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.
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 …
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.
And, most unusual for the time of year, was a male Channel Wagtail, also at Clifford Hill, on 3rd.
Northants birds 