Snow Bunting - Foxhill Farm Daventry

(More Images on Website -see link opposite)

Having picked up Abigail, and knowing that a female Snow Bunting was nearby at Foxhill Farm, just off the A361, Daventry, I was keen to see the bird before heading home. So, a McDonalds to eat in the car while I walked up the farm track was the order of the day.

The Snow Bunting was very obliging (mind you don't step on it!) but was being harrassed by a Robin, both keen to make the most of scattered seed. Nice to meet Gareth B again after many months.

(Mental note - check the camera ISO regulary. Unfortunately I keep inadvertantly changing this when walking with camera on shoulder and then getting grainy pics!)

Daventry Country Park

My daughter, Abigail, attends a Saturday morning music class in Daventry which, when not working, gives me the chance of a wander either at Borough Hill or in the Country Park. Today I chose the latter. Most of the birds were too far away for any chance of a photo so I had a go at capturing Black Headed Gulls in flight.

I started my walk near the old Carvell Hide and had good views of the "probable" Baltic Gull. I have to say that the jury will remain out for a good while on this bird, and for me it will remain a "probable". All the usual wildfowl were soon located - not difficult with very low water levels! Two Shelduck were about the best on the west shore, so I walked the perimeter, eventually meeting up with two local birders on the east shore. They had been watching the "probable" Baltic Gull and had picked up a small Grebe which initially they thought may be Black Necked. However, this Grebe had a flattish crown, pale tip to the bill and lacked the steep slope to the crown. A difficult bird to observe with constant diving and remaining distant. It was a Slavonian Grebe and a year tick for me. While watching the Slavonian, a dozen Golden Plover flew over.

Time soon ran out, and it was back into Daventry to pick up Abigail.

Todays sightings:

Blackbird; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Chaffinch; LT Tit; Blue Tit; Jackdaw; Cormorant; Wren; Great Tit; Gt Cr Grebe; Mute Swan; Tufted Duck; Shoveler; Shelduck; Pochard; Wigeon; Gadwall; Carrion Crow; LBB Gull; Herring Gull; Teal; Coot; Common Gull; Goldfinch; Lapwing; Siskin; Magpie; Redwing; Mallard; Moorhen; Pheasant; Grey Heron; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Pied Wagtail; Slavonian Grebe; Golden Plover; Canada Goose; Probable Baltic Gull.

Draycote Water - Purple Sandpiper

Purple Sandpiper with entourage of Dunlin

Purple Sandpiper with entourage of Dunlin

Purple Sandpiper with Dunlin

Purple Sandpiper

Purple Sandpiper

Purple Sandpiper

Purple Sandpiper with Dunlin

Purple Sandpiper

Purple Sandpiper with Dunlin

Purple Sandpiper with Dunlin

Purple Sandpiper with Dunlin

Purple Sandpiper with Dunlin

Purple Sandpiper with Dunlin

Purple Sandpiper

Purple Sandpiper

(More pics on my website - see link opposite)

I had just arrived at Bramcote to winterise my caravan, when a phone call from Max and a text from John J (many thanks both) alerted me to the presence of a Purple Sandpiper at the Outlet at Draycote. Now, I had duties to perform which were perhaps a little rushed, as a Purple Sandpiper was a lifer and it was at Draycote! I made all haste to Draycote, not really dressed for the occasion, meeting Max, Bob and Francoise on my way to the Outlet. They confirmed the bird was still present, and indeed it was, meeting Bob D and later Dave H and "Dog". A few times the Purple Sandpiper and its entourage of 4 Dunlin took to flight over the reservoir but soon returned. The light was not at all good needing a high ISO but I was pleased with my amateur efforts.

Also seen, but at a distance was my first of the autumn, Great Northern Diver off Farborough Bank.

My purpose was to see the Purple Sandpiper so little notice was taken of the other birds present.

Draycote Water

Admiral of the Fleet - Goosander with Wigeon & Tufted Duck support

Admiral of the Fleet - Goosander with Wigeon & Tufted Duck support

Admiral of the Fleet - Goosander with Wigeon & Tufted Duck support

Dunlin

Dunlin

Dunlin

Teal

Teal

(More images on my Website - see link opposite)

Having received a thorough soaking this morning, the day brightened when I got home! After a bite of lunch, I decided to make the most of it and visited Draycote. Bright and dry conditions prevailed, but the wind was very strong and cooling. Visited 1340 till 1600.

The weather must have put off the hordes as it was quiet on the perimeter road and with no fishermen only the sailing and surfboarding caused some disruption.

I decided to walk to the valve tower to keep the light behind me. A thorough scanning of the Tufted Duck masses off Hensborough failed to produce the Lesser Scaup. Rainbow Corner was probably most productive with two Dunlin busily feeding and a male Goosander just offshore appearing as Admiral of the Fleet with his entourage of Tufted Duck and Wigeon. The Tufted's were interspersed with Gadwall, Pochard and Goldeneye. A Yellow Legged Gull was spotted off the Inlet and a Grey Wagtail flitted along the almost dry channel.

Todays sightings:

Rook; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Wren; Coot; Mallard; Gt Cr Grebe; Dabchick; BH Gull; Long Tailed Tit; Pochard; Tufted Duck; Mute Swan; Kestrel; Cormorant; Grey Heron; Canada Goose; Wigeon; Gadwall; Teal; Goosander; Goldeneye; Moorhen; Dunlin; Lapwing; Yellow Legged Gull; LBB Gull; Meadow Pipit; Grey Wagtail; Pied Wagtail; Dunnock; Blackbird; Redwing; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Starling; Magpie; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; Chaffinch; Linnet.

Brandon in the (heavy) rain

Well, what a morning! Unfortunately with limited time to get out birding at the moment, when a window of opportunity has opened, but the view is of heavy rain and strong winds, the decision is to stay put or brave the elements. Today, I chose the latter and ventured to Brandon knowing that I could shelter in the hides.

Arriving in semi darkness at 0750, I donned all of my wet weather gear, scope and bins but decided my camera would be of little use (I was right!). I headed direct to the East Marsh Hide where a number of the volunteer conservation team were already in residence (and some were in a sociable mind!). Here I stayed with only a brief visit into Teal Pool hide and a final wet walk back around Newlands. Departing at 1100 I was surprised to have amassed 46 bird species.

East Marsh pool had all of the usual wildfowl and in good numbers. Three Goldeneye  (1m 2f) stayed around the tern rafts and a (? feral) Barnacle Goose accompanied theCanada Geese. A lone Redshank flew from Teal Pool direction onto Willow Island where a lone Greenshank was also discovered. These were later relocated on River Pool (viewed from Teal Pool hide). A Buzzard appeared over East Marsh Pool setting up most of the birds. Snipe numbers were probably in excess of 12.

Ironically, as I arrived home, the rain has eased and the sky is brightening. Maybe this is a message?


Todays Sightings:

Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Magpie; Mallard; Teal; Tufted Duck; Shoveler; Goldeneye; Wigeon; Cormorant; BH Gull; Snipe; Redshank; Canada Goose; Barnacle Goose; Cettis Warbler; Pied Wagtail; Grey Heron; Wigeon; Moorhen; Coot; Mute Swan; Gadwall; Lapwing; Starling; Gt Cr Grebe; Pochard; Buzzard; LBB Gull; Common Gull; Greenshank; Fieldfare; Green Sandpiper; Robin; Jay; Bullfinch; Dunnock; Gt Tit; Blue Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Redwing; Kestrel; Green Woodpecker; Skylark; Meadow Pipit.

Northamptonshire Reservoirs

Grey Heron - Pitsford

Black Headed & Common Gulls - Pitsford

Reed Bunting - Hollowell

Perimeter Track - Ravensthorpe

Reed Bunting - Hollowell

Coot - Ravensthorpe

(More [boring and poor quality]Images on Website - see link opposite)

I decided to visit a trio of Northamptonshire Reservoirs, namely Pitsford, Hollowell and Ravensthorpe. A very mild and pleasant day but very quiet on the birding front. I did not meet a single birder all day - perhaps they realised there was little about.

I really must decide if I am going to watch birds or photograph them. I am struggling at the moment to maintain enthusiasm for carrying my camera when everything seems so distant. Coupled with a heavy scope, days are becoming quite knackering!

My day started at Pitsford at 0745 and rather than walking the 7 mile perimeter, I decided to walk the Scaldwell Arm. This reservoir arm actually held vast numbers of the expected wildfowl and gulls, the best being Pintail (9); Goldeneye (4); Kingfisher (1); Little Egret (1) and Red Crested Pochard (2). The feeding station by the sunken road provided Tree Sparrow (7).

Leaving Pitsford, I arrived at Hollowell at 1100, with the light against me. As I walked towards the point two Snipe were flushed from the sheep field. Again the reservoir held the usual wildfowl but few wading birds even though the water levels were very low. A single Yellow Legged Gull was spotted within the resting gulls and the reeds held a very flighty pair of Stonechat.

My final stop was at Ravensthorpe, arriving at 1230. Very little to report other than two Jay's over, a Grey Wagtail on the dam, and a Red Admiral butterfly. A Buzzard was mobbed over the "private" side of the reservoir.

Todays sightings:

Pitsford - Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Lapwing; Mallard; Mute Swan; BH Gull; LBB Gull;Canada Goose; Gt Cr Grebe; Tufted Duck; Coot; Gadwall; Moorhen; Wigeon; Wren; Shoveler; Teal; Grey Lag Goose; Pochard; Goldeneye; Dabchick; Cormorant; Grey Heron; Robin; Great Tit; Blackbird; Blue Tit; Redwing; Green Woodpecker; Rook; Starling; Jackdaw; Red Crested Pochard; Little Egret; Pheasant; Skylark; Magpie; Chaffinch; Long Tailed Tit; Marsh Tit; Pintail; Common Gull; Gt Sp Woodpecker; Kingfisher; Reed Bunting; Bullfinch; Greenfinch; Tree Sparrow; Dunnock; Meadow Pipit; Pied Wagtail.

Hollowell - BH Gull; Carrion Crow; Rook; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Jackdaw; Magpie; Teal; Grey Heron; Mute Swan; Wigeon; Pied Wagtail; Gadwall; Meadow Pipit; Mallard; Skylark; Gt Cr Grebe; Pheasant; Snipe; Canada Goose; Coot; LBB Gull;Collared Dove; Moorhen; Cormorant; Lapwing; Tufted Duck; Herring Gull; Common Gull; Green Woodpecker; Yellow Legged Gull; Dunnock; Stonechat; Starling; Reed Bunting; Wren; Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Blackbird; Blue Tit; Chaffinch.

Ravensthorpe - Jay; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Mute Swan; Mallard; BH Gull; Coot; Moorhen; Gt Cr Grebe; Tufted Duck; Cormorant; LT Tit; Blackbird; Blue Tit; Chaffinch; Pheasant; Robin; Grey Wagtail; Pied Wagtail; Green Woodpecker; Starling; Canada Goose; Grey Lag Goose; Common Gull; Buzzard; Eigeon; Grey Heron; Gadwall; Pochard; Shoveler; Red Admiral Butterfly.

Marsh Lane West Midlands

Gadwall (early morning)

(Distant) Golden Plover

Stonechat

Stonechat

Golden Plover

Nuthatch

Great Tit

Great Tit

Great Tit

(More Images on my Website - See Link Opposite)

The weather forecast for this morning was appalling, and since today is my only available day for birding this week, I decided to visit Marsh Lane. The rationale was that the hides are relatively close together, so if heavy rain was to fall, I could hide hop. I need not have worried, the day started cloudy and even included some sunny intervals!

My other thoughts for today were to try for the Glossy Ibis at Fishers Mill. Where? I would not have a clue where to start in that area! Also, aren't the birders in that area rather scary?!!! As a result, I still haven't seen the Glossy Ibis!

I had not been to Marsh Lane since May of this year, so a visit was long overdue. The pools were flush with the usual wildfowl and in good numbers, but nothing outside of the ordinary! On my previous visits, I have only visited the main pools, but today I ventured along the old road to the dragonfly pool and along the concrete road. Again nothing out of the ordinary!

I have read somewhere that "certain" birders have special bins that allow them to see exceptional birds whenever they go out. If someone knows where they can be purchased, I am now in the market for a pair!!!!

Best of the day was a Stonechat in front of the Oak Hide and approximately 150 Golden Plover. A Water Rail briefly appeared in front of Railway Hide. The old road hedges held large numbers of Redwing with approximately 50 Goldfinches along the concrete road. The Great Tit (old road) had obviously been bathing and was very obliging, that is until it saw me taking pics. It then seemed to turn around as if in embarrassment, covering its head in its wing, as if a towel!

Today's Sightings:

Grey Lag Goose; Jackdaw; Pheasant; Chaffinch; Carrion Crow; Wren; Wood Pigeon; Moorhen; Common Snipe; Wigeon; BH Gull; Shoveler; Mallard; Lapwing; Tufted Duck; Cormorant; Dabchick; Coot; Teal; Pochard; LBB Gull; Gadwall; Redwing; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Robin; Mute Swan; Black Swan; Water Rail; Reed Bunting; Pied Wagtail; Stonechat; Blackbird; Green Woodpecker; Magpie; Rook; Starling; Grey Heron; Meadow Pipit; Greenfinch; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Golden Plover; Nuthatch; Skylark; Goldfinch; Long Tailed Tit; Dunnock; Linnet.

Red Kite between Hillmorton and Barby

A pretty boring day shift today (0700/1900) saw me just over the border in Northamptonshire assisting colleagues from EMAS at a road traffic collision. Returning to Rugby from Barby at 1645, on the Barby Lane, a large raptor was seen over the road near the canal bridge. Red Kite! Believe it or not, this is the first Red Kite I have had so close to home (almost a garden tick!!!), superb views and NO camera!!!

Brandon Marsh

Light & Dark - Grey Lag Goose East Marsh Pool

Mute Swan - East Marsh Pool

Mute Swan - East Marsh Pool

Mute Swan - East Marsh Pool

Mute SWan - East Marsh Pool

Mute Swan - East Marsh Pool

Snipe - Carlton Pool

Cormorant - Carlton Pool

Water Rail - Carlton Pool

Water Rail - Carlton Pool

Water Rail - Carlton Pool

Water Rail - Carlton Pool

(More images on website - see link opposite)

I had not visited Brandon Marsh since August, so as the sun was shining, I decided to give it a go. The weather was superb - typically autumnal and pleasantly warm. I arrived later than usual, though, at 0930, and staying until 1245.

The reserve was not as crowded as the cars parked would suggest. The "Tuesday Crowd" were no where to be seen, but later some of them were spotted having just ringed some Barn Owlets. East Marsh Pool held all of the usual suspects, the best being a female Pintail which unfortunately refused to come into camera lens view! Passage of Redwing was very noticeable over Newlands with a small movement of Skylarks as well. Carlton Pool held a very obliging Water Rail and Common Snipe making a change from the "posy" Kingfisher which I missed.

The morning was spent taking any photographic opportunity that materialised, the results of which can be seen above, with more on my website.

Todays Sightings:

Pheasant; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Bullfinch; Magpie; Song Thrush; Dunnock; LT Tit; Grey Lag Goose; Cormorant; Wren; Redwing; Blackbird; Great Tit; Coot; Chaffinch; Mallard; Tufted Duck; Cettis Warbler; Stock Dove; Gt Sp Woodpecker; Blue Tit; Moorhen; Lapwing; Wigeon; Canada Goose; Grey Heron; BH Gull; Jackdaw; Pochard; Dabchick; Gadwall; Snipe; Pintail (f); Mute Swan; Pied Wagtail; Jay; Skylark; Water Rail; Starling; Rook; Treecreeper.

Draycote Water

Meadow Pipit

I've paid my fee so I'll fish where I like - even if it is in Toft Shallows

Meadow Pipit

Wheatear

Rock Pipit

Rock Pipit

Lesser Scaup with Tufted Duck

Tufted Duck

Tufted Duck

Lesser Scaup with Tufted Duck

Lesser Scaup with Tufted Duck

(More pics on website - follow link opposite)

Well, having seen the super pictures taken (by others!) of the Draycote Lesser Scaup, I simply had to pay a visit today. It was also good to get it on my year list. Unfortunately, it was not located on my first circuit so it necessitated a second trip up to Toft Bank. It was soon located, and reasonably close in but far enough away to place my photographic efforts in with the "also ran's".

Farborough Bank held one Rock Pipit with two others on Hensborough Bank with a lone Wheatear.

Toft was the place to be if you were a fisherman with boats and bank anglers concentrated all around and some in the conservation area. I was informed that Fishermen pay a fee so can (& will) fish where thay like! Apart from the Lesser Scaup, Toft also held a Goldeneye, Pochard, Teal, Kingfisher, and Ruddy Duck.

Three Fieldfare flew over the Golf Course. Hensborough Bank produced one Ringed Plover, Rock Pipit and Wheatear. Raptor wise, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and two Buzzards.

A degree of excitement came with a report of three Twite on Farborough Bank. A search (with Bob D) revealed several groups of Linnet, indeed two groups of three were seen. However, three birds went down on the rocks,prior to landing I am sure I heard a call "twaa-eet", one of which was a dead ringer for Twite, with pale/yellow bill and convincing plumage. Problem was, when they flew, the call was Linnet! Ahh well, this life tick MAY have to wait! However, I still think at least one was Twite though! Now having seen Bob D's pic's of the bird, I am convinced it was a Twite! So good to get a life tick on a local patch!

Today's Sightings:

Wood Pigeon; BH Gull; Robin; Wren; LBB Gull; Coot; Moorhen; Gt Cr Grebe; Tufted Duck; Dabchick; GBB Gull; Rook; Carrion Crow; Mallard; Pied Wagtail; Cormorant; Grey Wagtail; Rock Pipit; Meadow Pipit; Mute Swan; Chaffinch; Starling; Lapwing; Gadwall; Pochard; Teal; Goldeneye; Green Woodpecker; Grey Heron; Gt Sp Woodpecker; Gt Tit; Ruddy Duck; Kingfisher; Magpie; Greenfinch; Blackbird; Dunnock; Canada Goose; Long Tailed Tit; Wigeon; Fieldfare; Jackdaw; Jay; Ringed Plover; Wheatear; Skylark; Kestrel; Lesser Scaup; Sparrowhawk; Buzzard; Goldfinch; Linnet; Twite.