Northants birds

Newsround 29th August to 4th September 2026

Posted on September 5, 2026 by Mike Alibone

Hefty showers, lower temperatures and a noticeable drop in daylight hours characterised the week in which we crossed the line into meteorological autumn. While one new wader for the year made it on to the tab, expectations of something exceptional continued to build …

Although the female Ruddy Shelduck popped up again this week at Hollowell Res on 31st, being subsequently reported briefly at Daventry CP the following day, there was an appreciable drop in the numbers of Garganey to be found in comparison to the week before. Just one remained at Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR on 31st, followed by another at Ravensthorpe Res on 4th. And after a long spell at Stanford Res, the female Ferruginous Duck was nowhere to be seen after 30th.

Waders continued to come through thick and fast, though, with day one seeing a Whimbrel southbound over Pitsford Res. Two Bar-tailed Godwits were reported from Daventry on 31st, this site also holding a growing number of Black-tailed Godwits, with one from 29th to 2nd, two on 1st and four on 3rd and 4th. Elsewhere, numbers coming in from Pitsford were up and down throughout the period, peaking at seven there on 31st, while Earls Barton GP saw singles on 29th and 4th, both Summer Leys LNR and Titchmarsh produced two on 31st and singles were at Clifford Hill GP and Stanwick GP on 2nd.

Black-tailed Godwits, Daventry CP, 3rd September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Pitsford delivered more Turnstones this week, with one on 29th and 30th and at least two heard there on 4th.

Turnstone, Pitsford Res, 29th August 2026 (Jon Cook)

Found at six localities, Ruffs continued to feature prominently with, once again, Pitsford producing double figures after eight on 29th, maxing out at eleven on 30th-31st, and six on 3rd. No more than one was seen at each of Clifford Hill, Daventry, Ravensthorpe, Stanwick and Summer Leys. Most, if not all, were juveniles.

Ruff, Ravensthorpe Res, 3rd September 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Ruff, Summer Leys LNR, 4th September 2026 (Alan Coles)

As we moved into the new week, there was no further sign of the previous week’s Pectoral Sandpiper, though proving no less of a popular pull, Daventry held on to its three juvenile Curlew Sandpipers until 3rd, after which only two remained on 4th.

Curlew Sandpipers, Daventry CP, 2nd September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Curlew Sandpipers, Daventry CP, 3rd September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Further signs of autumn proper materialised in the shape of the year’s first Little Stint, a juvenile, found at Clifford Hill on 29th. It was quickly followed by another at Boddington Res, briefly, on 31st and, unless the original remained under the radar, another was present at Clifford Hill on 3rd-4th.

Little Stint, Clifford Hill GP, 29th August 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Having been treated to an over-generous dollop of Wood Sandpipers during the spring, it might have been surmised that any found this autumn would receive less attention than is usual but this was not to be the case, with one found at Ravensthorpe on the first day of the period. Not quite a crowd-puller but popular nevertheless, it remained on show throughout the week. Another made a brief, one-day stay at Naseby Res on 30th.

Wood Sandpiper, Ravensthorpe Res, 3rd September 2026 (Mike Alibone)

And it’s beginning to look like a better than average autumn for Spotted Redshanks, with last week’s juvenile seeing another seven days out at Daventry and further singles appearing at Naseby and Titchmarsh on 31st and at Pitsford on 4th.

Spotted Redshank, Daventry CP, 29th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Greenshanks were present at six localities throughout the period, including Daventry, Earls Barton, Hollowell, Naseby, Pitsford and Summer Leys, with the highest count of nine or ten at Pitsford on 31st and each of the other sites producing ones and twos.

Greenshank, Earls Barton GP, 3rd September 2026 (Leslie Fox)

This week’s gulls were limited to the German-ringed adult male Caspian Gull seeing another week out at Naseby and another visiting Hollowell on 31st, while Yellow-legged Gulls maxed out at four around Pitsford on 30th, two were at Sywell CP on 4th and single birds were present at Earls Barton GP on 29th, Naseby on 31st and 4th and at Thrapston on 1st-2nd.

Much scarcer in autumn than in spring, an adult Arctic Tern visited Daventry on the last day of the period, while juvenile Black Terns consisted of one at Summer Leys on 29th, increasing to two there the following day. Two were also present at Clifford Hill between 31st and 4th.

Black Tern, Clifford Hill GP, 4th September 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Glossy Ibis? Yep – all week again at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (North), visiting nearby Summer Leys on 31st.

Three Bitterns were seen during the week – one on 29th at Summer Leys, currently the most popular site for catching up with the species, one at Stanford Res, straying into Northants from its most favoured position in the Leicestershire reedbed on 30th and one at Ditchford GP’s Irthlingborough Lakes & Meadows NR on 2nd.

Unruffled by the lack of camouflage, the week’s only Cattle Egret was to be found at Daventry on 3rd.

Cattle Egret, Daventry CP, 3rd September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

And with little change on the raptor front, two Ospreys visited Pitsford on 29th, followed by one there on 30th-31st, while further singles appeared at Earls Barton on 30th and 2nd, Thrapston on 30th and 4th, Ravensthorpe on 31st and at both Hollowell and Sywell on 4th. Comparatively low in numbers this week were Marsh Harriers, with just single birds at Summer Leys on 31st and at both Hellidon and Titchmarsh on 1st.

Putting in time at Lamport Hall was a must for anyone wishing to catch up with the Pied Flycatcher present at the site from last week. Frequently elusive, it remained there until 1st. However, the penultimate day of the period gave rise to another, showing well at Wicksteed Park, Kettering for a limited amount of time.

Pied Flycatcher, Wicksteed Park, Kettering, 3rd September 2026 (Julie Roe)

Pied Flycatcher, Wicksteed Park, Kettering, 3rd September 2026 (Nick Parker)

And, as we moved into September, Common Redstart numbers took a tumble. They were present at only five sites comprising Blueberry Farm (Maidwell), Borough Hill, Harrington AF, Lamport and Old/Walgrave, none of which produced more than two birds.

Whinchats were also notably down when compared with last week. The highest site total was four at Borough Hill on 30th-31st, followed by two in the Brampton Valley on 1st and singles at Harrington and Heathencote on 30th and below Hanging Houghton on 31st.

Whinchat, Borough Hill, 30th August 2026 (Mike Alibone)

However, Northern Wheatears maintained their level of presence, again being found at seven localities comprising Borough Hill, Brampton Valley, Clifford Hill, Harrington AF, Harrington village, Heathencote and Hollowell Res. All produced single birds apart from twos at Clifford Hill on 29th and Harrington village on 31st.

Northern Wheatear, Clifford Hill GP, 3rd September 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

A single Tree Pipit over Clifford Hill on 29th was all the week could muster for this locally scarce migrant.

And six Crossbills were at Gamboro Plantation on 30th, following a run of records there earlier in the year.

Newsround 22nd to 28th August 2026

Posted on August 29, 2026August 29, 2026 by Mike Alibone

The long-running period of drought-induced conditions was significantly disrupted this week as a series of low-pressure systems rolled in off the Atlantic bringing, to some areas, prolonged spells of thick cloud and heavy rain. With it came more birds and it began to feel like autumn proper – waders aplenty, new birds for the year and record-breaking flock sizes were all in the week’s mix …

Quickly dispensing with ducks, Garganeys were found at three localities during the period and holding up as the top site was Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR, where one was still present on 22nd, followed by two there on 28th. The extended shoreline of Sulby Res produced one on 24th and Pitsford Res held two on 27th. Still to be found at Stanford Res was the female Ferruginous Duck, again present at the week’s end.

In the not so ‘new order’ of species these days, one bird slotting into the systematic list at this point has become a local ‘must see’ for many new age county birders. Enter, Nightjar – now a difficult bird to catch up with in Northants. Or is it? Rumours of its presence at a small number of localities over the past few years remain just that, but searching suitable habitats after dark is, these days, perhaps considered a risky business. Two localities produced churring birds in summer 2022 but there are also recent records of autumn migrants, stumbled across quite by chance. This week’s bird falls into the latter category, found sitting on a country road outside Yarwell, on the evening of 26th.

Nightjar, Yarwell, 26th August 2026 (Tracie Garratt)

The period’s waders moved up a notch in terms of numbers. Six Curlews – a ‘high’ count in current times – flew east over Clifford Hill GP on 27th and there was a wider scattering of Black-tailed Godwits. Boddington Res produced four on 22nd, when one was present at Titchmarsh and two were at Pitsford, numbers climbing at the latter site over the week, peaking at eight on 28th, when one was also found at Daventry CP.

Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit, Daventry CP, 28th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Titchmarsh also produced a Turnstone on 22nd, ahead of what is surely a record breaking-flock of thirteen in flight at Pitsford on 28th. Double-figure flocks are hitherto unheard of in Northamptonshire …

Turnstones, Pitsford Res, 28th August 2026 (Tony Stanford)

Ruffs were also on the up. Numbers at Pitsford rose from one on 22nd to four on 27th and eleven on 28th. Elsewhere, one was at Summer Leys on 22nd and from 26th to 28th, one was at Daventry between 24th and 28th, two remained at Naseby Res from 25th to 27th, two were also at Hollowell from 26th to 28th, one visited Clifford Hill on 26th and one was at Boddington on 26th-27th.

Juvenile Ruffs, Hollowell Res, 26th August 2026 (Jon Cook)

Juvenile Ruff and Greenshank, Daventry CP, 26th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Juvenile Ruff, Daventry CP, 27th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

So far proving prime for scarce waders this autumn, Daventry pulled in three smart juvenile Curlew Sandpipers on the final day of the period – new for the year and perhaps the only ones we’ll see in 2026.

Juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, Daventry CP, 28th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Continuing to elicit interest, the adult Pectoral Sandpiper also remained at Daventry throughout the week.

Adult Pectoral Sandpiper, Daventry CP, 26th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Mirroring the occurrence of the solitary bird at Titchmarsh last week, there was just one Wood Sandpiper to be found during the period, that being a short-staying individual at Boddington on 27th. Back at Daventry, another Spotted Redshank put on a display daily following the two that were there for three days at the beginning of the month. One was also found at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (North) on 24th, remaining there the following day.

Juvenile Spotted Redshank, Earls Barton GP, 25th August 2026 (Leslie Fox)

Juvenile Spotted Redshank, Daventry CP, 26th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Greenshanks were found at eight localities throughout the week, including Clifford Hill, Daventry, Earls Barton, Hollowell, Pitsford, Stanwick GP, Summer Leys and Thrapston, with the highest site totals of ten at Stanwick on 27th and eight at Pitsford on 28th.

Homing in on gulls produced the only Mediterranean Gull of the period, a juvenile at Boddington on 23rd, while late news regarding the ringing data on the Polish-ringed juvenile at Daventry last week has identified it as a nestling ringed on 6th June 2026 at Rybical, Warminsko-Mazurskie, Poland, approximately 1,491 km distant.

Polish-ringed juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Daventry CP, 16th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

The slot for the week’s only Caspian Gull was filled by the German-ringed adult male that remained at Naseby throughout, while Yellow-legged Gulls were represented by at least three settled adults at Pitsford, single birds at Thrapston on 22nd, 27th and 28th, with two there on 26th, singles at Cottingham on 22nd, Ravensthorpe on 25th and Earls Barton on 28th, while Daventry produced two on 27th and one on 28th.

Rarely seen away from water, and a bird which has not been easy to catch up with this year, is Little Tern, with three bucking the trend as they were picked up in flight over Wollaston on 26th. If they dropped in anywhere local, nobody was any the wiser.

A juvenile Arctic Tern was found at Ravensthorpe on 27th, the same locality and date pulling in seven Black Terns, while singles of the latter were present at Hollowell on 25th, Boddington and Pitsford on 26th, Thrapston on 27th and Daventry on 28th.

Seemingly having settled into a routine, last week’s Glossy Ibis at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (North) periodically commuted to Summer Leys and back throughout. But in terms of numbers, this week saw another record-breaker in the form of a flock of five flying south-west over Stanwick on 28th.

Glossy Ibis, Earls Barton GP, 25th August 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Breaking cover from the reeds every so often, a Bittern showed again at Summer Leys on 27th.

Bittern, Summer Leys LNR, 27th August 2026 (Bob Bullock)

Single Cattle Egrets flew over Stanford on 27th and Boddington on the following day.

On the raptor front, single Ospreys were at Pitsford on 22nd, 25th and 27th, Hollowell on 23rd and 28th and over Arthingworth on 26th, while two were present at Thrapston on 23rd.

Up to two Marsh Harriers were seen intermittently at Summer Leys between 23rd and 26th, while singles visited Harrington AF on 24th, Titchmarsh on 28th and the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on the same date.

Heading down the passerine road, the week experienced a bit of a shake-up when the hallowed nets of the Stanford Ringing Group delivered a Wryneck on 22nd – another first for the year. Are we on for a sibe there later in the autumn …?

Wryneck, Stanford Res, 22nd August 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Meanwhile, Lamport Hall landed a touch of class with an adult male Pied Flycatcher found on 26th amongst the annual gathering of Spotted Flycatchers along the footpath there at this time of the year. This was followed by a first-winter male at the same location the next day. Isn’t it about time this run along the side of the estate took on an appropriate name? ‘Flycatcher Footpath’, anybody?

First-winter male Pied Flycatcher, Lamport, 27th August 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

The number of sites producing Common Redstarts remained healthily in double figures – eleven, to be precise. Blueberry Farm, Boddington Res, Brampton Valley, Brixworth, Clifford Hill, Harrington, Lamport, Lilbourne Meadows NR, Old/Walgrave, Stanford and Upper Heyford all delivered between one and three birds throughout the period.

There was a notable uptick in Whinchat numbers this week, with birds found at eight localities, the highest site total being four at Clifford Hill GP on 25th. Between one and two were also present at each of the remaining seven sites, comprising Blueberry Farm, Borough Hill, Brampton Valley, Harrington, Hollowell, Pitsford and Stanford.

Whinchat, Clifford Hill GP, 24th August 2026 (Tony Stanford)

Whinchat, Clifford Hill GP, 25th August 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Whinchat, Hollowell Res, 28th August 2026 (Jon Cook)

Following a similar pattern, Northern Wheatears also occurred more widely, with single birds at seven sites which included Aston le Walls, Brackley, Brampton Valley, Harrington, Lilbourne Meadows, Naseby, Stanford and Thrapston, while twos were seen at both Clifford Hill and Lamport.

Northern Wheatear, Stanford Res, 24th August 2026 (Steve Nichols)

Northern Wheatear, Clifford Hill GP, 25th August 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Hot on the heels of last week’s first Tree Pipit of 2026 came three more. Single birds were noted in flight over Harrington on 22nd and Clifford Hill on 27th while, on 23rd, one was trapped and ringed at Stanford.

Tree Pipit, Stanford Res, 23rd August 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

And thrown in for good measure, a Corn Bunting in the Brampton Valley on 22nd rounds off what was clearly a decent week for passerines, as well as other birds, in the county.

Newsround 15th to 21st August 2026

Posted on August 23, 2026August 24, 2026 by Mike Alibone

A settled period with average temperatures, brought on by a northerly airstream in the latter part of the week, saw migrational momentum on the up and delivering a now expected American wader to the shoreline of Daventry Country Park …

But running conventionally through the list, Garganey is a duck which has been rather scarce in the county this year, although this autumn’s few birds have been hanging around, thereby making themselves readily available to anyone intent on catching up after the dearth of spring records. Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR continued to feature daily in this respect, with one on 15th-16 and three from 18th until 21st. One was also found at Pitsford Res on 18th. The now settled female Ferruginous Duck at Stanford Res also saw another week out.

Just up the road from Summer Leys on the wider periphery of Great Doddington, however, came an intriguing report of a Turtle Dove ‘on the road’ during the late afternoon of 16th, although there was no sight nor sound thereafter. A bit of a head-scratcher, that.

Not so with waders, though, and two with curves were a Whimbrel at Pitsford on 20th, following a Curlew at Clifford Hill GP the day before. Following one at Summer Leys LNR on 15th, Pitsford gave rise to a healthy count of sixteen Black-tailed Godwits on 18th, while numbers varying between one and three continued to be seen there up until 20th. Titchmarsh also held on to one from 19th until 21st and five were found at Hollowell Res on the latter date.

Juvenile Black-tailed Godwits, Pitsford Res, 19th August 2026 (Alan Coles)

Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit, Pitsford Res, 19th August 2026 (Alan Coles)

And hot on the heels of only the third for the county this year, two more Turnstones were found – one at Pitsford on 18th and the other at Titchmarsh on 21st. Only the latter remained on view for any length of time …

As wader passage continued to beef up, three sites gave rise to Ruffs, with Boddington Res kicking off with one from 18th to 20th, two at Pitsford on 18th-19th and one on 20th-21st, followed by two at Clifford Hill on the latter date.

Juvenile Ruff, Boddington Res, 18th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

But this year it was Daventry’s turn to host what’s now again become a regular Americano – and right on cue came a fine adult Pectoral Sandpiper, clearly in a nod to the newly-constructed viewing platform overlooking the site’s West Bay. Found on 17th, it remained on view throughout the period. This wader has been of annual occurrence over the past four years but, prior to 2022, there was a big, 11-year gap in records between then and 2011.

Adult Pectoral Sandpiper, Daventry CP, 17th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Adult Pectoral Sandpiper, Daventry CP, 17th August 2026 (Bob Bullock)

Adult Pectoral Sandpiper, Daventry CP, 17th August 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Last week’s Wood Sandpiper was still to be found at Titchmarsh until 19th but not subsequently. Greenshanks, however, continued to pour in and were present all week at Pitsford, where numbers rose from four on 15th to between seven and ten on 18th, before falling back to three on 21st. Elsewhere, one remained at Titchmarsh all week, two were at Hollowell Res on 15th with one there on 21st, one visited Ecton SF on 17th, two were at Summer Leys on 19th-20th, and singles were at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (North) on 20th-21st and at Clifford Hill on 21st.

Greenshank, Ecton SF, 17th August 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

On the larid front, two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls – including last week’s with a Polish colour ring – were at Daventry on 16th after just the one there the previous day. Also, the German-ringed adult male Caspian Gull was still at Naseby Res on 18th and another adult visited Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (South) at the week’s end. Yellow-legged Gulls were down a little on last week’s numbers with six at Priors Hall Quarry Lake on 16th, one at Daventry on 17th and up to two at Pitsford from the latter date until the period’s end.

Adult Yellow-legged Gull, Pitsford Res, 18th August 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Following last week’s Glossy Ibis at Summer Leys, one appeared at Titchmarsh on 15th, then going AWOL before showing up there again on 18th. One was also reported again at Summer Leys on 18th before being relocated at nearby Earls Barton GP the next day, remaining there until 21st as well as being seen at Summer Leys again on the same date.

Glossy Ibis, Earls Barton GP, 19th August 2026 (Leslie Fox)

Summer Leys also produced 2 Cattle Egrets on 15th followed by a Bittern there the next day.

And then there were Ospreys. One at Thrapston GP on 17th and one or two over Brixworth on 18th, with two at Pitsford on 18th and 20th. Apart from two at Summer Leys on 15th, single Marsh Harriers were clocked at Titchmarsh on 15th, Stanford on 16th, Summer Leys again on 16th, at both Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and Pitsford on 18th and at Earls Barton on 21st.

Heading up the week’s passerines was a class act in the shape of a bright and shiny Wood Warbler. Encountered on the move at Wicken Wood on 15th, it was duly photographed by the finder who, coincidentally, was also the finder of this year’s only previous record, at Clifford Hill back in May. Nowadays in the county, they’re fast heading down the road to becoming as rare as hen’s teeth …

Wood Warbler, Wicken Wood, 15th August 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Seemingly moving in the opposite direction, the number of localities at which Common Redstarts continued to be found remained firmly in double figures, the thirteen localities producing them being Blueberry Farm (Maidwell), Boughton, Brampton Valley, Brixworth, Clifford Hill, Denton Wood, Great Brington, Harrington AF, Honey Hill, Lamport, Old/Walgrave, Pitsford and Stanford. The highest counts of three were at Harrington on 15th and Old/Walgrave on 19th and singles were trapped and ringed on 16th at both Brixworth and Stanford.

Male Common Redstart, Denton Wood, 15th August 2026 (Steve Brayshaw)

The number of Whinchats was limited to two, with single birds in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on 18th and one at Borough Hill on 21st, while two Stonechats were also at the latter locality on the same date.

The 18th saw single Northern Wheatears in both the Brampton Valley and at Pitsford, while what would appear to be the first Tree Pipit of the year was seen at Hollowell on 15th.

A Crossbill was at Wicken Wood on 16th.

Newsround 8th to 14th August 2026

Posted on August 16, 2026August 16, 2026 by Mike Alibone

With local temperatures peaking at 35°C on the penultimate day, another dry week ensued, weatherwise – but not so on the birding front, which reached a climax on the last day of the period when the cream rose to the top …

While the regular female Ruddy Shelduck remained seemingly settled at Stanford Res in the early part of the week, it subsequently defected to Hollowell Res on 12th, where it was still to be found on 14th. The same cannot be said for Stanford’s female Ferruginous Duck which, obviously having taken a shine to the place, extended its stay there by another the week.

Female Ferruginous Duck, Stanford Res, 14th August 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Two Garganeys were present at Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR from 10th to 12th, with at least one remaining subsequently.

A Quail was reported in flight between Greatworth and Helmdon on 12th.

Also in flight was a Whimbrel, south over Pitsford Res on 12th, the same locality and date seeing a Curlew over north-west, with likely the same individual over Stanford some 25 minutes later. Three Black-tailed Godwits were on the ground at Clifford Hill GP on 10th, with one in flight there the following day, while two were found at Daventry CP on 12th.

Black-tailed Godwits, Daventry CP, 12th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Two ‘firsts’ for our autumn wader passage materialised in the form of a Turnstone in flight over Pitsford on 12th – only the third record of the year so far, following a disappointingly lean spring showing – and a Ruff at the same locality the day prior.

A Wood Sandpiper appeared at Titchmarsh on 9th, remaining on site all week and, following last week’s much-admired Spotted Redshanks at Daventry CP, three more duly obliged – this time for one day only, at Summer Leys LNR on 14th. The number of Greenshanks continued to rise with up to four at Pitsford throughout the week, up to two at Hollowell between 12th and 14th and singles at Titchmarsh all week and Summer Leys on 14th.

Greenshank, Pitsford Res, 14th August 2026 (Tony Stanford)

And while sifting through flocks of gulls for something spicy might not be everyone’s cup of tea, on the larid front, juvenile Mediterranean Gulls continued to feature with one at Stanford on 8th and a Polish-ringed individual at Daventry from 8th until at least 13th.

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Daventry CP, 13th August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Also, the German-ringed adult male Caspian Gull remained throughout at Naseby Res, being joined by a second-summer there on 13th, while another was found at Priors Hall Quarry Lake on 9th. At the same time, the latter site also produced the highest count of Yellow-legged Gulls, with seven there, while single juveniles visited Sywell CP on 8th and Daventry on 13th and one was at Thrapston GP on 10th.

Yellow-legged Gull, Priors Hall Quarry Lake, 9th August 2026 (James Underwood)

Leaving everything else in the shade, though, was the jewel in this week’s birding crown, found at Summer Leys on the final day. Initially flagged up as a Black Tern, the bird’s identification was nippily corrected as the county’s eighteenth White-winged Black Tern, feeding over the Main Lake there throughout the morning and well into the early evening. A moulting adult, it was one of four to be found in the UK during the week, hot on the heels of the last individual at the same locality during May 2025. Prior to that, we have to go back ten years to July 2015, when one was at Stanwick GP.

Adult White-winged Black Tern, Summer Leys LNR, 14th August 2026 (Kyle Smith)

Almost ironically, the last day of the week also produced two Black Terns at Clifford Hill GP.

Juvenile Black Tern, Clifford Hill GP, 14th August 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Back at Summer Leys, a Glossy Ibis appeared on 12th, remaining there until 14th. We’ve been spoiled rotten with them from last autumn and well into the spring so this bird did not emerge as a crowd-puller.

Single Bitterns were seen at Titchmarsh on 12th and at Summer Leys on 14th, while 2 Cattle Egrets visited the latter site on 9th and four appeared at Clifford Hill early doors on 14th.

With plenty still floating around, the 10th saw single Ospreys at Blatherwycke Lake, Hollowell, Pitsford and Thrapston, with Pitsford producing further sightings on 11th, 12th and 14th and one was again at Hollowell on the latter date. And early autumn traditionally sees a rise in the number of Marsh Harriers, exemplified perfectly by sightings coming from nine localities. Single birds were seen over Blueberry Farm (Maidwell), Byfield, Harrington AF, Lamport Hall, Pitsford, Ringstead GP, Summer Leys and Titchmarsh, while the Brampton Valley held two on 8th and 12th.

Juvenile Marsh Harrier, Summer Leys LNR, 10th August 2026 (Paul Crotty)

On the passerine front, Common Redstarts were again leading the way in terms of numbers. The ten localities producing them were Blueberry Farm (Maidwell), Brampton Valley, Clifford Hill, Cold Ashby, Great Oxendon, Harrington, Honey Hill, Lamport, Old/Walgrave and Stanford. Up to four at Harrington on 11th was the highest single site count and two were trapped and ringed at Stanford on 14th.

Common Redstart, Honey Hill, 10th August 2026 (Paul Young)

Common Redstart, Honey Hill, 12th August 2026 (Paul Young)

Whinchats were clearly on the up, this week, with twos in the Brampton Valley between Hanging Houghton and Brixworth and between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton, while singles were also present at Blueberry Farm, Harrington, Naseby and Titchmarsh. Single Northern Wheatears were found at Harrington on 11th and 13th, in the Brampton Valley on 11th, 13th and 14th, between Stony Stratford and Wolverton on 12th and at Orlingbury on 14th.

A lone Crossbill was seen near Lyveden New Bield on 9th.

Newsround 1st to 7th August 2026

Posted on August 8, 2026 by Mike Alibone

While the warm, dry weather continued, the first week of August saw mounting expectations of good things to come – particularly with regard to waders, numbers of which rose a little, with the quality moving up a notch …

Ducking and diving was the female Ferruginous Duck seen daily at Stanford Res until 5th, the same site continuing to host the regular female Ruddy Shelduck throughout the period.

Female Ferruginous Duck, Stanford Res, 3rd August 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Meanwhile, at Summer Leys LNR, the two Garganeys remained present on the Scrape until at least 5th, while one was also found at Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR on the last day of the week.

Eclipse drake Garganey, Summer Leys LNR, 2nd August 2026 (Alan Coles)

Eclipse drake Garganey, Summer Leys LNR, 5th August 2026 (Alan Coles)

Now into its fourth week, the remarkable run of Black-necked Grebes continued with two at Stanford on 1st, at least one of which remained until 3rd, while one was reported at Daventry CP on 1st.

Black-necked Grebes, Stanford Res, 1st August 2026 (Barry Silverman)

With the water level dropping nicely, Daventry also gave rise to a Whimbrel on 4th but stealing the show there were two crisp, juvenile Spotted Redshanks from 1st until 3rd, this duo attracting a lot of attention, being only the second record of the year after one at Earls Barton GP on 23rd-24th April.

Juvenile Spotted Redshanks, Daventry CP, 2nd August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Juvenile Spotted Redshank, Daventry CP, 2nd August 2026 (Jim Urwin)

Juvenile Spotted Redshank, Daventry CP, 3rd August 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Following just one bird last week, Greenshanks were up in the closing two days, the 6th seeing singles at Boddington Res and Summer Leys, followed the next day by two at Sulby Res and further singles at Hollowell Res, Pitsford Res, Stanford and Titchmarsh.

Four sites produced Black-tailed Godwits, Daventry leading with five on 1st, followed by two at Clifford Hill GP on 2nd, where one was to be found between 4th and 7th. Sulby hung on to one between 4th and 6th, with one visiting Summer Leys on the latter date.

Black-tailed Godwit, Sulby Res, 6th August 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Like last week, just the one Mediterranean Gull – again a juvenile – appeared, this time at Hollowell Res on 4th. And sticking with the reservoirs, single first-summer Caspian Gulls visited Boddington and Daventry on 3rd and 6th, respectively, while Naseby retained its German-ringed adult male throughout the period. Juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls were present at Daventry on 1st and 3rd and adults were seen at Thrapston/Titchmarsh on 2nd, 4th and 7th and at Pitsford on 4th and Hollowell on 5th.

Summer Leys’ Scrape gave rise to a Bittern on 3rd, following a Cattle Egret there the previous day, while another Cattle Egret flew over Woodford Halse on 7th.

Cattle Egret, Summer Leys LNR, 2nd August 2026 (Alan Coles)

And this week’s raptors were last week’s raptors, with Ospreys and Marsh Harriers once more filling the category between them. Singles of the former flew over Stanford on 1st and 2nd and three whirled over Hollowell together before drifting off south-east on 4th, followed again by one there the next day. Apart from one at Stanford on 1st, Marsh Harriers were largely restricted to the Brampton Valley/Blueberry Farm area, where they were seen almost daily and three were present together on 3rd. Only a stone’s throw away, one visited Harrington AF on 4th.

On the passerine front, Common Redstarts were once again dominant, eleven localities producing decent numbers. These comprised Blueberry Farm (Maidwell), Borough Hill, Brampton Valley, Clifford Hill, Cosgrove, Harrington, Honey Hill, Kislingbury GP, Lamport, Old/Walgrave and Upper Heyford. Five at Blueberry Farm on 3rd was the highest single site count.

Common Redstart, Glassthorpe Hill, 7th August 2026 (Jon Cook)

Two Whinchats were in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on 2nd with one again in the same area on 5th and two were found at Harrington AF on the last day of the period.

Not to be outdone, Northern Wheatears kept up appearances, with single birds at Upton CP on 1st, in the Brampton Valley on 3rd and at Harrington AF on 4th.

Newsround 25th to 31st July 2026

Posted on August 1, 2026August 1, 2026 by Mike Alibone

Another dry week, weatherwise, but not so in terms of the local birding scene, which saw a number of new arrivals, the best of which vanished within minutes of being found …

The same cannot be said with regard to ducks, however, with the ageing female Ruddy Shelduck seeing out another week at Stanford Res and sharing the water with the female Ferruginous Duck of unknown origin, which appeared there once more on 27th. A repeat performance from the first week in July saw a female Red-crested Pochard again at Ravensthorpe Res on 27th and 28th in company with the female Red-crested Pochard x Mallard hybrid on the first of these two dates. The latter is best swept under the carpet. We’ll say no more …

As well as the two Garganeys extending their stay by another week at Summer Leys LNR, two more were present at Daventry CP on 30th.

Eclipse drake Garganey, Summer Leys LNR, 28th July 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Female and eclipse drake Garganey, Summer Leys LNR, 28th July 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Female and eclipse drake Garganey, Daventry CP, 30th July 2026 (Gary Pullan)

And we were reminded of the good year for Quail this week when another singing male was heard, this time near Mawsley, on 26th.

Black-necked Grebes were again very much in the spotlight during the period, with an adult from last week remaining at Daventry until 29th, a juvenile appearing at Ravensthorpe on 26th, followed by two juveniles at Stanford on 27th and one there on 31st.

Black-necked Grebes, Stanford Res, 27th July 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

There was no change in the week’s offering of waders, with the 27th seeing two Black-tailed Godwits at Earls Barton GP and singles at Boddington Res and Sulby Res, followed by another at Daventry on 31st.

Black-tailed Godwit, Boddington Res, 27th July 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Last week’s Wood Sandpiper at Daventry was also reportedly present there on the first day of this week, while a Greenshank appeared at Pitsford Res on 28th.

And it was the turn of Stanford to dish up the period’s only Mediterranean Gull with a juvenile present on the dam there on 27th.

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Stanford Res, 27th July 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Back this week for its sixth year, the German-ringed ‘XLVH’ adult male Caspian Gull returned to Naseby Res where it was to be found on 27th and 31st. This individual is now at least ten years old.

German-ringed adult male Caspian Gull, Naseby Res, 27th July 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Single Yellow-legged Gulls were at Daventry on 26th, Pitsford on 27th, 29th and 30th and at Thrapston GP on the latter date.

Echoing last week, a first-summer Arctic Tern was again present at Daventry on 30th.

A Cattle Egret was an unusual visitor for Hollowell Res on 30th.

The period experienced a paucity in Osprey sightings with just single birds at Hollowell on 27th and at Pitsford the following day. The same cannot be said for Marsh Harriers, though, with one in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on 25th, 28th, 30th and 31st, with likely the same individual at nearby Blueberry Farm, Maidwell on 29th. Singles were also seen at Harrington AF on 28th and at Stanford on 31st.

Had it stuck around, bird of the week, by a long chalk, would have been the Red-backed Shrike found in the Brampton Valley on 25th. Said to have been a juvenile, it was discovered appropriately on the so-called ‘shrike hedge’ between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton before being flushed by one of the above Marsh Harriers, after which it was not relocated, despite searches conducted by multiple observers. Now, had it been akin to a certain shrike currently residing on the Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire border, pandemonium would have no doubt broken out …

Thirteen localities produced Common Redstarts this week, including Barton Seagrave, Blueberry Farm (Maidwell), Brampton Valley (between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton), Clifford Hill GP, Daventry CP, Harrington AF, Honey Hill, Lilbourne Meadows NR, Long Buckby, Old, Pitsford Res, Stanford Res and Upper Heyford.

Male Common Redstart, Clifford Hill GP, 26th July 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Juvenile Common Redstart, Stanford Res, 30th July 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Following the autumn’s first last week, the period’s Whinchats comprised one at Honey Hill on 26th and two in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton.

Newsround 18th to 24th July 2026

Posted on July 26, 2026 by Mike Alibone

With migrants on the move, the penultimate week of July wasn’t too bad, as it happened. The prevailing wind from northerly quarters took the edge off the heat and, while parts of Wales declared official drought conditions, six counties in central and southern England moved a step closer, officially announcing ‘prolonged dry weather’, the Environment Agency’s drought status that sits between ‘normal’ and ‘drought’ conditions. Northamptonshire was one of these, this following Anglian Water’s hosepipe ban announced the week before. Funny, that, because if you take a look at Pitsford, the county’s largest reservoir, there are only narrow muddy margins running to about the extent expected for the time of year. Hopefully there will be waders aplenty in the weeks to come …

Seemingly settled and beginning its summer moult, the female Ruddy Shelduck remained all week at Stanford Res where, on the first day of the period, a female-type Ferruginous Duck was also present. Most certainly from nearby Shawell, just over the border in Leicestershire, where it was seen earlier in the month, this individual has been earmarked as of ‘unknown origin’ and forms part of a cluster of unseasonal summer sightings in this part of the Midlands over the past couple of years. In fact, all Ferruginous Duck records in neighbouring Warwickshire since 2021 have been relegated to Category E by the British Birds Rarities Committee.

No such derision of status applies to the drake and female Garganeys that were found at Summer Leys LNR on 20th. Still present at the week’s end, they are squeaky clean …

Once again, the period proved good for Black-necked Grebes, with last week’s adult remaining at Stanford until 18th and two (more?) adults appearing at Daventry CP on 21st after the last sighting of one there on 17th. Both were still present until 22nd, after which one stayed on until the week’s end. Meanwhile, the Nene Valley delivered two juveniles, with one at Clifford Hill GP on 21st being joined there by another on 24th.

Black-necked Grebe, Stanford Res, 18th July 2026 (Barry Silverman)

So, from Black-necked Grebes to Black-tailed Godwits, small numbers of which saw last week’s Titchmarsh NR individual remaining until 20th, single birds at Clifford Hill on 18th, Pitsford Res on 21st and Summer Leys on 24th and three at Daventry CP on 21st.

Black-tailed Godwits, Daventry CP, 21st July 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Black-tailed Godwit, Daventry CP, 21st July 2026 (Gary Pullan)

And, after being treated to an impressive spring passage of Wood Sandpipers, the first of the autumn dropped into Hollowell Res on 22nd, still to be found there at the week’s end, while another also appeared at Daventry on the last day of the period.

Wood Sandpiper, Hollowell Res, 22nd July 2026 (Jon Cook)

Wood Sandpiper, Daventry CP, 24th July 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Daventry also produced the week’s only Greenshank, on 22nd, the muddy margins there also giving rise to a juvenile Mediterranean Gull on 21st.

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Daventry CP, 21st July 2026 (Gary Pullan)

The week’s Yellow-legged Gulls were to be found at four localities, with Pitsford holding up to three throughout, while singles were at Thrapston GP on 18th, 20th and 22nd, Clifford Hill on 20th and 22nd and Sywell CP on 24th.

Back at Daventry, a first-summer Arctic Tern dropped in, briefly, on 24th.

Just the one Bittern showed this week – where else but at Summer Leys.

Ospreys showed up at four localities and included twos at Pitsford on 18th and Cransley Res the following day, while Thrapston GP’s Elinor Trout Lake produced singles on 18th, 20th, 22nd and 24th. Single birds also visited Pitsford on 19th, 20th and 23rd and one was seen over Ravensthorpe Res on the latter date. The number of Marsh Harriers increased on the previous week’s with single birds at Summer Leys on 18th, in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke, Hanging Houghton and Blueberry Farm on 18th, 19th, 20th, 23rd and 24th, Pitsford on 19th and 21st and over Byfield on 23rd.

Borough Hill produced a one-day wonder in the shape of a Pied Flycatcher on 23rd which is, so far, the sole representative of its kind in the county this year.

And the run of Common Redstarts rumbled on, with the number of recorded localities matching last week’s eleven. These comprised two in the Brampton Valley, Blueberry Farm (Maidwell), Borough Hill, Clifford Hill, Harrington, Honey Hill, Lilbourne Meadows NR, Pitsford, Ravensthorpe and Walgrave, seven of these sites producing multiples.

Common Redstart, Brampton Valley, 22nd July 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

The autumn’s first Whinchats appeared this week when a juvenile was found at Harrington on 23rd, quickly followed by two in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton the next day.

Northern Wheatears maintained a low profile with just the one at Harrington on 23rd. More to come, no doubt …

Newsround 11th to 17th July 2026

Posted on July 18, 2026 by Mike Alibone

The seemingly relentless summer heat wavered somewhat this week as the winds turned north-easterly toward the end of the period and the arrival of a fresh quota of migrants, large and small, hinted at autumn …

Now on tour, last week’s female Ruddy Shelduck vacated Winwick Pools and it was the turn of Stanford Res to play host throughout the period.

Ruddy Shelduck, Stanford Res, 12th July 2026 (Barry Silverman)

And a moult migration stopover was made by two Common Scoters at Clifford Hill GP on 12th.

On dry land, things went all quiet on the Quail front, the male near Blueberry Farm, Maidwell heard only on day one, after which … silence.

New in this week were four Black-necked Grebes – three adults together at Daventry CP on 14th, remaining there until 16th, after which one stayed on until 17th. Meanwhile, another adult arrived at Stanford on 15th, where it was still present at the week’s end. These represent only the fifth and sixth records for the year, so far.

Black-necked Grebes, Daventry CP, 14th July 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Black-necked Grebe, Daventry CP, 14th July 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Black-necked Grebe, Stanford Res, 15th July 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Four sites produced Black-tailed Godwits, commencing with a flock of thirteen adults, unlucky on the overgrown Scrape at Summer Leys LNR, early doors on 12th. These were followed by single birds at Clifford Hill on 13th, Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR on 16th-17th and Daventry CP on 17th.

Black-tailed Godwits, Summer Leys LNR, 12th July 2026 (Ricky Sinfield)

The only other wader deserving a mention was a Greenshank at a water-depleted Sywell CP on the last day of the period.

With regard to gulls, things perked up a bit this week with the arrival of the ‘autumn’s’ first Mediterranean Gulls, commencing with a second-summer at Daventry on 14th, quickly followed by a juvenile on 16th and an adult there the next day. A juvenile paid a brief visit to Summer Leys on 16th.

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Daventry CP, 16th July 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Adult Mediterranean Gull, Daventry CP, 17th July 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Daventry also produced an adult (or fourth-summer) Caspian Gull on 14th, while an adult was present at Clifford Hill, two days later, on 16th. Pitsford Res held up to three Yellow-legged Gulls between 13th and 17th and, elsewhere, single birds were to be found at Thrapston on 13th and at Clifford Hill the following day.

A report of two adult Arctic Terns at Daventry CP on 15th was unseasonal, to say the least.

Potentially dicing with death, a Bittern was videoed walking along Hardwater Road near Summer Leys on 14th, while the week’s only Cattle Egret was found at Titchmarsh NR before moving to Thrapston GP’s Town Lake.

Ever popular with Ospreys, the latter site’s Elinor Trout Lake produced one on 11th and 17th, and further reports involved two flying north-east over Stanford on 12th, one at Pitsford on 16th and one over Islip the following day. Meanwhile, Marsh Harrier sightings were ticking over with single birds at Harrington AF on 13th, Pitsford on 15th and Summer Leys on 16th-17th.

Having gained considerable momentum over the week, the early autumn Common Redstart rush delivered birds to eleven localities: two in the Brampton Valley, Blueberry Farm (Maidwell), Clifford Hill, Cold Ashby, Gretton, Harrington, Honey Hill, Lilbourne Meadows NR, Old and Summer Leys. Five of these sites produced at least two birds.

Male Common Redstart, Lilbourne Meadows NR, 14th July 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Male Common Redstart, Honey Hill, 16th July 2026 (Jon Cook)

In much shorter supply, however, was Northern Wheatear with just the one at Harrington on 11th, while the first of the season’s Stonechats appeared in the Brampton Valley, between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton, on 13th.

Newsround 4th to 10th July 2026

Posted on July 12, 2026July 12, 2026 by Mike Alibone

An Azores high pressure system ushered in a south-westerly airstream, sealing an extension to the ongoing heatwave and, for many attending Global Birdfair at the week’s end, making for a decidedly uncomfortable experience. Roasting aside, there were still birds to be found, with peak activity in the early mornings before temperatures climbed and many passerines sought cover …

A slightly better week for ducks saw the reappearance of an old faithful at Winwick Pools on 5th with the returning female Ruddy Shelduck back for her eleventh consecutive year. A contentious individual with opinions divided on whether it is of captive origin or whether it originates from the ever-growing feral European population, the majority of which moves north to The Netherlands to moult in early summer, with some overshooting to the UK. As a species its status has been under review by the British Ornithologists Union Records Committee since 2021 with a view to making a decision on whether it should be admitted to the British List under Category C5 (a vagrant naturalised species from outside Britain) in addition to its existing status in Categories B, D, and E. The wait for a decision goes on …

Female Ruddy Shelduck, Winwick Pools, 5th July 2026 (James Urwin)

There were no raised eyebrows or any such analysis required, of course, for Red-crested Pochard, five drakes of which were found at Ravensthorpe Res, also on 5th, when the long-staying drake was also present at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (South).

Just the one Quail remained in the Brampton Valley – the daily male near Blueberry Farm still in song at the week’s end.

And waders were represented by a trickle of Black-tailed Godwits, with Pitsford Res producing one on 4th, four on 6th and seven on 9th, while one paid a visit to Clifford Hill GP on 8th, and a Greenshank was present at Stanwick GP on 4th.

The majority of the week’s quota of Yellow-legged Gulls were at Pitsford, where there was one on 5th, three on 7th and five on 8th, while one was found at Thrapston GP on 6th.

A Cattle Egret was an unusual site record for Stanford Res on 4th.

Cattle Egret, Stanford Res, 4th July 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Pitsford played host to single Ospreys on 5th and 9th, while one flew over Hollowell village on the latter date. Other raptors included a lingering juvenile Marsh Harrier at Stanford on 9th-10th and another at Harrington AF on 10th.

Juvenile Marsh Harrier, Stanford Res, 9th July 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

And representing returning passerines, a run of Common Redstarts consisted of an adult male at Lilbourne Meadows NR between 7th and 9th, two juveniles at Clifford Hill GP also from 7th to 9th, three at Harrington on 9th with at least two still the following day and singles at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell and in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on 9th.

Juvenile Common Redstart, Clifford Hill GP, 5th July 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Juvenile Common Redstart, Clifford Hill GP, 6th July 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Juvenile Common Redstart, Clifford Hill GP, 9th July 2026 (Tony Stanford)

Moving south, the first Northern Wheatear of the autumn – a juvenile – appeared at Clifford Hill on 5th and, up in the north-easterly reaches of the county, a Hawfinch was reported at Fermyn Woods CP on 8th and at least two Crossbills were at Wakerley Great Wood on 7th.

Newsround 27th June to 3rd July 2026

Posted on July 5, 2026 by Mike Alibone

In a cooler week with a predominantly westerly airstream the transition from June to July wasn’t half bad, delivering more than expected for the time of year. Still, we’re now into July and migration is on the up, previous years having produced some class birds before the month is out.

But it wasn’t – and probably never will be – the best week for ducks, the last day of the period seeing a female Red-crested Pochard associating with a ‘female-type’ Mallard x Red-crested Pochard hybrid at Ravensthorpe Res on 3rd. Oh dear …

And the impressive Quail year steams on, the Brampton Valley holding at least two singing males during the week, while others were also heard near Weston on 27th and at Stanwick GP on 1st.

Amongst other things, Clifford Hill GP produced the best waders of the week with four Black-tailed Godwits on 29th, followed by five there on 1st.

Black-tailed Godwits, Clifford Hill GP, 29th June 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

While the 29th and 3rd saw single Yellow-legged Gulls at Pitsford Res, Clifford Hill delivered a first for the year in the shape of two Little Terns, early in the morning on 27th. Sadly, the brief viewing window was limited to the finder and they moved on pretty sharpish …

Little Tern, Clifford Hill GP, 27th June 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

After flyovers at Thrapston GP/Titchmarsh NR on 4th and 30th May, a White Stork flying south-east between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton was the third for the year. The wait goes on for one on the ground.

The week’s only Bittern was at Summer Leys LNR on 3rd and further dispersal of juvenile Cattle Egrets gave rise to four at Ringstead GP on 28th, two there on 3rd and three at Stanwick on 2nd.

Single Ospreys flew east over Brixworth on 29th and over Thrapston on 1st.

A Golden Oriole heard at Bucknell Wood on 27th remained in the shadows, subsequent to a rumoured, unconfirmed presence at the site since mid-May.

Somewhat more tangible, though, was a juvenile Common Redstart – the first of the ‘autumn’ – at Clifford Hill on 29th, followed by another at Borough Hill on 3rd.