Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Thursday, 8 November 2012

A "speck" in the distance!


I needed to visit the fishing lodge at Pitsford Reservoir in order to renew my expired bird watching permit and decided to start my day by visiting nearby Harrington Airfield. Nothing too special about but the mixed finch, bunting and thrush flocks along the concrete road were quite spectacular. Around 10 Bramblings, 50+ Yellowhammers, 400+ Linnets, 100+ Fieldfare, 20 Redwings. A chat with the farmer revealed a ridiculous idea to turn the site into a feature park to commemorate the war time "Carpet Baggers" air crews and the later Thor Missile bunkers. Would you pay to visit the derelict lumps of concrete (above) that is the only reminder of its past? I say leave it to nature!

Skylark


A flyover Mute Swan showing well its wing structure


On to Pitsford Reservoir and my annual bird watching permit was soon issued. However, walking Harrington Airfield in wellies had taken its toll, with my left ankle becoming painful. I restricted myself to a short walk to the Maytrees feeding station and scanning either side of the causeway. Nothing special about with the expected wildfowl.

Its a hard life! Mute Swan


Tufted Duck




While scanning the Scaldwell and Walgrave Arms, I noticed a white spec in the distance!


It looked like an Egret, but with its back to me. The distance was immense but its size was leading me to think it was a Great White Egret. Would it turn around? Well yes, and the thick yellow bill was in my scope.


After about forty minutes, the GWE had had enough and took to flight over Walgrave Arm, eventually being lost behind the trees. My first sighting this year, even if it was "A speck in the distance!".

Today's Sightings:

Great Crested Grebe; Cormorant; Great White Egret; Grey Heron; Mute Swan; Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Wigeon; Mallard; Gadwall; Teal; Pochard; Tufted Duck; Buzzard; Kestrel; Pheasant; Red Legged Partridge; Coot; Moorhen; Lapwing; Black Headed Gull; LBB Gull; GBB Gull; Wood Pigeon; Collared Dove; Green Woodpecker; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Skylark; Pied Wagtail; Dunnock; Wren; Robin; Blackbird; Fieldfare; Redwing; Mistle Thrush; Long Tailed tit; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Starling; Jay; Magpie; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; Rook; House Sparrow; Tree Sparrow; Brambling; Chaffinch; Greenfinch; Goldfinch; Bullfinch; Linnet; Yellowhammer; Reed Bunting.

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2 comments:

  1. Douglas Mcfarlane8 November 2012 at 20:34

    I've come across many people at Harrington in recent months that I've thought were birders, but turned out to be people wishing to visit an ex-nuclear site, in fact more people then birders. It does look like it'll be give a special protection order for what remains of the buildlings etc.
    Totally agree about leaving it in the past and let nature take control, there's enough aviation/wartime mueseums etc.

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  2. Kevin Groocock9 November 2012 at 04:29

    Yes, i've met a few too! I support protection of the site but would be concerned if they decided to rebuild a bunker, put in a missile etc etc! I think there is a small museum nearby.

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