Migration slowed to a mere trickle, almost drying up, during another unsettled week of average and below average temperatures coupled with periodic heavy showers on the back of a largely westerly airstream.
Six drake Mandarin Ducks were counted at Blatherwycke Lake – the long established location for this species – on 21st, a drake Garganey visited Stanwick GP on 20th and a female Common Scoter at Daventry CP on 22nd became the only one to have made it to the County so far this year. On 18th there were unconfirmed reports of Honey Buzzards over Woodford Halse and Islip, the Nene Valley produced a wandering Osprey at Thrapston GP on 20th and at nearby Oundle on 22nd and another at Chadstone on 23rd and two Peregrines were circling over Collingtree Park (Northampton) on 18th with another pair at a breeding site all week. Few waders were found during the period with three ‘Tundra’ Ringed Plovers at Stanwick GP on 23rd, a Black-tailed Godwit at Summer Leys briefly on 19th,
- Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit, Summer Leys LNR, 19th May 2013 (Mike Alibone)
a Whimbrel at Clifford Hill GP on the same date and two at Summer Leys LNR on 21st being the only birds of note. An Arctic Tern appeared at Thrapston GP on 22nd followed by two at Stanwick GP the following day.
Northants birds 