Bob Fowles had the following:
hi all visited 3:30pm yesterday. wind cutting your head off, 2 Lrplover 2 shelduck c25 swallow 5 sand martin 6 meadow pipit 28 p wagtail 1 grey wagtial 2 herons 1 little egret. What a differents a few hour,s makes cheer,s bob
Wednesday 31 March 2010
Weds 31st March – Afternoon
16:00 > 16:20
5c, Cold, broken cloud, NW wind.
Still cold but water levels still head lower.
The Shelduck pair have returned.
A pair of Little Ringed Plover in Godwit Corner along with the usual Green Sandpipers dotted here and there about the site represented the wading fraternity.
A single female Goosander remains.
5c, Cold, broken cloud, NW wind.
Still cold but water levels still head lower.
The Shelduck pair have returned.
A pair of Little Ringed Plover in Godwit Corner along with the usual Green Sandpipers dotted here and there about the site represented the wading fraternity.
A single female Goosander remains.
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Tues 30th March – Afternoon
15:30 > 16:30
5c Rain, W wind.
Much colder than of late and a biting cold wind along the valley, not helped by the odd blustery shower.
However three Little Ringed Plover brave it out on the mud along with a Common Redshank and at least three Green Sandpipers.
Plenty of Swallows still out over the water alongside a handful of Sand Martins.
For the first time in a long while no Goosander on site.
5c Rain, W wind.
Much colder than of late and a biting cold wind along the valley, not helped by the odd blustery shower.
However three Little Ringed Plover brave it out on the mud along with a Common Redshank and at least three Green Sandpipers.
Plenty of Swallows still out over the water alongside a handful of Sand Martins.
For the first time in a long while no Goosander on site.
Monday 29 March 2010
Mon 29th March – Afternoon
15:30 > 17:00
11c overcast, SSW breeze.
Water levels down further with a few gravel islands emerging on the Eastern side of the main body of water.
Not much in the way of migrants. Two Green Sandpipers a Little Egret and a Lapwing in the margins whilst a pair of female Goosander were settled on the rapidly expanding spit. A few Teal are dotted about as are a trio of Gadwall, two drakes.
On the north shore a couple of Meadow Pipits flitted about whilst a Common Buzzard drifted overhead.
11c overcast, SSW breeze.
Water levels down further with a few gravel islands emerging on the Eastern side of the main body of water.
Not much in the way of migrants. Two Green Sandpipers a Little Egret and a Lapwing in the margins whilst a pair of female Goosander were settled on the rapidly expanding spit. A few Teal are dotted about as are a trio of Gadwall, two drakes.
On the north shore a couple of Meadow Pipits flitted about whilst a Common Buzzard drifted overhead.
Friday 26 March 2010
Fri 26th March - Afternoon
14:00 > 16:00
11c Broken cloud, odd spot of rain, one heavy burst and then a rainbow (pic to follow).
The bird of the day one very elegant Common Redshank favouring the area around Wader South Central that is gradually emerging from the water. Also noticable were four Little Egret favouring the now almost enclosed Inlet and the mouth out onto the main body of water.
A pair of Goosander remain and does around a dozen Teal, a single drake Wigeon and a handful of Tufted Duck. A pair of Great Crested Grebe were briefly in display mode as the sun came out.
A pair of Swallow, now common it seems, were over the water while the site of the day was undoubtedly a David and Goliath act of five Pied Wagtails trying to mob one of the pair of Common Buzzards overhead.
Earlier Rob Norris (via NBBR) had one Little Ringed Plover and a massive 25 Swallows over the water.
Link: Rob's Report
11c Broken cloud, odd spot of rain, one heavy burst and then a rainbow (pic to follow).
The bird of the day one very elegant Common Redshank favouring the area around Wader South Central that is gradually emerging from the water. Also noticable were four Little Egret favouring the now almost enclosed Inlet and the mouth out onto the main body of water.
A pair of Goosander remain and does around a dozen Teal, a single drake Wigeon and a handful of Tufted Duck. A pair of Great Crested Grebe were briefly in display mode as the sun came out.
A pair of Swallow, now common it seems, were over the water while the site of the day was undoubtedly a David and Goliath act of five Pied Wagtails trying to mob one of the pair of Common Buzzards overhead.
Earlier Rob Norris (via NBBR) had one Little Ringed Plover and a massive 25 Swallows over the water.
Link: Rob's Report
Fri 26th March - Morning
6:45 > 7:15
7c, cloud, SW wind.
Brief visit and a bit of a damp squib with just three Little Egret the only birds of note.
7c, cloud, SW wind.
Brief visit and a bit of a damp squib with just three Little Egret the only birds of note.
Thursday 25 March 2010
Thurs 25th March 2010 - Evening
17:00 > 18:00
11c Dry then heavy, heavy rain. W wind.
Five Swallows over the water and still the odd Fieldfare dotted about.
A single Green Sandpiper along with three Lapwing the only waders.
At dusk the amount of Common Pheasant about was noticable with around four males seen.
The bird of the day though was undoubtedly Goosander, during the deluge the count went into double figures for the first time, where are they all coming from? During the deluge not only were the group of four females huddled together on the North Shore but out on the water itself three separate pairs braved the elements.
Earlier Bob Fowles (via NBBR) had 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 female Goosander and 3 Swallows.
11c Dry then heavy, heavy rain. W wind.
Five Swallows over the water and still the odd Fieldfare dotted about.
A single Green Sandpiper along with three Lapwing the only waders.
At dusk the amount of Common Pheasant about was noticable with around four males seen.
The bird of the day though was undoubtedly Goosander, during the deluge the count went into double figures for the first time, where are they all coming from? During the deluge not only were the group of four females huddled together on the North Shore but out on the water itself three separate pairs braved the elements.
Earlier Bob Fowles (via NBBR) had 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 female Goosander and 3 Swallows.
Thurs 25th March - Lunchtime
13:15 > 13:45
14c Cloud, S breeze.
Not so much about the birds but a change to the site. A large earthmover was working around the inlet and a bund of what looks like sand around ten feet high has been built across the mouth leaving just a small gap ffor water to move in and out.
As for the birds, two Green Sandpiper, a pair of Goosander, a single Lapwing on the spit and two Little Egret.
14c Cloud, S breeze.
Not so much about the birds but a change to the site. A large earthmover was working around the inlet and a bund of what looks like sand around ten feet high has been built across the mouth leaving just a small gap ffor water to move in and out.
As for the birds, two Green Sandpiper, a pair of Goosander, a single Lapwing on the spit and two Little Egret.
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Weds 24th March - Evening
17:30 > 18:15
14c Rain
In fading light and rain the only wader viewable was a Green Sandpiper in Godwit Corner. Six Goosander, two drakes remain while a Barnacle Goose, no doubt an Emberton flock wanderer, was with the Canadians on Cosgrove side. Little Egret over.
14c Rain
In fading light and rain the only wader viewable was a Green Sandpiper in Godwit Corner. Six Goosander, two drakes remain while a Barnacle Goose, no doubt an Emberton flock wanderer, was with the Canadians on Cosgrove side. Little Egret over.
Weds 24th March - Morning
6:45 > 7:15
8c drizzle then rain.
Little Ringed Plover numbers increase to four. A bird still in Godwit Corner, possibly last nights bird while three more flew in together around 7:00am, landed briefly by the spit then circled the site looking for suitable habitat. Still flitting about when I left ten minutes later.
Two Oystercatcher at the mouth of the Inlet, which is rapidly draining and the usual resident Green Sandpiper. Goosander with two drake remain. A pair of Great Crested Grebe, a small flock of Tufted Duck and a few Teal dotted about were the other birds of note.
No sign of last nights Redshank nor any Fieldfare.
On a farming note the first lambs are dotted about.
8c drizzle then rain.
Little Ringed Plover numbers increase to four. A bird still in Godwit Corner, possibly last nights bird while three more flew in together around 7:00am, landed briefly by the spit then circled the site looking for suitable habitat. Still flitting about when I left ten minutes later.
Two Oystercatcher at the mouth of the Inlet, which is rapidly draining and the usual resident Green Sandpiper. Goosander with two drake remain. A pair of Great Crested Grebe, a small flock of Tufted Duck and a few Teal dotted about were the other birds of note.
No sign of last nights Redshank nor any Fieldfare.
On a farming note the first lambs are dotted about.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Tues 23rd March - Afternoon - Mini Waderfest!
Two visits 12:45 > 13:15 & 16:30 > 17:00
10c cloud, drizzle later, increasing SSW wind.
A mini waderfest at the Farm today, the highlight being the first returning Little Ringed Plover and Common Redshank. Along with at least two Green Sandpipers and a pair of Oystercathers.
The LRP was mooching around an ever expanding Godwit Corner will the Redshank favoured the shores of the Spit which increasingly looks like joining the other bank in the coming days and diving the main body of water in two.
The Oystercathers favoured the mud at the entrance to the Inlet where a Farm record high (for me anyway) of eight Goosander, including two drakes also gathered on and off shore as darkness started to fall.
A single Little Egret still flits about the site while a second Swallow was also seen over the water.
A pristine plumaged Grey Wagtail was by the spring fed 'stream' at the bottom of central field.
Also of note a pair of Great Crested Grebe out on the main body, the first I have seen more than a single here while barring a couple of dozen Mallard, half a dozen Teal and a pair of Tufted Duck made up the wildfowl count.
Away from the water pockets of Fieldfare remain and a party of three Siskin was a late suprise.
10c cloud, drizzle later, increasing SSW wind.
A mini waderfest at the Farm today, the highlight being the first returning Little Ringed Plover and Common Redshank. Along with at least two Green Sandpipers and a pair of Oystercathers.
The LRP was mooching around an ever expanding Godwit Corner will the Redshank favoured the shores of the Spit which increasingly looks like joining the other bank in the coming days and diving the main body of water in two.
The Oystercathers favoured the mud at the entrance to the Inlet where a Farm record high (for me anyway) of eight Goosander, including two drakes also gathered on and off shore as darkness started to fall.
A single Little Egret still flits about the site while a second Swallow was also seen over the water.
A pristine plumaged Grey Wagtail was by the spring fed 'stream' at the bottom of central field.
Also of note a pair of Great Crested Grebe out on the main body, the first I have seen more than a single here while barring a couple of dozen Mallard, half a dozen Teal and a pair of Tufted Duck made up the wildfowl count.
Away from the water pockets of Fieldfare remain and a party of three Siskin was a late suprise.
Tues 23rd March - Afternoon
Two visits 12:45 > 13:15 & 16:30 > 17:00
10c cloud, drizzle later, increasing SSW wind.
A mini waderfest at the Farm today, the highlight being the first returning Little Ringed Plover and Common Redshank. Along with at least two Green Sandpipers and a pair of Oystercathers.
The LRP was mooching around an ever expanding Godwit Corner will the Redshank favoured the shores of the Spit which increasingly looks like joining the other bank in the coming days and diving the main body of water in two.
The Oystercathers favoured the mud at the entrance to the Inlet where a Farm record high (for me anyway) of eight Goosander, including two drakes also gathered on and off shore as darkness started to fall.
A single Little Egret still flits about the site while a second Swallow was also seen over the water.
A pristine plumaged Grey Wagtail was by the spring fed 'stream' at the bottom of central field.
Also of note a pair of Great Crested Grebe out on the main body, the first I have seen more than a single here while barring a couple of dozen Mallard, half a dozen Teal and a pair of Tufted Duck made up the wildfowl count.
Away from the water
10c cloud, drizzle later, increasing SSW wind.
A mini waderfest at the Farm today, the highlight being the first returning Little Ringed Plover and Common Redshank. Along with at least two Green Sandpipers and a pair of Oystercathers.
The LRP was mooching around an ever expanding Godwit Corner will the Redshank favoured the shores of the Spit which increasingly looks like joining the other bank in the coming days and diving the main body of water in two.
The Oystercathers favoured the mud at the entrance to the Inlet where a Farm record high (for me anyway) of eight Goosander, including two drakes also gathered on and off shore as darkness started to fall.
A single Little Egret still flits about the site while a second Swallow was also seen over the water.
A pristine plumaged Grey Wagtail was by the spring fed 'stream' at the bottom of central field.
Also of note a pair of Great Crested Grebe out on the main body, the first I have seen more than a single here while barring a couple of dozen Mallard, half a dozen Teal and a pair of Tufted Duck made up the wildfowl count.
Away from the water
Monday 22 March 2010
Monday 22nd March - Afternoon
14:30 > 16:00
11c strong WSW wind. Rain, heavy at times.
A good, if not wet, wander around the perimeters today.
The highlight the first Swallow of the 'summer' out over the water alongside two further Sand Martins. (and on checking exactly the same date 22nd March, that first Swallow appeared last year)
Good buildup of Fieldfare with the odd Redwing thrown in on the slopes, numbering around 100 birds. Around this time last year the flock built up to several hundred in the bottom fields before they all but disappeared north overnight.
Pied Wagtails numbers increase around the site including a possible White Wagtail though not 100% certain to claim it as definite. (watch this space).
Pair of Shelduck back briefly before heading west.
Goosander numbers building, seven present late afternoon a group of one drake with a harem of four feamles around the mouth of the inlet while a more monogamous pair were out on the main body of water.
Also on the water two pair of Teal and single pair of Tufted Duck alongsige a solidarity Great Crested Grebe.
Wader wise just a pair of Green Sandpiper (one in the Inlet a second on Godwit Corner) and a single Lapwing were joined by a Little Egret in the shallows.
The now common Common Buzzard was as per usual sitting along the canal banking. Over on the Cosgrove side there were a couple of dozen Tufted Duck, six (three pair) of Pochard further Great Crested Grebe and a not too common here pair of Greylag Geese. On the River itself a squabbling flock of around fifty Canada Geese. Still good numers of Mute Swan in this area two and on the arable land heading up on the rise towards Castlethorpe, around 40 birds in total.
Gulls noticable by their absence today, just a pair of Common Gull sitting on what is rapidly becoming 'Wader South Central' once more.
Links:
AND ON THE SAME DATE IN 2009...
11c strong WSW wind. Rain, heavy at times.
A good, if not wet, wander around the perimeters today.
The highlight the first Swallow of the 'summer' out over the water alongside two further Sand Martins. (and on checking exactly the same date 22nd March, that first Swallow appeared last year)
Good buildup of Fieldfare with the odd Redwing thrown in on the slopes, numbering around 100 birds. Around this time last year the flock built up to several hundred in the bottom fields before they all but disappeared north overnight.
Pied Wagtails numbers increase around the site including a possible White Wagtail though not 100% certain to claim it as definite. (watch this space).
Pair of Shelduck back briefly before heading west.
Goosander numbers building, seven present late afternoon a group of one drake with a harem of four feamles around the mouth of the inlet while a more monogamous pair were out on the main body of water.
Also on the water two pair of Teal and single pair of Tufted Duck alongsige a solidarity Great Crested Grebe.
Wader wise just a pair of Green Sandpiper (one in the Inlet a second on Godwit Corner) and a single Lapwing were joined by a Little Egret in the shallows.
The now common Common Buzzard was as per usual sitting along the canal banking. Over on the Cosgrove side there were a couple of dozen Tufted Duck, six (three pair) of Pochard further Great Crested Grebe and a not too common here pair of Greylag Geese. On the River itself a squabbling flock of around fifty Canada Geese. Still good numers of Mute Swan in this area two and on the arable land heading up on the rise towards Castlethorpe, around 40 birds in total.
Gulls noticable by their absence today, just a pair of Common Gull sitting on what is rapidly becoming 'Wader South Central' once more.
Links:
AND ON THE SAME DATE IN 2009...
Sunday 21 March 2010
Sunday 21st March 2010 - per NBBR
From Rob Hill via NBBR
At Manor Farm this morning, 3 Green Sandpipers, 1pr Shelduck, 3f Goosander, 1 Little Egret & 1pr Teal. Notable absence of wagtails and pipits though - one would expect numbers to start increasing by now.
The water level is coming down now, with muddy areas visible along the south shore and at the entrance to the inlet. Looks like MF will offer our best chance of decent waders this spring.
At Manor Farm this morning, 3 Green Sandpipers, 1pr Shelduck, 3f Goosander, 1 Little Egret & 1pr Teal. Notable absence of wagtails and pipits though - one would expect numbers to start increasing by now.
The water level is coming down now, with muddy areas visible along the south shore and at the entrance to the inlet. Looks like MF will offer our best chance of decent waders this spring.
Saturday 20 March 2010
Sat 20th March - Morning
8:45 > 9:15
10c Drizzle then heavy rain.
Water level in the Inlet now rerceding as well as in Godwit Corner. Fairly quiet though, just a pair of Goosander (1 drake) a single pair of Tufted Duck still and a handful of Fieldfare.
Returned at 4:30 weather still the same but Goosander numbers up to five, two drakes. Nothing else of note.
10c Drizzle then heavy rain.
Water level in the Inlet now rerceding as well as in Godwit Corner. Fairly quiet though, just a pair of Goosander (1 drake) a single pair of Tufted Duck still and a handful of Fieldfare.
Returned at 4:30 weather still the same but Goosander numbers up to five, two drakes. Nothing else of note.
Friday 19 March 2010
Fri 19th March 2010 - Afternoon
14:30 > 15:00
10c Light drizzle then heavier rain, SW breeze.
Quiet, the lull before the storm hopefully.
A pair of Goosander still out on the water, one duck, one drake.
Still a small group of Fieldfare out on the sheep pasture.
And along the overgrown marshy area twixt top field and canal a pair of Bullfinch.
Habitat wise now clear areas of mud on Godwit Corner almost a year to the day it got it name when four 'Barwits' dropped in. Lets hope tonights rain is not a setback.
And from SiNich earlier via NBBR
I am loving Manor Farm! The habitat looks great, already a small build up of
Wagtails, Male Goosander the pick of the bunch here - A place to watch!
10c Light drizzle then heavier rain, SW breeze.
Quiet, the lull before the storm hopefully.
A pair of Goosander still out on the water, one duck, one drake.
Still a small group of Fieldfare out on the sheep pasture.
And along the overgrown marshy area twixt top field and canal a pair of Bullfinch.
Habitat wise now clear areas of mud on Godwit Corner almost a year to the day it got it name when four 'Barwits' dropped in. Lets hope tonights rain is not a setback.
And from SiNich earlier via NBBR
I am loving Manor Farm! The habitat looks great, already a small build up of
Wagtails, Male Goosander the pick of the bunch here - A place to watch!
Thursday 18 March 2010
Thurs 18th March - Afternoon - And so it begins...
15:30 > 16:00
A balmy 16c, overcast, light SSW breeze.
A pair of Sandmartins over the water on arrival surely heralds the start of 'spring'.
Green Sandpiper in an ever decreasing Godwit Corner, now down to the extent that a pair of Canada Geese barely had their feet covered with water twenty feet out.
Elswhere a pair of Goosander remain as do the Tufted Duck quartet.
A Little Egret sat on the small island at the mouth of the inlet.
The water level is starting to look very promising, the new spit grows day on day and if it is indeed a barries from north to south the main body may be divided in two in the coming days at which point the eastern side might see level drop dramatically if the pumps are on leaving the western end as it was at this time last year, and look what happened then.
A balmy 16c, overcast, light SSW breeze.
A pair of Sandmartins over the water on arrival surely heralds the start of 'spring'.
Green Sandpiper in an ever decreasing Godwit Corner, now down to the extent that a pair of Canada Geese barely had their feet covered with water twenty feet out.
Elswhere a pair of Goosander remain as do the Tufted Duck quartet.
A Little Egret sat on the small island at the mouth of the inlet.
The water level is starting to look very promising, the new spit grows day on day and if it is indeed a barries from north to south the main body may be divided in two in the coming days at which point the eastern side might see level drop dramatically if the pumps are on leaving the western end as it was at this time last year, and look what happened then.
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Weds 17th March 2010 - Afternoon
16:15 > 17:15
12c Hazy sun, W breeze.
No sign of any migrants yet and on the whole area quiet. Definite reduction in wildfowl numbers, the two pair of Tufted Duck remain along with a pair of Teal but outside of a handful of Mallard nothing else out on the water bar half a dozen Mute Swans, all young birds, which made a change. A pair of Goosander did fly over west as I left. A Little Egret flitted about the grass area by the inlet while justa single Fieldfare was seen along the hedgeline at Back Brook.
The noticable build up is of Pied Wagtails around the hills and hollows and along the waterline, certainly a sign of things to come last year. Fingers crossed.
12c Hazy sun, W breeze.
No sign of any migrants yet and on the whole area quiet. Definite reduction in wildfowl numbers, the two pair of Tufted Duck remain along with a pair of Teal but outside of a handful of Mallard nothing else out on the water bar half a dozen Mute Swans, all young birds, which made a change. A pair of Goosander did fly over west as I left. A Little Egret flitted about the grass area by the inlet while justa single Fieldfare was seen along the hedgeline at Back Brook.
The noticable build up is of Pied Wagtails around the hills and hollows and along the waterline, certainly a sign of things to come last year. Fingers crossed.
Tuesday 16 March 2010
Tues 16th March - Afternoon
16:15 > 17:00
11c sun, SSW breeze.
Goosanders all the way today. Two groups of a three and a two each containing a single drake, while a third drake was all on his lonesome in the inlet. Total six, a high (for me anyway) at MF.
Not much else of interest, a single Little Egret over and two pair of Tufted Duck out on the water, though there are plenty on the lakes over at Cosgrove the other side of the Ouse I thinks its the first i've seen more than a single on the water over this side.
No sign of the recent Shelduck.
11c sun, SSW breeze.
Goosanders all the way today. Two groups of a three and a two each containing a single drake, while a third drake was all on his lonesome in the inlet. Total six, a high (for me anyway) at MF.
Not much else of interest, a single Little Egret over and two pair of Tufted Duck out on the water, though there are plenty on the lakes over at Cosgrove the other side of the Ouse I thinks its the first i've seen more than a single on the water over this side.
No sign of the recent Shelduck.
Monday 15 March 2010
Mon 15th March 2010 - Afternoon
15:00 > 16:00
11c Strong NW breeze. Cloud, sunny spells.
Pair of Shelduck, both appear to be female, still on site, tucked in behind the small island by the pumps. Patience (or a long walk) will be rewarded.
Pair of Goosander, inc one drake, still about on the main body.
Just a single Fieldfare along with two Mistle Thrush out on the slopes.
Along with the nine Cormorants out on the spit around a dozen Lesser Black Backed gulls was a change while the Common Gulls seem to be thiniing out day by day leaving more and more sumplum (summer plumaged) Black Headers as the dominant number.
And a single Common Buzzard down by the canal, given earlier reports, see below, I thought the escapee Harris or Red Tailed Hawk seen at Wolverton Station (which is at far eastern end of site) an hour or so earlier had drifted in but on closer look it was the same very approachable bird photographed a week or so back, Pics Here
Message earlier re Si Nicholls via NBBR
Dick B has just called me , he is watching an escaped HARRIS HAWK ( complete with Jessies ! ) on Pylons near Wolverton Train Station (!)
And from Dick later:
"Not too well up on bird's of prey it might be a red tailed hawk. Whatever it was it kept perching on the overhead 25 KW catenary at the station, jesses swinging!!!
I was expecting it to disappear in a massive explosive flash any moment as it was flying very close to the live wires at times in trying to avoid three crows which were knocking forty shades out of it.
Then it flew down passing within about 10 centimetres of my head! This was unnerving, but I realised it was expecting me to swing a lure at it. It did it to other people waiting on the platform too.
It perched in a tree on the Bradwell Road, then tried to get in a window on a block of flats by the station to escape its attackers, last seen heading towards Tescos!"
11c Strong NW breeze. Cloud, sunny spells.
Pair of Shelduck, both appear to be female, still on site, tucked in behind the small island by the pumps. Patience (or a long walk) will be rewarded.
Pair of Goosander, inc one drake, still about on the main body.
Just a single Fieldfare along with two Mistle Thrush out on the slopes.
Along with the nine Cormorants out on the spit around a dozen Lesser Black Backed gulls was a change while the Common Gulls seem to be thiniing out day by day leaving more and more sumplum (summer plumaged) Black Headers as the dominant number.
And a single Common Buzzard down by the canal, given earlier reports, see below, I thought the escapee Harris or Red Tailed Hawk seen at Wolverton Station (which is at far eastern end of site) an hour or so earlier had drifted in but on closer look it was the same very approachable bird photographed a week or so back, Pics Here
Message earlier re Si Nicholls via NBBR
Dick B has just called me , he is watching an escaped HARRIS HAWK ( complete with Jessies ! ) on Pylons near Wolverton Train Station (!)
And from Dick later:
"Not too well up on bird's of prey it might be a red tailed hawk. Whatever it was it kept perching on the overhead 25 KW catenary at the station, jesses swinging!!!
I was expecting it to disappear in a massive explosive flash any moment as it was flying very close to the live wires at times in trying to avoid three crows which were knocking forty shades out of it.
Then it flew down passing within about 10 centimetres of my head! This was unnerving, but I realised it was expecting me to swing a lure at it. It did it to other people waiting on the platform too.
It perched in a tree on the Bradwell Road, then tried to get in a window on a block of flats by the station to escape its attackers, last seen heading towards Tescos!"
Saturday 13 March 2010
Sat 13th March 2010 - NBBR
Rob Hill per NBBR
Slim pickings from this morning.
Linford - 2 Oycs, 1 Cettis Warbler.
Manor Farm - 1pr Goosander.
Willen - 1 Redshank, 1 Little Egret.
Broughton Grounds - c240 Golden Plover.
Slim pickings from this morning.
Linford - 2 Oycs, 1 Cettis Warbler.
Manor Farm - 1pr Goosander.
Willen - 1 Redshank, 1 Little Egret.
Broughton Grounds - c240 Golden Plover.
Friday 12 March 2010
Fri 12th March 2010 - Afternoon - Shelduck return
13:45 > 14:45
6c NE Wind, Broken Cloud, Hail, rain showers.
With the pumps on this week and the water level down about a foot or so this week with areas of mud slowly but surely appearing here and there prospects look good.
Today, new arrivals in a pair of Shelduck, a second Green Sandpiper joining the overwintering one and a pair of the Goosander flock still remain as does a single Grey Wagtail and a pair of sleeping Teal.
6c NE Wind, Broken Cloud, Hail, rain showers.
With the pumps on this week and the water level down about a foot or so this week with areas of mud slowly but surely appearing here and there prospects look good.
Today, new arrivals in a pair of Shelduck, a second Green Sandpiper joining the overwintering one and a pair of the Goosander flock still remain as does a single Grey Wagtail and a pair of sleeping Teal.
Tuesday 9 March 2010
Tues 9th March - Evening
17:00 > 17:30
6c Overcast, E breeze.
Three Goosander over including one drake.
Just a single drake Wigeon out on the main body of water. Six Cormorants on end of new spit. Over river at Cosgrove single Oystercatcher but a huge influx of Swans this evening with around 30 together on the water and around the same number grazing in the rising hill of wheat north of Cosgrove Park (still Bucks). Too far for definite ID but taken as Mutes.
6c Overcast, E breeze.
Three Goosander over including one drake.
Just a single drake Wigeon out on the main body of water. Six Cormorants on end of new spit. Over river at Cosgrove single Oystercatcher but a huge influx of Swans this evening with around 30 together on the water and around the same number grazing in the rising hill of wheat north of Cosgrove Park (still Bucks). Too far for definite ID but taken as Mutes.
Monday 8 March 2010
Mon 8th March - Afternoon
15:30 > 16:00
Cool NE breeze, broken cloud.
Usual wildfowl suspects in the flooded areas in small numbers of Teal, Wigeon & Pochard.
Four Goosander inc two drakes remain. A single cock Common Pheasant wandered along the northerly 'beach'.
Cool NE breeze, broken cloud.
Usual wildfowl suspects in the flooded areas in small numbers of Teal, Wigeon & Pochard.
Four Goosander inc two drakes remain. A single cock Common Pheasant wandered along the northerly 'beach'.
Saturday 6 March 2010
Common Buzzard - Friday 5th March
At last i've managed some half decent pics of one of at least three Common Buzzards now in the area, click on pic for full size.
Friday 5 March 2010
Fri 5th March 2010 - Afternoon
14:00 > 16:00
10c Sun N Breeze
Four Pochard (two drake) out on water. Oystercather present in area.
Three Common Buzzards in flight at single time. (see pics)
Treecreepers along river and good numbers of Tufted Duck (no not Scaup) in easterly Cosgrove lake.
Two Little Egrets in main body.
10c Sun N Breeze
Four Pochard (two drake) out on water. Oystercather present in area.
Three Common Buzzards in flight at single time. (see pics)
Treecreepers along river and good numbers of Tufted Duck (no not Scaup) in easterly Cosgrove lake.
Two Little Egrets in main body.
Thursday 4 March 2010
4th March 2010 - NBBR
Post from Roy Cheetham via NBBR
A walk around MF this morning saw a large mixed flock of Fieldfare & Redwing in the sheep field.
2 Goosander on one of the outer pools toward the railway. 1 Little Egret by the river & a GS Woodpecker drumming.
A walk around MF this morning saw a large mixed flock of Fieldfare & Redwing in the sheep field.
2 Goosander on one of the outer pools toward the railway. 1 Little Egret by the river & a GS Woodpecker drumming.
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Weds 3rd March - Evening - Oystercatcher
17:00 > 17:30
4c Cloud, cold E wind.
Spring is in the air, but that easterly wind doesn't want you to know it yet.
First true arrival in an Oystercatcher out at the end of the new spit and a further sign things are on the move with a pair of Little Egrets, the first for a while, around the margins.
Also out on the water a pair of Goosander remain in the inlet while there was the first Great Created Grebe on the main body of water in a while.
A Fox put in an appearance wandering around the lake edge much to the interest of the 20 or so Mallards at the east side. The only other duck viewed tonight a pair of Wigeon in the flooded shallows.
On leaving a single Grey Partridge was flush from the hedges in the top corner along the ridge.
4c Cloud, cold E wind.
Spring is in the air, but that easterly wind doesn't want you to know it yet.
First true arrival in an Oystercatcher out at the end of the new spit and a further sign things are on the move with a pair of Little Egrets, the first for a while, around the margins.
Also out on the water a pair of Goosander remain in the inlet while there was the first Great Created Grebe on the main body of water in a while.
A Fox put in an appearance wandering around the lake edge much to the interest of the 20 or so Mallards at the east side. The only other duck viewed tonight a pair of Wigeon in the flooded shallows.
On leaving a single Grey Partridge was flush from the hedges in the top corner along the ridge.
Tuesday 2 March 2010
Tues 2nd March - Afternoon - Goosander
16:30 > 17:00
7c Sun
Suprising how quick the water has gone down from Monday though some areas still hold flood water, the ground is still saturated (even up the hill) and the lake is still high.
A single Common Buzzard sat in the cuttings from the relaid hedge, surrounded by crows but seemingly not a care in the world.
Out on the water the five Goosander (2 drakes) remain. In the rough flooded grass area a few Teal and Wigeon while along the spit and its surrounds the number of Pied Wagtails are increasing daily.
7c Sun
Suprising how quick the water has gone down from Monday though some areas still hold flood water, the ground is still saturated (even up the hill) and the lake is still high.
A single Common Buzzard sat in the cuttings from the relaid hedge, surrounded by crows but seemingly not a care in the world.
Out on the water the five Goosander (2 drakes) remain. In the rough flooded grass area a few Teal and Wigeon while along the spit and its surrounds the number of Pied Wagtails are increasing daily.
Monday 1 March 2010
Mon March 1st - Evening
16:00 7c Sunny
A quick visit post work.
As predicted valley in flood but out on the expanse of water a party of five Goosander, including two drakes, highest number seen here.
A single Green Sandpiper the only other bird of note, hanging in there on the far east bank in front of the newly relaid hedge.
A quick visit post work.
As predicted valley in flood but out on the expanse of water a party of five Goosander, including two drakes, highest number seen here.
A single Green Sandpiper the only other bird of note, hanging in there on the far east bank in front of the newly relaid hedge.
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