NOVEMBER 2024
Highlights: A Glossy Ibis spent the month at Earls Barton GP, mostly on the Summer Leys section. A’ringtail’ Hen Harrier was seen daily at the same site from 1st to 12th with males also present on 5th and 14th. Males were also recorded near Brixworth on 1st, Ashton and Bozenham Mill on 7th and at Staverton on 10th. Other ‘ringtails’ were at Harrington airfield on 7th, between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on 11th and over Wellingborough on 29th. A Brent Goose was at Clifford Hill GP on 4th, a Black Redstart at Braunston from 4th to 6th and Yellow-browed Warblers were seen at Kettering on 5th and near Barton Seagrave on 7th. Two Bearded Tits were at Stanwick GP from 5th with at least one still present at the end of the month. Seven Kittiwakes visited Pitsford reservoir on 18th with one at Stanford reservoir the same day and another at Boddington reservoir on 19th. A Great Northern Diver was at Clifford Hill GP on 25th and 26th with one, possibly the same, at Pitsford from 26th to 31st. A Bewick’s Swan visited Stanford reservoir on 28th. Cattle Egrets were noted at Ditchford GP and Stanwick GP, where up to eight, three at both Ringstead GP and Chacombe and one at Thrapston GP.
Blatherwycke Lake: Eight Whooper Swans (9th), a Common Scoter (9th), a Scaup, Red-crested Pochard, Pintail and two Hawfinches were noted with up to eight in the adjacent churchyard.
Boddington Reservoir: Nine Hawfinches flew over (4th). Up to five Caspian, 12+ Yellow-legged and three Mediterranean Gulls visited the gull roost, also noted, a Ring Ouzel (6th), a Red-crested Pochard and nine Golden Plovers.
Clifford Hill GP: Seven Whoopers Swans (2nd), five Avocets (5th), a Knot, three Great White Egrets, two Red-crested Pochards, a Yellow-legged Gull and a Short-eared Owl visited.
Daventry CP: There were a Caspian and three Mediterranean Gulls, 90 Golden Plovers, a Great White Egret, two Jack Snipes and 32 Snipes.
Earls Barton GP: Up to two Marsh Harriers were present, a Pink-footed Goose, a Whooper Swan (9th), six Pintails, eight Great White Egrets, a Peregrine, five Stonechats and a Yellow-legged Gull and a good selection of waders: up to 300 Golden Plovers, 50 Snipes, single Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Common Sandpiper (16th) and Jack Snipe and three Green Sandpipers.
Harrington Airfield: A Short-eared Owl was seen on six dates, a Merlin twice, also 80 Golden Plovers and two Stonechats and three Hawfinches flew over (5th).
Pitsford Reservoir: Four Whooper Swans flew over (1st) and 20 Pink-footed Geese (2nd) and another from 27th, also two Red-crested Pochards and a Pintail, 48 Snipes, single Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, a Green Sandpiper and two Stonechats.
Stanford Reservoir: There were seven Whooper Swans (2nd), six Red-crested Pochards, a Pintail, a Pink-footed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, two Great Egrets, a Short-eared Owl, two Hawfinches (12th), Peregrine, Stonechat, and three Mediterranean and two Caspian Gulls fairly regularly in the gull roost.
Stanwick GP: Up to two Bitterns, a Pink-footed Goose, a Pintail, two Red-crested Pochards, and two Redhanks were seen.
Thrapston GP: A Bittern was seen on three days, 18 Pink-footed Geese flew over (16th), also present nine Great White Egrets, a Red-crested Pochard and a Green Sandpiper.
Other sites: Ditchford GP hosted a Knot, five Dunlins and a Red-crested Pochard. Five Red-crested Pochards were at Stortons GP and one at Kislingbury GP. At Hollowell Reservoir, there was a Mediterranean and two Caspian Gulls and four Stonechats and a Crossbill over the village. Hawfinches were regular at Cottesbrooke with up to eight, also Deene Church (4), Thenford (3), Short Wood (4), Welton (5), Lamport (2), Hanging Houghton (3) and Corby Eurohub (2). Overflying Pink-footed Goose flocks included 30 over Deene and 55 over Moulton (12th), 63 over Oundle (15th) and seven over Maidwell (20th). Merlins visted Lilbourne Meadows and Hanging Houghton and two Short-eared Owls were at Maidwell and one at Nobottle. A Pink-footed Goose was at Wicksteed Park and a Ruddy Shelduck again at Winwick.
Highlights: A female Ferruginous Duck was present on 3rd. A Quail was flushed at Nassington on 14th and a Glossy Ibis arrived at Summer Leys on 21st being seen most days until the end of the month and one was reported over Foster’s Booth on 23rd. Ringtail Hen Harriers were over Brixwoth CP on 8th, Borough Hill on 14th, and Harrington Airfield on 16th and a male was at Maidwell on 14th. A Kittiwake was at Stanwick GP on 22nd. At Stanford Reservoir, a White-fronted Goose flew over on 28th and Yellow-browed Warblers were ringed on both 28th and 29th with a third present on 30th. Single Cattle Egrets were at Clifford Hill GP, Ecton SF, and Raunds with two at Stanwick GP.
Boddington Reservoir: A Black-necked Grebe stayed just a day, a Mediterranean Gull was present in three roosts also a Little, two Caspian and nine Yellow-legged Gulls. An Osprey passed through, also a Merlin (16th), two Hobbies and a Peregrine. Three Sandwich Terns, a Red-crested Pochard, three Common Sandpipers and single Whinchat, Stonechat, Redstart and Wheatear were logged.
Clifford Hill GP: A Black-necked Grebe remained for more than two weeks. Four Avocets, four Turnstones, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Ringed Plover, three Snipes and two Common Sandpipers were complemented by up to four long-staying Black Terns, a drake Common Scoter (6th) and four more on 7th, Pintail, Hobby, Peregrine, up to six Whinchats, three Wheatears, Redstart, Stonechat and four Yellow Wagtails.
Daventry CP: Mediterranean Gulls were present on three days also single Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. A Sandwich Tern, a Black-necked Grebe, for one day, single Pintail and up to six Great White Egrets visited and waders included single Ruff, Redshank and Common Sandpiper and five Green Sandpipers, five Ringed Plovers and nine Golden Plovers.
Earls Barton GP: Up to two Marsh Harriers were seen almost daily and up to two Bitterns were regular. Six Sandwich Terns (6th), single Little and Black Terns, three Garganeys, six Pintails, nine Great White Egrets, two Hobbies and a Peregrine visited along with Black-tailed Godwit, five Ruffs, three Greenshanks, four Green and one Common Sandpiper, single Dunlin, Redshank, Ringed, Little Ringed and Golden Plovers.
Harrington Airfield: A Marsh Harrier on three days, up to three Redstarts, two Wheatears, two Whinchats and a Golden Plover visited.
Hollowell Reservoir: A Pink-footed Goose (24th), single Black-tailed Godwit and Golden Plover, two Common Sandpipers, six Snipes, Caspian Gull, Osprey, Peregrine and Hobby, three Stonechats, two Whinchats and a Wheatear were seen.
Naseby Reservoir: Up to two Caspian Gulls were present, including a returning German ringed individual, also a Pink-footed Goose (17th), Great White Egret, two Ringed Plovers, a Green and seven Common Sandpipers.
Pitsford Reservoir: Ospreys visited on four days and Marsh Harriers on two, also present were a Peregrine, a Black Tern, seven Yellow-legged Gulls, four Great White Egrets, five Green Sandpipers, two Whinchats and single Stonechat, Wheatear and Redstart.
Stanford Reservoir: Sandwich and Arctic Terns both visited on two days, single Little and Mediterranaean Gulls, two drake Common Scoters (6th), up to seven Red-crested Pochards, four Pintails and a Ruddy Shelduck. A Bittern was present for nine days, and Ospreys on three, also a single Marsh Harrier and two Hobbies. Common Sandpipers peaked at eight, also two Ruffs, Great White Egret, two Whinchats and 12 Yellow Wagtails.
Stanwick GP: There was a Bittern, a Pintail, two Black-tailed Godwits, a Caspian and five Yellow-legged Gulls.
Thrapston GP: Fifteen Common Scoters visited briefly on 7th with one more on 13th. Up to two Ospreys visited along with Marsh Harriers twice, also Hobby and a Bittern. Three Black Terns, a Yellow-legged Gull, single Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit, five Dunlins, a Green and two Common Sandpipers.
Other sites: Ditchford GP hosted both Black and Sandwich Terns. Three Black Terns passed through Stortons GP. Ravensthorpe reservoir hosted a Mediterranean Gull, four Yellow-legged Gulls, Great White Egret and Ruddy Shelduck. A Marsh Harrier was near Wadenhoe. In the Hanging Houghton, Cottesbrooke and Maidwell area, there was a Marsh Harrier on five days, two Hobbies, a Green Sandpiper and two Golden Plovers, up to four Whinchats, two Stonechats, two Redstarts and a Wheatear. A Mediterranean Gull was seen over Raunds, Borough Hill hosted four Redstarts, four Whincahts, two Stonechats and three Wheatears. Whinchats were also at Orlingbury and Brackley with two at Priors Hall along with a Stonechat. A Redstart was at Lamport.
Highlights: The County’s sixth Lesser Yellowlegs stayed at Lilbourne Meadows from 11th to 20th along with a Pectoral Sandpiper from 10th to 13th. Black-necked Grebes, the first for the year, were seen at Ditchford GP on 9th, Clifford Hill GP from 21st to the end of the month and at Stanford reservoir from 23rd to 26th. A Corn Bunting, another first for the year, was between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton briefly on 28th and a good showing of Cattle Egrets included peaks of 12 at Stanwick GP, 10 at Thrapston GP, seven at both Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows and Summer Leys and singles at Clifford Hill GP and Brackley, these birds move around a lot.
Clifford Hill GP: A Wood Sandpiper stayed five days. Other waders included a Sanderling, two Black-tailed Godwits single Dunlin and Common Sandpiper. A Black Tern and three Sandwich Terns (30th), two Redstarts and a few Yellow Wagtails were present.
Daventry CP: A Caspian, juvenile Mediterranean and two Yellow-legged Gulls were noted. A Whimbrel flew over and single Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and 10 Green Sandpipers, a Great White Egret and a Redstart were logged.
Ditchford GP: Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Redstart and Pintail (20th) visited.
Earls Barton GP: Marsh Harriers were seen daily with up to three different individuals involved, Osprey and Hobby also visited. A Bittern was noted from 25th, and up to three Garganeys from 7th. A Wood Sandpiper stayed 10 days, four Turnstones (24th), three Greenshanks, three Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, three Green and four Common Sandpipers, two Redshanks, four Ringed and two Little Ringed Plovers, two Great White Egrets, and five Crossbills (25th) were seen.
Hanging Houghton/Cottesbrooke/Blueberry: Up to four Whinchats and three Redstarts were regular, also several flyover Tree Pipits, a Wheatear, a Hobby and a Marsh Harrier several times.
Harrington Airfield: Marsh Harriers were reported on 11 days, also four Whinchats, two Redstarts, two Crossbills, two Tree Pipits and a Wheatear.
Hollowell Reservoir: Both Ospreys and Marsh Harriers were seen several times, also three Black Terns, a Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls, two Great White Egrets, up to three Whinchats, Tree Pipit and Hobby. Osprey and Yellow-legged Gull were at neighbouring Ravensthorpe reservoir.
Lilbourne Meadows: A leucistic Marsh Harrier was a spectacular visitor, a Garganey, a Redstart, a Greenshank, two Dunlins, three Little Ringed Plovers and four Green Sandpipers were seen.
Pitsford Reservoir: Up to three Ospreys were seen almost daily and a Marsh Harrier on six days, Hobby and Peregrine too. A Red-crested Pochard was joined by three more mid-month. Waders included a Whimbrel, two Ringed Plovers, three Green and two Common Sandpipers. Other visitors were up to five Great White Egrets and five Yellow-legged Gulls, two Whinchats and a Redstart.
Stanford Reservoir: Another site where Ospreys and Marsh Harriers were regular, the former all month, Hobby and Peregrine were also noted. A ‘Northern’ Willow Warbler was trapped and ringed (27th), along with a number of Redstarts, two Tree Pipits and two Whinchats. Six Black Terns passed through, a Little Ringed Plover, three Common Sandpipers, a Great White Egret and the female Ruddy Shelduck remained.
Stanwick GP: Two Turnstones, a Wood Sandpiper, two Ruffs, a Greenshank, three Common and one Green Sandpiper, juvenile Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls, three Yellow-legged Gulls and a Marsh Harrier were all noted.
Thrapston GP: There were up two Marsh Harriers, regular Osprey sightings, a Greenshank, two Green and a Common Sandpiper, a Ringed Plover and three Yellow-legged Gulls.
Other sites: A Marsh Harrier passed over Borough Hill and Crossbills over Corby and Pitsford. A Red-crested Pochard was at Billing GP and Tree Pipits were noted over Brackley and Brixworth STW. Three Redstarts were seen at Woodford Halse, two at Lamport and Honey Hill and singles at Stortons GP, Duston, Desborough airfield, Foxholes Crick, Hartwell and Boddington reservoir. Wheatears were also at Braunston, Hinton airfield and between Finedon and Cranford.
Clifford Hill GP: Two Little Terns visited on th 9th, and waders included a high count of 24 Black-tailed Godwits (12th), a Curlew, three Redshanks, four Little Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin and two Common Sandpipers. A Redstart was also seen.
Daventry CP: There were three Garganeys , six Black-tailed Godwits, eight Green and one Common Sandpiper, a Yellow-legged Gull and an early returning Arctic Tern (25th).
Earls Barton GP: Black-tailed Godwits were frequent visitors, with peaks of eight on 6th and 10th. Wood Sandpipers visited on 6th and 20th also two Greenshanks, three Green Sandpipers, both Osprey and Marsh Harrier and a Little Tern on 17th.
Hollowell Reservoir: There was a daily Whinchat from 20th with two on 28th , regular Ospreys and a Common Sandpiper.
Lilbourne Meadows: The flood-pools attracted a Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, six Green and two Common Sandpipers, seven Little Ringed Plovers, a Marsh Harrier, and up to three Redstarts were in the hedgerows.
Pitsford Reservoir: Present were two Black-tailed Godwits, single Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Whinchat and Redstart.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: Up to two Ospreys were noted fishing, also Ruddy Shelduck and a Yellow-legged Gull.
Stanford Reservoir: A Common Scoter visited on 3rd and a Bittern on 26th. Up to two Osprey were seen regularly and Marsh Harriers on three dates along with three Hobbies. Also present a Sandwich Tern on 17th, a Ruddy Shelduck, a Black–tailed Godwit, two Common Sandpipers and a Redstart.
Stanwick GP: A Wood Sandpiper on 16th, a peak of eight Black-tailed Godwits, four Little Ringed Plovers, five Common and two Green Sandpipers, a Pintail on 20th, a Marsh Harrier and a Yellow-legged Gull were logged.
Thrapston GP: A female Common Scoter was present on 16th, also Osprey and Black-tailed Godwit.
Other sites: DIRFT 3 held up to 18 Yellow-legged Gulls (26th) and two Caspian Gulls. Harrington airfield hosted a series of Redstart sightings and Marsh Harriers on three dates. A ‘ringtail’ Harrier was near Brixworth and further Marsh Harriers were also at Barnwell and Blueberry Farm Maidwell, where also two Crossbills and two Redstarts. A Ruddy Shelduck spent three days at Winwick pools and a Red-crested Pochard visited Billing Aquadrome. More Redstart sightings came from Woodford Halse, Honey Hill, Ramsden Corner, Lamport Hall, Old and between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton where also two Whinchats.Earls Barton GP: A Wood Sandpiper visited on 2nd, a Ruff on 4th and eight Black-tailed Godwits (30th), Bitterns were noted several times, also a Marsh Harrier and a Great White Egret.
Pitsford Reservoir: Ospreys were present on 10 dates, also recorded were single Dunlin, Red-crested Pochard, Hobby and Dunlin.
Stanford Reservoir: Single Whimbrel, Ringed Plover, Pink-footed Goose, Osprey and a singing Brambling were noted.
Stanwick GP: Three ‘Tundra’ Ringed Plovers on 4th were still heading north but 30 Black-tailed Godwits on 28th were probably failed breeders, single Greenshank, Green and Common Sandpipers were also returning. Three Mediterranean Gulls (25th) two Marsh Harriers and two Great White Egrets also visited.
Other sites: A drake Garganey was present at Lilbourne Meadows until 4th and return passage Redstarts there from 29th. Ospreys were noted twice at Hollowell reservoir and a female Ruddy Shelduck re-appeared. Two Black-tailed Godwits were at Ditchford GP with an Osprey over Irthlingborough. Clifford Hill GP hosted Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers. Ospreys were also noted at Achurch, Brixworth, Desborough and Ravensthorpe Reservoir. A Whimbrel flew over Hanging Houghton on 4th and single Short-eared Owls were still present at Harrington Airfield on the very late date of 3rd and between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on 5th.
Highlights: A female Ring-necked Duck at Ditchford GP was last present on 6th and a drake Eider at Boddington reservoir on 15th was the first record this century. The latter site hosted an Avocet on 16th and a Spotted Redshank flew over Thrapston GP on 10th. A female Red-necked Phalarope spent half a day at Lilbourne Meadows on 22nd and a ‘ringtail’ Montagu’s Harrier was photographed near Bozeat on 26th. A Wood Warbler spent the last week of the month at Harry’s Park Wood and Cattle Egrets were noted at seven sites along the Nene Valley, including Cogenhoe and Nether Heyford but never more than four birds.
Clifford Hill GP: Waders included two Turnstones, two Sanderlings, a Grey Plover, nine Dunlins, five Ringed and two Little Ringed Plovers and two Common Sandpipers. Three Arctic Terns, a Little Gull, two Wheatears, a Whinchat, a White Wagtail, a Short-eared Owl and a Peregrine visited too.
Daventry CP: A Little Tern (22nd), four Arctic Terns, a Hobby and a Greenland Wheatear were seen.
Ditchford GP: Two Little Terns (3rd), three Black Terns, a drake Red-crested Pochard and two Sanderlings were logged.
Earls Barton GP: A good selection of waders included a Wood Sandpiper (6th), seven Turnstones, single Grey Plover, Sanderling, Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits, two Greenshanks, eight Dunlins, seven Ringed Plovers and two Common Sandpipers. A light passage of Arctic Terns continued all month along with several Black Terns and one Little Tern (3rd). Ospreys were noted on six days, also Marsh Harriers on three, Peregrine and one or two Hobbies, a Short-eared Owl present for four days at the end of the month was unusual. A drake Garganey was seen on four days and a Red-crested Pochard was regular. Bittern and Great White Egrets were noted too.
Hollowell Reservoir: A Sandwich Tern (26th) was just the third this year, three Arctic Terns, a Marsh Harrier and Ospreys were recorded on several dates.
Lilbourne Meadows: A Wood Sandpiper stayed three days, also noted, a Greenshank, Dunlin, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, two Common Sandpipers and a drake Garganey.
Stanford Reservoir: Twenty Black Terns (10th) was the highest count also eight Arctic Terns, a drake Garganey, and an unseasonal Pink-footed Goose, Ospreys on three days, a Hobby also three Whimbrels, single Sanderling and Greenshank, seven Ringed Plovers and three Common Sandpipers visited.
Stanwick GP: A Grey Plover, two Black-tailed Godwits, a Dunlin, two Black Terns, an Osprey and a drake Garganey were seen.
Thrapston GP: Black Terns were noted on two days, with six on 9th, also 12 Arctic Terns, Greenshank, five Common Sandpipers, a Ringed Plover and an Osprey.
Other sites: Single Ospreys were noted at Boddington, Cransley and Pitsford reservoirs, Biggin Lake Oundle and two over Spratton. Short-eared Owls were also present at Harrington airfield, between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton, South Hill Farm Wellingborough and Blueberry Farm Maidwell. Ravensthorpe reservoir hosted an Osprey, a Caspian Gull and a Common Sandpiper. Two parties of Whimbrels were heard over Kettering, a male Ring Ouzel was between Brixworth and Hanging Houghton, a Marsh Harrier over Barton Seagrave, a Whinchat near Hanging Houghton, a White Wagtail near Orlingbury and the first Spotted Flycatcher at East Carlton CP on 6th.
Aynho flood: A’Channel’ Wagtail stayed four days, also present , a White Wagtail and up to 17 Yellow Wagtails, two Dunlins, and both Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers.
Brampton Valley near Hanging Houghton and Maidwell: There were up to three Short-eared Owls, at least two Ring Ouzels, two Bramblings, two Redstarts, two Wheatears, two Whinchats and a Jack Snipe.
Clifford Hill GP: A Ring Ouzel stayed 12 days. Waders included single Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit, five Black-tailed Godwits, Greenshank, a remarkable flock of 71 Redshanks and several Dunlins, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers and Common Sandpipers. Also, the first Arctic Tern (9th), with four more later in the month, Osprey, Peregrine, four Wheatears, Redstart, three White Wagtails and the equal first Swifts (21st).
Ditchford GP: The first Reed Warbler (8th), Grasshopper Warbler (11th) and equal first Swift (21st), Pink-footed Goose, Greenshank, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and a Black Tern visited.
Earls Barton GP: Small numbers of Whimbrels, Black-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpipers and Greenshanks passed through also Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, Redshanks and a Curlew. Hobby (9th), Osprey, Marsh Harrier and Peregrine visited along with up to five Arctic Terns, a Little Gull, three Pintails, single Red-crested Pochard and Wheatear and up to three White and 12 Yellow Wagtails.
Harrington Airfield: There were two Short-eared Owls on 1st with one remaining all month, also two Ring Ouzels, Whinchat, four Wheatears, a series of Redstarts, two Bramblings, 12 Golden Plovers and an Osprey.
Hollowell Reservoir: Ospreys were regular and a last Jack Snipe (23rd) and up to five Common Sandpipers.
Pitsford Reservoir: Ospreys visited on six days, also the earliest ever Whinchat (13th), Redstart, White Wagtail, three Little Gulls, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and two Common Sandpipers..
Stanford Reservoir: The first Common Sandpiper (4th), Swift(21st) and Lesser Whitethroat (9th), joined by a Pink-footed Goose, two Common Scoters, Whimbrel, Ospreys, Marsh Harrier, Redstart and Wheatear and terns which included Sandwich (6th), five Black and an Arctic.
Stanwick GP: The first Nightingale (11th), a pair of Garganey, Turnstone, Greenshank, Curlew, Little Gull and Marsh Harrier were logged.
Thrapston GP: Single Bittern, drake Garganey, Marsh Harrier, Black-tailed Godwit, Arctic and Black Terns were noted.
Other sites: Lower Barnwell Lock flood hosted Bar-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, four White Wagtails and a Great White Egret. Daventry CP held two Black-tailed Godwits and the first House Martin (3rd). Borough Hill had Whinchat, Redstart and Wheatear. Honey Hill hosted up to three Ring Ouzels and a Redstart, with other Ring Ouzels at Cottesbrooke and Newham Hill where also a Redstart. Further Ospreys were noted at Corby, Deene Lake, Welford, Chapel Brampton, Ravensthorpe reservoir, Orton and Oundle. A Merlin was at Sibbertoft (19th) and a Short-eared owl at Finedon with four near Lamport. Four Wheatears were at Laxton and Old and Redstarts at Boughton Park and Stoke Albany. A Ruddy Shelduck was again at Crick. The equal first Nightingale at Shire Hill Lodge and Cuckoo at Cosgrove, were both on 11th.
Clifford Hill GP: A ‘redhead’ Smew remained until 26th, also noted were a Red-crested Pochard, three Goosanders, a Peregrine, a Little Gull, single Knot , Dunlin, Wheatear and a Redstart on 30th, the earliest ever in Northants.
Daventry CP: Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls were both noted on three dates, also Yellow-legged Gulls, two Red-crested Pochards, two Black-tailed Godwits, two Jack Snipes and two Great White Egrets.
Ditchford GP: A drake Garganey was last seen on 13th and a drake Scaup stayed four days, also present were three Pintails, four Black-tailed Godwits, a Curlew, five Redshanks, a Jack Snipe, four Great White Egrets, a Marsh Harrier and the first Willow Warbler (22nd).
Earls Barton GP: Marsh Harriers visited on six dates, Merlins twice, Peregrines and an Osprey. Waders included a Grey Plover, three Ruffs, two Curlews, five Dunlins, up to three Black-tailed Godwits, eight Redshanks, 25 Snipes, 300 Golden Plovers and two Little Ringed Plovers. A Scaup stayed all month and Red-crested Pochard and Pintail were noted, two Little Gulls, a Caspian Gull and four Great White Egrets. Earliest migrants were a Sand Martin (12th), White Wagtail (25th) and Sandwich Tern (29th).
Harrington Airfield: Two Merlins, two Short-eared Owls, two Bramblings and a Wheatear visited.
Hollowell Reservoir: Three Caspian and two Mediterranean Gulls were logged also a Pink-footed Goose, two Pintails, two Stonechats, two Jack Snipes and Ospreys three times.
Pitsford Reservoir: A’redhead’ Smew and a drake Red-crested Pochard were present, two Little Gulls, two Jack Snipes, a Merlin and the joint earliest Swallow (20th).
Stanford Reservoir: An adult Mediterranean Gull visited the gull roost twice, a Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls was also seen along with White Wagtail, Wheatear and the first Yellow Wagtail (30th)
Stanwick GP: Marsh Harriers were present on seven dates, also two Little and one Mediterranean Gull, three Pintails, 10 Goosanders, 10 Redshanks and three Black-tailed Godwits.
Thrapston GP: Three Little Gulls, four Great White Egrets, single Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and Marsh Harrier visited. The first Swallow arrived on 20th and Common Tern on 31st.
Other sites: Merlins were seen at Lamport, Hanging Houghton and Ravensthorpe reservoir. Four Short-eared Owls were near Lamport and another near Maidwell. A Whimbrel was calling at night over the Brampton Valley (11th) and 12 Black-tailed Godwits visited Barnwell flood. A Mediterranean Gull was at Boddington reservoir and a Little Gull at Wicksteed Lake. Crossbills were at Bucknell Wood and three over Scotland Wood. The first Osprey flew over Bozenham Mill (18th) and another over Braunston. Other firsts were a Little Ringed Plover at Braunston flood (14th), Wheatear at Clipston (18th) and Sedge Warbler at Wadenhoe (30th).
NOVEMBER 2020
SEPTEMBER 2020
AUG 2020
JULY 2020
Highlights: An adult Rose-coloured Starling was photographed in a Hackleton garden on 9th. A Crane flew over East Hunsbury Northampton on 16th and singing Quails visited the Brampton Valley near Hanging Houghton on 1st and 2nd with another at Harrington Airfield from 7th to 9th. An Avocet was at Pitsford Reservoir on 25th and three more at Thrapston GP on 12th. Two Great White Egrets were at both Thrapston GP, and Hollowell Reservoir with another at Stanford reservoir. Cattle Egrets successfully bred for the second year running raising four young and Mediterranean Gulls were again successful at Stanwick GP.
Earls Barton GP: Two Black Terns were present on 1st and a drake Garganey stayed until 5th. A series of Black-tailed Godwit records occurred from the second week with a peak of five. Single Wood Sandpiper and Greenshank, a Curlew, two Green Sandpipers and four Common Sandpipers joined the resident waders.
Hollowell Reservoir: Four Common Scoters visited (8th) and a Garganey. Osprey was recorded on eight dates. A Yellow-legged Gull, a first-summer Arctic Tern, which stayed three days, two Green Sandpipers and a Little Ringed Plover were seen and up to three Crossbills were present.
Pitsford Reservoir: An Osprey was noted on five days, single Garganey and Pink-footed Goose, two drake Common Scoters stayed four days and up to four Crossbills were present. A Red-crested Pochard, a Yellow-legged Gull, a Curlew and two Common Sandpipers were noted.
Stanwick GP: A Black Tern visited (6th) also a drake Garganey and a Red-crested Pochard and five Crossbills flew over. Up to 12 Black-tailed Godwits, two Curlews, two Green and two Common Sandpipers and a Ringed Plover were seen.
Other sites: Three Black Terns and a Ringed Plover visited Clifford Hill GP. Daventry CP hosted a pair of Scaup and seven Crossbills flew over. A Sanderling was at Boddington Reservoir (5th). Harrington Airfield hosted a male Redstart from 28th and an Osprey was seen on three days. Thrapston GP too had an Osprey on three dates and a Green Sandpiper. Stanford Reservoir had up to two Ospreys on five dates and a Little Gull (11th). Ospreys were also recorded at Barnwell CP (two), Bulwick, Cransley Reservoir, Ravensthorpe Reservoir (two) and Spratton. A good influx of Crossbills, mainly from 21st, included 16 at Bucknell Wood, 14 at Harlestone Heath, 12 at Denton Wood, nine over Wellingborough, eight at Harry’s Park Wood, five at Brampton Ash, two over Ringstead GP and singles over Hardwick Wood, Lady Wood and Yardley Chase. Mediterranean Gulls were seen over Wellingborough and Barton Seagrave.
MAY 2020
Highlights: A Caspian Tern flew through Stanford reservoir on 31st and is the 6th county record and a second-year male Red-footed Falcon, the 10th county record, stayed at Ringstead GP from 16th to 19th. A Hoopoe was photographed in a Broughton garden and a juvenile Gannet flew over Great Brington both on 1st, and up to four Cattle Egrets remained at Stanwick GP all month, with one at Earls Barton GP on 18th. A Nightjar was resting on a garden fence in a Sywell garden on 5th. A Common Crane flew over Chipping Warden on 6th and at least two were calling over Irthlingborough on 16th. A singing Firecrest was discovered near Byfield on 7th and a female Montagu’s Harrier at nearby Boddington reservoir on 11th. An unidentified ringtail harrier was seen at Lowick on 5th. A Quail was singing near Apethorpe on 12th and a Bittern was at Stanwick GP on 25th. A Black-necked Grebe stayed three days at Earls Barton GP from 25th. Single Great White Egrets visited Earls Barton, Stanwick, Stortons and Thrapston GPs and Pitsford and Stanford reservoirs.
Boddington reservoir: A male ‘Channel’ Wagtail stayed for three days, a Black Tern, two Whimbrels and a Common Sandpiper were also seen.
Clifford Hill GP: Waders included a Sanderling, two Whimbrels, six Dunlins, two Common Sandpipers and a Ringed Plover. A Sandwich Tern (21st), single Little and Mediterranean Gulls, a Whinchat, two Wheatears, a White Wagtail and a Pink-footed Goose from 21st were logged.
Earls Barton GP: One or two drake Garganeys were present for most of the month, Marsh Harriers visited on three days, up to five Hobbies and a Peregrine were noted. A Wood Sandpiper stayed three days and a continental race Black-tailed Godwit for five. Up to four Common Sandpipers were present along with single Ringed Plover and two Dunlins. A Sandwich Tern (5th), a Barnacle Goose, a Wheatear and a rufous morph Cuckoo were also seen.
Ecton SF: A Wood Sandpiper stayed three days and a Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper and a Hobby were noted.
Harrington Airfield: A Marsh Harrier and an Osprey flew over, also present, four Wheatears and a Greenland Wheatear.
Pitsford Reservoir: Ospreys were noted on four dates, also present were two Yellow-legged Gulls, a Mandarin, a Dunlin and two Common Sandpipers.
Stanford Reservoir: A ‘Channel’ Wagtail was last seen on 1st, Ospreys were seen twice and Arctic Terns on three days with a peak of 10 (7th). A Marsh Harrier passed through as did a Curlew, a Common Sandpiper and a Wheatear and up to three Hobbies were seen.
Stanwick GP: A late Pintail was seen (1st) and two Garganeys on 14th with one remaining the rest of the month. Waders included single Whimbrel, Curlew and Common Sandpiper and 2 Dunlins.
Thrapston GP: Ospreys visited on nine days and up to 14 Hobbies were seen. A rufous morph Cuckoo was present and a Curlew was seen.
Other sites: A Wood Sandpiper and a Ringed Plover were noted at Barnwell Lock flood. Two Whimbrels visited Ditchford GP and another at Braunston flood. A Pochard with five young was seen at Blatherwycke Lake. A Black Tern visited Hollowell Reservoir with two Ospreys seen over the village. An Osprey was also seen at Welford and a Marsh Harrier was over Blueberry Farm, Peregrines were seen at Ringstead GP, Barton Seagrave and Blueberry Farm, five Hobbies were at Ringstead GP and an unseasonal Merlin over Wellingborough on 6th with a Garganey at the Embankment there. A drake Red-crested Pochard stayed at Stortons GP.
APRIL 2020
Highlights: A satellite-tagged White-tailed Eagle was tracked over the county on 14th being photographed over Irthlingborough and seen over Barnwell on 14th with other sightings over Towcester on 9th and Wadenhoe on 17th which were not tagged. Reports of Rough-legged Buzzards came from Wicken Wood on 5th and Roade on 7th and a female Montagu’s Harrier was over Cottingham on 21st. A White Stork passed over Brackley on 29th. A Black Redstart visited a Spratton garden on 2nd and 3rd and a Siberian Chiffchaff was discovered singing at Boddington reservoir on 20th and 22nd. A Blue-headed Wagtail was at Clopton on 26th and a ‘Channel Wagtail’ stayed at Stanford Reservoir for a few days. Up to five Cattle Egrets were seen intermittently throughout the month at Stanwick GP. Single Great White Egrets were still present at Barnwell flood, Earls Barton, Kislingbury, Stanwick and Thrapston gravel pits with two at Pitsford reservoir on 27th.
Barnwell Flood: Two Spotted Redshanks (22nd-23rd), two Greenshanks, Wood Sandpiper(27th), Bar-tailed Godwit, three Whimbrels, Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, drake Garganey and White Wagtail were all attracted to this ephemeral pool.
Boddington Reservoir: A group of four Ring Ouzels (5th) and another on 8th, Redstart and Greenland Wheatear visited also two Sandwich Tens on 6th with another on 10th, adult Mediterranean Gulls on two dates, two Little Gulls, Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls a party of 12 Arctic Terns (28th). Three Grey Plovers over, 18 Snipe and a Common Sandpiper and a flyover Osprey (9th).
Byfield: A Common Scoter was heard at night, a Ring Ouzel stayed six days, a Marsh Harrier over (9th), Redstart, two Wheatears and the first Tree Pipit (10th).
Clifford Hill GP: Three Little Gulls were seen on two dates, a pair of Common Scoters (18th), a Curlew Sandpiper (25th-27th) and the first Little Tern (29th). A run of Arctic Tern records peaked on 28th with 35+ present. Three Whinchats, four Wheatears, a few Yellow Wagtails, single Greenshank, and Ringed Plover and two Dunlins and two Common Sandpipers were also noted.
Ditchford GP: Groups of three and four Little Gulls passed through also a Greenshank, White Wagtail and Wheatear.
Earls Barton GP: A drake Garganey arrived on 2nd and stayed almost a month. An adult Kittiwake (6th), 11 Little Gulls and small numbers of Arctic Terns passed through and Marsh Harriers visited on three days. Waders included a Wood Sandpiper (30th), four Whimbrels, a Bar-tailed Godwit, two Curlews, 25 Snipes, eight Redshanks, three Ringed Plovers, three Dunlins, two Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper. A Wheatear and two White Wagtails were seen.
Pitsford Reservoir: Ospreys were recorded on seven dates, Arctic Terns on six with a peak of 15 (20th) and Little Gulls on three with a peak of nine (23rd). Two drake Scaups (1st), two Yellow-legged Gulls and White Wagtail were also recorded.
Stanford Reservoir: Eighty Arctic Terns included a peak of 65, also noted were 14 Little Gulls, eight Bar-tailed Godwits, a Marsh Harrier, two Wheatears, a White Wagtail and small parties of Yellow Wagtails.
Stanwick GP: A total of 170 Arctic Terns visited (21st) and 30 more (29th). Three Black Terns (18th), two Little Gulls, a drake Garganey for two weeks , Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, a Green and two Common Sandpipers.
Thrapston GP: Two Red-crested Pochards, two Black Terns, four Arctic Terns, a Hobby and a Common Sandpiper were logged. Little Gulls were recorded on 4 dates, with a max of 8 together.
Other sites: Common Scoters were recorded overnight at Desborough, Brackley, Oundle and Wellingborough between 2nd and 4th. A Marsh Harrier flew over Irthlingborough (7th). Ospreys were seen over Wollaston, Brixworth - twice, Corby, Hanging Houghton and Kingsthorpe Northampton and a Short-eared Owl over Brackley (9th). Ring Ouzels were at Newnham Hill, Clopton (for a week) and near Hanging Houghton. Mediterranean Gulls visited Neville’s Lodge Finedon and Raunds. Wheatears were at Deenethorpe (nine), Harrington Airfield (six), Brackley, Farndish and Brampton Valley Way. Stortons GP hosted a Red-crested Pochard and a Jack Snipe. A White Wagtail was in Moulton and a Bittern was booming at one site, the first confirmed for at least a century.
Highlights: A Black-bellied Dipper remained at Sywell CP until 2nd, a Bearded Tit on 6th and a Hen Harrier on 21st were also at the same site. Up to five Cattle Egrets alternated between Ditchford and Stanwick GPs for most of the month. An adult Iceland Gull visited Rushton landfill on 6th. Marsh Harriers were noted at Thrapston GP on 5th and Harrington airfield on 21st. Nine Pink-footed Geese were again noted at or near Stanford reservoir between 15th and 23rd. A Black Redstart was briefly at Clifford Hill GP on 17th, the same day that a Brent Goose arrived there remaining until 30th with a pair of Black-necked Grebes present from 20th to 22nd. Five Avocets visited Earls Barton GP and another was at Boddington reservoir on 14th with two more at Ditchford GP from 26th. An overwintering Siberian Chiffchaff at Ecton sewage farm was still present on 19th and a Water Pipit was a good find at Ditchford GP on 13th. On 21st, a Bittern was noted at Stanford reservoir, a Hooded Crow at Thrapston GP and a Firecrest visited Ravensthorpe reservoir with the latter staying until 23rd. Bird of the month was a White-tailed Eagle over Kings Cliffe on 26th. Great White Egrets were reported from 12 sites with a maximum of four at Thrapston GP.
Clifford Hill GP: Knot, Little Ringed Plover and up to 110 Golden Plovers visited and two drake Scaup remained until 23rd with one until 27th. A Wheatear, three Stonechats and a Peregrine were seen.
Ditchford GP: A female Scaup was seen intermittently and a Black-tailed Godwit stayed four days, 12 Snipe were counted.
Earls Barton GP: A good selection of waders included a Knot which stayed four days and was joined by four more, seven Black-tailed Godwits, four Curlews, a Dunlin, a Ruff, 26 Snipe and the first Little Ringed Plover on 19th. A Merlin (20th), a Wheatear, a Brambling and a pair of Mediterranean Gulls were logged.
Hollowell Reservoir: A Caspian Gull, four Jack Snipe and a Stonechat were the highlights.
Pitsford reservoir: Five Little Gulls (25th), a Mandarin, a Redshank, a Wheatear and a Stonechat visited along with the first Swallow on 24th.
Stanford Reservoir: A Short-eared Owl was regular until 23rd. A Merlin (20th), two Stonechats and a Wheatear were also seen.
Stanwick GP: A Knot paid a brief visit, up to seven Redshanks were present also eight Snipes and a Dunlin, a female Scaup, an adult Mediterranean Gull and a Peregrine logged.
Thrapston GP: Two Curlews, a Redshank, Peregrine and Stonechat were noted including the first Osprey on 18th.
Other sites: At Daventry CP, adult Mediterranean Gulls were seen on three dates and a Yellow-legged Gull was present. A Merlin visited Chipping Warden (21st). Ospreys were seen at Bulwick and Ravensthorpe reservoir. A Short eared Owl was near Brixworth and two were still at Borough Hill, where also up to six Stonechats. Two Scaups were reported at Drayton reservoir and a Caspian Gull was at Rushton landfill. Boddington reservoir hosted Jack Snipe and a Curlew. The first Sand Martin was near Aldwincle on 7th. An early Willow Warbler was at Sixfields Lake on 22nd and the first Wheatear was trapped at Brixworth STW on 16th with others at Upton CP, Hartwell, Maidwell, Borough Hill, Harrington airfield and Wollaston STW. Four Green Sandpipers remained at Deene Lake.
FEBRUARY 2020
Highlights: A Black-belleied Dipper was found in the afternoon of the 29th at Sywell CP. This is the first record in the county for 24 years. A Hen Harrier was reported near Fotheringhay on the 1st and a Black Redstart was found on the church in Oundle on the 6th, remaining until the 8th. A Glaucous Gull was found in the roost at Stanford Reservoir on the evening of the 7th and remained until the following morning. Stanford was successful again on 18th, with an adult Iceland Gull and a Kumlien's Gull. A party of nine Pink-footed Geese moved between Leicestershire and Northant, last being reported on the 18th. A 'Nordic' type Jackdaw was also in the area. The first Bittern of the year was at Stoke Bruerne for one day on 16th. A party of three Waxwings were at Harrington Airfield on the 26th, with others reported at Deene Park and Blueberry farm. Short-eared Owls were at several sites and Barn Owls were noted in abundance on a calmer evening of 23rd. Caspian Gulls were reported from Ruston Landfill and Stanford, Pitsford and Hollowell Reservoirs and Daventry CP. The Ecton Siberian Chiffchaff was also reported. The 5 Cattle Egrets remain in the Nene valley.
Daventry CP: An adult Mediterranean Gull on the 4th, and again on the 7th and 14th, with Yellow-legged Gull and a Dunlin on the ealier day.
Harrington Airfield: A single Short-eared Owl was reported on and off for most of the month, with a Merlin there on the 17th. Three Waxwings were found late moring on the 26th, but only remained for a few hours. Barn Owls were recorded on several days.
Hollowell Reservoir: The female Ruddy Shelduck was present on 1st along with up to 9 Jack Snipe. A Caspian Gull was a brief visitor on the 8th, and again on 9th and 22nd, with an adult Mediterranean Gull on the 25th. Up to 4 Stonechats were present all month.
Pitsford Reservoir: Up to two Great Egrets and 4 Stonechats were recorded. A 4th winter Caspian Gull was seen on 8th and an ad Yellow-legged Gull was present on 13th.
Stanford Reservoir: Up to 2 Short-eared Owls were over setaside fields to the east of the reservoir on several dates. The party of 9 Pink-footed Geese flew over on the 8th and remained in the area until the 18th. Gull encounters included a 3cy Glaucous Gull on 7th and 8th, a Mediterranean Gull on 7th and 14th, Caspian Gull on the 8th, 17th, 21st and 28th, Iceland Gull and Kumlein's Gull on 18th. Up to 2 Great Egrets, 11 Common Snipe and a Green Sandpiper were also noted.
Stanwick Lakes: The female Greater Scaup was present up until 6th. Up to 7 Redshank, 19 Golden Plover (26th)and a single Dunlin (27th) were on the main lake. A maximum of 4 Great Egrets.
Summer Leys: Up to two Great Egrets for most of the month. The Brambling was still present on the 11th. Up to 15 Common Snipe were recorded.
Thrapston GP: Up to 3 Great Egrets all month. At least one, possibly two Siberian Chiffchaffs were at nearby Islip STW on 3rd - 5th, with up to 8 Chiffchaffs. A drake Pintail was present for most of the month, with a max of 4 drakes and 2 females on 21st and 22nd. 4 Egyptian Geese were present from 21st and a max of 6 Goosander on 11th.
Other sites: A ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier over a ploughed field alongside the A605 near Fotheringhay on 1st, Short-eared Owls at Neville's Lodge, with up to three at Borough Hill. Oundle's St Peter's Church produced a Black Restart from 6th- 8th. The two Greater Scaup were at Clifford Hill GP on 8th, a Bittern in flight at Stoke Bruerne on the 16th, and a Merlin at DRIFT on 27th. Up to 5 Cattle Egrets were around Ditchford on several dates.
JANUARY 2020
Highlights: A Great Grey Shrike showed well near Crick until 15th and a Siberian Chiffchaff at Ecton Sewage Farm outfall was present from 7th with two on 19th. Two White-fronted
Siberian Chiffchaff - Alan Coles |
Clifford Hill GP: A Scaup arrived on 25th with two from 26th until the end of the month. Two Pintails two Stonechats and a total of just eight Golden Plovers were recorded.
Daventry CP: A Scaup stayed from 10th to 23rd and both single Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls logged.
Ditchford GP: Two Red-crested Pochards, 13 Goosanders, a Peregrine and two Stonechats were present and 31 Snipes, a Jack Snipe and 20 Golden Plovers.
Earls Barton GP: Single Red-crested Pochard and Pintail, two Black-tailed Godwits (23rd), a Peregrine, a Stonechat and a Brambling which was regular at the feeding station were the highlights
Harrington Airfield: A Merlin (15th), a Short-eared Owl on several occasions and a Peregrine were complemented by up to 150 Golden Plovers and two Bramblings.
Hollowell Reservoir: An adult Caspian Gull paid a visit and up to 14 Snipes and three Jack Snipe were present along with three Stonechats and the long-staying feral Ruddy Shelduck.
Pitsford Reservoir: A Pintail and two Red-crested Pochards, a Redshank, a good count of 55 Snipes, five Stonechats and a Yellow-legged Gull were seen.
Stanford Reservoir: Five Pintails, a Green Sandpiper, Stonechat were present and nearby a Short-eared Owl was regular.
Stanwick GP: A female Scaup remained all month and eight Pintails and 19 Goosanders were the peak counts. Seven Redshanks and nine Golden Plovers were present and a Short-eared Owl was nearby
Other sites: Three Short-eared Owls were noted near Finedon and three more at Borough Hill where also three Stonechats. A Short-eared Owl was also at the DIRFT site near Crick, also a Peregrine and two Stonechats. Rushden Landfill hosted a Caspian Gull and 14 Pintails and nine Mandarin Ducks were at Blatherwycke Lake with two Mandarins also at Edgcote. A Pintail and two Stonechats were at Thrapston GP and a Peregine at Thenford. Two Green Sandpipers, a Peregrine and up to 15 Chiffchaffs were at Ecton SF/Billing GP. The Ruddy Shelduck also visited Foxholes Fisheries.
DECEMBER 2019
Highlights: A Great Grey Shrike stayed all month at DIRFT near Crick, a Firecrest was at Upper Harlestone on 6th and two Velvet Scoters, both first- winters, stayed at Hollowell
Velvet Scoter - Bob Bullock |
Ditchford GP: Up to three Great White Egrets were present also Green Sandpiper and two Redshanks, 12 Snipes, 12 Egyptian Geese, four Chiffchaffs and two Stonechats.
Earls Barton GP: A redhead Smew was seen from 7th to 21st and five Ruffs visited along with a Brambling, two Stonechats, a drake Red-crested Pochard, two Great White Egrets and a Peregrine.
Hollowell Reservoir: A Great White Egret, five Stonechats, 10 Snipes, five Jack Snipes and a Ruddy Shelduck were seen.
Pitsford Reservoir: A drake Smew stayed from 18th, also a Mandarin, five Pintails, two Great White Egrets, a count of 41 Snipes, Redshank, Peregrine, Brambling, five Stonechats and a Yellow-legged Gull.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: A drake Smew visited (21st), also a Ruddy Shelduck and a Yellow-legged Gull.
Stanford Reservoir: An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen twice also two Pintails, a Great White Egret and a Stonechat.
Thrapston GP: Two Great White Egrets, two Stonechats and a Peregrine were noted.
Other sites: Adult Caspian Gulls were at Sulby Reservoir and Rushton Landfill. A Mediterranean and three Yellow-legged Gulls visited Boddington Reservoir. Billing GP hosted a Great White Egret, two Green Sandpipers and a Stonechat. A redhead Smew was at Hardingstone GP, a Jack Snipe at Stortons GP with another at Neville’s Lodge Finedon, where also a Short-eared Owl. Other Short-eareds were at Lilbourne Meadows, Borough Hill and Harrington Airfield where also 200 Golden Plovers. Two Great White Egrets and seven Redshanks were at Stanwick GP, a first winter female Scaup and a Great White Egret were at Daventry CP and five Pintails were at Clifford Hill GP. A Ruddy Shelduck was at Foxholes Fisheries Crick.
NOVEMBER 2019
Highlights: Two Black-necked Grebes visited Pitsford reservoir on 1st and quickly departed. Bitterns were noted at Earls Barton GP on 8th and 12th and at Fawsley on 9th. Siberian race Chiffchaffs were identified at Stanford Reservoir on 6th, where ringed, with two at Ditchford GP on 15th and another at Ringstead GP on 17th.Cattle Egrets remained at Stanwick GP for most of the month with up to four present and a male Bearded Tit was there on 16th and 17th. A Firecrest was ringed at the latter site on 10th with another at Earls Barton GP on 23rd. A Great Grey Shrike was found at DIRFT 3 site near Crick on 17th and was still present at the end of the month. A ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier was also present at this site and the adjacent Lilbourne Meadows from 9th to 17th with others near Hanging Houghton on 15th and between Scaldwell and Old on 28th. Two Hawfinches were seen at Fotheringhay on 21st and another at Salcey Forest on 27th and nine Bewick’s Swans, the first this year were briefly at Stanford Reservoir on 24th, the same day a drake Red-breasted Merganser put in an appearance at Pitsford.
Daventry CP: A drake and a juvenile Scaup were present on 4th with the juvenile still on 15th. Also present were single Caspian and Yellow Legged Gulls and a Green Sandpiper.
DIRFT 3: Up to three Short-eared Owls were present also 47 Golden Plovers, two Stonechats, Woodcock, Peregrine and single Caspian and Yellow Legged Gulls.
Earls Barton GP: A ‘redhead’ Smew remained all month and single Red-crested Pochard and Pintail logged. Three Whooper Swans passed through, up to 500 Golden Plovers, a Black-tailed Godwit, Brambling, Stonechat and a Marsh Harrier on 8th.
Hanging Houghton: A Merlin visited on 15th and 19th, along with a Peregrine, up to 25 Bramblings, two Stonechats and a distant unidentified harrier on 8th.
Harrington Airfield: A Merlin was noted on five days. A Peregrine, four Bramblings a few Golden Plovers and several Woodcocks were seen.
Pitsford Reservoir: A Common Scoter arrived on 10th with two more next day, ‘redhead’ Smew from 13th to 17th. Up to six Red-crested Pochards, single Pintail and Mandarin, 1355 Tufted Ducks and 132 Pochards were on site. Up to two Great White Egrets were present and an adult Mediterranean Gull was seen almost daily for most of the month along with two Yellow-legged Gulls. A Merlin flew through on 16th, a Rock Pipit (1st), four Stonechats, and 25 Snipe.
Stanford Reservoir: A Marsh Harrier (3rd), a Merlin (15th) and a Short-eared Owl visited on two dates. A Mediterranean Gull attended the gull roost three times, six Whooper Swans flew over (8th). Three Red-crested Pochards, a Pintail and a Ruddy Shelduck were logged. A Great White Egret was present and a late Willow Warbler was ringed on 6th.
Thrapston GP: A Whooper Swan was present all month along with two Great White Egrets, three Red-crested Pochards, a Peregrine and a Stonechat.
Other sites: A Marsh Harrier flew over Oundle on 12th and a Peregrine was present. A Mediterranean and three Yellow-legged Gulls visited Boddington reservoir. Up to two Short-eared Owls were intermittently reported at Neville’s Lodge Finedon. Two Pink-footed Geese and eight Mandarin Ducks visited Blatherwycke Lake. Two Red-crested Pochards remained at Clifford Hill GP where also 25 Golden Plovers and a Stonechat. At Stanwick GP, up to three Great White Egrets were seen also a Black-tailed Godwit and two Redshanks. A Great White Egret and a Ruddy Shelduck were noted at Foxholes Fisheries Crick.
OCTOBER 2019
Highlights: A Slavonian Grebe was last seen at Clifford Hill GP and another was found dead in Kettering under a Peregrine roost site on 3rd. Six Pink-footed Geese flew over the Brampton Valley on 4th, a Brent Goose was briefly at Stanwick GP on 6th and a juvenile Gannet was seen in a field near Gretton on 8th. Yellow-browed Warblers were noted in Duston, Nothampton on 7th and another trapped and ringed at Stanford reservoir on 12th where also a Firecrest on 25th, three Waxwings on 25th and 10 more on 27th. Two Woodlarks flew over Pitsford reservoir on 23rd. Up to six Cattle Egrets remained at Stanwick GP until 23rd at least and a Lesser Whitethroat there on 21st was thought to have been of one of the eastern races.
Boddington Reservoir: A Little Stint was last seen on 1st. A first-winter Little Gull visited (4th) also three Mediterranean Gulls and up to 11 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Clifford Hill GP: Hobby, Peregrine, two Red-crested Pochards, a Mandarin and two Stonechats were logged.
Earls Barton GP: Single Whooper Swan (25t)), Bittern (27th), Marsh Harrier were the star birds. A Garganey was still present (3rd).Two Great White Egrets were present and waders included 100 Golden Plovers, 14 Snipe, single Dunlin and Green Sandpiper. A Stonechat was also present.
Hanging Houghton: The latest reported Whinchat (1st) and Redstart (5th) were seen, along with two Stonechats, three Bramblings and 15 Golden Plovers.
Harrington Airfield: A Merlin was noted on five days, a Peregrine, a Short-eared Owl and two Woodcocks were seen and passerines included Ring Ouzel (15th), Rock Pipit (19th) and Water Pipit (20th).
Hollowell Reservoir: A juvenile Arctic Tern lingered until 16th. Single Jack Snipe, Great White Egret, Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls and up to four Stonechats were present.
Pitsford Reservoir: Up to four Mediterranean Gulls were seen nightly at the gull roost with up to 12 Yellow-legged Gulls. Five Common Scoters (15th) visited. Four Red-crested Pochards and six Pintails had arrived by the end of the month, a juvenile Scaup was seen several times and a Ruddy Shelduck paid a visit. Two Greenshanks, single Common and Green Sandpipers and two Great Whit Egrets were noted. Four Stonechats arrived and a Wheatear remained on the dam until 15th, two Rock Pipits and four Bramblings were seen in flight.
Stanford Reservoir: Up to three Great White Egrets remained and a Merlin and Marsh Harrier on two dates. A Ring Ouzel stayed two days, five Crossbills flew over and both Stonechat and Green Sandpiper were seen.
Stanwick GP: The highest count of 42 Little Egrets was a new county record and two Great White Egrets were present. A Common Tern stayed until 4th the same date as a Spotted Redshank. Other waders were Ruff, Redshank and Ringed Plover. A late Hobby (19th), Pintail, Rock Pipit and four Bramblings were seen.
Thrapston GP: A Great White Egret was present all month and a Whooper Swan arrived (7th), the latest Osprey sighting (2nd) and a Yellow-legged Gull.
Other sites: Three Scaups arrived at Daventry CP on 22nd with one remaining until the end of the month. A late Whimbrel (15th) and a juvenile Whooper Swan were noted by the River Tove near Grafton Regis and up to three Short-eared Owls visited Borough Hill where also three Stonechats. At Ditchford GP, a Spotted Redshank stayed two days, a Great White Egret and a Jack Snipe arrived. A Ring Ouzel visited a Spratton garden (15th). Mediterranean Gulls were seen at Upton Park and Panattoni Park where also Green Sandpiper, Wheatear and a Stonechat. A Ruddy Shelduck was seen at Pitsford, Stanford and Ravensthorpe Reservoirs and at Foxholes Fisheries, Crick.
SEPTEMBER 2019
Highlights: Up to six Cattle Egrets remained at Stanwick GP until 21st. Quails were flushed at Orlingbury on 1st and at Hanging Houghton on 8th. A Black-necked Grebe visited Pitsford Reservoir on 1st and two Slavonian Grebes stayed at Clifford Hill GP from 16th until the end of the month. A Little Tern was present at Stanwick GP on 2nd and a Little Stint remained at Boddington Reservoir from 25th, only the second this year. A Spoonbill flew over Stanford Reservoir on 28th and single Pied Flycatchers visited Barnwell CP, Borough Hill and Naseby Reservoir with two at Yardley Chase MOD.
Brampton Valley: Marsh Harriers were noted on three days. Three Whinchats, two Redstarts, two Stonechats, a Wheatear and a Corn Bunting were present.
Boddington Reservoir: Two Mediterranean Gulls, a Ruff, a Curlew, Ringed and Little Ringed Plover, two Greenshanks and two Green Sandpipers and a Yellow-legged Gull visited.
Clifford Hill GP: A Red-crested Pochard stayed for most of the month, two Whinchats, two Stonechats, Wheatear, Hobby and Common Sandpiper were logged.
Daventry CP: Single Caspian and Mediterranean Gulls were attracted also a Rock Pipit (14th), four Green and a Common Sandpiper.
Earls Barton GP: Up to two Great White Egrets stayed all month. A Garganey and a Common Scoter (24th) were noted and waders included a Black-tailed Godwit, two Greenshanks, Golden, Ringed and Little Ringed Plover, Green and two Common Sandpipers. Two Stonechats arrived.
Harrington Airfield: A Short-eared Owl (30th) was the first of the autumn. A series of Redstarts, Whinchats, Stonechats and Wheatears passed through as did a single Golden Plover.
Hollowell Reservoir: Two Greenshanks, 10 Ringed and four Little Ringed Plovers, four Dunlins, Common Sandpiper and Golden Plover were attracted by the very low water level exposing plenty of mud. The feral Ruddy Shelduck remained for most of the month and Yellow-legged Gull, Wheatear and Stonechat were noted.
Pitsford Reservoir: Two Great White Egrets were seen throughout.Two Mediterranean Gulls and a Little Gull were seen on several dates along with an Arctic Tern (2nd) and a Yellow-legged Gull. Eleven Pintails, a Mandarin and a Ruddy Shelduck were logged also a Rock Pipit (30th), a Whinchat and a Peregrine Two Greenshanks, two Common and three Green Sandpipers and three Ringed Plovers were the pick of the waders.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: Osprey and Great White Egret were both seen once. A Yellow-legged Gull and two Green Sandpipers were present daily.
Stanford Reservoir: Several Redstarts and Stonechats were logged also a Whinchat, a Great White Egret, a Little Ringed Plover and both Green and Common Sandpiper.
Stanwick GP: A Marsh Harrier visited (5th), also two Hobbies, a juvenile Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls and a Common Sandpiper.
Thrapston GP: Ospreys were recorded on the first and last days of the month and a Marsh Harrier (24th). A Great White Egret was seen from 23rd and two Garganeys and two Red-crested Pochards, a Hobby and and eight Yellow-legged Gulls.
Other sites: A Great White Egret visited Wicksteed Water Meadows (3rd), a Marsh Harrier flew over Hartwell (21st) and 15 Crossbills were over Borough Hill (30th). Redstarts were seen in greater numbers than recent years with peaks of five at Borough Hill, four near Walgrave, three at Fawsley, two at Wilby and Draughton and singles at Wollaston, Little Irchester and Duston. Whinchats include five near Wollaston, three at Neville’s Lodge Finedon, three in Duston and two at Borough Hill. Up to eight Stonechats arrived at the latter site and Wheatears visited East Haddon, Orlingbury and Borough Hill.
Highlights: Four juvenile Cattle Egrets remained at Ringstead GP until they joined the adults at Stanwick GP where up to six were seen throughout the month. A probable Marsh Warbler was photographed at Clifford Hill GP on 11th and a Quail was heard at Fawsley Park on 12th. A juvenile Shag was picked up at Weedon on 20th and taken into care. Sandwich Terns appeared at Pitsford reservoir on 24th and at Stanwick GP and Ravensthorpe reservoir the next day. A Little Tern stayed at Boddington reservoir for three days from 25th and an Avocet visited Pitsford on 26th. A small influx of Pied Flycatchers occurred with reports from Barnwell CP, Duston, Brixworth CP, Deenethorpe and Stanford reservoir with most in the last week.
Boddington Reservoir: A Marsh Harrier (11th), five Black Terns (24th), Little Ringed Plover, two Common Sandpipers and a Yellow-legged Gull visited.
Clifford Hill GP: A drake Common Scoter stayed two days, single Black-tailed Godwit and Common Sandpiper, three Dunlins, Wheatear and Hobby were also seen.
Daventry CP: Two Whimbrels, a Black-tailed Godwit, two Green and two Common Sandpipers were the only waders. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull, three Yellow-legged and a juvenile Caspian Gull visited.
Earls Barton GP/Summer Leys: A Great White Egret was seen almost daily from 7th with two from 30th. Waders included four Wood Sandpipers, Spotted Redshank, Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Redshank, Green and two Common Sandpipers. Osprey and Little Gull also occurred.
Harrington Airfield: Osprey, Curlew, a number of Redstarts peaking at four (25th), Tree Pipit, two Whinchats and two Wheatears were logged.
Hollowell Reservoir: Maximum wader counts were 12 Dunlins, six Greenshanks, 10 Common Sandpipers, seven Green Sandpipers, seven Ringed Plovers, four Little Ringed Plovers, Spotted Redshank and a Black-tailed Godwit. Ospreys were seen on six days along with Hobby, Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls, a Wheatear and a female Ruddy Shelduck all month.
Pitsford Reservoir: A Black-necked Grebe was seen (8th), Ospreys were reported on 14 dates with up to three present (25th) and a Marsh Harrier visited (18th). A Great White Egret was seen fairly regularly and also three Red-crested Pochards and a Garganey. Eleven Black Terns passed through (24th) and two Little Gulls, Mediterranean Gulls on four days and up to nine Yellow-legged Gulls also single Redstart, Tree Pipit and Wheatear and the only notable wader, a Turnstone on the dam.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: Two Caspian and five Yellow-legged Gulls were seen also Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and the Ruddy Shelduck from nearby Hollowell on one date.
Stanford Reservoir: The very active ringing group caught nine Redstarts (27th) when two others also present and several others during the month along with up to three Whinchats and three Tree Pipits. A male Garganey in eclipse was present nearly throughout. Other visitors were four Black Terns (24th), four Greenshanks, four Ruffs, five Green and four Common Sandpipers and three Little Ringed Plovers.
Stanwick GP: A Merlin (6th) was a very early autumn record. A Great White Egret (28th), seven Black-tailed Godwits, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Whimbrel, Greenshank, Redshank, Ruff, Turnstone, eight Common and two Green Sandpipers, two Dunlins and a Little Ringed Plover, eight Yellow-legged Gulls and a Peregrine were logged.
Thrapston GP: Three Garganeys stayed a few days, a Turnstone stayed six days and Osprey, Green Sandpiper and Yellow-legged Gull were noted.
Other sites: A Marsh Harrier was seen near Hanging Houghton (13th), where also four Crossbills (2nd), two Whinchats, Redstart, Tree Pipit and three Wheatears. Up to four Whinchats, two Redstarts and Wheatear were at nearby Blueberry Farm. Redstarts were also reported from Sywell CP, Twywell Hills and Dales, Lamport, Denton Wood, Fleetland Farm Duston and Fawsley Park. Whinchats were also seen at Borough Hill, Fawsley, Lamport and Neville’s Lodge Finedon. Further Wheatears visited Chapel Brampton and Broughton, two Tree Pipits were at Borough Hill and Ospreys were seen over Byfield and Kettering.
JULY 2019
Highlights: Two species bred successfully for the first time in Northants with a pair of Cattle Egrets rearing four young at Ringstead GP and a pair of Goosanders on the River Tove. Three adult Cattle Egrets were also seen daily at Stanwick GP. A county first was a completely unexpected female Red-breasted Flycatcher trapped and ringed at Pitsford reservoir on 4th but not seen after its release. Four Spoonbills flew over Stanwick GP on 17th and three Avocets visited Clifford Hill GP on 14th.
Red-breasted Flycatcher - Neil McMahon
Earls Barton GP/Summer Leys: A Bittern (8th) and a good selection of waders were noted including single Little Stint (14th), Sanderling (28th) and Spotted Redshank (30th), several parties of Black-tailed Godwit including one of 30, two Ruffs, three Dunlins, five Common and three Green Sandpipers. Redshanks and Little Ringed Plovers bred successfully. Juvenile Mediterranean Gul, Arctic Tern and a Redstart were seen.
Hollowell Reservoir: Whimbrel (31st), Curlew, two Greenshanks, 11 Common and three Green Sandpipers, three Dunlins, two Little Ringed Plovers, and a Redshank enjoyed the extensive muddy shore. Osprey and Peregrine visited and up to 12 Yellow Wagtails were present. A feral Ruddy Shelduck remained all month.
Pitsford Reservoir: Five drake Common Scoters visited (28th) and up to three Red-crested Pochards noted. A Great White Egret returned on 8th with two from 16th. Ospreys were seen a few times also Hobby and two Yellow-legged Gulls. A Whimbrel (30th), two Green and a Common Sandpiper were the only reported waders. Three Artic Terns visited.
Stanford Reservoir: Four Common Scoters (8th) and a Garganey stayed. A juvenile Marsh Harrier was present for two days at the end of the month. At least seven Arctic Terns passed through.
Stanwick Lakes: A Garganey, two Black Terns and five Arctic Terns passed through, up to 10 Yellow-legged Gulls arrived and a Caspian Gull (30th). A Sanderling (28th), two Whimbrels, two Ruffs, several Black-tailed Godwits, single Greenshank, Dunlin, Redshank and Little Ringed Plover, and peaks of eight Common and seven Green Sandpipers were logged.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: A Crossbill and a Caspian Gull and up to five Yellow-legged Gulls visited and waders included Greenshank, Curlew, two Dunlins, four Green and three Common Sandpipers.
Thrapston GP: A Little Tern (17th), small groups of Arctic Terns totalling 17 (28th), a Wood Sandpiper, up to three Garganeys, Green Sandpiper and two Yellow-legged Gulls were noted.
Other sites: Sightings of Marsh Harriers near Brixworth, Blueberry Farm Maidwell and near Hanging Houghton may all have been of the same juvenile. An Osprey was near Deenethorpe. A Red-crested Pochard was at Ringstead GP and at least three Arctic Terns at Clifford Hill GP. One or two Redstarts visited Arbury Hill, Denton Wood, Hanging Houghton, Upper Boddington and Harrington airfield and up to two Whinchats noted near Hanging Houghton and Blueberry Farm.
JUNE 2019
Highlights: Up to three Cattle Egrets remained all month at Stanwick GP, with one reported at Blatherwycke Lake on 26th. A Bee-eater heard over Byfield on 28th is only the fourth county record. A Spoonbill at the Summer Leys reserve Earls Baton GP was prevented from landing by gulls and the only Great White Egrets were at Thrapston GP, where one on 14th and two on 28th. Singing Quails were noted at Sywell and Mears Ashby on 15th, Kentle Wood on 22nd, two again at Mears Ashby on 23rd, one there on 24th and a single at Harrington airfield on 30th.
Earls Barton GP: A first-summer Arctic Tern was an unusual visitor (1st) and a small number of returning Black-tailed Godwits included a peak of 11 on 30th. Two Common Sandpipers and a Peregrine were also present.
Hollowell Reservoir: Up to two Ospreys visited on several occasions. Waders included a Grey Plover (7th), Dunlin, Green Sandpiper and four Little Ringed Plovers. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was again present. A Ruddy Shelduck was present all month.
Pitsford Reservoir: Ospreys visited several times. A drake Red-crested Pochard, a first –summer Yellow-legged Gull and a Hobby were also seen.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: A Grey Plover (26th), two Green Sandpipers and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were noted.
Stanford Reservoir: Osprey, Hobby, Curlew and Common Sandpiper were seen.
Other sites: Ospreys were noted at Thrapston GP several times, Biggin Lake Oundle, Brixworth and Irhlingboorough. An unseasonal Short-eared Owl was near Grendon on 6th and a Crossbill was at Denton Wood (17th). Male Redstarts visited Moreton Pinkney (22nd) and Lamport (26th). Three Red-crested Pochards were at Clifford Hill GP and a much-travelled escaped Bufflehead was at Stortons GP.
MAY 2019
Highlights: A Ring Ouzel remained at Newnham Hill until 6th and a Hawfinch at Harrington Airfield was rather unexpected on 2nd. A Cattle Egret at Stanwick GP from 12th was joined by a second from 21st and then a third from 24th. A Hoopoe was at Ditchford on 19th and a Corncrake was heard singing near Dalscote on 21st. Marsh Harriers visited Polebrook airfield on 5th and Earls Barton GP on 24th. Two Avocets graced Clifford Hill GP and two female Common Scoters visited Pitsford reservoir on 10th. Black-necked Grebes were at Daventry CP on 9th and Clifford Hill on 18th. Single Little Terns passed through Ravensthorpe reservoir on 8th, Earls Barton on 9th and Wicksteed Park Lake where two on 31st. Two Crossbills were in Hanging Houghton on 17th. A Wood Warbler was in song near Kelmarsh on 22nd and the only Great White Egrets were singles at Stanford reservoir from 1st to 22nd, Thrapston GP on 12th and 13th and two at Earls Barton on 29th. There was a strong passage of Black Terns.
Clifford Hill GP: Up to three Bar-tailed Godwits were present on four dates, five Greenshanks, single Grey Plover and Whimbrel, a peak of 18 Dunlins, eight Common Sandpipers, two Little Ringed Plovers and a Redshank. Black Terns were present on four dates with a peak of seven and there was a single Arctic Tern. Two Whinchats and up to five Wheatears of the Greenland race were present.
Daventry CP: An Osprey visited along with two Black Terns and a first-summer Caspian Gull and a Wheatear was at nearby Borough Hill.
Ditchford GP: A pair of Garganey visited for just a day, also up to three Black Terns, a Whimbrel and two Common Sandpipers.
Earls Barton GP/Summer Leys: Four Wood Sandpipers visited between 7th and 16th, also two Bar-tailed Godwits, two Grey Plovers, two Greenshanks, two Ruffs, a Whimbrel, peaks of 15 Dunlins and eight Ringed Plovers, two Green and two Common Sandpipers joined the four breeding species present. Other species were up to eight Black Terns, two Arctic Terns, a drake Garganey, Mediterranean Gull, Peregrine, Hobby, Whinchat, White Wagtail and Wheatear.
Hollowell Reservoir: Ospreys were seen regularly. Peaks of 28 Arctic and three Black Terns passed through on 8th. Waders included two Grey Plovers, a Sanderling, three Greenshanks, 19 Dunlins, six Common Sandpipers, two Ringed Plovers and Redshank. Yellow Wagtails peaked at 13.
Pitsford Reservoir: A good passage of Black Terns saw a peak of 16 on 8th and smaller numbers of Arctic Terns. Despite high water levels waders were still noted, usually flying through, including 18 Bar-tailed Godwits also on 8th, two Grey Plovers, 10 Ringed and two Little Ringed Plovers, Sanderlings on three days and Whimbrel, five Dunlins, two Redshanks, single Mediterranean and Little Gulls with Osprey on four dates and two Hobbies.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: Osprey, Arctic Tern and five Greenshanks, a Whimbrel and a Little Ringed Plover were logged.
Stanford Reservoir: Twelve Black Terns (7th), Arctic Tern, Sanderling, Dunlin, two Common Sandpipers, an Osprey and three Hobbies with scarcities being a ‘Channel Wagtail’ and a Tree Pipit.
Stanwick GP: Again a good passage of Black Terns peaked at 20 on 7th, with up to four Arctic Terns. A Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Peregrine and Mediterranean Gull were recorded.
Thrapston GP: A first-summer Whooper Swan remained until 12th, Ospreys provided regular sightings. Two Arctic and up to four Black Terns passed through. At least four Hobbies and a Peregrine were logged along with Dunlin and Common Sandpiper.
Other sites: Ospreys were seen at Foxholes Fisheries Crick and Nasby Reservoir, Whinchats at Faxfleet Farm Duston and Sywell CP and Wheatears at Glapthorn, and Park Farm Wellingborough. An escaped female Bufflehead re-appeared at Clifford Hill GP after an absence of 10 months and a feral Ruddy Shelduck visited Ravensthorpe and Hollowell Reservoirs.
APRIL 2019
Highlights: A Cattle Egret was present at Stanwick GP from 17th to 22nd at least. A pair of Goosanders successfully bred for the first time ever, on the River Tove. ‘Ringtail’ Hen Harriers visited Stoke Albany on 4th and Polebrook Airfield on 29th and a male harrier sp. was at Fawsley Park on 7th. A Common Crane flew over Hanging Houghton on 12th, a Woodlark overflew Pitsford Reservoir on 15th and a Pied Flycatcher was at Barton Seagrave on 16th. A Great Northern Diver at Pitsford Reservoir was last reported on 16th and an over-wintering Great Grey Shrike near Hanging Houghton was last noted on 17th. Two Avocets visited Summer Leys on 20th and Ditchford GP next day. Ring Ouzels were seen at Draughton on 1st, Gretton on 7th, Hellidon on 8th and at Newnham Hill on 29th with another also present on 30th. Single Little Terns visited both Boddington Reservoir and Thrapston GP on 25th. Four Black-necked Grebes, all in full summer plumage, were seen at Daventry CP on 26th. A Black Redstart was present at Deene churchyard on 28th and Great White Egrets were noted at 11 sites, including three at both Stanford Reservoir and Thrapston GP, two at Sulby Reservoir and Earls Barton GP and singles at Daventry CP, Grafton Regis, Foxholes Fisheries Crick, Stanwick GP, Stanford Hall, Oundle floodwater, and Ravensthorpe Reservoir.
Clifford Hill GP: Passage waders included, Grey Plover, three Bar-tailed Godwits, three Whimbrels, Greenshank, Curlew, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers. Four Black Terns, several Arctic Terns and a strong passage of more than 40 Little Gulls, with a peak count of 12 on 9th. Both Pink-footed Goose and Red-crested Pochard stayed for a day and up to 12 White Wagtails, a few Yellow Wagtails and Wheatears too.
Daventry CP: Single Little Gull, Redstart and Red-crested Pochard were joined by the first records of Common Tern (2nd), Tree Pipit (10th), Greenland Wheatear (11th) and Swift (25th).
Ditchford GP: Ospreys visited twice, a Pintail, a Black-tailed Godwit, two Arctic Terns and five Little Gulls were logged.
Earls Barton GP/Summer Leys: Four Common Scoters stayed just a day (9th), but a drake Garganey from 1st was later joined by a second (4th) and a female from 22nd remaining all month. The earliest ever county record of Black Tern (7th) was the forerunner of a good passage of more than 20 Little Gulls, several Arctic Terns, flocks of godwits which included 28 Bar-tailed (22nd) and 47 Black-tailed (24th), Whimbrels on four days, Turnstone, two Ruffs, five Dunlins, Green and Common Sandpipers, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers. A pair of Mediterranean Gulls visited several times and single Ospreys and Marsh Harriers were seen more than once along with two Hobbies. Two Redstarts, Wheatear and a few White Wagtails were seen and the first records of Willow Warbler (2nd), Sedge and Grasshopper Warblers (3rd), Reed Warbler (13th) and Lesser Whitethroat (17th).
Hollowell Reservoir: Ospreys were reported regularly. The latest Jack Snipe (13th), two Grey Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwit, two Whimbrels, four Dunlins, two Little Ringed and single Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper. Little Gulls peaked at 11 on 8th and the first Arctic Tern (11th) and two Black Terns. Up to 13 Yellow and three White Wagtails were seen.
Pitsford Reservoir: At least four Little Gulls and four Arctic Terns passed through. Ospreys were noted on nine days. Single Red-crested Pochard, Yellow-legged Gull, Peregrine, Wheatear, White Wagtail, and the joint earliest Swift (25th) were logged but with very high water levels only Greenshank, Green and Common Sandpipers were noted.
Stanford Reservoir: A stunning hybrid Yellow x Blue-headed Wagtail (Channel Wagtail) remained for five days along with up to 15 Yellow and three White Wagtails favouring the dam area. Several Whimbrels, two Greenshanks, Curlew, Green and Common Sandpipers, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers were also seen. As at other sites, several sightings of Little Gulls included a party of 12 on 8th, Black Tern, Peregrine, Osprey and the first records of House Martin (4th), Whitethroat (14th) and Garden Warbler (15th).
Stanwick GP: A Knot was the star wader and two Black-tailed and two Bar-tailed Godwits visited. At least four Mediterranean Gulls attended the gull colony. Several Little Gulls and Arctic Terns were complemented by an Osprey, a Wheatear and a Short-eared Owl.
Thrapston GP: A Whooper Swan and two of the three Pink-footed Geese present at the start of the month remained throughout. Peak counts were of four Little Gulls, two Black Terns and two Black-tailed Godwits. Osprey, Hobbies, and two Mediterranean Gulls were joined by the first Nightingale (18th) and joint first Garden Warbler (19th).
Other sites: Boddington reservoir hosted three Little Gulls, small parties of up to 15 Arctic Terns and a Whimbrel. At Ravensthorpe Reservoir, an Osprey, two Little Gulls and a Green Sandpiper were present. A Short-eared Owl was at Finedon (1st) and a ‘Nordic’ Jackdaw at Wicksteed Park where also two LittleGulls. An Osprey flew over Oundle, single Jack Snipe were flushed at Upton Mill and Barnwell Lock. The first Cuckoos were heard at Salcey Forest and Barnwell on 16th and the first Hobby seen at Blisworth on 22nd. Redstarts were noted at Blueberry Farm Maidwell, Rothersthorpe, Hellidon (two) after the first at Moulton College (5th). Wheatears were at Upper Benefield, Harrington Airfield, Hanging Houghton, Brackley, Rushden, Kelmarsh, Bugbrooke and a Moulton garden.
MARCH 2019
Highlights: A juvenile-female Hen Harrier wintering around Stanford Reservoir was last seen on 1st. A drake Ring-necked Duck at Stanwick GP stayed until 2nd with presumably the same bird re-located at Thrapston GP from 21st to 26th. A well-watched Great Grey Shrike near Hanging Houghton remained all month and a Cattle Egret was seen at Stanwick GP on 1st and 10th before being refound at nearby Ditchford GP/Rushden Lakes from 25th. A Black Redstart visited at Great Doddington gareden on 18th and a second-winter Iceland Gull attended the gull roost at Stanford on four dates between 6th and 22nd. The warm clear anticyclonic conditions were exploited by two thermalling Common Cranes over Brixworth on 23rd and two over Moulton and Holcot on 26th, and a White Stork, which had roosted overnight in neighbouring Warwickshire, was observed flying into Northants on 28th the same day that another, possibly a different bird, was over Ditchford GP. On 30th one was circling over Kentle Wood near Daventry. A Hooded Crow, rarer than all of the above in the county, was photographed near Earls Barton GP on 28th.Great Egrets were reported from eight sites, four at both Earls Barton and Thrapston GPs, three at Stanford Reservoir, two at Stanwick GP and singles at Pitsford Reservoir, Ditchford GP, Foxholes Fisheries Crick and over Welton.
Clifford Hill GP: The first Wheatear (17th), White Wagtail, up to four Little Ringed Plovers, 36 Golden Plovers, adult Mediterranean Gull, drake Red-crested Pochard and Barnacle Goose were recorded.
Earls Barton GP / Summer Leys: Two Avocets stayed just one day (23rd), up to three Black-tailed Godwits, several Curlews, four Redshanks, up to six Little Ringed Plovers and a Green Sandpiper were logged and the first Garganey, a drake, on 25th, also noted were an adult Mediterranean Gull and a Brambling again at the feeding station.
Hollowell Reservoir: The first White Wagtails, two on 9th and the first Yellow Wagtail (30th), a Jack Snipe, single Crossbill, Redshank and Stonechat and both Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls were again present.
Pitsford Reservoir: The first Osprey (18th) and Common Sandpiper (30th) arrived and the two wintering Great Northern Divers were still present on 21st with one remaining until 26th. A Firecrest (28th) was a good find as was the first singing Cetti’s Warbler at the site for many years. Other notables were a Jack Snipe with 48 Common Snipe, two Curlews, Merlin, two Crossbills, drake Red-crested Pochard, a second-summer Mediterranean Gull and a Wheatear.
Stanford Reservoir: Two Pink-footed Geese remained until 20th at least, an adult Kittiwake (10th) was the first this year. Up to 60 Golden Plovers, two Curlews, Jack Snipe, Redshank and Green Sandpiper, an adult Mediterranean Gull and an early Swallow (30th) were seen.
Stanwick Lakes: A party of 16 Ruffs were the highlight, other waders were, nine Redshanks, two Little Ringed Plovers, the first on 18th, Black-tailed Godwit, Jack Snipe and Green Sandpiper and two Mediterranean Gulls were recorded.
Thrapston GP: Three long-staying Pink-footed Geese and a Whooper Swan were all still present at the end of the month. Jack Snipe, Curlew and redshank were logged along with a Peregrine.
Other sites: Two Whooper Swans flew over Duston (2nd), Daventry CP hosted a Mediterranean Gull on three days, sixteen Snipe and a Green Sandpiper. A Jack Snipe and a Caspian Gull were at Boddington Reservoir. Ospreys were seen over Cold Ashby, Bulwick and Deene Lake where also four Green Sandpipers. Up to two Short-eared Owls were regular at Neville’s Lodge Finedon, with others near Hanging Houghton, Ditchford GP and Lilbourne Meadows where also Little Ringed Plover and Curlew. The first Swallow was at Merry Tom Lane (24th) Wheatears were at Borough Hill, Kingsthorpe Meadows, Mears Ashby and Harrington airfield. Several Bramblings, two Corn Buntings, Wheatear and a male Merlin were still near Hanging Houghton. A Red-crested Pochard, a White Wagtail and a Yellow-legged Gull visited Hardingstone GP and a Jack Snipe was flushed at Stortons GP. Crossbills were seen throughout the month at Wakerley Great Wood where up to 9, 11 were at Harlestone Firs, two at Fineshade Wood and one over Scotland Wood. Bramblings and Blackcaps were reported in a number of gardens.
FEBRUARY 2019
Highlights: Drake Ring-necked Ducks remained at Pitsford Reservoir until 14th and Earls Barton GP until 16th with presumably one of these appearing at Stanwick GP on 28th. Two juvenile Great Northern Divers stayed at Pitsford all month. A Great Grey Shrike was last reported near Hanging Houghton on 22nd with another reported at Hollowell Reservoir on 15th. A Cattle Egret was photographed near Earls Barton on 21st. Juvenile Hen Harriers were regularly reported at Stanford Reservoir until 18th and at Neville’s Lodge near Finedon until 21st with others also at Hanging Houghton on 1st and Earls Barton GP on 10th. Thrapston GP hosted a Bittern from 1st to 3rd and a drake Smew also on 3rd. An early Avocet visited Hollowell Reservoir on 14th and Stanford hosted a second-winter Glaucous Gull on 5th and a juvenile Iceland Gull on 16th. Great Egrets were at 10 sites with five at both Thrapston GP and Earls Barton GP, four at Pitsford, two at Stanford and singles at Cransley, Hollowell, Ravensthorpe and Thorpe Malsor Reservoirs, Ditchford GP and over Hanging Houghton.
Hollowell Reservoir: Two Caspian Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull were identified, a Jack Snipe, two Green Sandpipers and three Stonechats were present.
PitsfordReservoir: Up to nine Red-crested Pochards, single Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Redshank, Green Sandpiper and two Stonechats were logged.
Stanford Reservoir: Two Pink-footed Geese stayed for most of the month and five Whooper Swans flew over (2nd), other visitors included an adult Mediterranean Gull, and single Merlin, Pintail, Curlew and Green Sandpiper.
Thrapston GP: Three Pink-footed Geese and a White-fronted Goose remained for most of the month, as did a Whooper Swan and a Peregrine visited.
Other sites: Two Caspian Gulls and a Mediterranean Gull were seen at Boddington Reservoir. A Short-eared Owl and three Curlews were at Lilbourne Meadows. A Short-eared Owl visited Harrington Airfield and up to three were regular at Neville’s Lodge Finedon. Merlins were noted at Chipping Warden, near Yardley Chase, Ravensthorpe Reservoir and regularly near Hanging Houghton where also up to four Corn Buntings with another of the latter near Culworth. Irchester CP hosted up to eight Crossbills with four also at Yardley Chase. Earls Barton GP hosted three Red-crested Pochards, 100 Golden Plovers and seven Dunlins. Several White-fronted Geese were heard calling over Byfield (2nd). A Red-crested Pochard was at Ditchford GP, a Caspian Gull at Rushton Landfill, a ‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff at Stanwick GP, a Black-tailed Godwit and Clifford Hill GP and a Jack Snipe at Desborough Airfield.
JANUARY 2019
Highlights: A drake Ring-necked Duck remained all month at Pitsford Reservoir and a second was found at Earls Barton GP present from 11th to 21st. Two Great Northern Divers also stayed at Pitsford throughout. A Woodlark was discovered near Woodford on 1st, a Lapland Bunting near Hanging Houghton from 23rd to 25th where up to four Corn Buntings and a Great Grey Shrike from 21st until the end of the month. A second-winter male Hen Harrier was seen at Ditchford GP on 2nd and at nearby Stanwick GP from 1st to 12th and at Neville’s Lodge on 12th and 13th with a ‘ringtail’ also at this latter site from 22nd to 28th. A juvenile Hen Harrier was recorded throughout the month at Stanford reservoir. Three Waxwings were briefly in Kettering on 16th, singles at East Hunsbury Northampton on 25th and at Desborough on 30th and six in flight at Staverton on 26th. A second-winter Iceland Gull visited the gull roost at Stanford on 17th and this site hosted a juvenile Glaucous Gull on 12th and 16th and a second-winter on 17th. A juvenile Glaucous also flew over Pitsford reservoir on 28th. Six Great Egrets were at both Pitsford and Thrapston GP, with 3 at Earls Barton, 2 at Ditchford and Stanwick with singles at Ravensthorpe Reservoir and Stanford.
Ditchford Lakes: A female Scaup stayed all month and there were two Red-crested Pochards, a Barnacle Goose and single Redshank and Jack Snipe.
Hollowell Reservoir: Three different aged Caspian Gulls were identified, also Yellow-legged Gull, two Peregrines, Jack Snipe, two Green Sandpipers and four Stonechats.
Pitsford Reservoir: Up to 19 Red-crested Pochards were present all month, also Scaup and Pintail. A Redshank, two Jack Snipes and 37 Snipes were noted. Two Yellow-legged Gulls and two Stonechats were present.
Stanford Reservoir: Two Pink-footed and two White-fronted Geese visited also two Red-crested Pochards.
Stanwick Lakes: A Pink-footed Goose was regularly seen also a Barnacle Goose, a Pintail, a Green Sandpiper and a ‘Nordic’ Jackdaw (29th) and an un-identified asio owl (1st)
Thrapston GP: A Whooper Swan was last seen on 28th, a White-fronted and three Pink-footed geese arrived at the end of the month and a Pintail was seen.
Other sites: A ‘Nordic’ Jackdaw was at Daventry CP (3rd) and four Green Sandpipers were present. Bozeat GP hosted three Jack Snipe, 20+ Snipe and two Stonechats. At Rushton Landfill, three different-aged Caspian Gulls visited. Boddington reservoir held both single Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls as did Chacombe. Up to 800 Golden Plovers and a Ruff visited Earls Barton and three Green Sandpipers were at Ravensthorpe. Neville’s Lodge hosted up to three Short-eared Owls with two more at Harrington airfield. Merlins were noted at Badby, Hanging Houghton and Warmington, two Crossbills flew over Yardley Chase and five Jack Snipe were at Barnes Meadow. Bramblings were at Earls Barton and up to eight at Hanging Houghton.
DECEMBER 2018
Highlights: A drake Ring-necked Duck
Hen Harrier Stanwick Lakes |
Daventry CP: Two Caspian, a Yellow-legged and an adult Mediterranean Gull on two dates were present and a Jack Snipe and four Green Sandpipers.
Ditchford GP: A female Scaup was present for most of the month, up to 440 Golden Plovers and a Redshank were noted also a Red-crested Pochard and a flyover Crossbill.
Hollowell: Two Red-crested Pochards, two Snipe, a Jack Snipe , for Stonechats, a Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls were logged.
Pitsford Reservoir: A Bewick’s Swan (5th-22nd) and 11 Whooper Swans (1st-26th) were joined by up to 16 Red-crested Pochards, 38 Pintails, drake and ‘redhead’ Smews and a Scaup. Waders included Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Redshank, up to eight Woodcocks, four Green Sandpipers and a count of 57 Snipe. Three Stonechats and a Yellow-legged Gull were also seen.
Stanford Reservoir: A Whooper Swan flew over and four Red-crested Pochards and three Pintails were noted as well as a Short-eared Owl (27th), a Peregrine, two Green Sandpipers and a Golden Plover.
Stanwick Lakes: Six White-fronted Geese stayed until 20th and both Pink-footed and Barnacle Gees were present. A Bittern and a Short-eared Owl (both 11th), Merlin (16th), Marsh Harrier (16th)and Peregrine were noted. Two Black-tailed Godwits, three Redshanks, a Green Sandpiper and 500 Golden Plovers, single Pintail, Scaup and Stonechat were also recorded.
Thrapston GP: A juvenile Whooper Swan stayed all month with a Scaup staying until 21st. Two Red-crested Pochards, a Peregrine and a Stonechat were seen too.
Other sites: A Marsh Harrier was photographed at Earls Barton GP and up to 250 Golden Plovers and a Brambling were seen. Short-eared Owls were watched at Borough Hill, Neville’s Lodge Finedon and Harrington Airfield. Ravensthorpe hosted a Water Pipit (8th), two Mandarin and three Green Sandpipers. Three Caspian Gulls were identified at Rushton Landfill with another near Chacombe, and a White-fronted Goose visited Sywell CP. A Whooper Swan was on a pool at Purston. Eleven Crossbills were watched at Fineshade Wood and Burton Latimer Pocket Park hosted a Jack Snipe. A Peregrine remained at Oundle church and both Peregrine and Merlin were seen at Kentle Wood. Up to eight Bramblings were near Hanging Houghton.
NB. From 1st January Steppe Grey Shrike has been lumped by the IOC with Great Grey Shrike, so the County List drops one to 322.
NOVEMBER 2018
Bearded Tit, Stanwick - Martin Dove
Highlights: The county’s 6th Ring-necked Duck, a drake, was briefly at Thrapston GP on 11th and refound at Pitsford Reservoir on 25th. The party of six Velvet Scoters at Thrapston GP stayed until 11th with just one until 17th. A Hooded Crow at Alderton on 7th was the first this century and two Bearded Tits stayed at Stanwick GP from 4th to 10th, where also up to four Cattle Egrets all month. A male Hen Harrier was at Harrington airfield on 2nd with a ‘ringtail’ at Stanford reservoir regularly all month. There were two reports of Rough-legged Buzzards at Apethorpe on 9th and Aldwincle on 11th. The first Bewick’s Swans of 2018 was a party of six at Thrapston GP briefly on 25th. A Bittern was at Stortons GP on 3rd. a Hawfinch at Brixworth CP on 13th and a Firecrest at Pitsford reservoir on 29th. Great White Egrets were noted at nine sites, singles at Hollowell and Ravensthorpe reservoirs, Clifford Hill, Ditchford, Earls Barton and Thrapston gravel pits, two at Stanford reservoir and Stanwick GP and at least four at Pitsford .
Daventry CP: Two Mediterranean, a Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls were seen also a Black-tailed Godwit, six Green Sandpipers, two Dunlin and 156 Golden Plovers. Three Red-crested Pochards and a Peregrine were logged.
Hollowell Reservoir: A late Common Sandpiper (16th), 70 Golden Plovers and a Dunlin, three Red-crested Pochards, six Pintails, three Stonechats and a Brambling were joined by a Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls.
Pitsford Reservoir: Nine Whooper Swans on 1st increased to 11 on 2nd and these stayed all month. Up to 20 Red-crested Pochards, 17 Pintails and a Scaup were seen and waders included a Spotted Redshank (26th), Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Common and two Green Sandpipers and 80 Golden Plovers. Two Mediterranean, two Yellow-legged and a Caspian Gull were seen and three Stonechats and a Peregrine.
Stanford: A Marsh Harrier stayed three days, two Common Scoters (19th), up to seven Red-crested Pochards and three Whooper Swans (13th) were joined by two Short-eared Owls and two Green Sandpipers.
Stanwick Lakes: Single Pink-footed and Barnacle joined the resident goose flock and a Red-crested Pochard and two Pintails were noted. A Spotted Redshank, Jack Snipe, Common and Green Sandpipers, four Dunlins and 100 Golden Plovers completed the waders. A Marsh Harrier (11th), a Short-eared Owl and a Brambling passed through.
Thrapston GP: A Scaup remained for most of the month as did a Whooper Swan and a Red-crested Pochard was seen.
Other sites: Ditchford GP hosted five flyover White-fronted Geese (25th) and a Stonechat. A Red-crested Pochard and four Pintail were at Clifford Hill GP. A Whooper Swan, a Black-tailed Godwit and 50 Golden Plovers were at Earls Barton. Two White-fronted Geese stayed at Sywell CP from 2nd to 18th. Two Short-eared Owls were at Borough Hill with singles at Harrington airfield and Weldon. A party of eight Crossbills flew over Ditchford GP with another at Fineshade Wood. Adult Caspian Gulls were noted in fields at Middleton Cheney and Chacombe. Three Red-crested Pochards visited Wicksteed Park and a Brambling was at Brixworth CP. Three Green Sandpipers stayed at Ravensthorpe reservoir. Merlins were noted at Harrington airfield and near Hanging Houghton. A few Goosanders arrived and Blackcaps visited a number of gardens.
OCTOBER 2018
Velvet Scoter, Thrapston GP - Bob Bullock |
Highlights: Five Common Cranes flew over Shutlanger on 4th with another party of eight over Fawsley Park on 27th. A Cattle Egret visited Earls Barton GP from 7th to 14th and two were later at Stanwick GP from 18th to 31st. A Honey Buzzard lingered a while at Kingsthorpe Golf Course on 10th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped and ringed at Stanford reservoir on 10th with others reported at Stoke Wood Desborough on 26th and in Corby on 28th. A Gannet was photographed at Earls Barton on 10th and one flew over Long Buckby on 21st. A Great Skua spent an afternoon at Sywell CP on 16th and a Richard’s Pipit was present at Chelveston airfield from 13th to 15th. Black Redstarts were at Towcester on 15th with two at both Chelveston airfield from 15th to 19th and at Great Oakley on 17th. A party of eight juvenile Velvet Scoters were the first in the county since 1995 and six remained until the end of the month.
Daventry CP: A Rock Pipit paid a brief visit but a Black-tailed Godwit stayed for more than two weeks, also present were up to six Green Sandpipers, a Dunlin, a Mediterranean and three Yellow-legged Gulls, single Brambling and Pintail as well as two Red-crested Pochards.
Earls Barton GP: Single Jack Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin, two Green Sandpipers, 12 Whooper Swans, six Red-crested Pochards and a Hobby were seen.
Hollowell Reservoir: An Arctic Tern was still present (10th). A Caspian ad two Yellow-legged Gulls were noted along with a party of 17 Whooper Swans, three Pintails, two Rock Pipits on the dam, single Jack Snipe and Ruff and four Stonechats.
Pitsford Reservoir: Red-crested Pochard numbers slowly increased to 20 by the end of the month including two leucistic females. Whooper Swans numbers too increased to 11 by the 29th remaining until the end of the month. Up to 16 Pintails, a Mandarin and a Scaup were noted also Hobby and Short-eared Owl (17th). A Curlew, a Common and four Green Sandpipers were present. Passerines of interest included a Hawfinch (17th), Crossbill, Rock Pipit, three Stonechats and 11 Bramblings. Two Mediterranean, a Caspian and a Yellow-legged Gull were noted.
Stanford Reservoir: Single Peregrine, Green Sandpiper and Redstart, two each of Brambling, Stonechat and Willow Tit were the star birds.
Stanwick GP: A Pink-footed Goose stayed from 24th. Waders included three Dunlins, 46 Golden Plovers, single Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Green and Common Sandpiper. A Red-crested Pochard and five Bramblings were logged.
Thrapston GP: Twenty four Whooper Swans arrived (18th) with two more a week later.
Velvet Scoter, Thrapston - Bob Bullock |
Other sites: Boddington Reservoir hosted a grey Plover, two Ringed Plovers and a White Wagtail. Six Whooper Swans visited Clifford Hill GP along with two White-fronted Geese which moved to Sywell CP until the month’s end. A Ring Ouzel was at Fermyn Wood CP. Chelveston Airfield hosted a Merlin (19th), two Stonechats and a Wheatear. A late Whinchat (18th) was at Bozeat GP along with four Stonechats, two Green Sandpipers and a Jack Snipe. A Whooper Swan was seen at Cransley Reservoir with four more over Brackmills Northampton. A Short-eared Owl was at Harrington Airfield (20th) also a Stonechat, two Bramblings and a few Golden Plovers. At Ravensthorpe Reservoir, four Pintails, four Green Sandpipers and a Yellow-legged Gull were noted. Ditchford GP hosted a flyover Grey Plover, Rock Pipit, Stonechat and Peregrine. A single and a group of four Crossbills flew over Northampton. Three Crossbills and two Bramblings were noted at Hanging Houghton. Sywell CP hosted 170 Golden Plovers.
SEPTEMBER 2018
Highlights: Two Sandwich Terns visited Boddington reservoir on 4th and a Bittern seen in flight at Earls Barton GP on 5th. Honey Buzzards flew over Cogenhoe on 8th and Pitsford Reservoir on 9th. A Pied Flycatcher was watched at Thrupp on 15th and a juvenile Grey Phalarope stayed at Daventry CP from 21st to 25th, with another at Pitsford Reservoir from 24th to 25th. A juvenile Gannet flew over Holdenby on 24th and a Wryneck was in Earls Barton on 30th. Great White Egrets were present at Daventry, Sulby, Ravensthorpe and Pitsford Reservoirs and Thrapston GP with two at both Earls Barton and Stanwick GPs.
Clifford Hill GP: A Pink-footed Goose was again present and a Black Tern. Peregrine and Hobby were both recorded and waders included a Ruff, four Dunlins, one Green and two Common Sandpipers. Two Whinchats were also present.
Daventry CP: A Garganey remained for two weeks and up to three Pintails were present. A Redstart and three Whinchats passed through and two Greenshanks, up to eight Green and two Common Sandpipers, Dunlin, two Ringed and one Little Ringed Plover and single Mediterranean, Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls visited.
Hollowell Reservoir: Waders included a long-staying Spotted Redshank, up to three Greenshanks, four Common Sandpipers, three Dunlins, four Ringed and two Little Ringed Plovers and a Ruff. Osprey, Hobby, Whinchat, Stonechat and Wheatear were seen along with two Pintails, three Goosanders, single Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls.
Pitsford Reservoir: A long-staying Black Tern was still present on 27th. A Garganey and up to four Pintails were seen and an Osprey visited on four dates along with up to four Hobbies. Yellow-legged Gulls were often present along with a single Mediterranean Gull. A Knot, two Turnstones, a Greenshank, Ringed and Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper were present. Whinchat, two Stonechats, two Wheatears, two White and up to 20 Yellow Wagtails were also seen.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: A Garganey paid a brief visit, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls were logged and there were two Green and one Common Sandpiper.
Stanford reservoir: Eight Red-crested Pochards were joined by three Whinchats and two Redstarts.
Stanwick GP: An Osprey passed through and both Pintail and Garganey too. A Redstart, two White Wagtails and a few common waders were logged. Up to 18 Yellow-legged Gulls were seen along with single Caspian and Mediterranean Gulls.
Thrapston GP: Marsh Harriers were seen on two dates along with two Hobbies and a Peregrine. A Black Tern, a juvenile Little Gull and a Yellow-legged Gull were also noted.
Other sites: Wood Sandpipers visited Stortons GP and Boddington Reservoir, with a White Wagtail and two Common Sandpipers also at the latter. Whinchats were noted at Wicksteed Park, Pineham, Sywell CP and Blueberry Farm Maidwell. An Osprey flew over Cosgrove and a Caspian Gull, a Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper were present at Naseby Reservoir. A Little Gull visited Sywell CP and two Redstarts stayed at Twywell. A Caspian and four Yellow-legged Gulls were at Priors Hall, two Green Sandpipers and a Yellow-legged Gull at Ravensthorpe reservoir. Two Whinchats, a Wheatear and 12 Golden Plovers were at Harrington Airfield.
AUGUST 2018
Highlights: A Wryneck was at Foxhill Farm Daventry on 4th and a Bittern at Stortons GP on 5th. A Marsh Warbler was ringed at Stanford Reservoir on 9th and a northern Willow Warbler there on 21st. A Spotted Crake was reported crossing a road near Clifford Hill GP on 29th and single Great White Egrets were at Hollowell Reservoir, Ditchford GP, Daventry CP and at Thrapston GP were present all month and up to three on two dates.
Borough Hill: An Osprey flew over and Tree Pipits, Redstarts and Whinchats visited.
Clifford Hill GP: Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, two Common Sandpipers and up to six Dunlins and a White Wagtail were recorded.
Daventry CP: Two Caspian, five Yellow-legged and a Mediterranean Gull were logged. Waders included four Black-tailed Godwits, three Greenshanks, three Little Ringed Plovers, 12 Green and seven Common Sandpipers and a Dunlin. An Osprey flew over.
Ditchford GP: Ospreys were noted on two days also two Marsh Harriers, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and two Black-tailed Godwits.
Earls Barton GP: A Garganey was present for a few days. A Marsh Harrier, two Ruffs, four Green and one Common Sandpiper and two Little Ringed Plovers visited.
Hollowell Reservoir: Two Spotted Redshanks, three Greenshanks, single Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank and Little Ringed Plover, nine Common and four Green Sandpipers found the narrow muddy edge to their liking. Up to two Ospreys were regular and two Hobbies were seen. A Black Tern visited (22nd) also single Mediterranean, Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and a Garganey was present for most of the month.
Pitsford Reservoir: A Marsh Harrier was again present and Ospreys were seen twice along with two Hobbies. A Garganey and three Pintails (31st), two Mediterranean, Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Turnstone, Curlew, Ruff, Common Sandpiper, Whinchat, Tree Pipit and Wheatear were noted.
Stanford Reservoir: The Ringing Group trapped and ringed four Tree Pipits, Whinchat and Redstart. Both Marsh Harrier and Osprey were reported along with Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Little Gull.
Stanwick GP: A Garganey stayed for three weeks. Waders included a Stint sp which flew before being identified, three Black-tailed Godwits, three Ringed and two Little Ringed Plovers, three Green and two Common Sandpipers and a Dunlin. A Marsh Harrier paid a brief visit.
Thrapston GP: Up to three Ospreys were regular throughout the month and Marsh Harriers recorded twice along with two Hobbies. A Turnstone, two Black-tailed Godwits, Green and Common Sandpiper and two Yellow-legged Gulls were logged.
Other sites: Juvenile Mediterranean Gulls were identified at Ringstead GP and Boddington reservoir. More Ospreys were noted over Borough Hill, Moulton (two), Fawsley Park Lake and Priors Hall where also a Marsh Harrier. A Red-crested Pochard was noted at Ravensthorpe reservoir. Tree Pipits were noted at Harrington airfield, Welford Quarry, Naseby reservoir and Croughton Quarry. Single Whinchats visited Glapthorn Cow Pasture and Twywell with two at both Chelveston airfield and Wicksteed Park water meadows. Up to three Redstarts were noted at Twywell with others at Harrington Airfield, Fawsley, Old (four), Blueberry Farm (four) and near Hanging Houghton where also an early returning Ring Ouzel was recorded (28th). Wheatears visited Cold Oak Copse and Harrington.
JULY 2018
Highlights: A Great White Egret at Thrapston GP from 1st to 11th was joined by a second bird for the rest of the month and another was at Stanwick GP from 28th. The latter site also hosted a large flock of 62 Whimbrel on 27th. A summer-plumaged Spotted Redshank visited the Summer Leys reserve at Earls Barton GP from 1st to 5th and a singing Quail was reported at Cogenhoe on 13th. A probable adult Baltic Gull was photographed Daventry CP on 26th and 27th. An unidentified skua was reported over Brackmills Northampton on 10th.
Clifford Hill GP: An unseasonal Pink-footed Goose was present on17th and 20 Black-tailed Godwits on 20th. A Black Tern and a Little Ringed Plover were also logged.
Daventry CP: Four juvenile Mediterranean Gulls were noted in the second half of the month. A Caspian and four Yellow-legged Gulls were also identified. Waders included two Redshanks, two Little Ringed Plovers, three Common and four Green Sandpipers. A female Garganey arrived on 17th.
Earls Barton GP: Two Garganeys were present at the beginning of the month. A series of Black-tailed Godwit records included a peak of 15 on 17th. A Greenshank, two Green and four Common Sandpipers arrived, also two Hobbies and a Marsh Harrier (1st).
Pitsford Reservoir: A Marsh Harrier was present on 2nd and 4th and Red-crested Pochard numbers rose from two to nine, including five drakes. Two juvenile Mediterranean and several Yellow-legged Gulls were seen.
Stanwick GP: Black-tailed Godwits were seen regularly and single Ruff and Greenshank passed through along with six Common and two Green Sandpipers, two Redshanks and seven Yellow-legged Gulls. Both Osprey and Marsh Harrier visited (16th).
Thrapston GP: Up to two Ospreys were present on several dates also a Marsh Harrier (28th) five Black-tailed Godwits, two Green Sandpipers and a Yellow-legged Gull.
Other sites: Ospreys visited Stanford reservoir three times and a peak of 11 Common Sandpipers noted. Two Ospreys were seen over Corby with others over Oundle and Towcester. A drake Common Scoter visited Boddington reservoir (26th). A Redstart was at Fawsley Park (22nd) and a Crossbill over Wellingorough.
JUNE 2018
Highlights: An adult Gannet flew over Rushden on 1st, being seen later over Earls Barton GP and next day at Clifford Hill GP. A Wood Warbler was still present in Fineshade until 9th. A Quail was singing at Harrington airfield and a Golden Oriole reported singing early morning in Northampton on 3rd. A Honey Buzzard flew over Nether Heyford on 20th and a male Hen Harrier over Fineshade Wood on 24th. A singing male Firecrest was in Badby Wood from 24th to 30th and single Great White Egrets were seen over Aston-le-Walls on 8th and present all month at Thrapston GP.
Earls Barton GP: A drake Garganey present from 26th was joined by a female from 29th. A Mediterranean Gull again visited the Black-headed Gull colony briefly, a Hobby, three Black-tailed Godwits (20th) and a Little Ringed Plover were logged and Redshank, Oystercatcher and Lapwing all bred successfully.
Thrapston GP: An Osprey was seen regularly also Hobby and Marsh Harrier (23rd).
Other sites: Further Osprey sightings were made at Deene Lake, Weldon Quarry, Hollowell reservoir and Byfield. A drake Garganey visited Stanwick GP and a Marsh Harrier was at Pitsford reservoir (30th). A first-summer Caspian Gull was identified at Rushton Landfill and 10 Crossbills visited Park Campus Kingsthorpe and heard at Fermyn Wood.
MAY 2018
Highlights: A Common Crane was photographed over Wadenhoe on 3rd the same day that a Black-necked Grebe was last seen at Pitsford Reservoir. A Wryneck visited Thrapston GP on 4th and Wood Warblers were singing at Borough Hill on 12th and Fineshade Wod on 27th. An adult Rose-coloured Starling in a Wellingborough garden on 25th was only the fourth county record. A ’ringtail’ Harrier was near Hardwick Wood on 29th and single Great White Egrets were at Earls Barton GP up to 7th and at Thrapston GP all month.
Clifford Hill GP: A good passage of Arctic Terns peaked at 84 on 2nd and just three Black Terns were noted. Twelve Greenland Wheatears, 10 White Wagtails and a Whinchat were all present on 1st. Waders included up to 40 ‘tundra’ Ringed Plovers, 13 Dunlins, 20 Sanderlings (25th), four Turnstones, two Common Sandpipers and two Little Ringed Plovers. A Pink-footed Goose was logged on 29th and a female Bufflehead (escape) re-appeared briefly.
Daventry CP: A male Redstart, a Black Tern, and single Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls were seen.
Earls Barton: Two Garganeys were seen intermittently throughout the month and up to 15 Hobbies. A Little Gull and up to 10 Black Terns were seen also a Redstart and two Wheatears. Four Wood Sandpipers (6th) were followed later by another, an Avocet (16th), up to four Turnstones, four Sanderlings, four Black-tailed Godwits, seven Little Ringed and six Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, Common and Green Sandpipers, Redshanks and a Greenshank.
Hollowell Reservoir: A high count of 55 Arctic Terns passed through on 2nd with an Osprey regularly seen and number of Yellow Wagtails.
Pitsford Reservoir: A Little Tern (30th) was the only county record so far this year. A count of 80+ Arctic Terns (2nd) coincided with a large movement on this date. Other notables were six Black Terns, a Sanderling and an Osprey.
Stanford Reservoir: A Whooper Swan (12th) was on an unusual date, Black Terns peaked at seven and a Greenshank occurred.
Stanwick GP: Up to two Mediterranean Gulls were regular and there were peaks of 10 Arctic and three Black Terns and Garganeys were regular with up to three present. A series of wader records included single Avocet, Grey Plover and Wood Sandpiper, two Turnstones, several Sanderlings, 29 ‘tundra’ Ringed Plovers and five Dunlins.
Thrapston GP: Marsh Harriers visited on 13th and 20th, up to eight Hobbies, regular Osprey, a Knot, a Garganey, and a peak count made of five Black Terns.
Other sites: Ospreys were also reported at Oundle Mill and Blatherwycke Lake. Nine Black Terns were reported at Boddington reservoir with three more and two Common Sandpipers at Ditchford GP. Four Greenshanks visited Barnwell floods with others at Croughton Quarry and Ditchford. Turtle Doves were noted at just three sites. A Whinchat was at Long Buckby, a Stonechat at Cottesbrooke and a Corn Bunting at Moulton. A Whooper Swan visited Barnwell flood and there was a good passage of Greenland Wheatears with records from eight sites.
APRIL 2018
Highlights: A Black Redstart visited Newnham Hill on 7th, a Black-necked Grebe was at Stanwick GP on 14th and another stayed at Pitsford reservoir from 14th until 24th at least. A Stone Curlew was in flight near Upton on 19th and a Dutch ringed White Stork at Clifford Hill GP on 20th. A ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier flew over Borough Hill on 25th and a Firecrest was singing at Thrapston GP on 28th. Great White Egrets were at eight sites:- gravel pits at Billing, Clifford Hill, Ditchford, Earls Barton and Stanwick, Pitsford and Stanford reservoirs and floodwater at Barnwell.
Boddington Reservoir: Two Common Scoters (9th), a drake Garganey, Redstart (10th), Whinchat and Common Sandpiper were recorded.
Clifford Hill GP: A male Ring Ouzel stayed four days. Three parties of up to 11 Little Gulls passed through, also a good passage of Arctic Terns in the last week. Seven Brent Geese (13th), a Red-crested Pochard and a pair of Garganey visited briefly but three Common Scoters stayed five days. A good flock of 63 Black-tailed Godwits included a colour-ringed bird, a Turnstone, two Whimbrels, 10 Dunlins, two Little Ringed plovers and three Common Sandpipers were seen. Up to 10 Wheatears, two White Wagtails and a few Yellow Wagtails were noted.
Daventry CP: Six Common Scoters (9th) and four on 12th, a Kittiwake (8th), a Mediterranean and two Yellow-legged Gulls were supplemented by a passage of Little Gulls and Arctic Terns and a Hobby visited.
Ditchford GP: Two Little Gulls, an Arctic Tern and the only Black Tern (19th) were noted.
Earls Barton GP: Two Avocets (14th) visited, also single Wood Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew and Greenshank, up to seven Little Ringed Plovers, two Whimbrels, six Dunlins, Ringed Plover and three Common Sandpipers. Three Garganeys, two Mediterranean and two Little Gulls, Turtle Dove (20th), up to nine Arctic Terns, White Wagtail, Wheatear, Brambling (13th), Hobby and Peregrine were all logged.
Hollowell Reservoir: An Osprey was fishing and Whimbrel, Jack Snipe, two Common Sandpipers, two Arctic Terns, two Caspian Gulls, Peregrine and a peak count of 20 Yellow Wagtails were seen.
Pitsford Reservoir: Two drake Common Scoters stayed five days, a Scaup noted and an Osprey was seen a few times also Peregrine. The first Cuckoo (9th) and three Arctic Terns and a Wheatear and a first-winter Kittiwake (2nd) was later picked up dead.
Stanford reservoir: The first Sandwich Tern (8th), Osprey and Greenshank also a Red-crested Pochard, 11 Arctic Terns and early warblers, Willow (5th) and Garden (15th).
Stanwick GP: A Brent Goose stayed a week and a Pink-footed Goose was last seen on 7th. A Marsh Harrier (14th), a drake Garganey, a Kittiwake (8th) and two Mediterranean Gulls were among the better birds recorded. Waders included two Knots (8th), Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits, two Curlews, seven Redshanks and a Little Ringed Plover.
Thrapston GP: An Osprey was regular and two Kittiwakes were seen, one stayed five days. An Arctic Tern, two Garganeys, two Whimbrels and the first singing Reed Warblers (18th)
Other sites: Ravensthorpe reservoir hosted an Osprey and a Common Scoter. At Borough Hill, a Tree Pipit (29th) and five Wheatears were seen. The first Hobby was at Ringstead GP (13th). Barnwell floods hosted up to four Garganeys, a Black-tailed Godwit, two White Wagtails and the first Grasshopper Warbler (9th). Ospreys were reported from Broughton , Harringworth Lodge Lake (2), Welford reservoir, Ringstead GP and Hanging Houghton. Ring Ouzels were present at Chelveston (8th), near Brampton Halt (9th) and at Farthingstone, three (21st). A Common Scoter was heard at night over Duston. Nightingales were heard at Yardley Chase and Southwick Wood. Harrington airfield hosted both Redstart and Wheatear and another Redstart was near Scaldwell. A Whimbrel flew over Northampton and Wheatears were at seven further sites. A Hawfinch was still at Cottesbrooke (8th) and a ‘Channel Wagtail’ near Barnwell. Two Red-crested Pochards visited Kislingbury GP and single Corn Buntings were at Hinton, Woodford Halse and near Upper Benefield, the latter filmed strangely singing like a Yellowhammer!
MARCH 2018
Highlights: Single Avocets visited Earls Barton GP on 7th and Clifford Hill GP on 13th. A Spoonbill made a brief stop at Stanwick GP on 11th and Iceland Gulls were noted at Boddington Reservoir on 4th and at Pitsford Reservoir on 13th. Great White Egrets were at just five sites, with a maximum of four at Earls Barton GP, two at both Thrapston GP and Stanwick GP and singles at Ditchford GP and Hollowell Reservoir. Hawfinches were logged at eight localities, with 17 at Polebrook Airfield, four at Thenford and just ones or twos at Dallington Cemetary Northampton, Irchester, Fawsley, Salcey Forest, Cottesbrooke and East Carlton CP.
First Migrants: A Sand Martin was at Boddington Reservoir and Little Ringed Plover at Priors Hall Corby on 10th, Osprey over Billing on 13th, Wheatear at Whiston Lock on 26th, Swallow at Earls Barton GP, Common Tern at Thrapston GP and a pair of Garganey on floodwater, all on 30th.
Clifford Hill GP: A redhead Smew stayed for three days, a Grey Plover flew over (8th) and a Mediterranean Gull was noted. The last day of the month produced two Wheatears and a Pink-footed Goose.
Daventry CP: Kittiwake, Mediterranean and two Yellow-legged Gulls were logged, also a Merlin and an Osprey (both 26th), two Common Scoters (24th), two Dunlins and a Green Sandpiper.
Ditchford GP: A drake Smew lingered until 2nd, three Scaup stayed four days also a Pintail. A Black-tailed Godwit, two Curlews and a Redshank were seen.
Earls Barton: A Marsh Harrier was seen over four days also a Peregrine. Four Pintails, a Curlew, two Green Sandpipers and two Bramblings were logged.
Hollowell Reservoir: Up to three Caspian Gulls were regularly identified and two Jack Snipes and two Stonechats were present.
Pitsford Reservoir: A Slavonian Grebe remained until 27th. Twelve Kittiwakes visited the gull roost (16th), two Caspian, two Yellow-legged and a Mediterranean Gull were also noted. Peregrine and Osprey visited.
Stanford Reservoir: Three Whooper Swans visited (1st) and six Common Scoters (25th), two Curlews, a Redshank, a Dunlin and a Stonechat were noted.
Stanwick Lakes: A Pink-footed stayed all month, up to three Scaups were present for a week also three Pintails. Waders included a Knot (2nd), four Black-tailed Godwits, two Curlews, two Ruffs, 14 Redshanks, three Dunlins and a Jack Snipe. A Mediterranean Gull was seen on several dates also a Kittiwake (24th), two Caspian and a Yellow-legged Gull. A Peregrine was present.
Thrapston GP: Two drake Common Scoters and a Little Gull (4th) were joined by a Mediterranean Gull, a Curlew and a Brambling.
Other sites: A juvenile Whooper Swan stayed at Ravensthorpe Reservoir until 4th and a Kittiwake was seen. Floodwater near Oundle attracted a Black-tailed Godwit, five Golden Plovers, a Dunlin and four Redshanks. A Short-eared Owl was flushed near Milton Malsor and two Jack Snipe near Hartwell. A Corn Bunting was attracted to feeders in Woodford Halse and Hinton with up to 60 Yellowhammers, 10 Tree Sparrows and three Bramblings and at least one Mealy Redpoll was still in Irthlingborough. Merlins were recorded at Chapel Brampton and Hemington. Boddington reservoir hosted at least two Mediterranean and one Caspian Gull. Another Caspian Gull visited Rushton Landfill and Harrington airfield attracted two Wheatears and a few Golden Plovers, Hanging Houghton hosted four Wheatears, 30 Golden Plovers and a Brambling. Bramblings were still visiting feeders in gardens across the county.
FEBRUARY 2018
Highlights: At Pitsford Reservoir, a ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier visited on 3rd and a Slavonian Grebe remained all month. A second-winter Iceland Gull was at Rushton Landfill on 10th and 11th and the same site hosted an adult Glaucous Gull on 11th and 25th with a juvenile also there on 12th and 17th. Up to four Mealy redpolls visited an Irthlingborough garden and Hawfinches were reported from just eight sites with a maximum of 20 at Thenford, four at both Cottesbrooke and Blatherwycke, two in Oundle and singles at Salcey Forest, Lings Wood, Fineshade Wood and Pitsford reservoir. Great White Egrets were at six sites, three at Earls Barton GP and Stanwick GP, and singles at Thrapston GP, Ditchford GP and reservoirs at Ravensthorpe and Stanford.
Ditchford: A drake Smew was recorded intermittently all month, a Scaup visited on 18th and two Redshanks and two Stonechats were present.
Earls Barton: Five Red-crested Pochards included four drakes, three Bramblings visited the feeding station and Peregrine, Dunlin and Redshank were seen.
Hollowell Reservoir: Three Caspian Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull were logged also two Jack Snipes and two Stonechats.
Pitsford Reservoir: A Kittiwake visited (4th) and a female Common Scoter (13th). The gull roost attracted two Mediterranean, a Caspian and two Yellow-legged. Other notables were two Pintails, 15 Golden Plovers, two Redshanks and two Stonechats.
Stanwick Lakes: A Pink-footed Goose remained all month and a Bittern was seen twice. Six Pintails and a Peregrine were recorded and waders included a Black-tailed Godwit, 300 Golden Plovers, seven Redshanks and a Dunlin.
Thrapston GP: Three Red-crested Pochards and a Willow Tit were seen. Three Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls visit the roost.
Other Sites: A juvenile Whooper Swan stayed all month at Ravensthorpe. A Firecrest was near Lowick (4th), a Corn Bunting near Upper Benefield (22nd) and a Scaup was still at Sywell CP on 5th. Two Short-eared Owls were near Bozeat, up to eight Ring-necked Parakeets were in Abington Park Northampton with other in Wootton and Little Billing. Jack Snipes were seen at Hartwell and Harrington airfield and Woodcocks were noted at a number of localities including rural gardens. Blackcaps and Bramblings visited gardens throughout the county. Rushton Landfill hosted three Caspian and a Yellow-legged Gull.
JANUARY 2018
Highlights: A Great Northern Diver was still at Hollowell Reservoir on 1st before moving to Pitsford Reservoir until 6th. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Thorpe Malsor Reservoir on 1st and at Rushton Landfill on 5th. A Rough-legged Buzzard was reported between Blakesley and Greens Norton and a Brent Goose was on roadside flood pools near Lilbourne on 7th. A Waxwing was photographed in Corby on 10th with two nearby at Gretton on 30th. A Slavonian Grebe stayed at Pitsford from 5th until the month’s end and a male Hen Harrier was at Yardley Gobion on 11th with a ‘ringtail’ at Pitsford Reservoir on 28th. A Corn Bunting was seen with a Yellowhammer flock near Thorpe Mandeville on 27th. Hawfinches were still regular with a peak of 20 at Thenford, 14+ at Cottesbrooke, six at East Carlton CP and between one and three at Silverstone, Earls Barton GP, Badby, Aynho, Edgcote, Charwelton and Northampton. Three Great White Egrets were at both Earls Barton GP and Ditchford GP, two at Stanwick GP, Pitsford and Ravensthorpe Reservoirs, and singles at Stanford Reservoir, Thrapston GP and Hollowell Reservoir.
Ditchford GP: A drake Smew was present also a Short-eared Owl and two Stonechats.
Earls Barton: A Scaup (30th) and two Pintail were logged also 53 Golden Plovers, a Peregrine and a feral flock of 40+ Barnacle Geese.
Hollowell Reservoir: An adult Caspian and three Yellow-legged Gulls were present, also two Jack Snipes, a Pintail and three Stonechats.
Pitsford Reservoir: Two drake Smews, a drake Red-crested Pochard and a Pintail were complemented by 100+ Golden Plovers, three Redshanks, a Green Sandpiper, two Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls, a Merlin and a Stonechat.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: A juvenile Whooper Swan remained all month, also present were three Green Sandpipers, a Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls.
Stanwick Lakes: A Pink-footed Goose stayed all month and a flock of 44 Barnacle Geese (presumed feral) remained a while. A Black-tailed Godwit, five Redshanks, 100 Golden Plovers and a Dunlin were present on the flooded meadows along with a Water Pipit, four Pintails, a Peregrine and a Stonechat.
Sywell CP: A female Scaup stayed all month and up to 600 Golden Plovers visited the surrounding fields, two Stonechats were present too.
Other sites: A Mealy Redpoll visited a Scaldwell garden. Three Jack Snipes were at Welford Quarry with another at Barnes Meadow LNR. Merlins visited Sulgrave, Hinton in the Hedges, Pineham -Northampton and between Thenford and Chacombe. Two Red-crested Pochards were present at Thrapston GP and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at Cottesbrooke. Two Caspian Gulls were by floodwater near Brackley and an adult at Rushton Landfill. A Peregrine was near Chacombe and a Brambling at Edgcote. A Short-eared Owl was seen at Harrington Airfield. Three Pintails, four Goosanders and two Yellow-legged Gulls visited Stanford Reservoir.
DECEMBER 2017
Highlights: A juvenile Great Northern Diver remained at Hollowell Reservoir all month and a Pink-footed Goose was still at Stanwick GP. Single Snow Buntings were seen at Pitsford Reservoir on 4th and near Hanging Houghton on 6th. A Firecrest was discovered at Shire Meadows Towcester on 12th and a Goshawk was reported at Stanford Reservoir on 16th. A juvenile Glaucous Gull visited Rushton Landfill regularly between 22nd and 31st. Up to three Hawfinches were recorded at 11 localities, a decrease on the previous month. Great White Egrets were present at nine sites, three at Ravensthorpe Reservoir and Stanwick GP, two at Pitsford and Thrapston GP and singles at Earls Barton GP, Ditchford GP, Billing GP, Stanford Reservoir and Wootton Fields. Two Corn Buntings were discovered between Thorpe Mandeville and Sulgrave on 31st.
Boddington Reservoir: Three Caspians, two Yellow-leggeds and a first winter Mediterranean Gull were logged in the roost during the month and seven Snipes were present.
Ditchford: A drake Smew (18th), a Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, six Water Rails, two Stonechats and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were logged.
Harrington Airfield: A Short-eared Owl (17th), 23 Golden Plovers, two Woodcocks and three Bramblings were noted.
Hollowell Reservoir: Two Caspian Gulls were regular also a Yellow-legged Gull, single Jack Snipe, Dunlin and Green Sandpiper, three Stonechats and a Brambling.
Pitsford Reservoir: A ‘redhead’ Smew arrived (4th), joined by a drake (19th). A drake Scaup (9th), up to nine Pintails and a Barnacle Goose were present. Waders included five Redshanks, three Dunlins, a Ruff, a Green Sandpiper, four Woodcocks and up to 56 Golden Plovers. Two Caspians, a Yellow-legged and a Mediterranean Gull visited along with a Peregrine, three Stonechats and a Brambling.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: A juvenile Whooper Swan and a Pintail remained all month and a ‘redhead’ Smew visited (9th). Four Green Sandpipers, a Dunlin and a Yellow-legged Gull were also recorded.
Stanford Reservoir: A Curlew, 21 Snipe and a Jack Snipe were logged also single Peregrine, Brambling and two Yellow-legged Gulls.
Stanwick Lakes: Four female or immature Scaups were present from 8th to 17thalso a drake Smew (28th) with 30 Golden Plovers, 14 Snipes and five Redshanks. A Water Pipit was present on 30th.
Other sites: Sywell CP hosted a female Scaup and a Stonechat all month. An adult Mediterranean Gull and two Bramblings visited Daventry CP. A Short-eared Owl was present at Earls Barton GP along with a Pintail. Another Short-eared Owl was near Hanging Houghton for two days and a Long-eared Owl (16th), also two Curlews, 100 Golden Plovers, four Bramblings and two Woodcocks. Rushton Landfill hosted up to four Caspian Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull. Sulby Reservoir held two Caspian Gulls. A ‘Nordic’ Jackdaw was reported from Fineshade. Clifford Hill GP hosted up to 250 Golden Plovers, nine Goosanders, a Pintail and a Stonechat. Green Sandpipers were at Cottingham and Ecton sewage farm. 10 Woodcocks were flushed in Yardley Chase by a shoot. Two Bramblings were at Staverton and another at Moulton College. One or two Blackcaps were reported from gardens.
NOVEMBER 2017
Highlights: For the second month in a row, another county first (no.323) was a Cory’s Shearwater at Pitsford Reservoir on 4th. A Dotterel flew over the same site on 6th. A Black-necked Grebe remained at Ringstead GP until 5th. A Black Redstart was discovered in Daventry on 2nd and a Firecrest visited a Little Billing garden on 11th. Bitterns were reported from Boddington Reservoir on 6th and 8th, Ditchford GP on 8th and Stortons GP on 22nd. ‘Ringtail’ Hen Harriers were noted at Sywell Airfield on 1st, Stanford Reservoir on 5th and near Kelmarsh on 6th with a male at Harrington Airfield on 12th. A juvenile Great Northern Diver was at Stanford Reservoir on 24th and 25th before moving to Hollowell Reservoir from 27th to 30th. Great White Egrets comprised five at Pitsford, four at Stanwick GP, three at Ravensthorpe Reservoir, two at Ditchford GP and one at Earls Barton GP. The Hawfinch influx continued with reports from 29 sites throughout the month with peak day counts of 14 at Harrington, 13 at East Carlton CP, eight at Hanging Houghton and seven at Ditchford.
Clifford Hill GP: Two Whooper Swans made a short visit, also 60 Golden Plovers, six Goosanders, two Peregrines and a Stonechat.
Hollowell Reservoir: A juvenile Whooper Swan was logged also a Merlin. Two Caspian Gulls remained throughout and up to five Stonechats, Brambling, two Dunlins and two Green Sandpipers.
Pitsford Reservoir: Up to five Scaups, a Common Scoter (19th), six Red-crested Pochards and 22 Pintails were present. A Black-tailed Godwit, three Ruffs, 15 Dunlins, 51 Golden Plovers, four Redshanks and three Green Sandpipers visited. A Water Pipit was the star passerine, intermittently reported also six Stonechats and three Bramblings were noted. Two Caspian and a Yellow-legged Gull were still present.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: An adult Whooper Swan appeared on 3rd with a juvenile between 18th and 30th. A first-winter Scaup remained all month from 3rd. Two Red-crested Pochards and two Pintails, four Green Sandpipers, a Dunlin and two Yellow-legged Gulls completed the line-up.
Stanford Reservoir: Both male Merlin and Peregrine were noted, also a Little Gull (4th), Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, two Red-crested Pochards and a Caspian Gull.
Stanwick Lakes: A juvenile Pink-footed Goose was again present for most of the month, a party of seven Whooper Swans included three juveniles, and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull visited. Also of interest were four Red-crested Pochards, a Black-tailed Godwit, three Redshanks, two Dunlins and two Bramblings.
Other sites: Merlins were also recorded near Brackley, Newton Bromswold, Thenford and at Spanhoe Airfield. A female Scaup stayed at Sywell CP from 14th. Boddington Reservoir hosted a first-winter Little Gull (18th), a Caspian and six Yellow-legged Gulls. At least 10 Bramblings were at Harrington and one at Earls Barton, a Stonechat at Ditchford and a Jack Snipe at Barnes Meadow.
OCTOBER 2017
Highlights: A Dusky Warbler was trapped and ringed at Stanford Reservoir on 19th and is the first county record. The same date produced a Yellow-browed Warbler at Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows. A Cattle Egret was seen at Stanwick GP on 16th and 17th and at nearby Ditchford GP on 17th. A Firecrest was at Pitsford Reservoir 2nd with a Snow Bunting over there on 30th. A Black Redstart was present in Orlingbury from 26th to 30th, also on 30th, a Mealy Redpoll was at Daventry CP and a ‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff at Boddington Reservoir. A Waxwing flew over Hanging Houghton on 29th. Great White Egrets numbers built up with peaks of four at Pitsford, three at both Stanford Reservoir and Thrapston GP, two at both Ravensthorpe Reservoir and Stanwick GP and singles at Ditchford GP and over M1 motorway at Harpole. A minor passage of Hawfinches was first noted on 10th over Long Buckby and continued throughout the month, with small numbers, up to eight, over 15 sites throughout the county.
Daventry CP: Merlins were noted on 9th and 18th, four Whooper Swans visited (29th) and a Red-crested Pochard. Waders included Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, three Green Sandpipers, 100 Golden Plovers and a Yellow-legged Gull was present.
Earls Barton GP: A Marsh Harrier was noted on two days, an Osprey (1st) and a Peregrine, a Bittern visited and a Ring Ouzel stayed two days.
Harrington Airfield: Two Merlins, two Ring Ouzels, four Crossbills and a few Bramblings were noted.
Hollowell Reservoir: Single Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Grey Plover, Knot and Little Ringed Plover and seven Ringed Plovers were logged. Three Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls were regularly present. Up to four Rock Pipits, four Stonechats and a Wheatear were noted.
Pitsford Reservoir: Up to three Whooper Swans stayed for two weeks and Pintails peaked at 27 and Little Egrets totalled 28. One or two Little Stints visited along with a Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Jack Snipe, eight Ruffs, seven Dunlins, two Greenshanks, six Ringed Plovers, 12 Golden Plovers and single Green and Common Sandpipers. Three Caspian, four Yellow-legged and a Mediterranean Gull were noted also a Water Pipit and three Stonechats.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir: A Whooper Swan, 21 Golden Plovers, four Green Sandpipers and single Caspian and Yellow-legged Gull were recorded.
Stanford Reservoir: Three Red-crested Pochards, four Pintails, a Merlin, a Ring Ouzel, two Stonechats and a Little Gull (31st ) were complemented by single Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Green Sandpiper, and six Golden Plovers.
Stanwick Lakes: Four Whooper Swans visited and a Pink-footed Goose stayed for 13 days. Single Turnstone, Little Stint, Ruff and Common Sandpiper and two Redshanks were joined by two Mediterranean, a Caspian and nine Yellow-legged Gulls. Also present were a Merlin, a Stonechat and two Bramblings.
Other sites: Thrapston GP hosted a Red-crested Pochard, a Peregrine and a late Hobby (15th). A Caspian Gull and two Green Sandpipers were present at Naseby reservoir. A Marsh Harrier and two Stonechats visited Borough Hill, Seven Whooper Swans visited Blatherwycke Lake briefly and three more over Bulwick on 29th. A Black-necked Grebe stayed at Ringstead GP from 14th. Merlins were also reported over East Hunsbury and Kingsthorpe Northampton. A Common Scoter stayed for two days at Boddington reservoir. A Jack Snipe, a Peregrine and two Green Sandpipers were seen at Deene Lake. At Ditchford GP, three Stonechats and a Green Sandpiper visited Ditchford GP. A Short-eared Owl and two Woodcocks were flushed at Blueberry Farm Maidwell and near Hanging Houghton, a Ring Ouzel (29th) and up to 12 Bramblings were noted.
SEPTEMBER 2017
Sabine's Gull - Dave Jackson |
AUGUST 2017
Highlights: An adult Baird’s Sandpiper at Stanford Reservoir stayed just a short while on 1st and is only the third county record. A juvenile Night Heron, the 11th county record, was belatedly reported from a garden pond in Blisworth from late July to 7th. An adult Temminck’s Stint showed well at Stanwick GP from 21st for 10 days, a Quail was heard singing in the early hours of 16th at Harrington Airfield and at Pitsford Reservoir one or two Great White Egrets were present all month.
Clifford Hill GP: A Caspian Gull was identified and up to four Yellow-legged Gulls also an early returning Goldeneye along with the presumed escape Bufflehead still at large. A Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper, Peregrine, two Redstarts and a juvenile Stonechat (13th) were logged.
Daventry CP: Three Caspian and three Yellow-legged Gulls visited and a female Common Scoter stayed six days from 9th. Waders included single Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Redshank also six Green and two Common Sandpipers.
Hollowell Reservoir: An Osprey visited a number of days and three Little Terns (28th) were the highlights. Waders included a Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, three Ringed and a Little Ringed Plover, four Dunlins and a Common Sandpiper. Whinchat and Yellow-legged Gulls were noted.
Pitsford Reservoir: Two Garganeys were present also a drake Common Scoter (26th) and a Goldeneye. A high count of 29 Black-tailed Godwits was made, also 14 Greenshanks, 11 Dunlins, seven Common and five Green Sandpipers, Ruff, two Redshanks, five Ringed and two Little Ringed Plovers. Adult Mediterranean Gull, two Yellow-legged Gulls, Whinchat and two White Wagtails were noted along with a Peregrine and an Osprey on several dates.
Stanford Reservoir: A Wood Sandpiper stayed for three days and a Turnstone for one. Black-tailed Godwits were present for most of the month with peaks of 11 and 16, other waders were two Greenshanks, six Dunlins, six Little Ringed Plovers, four Green and two Common Sandpipers. Up to six Redstarts were recorded, the ringers catching four, two Whinchats and a Wheatear. A Black Tern passed through (24th) and Ospreys were seen regularly.
Stanwick Lakes: A Marsh Harrier passed through(28th), three Arctic Terns and two Caspian Gulls, a peak of 37 Yellow-legged Gulls along with two Little and a Mediterranean Gull.A Knot stayed five days and other waders were single Whimbrel, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank, six Green and three Common Sandpipers, two Dunlins and a Ringed Plover. A Tree Pipit was heard flying over.
Other sites: A Black Redstart visited an East Hunsbury Northampton garden (9th). A Marsh Harrier visited the Summer Leys reserve, Earls Barton GP (2nd) and Ospreys flew over Cogenhoe, Siverstone Racing Circuit and Borough Hill, where also Redstart, Whinchat, Wheatear and Tree Pipit. Boddington reservoir hosted a juvenile Mediterranean and up to four Yellow-legged Gulls, a Dunlin and four Common Sandpipers. Redstarts were also present Fawsley Park (four), Long Buckby, Priors Hall Corby, Preston Deanery, near Walgrave and Twywell Hills and Dales and further Whinchats at Sywell CP, Glapthorn Cow Pasture and Bozenham Mill.
JULY 2017
Caspian tern - Clive Bowley |
Daventry CP: Three Mediterranean Gulls visited, also a second-summer Caspian and four Yellow-legged Gulls. A Turnstone up to six Green and three Common Sandpipers and a Little Ringed Plover were noted also an Osprey and two Redstarts.
Earls Barton: Four adult Mediterranean Gulls were recorded (2nd), a drake Red-crested Pochard and an Osprey. A Wood Sandpiper visited (30th) and peak counts of other waders were 13 Black-tailed Godwits, four Common Sandpipers and single Dunlin and Green Sandpiper.
Pitsford Reservoir: Parties of five, 18 and 19 Whimbrels flew through and up to seven Black-tailed Godwits. A Curlew Sandpiper (17th) was the star wader with two Turnstones, Curlew, Greenshank, Redshank, five Dunlins, 20 Common and three Green Sandpipers. Up to two Garganeys stayed a while, also two Red-crested Pochards and an early returning Goldeneye. An adult Caspian Gull, six Yellow-legged and a Mediterranean Gull were logged, an Osprey visited and an Arctic Tern and a Wheatear passed through.
Stanford Reservoir: A series of Black-tailed Godwit records included a peak count of 20, single Sanderling, Whimbrel, Turnstone and Ruff were complemented by 15 Common and three Green Sandpipers, 12 Little Ringed and one Ringed Plover, five Greenshanks, six Dunlins, Redshank and Golden Plover. One or two Ospreys were recorded on four dates and both Garganey and Redstart were seen.
Stanwick Lakes: Single Caspian Gulls of four different ages were identified along with a peak of 37 Yellow-legged Gulls and four Mediterranean Gulls. A Turnstone, several Black-tailed Godwits, a Little Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper and a Red-crested Pochard were present.
Other sites: Hollowell Reservoir hosted three Black-tailed Godwits, two Green Sandpipers and an Osprey twice. At Clifford Hill, a Redstart, a Black-tailed Godwit visited and the escaped Bufflehead remained. Mediterranean Gulls were seen over Daventry, flycatching, and Ditchford GP. Further Ospreys were noted at Welford reservoir, Haselbech and Thrapston GP where also three Black-tailed Godwits. Redstarts were near Old, Braunston, Brixworth CP and Harrington Airfield where also Whinchat and Wheatear.
JUNE 2017
Highlights: An adult Arctic Skua circled over Daventry CP and a Honey Buzzard was reported over Oundle both on 2nd. A Great White Egret visited Earls Barton GP on 14th. Male Quails were singing near Kings Sutton on 9th and Burton Latimer on 18th. A tight flock of 17 Common Scoters at Daventry CP on 30th included 12 drakes.
Daventry CP: A small party of five Sanderlings passed through also single Dunlin and Ringed Plover.
Earls Barton GP: A Bittern was seen on two dates and a drake Garganey stayed for three days at the start of the month. A peak of 25 Black-tailed Godwits passed through (25th), Redshanks and Little Ringed Plovers had young and Peregrine and up to six Hobbies were present.
Pitsford Reservoir: A White-fronted Goose stayed until 11th and a Sandwich Tern passed through (19th). Up to two Caspian Gulls were noted.
Stanwick Lakes: A pair of Mediterranean Gulls produced two young, a drake Garganey (15th) and a Black-tailed Godwit visited.
Stanford Reservoir: Two Little Terns visited (28th) and an Osprey was recorded throughout the month. Waders were well-represented with a late Jack Snipe (1st), an Avocet (25th-26th), Grey Plover, a peak of 27 Black-tailed Godwits (25th), Greenshank, Curlew, six Little Ringed and two Ringed Plovers and two Green Sandpipers. Two Yellow-legged Gulls were logged.
Other sites: Clifford Hill GP hosted both male and female Redstarts and a ringed female Bufflehead which was proved to be an escape, which also spent a day at Daventry CP. Ospreys were also noted at Welford reservoir, Blatherwycke Lake and nearby Bulwick (3). Two Mediterranean Gulls flew over Byfield and a Black-tailed Godwit over Far Cotton Northampton. A Redstart was noted in a Spratton garden and a Red-crested Pochard accompanied a duckling at Thrapston GP.
MAY 2017
Highlights: A Red-rumped Swallow, the fourth county record and the third at this site, was present at Daventry CP on 15th, a Glossy Ibis visited Earls Barton GP on 23rd and Ditchford GP on 26th. A summer-plumaged Black-throated Diver made a brief overnight visit to Pitsford reservoir on 6th-7th with a Temminck’s Stint there on 9th-10th and a drake Long-tailed Duck on 13th and 14th. A male Honey Buzzard flew over Great Brington on 16th, a Black Redstart was in Wellingborough on 23rd and two Hawfinches flew over Harrington airfield and a Bittern visited Stanwick GP, both on 29th. Great White Egrets were still present intermittently at Pitsford and Earls Barton.
Clifford Hill GP: Two parties of Bar-tailed Godwits totalled 10, two Grey Plovers, four Whimbrels, two Sanderlings and a Ruff were the pick of the waders. A drake Garganey visited and tern peaks were five Black, 10 Arctic, 50+ Common. Two Little Gulls and six Wheatears were also noted.
Daventry CP: Two Turnstones and a Bar-tailed Godwit, three Black and two groups of 12 Arctic Terns, a Little Gull, a Caspian Gull and a Scaup were all logged.
Ditchford GP: Six Grey Plovers, Turnstone, Greenshank, both Black and Bar-tailed Godwits and the more usual waders were noted. Three Red-crested Pochards included one young the first ever confirmed county breeding record. Five Black Terns and a Hobby also visited.
Earls Barton GP: An Avocet visited on 6th with two on 10th. Up to three Wood Sandpipers, three Sanderlings, five Grey Plovers, two Whimbrels, a Knot, a Turnstone, four Greenshanks and a single party of 32 Bar-tailed Godwits (5th) and eight commoner waders. A Little Tern (1st), up to five Black Terns and two Arctic Terns, a Little Gull and three Mediterranean Gulls passed through, two drake Garganeys stayed and two Marsh Harriers paid a visit.
Hollowell Reservoir: Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, two Greenshanks, three Dunlins, three Ringed Plovers and a White-fronted Goose (11th) were noted.
Pitsford Reservoir: A Little Stint, a Knot, four Sanderlings, three Turnstones, three Grey Plovers, four Whimbrels, a Greenshank, 11 Black Terns, seven Arctic Terns, two Ospreys, a Red-crested Pochard, two Yellow-legged Gulls and a Blue-headed Wagtail were all recorded.Stanford: A Whooper Swan was still present on 8th and a White-fronted Goose on 30th, and a Common Scoter visited (12th). Two Little Terns (1st and 3rd), four Black and five Arctic Terns, seven Little Gulls and both Osprey and Marsh Harrier were recorded. Waders were outstanding for an inland locality with an Avocet(18th) and two more(28th),two Spotted Redshanks, four Turnstones, two Whimbrels, Wood Sandpiper, five Bar-tailed Godwits, and peaks of 13 Sanderlings, nine Greenshanks, 18 Dunlins, 27 ‘tundra’ race Ringed Plovers, four Ruffs, five Little Ringed Plovers, three Common Sandpipers and a long-staying Jack Snipe still present on 31st.
Stanwick Lakes: Two Garganeys, two Red-crested Pochards and a Scaup all made lengthy stays. A Marsh Harrier passed through as did two Sandwich (19th), 16 Arctic and three Black Terns, and a ‘channel’ Wagtail. Mediterranean Gulls bred here in the county for the first time. Waders included three Sanderlings, two Whimbrels, two Grey Plovers, a Turnstone, eight Dunlins and six ‘tundra’ Ringed Plovers.
Other sites: Marsh Harriers were recorded at Billing GP (8th), between Kettering and Corby (3rd) and at Boddington reservoir (23rd). A male Hen Harrier was near Wollaston (12th) and Ospreys were also noted at Naseby and Welford reservoirs and at Harrington airfield. A Mediterranean Gull was seen in flight over Wellingborough. A drake Red-crested Pochard was at Thrapston GP.
APRIL 2017
Highlights: Three Black-winged Stilts spent the day at Stanford reservoir on 20th and two of them returned on 23rd, this is only the fifth county record. The long-staying Long-tailed Duck at the latter site was identified as a male and remained until 29th. A ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier flew over Burton Latimer on 5th. Summer-plumaged grebes included a Black-necked at Daventry CP from 4th to 11th, and a Red-necked at Stanford on 7th with two more at Daventry CP from 8th to 9th , one remaining until 13th at least. Two Spoonbills flew over Thrapston GP on 8th and two colour-ringed Common Cranes were briefly at Stanford on 9th. A party of 20 Sandwich Terns, probably the largest county party ever recorded and an adult Gannet visited Sywell CP on 15th. Up to 35 Waxwings were present in the Abington area of Northampton with the latest reported on 12th. Two Common Scoters visited Pitsford reservoir on 23rd with a Wood Warbler there on 29th. A flock of Black-tailed Godwits estimated at over 300 flew over Scaldwell on 28th the same day as a Bittern was at Earls Barton GP. Single Great White Egrets were noted at Clifford Hill GP, Stanwick GP and over Sixfields Northampton.
Wood Warbler, Pitsford (Neil McMahon) |
Daventry CP: A White-fronted Goose stayed from 7th to 28th and terns included a Little (30th), Sandwich (9th) and an Arctic. An early Hobby (10th), adult Little Gull, Redstart, Yellow-legged Gull and three Common Sandpipers also visited.
Ditchford GP: A Marsh Harrier passed over (13th), a Garganey, single Greenshank, Ruff, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, a Wheatear and three Black Terns were all noted.
Earls Barton: Arctic Terns peaked at 20, a few Black Terns passed through and a single Little (29th) along with, two Little Gulls. Two Red-crested Pochards and a Garganey visited. Waders included a Wood Sandpiper (29th), four Whimbrels, a Curlew, two Ruffs, two Greenshanks and a Curlew. A Marsh Harrier visited (12th) and other notables were three White Wagtails, a Whinchat, two ‘Greenland’ Wheatears, a Grasshopper Warbler, five Hobbies and two Peregrines.
Hollowell Reservoir: A drake Garganey was noted also an Osprey, single Whimbrel and Jack Snipe and several Arctic Terns.
Pitsford Reservoir: Ospreys were recorded on five dates, a Marsh Harrier (14th), a Peregrine and a Short-eared Owl. Two Red-crested Pochards and a Garganey visited also Knot, eight Whimbrels, three Dunlins, two Grey, six Ringed and eight Little Ringed Plovers, three Common and one Green Sandpiper, and terns peaked at 23 Black, 55 Arctic and a Little (30th) and Little Gulls were noted on four dates. Passerines included 50+ Yellow Wagtails, a ‘Channel’ Wagtail, White Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Wheatear and up to eight Bramblings.
Stanford Reservoir: Peak wader counts were eight Black-tailed and two Bar-tailed Godwits, five Greenshanks, five Whimbrels, 14 Dunlins, 10 Ringed and 12 Little Ringed Plovers, four Common and two Green Sandpipers. Tern peaks were 110+ Arctic (27th) and one Little (30th). A count of 22 White Wagtails was unprecedented (18th).
Stanwick GP: Two Mediterranean Gulls visited the gull colony, a Marsh Harrier visited (1st), as did a female Garganey and a long-staying Scaup remained. Single Greenshank, Nightingale and Grasshopper Warblers were noted.
Thrapston: Three Red-crested Pochards, four Wheatears, two Egyptian Geese, two Redshanks, several Nightingales, 11 Black and 112 Arctic Terns (27th) were logged.
Other sites: Harrington airfield hosted a Ring Ouzel (11th), a Redstart, four Wheatears four Golden Plovers and a Short-eared Owl. Ospreys were also recorded at Foxholes Fisheries Crick, Harringworth Lodge Lake, Thorpe Waterville, Sywell, Fotheringhay, Ravensthorpe reservoir and Blatherwycke Lake. A Ring Ouzel was at Upper Catesby (22nd) and another at Newnham Hill (2nd) along with a Redstart and two Wheatears. A Whooper Swan remained at Sywell CP until 17th and one was at Bozenham Mill the next day. Redstarts were also noted at Bradlaugh Fields Northampton, Long Buckby, Badby Wood and Borough Hill. Wheatears and Peregrines were seen at several sites and Boddington reservoir hosted a party of 30+ Arctic Terns. Two Crossbills were at Bucknell Wood with a Tree Pipit over nearby Hazelborough Forest. A Grey Plover was seen in flight near Hanging Houghton.
MARCH 2017
Highlights: A Long-tailed Duck remained all month at Stanford reservoir as did a Slavonian Grebe at Pitsford reservoir where also a Red-necked Grebe until 20th. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Rushton landfill on 1st and 4th and an adult was near Crick on 5th. An Avocet spent a day at Earls Barton GP on 24th and a Whooper Swan stayed at Sywell CP until 22nd at least. Three Great White Egrets were present at Ditchford GP on 10th, two were regular at Earls Barton and singles were at Stanwick GP, Thrapston GP, Hollowell, Pitsford and Ravensthorpe reservoirs. Waxwing peak counts in Northampton were of 66 at Duston, 30 at East Hunsbury and elsewhere 15 at Little Billing, 12 at Hardingstone, 12 at Nassington, five at Moulton and Castlethorpe, four at Hanging Houghton and Rothwell, three at Wellingborough and one at Brackley.
Clifford Hill GP: The first Wheatear arrived on 19th, also noted were a pair of Smew, a Little Gull, two Dunlins, single Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank and Little Ringed Plover.
Ditchford: Black-tailed Godwit, Jack Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and two Little Gulls visited.
Earls Barton GP: Parties of up to 13 Black-tailed Godwits passed through also seven Little Gulls, four Red-crested Pochards and the first Garganeys, a pair on 21st.
Hollowell Reservoir: Both Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls were seen, also four Jack Snipe, White Wagtail, Barnacle Goose, Osprey and two Stonechats.
Pitsford Reservoir: The first Sand Martins arrived on 6th, White Wagtail on 21st and a Sandwich Tern on 31st. A White-fronted Goose remained until 25th and up to 12 Bramblings were noted. Other sightings were single Black-tailed Godwit, Jack Snipe and Curlew, three Green Sandpipers and two Redshanks, a Pintail, two Little Gulls and a Caspian Gull.
Stanford Reservoir: Up to 73 Goosanders, two Pintails and a redhead Smew also Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls. The low water level encouraged up to eight Little Ringed Plovers, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Jack Snipe, Redshank, three Dunlins, eight Golden Plovers, two Green Sandpipers and 19 Snipe to visit also a White Wagtail.
Stanwick Lakes: A female Scaup stayed all month and was accompanied by a drake for four days. Single Caspian, Yellow-legged, Little and Mediterranean Gulls were noted, also four Ruffs, four Redshanks and a Dunlin.
Other sites: Four Little Gulls and an Osprey visited Daventry CP, Ospreys were also recorded at Little Irchester, Ravensthorpe reservoir and two at Welford. At Rushton landfill, four different Caspian Gulls were identified and near Crick, five Caspian and three Yellow-legged Gulls, two Curlews and six Dunlins. At Thrapston, three Red-crested Pochards remained, the first Common Terns arrived on 30th and a Little Gull. Four Short-eared Owls were noted near Finedon with still two on 13th, others were at Sulgrave and at Hanging Houghton where also a Peregrine and six Stonechats. A White-fronted Goose was at Blatherwyke lake and a Kittiwake at Ravensthorpe reservoir (8th).
FEBRUARY 2017
Highlights: At Pitsford reservoir, a Slavonian Grebe remained all month, a Red-necked Grebe arrived on 13th and a party of eight Pink-footed Geese flew over on 17th. A Long-tailed Duck at Stanford reservoir and a Whooper Swan at Sywell CP both stayed all month with a Common Scoter reported at the latter on 5th. Two Bitterns were watched at Thrapston GP on 5th and another was at Stanwick GP on 6th. ‘Ringtail’ Hen Harriers were present at disused airfields at Polebrook on 10th and Grafton Underwood on 25th. An adult Iceland Gull visited Stanford on 2nd with a juvenile there on 25th. At Rushton landfill, two juvenile and a fourth-winter Glaucous Gulls were watched between 18th and 25th. White-fronted Geese included 14 at both Whiston and Earls Barton GP, two at Thrapston GP, singles at Daventry CP and Pitsford with six at Clifford Hill GP where also four Bewick’s Swans flying past on 13th. Single Great White Egrets were noted at Thrapston GP, by the River Welland at Harringworth and Hollowell reservoir, with twos at Earls Barton and Ditchford GPs, Pitsford and Ravensthorpe reservoirs. Waxwings were well reported with peaks of 50 at East Hunsbury Northampton, 43 at Wootton, 41 at Irthlingborough, 27 at Kettering, 22 at Sywell, 13 at Ditchford GP, up to 12 at Oundle, 10 at Boughton, nine at Rushton, and two at Brackley.
Clifford Hill: Two Barnacle Geese, two Peregrines, a Yellow-legged Gull and five Stonechats were seen.
Daventry CP: Two females Scaups and 14 Golden Plovers visited and gulls identified included single Mediterranean, Caspian and Yellow-legged.
Ditchford GP: A drake Scaup, single Jack Snipe and 39 Snipes and two Stonechats were recorded.
Earls Barton: A ‘redhead’ Smew, two Red-crested Pochards and a Short-eared Owl visited.
Hollowell: A Caspian Gull, a Barnacle Goose and up to six Stonechats were present, with a drake Smew and six Mandarins at nearby Ravensthorpe.
Pitsford Reservoir: A high count of 90 Snipes was made, also two Redshanks, two Green Sandpipers and a Jack Snipe. A drake Smew, a Pintail and two Red-crested Pochards were logged, along with a Merlin (13th), two Caspian, a Mediterranean and a Yellow-legged Gull, 14 Bramblings, two Willow Tits and two Stonechats.
Stanford Reservoir: Goosanders peaked at 67 also present, single ‘redhead’ Smew and Pintail, 35 Snipes, seven Golden Plovers, Jack Snipe and Green Sandpiper. Three Caspian Gulls were noted.
Other sites: At Stanwick Lakes, a female Scaup remained and a Peregrine was noted. At Boddington reservoir, both Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls were present. Up to four Short-eared Owls remained at Neville’s Lodge Finedon and one at Twywell Hills and Dales. Two adult Caspian and two Yellow-legged Gulls were at Rushton landfill, four Crossbills were at Fineshade Wood and four Mandarin Ducks at Biggin Lake. Two Red-crested Pochards visited Thrapston GP. Single Corn Buntings were seen at Warmington and Woodford Halse.
JANUARY 2017
Highlights: A Cattle Egret, only the sixth county record, spent just a day near Whiston on 7th. A Long-tailed Duck at Stanford reservoir and a Slavonian Grebe at Pitsford reservoir both remained all month. An adult Glaucous Gull was seen in fields near Chacombe and roosted at Boddington reservoir on 22nd. A ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier was at Lutton on 12th and nearby Polebrook airfield on 15th. Great White Egrets were again continuously present with three at Earls Barton GP, Pitsford and Ravensthorpe reservoirs and singles at Ditchford GP and Thrapston GP. Waxwings arrived in force with peaks of up to 38 in Kettering , 25 in the Boothville area of Northampton, 20 in Moulton, 20 at Great Billing, 15 in Roade, 14 at Hanging Houghton, nine at Stanion, eight at Broughton, eight at Bulwick, seven at Woodford Halse, seven at Earls Barton GP, three at Sywell and one in Daventry.
Ditchford GP: Pairs of Smews and Red-crested Pochards, a Green Sandpiper and a Jack Snipe were recorded.
Earls Barton: Bitterns were noted on 15th and 22nd, up to 23 White-fronted Geese were present for most of the month, with still 14 on 29th, occasionally visiting White Mills Marina and Clifford Hill GP. Up to three drake and two female Scaups, a drake Smew, two Red-crested Pochards and three Pintails were recorded, also Marsh Harrier (3RD), Jack Snipe, Short-eared Owl and a Whooper Swan on single days.
Pitsford Reservoir: A party of five Bewick’s Swans flew over the dam (5th). Two Caspian, a Yellow-legged and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull were all discovered. A drake Smew, two Red-crested Pochards, 10 Pintails were joined by four White-fronted Geese, 40 Snipes, three Green Sandpipers, two Redshanks, and a Dunlin. A Stonechat, two Bramblings and a Peregrine also visited.
Stanford Reservoir: A male Marsh Harrier (15th) was a good record and 64 Goosanders was the highest county total for some time. Single Scaup and Smew, three Pintails and a drake Red-crested Pochard were logged. A count of 43 Snipe and one Jack Snipe was made and a Caspian Gull visited.
Stanwick Lakes: A female Scaup remained all month, a drake Smew was seen, two Redshanks, a Peregrine and a Caspian Gull.
Other sites: Fifteen Whooper Swans flew over near Fotheringhay (19th) and one was still at Sywell CP. A White-fronted Goose was reported at Kislingbury GP. Hollowell reservoir hosted an adult Caspian Gull, a Barnacle Goose and up to six Stonechats. Up to six Short-eared Owls were noted at Neviile’s Lodge near Finedon. A Bittern was watched at Thrapston GP. Both Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls visited Daventry CP. A Merlin was seen near Braybrooke. Up to four Caspian Gulls were noted around Rushton Landfill with two more near Chacombe. Two Jack Snipes were still at Barnes Meadow and a Corn Bunting, now a rarity here, was at Harrington airfield (22nd).
DECEMBER 2016
Highlights: Two Slavonian Grebes remained at Clifford Hill GP until 3rd, others were at Thrapston GP on 11th and at Pitsford reservoir from 19th. A Whooper Swan arrived at Sywell CP on 3rd and stayed for most of the month, A male Bearded Tit was present at Stanwick GP from 1st until 24th at least and the same site hosted two Bitterns with another at Thrapston GP from 27th to 30th. A juvenile male Hen Harrier was again at Stanford reservoir on 6th and 14th and another ‘ringtail’ near Kelmarsh on 21st. A ‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff was a good find at Pitsford reservoir on 11th and a party of up to 24 White-fronted Geese frequented a marshy field near White Mills Marina from 19th until 31st. A Long-tailed Duck arrive at Stanford reservoir on 27th. A Waxwing visited Woodford Halse on 26th, up to 10 were in Roade from 29th and others were seen at Hanging Houghton. Great White Egrets were again present in numbers with up to four at Pitsford, three at Ravensthorpe reservoir, and singles at both Ditchford and Earls Barton gravel pits.
NOVEMBER 2016
Highlights: Two Bearded Tits were at Stanwick GP on 6th, with one remaining ‘til the end of the month, and two also remained at Earls Barton GP. A first-year Gannet flew over Daventry CP on 7th. Four Brent Geese were at Hollowell reservoir on 9th with another at Clifford Hill GP on 25th At Stanwick GP, a Yellow-browed Warbler was present on 10th with a Siberian Chiffchaff there on 10th and 11th. A Great Northern Diver was at Pitsford reservoir from 11th to 13th and a Firecrest was at Ravensthorpe reservoir on 12th. An unidentified diver flew over Clifford Hill GP on 16th and a Long-tailed Duck visited Earls Barton GP on 29th with the same site hosting two Bewick’s Swans on 26th and there was another at Daventry CP on 29th. A Whooper Swan visited Ditchford GP on 12th and seven were at Stanford reservoir on 18th and one there on 29th. Two Slavonian Grebes were present at Ravensthorpe reservoir and one at Thrapston GP on 14th the latter still present on 19th and two more were at Clifford Hill GP from 26th. ‘Ringtail’ Hen Harriers were at Stanford reservoir daily from 13th to 27th and another at Stanwick GP on 21st. Great White Egrets were at seven sites; gravel pits at Stanwick , Thrapston , Earls Barton, reservoirs at Hollowell and Stanford with two at Ravensthorpe and up to five at Pitsford. Small groups of up to ten Waxwings were reported flying over at Harrington airfield, Brackmills and Brampton Valley Way Northampton, Brixworth CP, Moulton Quarry, Pitsford reservoir, Cranford, Hanging Houghton and Maidwell.
OCTOBER 2016
Highlights: A Honey Buzzard flew over Pitsford reservoir on 1st. At Borough Hill, an unidentified skua flew over on 10th, a Woodlark on 23rd and a flyover Hawfinch on 22nd and another Hawfinch over Boddington reservoir on 10th.Immature Gannets were seen over Earls Barton GP on 23rd and over the M1 Motorway junction 15A on 29th. Two Bearded Tits arrived at Earls Barton on 7th, up to four at Stortons GP from 9th and up to six at Stanwick GP from 24th. The ringers at Stanford reservoir caught a ‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff on 5th, a Mealy Redpoll on 24h and discovered a Yellow-browed Warbler on 20th with another at Harrington airfield on 21st. A ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier visited Blueberry Farm Maidwell on 19th and Great White Egrets were noted at eight sites; singles at Deene Lake, Daventry CP, Hollowell reservoir, gravel pits at Thrapston, Earls Barton, Stanwick and Ringstead and up to five at Pitsford.
SEPTEMBER 2016
Highlights: An adult ‘Azorean Yellow-legged’ Gull was seen again at Stanwick GP on 2nd and 9th, with a juvenile Shag there on 4th. Two Pied Flycatchers, the first in the county this year, were in Northampton at Dallington allotments with another at Bradlaugh Fields all on 7th. Black-necked Grebes were at Earls Barton GP from 15th to 18th and at Daventry CP from 28th the same locality hosting the star bird of the month, an adult Glossy Ibis, briefly on 28th, only the fourth county record. Great White Egrets were present at six sites with two at Pitsford reservoir and singles at Hollowell, Ravensthorpe and Stanford reservoirs, Earls Barton and at a new locality, Deene Lake.
AUGUST 2016
Highlights: A Great White Egret visited Daventry CP on 2nd. Stanford Reservoir hosted a Nightjar on 12th, the only record in Northants so far this year, a Little Tern on 19th and a Wryneck was trapped and ringed there on 26th. An ‘Azorean Gull’ made two appearances at Stanwick GP on 24th and 25th along with daily visits from a juvenile Shag from 25th to 30th. A Pied Flycatcher, again the year’s first, was at Denton Wood on 31st.
JULY 2016
Highlights: A Bittern was at Stanwick GP on 14th and a Great White Egret there on 26th and 27th with another at Earls Barton GP on 22nd and 23rd. A Firecrest visited a Warmington garden on 25th and a Wood Sandpiper was briefly at Earls Barton on 28th. A Honey Buzzard flew over Stanford reservoir on 30th.
June 2016
Highlights: A female Red-necked Phalarope graced Stanwick GP and a Great White Egret flew over Northampton on 4th. A White Stork circled Corby on 6th and a Honey Buzzard was photographed over the same site on 25th. Singing Quails were heard between Harlestone Heath and Kings Heath on 10th and near Everdon on 21st and 22nd.
MAY 2016
Highlights: Both Avocet and Wood Warbler visited Earls Barton GP on 1st, a Great White Egret on 5th and four Spoonbills also there briefly on 7th. A Common Crane flew over Stanwick GP on 2nd, with singing Quails at Harrington airfield on 2nd and 22nd and at Welford reservoir on 8th. Again at Earls Barton, two Little Terns were seen on 10th, one on 11th and another at Stanwick on 12th.
MARCH 2016
Highlights: An adult Kumlien’s Gull at Daventry CP was only the second county record of this distinctive form of Iceland Gull. A ‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff was also found singing at the same site on 30th. At Stanwick Lakes, an adult Glaucous Gull visited on 2nd and an adult Iceland Gull on 16th and 19th with a juvenile there on 3rd. Bitterns were fairly regular at Earls Barton GP and Stanwick and another was at Stortons GP on 16th. A flock of 11 Common Scoters at Pitsford Reservoir on 19th preceded one at Daventry on 23rd and two there on 27th. A Firecrest stayed at Stanwick until 8th and at Pitsford, four Bewick’s Swans flew over on 4th and a party of 10 Brent Geese visited on 18th. A Mealy Redpoll remained in an East Hunsbury Northampton garden until 24th and three were reported at Yelvertoft on 20th. Great White Egrets were still much in evidence with two at Earls Barton GP and over Little Irchester with singles at Ditchford GP, Thrapston GP and Ravensthorpe Reservoir.
FEBRUARY 2016
Highlights: A drake Green-winged Teal stayed at Daventry CP from 3rd to 19th, the fourth record for this site. Bitterns were seen over Swan Valley Northampton on 3rd, Irthlingborough lakes on 18th, at Stanwick GP on 24th and Earls Barton GP on 28th. A Mealy Redpoll was regular at a garden feeder in East Hunsbury Northampton all month, another at Byfield on 6th and three more reported at a feeder at Thrapston GP on 14th. A Firecrest remained near Brixworth STW until 20th at least and a Black Redstart was again in Kingsthorpe Northampton from 13th to 20th. An adult Glaucous Gull at Stanwick GP from 22nd to 26th had been red-ringed and was a returning bird from last year, a juvenile was at Pitsford reservoir on 27th. Great White Egrets continued to be present all month with three at Ditchford GP, two at Thrapston and two at Earls Barton, Ravensthorpe reservoir and Stanwick hosted one each. A Black-necked Grebe was at Clifford Hill GP on 28th.
JANUARY 2016
Highlights: A Great Northern Diver remained at Ditchford GP until 16th and at Pitsford reservoir a Red-necked Grebe until 23rd at least. Single Bitterns were seen at Stanwick GP on 4th, Earls Barton GP on 6th and at Thrapston GP on 28th. Firecrests were discovered at Brixworth STW from 6th, Hanging Houghton on 8th, Rushden on 9th, Ditchford on 10th and Stanwick on 24th. Mealy Redpolls visited feeders in gardens at East Hunsbury Northampton from 7th to 30th and Byfield on 21st. A Goshawk was seen near Welford on 9th and a Slavonian Grebe was reported at Clifford Hill GP on 19th. A Black Redstart was in gardens in central Northampton on 23rd. Great White Egrets were present all month with twos at Clifford Hill, Ditchford and Pitsford and singles at Earls Barton, Ecton SF, Ravensthorpe Res, Stanford Res and Thrapston GP.
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