Starlings and Kingfishers

John Finlayson has provided details of a large Starling murmuration presently viewable on the Wildlife Trust Reserve at Titchmarsh near to Thrapston. It can be viewed  by walking from the Aldwincle Car Park, down the track to the reserve. Pass through the gate and turn right. walk past the disused hide to the next hide and view from there. The birds appeared (estimated 15-20,000) at approx 3.40pm today.
A  ringing session was conducted at Storton's nature reserve today by John Woollett and his enthusiastic team.
A total of just over 80 birds were processed including good numbers of Goldfinches and Greenfinches.  A flock in excess of forty Goldfinches was observed feeding on teasels close to the ringing station. The star birds of the session were the two Kingfishers pictured below.

Regards,
         Neil H.

Birds of the murk

Hello

Chris Payne continued with his committed ringing in the south of the county today, this time ringing in his Greens Norton garden. The results illustrate what garden feeding can achieve in terms of the number of birds attracted to appropriate food, and this is at a time when it is still unseasonably mild and there is still plenty of autumn bounty out there. Chris captured 94 birds which were made up of 44 Blue Tits, 11 Great Tits, 5 Coal Tits, 24 Goldfinches, 2 Greenfinches, 4 House Sparrows and singles of Wren, Starling, Chaffinch and Blackbird.

Birds at Pitsford Res today in murky conditions included a Great White Egret, several Little Egrets, a Black Swan and a Green Sandpiper (all in the Scaldwell Bay). A check of the gull roost by the dam provided views of a fine adult Caspian Gull and two Yellow-legged Gulls.

Eleanor noticed two Ravens over Brankley Farm between Haselbech and Naseby.

Regards

Neil M

Ring-necked Duck still present

Hello

Eleanor managed to find time to pop in to Wicksteed Park at Kettering at lunch-time and confirmed the continued presence of the female Ring-necked Duck on the main lake. It was associating with Tufted Duck and Pochard.

A female Merlin was present at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell at about 3.30pm this afternoon.

My poor contribution was a Grey Wagtail at Brixworth Sewer Works, an adult Yellow-legged Gull by the dam at Pitsford Res and a Black Swan was present in the Scaldwell Bay.

Regards

Neil M

County Bird Ringing

Hello

At a site in the south of the county, local naturalists and ringers Chris Payne, John Woollett, Kim Robinson and Mike Tubb spent some time this morning catching and ringing over seventy birds. Highlights included a Jay, a Sparrowhawk, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Bullfinch, four Coal Tits and a couple of Nuthatch. We are fortunate in Northamptonshire inasmuch there are ringers operating at sites in most parts of the county, but it is remarkably rare for birds that we have ringed locally to be re-captured by colleagues who on some occasions are only a matter of a few miles down the road!

This year looks to be a record year for the number of individual birds caught and ringed in this fair county of ours, reflecting the stunning successes of the Stanford Res Ringing Group and determined efforts by other students of migration as well as generally good summer breeding conditions which has resulted in a positive output of freshly fledged youngsters.

Regards

Neil M

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Sparrowhawk

Images courtesy of Chris Payne.

Pitsford WeBS count

Hello

Another rain-affected WeBS count was attempted today, this time at Pitsford Reservoir. Noteworthy birds included two Great White Egrets, at least a dozen Little Egrets, the two Ruddy Shelduck still, 19 Red-crested Pochard, a drake hybrid 'aythea' duck (Tufted Duck x ?), 59 Snipe, about 10 Pintail, a female Merlin over at 10.38am, a Kingfisher, a Chiffchaff and a couple of Siskins.

Should anyone hear of a Canon 50D camera and lens being found locally, please contact me.

Regards

Neil M

Little Grebe
Courtesy of Clive Bowley

Visitors from the east

Hello

A ringing session around the Old Scaldwell Road Feeding Station at Pitsford Res this morning was all about quality as opposed to quantity. Seven Common Snipe caught and ringed was a good result as this species is particularly difficult to catch. No more Redwings hit the nets today but we did catch a Song Thrush, a couple of new Blackbirds and another Blackbird bearing a Norwegian ring! Further evidence that this current influx of Blackbirds are coming from far afield indeed.

We caught a handful of Tree Sparrows, four new birds ensuring we have now caught and ringed over 190 on-site this year, a record for Pitsford and presumably a good indication that the warm and moist summer was good for this species locally. An adult male Green Woodpecker was another welcome catching addition.

Birds seen included two Great White Egrets, a dozen Red-crested Pochard, a Black Swan and a Barn Owl dozing in the willows at the back of the Scaldwell Bay.

Birds at Harrington Airfield today included two Short-eared Owls, a male Peregrine and about 50 Golden Plovers.

Regards

Neil M

A bird in the hand...

Hello 

Birding at Harrington Airfield this morning was eventful with a male Ring Ouzel around the bunkers with many Fieldfares and Redwings. A female Merlin was dashing about and Bramblings were passing over constantly in small numbers, including a couple coming down to feed on seed on the concrete track at the main entrance. A couple of redpoll sp also flew over and other birds present included 15 Golden Plovers and a pair of Grey Partridge.

Ringing at Stortons Gravel Pits this morning was productive with some 117 birds caught and assessed by a number of ringers as led by John Woollett. This included half a dozen Redwings, four Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Blackcaps, Cetti's Warbler, Goldcrests and plenty of Goldfinches and Greenfinches.

Similar ringing for much of the day took place at Pitsford Reservoir and provided about a hundred birds which included a couple of Mallard, 9 Goldcrests, a Song Thrush, 8 Redwings, 13 Blackbirds, 4 Kingfishers, 2 Jays, 4 Bullfinches and a Willow Tit.

Regards

Neil M

Jay at Pitsford Res
Courtesy of Jacob Spinks

Redwing at Stortons GP
Courtesy of Chris Payne

Kingfishers at Pitsford Res
Courtesy of Craig Freestone

Kingfishers at Pitsford Res
Female above and male below
Courtesy of Jacob Spinks

Ditchford WeBS count

Hello

Today we completed a rain-affected WeBS count at Ditchford Gravel Pits. We struggled to find much of note, the best birds west of Ditchford Lane being an Egyptian Goose, a 'redhead' Goosander and a first year female Peregrine. Other birds noted throughout the whole complex included a single Little Egret, an impressive roost of 75 Cormorants, in excess of a thousand Herring Gulls, a couple of Water Rails, 12 Kingfishers, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Grey Wagtails and a Chiffchaff.

Regards

Neil M

Wet and windy!

Hello

An excursion in to the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning provided views of a single Great White Egret, 10 Pintail, a Black Swan, a pair of Red-crested Pochard and an adult Yellow-legged Gull. 

Three pairs of Stonechat remain at Blueberry Farm near Maidwell but they didn't seem to enjoy the wet and windy conditions!

Regards

Neil M

Wednesday ringing

Hello

Chris Payne conducted some ringing down at Bradden today and ended up catching 108 birds in four hours during good ringing conditions. The catch was mostly common birds and included Goldcrest and Nuthatch and typical woodland species.

In the meantime a small gang of us were operating some nets this morning at Harrington Airfield in a further effort at targeting thrushes. Nineteen new Redwings made it all worthwhile and thrushes dominated the catch which included Song Thrushes and Blackbirds. However we weren't the only ones on the look out for thrushes - a female Sparrowhawk was hunting the bushes for Redwings but we managed to catch her too (please see image below). Small numbers of Golden Plover were mobile all morning, about a thousand Woodpigeons flew over moving south/south-west and Fieldfares were conspicuous as they swirled around in the murky conditions initially. Other birds included a male Peregrine and singles of Siskin and redpoll sp.

This afternoon there were still at least two pairs of Stonechat at Blueberry Farm plus a Short-eared Owl and a Barn Owl.

Regards

Neil M

Male Sparrowhawk captured yesterday

Five years of ringing and Helen
Franklin was never there to ring
and process a Sparrowhawk. Now
she has ringed two in two days!

Juvenile female Sparrowhawk

All images courtesy of  Neil Hasdell.

Tuesday ringing

Hello

A split ringing session today with the morning spent at Harrington Airfield and a couple of hours ringing at Hanging Houghton this afternoon.

Many of the common birds have moved off from Harrington during the last couple of days so it was very much down to the migrant thrushes to perform. Not a single Fieldfare was seen all morning, but we were fortunate to catch and ring 19 passage thrushes in the form of 9 Redwings, 6 Song Thrushes and 4 Blackbirds. Other birds caught and ringed include two each of Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer and a re-trap Green Woodpecker added a splash of colour! 

Visible migration included small flocks of Woodpigeons and Starlings heading south plus a few more thrushes and common finches including a Brambling, and still small numbers of Meadow Pipits.

The birds processed at Hanging Houghton were standard fare but a new male Sparrowhawk was a real treat!

Regards

Neil M

Blueberry update...

Hello

A second visit by Eleanor to Blueberry Farm this afternoon provided views of three pairs of Stonechat, and two Short-eared Owls in Big Lichfields...

Regards

Neil M

Harrington Airfield - restricted access

Hello

Please note that on Tuesday and Wednesday this week there will be restricted access along the old airstrip and bunkers at Harrington Airfield. Access via the concrete track and footpaths remains unaffected.

Neil Hasdell has kindly produced two more maps of local birding areas which can be found on the Birdwatching Sites Maps Tab at the top of the Home Page. The two new maps are for Harrington Airfield and the Blueberry Farm complex.

At Pitsford Res this morning, two Great White Egrets were in the Scaldwell Bay as were a couple of Little Egrets, the Black Swan and at least six Pintail plus an increase in winter thrushes and a redpoll sp.

Birds seen at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell this morning included two pairs of Stonechat and two Ravens.

Regards

Neil M

Northants Bird Club Indoor Meeting

Hello

This is a reminder to members and an invitation to non-members to attend the NBC Indoor Meeting this coming Wednesday (5th November) at the Fishing Lodge, Pitsford Reservoir, Brixworth Road just outside Holcot village (post code NN6 9SJ).

The main part of the evening will be an illustrated presentation of the birds and other wildlife of Argentina, as portrayed by our own Bob Bullock. Bob is well-known locally in birding circles and in recent years has proved to be an excellent wildlife photographer. This presentation follows an expedition to Argentina about a year ago and stunning images are assured!

There is ample parking on-site and tea and coffee and biscuits will be available during the evening.

Please try to be there and seated by 7.30pm.

Come along and be entertained!

Neil M

Magellanic Penguin
Argentina
Bob Bullock

Grey Fox
Argentina
Bob Bullock

Pitsford between the showers

Hello

Some pretty hefty showers out there today but still mild and bright between the periods of rain.

Time spent at Pitsford Res today failed to find much different amongst the high numbers of water-birds. Three Great White Egrets remain (two in the Scaldwell Bay and a single in the Walgrave Bay), the Red-crested Pochard flock increased to thirty (Scaldwell Bay), and there were fifteen Pintail and several Goldeneye. At least five Little Egrets fished the Scaldwell Bay.

The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull lingered in the Scaldwell Bay and other birds there included a Grey Wagtail and a pair of Stonechat still. The gull roost by the dam included an adult Yellow-legged Gull with another Grey Wagtail by the yacht club and two Woodcock were flushed from field hedges between the reservoir and Walgrave village.

A Grey Wagtail and a Chiffchaff were noted at Brixworth Sewer Works.

Regards

Neil M

Little Egrets may be standard
fare these days at Pitsford but they
are interesting to watch as they
adopt a range of different fishing
strategies. This bird was 'foot-trembling'
in the shallows, flushing out mobile
prey in the silt but probably also attracting
nearby fish themselves looking for
food in the substrate.

A Walk in the Woods...

Hello

A walk in the woods courtesy of Gary Burrows...

Sunny 1st Nov

Hello

An early morning wander in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton provided views of a flying Grey Plover, which surely must be the same bird seen nearby a couple of days ago. Presumably it is feeding on a damp field somewhere? About 10 Siskins were present in much the same area and later in the day there were several Golden Plovers and a Raven.

The amazing late autumn sunshine was sufficiently strong to bring a multitude of insects to the fore including plenty of Hornets and Red Admirals on my wander around the Kelmarsh Estate woodlands this morning.

Harrington Airfield was still attracting good numbers of common birds this morning, the only birds of note however being a male Peregrine and a Woodcock.

At Pitsford Res today there were three Great White Egrets on show north of the causeway plus two Little Egrets, a Ruff, a pair of Stonechat and a Raven flew over the Fishing Lodge. A first winter Mediterranean Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were present in the gull roost as visible from the dam.

Regards

Neil M

Haloween Birds

Hello

A classic autumn morning at Harrington Airfield with a high volume of birds moving over the plateau north to south. About 500 Woodpigeons moved over in just less than 90 minutes, other birds included about 300 Redwings, 90 Fieldfares, 200 Starlings and good numbers of Chaffinch, Skylark, Linnet, Goldfinch and Meadow Pipit. Small numbers of Tree Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting and Brambling added variety with singles of redpoll sp and Grey Wagtail.

Grounded birds included good numbers of Blackbirds and Song Thrushes and slightly more noteworthy birds seen included a male Peregrine, a Raven, two Chiffchaffs and two Blackcaps.

The reserve section of Pitsford Res late morning provided views of two Great White Egrets, 18 Pintail a Black Swan and two Green Sandpipers and at least one Willow Tit in the Scaldwell Bay and 26 Red-crested Pochard in the Walgrave Bay.

This afternoon birds noted at Blueberry Farm (Maidwell) included now three pairs of Stonechat, three Woodcock and a Barn Owl (Marsh Harrier reported).

Birds around feeders in the garden here at Hanging Houghton included a Marsh Tit, a Nuthatch and a smart male Lesser Redpoll, with a male Brambling nearby.

Regards

Neil M

The Great White Egrets
had found a shoal of small
fish in the shallows in the
Scaldwell Bay, two Grey
Herons and a couple of
Cormorants also took advantage.

Passerines en-masse

Hello

Eleanor was out and about today and ventured up to Harrington Airfield this morning. Large numbers of passerines were present which included Linnets, Yellowhammers and an influx of Blackbirds. Nothing of particular note though.

It was a similar story at Blueberry Farm near Maidwell with large numbers of small birds on or near the ground, causing a Common Buzzard to alter it's hunting technique and successfully catch a bird by quartering the field similar to a harrier. Two pairs of Stonechat remain on-site and two Ravens were noted in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.

Jacob Spinks was at Pitsford Res today to the south of the causeway and noted the Grey Phalarope still, the Bar-headed Goose and the pair of Ruddy Shelduck.

Regards

Neil M

Rough-legged Buzzard

Hello

This morning a small team of us decided to try a ringing session at Brixworth Sewer Works. The weather forecast was changeable and we weren't sure if the impending rain was going to disrupt our efforts. Although the overall catch numbers were not high, quality was in the form of four Meadow Pipits, a Pied Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, a Magpie, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and four Goldcrests.

However whilst we were in the process of checking nets, a raptor appeared just to the west of the site, slowly spiralled up and gently drifted off to the south-west. A stunning juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard! Looking more like a tiny Golden Eagle than a buteo, the bird exhibited proportionately slim wings, was long-bodied and of course displayed the bright white upper tail and dark terminal band, black carpal patches, dark lower abdomen and overall cold plumage tones with a pale head. We were all a touch stunned as the local status of this species is certainly rare; hopefully this may be the forerunner of other sightings as a good number of Rough-legs have been spotted this autumn to the east and north of us.

An adult Yellow-legged Gull later flew over the site towards Pitsford Res.

Eleanor in the meantime was at Blueberry Farm and notched up a pair of Stonechat on the north side of the complex with another pair in the southern-most field. A Grey Plover flew over calling in an easterly direction and a female Merlin caught a passerine. The Short-eared Owl was still in the southern-most field.

At lunch-time visit to Harrington Airfield yielded large numbers of passerines which included good numbers of Linnets and Yellowhammers. Six Bramblings were present and a Short-eared Owl was flushed from the airstrip. Two Ravens were also present.

Regards

Neil M

Magpie

Grey Wagtail

Meadow Pipit

Tuesday's Tales

Another glorious Autumn day with plenty of sunshine and light breeze.  I was up and about early this morning as were the Short Eared Owl and pair of Stonechat in the southern most field at Blueberry Farm.
After a quick coffee I took the younger dogs and headed to Harrington Airfield where I spent the next few hours. Initially there were birds everywhere !! Big numbers of passerines on the top fields including Skylark, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Reed Bunting and Goldfinch, but despite intensive scrutiny I couldn't find anything else different amongst them.  Small flocks of Starling and Redwing were constantly flying over. Harrington is one of those rare places where you can actually physically feel, hear and see migration happening and it can be quite remarkable.
The conditions, plenty of food, sunshine and breeze was perfect for raptors and it was only a matter of time before they put in an appearance.  A female Merlin came low across the fields and caused the passerines to panic. She appeared to catch something before she continued on her way.
Whilst sitting around the bunkers scanning I picked up a male Peregrine, 8+ Red Kites and numerous Common Buzzard.
As I walked back along the main track I was accompanied by 2 "cronking" Ravens.
This afternoon I visited Sywell Reservoir but despite walking round I only saw 6+ Siskins, 2 Grey Wagtail and a pair of Stonechat.

Regards Eleanor

Here and There !!

   Today I have been out and about mixing birding with errands, beginning with a short walk at Blueberry Farm area and finishing at Harrington Airfield.
The Short Eared Owl and pair of Stonechat were present in their usual southern most field of Blueberry. There was a noticeable movement of Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Redwing at this time.
A run along the Brampton Valley Way only produced 2 Grey Wagtails and good numbers of Redwings.
A brief visit to Pitsford Reservoir which was a very busy with people walking + cycling as well as numerous fishing boats and sailing craft . Infact it seemed as if "the whole world" was out enjoying the lovely Autumn warmth and the wildfowl themselves looked stunning in the sunshine.  From the causeway I could see 2 Great White Egret, 2 Ruddy Shelduck and 10+ Red Crested Pochard and from the dam a Green Sandpiper and the Grey Phalarope which was very mobile.
This afternoon I visited the garden centre at Harlestone and whilst browsing there were at least 4 Common Crossbill flying around. A walk around Harlestone Firs produced at least 20+ Siskins, mainly near the railway line and plenty of common woodland birds.  The rich reds, orange and yellow of the leaves were beautiful and my canine companions enjoyed a roll in the leaves followed by a bath in the muddy puddles !!!  it is very muddy away from the main track.
I decided to do a late afternoon visit to Harrington Airfield . I only walked out along the rough strip and it was quite productive with a Short Eared Owl, 6 Grey Partridge, approx. 50 Golden Plover and a pair of Stonechat, topped off with a lovely sunset.

Regards Eleanor

NBC Car Trip

Hello

Today Eleanor stayed local and birds in the Blueberry Farm area near Maidwell included a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine and two pairs of Stonechat.

It was the day for the Northants Bird Club car trip and our car went to the Norfolk coast starting at Titchwell. A blustery south-westerly accompanied us all day but it remained mild and dry. Very few people were at Titchwell first thing and we quickly connected with Sparrowhawk, at least five Marsh Harriers, four Cetti's Warblers, a Woodcock and a Chiffchaff for starters. Plenty of Little Egrets and common waders occupied the salt-marsh and passerines included about five Rock Pipits. 

The sea provided views of Razorbill, Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser and Red-throated Diver and the shoreline bustled with Bar-tailed Godwit, Sanderling, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Oystercatcher, Knot and Curlew. A seal pup was left high and dry on the high tide but didn't seem that bothered!

Plenty of waterfowl and waders inhabited the fresh-marsh and brackish lagoon, the best being Spotted Redshank, Avocet, Ruff and Pintail. Skeins of Brent and Pink-footed Geese whizzed about in all directions.

Our next venue was Holkham which was very busy with people, dogs and horses! Nevertheless our perseverance paid off with distant views of a Great White Egret, four Marsh Harriers, half a dozen Common Buzzards and a flying well-marked Rough-legged Buzzard. Efforts at checking the small bird flocks in the foliage failed to find much out of the ordinary but Jays were very high profile and flocks of Starlings swept past us all day.

Scanning the sea and we found some close-in scoters which included a couple of small parties of Velvet Scoter and a very smart drake Surf Scoter. More Red-throated Divers, a Gannet and a Razorbill fished the shallows off the beach.

We finished the day with skeins of calling Pink-footed Geese arriving to roost against a stunning rich pink sun-set.

Regards

Neil M

Stonechat

Black-tailed Godwit

Little Egret

Brent Geese

Mild October

Hello

A ringing session in the Walgrave Bay at Pitsford Reservoir today netted about sixty birds, the best perhaps being a single Redwing and a dozen each of Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tit plus three Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a couple of Blackbirds which may have been of continental origin.

Other birds noted in the bay included a Brambling and a Grey Wagtail, a few Goldeneye and an adult Yellow-legged Gull. The Scaldwell Bay hosted two Great White Egrets in the afternoon plus a Little Egret, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, twelve Red-crested Pochard, several Pintail, two Green Sandpipers and a pair of Stonechat.

Blueberry Farm again provided views of a Short-eared Owl, a Barn Owl and a pair of Stonechat this afternoon.

Regards

Neil M

Little Egret

Great White Egret

Mad March Brown Hares in
October! The relative warm
temperatures appears to be
causing some unseasonal behaviour
in our local wild-life including these
Hares. And there are still some
butterflies, dragon-flies and bees about,
and many birds such as Dunnock
have started singing again.

Quick round-up

Hello

A gallop around Harrington Airfield was called for this morning, and a continuing theme for the autumn has been the large number of common birds present. It was the same today with excellent numbers of Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, common finches and the like inhabiting the scrub, and with pigeons, corvids and Skylarks on the open fields. A Corn Bunting, once a breeding bird at this location but now a rare visitor, was present near the first bunker after initially being flushed from the large triangle of rough grass. A Ring Ouzel was in track-side bushes near to the shooting wall and other migrant thrushes were present in good numbers. The finches included a few each of Brambling, Siskin and redpoll sp. Other birds included about 30 Golden Plovers, two Ravens, a covey of seven Grey Partridge, two Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap and a Willow Tit.

Birds in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res this morning included a Great White Egret and 12 Red-crested Pochard and the Short-eared Owl and two Stonechats were still present in the southern-most field at Blueberry Farm.

Regards

Neil M

Parish birding

Hello

Birds noted locally by Eleanor today included a Peregrine at Lamport and 50 Golden Plovers and 3 Ravens in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton.

This afternoon the Short-eared Owl showed well in the southern-most field of the Blueberry Farm complex, initially at 1pm and again from 5.45pm. A Barn Owl and a pair of Stonechat were also present in the same area.

Regards

Neil M

Pitsford WeBS

Hello

Much of today was spent completing a WeBS count at Pitsford Reservoir. Unfortunately there was a significant amount of disturbance but we persevered in the pleasant weather conditions. 

A single Great White Egret was seen in the Walgrave Bay and later a single was in the Scaldwell Bay. It's not known if these observations refer to one or two birds. Other birds on-site included about 8 Little Egrets, a Black Swan, 27 Red-crested Pochard (11 in the Walgrave Bay and 16 in the Scaldwell Bay), 13 Pintail, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Green Sandpipers, 38 Snipe, three adult Yellow-legged Gulls, a Stonechat and a Siskin.

Nearby a Water Rail and three Snipe were noted at Brixworth Sewer Works.

Regards

Neil M

Red Fox Pitsford Res.
A different individual
to the injured animal seen
at the week-end.

Steadfast birds in the wind

Hello

Birds noted at Pitsford Res today included 2-3 Great White Egrets (two in the Scaldwell Bay and later one at the Gorse Bushes), the Grey Phalarope near to Pintail Bay still, the two Ruddy Shelduck south of the causeway and three (two adult) Yellow-legged Gulls in the gull roost.

Despite the very windy conditions this afternoon, a Short-eared Owl and two Barn Owls were hunting at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell, but this time in the sheltered area at the bottom of the largest seta-side field (on the hill) to the west of the farm.

Regards

Neil M

Detecting diurnal migration

Hello

A wander around Harrington Airfield this morning provided plenty of evidence of south-bound migration but nothing of particular note was seen. Common finches made up much of the movement which also included a Brambling and a couple of redpoll sp. Redwings, Starlings and Woodpigeons made in-roads in to the south-westerly air-stream and moved over in small flocks. Skylarks are more difficult to assess because they spend so much time chasing each other around and singing, direct diurnal migration is less pronounced. For the last month or so small numbers of Tree and House Sparrows have been flying over the disused airfield or even pitching down on the bushes for a short while. This may just be localised movement but who knows! Other birds seen this morning included a Wheatear and about sixty Golden Plover.

Birds in the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Res today were noted as a single Great White Egret (I'm not certain that the other two are currently on-site, but one has been seen regularly south of the causeway too), 18 Red-crested Pochard, 11 Pintail, a pair of Stonechat and a Willow Tit. A few Siskins were around Christies Copse in the Walgrave Bay. Birds visible from the dam this afternoon in wet and dull conditions included a Water Rail, a Green Sandpiper, up to four Grey Wagtails, a Wheatear and an adult Yellow-legged Gull. 

A Grey Wagtail was in Hanging Houghton village today and three Bramblings flew south over the Brampton Valley below the village. This evening the Short-eared Owl again hunted the southern-most field of the Blueberry Farm complex; a Barn Owl and a pair of Stonechat were present too.

Regards

Neil M

Goldfinch. Large numbers of these
birds pass through the county at this
time of the year, many to winter in Iberia.

More images from Pitsford

Hello

Local naturalist Jacob Spinks was out and about at Pitsford Reservoir with his camera yesterday, and shares with us some of his favorite images of the day...

Neil M

Grey Phalarope

Kestrel

Breezy Sunday

Hello

At Harrington Airfield this morning birds present included a Short-eared Owl, a pair of Stonechat and a Wheatear. Three Siskins flew south over Hanging Houghton early morning.

At Pitsford Reservoir this afternoon, time spent on the reserve north of the causeway provided views of a single Great White Egret (Scaldwell Bay), 24 Red-crested Pochard (22 in Scaldwell Bay and 2 in the Walgrave Bay), four Goldeneye, seven Pintail, a Black Swan, both Marsh and Willow Tit and a pair of Stonechat (male trapped and ringed). A Swallow was seen near the dam.

A female Pochard and a drake Tufted Duck were both sporting blue bill shields in the Scaldwell Bay this afternoon. Hopefully we have recorded the correct details of the Tufted Duck but the Pochard was too distant. It is likely that both birds were initially trapped and ringed in France or Spain.

A Short-eared Owl was hunting in breezy conditions at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell in the southern-most field just before dusk.

Regards

Neil M

Red Fox Pitsford Res.
This animal was suffering
an injury to it's left leg
causing a severe limp.

Male Stonechat
Pitsford Res.

Ditchford WeBS count

Hello

This morning Eleanor located a Wheatear in the Brampton Valley between Hanging Houghton and Cottesbrooke.

This afternoon we completed a belated WeBS count at Ditchford Gravel Pits in breezy but ridiculously warm conditions. Common Blue Damselflies and Common Darters were among many insects on the wing in these balmy temperatures.

The water-sport pit west of Ditchford lane hosted a Water Pipit and at least seven Egyptian Geese. A Bittern was in waterside vegetation on the second old pit east of Ditchford Lane. Other birds included a Green Sandpiper, a Snipe, three Little Egrets, ten Kingfishers, a pair of Stonechat, six Cetti's Warblers, four Grey Wagtails and two Siskins.

Regards

Neil M

Goldfinch bonanza!

Hello

Time spent at Pitsford Reservoir today provided further views of the first winter Grey Phalarope which was still in the Pintail Bay at 4.30pm. Other birds present included a Green Sandpiper, a Black Swan, the pair of Ruddy Shelduck still, a Great White Egret, a Rock Pipit and a Wheatear.

At least one male Brambling remained at Hanging Houghton today.

Yesterday morning (Thursday) and Chris Payne experienced an influx of Goldfinches at his Greens Norton ringing site, catching a whopping 47 birds! He processed a total of 90 birds which in addition to the Goldfinches included a couple of Collared Doves, a Woodpigeon, a Great Spotted Woodpecker as well as Long-tailed Tits, House Sparrows, Greenfinches etc.

Regards

Neil M

Grey Phalarope
Pitsford Res

Wood Duck

Hello

John Gamble has kindly forwarded some images of a female Wood Duck present on the River Nene near Morrisons Supermarket at Northampton on Tuesday (14th Oct) at about 11am. Presumably the same individual as that further up-river near the Carlsberg premises earlier in the year...?

Regards

Neil  M

Wood Duck
Courtesy of John Gamble

Pitsford Birding

Today most of my birding was confined to the big side of Pitsford Reservoir. As it was a lovely Autumn day I thought that I would walk the whole circuit which I believe is just over seven miles which took me and my canine companions four hours.
Plenty of birds to look at including at least 6 Little Egrets, 1 Great White Egret, Green Sandpiper, Wheatear, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, 1 Siskin, and 8 Brambling.
The Grey Phalarope was still present just north of Moulton Grange Bay, but it was quite flighty today giving most birders the run around.
As I walked across the causeway I noted the 2 Ruddy Shelduck sitting at the waters edge in front of the Lodge.

Regards  Eleanor

Grey Phalarope

Hello

At Harrington Airfield this morning birds included large numbers of Redwings and a couple of Fieldfares, plus a Woodcock, a Brambling and a redpoll sp flew over. At Hanging Houghton there was a male Brambling present.

At Pitsford Reservoir today a first year Grey Phalarope was located by Bob Bullock near to the Moulton Grange Bay and this lingered in to the afternoon. Other birds included a Rock Pipit on the dam, a Wheatear, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and two Greenshank flew through.

Regards

Neil M

Yesterday's juvenile Gannet
at Pitsford Res. Courtesy of
Dave Jackson. 

Grey Phalarope

The forgotten birder!

Hello

In Eleanor's excitement she forgot to mention that I managed a short time scanning on the dam at Pitsford Res during the late afternoon of Tuesday (14th October), and picked out a first winter Mediterranean Gull and three adult Yellow-legged Gulls among the pre-roost gathering of gulls.

Regards

Neil M

Spotshank and Owls !

After the excitement of the morning I was expecting a quiet afternoon as a friend and I took our dogs to Sywell Reservoir.  For the size of the water there were plenty of common waterfowl including 2 stunning drake Goldeneye.  But the best bird was a Spotted Redshank which flew round and round giving good views and it was calling continually as it looked for somewhere to land before flying off over the dam. 

In the carpark area were Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, Nuthatch, Tawny Owl and a few Siskins.

I spent early evening [6pm] at the southern end of Blueberry Farm area. There were quite a few Redwings and Jays on the move. 
The light went very quickly and I had given up any hope of seeing anything else when I realised that one of the dogs was gazing intently at something.  I followed his gaze and saw a Short-eared Owl hunting very low a few metres in front of me[ 18.40hrs]. Not a good view as poor light.

As I turned the car round to drive home I picked out a Barn Owl in the headlights and then when I was nearly back to the village , again through the headlights I saw another Barn Owl perched on a bench.

Regards Eleanor

Gannet at Pitsford Reservoir !!

Morning
Just thought I'd pop to Pitsford to look for any lingering Kittiwakes but all seemed quiet as I scanned round, so I moved onto my next task........walking the dogs !.  
I walked around the country park and inbetween  playing ball with the dogs I scanned the reservoir.  I had such a shock when I saw an immature Gannet cruising low over the water.
Games were abandoned as I watched in awe as the bird slowly circled around the Pintail Bay and headed off towards the causeway before reappearing and proceeded to dive into the water in front of me. 
It was with shaking hands that I tried to contact folk but getting the news out was also hampered by the fact I've got a new phone which I cannot use and I haven't managed to put any contact numbers in yet, sorry.
When I left at 10.30 it was sitting on the water between the Pintail Bay and gorse bushes.

Regards   Eleanor

Kittiwakes!

Hello

A day of heavy rain and strong northerly winds made it a difficult day for birding away from immediate cover.

In the swirling wet weather this morning a flock of about sixty Fieldfares were in the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton, the first ones we have noted this autumn.

This afternoon  a flock of 15 Kittiwakes were near the dam at Pitsford Res. One of these birds quickly flew off leaving the 14 birds with other gulls on the water. At about 5pm more birds arrived and the total went up to 17, followed by a succession of others. The most I was able to count at any one time was 20 birds, but with the difficult weather conditions and the commencement of the gull roost, it is likely there were more birds than this. When I left at about 5.55pm there were still at least 10 birds present. Examples of all three age groups were represented within this inland gathering.

Regards

Neil M

County Bird Ringing

Hello

A busy ringing session at Stortons GP this morning provided an opportunity of examining and ringing 97 new birds and processing 27 birds ringed there before. The highlights for the team led by John Woollett was probably two Jays, a Blackcap, two Chiffchaffs, 37 Greenfinches, 12 Goldfinches, 9 Chaffinches, 6 Long-tailed Tits and 6 Reed Buntings.

Also today a period of ringing took place at Pitsford Reservoir, working at two sub-sites in the Scaldwell Bay and at the main feeding station. The feed station provided sixty birds, the main birds of interest being 27 Tree Sparrows (19 new), 3 Reed Buntings and singles of Pied Wagtail, Blackcap, Meadow Pipit and Goldcrest. The Scaldwell Bay produced sixty-five birds but with rather a high proportion of re-traps as opposed to new birds. The highlights were a new Kingfisher, two previously ringed Willow Tits, 3 Goldcrests, a new Chiffchaff, a total of 17 Long-tailed Tits, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Treecreeper and a Yellowhammer.

A third Willow Tit was present near the nets but remained un-trapped and other birds noted included 2-3 fly-over Grey Wagtails and a Green Sandpiper.

Eleanor visited the Brampton Valley below Hanging Houghton on a couple of occasions, straying up to the Blueberry Farm complex. Two Short-eared Owls were present today, spending most of their time in the southern-most field. A pair of Stonechat were present in the same field. A juvenile Ring Ouzel was seen in hedging at lunch-time and other birds included a pair of Grey Partridge and ten fly-over Golden Plovers.

Regards

Neil M

Jays at Stortons GP
Courtesy of Chris Payne