30th Oct 2010
From SiNich
Martin K has had an OSPREY over Stony Stratford Nature reserve
Last time this happened late in the year , the bird took up residence at linford for a week
Eyes to the Skies!
Later from Paul M
Hi all, spoken with Martin, bird was high and drifting towards MANOR FARM
Saturday 30 October 2010
Friday 29 October 2010
Friday 29th October 2010
14: 00 > 15:30
Cool, hazy sun at times, SE wind, 12c.
Two birds of the day. Firstly in amongst the thirty or so Pied Wagtails on site was a clear cut White Wagtail out on the mud. Secondly in the scrub area to the east of the site just before the gravel processing area a male Stonechat was flushed. The Stonechat a first for the site, the Whitewag a possible returnee of one of last seasons birds.
Elsewhere birds of note were two Little Egret, three Meadow Pipit, a low flying Common Buzzard sending everything skywards, the usual Green Sandpiper and a handful of Common Gull. Oddly today no Lapwing.
Migration still evident in several Fieldfare and Redwing over but as yet none seen setting in the berry laden hedgerows yet.
Cool, hazy sun at times, SE wind, 12c.
Two birds of the day. Firstly in amongst the thirty or so Pied Wagtails on site was a clear cut White Wagtail out on the mud. Secondly in the scrub area to the east of the site just before the gravel processing area a male Stonechat was flushed. The Stonechat a first for the site, the Whitewag a possible returnee of one of last seasons birds.
Elsewhere birds of note were two Little Egret, three Meadow Pipit, a low flying Common Buzzard sending everything skywards, the usual Green Sandpiper and a handful of Common Gull. Oddly today no Lapwing.
Migration still evident in several Fieldfare and Redwing over but as yet none seen setting in the berry laden hedgerows yet.
Thursday 28 October 2010
Thursday 28th October 2010
17:15 > 17:45
Clear, high cloud, cold westerly wind, 13c
With the clocks going back on Sunday a last evening visit for a while.
Not much about, just thirty or so Lapwing out on the mud and a Common Buzzard, the new darker bird, over. Noticable were the numerous flocks of Starlings, anything from around twenty or thirty to a couple of hundred and at one time a few merging to a five hundred strong throng heading East towards Haversham. Is a winter roost starting to form somewhere in the vicinity?
Clear, high cloud, cold westerly wind, 13c
With the clocks going back on Sunday a last evening visit for a while.
Not much about, just thirty or so Lapwing out on the mud and a Common Buzzard, the new darker bird, over. Noticable were the numerous flocks of Starlings, anything from around twenty or thirty to a couple of hundred and at one time a few merging to a five hundred strong throng heading East towards Haversham. Is a winter roost starting to form somewhere in the vicinity?
Wednesday 27 October 2010
Wednesday 27th October 2010
13:00 > 14:00
Sun, westerly breeze, 14c
A nice warm Autumnal day ideal for walking and it being midweek, quiet from other people.
The bird of the day was undoubtedly Golden Plover with around 80 in amongst a Lapwing flock numbering a couple of hundred. They were not to stay for long though as they headed west in two flocks, the first around 50 or so followed five minutes later by the remaining 30. The only other wader present was the lone Green Sandpiper. Strangely not a single duck present given last nights attendance (see below).
Gulls also numbered a couple of hundred, as usual most Black Headed Gulls but the other three 'common' local gulls were also present with around 20 Common Gull, a handful of Lesser Black Backed Gull and a single brute of Greater Black Backed Gull.
Along the River Ouse a resting Kingfisher warmed itself in the sun whilst a few lingering Dragonflies and a couple of Red Admiral butterflies were also making the most of the sunshine.
Sun, westerly breeze, 14c
A nice warm Autumnal day ideal for walking and it being midweek, quiet from other people.
The bird of the day was undoubtedly Golden Plover with around 80 in amongst a Lapwing flock numbering a couple of hundred. They were not to stay for long though as they headed west in two flocks, the first around 50 or so followed five minutes later by the remaining 30. The only other wader present was the lone Green Sandpiper. Strangely not a single duck present given last nights attendance (see below).
Gulls also numbered a couple of hundred, as usual most Black Headed Gulls but the other three 'common' local gulls were also present with around 20 Common Gull, a handful of Lesser Black Backed Gull and a single brute of Greater Black Backed Gull.
Along the River Ouse a resting Kingfisher warmed itself in the sun whilst a few lingering Dragonflies and a couple of Red Admiral butterflies were also making the most of the sunshine.
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Tues 26th October 2010 - Evening
17:00 > 17:30
Dull, light rain, westerly wind, 10c
Not much about this evening but noticable was a flock of circa 70 Mallard out on the water. Small handfuls of wildfowl are usual, some days none at all so this was a marked change. Apart from that, not a lot, the usual Green Sandpiper and a dozen or so Lapwing and a few pockets of Redwing over was of note.
Dull, light rain, westerly wind, 10c
Not much about this evening but noticable was a flock of circa 70 Mallard out on the water. Small handfuls of wildfowl are usual, some days none at all so this was a marked change. Apart from that, not a lot, the usual Green Sandpiper and a dozen or so Lapwing and a few pockets of Redwing over was of note.
Willow Tit, well maybe...
Reported via the Bucks Bird Club website a Willow Tit has been reported as being seen and calling in Ouse Valley Park. As Manor Farm forms a large chunk of OVP it would be interesting to know the exact location.
Anyone?
Anyone?
Waxwings at western end of Manor Farm
Message per NBBR via SiNich - Monday 25th Oct
Bob Tunnicliffe has had 3 WAXWINGS briefly along the River Ouse by the Iron Trunk bridge , Near Old Wolverton, Milton Keynes. However there are no berries there , so presumed to have moved on.
Bob Tunnicliffe has had 3 WAXWINGS briefly along the River Ouse by the Iron Trunk bridge , Near Old Wolverton, Milton Keynes. However there are no berries there , so presumed to have moved on.
Thursday 21 October 2010
Thurs 21st October 2010 - Evening
17:15 > 17;45
Cloudy, cool, 9c
A somewhat uneventful visit. Three Common Gulls in amongst the fifty or so Black Headers. A new to the site very dark Common Buzzard and the usual pair of Green Sandpipers, and thats your lot!
Cloudy, cool, 9c
A somewhat uneventful visit. Three Common Gulls in amongst the fifty or so Black Headers. A new to the site very dark Common Buzzard and the usual pair of Green Sandpipers, and thats your lot!
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Wednesday 20th October 2010 - Evening
17:30 > 18:00
Sun and a cool 6c.
After a few days in Scotland my first visit for a week. Not a lot to report. The highlight three Common Snipe, a single and a pair. Also the usual two Green Sandpipers, a lone Little Egret and circa 30 Lapwing. A flock of around 120 Mallard were seen to drop into the silt beds at dusk.
Sun and a cool 6c.
After a few days in Scotland my first visit for a week. Not a lot to report. The highlight three Common Snipe, a single and a pair. Also the usual two Green Sandpipers, a lone Little Egret and circa 30 Lapwing. A flock of around 120 Mallard were seen to drop into the silt beds at dusk.
Friday 15 October 2010
Friday 15th October 2010 - Morning
I'm out of the area for a few days but according to Birdguides the Knot is still on site,
Thursday 14 October 2010
Thurs 14th Oct 2010 - Mid-Morning - Knot & Dunlin
Per Ben Miller via NBBR
The RED KNOT was still at Manor Farm, MK, mid-morning today for its fourth day, directions as before. It has now also been joined by a DUNLIN this morning, plus one of the regular Green Sands was also on the small pool with it.
The RED KNOT was still at Manor Farm, MK, mid-morning today for its fourth day, directions as before. It has now also been joined by a DUNLIN this morning, plus one of the regular Green Sands was also on the small pool with it.
Wednesday 13 October 2010
Weds 13th Oct - Evening - Knot still present...
Per NBBR from SiNich at 18:30
Rob H is watching the RED KNOT this evening , still at Manor Farm , this is by far the longest stayer in modern times.
Rob H is watching the RED KNOT this evening , still at Manor Farm , this is by far the longest stayer in modern times.
Wednesday 13th October 2010 - Lunchtime
12:15 > 12:45
Cloud, northerly breeze, 10C
The Knot is still on site for its third day though a bit flighty. Mind you hardly suprising as everything was sent skyward after the RAF did a low bypass along the valley spooking everything.
I almost took off myself.
Also present circa 30 Lapwing dotted about a pair of both Little Egret and Green Sandpiper. A couple of dozen gulls were on the whole Black Headed, but at least one Common Gull was amongst them plus a monster juvenile which on size alone I am guessing was a Great Black-backed Gull.
Along the approach road several Contenintal Blackbirds fed on the remaining berries.
Cloud, northerly breeze, 10C
The Knot is still on site for its third day though a bit flighty. Mind you hardly suprising as everything was sent skyward after the RAF did a low bypass along the valley spooking everything.
I almost took off myself.
Also present circa 30 Lapwing dotted about a pair of both Little Egret and Green Sandpiper. A couple of dozen gulls were on the whole Black Headed, but at least one Common Gull was amongst them plus a monster juvenile which on size alone I am guessing was a Great Black-backed Gull.
Along the approach road several Contenintal Blackbirds fed on the remaining berries.
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Tuesday 12th October - Evening
17:15 > 17:45
Broken cloud odd flash of sun, calm, 12c.
Another quick glance around to see if the Knot is still there and indeed it is consorting with the same pair of Teal and on the same pool it was last night.
Apart from the Knot the usual suspects (see below ad naseum) and several paprties of Redwing over.
Broken cloud odd flash of sun, calm, 12c.
Another quick glance around to see if the Knot is still there and indeed it is consorting with the same pair of Teal and on the same pool it was last night.
Apart from the Knot the usual suspects (see below ad naseum) and several paprties of Redwing over.
Tuesday 12th October - Lunchtime
12:15 > 12:45
Cloudy, calm 11c
A quick lunchtime visit to see if yesterdays Knot was still on site and indeed after first overlooking it as a Woodpigeon (don't ask) the bird was refound walking the perimeter shores of the main body of water to the western end. In better light you could still make out a very light reddy brown timge to its plumage but only just, otherwise full winter apparel.
Also four Little Egrets, two Green Sandpipers and circa 20 Lapwing.
Cloudy, calm 11c
A quick lunchtime visit to see if yesterdays Knot was still on site and indeed after first overlooking it as a Woodpigeon (don't ask) the bird was refound walking the perimeter shores of the main body of water to the western end. In better light you could still make out a very light reddy brown timge to its plumage but only just, otherwise full winter apparel.
Also four Little Egrets, two Green Sandpipers and circa 20 Lapwing.
Monday 11 October 2010
Monday 11th October 2010 - Evening
17:30 > 19:00
Sun then sunset, clear 12c cool northerly breeze at times.
A 'brief' post work visit that ended up being not so brief after a fine winter plumaged Knot was found on the pool to the west. On arrival a pair of Teal had with them a more altogether greyer 'duck' dozing with its back to me. Going to the western end to get a better look said dumpy duck started to pick around in the mud revealing it was indeed a Knot, a first for the site. A text was sent out and a couple of other birders got to see the bird before it got dark, just. Was still there when I left in darkness so may well be worth a look in the morning.
Also on site at least three Green Sandpipers, a lone Common Sandpiper an couple of Little Egrets and earlier around 40 Lapwing. More smaller birds in evidence now especially Pied Wagtails. Things are looking up.
Sun then sunset, clear 12c cool northerly breeze at times.
A 'brief' post work visit that ended up being not so brief after a fine winter plumaged Knot was found on the pool to the west. On arrival a pair of Teal had with them a more altogether greyer 'duck' dozing with its back to me. Going to the western end to get a better look said dumpy duck started to pick around in the mud revealing it was indeed a Knot, a first for the site. A text was sent out and a couple of other birders got to see the bird before it got dark, just. Was still there when I left in darkness so may well be worth a look in the morning.
Also on site at least three Green Sandpipers, a lone Common Sandpiper an couple of Little Egrets and earlier around 40 Lapwing. More smaller birds in evidence now especially Pied Wagtails. Things are looking up.
Thursday 7 October 2010
Thursday 7th October 2010 - Evening
17:00 > 18:00
Cloud, westerly breeze 16c
A perimeter walk found the following, three Green Sandpiper, two Common Sandpiper, four Little Egret, circa 40 Lapwing, a Kingfisher and in the long grass on the hill a pair of Meadow Pipits playing hide and seek.
Cloud, westerly breeze 16c
A perimeter walk found the following, three Green Sandpiper, two Common Sandpiper, four Little Egret, circa 40 Lapwing, a Kingfisher and in the long grass on the hill a pair of Meadow Pipits playing hide and seek.
Tuesday 5 October 2010
Tuesday 5th October 2010 - Evening
17:30 > 18:30
Sun, high wispy cloud, calm, 16c.
Surfs up! Well almost, theres been a rise in water levels in the site, creating now only more pools but strips of water stretching off from the main body. In these strips at least five Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers and a lone Common Snipe. Also on site just four Little Egret (i'm giving up on theories), two Cormorants and seven Lapwing. Along the Ouse, which is also up a couple of inches though not high enough to flood Back Brook yet, I was suprised to see a couple of Dragonflies having one final throw of the dice before Autumn closes in.
Away from the water one of the Common Buzzards was getting a lot of grief from Gang Corvid, which also for some reason kept mobbing one of the Green Sandpipers too. Crows are suppossedly clever birds, sometimes though I just don't see it.
Sun, high wispy cloud, calm, 16c.
Surfs up! Well almost, theres been a rise in water levels in the site, creating now only more pools but strips of water stretching off from the main body. In these strips at least five Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers and a lone Common Snipe. Also on site just four Little Egret (i'm giving up on theories), two Cormorants and seven Lapwing. Along the Ouse, which is also up a couple of inches though not high enough to flood Back Brook yet, I was suprised to see a couple of Dragonflies having one final throw of the dice before Autumn closes in.
Away from the water one of the Common Buzzards was getting a lot of grief from Gang Corvid, which also for some reason kept mobbing one of the Green Sandpipers too. Crows are suppossedly clever birds, sometimes though I just don't see it.
Sunday 3 October 2010
Saturday 2nd October 2010
7:00
Mist
Not a true visit as such but as the routemaster (no jokes about the back ends of buses please) of one of the Saints with Heart sponsored walk routes from Wolverton to Northampton the first few miles takes us through the Ouse Valley before joining the Grand Union Canal and as such passed through the Farm.
Well my Little Egret pre-roost theory appears dented as just after first light through the mist you could see at least a dozen of them on site with almost certainly more where the fog was thicker. I'm now guessing they meet here post roost, disappear to the four corners during the day then return for the last couple of hours before sunset to discuss where they've been, what they've seen, the price of fish etc etc before heding off to Linford to sleep. Or is it just coincidence?
Mist
Not a true visit as such but as the routemaster (no jokes about the back ends of buses please) of one of the Saints with Heart sponsored walk routes from Wolverton to Northampton the first few miles takes us through the Ouse Valley before joining the Grand Union Canal and as such passed through the Farm.
Well my Little Egret pre-roost theory appears dented as just after first light through the mist you could see at least a dozen of them on site with almost certainly more where the fog was thicker. I'm now guessing they meet here post roost, disappear to the four corners during the day then return for the last couple of hours before sunset to discuss where they've been, what they've seen, the price of fish etc etc before heding off to Linford to sleep. Or is it just coincidence?
Friday 1 October 2010
Friday 1st October 2010 - Afternoon
13:45 > 14:00
Cloud, heavy rain, SW wind, gusting at times.
A brief, very brief, visit before the heavens opened once more. Just two Little Egrets today which suggests the high numbers in late afternoon (fourteen yesterday) are a pre-roost gathering of birds heading back from the west before popping off to their Linford sleeping quarters in the last hour before dark.
Not much else out on the water, around 40 Lapwing dotted about and three Cormorants together on one of the blunt spits but no sign of any small waders at all.
Hirundine migration still in full swing with a few dozen House Martins and the odd Swallow low over the fields and water.
Cloud, heavy rain, SW wind, gusting at times.
A brief, very brief, visit before the heavens opened once more. Just two Little Egrets today which suggests the high numbers in late afternoon (fourteen yesterday) are a pre-roost gathering of birds heading back from the west before popping off to their Linford sleeping quarters in the last hour before dark.
Not much else out on the water, around 40 Lapwing dotted about and three Cormorants together on one of the blunt spits but no sign of any small waders at all.
Hirundine migration still in full swing with a few dozen House Martins and the odd Swallow low over the fields and water.
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