Mike Alibone

Newsround 31st October to 6th November 2026

Posted on November 7, 2026November 7, 2026 by Mike Alibone

The first week of November did not disappoint. The 5th saw fireworks of a different kind with, once again, Stanford Reservoir being streets ahead in providing the period’s best display …

In a week of reprieve from dodgy Brantas, it was a pleasure to welcome in more White-fronted Geese to four different localities. It’s been a good autumn so far for a bird that tends to appear in any numbers much later in the year. Single first-winters were found at Islip Water Meadows on 4th and at Boddington Res on 5th, the latter date also seeing one at Clifford Hill GP. Seven also dropped in at Stanford Res on the last day of the period.

White-fronted Geese, Stanford Res, 6th November 2026 (Barry Silverman)

Also incoming were more Whooper Swans – these days a much more frequent visitor to the county than in times past and so only to be expected following a wintering population increase of 171% over the 25 years 1998 to 2023. Three flew south-east over Kettering on 2nd, followed by four at Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR on 4th.

The female Ruddy Shelduck was still at its favoured site of Winwick Pools on 1st and a Red-crested Pochard popped up at Ditchford GP on 6th. Last week’s female-type Greater Scaup remained at Thrapston GP until at least 5th, being joined by another of the same for one day only, on 4th. A first-winter drake appeared at Ravensthorpe Res on 5th but was absent thereafter.

First-winter drake Greater Scaup, Ravensthorpe Res, 5th November 2026 (Mike Alibone)

The 5th also delivered a record-breaking flock of Common Scoters to Pitsford Res where an astonishing forty-nine ‘female-types’ were found in Pintail Bay, knocking the previous highest count of twenty-eight, at Ravensthorpe in July 1991, into a cocked hat. Other Common Scoters were available, with singles at Clifford Hill GP on 31st and at Stanford on 2nd.

Female Common Scoter, Stanford Res, 2nd November 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

A Black-necked Grebe was reported from Summer Leys LNR on 5th.

Topping the week’s waders was another Grey Plover, at Clifford Hill GP on the last day of the period.

Grey Plover, Clifford Hill GP, 6th November 2026 (Tony Stanford)

Single Jack Snipes were present at Summer Leys on 2nd and at Clifford Hill on 5th, while two late Common Sandpipers were at Boddington Res on 5th and at Pitsford on 6th.

Back again to record-breaking flocks and the first day of the week saw five Mediterranean Gulls in flight over Kettering on 31st in what was another good week for them locally. An adult and a first-winter were at Stanford on 31st, when an adult also visited Summer Leys. Single first-winters were at Stanford and Daventry CP on 1st and 2nd, respectively, second-winters appeared at Boddington on 3rd and Pitsford on 5th and an adult was at Titchmarsh on the latter date.

Adult Mediterranean Gull, Summer Leys LNR, 31st October 2026 (Ryan Beeves)

Caspian Gulls were present somewhere on each day of the period, with Boddington, Hollowell, Pitsford, Ravensthorpe, Stanford and Thrapston all producing one to two birds. And Yellow-legged Gulls fell into the same category, although the roost at Boddington held at least eight on 3rd and smaller numbers were to be found at Clifford Hill, Stanford, Pitsford and Thrapston.

But, as dusk began to fall on 5th, the evening kicked off with an almighty bang as, out of the last glimmer of light, came a beast of a bird. Initially seen flying east over Stanford’s gull roost, a Great Skua subsequently pitched down and was then located on the water, where it remained until it quickly became shrouded in darkness. Despite a pre-dawn vigil, early the following morning, it was not seen again. This is the 22nd Great Skua to be seen in the county and the first since October 2018, when one spent an afternoon at Sywell CP, but prior to that we have to look back to 2007 …

Great Skua, Stanford Res, 5th November 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Although keeping a low profile for some of the time, the Summer Leys Glossy Ibis saw another week out on site.

Just one locality produced Cattle Egrets, the riverside meadows at Denford holding two on 31st and a respectable eleven on 3rd.

And Summer Leys and Titchmarsh carved up the week’s Marsh Harriers between them, with almost daily sightings of up to two individuals at the first of these and singles at the latter site on 1st and 6th and two on 2nd. A ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier was seen in the Brampton Valley between Blueberry Farm, Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on 2nd and 5th, the same area again producing a Short-eared Owl on 31st.

The latter locality was also one of nine holding this week’s Stonechats, at the same time delivering the highest count of six on 5th. Numbers between one and four were present at Clifford Hill, Hollowell, Moulton, Pitsford, Priors Hall, Summer Leys, Sywell CP and Titchmarsh.

A Hawfinch was heard at Hazelborough Forest on 31st.

Newsround 24th to 30th October 2026

Posted on November 1, 2026 by Mike Alibone

With the continued run of late autumn migrants – including two more new ones for the year – it was another week to be savoured, with the spotlight firmly on Stanford Reservoir …

The week’s wildfowl medley once again opens with a blisterin’ Barnacle Goose at Islip Water Meadows from 27th to 30th and the Cackling Goose of unknown origin again visiting Stanford Res on the first of these two dates. More White-fronted Geese arriving on the scene included two adults down south, between Aynho and Clifton, from 25th until at least 30th, and three dropping into Summer Leys LNR on 30th.

Six Whooper Swans paid a brief visit to Ravensthorpe Res on 29th before departing to the north-west.

The female Ruddy Shelduck remained settled at Winwick Pools and Pitsford Res produced a drake Red-crested Pochard on 28th. Thrapston GP’s drake Ring-necked Duck was seen again this week but only on the first day of the period, as was last week’s female-type Greater Scaup, mobile between Titchmarsh NR and Town Lake throughout the week.

Following no reports of Pitsford’s Slavonian Grebe subsequent to 22nd, it was seen again there on the last day of the period.

This week’s waders were limited to Jack Snipe, with singles at Clifford Hill GP on 27th and Summer Leys on 29th.

However, gull power spiced up the lives of a good many local birders this week as Stanford pulled a neat, first-winter Sabine’s Gull into its roost on 26th, which it then visited for the following four evenings, also being seen daily in the early mornings before its final departure on 31st. First recorded as recently as 1987, it’s a class rarity in Northants with only seventeen previous records, the last being at Pitsford in October 2022.

First-winter Sabine’s Gull, Stanford Res, 27th October 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

First-winter Sabine’s Gull, Stanford Res, 28th October 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

It was also another good week for Mediterranean Gulls. Following one at Earls Barton GP’s Mary’s Lake on 25th, the Stanford roost held an adult on 26th, 28th and 29th plus a first-winter on the second of these dates, after which an adult was found at Wicksteed Park Lakes, Kettering on 30th, when a second-winter also visited Daventry CP.

Adult Mediterranean Gull, Wicksteed Park Lakes, 30th October 2026 (Julie Roe)

Second-winter Mediterranean Gull, Daventry CP, 30th October 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Caspian Gulls, too, were up for grabs, with Earls Barton producing a second-winter on 25th, Stanford a first-winter on 25th and an adult on 26th, and Hollowell an adult on 30th. Six localities produced Yellow-legged Gulls, although numbers were low, and included singles at Earls Barton, Ravensthorpe and Stanford on 25th, Clifford Hill on 27th, Thrapston GP on 27th and 29th, with three there on 30th, when one also visited Wicksteed Park Lakes.

A Glossy Ibis at Ditchford GP’s Irthlingborough Lakes & Meadows NR on 24th seems likely to have been the Earls Barton/Summer Leys individual of late. It was back at the latter site from 25th onwards.

The week’s Cattle Egrets comprised two at Islip Water Meadows on 24th and 27th.

And Marsh Harriers were still high profile, with up to two at Summer Leys daily throughout the period, a male at Stortons GP on 25th, one at Titchmarsh from 27th until at least 29th, plus one at Harrington AF on the latter date.

Short-eared Owls continued to show, this week’s restricted to one in the Brampton Valley, between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on 27th and one in flight near Cold Ashby on 29th.

Harrington produced a Merlin on 24th.

But, once again, it was Stanford that delivered another outstanding bird this week – and the first one of its kind for five years. On 30th, the first Woodlark in Northants since 2021 flew over calling, continuing on its way – sadly without dropping in. It’s not the easiest species to catch up with in the county as many previous individuals have failed to linger. During the past week, significant movements of Woodlarks were recorded across southern and eastern England.

Last week’s Ring Ouzel at Harrington was still present on 24th.

Only the fourth for 2026, a Black Redstart found in Greens Norton on 29th disappeared very rapidly after its discovery, thereby continuing this year’s trend for evasion of those looking to catch up with one locally.

Just five localities were to produce Stonechats this week. Clifford Hill, Earls Barton, Harrington, Thrapston and Upton CP, with a maximum of four at Thrapston on 29th.

Female Stonechat, Earls Barton GP, 25th October 2026 (Leslie Fox)

Female Stonechat, Upton CP, 27th October 2026 (Tony Stanford)

Male Stonechat, Earls Barton GP, 29th October 2026 (Leslie Fox)

Getting late in the season now for migrant Rock Pipits, one was found at Clifford Hill on 28th.

Newsround 17th to 23rd October 2026

Posted on October 25, 2026 by Mike Alibone

Wind? Rain? Storm Austen? Never mind the weather, this week it all came together with the monstrous discovery of a new bird for Northamptonshire – and a classy one at that! An American passerine straight out of left field caught everyone by surprise, leaving everything else in the shade. But there’s a few things to run through before we get to that …

Thrapston GP was the place to be for the first of the season’s wild geese this week – although not so ‘wild’ was a Barnacle Goose present on the adjacent Islip Water Meadows on 22nd. A couple of days before that, on 20th, was when nine White-fronted Geese touched down just a few hundred metres away at Elinor Trout Lake before moving on, followed by twenty flying east there the next day and then four on the ground on 22nd.

Whooper Swans were also on the move this week, the 17th seeing nine at Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR, three at Stanford Res, two at Pitsford Res and one at Clifford Hill GP. However, the following day saw a hefty twenty at Blatherwycke Lake. All of these birds were transient.

Adult Whooper Swans, Pitsford Res, 17th October 2026 (Bob Bullock)

Adult Whooper Swans, Stanford Res, 17th October 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Whooper Swans, Blatherwycke Lake, 18th October 2026 (James Underwood)

And back in the news this week was the female Ruddy Shelduck, seemingly settled between 18th and 23rd at its favoured locality of Winwick Pools while, not a million miles away, the female Red-crested Pochard remained at Ravensthorpe Res until at least 22nd.

Female Ruddy Shelduck, Winwick Pools, 18th October 2026 (James Urwin)

And last week’s presumed returning drake Ring-necked Duck remained at Titchmarsh until the end of the period, the same site also producing a female-type Greater Scaup on 22nd-23rd.

Drake Ring-necked Duck, Titchmarsh NR, Thrapston GP, 17th October 2026 (Colin Manning)

Also new in this week was a drake Common Scoter that spent a few hours at Stanford on 18th.

Drake Common Scoter, Stanford Res, 18th October 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Local interest in the Slavonian Grebe found at Pitsford on 11th ebbed as the week progressed but it was still being reported up until 22nd.

Waders were in even shorter supply, which is understandable as we’re now heading into late October. What was a little surprising, though, was the arrival of two Grey Plovers at Clifford Hill on 20th. It’s turned out to be a good autumn for them, locally, but none has stayed for long and, as a result, they’ve been extremely difficult to connect with. The only other waders of note were Jack Snipes. Summer Leys LNR held one from 17th to 19th and two on 21st, while Clifford Hill produced one on 19th and two on 21st.

Jack Snipe, Clifford Hill GP, 19th October 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Last week’s leftovers on the larid front kicked off with a Little Gull still at Clifford Hill on 17th, although there was no sign subsequently, while a first-winter appeared at Titchmarsh three days later, on 20th. Mediterranean Gulls were more plentiful, with a first-winter and a second-winter at Pitsford on 17th, two second-winters in the roost at Stanford on 19th and single first-winters at both Daventry CP and Hollowell Res on the latter date, while an adult was found near Islip on 23rd.

First-winter Mediterranean Gull, Daventry CP, 19th October 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Second-winter Mediterranean Gull, Stanford Res, 19th October 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Just one Caspian Gull at Pitsford on 19th represented a poor showing of late but the usual run of Yellow-legged Gulls started with four at Pitsford on 17th, three were at Thrapston GP’s Town Lake on 18th and singles were at Clifford Hill on 17th, Titchmarsh on 17th and 20th, Pitsford on 18th, Stanford on 19th and near Islip on 23rd.

Last week’s Glossy Ibis remained settled at Summer Leys between 18th and 23rd.

Summer Leys also saw single Bitterns break cover on 17th-18th and 20th, while another was found at Ditchford GP on 19th-20th and solitary Cattle Egrets visited the first of these two localities on 18th and Islip Water Meadows on 22nd.

And there was no shortage of Marsh Harriers during the period, with three at Summer Leys on 17th, followed by two there on 21st and singles at Titchmarsh from 17th to 19th and at Clifford Hill on 18th.

Marsh Harrier, Clifford Hill GP, 18th October 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

A ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier was again in the Brampton Valley, between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton, on 22nd.

The above site also gave rise to up to three Short-eared Owls between 18th and 22nd, while one was at Harrington AF on the latter date.

Passerines were where it was at this week, though, and hot on the heels of one the previous week came another Yellow-browed Warbler – this time at Ravensthorpe Res, where it was heard only, on 21st. Once again, it disappeared immediately after being found. Always popular, one nailed down somewhere for a day or two would undoubtably be much appreciated.

And then there were Ring Ouzels. Unsurprisingly, the Brampton Valley pulled one in on 18th and another was at Harrington on 21st-22nd.

Scarce enough as they are, a Pied Flycatcher reported at Ditchford GP’s Irthlingborough Lakes & Meadows NR on 19th would be the latest autumn record in the county, beating the previous, on 6th October 1985, by just shy of two weeks.

The Brampton Valley, Clifford Hill, Hollowell, Pitsford, Summer Leys and Thrapston/Titchmarsh all produced the period’s Stonechats, with no more than four birds at any of these sites.

Male Stonechat, Clifford Hill GP, 18th October 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

But it was on Monday, 19th when the birding gods smiled generously on Northamptonshire. A species never before envisaged as ever making landfall in the county was discovered as it rummaged surreptitiously through the rocks and plants along the south-east shoreline of Clifford Hill’s Main Barrage Lake. American Pipit was never on the radar. But there it was – an avian lottery win for the finder and, by further good fortune, it remained on site throughout the working week, allowing local birders to catch up with it as well as attracting many more from further afield. Seemingly unfazed by human presence, it was showing down to a mere 3 metres on occasions, seemingly oblivious to photographers and admirers alike. For further details see here.

American Pipit, Clifford Hill GP, 19th October 2026 (James Underwood)

American Pipit, Clifford Hill GP, 22nd October 2026 (Phil West)

American Pipit, Clifford Hill GP, 23rd October 2026 (Alan Coles)

American Pipit, Clifford Hill GP, 23rd October 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

As well as being only the second to be recorded in an inland county in the UK and Eire, it is one of six to be found nationally so far this autumn, the others being in Ayrshire, Outer Hebrides, Isles of Scilly, County Antrim and County Cork.

Somewhat overshadowed by the above – and that’s putting it mildly – single Rock Pipits were at Clifford Hill on 17th and Stanford the following day.

Rock Pipit, Stanford Res, 18th October 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Four Crossbills were present at Gamboro Plantation near Cottesbrooke on 18th.

American Pipit at Clifford Hill Gravel Pits: a new species for Northamptonshire

Posted on October 19, 2026October 25, 2026 by Mike Alibone

Like a bolt out of the blue. Nobody saw it coming. A first for Northamptonshire. Today, 19th October, delivered a landmark event in the discovery by Tyler Atkinson of an American Pipit at Clifford Hill GP – the first American passerine ever to be recorded in the county.

Loosely associating with Meadow Pipits, it was initially found in the early part of the morning on the shoreline in the south-east corner of the Main Barrage Lake. Not long after its discovery it kept a low profile, remaining out of view, and was not seen again until midday, when it moved up onto the flat grassy area above the shore. It was then seen intermittently throughout the afternoon before flying off south-west over Hardingstone Dyke around 17.30.

American Pipit, Clifford Hill GP, 19th October 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Its presence throughout the day allowed many birders – some from beyond Northants – to catch up with it.

American Pipit observers, Clifford Hill GP, 19th October 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Until the end of 2025, there had been 72 records of American Pipit in the UK, all of which have been in coastal counties, apart from one memorable crowd-puller at Farmoor Reservoir, Oxfordshire in October 2007 and another at Queen Mother Reservoir, Berkshire in December 2012.

Newsround 10th to 16th October 2026

Posted on October 18, 2026 by Mike Alibone

October, a month with an unwavering reputation for delivering some of the year’s finest birds, duly proved its worth this week in the run up to its midpoint …

Of unknown origin – but overwhelmingly likely an escape – a Cackling Goose appeared at Stanford Res on 10th, remaining in the area until at least 15th. This species was officially added to the British List as recently as ten years ago, in 2016, and Northants has a handful of previous records, all of which have been relegated to the escapes category.

Cackling Goose, Stanford Res, 15th October 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

A Pink-footed Goose between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton in the Brampton Valley on 12th was the second record for the autumn, as was three Whooper Swans at Stanford on 11th following three – possibly the same – there on 8th.

Whooper Swans, Stanford Res, 11th October 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Getting late now for Garganey, one visited Summer Leys LNR on 11th but this was rightly outshone by a drake American Wigeon at Pitsford Res on 13th, which was one of ten in the UK during the period. Hot on the heels of the wintering drake at Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR in December 2025-January 2026, this week’s bird was only the ninth record for the county, while the one prior to the Titchmarsh individual was way back in 2004. Had it not been for last winter’s drake lingering for the best part of a month, there would have been a lot of long faces at Pitsford as this week’s bird was nowhere to be seen subsequently.

Drake American Wigeon, Pitsford Res, 13th October 2026 (Bob Bullock)

Further echoing last winter, a drake Ring-necked Duck found at Titchmarsh on 12th must surely be a returning bird as this site now looks like it might be set to host one for the third consecutive winter.

By no means in the same league, a female Red-crested Pochard was present at Ravensthorpe Res from 12th until 16th.

Following a much-admired individual at the latter site early in the spring, another Slavonian Grebe appeared at Pitsford on 11th, remaining there to see the rest of the week out.

Slavonian Grebe, Pitsford Res, 14th October 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Moving deeper into October, waders were looking decidedly thin on the ground but, once again, it was Grey Plover that topped the bill with three at Pitsford on 10th and one at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (South) on 14th. All turned out to be short-stayers.

Juvenile Grey Plover, 14th October 2026 (Laith Yasseen)

The latter site also produced a westbound Whimbrel on 15th, while two Curlews and a Ruff were present at Lilbourne Meadows NR on the same date. Another Ruff was found at Stanwick GP on 13th.

The last day of the period produced more Jack Snipes, with two at Clifford Hill GP and one at Summer Leys.

Jack Snipe, Summer Leys LNR, 16th October 2026 (Leslie Fox)

It was a good week for gulls and terns, considering where we are in October. Two Little Gulls appeared at Clifford Hill GP on 12th, one of which remained there until 16th.

First-winter Little Gull, Clifford Hill GP, 15th October 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

The period’s Caspian Gulls were found at three localities, Daventry CP producing an adult on 12th and a second-winter on 13th-14th, while another second-winter visited Hollowell Res on 12th and an adult appeared at Stanford on 14th.

Adult Caspian Gull, Daventry CP, 12th October 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Second-winter Caspian Gull, Daventry CP, 13th October 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Yellow-legged Gulls included five at Pitsford on 12th and two there on 14th, singles at Titchmarsh on 12th-13th, Daventry on 13th and Clifford Hill on 14th-15th.

Interestingly, juveniles of all three of the county’s commonest terns appeared at Pitsford on 12th, when singles of Common Tern, Arctic Tern and Black Tern were up for grabs, these being followed by a juvenile Black Tern at Wicksteed Park Lakes on the last day of the period.

Juvenile Black Tern, Wicksteed Park Lake, 16th October 2026 (Julie Roe)

Back again in the Nene Valley – if it ever left – was a Glossy Ibis. First seen at Summer Leys on 11th-12th, it was relocated nearby at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (South) on 14th-15th, before returning to Summer Leys on 16th.

Glossy Ibis, Earls Barton GP, 14th October 2026 (Leslie Fox)

Ironically, far less rare than the above but much harder to catch up with this year, was a short-staying, first-winter Spoonbill which dropped in at Boddington Res on 15th. Initially seen by two dog-walkers in the shallow waters of the south-west corner before becoming airborne, identified, photographed (with a mobile phone) and watched heading high north-east, it is only the second to be found in the county in 2026. The first was a one-day bird at Clifford Hill on 5th April.

First-winter Spoonbill, Boddington Res, 15th October 2026 (Gary Pullan)

The week’s Bitterns were limited to singles at Titchmarsh on 12th and 13th and at Summer Leys on the latter date. Three Cattle Egrets flew over Stanwick GP on 16th.

On the raptor front, at least two Marsh Harriers were present at Summer Leys between 10th and 15th, up to two were seen at Stanford between 12th and 15th, the same going for Titchmarsh between 12th and 16th, while one flew over Stanwick GP on 13th.

Marsh Harrier, Titchmarsh NR, 13th October 2026 (John Showers)

Male Marsh Harrier, Stanford Res, 13th October 2026 (Barry Silverman)

Marsh Harrier, Summer Leys LNR, 13th October 2026 (Alan Coles)

Past years have proven October to be a standout month for Hen Harriers and this week saw single ‘ringtails’ at Blueberry Farm, Maidwell on 12th and 13th and flying west over Byfield on the latter date.

A Short-eared Owl flew south over Harrington AF on 15th.

And the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton gave rise to a Merlin during the three days 13th to 15th, while another was seen over fields south of the dam at Boddington on 16th.

Titchmarsh scored a Yellow-browed Warbler on 16th, now only to be expected as an annual visitor, with several hundred having already entered the UK this autumn. Alas, it melted away before any potential audience had a chance to connect with it.

A Ring Ouzel at Harrington AF on 16th was the second of the autumn, so far.

And probably the last of the year, a late Whinchat was found at Clifford Hill on 12th. In stark contrast, of course, Stonechats were present at nine localities, including Borough Hill, Brampton Valley, Clifford Hill, Daventry, Harlestone, Hollowell, Pitsford, Summer Leys and Titchmarsh. Maximum site counts were seven at Pitsford on 16th and six at Borough Hill on 12th.

Female Stonechat, Daventry CP, 12th October 2026 (Gary Pullan)

And finally, not quite a landslide, but a small fall of Rock Pipits occurred this week when single birds were found at three localities. One appeared at Clifford Hill GP on 14th, remaining there until 16th, while the 15th produced one-dayers at both Boddington and Stanford, bringing the autumn’s total to seven so far.

Rock Pipit, Clifford Hill GP, 15th October 2026 (Tyler Atkinson)

Rock Pipit, Stanford Res, 15th October 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Rock Pipit, Boddington Res, 15th October 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Newsround 3rd to 9th October 2026

Posted on October 10, 2026October 10, 2026 by Mike Alibone

The first signs of our getting ever closer to winter kicked in this week, primarily reflected in the arrival of seasonal fare but also in the weather becoming somewhat cooler, less settled and more in line with autumn proper. In addition to this, the skies over some eastern parts of the county were set to deliver the week’s best birds …

Kicking off with winter birds, these materialised in the shape of Whooper Swans, three of which flew into Stanford Res on 8th, however their brevity of stay resulted in only initial flight views before they quickly moved on.

But two localities in east Northants produced an aerial spectacle for two lucky, right place, right time, birders as they were alerted by bugling calls to a sizeable flock of Common Cranes passing overhead on the 5th. First picked up to the north-east of Wicksteed Park by Julie Roe at 10.10, twelve then came into view within two minutes, heading due south. One minute later, as they crossed the A14, two more joined them from the east before all fourteen were lost to view over Symmetry Park Industrial Estate, on a flight path toward Isham.

Common Cranes, Wicksteed Park, 5th October 2026 (Julie Roe)

At 10.25 the flock was picked up over Burton Latimer by Kevin Daniels as it continued its southern trajectory.

Common Cranes, Burton Latimer, 5th October 2026 (Kevin Daniels)

And after that? The flock left Northamptonshire skies without further detection but Julie kept tabs on the birds and they were subsequently seen at two sites in Buckinghamshire – over Emberton at 11.05 and over Slapton at 12.05, although the flock size had reduced to twelve by this time. Clearly on a mission to cross the English Channel, it was again picked up heading south over Amberley Wild Brooks NR, next to the River Arun, between the rolling hills of West Sussex’s South Downs, at 15.00. Next stop: France. Confirmation that these were the same twelve birds comes by way of one individual having a visible gap in the flight feathers of its right wing. This appears to be the largest flock to have occurred in Northamptonshire to date …

A little more down to earth, the week’s waders continued to dwindle in numbers and the best to be seen was the autumn’s second Grey Plover, in flight over Stanford Res on 6th. A Curlew put in a brief appearance at Lilbourne Meadows NR on 5th, while last week’s juvenile Black-tailed Godwit at Daventry CP remained until the end of the period. Two Ruffs were still to be found around Earls Barton GP’s New Workings until at least 4th, one was at Lilbourne Meadows from 4th until 6th and another appeared at Stanford on the latter date.

Juvenile Ruff, Lilbourne Meadows NR, 6th October 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Stanford also produced an adult Mediterranean Gull along with an adult Caspian Gull on 8th, while a second-winter Caspian was found at Daventry the following day.

Adult Mediterranean Gull, Stanford Res, 8th October 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Second-winter Caspian Gull, Daventry CP, 9th October 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Two Yellow-legged Gulls remained at Pitsford Res and an adult was again present at Thrapston GP on 9th.

Getting late, now, a juvenile Black Tern paid a brief visit to Daventry on 7th.

Bitterns were still to be found at Summer Leys, where two were present on 4th and one being seen on 6th, while the week’s only Cattle Egret was mobile between Islip Water Meadows and adjacent Thrapston GP on the last day of the period.

On the raptor front, the Earls Barton juvenile Osprey remained until 4th before apparently moving on, the latter date also producing one over Cransley Res. And almost a permanent fixture these days – although numbers tend to swell during migration periods – Marsh Harriers continued their presence throughout the week with up to two at Summer Leys LNR from start to finish, two at Stanwick GP on 3rd and singles at Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR on 4th and Stanford on 9th.

Juvenile Marsh Harrier, Summer Leys LNR, 6th October 2026 (Alan Coles)

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

Passerines were in short supply but another reminder of impending winter became manifest on the 8th when the first Redwings were incoming over Corby, Stanford and Stanwick – the latter location seeing in excess of thirty passing over.

Stonechats were found at seven sites which included Deenethorpe AF, Earls Barton, Hinton AF, Lilbourne Meadows, Stanwick, Summer Leys and Titchmarsh, with a maximum of five at Hinton on 4th.

Male Stonechat, Lilbourne Meadows NR, 6th October 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Female Stonechat, Earls Barton GP, 8th October 2026 (Leslie Fox)

Clearly not done with them yet, a Northern Wheatear flew south-east over Greens Norton on 4th.

Following last week’s, another two Rock Pipits dropped in briefly at Daventry on 7th.

And a final symbolic reminder that winter is just around the corner was the first Bramblings of the back end of the year, two of which were found at Hinton AF on 4th.

Newsround 26th September to 2nd October 2026

Posted on October 3, 2026October 3, 2026 by Mike Alibone

Low pressure in the North Atlantic dragged up warm air from southern climes mid-period but new birds on the scene this week were not in the easiest of places to observe, as well as failing to linger for anyone keen to catch up with them …

Last week’s eight Barnacle Geese remained in the vicinity of Clifford Hill GP throughout the period and the drake Red-crested Pochard first seen at Pitsford Res on 24th was still present there on 26th.

Barnacle Geese, Clifford Hill GP, 28th September 2026 (Tony Stanford)

After spring’s meagre offering of just three short-staying individuals, the first Grey Plover to materialise so far this autumn was seen in flight over Hollowell Res on 29th. A single Curlew appeared at Earls Barton GP on 28th, while Daventry CP and Ravensthorpe Res carved up the week’s Black-tailed Godwits between them – two from the previous week remaining at the former locality until 27th, after which they were replaced by a new individual from 29th until 2nd, and one at the latter site from 26th until 1st.

Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit, Ravensthorpe Res, 28th September 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit, Daventry CP, 2nd October 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Ruffs from last week spilled over into this week with one at Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR remaining, being seen there on 26th and 29th, and the one at Pitsford similarly staying on until 27th. Two, presumably new birds, were present at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (South) on 28th-29th, with at least one still present on 2nd.

Adding to the autumn’s already good numbers of Spotted Redshanks, two more were found at Titchmarsh this week, on 28th. Greenshanks were few and far between, though, with singles at Pitsford on 27th and Hollowell Res on 28th, followed by two at Titchmarsh on 30th.

On the Larid front, it was all pretty much the same as the previous week. Single Caspian Gulls included first-winters at both Hollowell and Summer Leys LNR on 28th and at Earls Barton GP on 30th, while the German-ringed adult male extended its stay at Naseby Res until at least 28th. There were fewer Yellow-legged Gulls than of late, Pitsford holding on to at least two throughout the period, with singles at Ditchford GP on 27th, Summer Leys on 28th, and at both Daventry and Titchmarsh on 29th.

First-winter Yellow-legged Gull, Ditchford GP, 27th September 2026 (James Underwood)

Fourth-winter Yellow-legged Gull, Daventry CP, 29th September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Adult Yellow-legged Gull, Pitsford Res, 30th September 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Back in the frame this week was Glossy Ibis. Two or, conceivably, just one individual accounted for short-stay drop-ins at Daventry on 26th and at Lilbourne Meadows NR on 2nd. It’s a mere 12 km between the two sites, as the ibis flies …

Glossy Ibis, Daventry CP, 26th September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

The period’s Bitterns were all seen in one place – that being Summer Leys, where at least one was occasionally on view, five days out of seven. And a few more Cattle Egrets comprised four at Blatherwycke Lake on 26th and singles at Wicksteed Park, Kettering on 29th and at Stanwick GP on 1st.

Cattle Egret, Wicksteed Park, 29th September 2026 (Julie Roe)

And, after last week’s hefty raptor cocktail, it appears we were set to see more of the same. An Osprey reported in flight over Islip on 26th was merely a passing shot compared to the juvenile which appears to have become settled in the general locale of Earls Barton GP since late August, the latter chalking up another week on site.

Juvenile Osprey, Earls Barton GP, 28th September 2026 (Bob Bullock)

Juvenile Osprey, Earls Barton GP, 30th September 2026 (John Kirkelionis)

Juvenile Osprey, Earls Barton GP, 2nd October 2026 (Peter Doyle)

Marsh Harriers were still to be found in favoured areas, with singles at Earls Barton/Summer Leys on 26th, 27th, 29th and 2nd, near Burton Latimer on 29th and at both Stanwick GP and Titchmarsh on 30th.

More surprises again materialised in the shape of White-tailed Eagles with a juvenile reported near Rushton on 27th and a possible over Kingsthorpe, Northampton on 30th. Just like buses, it seems …

And another Merlin made it into the mix this week when a male was at Little Harrowden on 26th.

On the passerine front, the autumn’s first Ring Ouzel, a female, was found on the outskirts of Northampton at Brackmills CP on 27th, while another ‘autumn first’ appeared in the shape of a Black Redstart at the Royal Mail Midlands Super Hub at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) on 30th – a monstrous building and not the easiest to view with the area visibly restricted. The two previous birds earlier in the year were largely off limits so another, more accessible individual, would no doubt be welcomed.

Just the one Whinchat, at Clifford Hill GP on 2nd, represented dwindling numbers over the past couple of weeks, during which time Stonechats have increased significantly. Burton Latimer, Creaton, Ditchford, Earls Barton, Hollowell, Lilbourne Meadows, Pitsford, Summer Leys and Thrapston all produced varying numbers of the latter, with Pitsford delivering the highest count of eleven on 1st.

Male Stonechat, Pitsford Res, 30th September 2026 (Sharon Wood)

And last, but not least, another species which has been tricky to connect with locally in recent years is Rock Pipit. Apart from a Scandinavian race individual at Summer Leys on 23rd April being the only one for the year so far, single birds arrived on cue this week at Daventry on 28th and Pitsford on 29th-30th.

Newsround 19th to 25th September 2026

Posted on September 27, 2026 by Mike Alibone

A persistent westerly airstream throughout a predominantly warm, dry week raised hopes of an Americano in the wader camp – especially in the light of recent national arrivals. It was not to be, of course, but instead, something big (quite literally) came in and was quickly out again while local birders had their backs turned …

This was not the case, however, for last week’s eight Barnacle Geese which were still lingering at Clifford Hill GP on 25th. Back on the scene this week was the female Ruddy Shelduck, once again at Hollowell Res, on 21st, while a drake Red-crested Pochard was found at Pitsford on 24th.

And apparently destined to go nowhere any time soon were the two juvenile Black-tailed Godwits seeing another full week out at Daventry CP. Single birds elsewhere included one at Hollowell on 21st and at Boddington Res from 21st to 23rd.

Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit, Boddington Res, 23rd September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Meanwhile, Daventry’s long-staying Turnstone was nowhere to be seen after 20th. Three Ruffs at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (South) on 25th was the period’s highest site total and singles were present at Summer Leys on 20th, at Pitsford from 20th to 25th and at Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR from 21st to 25th. Greenshank numbers took a tumble with only singles at Pitsford from 19th until 25th and at Titchmarsh from 19th until 21st.

Greenshank, Pitsford Res, 25th September 2026 (Tony Stanford)

Caspian Gulls were found at four localities that included Pitsford, where there was a first-winter on 20th and 24th, Earls Barton GP, where an adult appeared on 21st, Naseby Res, where the usual German-ringed adult male was present on 23rd, and Stanford Res, where an adult turned up on 24th. As usual, Pitsford continued to deliver its weekly dose of Yellow-legged Gulls, with up to four there between 19th and 24th, while singles were at Thrapston on 19th and 23rd and at Clifford Hill GP on 25th.

The period’s only Bittern was seen at Ditchford GP on 24th and single Cattle Egrets were at Summer Leys on 20th and at Titchmarsh NR on 24th.

The weekly provision of raptors generated a surprisingly interesting turn-up for the books during the period. The juvenile Osprey at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (South) extended its stay by another week and single Marsh Harriers visited Summer Leys on 19th, Brampton Valley on 20th, Pitsford on 22nd and Earls Barton GP on 24th, while twos were at Titchmarsh NR on 22nd and Summer Leys the following day.

Juvenile Osprey, Earls Barton GP, 25th September 2026 (Leslie Fox)

But it was on the 24th that the skies turned dark over Pitsford. Somehow, it appeared that between birders departing from, and arriving at, the supposedly well-watched bays north of the Causeway, a potential monster rare blatantly breezed in and, apparently unimpressed with the locality, departed after only a few minutes. The word ‘potential’ applies in this case as we don’t really know if the White-tailed Eagle that graced the site, and ruffled the feathers of a couple of gobsmacked fishermen, is a truly wild bird or one from the English reintroduction scheme. Either way, it must have been a sight to behold and by good fortune one of the fishermen managed to capture it on video, the footage subsequently appearing on Ken Reeves’ Facebook page suggesting it’s a subadult.

Single Short-eared Owls were reported from Borough Hill on 19th and again in the Brampton Valley on 20th-21st.

A Merlin was present at the latter site on 24th.

The Brampton Valley is also where we start the week’s summary of passerines, with a Common Redstart on 21st – one of only two reports this week, the other being a male and female trapped and ringed at Stanford on 24th.

Male Common Redstart, Stanford Res, 24th September 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

Whinchat numbers were again low, with two at Borough Hill on 19th, two in the Brampton Valley on 20th, dwindling to one there on 21st and 24th and two at Harrington AF on 22nd. In stark contrast, numbers of Stonechats were up, being found near Arthingworth, in the Brampton Valley, and at Earls Barton, Hollowell, Pitsford, Summer Leys, Thrapston and Upton CP with the highest count of three to four at Pitsford on the last day of the week.

Northern Wheatears were also ebbing away, with just singles in the Brampton Valley between 21st and 25th and at Harrington on 22nd.

Newsround 12th to 18th September 2026

Posted on September 20, 2026 by Mike Alibone

As we moved into mid-September, a somewhat tepid week ensued with much of the previous week’s fare lingering, albeit in smaller numbers.

Love ‘em or loathe ‘em, feral ‘C-list’ Barnacle Geese have a habit of turning up in the Nene Valley, particularly at Clifford Hill GP, where eight were present on 17th-18th. However, untainted and having travelled from much further afield, were this autumn’s first Pink-footed Geese, with a wee skein of seven flying south-east near Byfield on 16th.

At Stanford Res, the female Ferruginous Duck of uncertain origin was again present on 12th and 13th, while the following day saw three Common Scoters at Pitsford Res.

With nothing to see between wildfowl and waders, four Curlews flying west over Summer Leys LNR on 15th represented an interesting – and welcome – addition to the week’s list. In line with a rapid and severe decline across the UK, losing nearly half (around 48% to 49%) of its breeding population since the mid-1990s, they’ve become rather scarce locally and, apparently, they no longer breed in Northamptonshire.

Black-tailed Godwits were seen daily during the week, though only in small numbers. Two remained at Daventry CP throughout, while single birds were present at Pitsford from 12th until 15th and at Boddington Res on 17th. Aside from one at Pitsford on the opening day of the period, the previous week’s Turnstone at Daventry became an unusually long-stayer, still to be found there at the week’s end.

Juvenile Turnstone, Daventry CP, 17th September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Present at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (South) on 16th, just the one Ruff represented a further drop in numbers, while this year’s fine autumn for Spotted Redshanks continued, with one in flight over Summer Leys on 15th.

Spotted Redshank, Summer Leys LNR, 15th September 2026 (Alan Coles)

Greenshanks were present at four localities, Pitsford holding the lion’s share of four on 14th-15th, falling to two on 16th and dropping further to just the one on 17th. Elsewhere, Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR produced one from 12th until at least 14th, one was at Earls Barton GP on 15th and one was present at Stanford on 16th.

Greenshank, Earls Barton GP, 15th September 2026 (Leslie Fox)

Greenshank, Stanford Res, 16th September 2026 (Chris Hubbard)

With regard to the number of species, there was no change on the gull front this week with the regular adult Caspian Gull still to be seen at Naseby Res on 12th and 18th, while single juveniles were present at Daventry on 12th and at Pitsford on 13th, 16th and 17th.

German-ringed adult male Caspian Gull, Naseby Res, 18th September 2026 (Mike Alibone)

And Yellow-legged Gulls were the sole preserve of Pitsford, where varying numbers were seen daily, maxing out at seven on 14th.

Belated news emerged of a Manx Shearwater found in a garden in Crick and taken into care at Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital, Kibworth Beauchamp, on 11th September. The team there spent four days tube-feeding it and ensuring it was in top condition before being taken to the Welsh coast, where it was successfully released on 16th. This wrecked individual comes hot on the heels of two found in similar circumstances in September 2025 and is approximately the 36th record for Northants. Almost 75% of records have occurred in the month of September.

Manx Shearwater, Kibworth Beauchamp, 12th September 2026 (Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital)

The 13th saw two Bitterns at Stanford Res, while singles were seen at Summer Leys on 13th and 18th and at Titchmarsh on 14th, while the week’s only Cattle Egret was one in flight, west, over Stanford on 15th.

Aside from one at Titchmarsh on 12th, the juvenile Osprey at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (South) continued to prove popular, putting on a grand show daily as it extended its stay there until the end of the period.

Juvenile Osprey, Earls Barton GP, 13th September 2026 (Alan Coles)

Marsh Harriers were less obliging, with two at Summer Leys on 13th, one at Blueberry Fram, Maidwell on the same date and one at Harrington AF on 15th.

And autumn saw its first Short-eared Owls this week when single birds were found in the Brampton Valley/Blueberry Farm area on 13th-14th and at Wicksteed Park, Kettering on 18th.

On the passerine front, there was a considerable decrease in numbers of Common Redstarts in comparison to last week. Singles were present at Harrington AF on 12th and 15th, between Old and Walgrave on 12th, Blueberry Farm from 13th to 16th and at Lamport Hall on the latter date. Whinchats were also down, with one at Wicksteed Park on 12th, two in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on 15th-16th and one at Clifford Hill GP on 17th-18th. And as Whinchats ebbed away, Stonechats moved in. A male was found on farmland west of Yardley Hastings on 15th, one was at Upton CP on the same date, two were at Pitsford on 17th and one at Sywell CP on 18th. This week’s Northern Wheatears, all singles, were at Harrington on 12th, Blueberry Farm on 13th, in the Brampton Valley on 15th and at Pitsford Res on 17th.

And with one at Harrington on 12th, it appears we’ve not yet seen the last of this year’s Tree Pipits.

Four Crossbills were at what has recently become a favourite site for them, Gamboro Plantation in the Brampton Valley, on 16th.

Newsround 5th to 11th September 2026

Posted on September 12, 2026 by Mike Alibone

The week’s westerly airstream appeared to have little impact on what turned up in the county during the period or, for that matter, what left the county at the end of the week prior. With reference to the latter, there was a notable clear-out of scarcer waders and numbers of those deemed more common also fell appreciably …

For one day only, the peripatetic female Ruddy Shelduck made an appearance at Ravensthorpe Res on 7th after last being seen at nearby Hollowell Res on 31st. Other one-day-only ducks this week were single Garganeys, both seen on 5th, at Pitsford Res and at Thrapston GP’s Titchmarsh NR.

In keeping with this autumn’s glut of Black-necked Grebes, another was found on Earls Barton GP’s Mary’s Lake on 10th but was not seen subsequently.

As already stated, wader numbers were down on last week and Black-tailed Godwits were a prime example, with just two at Pitsford on 5th and one there from 7th until 9th. Three were also at Daventry CP on 10th-11th.

Adult Black-tailed Godwit, Daventry CP, 10th September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

Juvenile Black-tailed Godwits, Daventry CP, 10th September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

After a dearth of spring records this year, Turnstones have more than made up for their poor showing, with another being added to a now respectable autumn tally on 11th, when a juvenile was found at Daventry.

Juvenile Turnstone, Daventry CP, 11th September 2026 (Gary Pullan)

And, strange as it may seem, what appears to be the first Knot of the year made a brief touchdown at Hollowell on the evening of 8th, before quickly heading off west.

Juvenile Knot, Hollowell Res, 8th September 2026 (Jon Cook)

Ruffs were still to be found, albeit in lower numbers, with four sites producing birds. Three were at Pitsford on 5th, followed by one there on 8th, one was at Summer Leys LNR on 5th and again on 8th-9th and twos were present at Naseby Res and Ravensthorpe on 7th.

Juvenile Ruff, Summer Leys LNR, 8th September 2026 (Leslie Fox)

The previous week’s Little Stint at Clifford Hill stretched its stay by one more day, on 5th, while two early Jack Snipes – the first of the autumn/winter period – were found at Hollowell on 10th. They are not the earliest ever, however, that accolade falls again to Hollowell on 3rd September 1995.

Last week’s Wood Sandpiper at Ravensthorpe just managed to make it into this week, still being present there on 5th, as did Pitsford’s Spotted Redshank, also gone after 5th, while numbers of Greenshanks took a tumble. Pitsford produced two on 5th, one on 7th-8th, followed by three on 9th. One lingered at Titchmarsh from 7th until 10th and singles were found at Hollowell on 8th and Ditchford GP on 11th.

Greenshank, Pitsford Res, 7th September 2026 (Alan Coles)

Gulls on display during the period were limited to the usual weekly fare, namely Caspian and Yellow-legged. Adult Caspian Gulls consisted of two at Naseby on 7th and singles at Hollowell on 9th and 10th and Earls Barton GP’s Mary’s Lake and New Workings (South) on the latter date. The number of Yellow-legged Gulls hit double-figures at the county’s most reliable site, Pitsford, where ten amassed on 8th, while singles were at Titchmarsh on 5th and 10th and at both Ditchford and Wicksteed Park Lake on 11th.

The week’s only Black Tern – a juvenile – was present at Thrapston GP’s Elinor Trout Lake on 10th.

Summer Leys and Titchmarsh carved up the period’s Bitterns between them, providing fleeting views at the former on 5th, 9th and 11th and at the latter on 5th and 8th, while Cattle Egrets maintained a low profile, with one flying west over Stanford Res on 9th and another at Earls Barton GP’s New Workings (North and South) the next day.

Cattle Egret, Earls Barton GP, 10th September 2026 (Leslie Fox)

On the raptor front, Ospreys were to be found at four locations, with the usually favoured reservoir sites taking a back seat this week. Pitsford and Stanford saw one apiece on 8th, while one flew south between Borough Hill and Daventry on 9th. But it was Earls Barton’s New Workings (North and South) that turned out to be the hot spot, with one seen there last week clearly having put its stamp on it this week, remaining reliable in the area throughout the period.

Juvenile Osprey, Earls Barton GP, 11th September 2026 (Mike Alibone)

Though in short supply, Marsh Harriers were widely spread, this week’s birds comprising singles between Old and Walgrave and at Stanford on 6th and at both Hollowell and Blatherwycke Lake on 10th.

Marsh Harrier, Hollowell Res, 10th September 2026 (Jon Cook)

And as autumn unfolds it’s proving to be a rather productive one for yielding Pied Flycatchers. Following one reported at Irchester CP on 5th, two more were found on 9th – one at Denton Wood and the other at Lamport Hall, the latter considered to be a different bird to the previous two recently present there.

Up on last week’s figures, seven sites produced Common Redstarts with no more than two at any one of Blueberry Farm (Maidwell), Brampton Valley, Harrington AF, Hinton AF, Lamport, Naseby and between Old and Walgrave.

The Brampton Valley emerged as delivering the highest site total of Whinchats with four there on 11th, the latter date seeing two at Wicksteed Park, Kettering and one at Clifford Hill GP. Elsewhere, singles were at Summer Leys on 8th-9th, Harrington on 9th and Hollowell on 10th.

Whinchat, Hollowell Res, 10th September 2026 (Jon Cook)

Hollowell also produced a Stonechat on 7th, while single Northern Wheatears were found at Harrington on 6th, Clifford Hill on 6th, 7th and 9th and Middleton Cheney on 9th, and two were at Hinton AF on 11th and one was present in the Brampton Valley between Cottesbrooke and Hanging Houghton on the latter date.

The 10th saw single White Wagtails at both Hollowell Res and Summer Leys.

A Tree Pipit was trapped and ringed at Brixworth STW on 6th – the same date that one flew over Harrington.

Harrington produced more flyovers in the shape of two Crossbills on 6th, ahead of a decent sized flock of at least thirty at Wakerley Great Wood on 10th.