still present at Harrington Airfield along with Woodcock, Grey Partridge and Golden Plovers.  At Pitsford the 2 Great White Egret remain and also one or two drake Red Crested Pochard.  In the valley below Hanging Houghton a Barn Owl, Stonechat and Brambling.  

Last Wednesday the annual photographic was very well attended and those present were treated to some fabulous images from the talented photographers.  If you wish to see the winning images in each category follow this link 
 https://northantsbirdclub.blogspot.com/p/photographic-competition-winners-2019.html

Congratulations to Dave Jackson for this outstanding shot, a very worthy winner

Regards Eleanor

Another couple of quiet days where I am just bumping into the same birds.   In the valley below Hanging Houghton there has been a Barn Owl hunting and good flocks of Fieldfares feeding on the soggy stubble fields.
At Harrington this afternoon there was a Short Eared Owl . I assume that this is the same bird which has been present for weeks but can be quite elusive.  Also present were 2 Woodcock and a Brambling.

Tomorrow, Wednesday 5th February, is the members evening at the Northants Birdclub. It is a chance for the members to show off their photographs in the annual competition.   It is always a good and entertaining evening.  There is a high number of entries and there will be photographs to suit every taste.
Everyone is welcome, you do not have to be a birdclub member . 
The evening starts at 7.30pm, venue is the Lodge at Pitsford Reservoir and there will be plenty of tea/coffee and biscuits.

Hope to see you there

Regards Eleanor

Weekend Round Up

Over the last few days I've managed to get out and about a bit more. On Friday I walked around Sywell Reservoir. It is always a pleasant walk and there is always something to see and often you can get quite close to the birds.  A Cettis warbler was calling and clambering about in the reeds and as I stood watching it thinking " I wish that I had my camera" it literally ran over my feet !!
Other birds seen included Grey Wagtail, small flock of Siskins , Chiffchaff and a pair of Stonechat.

Yesterday I visited Pitsford.  I nearly got blown away as I stood on the dam and it was impossible to hold the scope steady. Needless to say that I didn't find anything of note.
The small side was sheltered and there was plenty of wildfowl loafing on the water and looking quite splendid in the winter sunshine.  In the Walgrave arm were 3 Red Crested Pochard, 2 males and a female plus a Great White Egret.  At one point the birds flew out from the very back of the bay and there was a pair of Goosander which after a short flight disappeared from view again at the very back of the bay.
There were 2 pairs of Stonechat in the Scaldwell arm.

Harrington has been very quiet, infact today it appeared to be a "birdless" zone.   The valley below Hanging Houghton hasn't been much better as this too appears to have lost all it's birds. But our garden has been extremely busy Blackcap, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Yellowhammers and Reed Bunting visiting daily.

I wonder what the coming week will bring ?

Regards Eleanor

Photographic Competition - Northants Bird Club

Hello

The annual photographic competition of the Northants Bird Club is due to be held this coming Wednesday (5th Feb) at the Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Reservoir. The meeting will start promptly at 7.30pm as there is a bumper number of images to look at! All the images have been submitted by members taken during the previous calendar year and have been placed into categories.

All the images have been assessed by an independent judge who has placed the top three in each category. However on the night it is the members who decide which winning image clinches the coveted Graham Soden shield!

Hot drinks and biscuits will be available on the night, and we might need them for sustenance with the number of images to peruse!

The meeting is open to members and non members alike, only members can vote on the night, but everyone can enjoy the undoubted photographic skills within the membership!

Neil M

Western Swamphen.

Stone Curlews.

Garden Influx

The drop in temperature has caused an influx in the number of birds visiting our garden and caused a feeding frenzy.  I have filled the bird feeders up three times today. At one point I counted over 40 Goldfinches in the garden, they were feeding on the ground, sitting on the hedge or busy on the sunflower and niger feeders. A surprise visitor today were 2 Lesser Redpolls, birds that I haven't seen in the garden for a while.  

At one point you couldn't see the lawn and garden for birds, Woodpigeons, Chaffinches, Blackbirds, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, a Tree Sparrow, Blackcap, Nuthatches, Pied Wagtails and Long tailed Tits all busy feeding.  Even a few Starlings put in an appearance as did a female Sparrowhawk.

The squirrels are also attracted by the free food and they have been quite comical to watch.  At one point 2 of them were playing tug of war with a slice of bread and eventually they both ran off with their prize. 

Again my birding has been limited. I visited Harrington yesterday morning and witnessed a superb acrobatic display by a Peregrine Falcon as she chased and hunted the small flock of Golden Plover. The Goldies gave her a good run for her money and looked stunning against the blue sky as they tried to out maneuver her and I felt quite sad when she managed to catch one.  A Short eared Owl which I assume is the long standing bird was again present near bunker two along with a Woodcock.  A couple of Bramblings and Siskins flew over.   The regular group of 4 Ravens were also in the area.

The other birds of note yesterday were a Great White Egret standing on the flooded field between Holcot and Walgrave and a Barn Owl below Hanging Houghton. Today I had a quick look at Pitsford but didn't see anything of note and late this afternoon I went to Harrington where I saw absolutely nothing !! so typical of Harrington and it was a very bleak place.

Regards Eleanor 

Big Garden Birdwatch Weekend

Another busy few days has meant little time for birding. 
A quick look at Pitsford only produced a Great White Egret.  On my walks around the fields I have seen plenty of Fieldfares, Redwings and Starlings busy feeding on the soggy fields and quite a decent sized flock of Tree Sparrows in the hedgerows.  There have been 2 or 3 Woodcock in one of the old field hedges near Blueberry and a Barn Owl hunting below Hanging Houghton.
At Harrington Airfield yesterday afternoon there was a Short Eared Owl. I presume that it is the same bird which has been present for a while but sometimes it can be very elusive and I do not see it on every visit despite the best intentions of my helpers !!.  Also present was a large brown Peregrine, Woodcock and a flock of 50 Golden Plovers flying over.

We still have plenty of birds visiting the garden, infact I think that it is the busiest that it has been for a while.  It is a full time job keeping the feeders topped up.  The male Blackcap continues to visit regularly and feeds on the suet balls and the very excitable Long Tailed Tits are daily visitors.
I think that most of us like to spend time watching the birds which visit our gardens and have no doubt got our own "garden list" and favourite visitors.  Over the years the species of birds visiting has changed. I can remember large numbers of House Sparrows, Blackbirds and Song Thrushes visiting and over the years these have been replaced by Blue Tits, Goldfinches and Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
This coming weekend is the Big Garden Birdwatch which must be one of the easiest surveys to take part in. All you need is a comfy chair by the window, a cup of coffee and a notebook, sheer luxury. And all it takes is an hour of your time.
You might be surprised to discover which birds visit your garden and any sightings will help to build up a clearer picture of our birds.

Big Garden Birdwatch | All You Need to Know About ... - RSPB

 

Taking part in Big Garden Birdwatch couldn't be easier, whether you're using ...

A busy few days which has limited my birding to Harrington and the valley below Hanging Houghton.  There is a group of 4 Ravens which I bump into each day along with a few Grey Partridge. The long standing stubble fields are attracting large flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings and there has been a noticable increase in the number of passerines using the hedgerows.
My best birds were found today. This afternoon whilst scanning the hedgerows I picked up a Ring Tailed Hen Harrier heading towards Cottesbrooke. I think that it is highly likely to be the same bird that was seen at Harrington last week.  Then at dusk whilst travelling to Stanwick from the A6 I saw a Short Eared Owl hunting the grass verge/hedge next to the road.

Regards Eleanor

Round Up

It has been a strange few days. My laptop has been playing up and I couldn't access this page !!  Fingers crossed that I've sorted it.
I am seriously beginning to think that I am never going to get rid of my wellies and that I would be better off with webbed feet.  It is hard work trekking around the fields and it is certainly a good work out for my legs and cardio system.
The saturated fields have attracted huge flocks of Fieldfares, Redwings and Starlings, their plumage looking quite splendid in the winter sunshine.  Today I happened to be near some grass fields and these were covered in Jackdaws, Crows, Rooks, Wood Pigeons and Stock Doves. I know that these are common birds which many of us barely look at, but perhaps we should take a trip back to basics and enjoy watching these characters as they go about their daily business.
There are many areas of flooded water around and birds have been displaced . The flooded field between Holcot and Walgrave has attracted a Great White Egret and I have seen it numerous times this week as I have driven past.  There is similar flooded area between Brixworth and Pitsford which also has a regular Great White Egret.
Yesterday we were very kindly informed of a Hen Harrier near Draughton.  I spent sometime checking out the area but no luck . I continued the short distance to Harrington Airfield and after feeding the birds spent late afternoon scanning the area from the bunkers.  This was how I spotted a Ring Tailed Hen Harrier flying about just beyond the shooting wall and then seemingly following the main track along. This was the same bird that had been reported earlier in the day.  A Short Eared Owl suddenly appeared over the strip which links the bunkers to the main track.
Today I visited Sywell Reservoir.  I couldn't find anything of note among the ducks etc, but did manage a couple of Grey Wagtails, Water Rail, few Siskins and a Cettis Warbler, always nice birds to watch.
We have lots of birds visiting our garden and I'm feeding them several times a day.  A male Blackcap has been a regular visitor on the fat balls. I happen to glance out of the window and could see some very small "lumps" moving about in an odd way. It took me a few minutes to work out that I was watching a flock of Long Tailed Tits which were feeding on the ground. Initially I couldn't see their tails and all I could see were little round blobs moving about !!
A couple of Ravens are very vocal in a nearby garden and are definitely taking an interest in a very tall conifer. They were going through their full repertoire of calls today and enjoying themselves tumbling about in the breeze.  Who needs TV when you can watch these ?
Other birds seen during the week include Chiffchaff, Grey Partridge, Brambling and a group of 4 Ravens which seem to be frequenting Hanging Houghton area and Harrington.

Regards Eleanor

Ringing recoveries

Hello

The latest set of ringing recoveries have come through following Northants Ringing Group activities as follows:-

1.  An adult female Reed Warbler bearing a Portuguese ring was caught at Stortons Pits, Northampton on 6th July 2019 and was presumably breeding on-site. This bird was originally ringed as an adult at Herdade dos Forninhos which is near Beja in Portugal way back on 26th August 2015. 1410 days has elapsed between the two records and the distance between the two sites is 1722km, although of course this bird will have travelled many thousands of km during it's time!

2.  A juvenile Great Tit was caught and ringed in the village of Astcote, South Northants on 23rd June 2014 and was unfortunately taken by a cat in the same village on 5th January this year. 2022 days had elapsed during this time and no doubt it had produced a number of clutches itself during the last five years. Great Tits regularly forage on the floor and this habit means they are susceptible to attacks by ground predators as well as regularly picking up ticks and other parasites;

3.  A juvenile Blue Tit was ringed at Stanford Reservoir, Northamptonshire on 21st September 2019 and was caught again and processed at Kelmarsh Hall on 10th January this year. 111 days had elapsed between the two records and this Blue Tit had moved 14km east during that time. Time will tell if Kelmarsh will be it's new home now!

Eleanor went out for a long and muddy run around the Brampton Valley Way and other footpaths this morning and notched up a singing Chiffchaff at Maidwell Sewer Works (next to Draughton Crossing on the BVW) and four Ravens in the valley below Hanging Houghton. I noted Ravens this morning in the village here at Hanging Houghton and over the Sailing Club at Pitsford Reservoir.

Regards

Neil M

Reed Warbler.

Great Tit courtesy
of Robin Gossage.

Blue Tit.

Raven.

Pitsford WeBs Count.

Hello

Today was the turn of Pitsford Reservoir to be subject of a WeBs count, and with a storm brewing and heavy rain forecast for after dark we were fortunate with the weather holding for us.

With the water level beyond capacity, mild temperatures and minimal marginal habitat the waterfowl numbers were always going to be low. The scarcer birds included two Great White Egrets (on floodwater at the back of the Holcot Bay and in the Moulton Grange Bay), three or four Little Egrets, a Redshank, fifty-five Common Snipe, a Grey Wagtail and five Stonechats (two pairs and a female between the causeway and the Bird Club hide). The female Scaup hybrid remains off the Valve Tower by the dam.

A Little Owl was the only bird of note at Harrington Airfield this afternoon, a Great White Egret and Peregrine showed themselves at Summer Leys and Stanwick hung on to its two Great White Egrets and seven Redshank.

Regards

Neil M

Great White Egret
courtesy of John Tilly.

Stonechat courtesy of
John Gamble.