🔒 Lockdown Day 22

⛅️7C to start then ☀️10C ~ Wind ←NE@4mphTuesday 14th April 2020 ~ Nothing to report of any interest on the #nocmig last night, in fact, the last few nights have been exceptionally quiet.

Just two of yesterdays seven Yellow Wagtails were located today.

A later and somewhat fragmented visit to Napton Reservoir today. When I arrived I was surprised to find an older couple, who I hasten to add had driven here, feeding the ducks and accompanied by the yappiest dog you'd wish to hear. I had to smile but frankly, any chance of finding anything new had greatly diminished. I only managed two of yesterdays seven Yellow Wagtails and the reedbed held a singing Reed Warbler and two Sedge Warblers. After a short while, I left to try my luck at some hedge bashing.

Two Common Whitethroats at the marina today ( A library image of mine from last year)

The best results today were at the marina, where while sitting enjoying a coffee on the deck my first Common Whitethroat of the year appeared on top of a nearby hawthorn.

Barn Owl quartering the  dog exercise field this evening

In the early evening, Dazza and I enjoyed an excellent half-hour watching a Barn Owl quartering the dog exercise field and while here a second or same Common Whitethroat was noted.

 

🔒 Lockdown Days 20/21

⛅️6C to start then ☀️9C ~ Wind ↙NE@14mph ~ Gusting 20mph Monday 13th April 2020 ~ A complete rest Easter Sunday from any birding, instead I enjoyed a pleasant cycle ride with Dazza in the lovely sunshine.

However, today it was back to normal with the 'Daily Lockdown Walk' to the nearby Napton Reservoir. No #nocmig recording overnight due to heavy showers and an increase in wind speed.

I estimate around 20+ House Martins amongst the hirundines this morning

It seems that the overnight rain and now blustery conditions had lit the blue touch paper when I arrived at the Reservoir. The stiff north-easterly was gusting to around 20mph and as I raised my head above the steps the place was awash with Hirundines! What had been a trickle over the previous week was now an avalanche and I estimated a mixture of some (20+) House Martins, (10+) Sand Martins and the remainder, some (70+) Swallows.

One of at least seven Yellow Wagtails today.

Along the bank, I could already make out at least three Yellow Wagtails and it wasn't until I reached the wooden bridge that I realised there was at least seven!

This Greenshank was a pleasant surprise today

As I approached the bridge I flushed a Greenshank which I'd missed and was obviously feeding along the water's edge. Fortunately, it offered the opportunity for some record flight shots before disappearing over the treeline towards the canal.

Greenshank on the move

At the reedbeds, there was another year-first with a newly arrived Reed Warbler singing and amazingly to finish the walk a group of six Wader Sp. flew through the marina as I arrived back to the boat, but I wasn't concentrating, best guess Dunlin but sadly not a tick.

It was an unprecedented morning of local birding for me and to be honest, I can't help thinking that this would not have been possible if the usual fisherman and dog walkers were here.

More Images of a Brilliant Morning....

Another of the seven Yellow Wagtails

House Martin

Yellow Wagtail

Greenshank

 

🔒 Lockdown Days 18/19

⛅️10C to start then ☀️22C ~ Wind ↖SE@9mph Friday 10th April 2020 ~ After a chilly start a glorious day with temperatures in the low 20's. No Nocmig recording last night so nothing to report.

Swallows still few and far between but a few now drifting through

A Swallow over the reservoir when I arrived and today a record 'Lockdown' count of five Snipe, duly flushed as I came up the steps onto the bank, but they did drop back in a little further up. I paused at the reedbed to listen out for a while and heard two Sedge Warblers today, although unlike the day before they kept a low profile. I've heard a Water Rail over the past week on two occasions but today I managed the briefest of views as it passed thru a small gap, so another 'Lockdown tick achieved. The marina produced what now seems like a daily Red Kite, this one passing quite low over to the east. Plenty of butterflies passing by while sitting out, which included various numbers: Orange Tip, Brimstone, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock. A walk to the marina entrance and bridge after dark produced my first Daubenton's Bat, one skimming the water around 11.30pm.

#PatchGold this morning when this Tree Pipit suddenly appeared.

⛅️11C to start then ☀️23C ~ Wind ↖SE@1mph Saturday 11th April 2020 ~ Again no nocmig recordings this evening, too many BBQs going on late around the marina grounds.

Tree Pipit ~ Third consecutive year of connecting at Napton reservoir

A quieter walk up to the reservoir this morning, mainly due to a tractor working nearby and drowning out most of the birdsong or passing fare. That said I certainly struck lucky while checking the hawthorn when the above Tree Pipit suddenly appeared, flying up into a nearby tree! It stayed just long enough for a couple of photographs and was actually the third consecutive year I've connected in the spring at Napton Reservoir.

Record shot of Drake Pochard this morning

Other highlights of a shortened visit today were (2) Snipe, (2) Sedge Warbler and a 'Lockdown' tick Drake Pochard.

 

Lockdown Day 17

☀️⛅️21C ~ Wind ←E@8mph Thursday 9th April 2020 ~ Another Nocmig overnight produced a year-first Little-ringed Plover, a single bird with 3 calls at 12:45 but nothing more of note, not even a Redwing!

A Chiffchaff now on territory at the Reservoir

A year first as I stepped foot off the boat this morning when finally my first Swallow of the year flew over the pontoons. My normal route over to Napton Reservoir had the now established Blackcaps, Willow Warblers & Chiffchaffs but nothing new to report on the water when I arrived, no Snipe seen today either.

A more recently arrived Willow Warbler

It was generally quiet on my first pass but as I paused for a while at the reedbeds on route back to the marina a Sedge Warbler began to sing, a new arrival. I stayed for a short while to enjoy the singing and had the briefest of views before I eventually headed back.

Yellowhammer ~ Not as much in evidence this year thus far!

Of note along the marina track the above Yellowhammer, which unfortunately have not been seen or heard much this year.

 

Lockdown Day 16

☀️⛅️21C ~ Wind ↗NE@4mph Wednesday 8th April 2020 ~ Apart from an Oystercatcher just before midnight and just three Redwings passing over during a six-hour session, last nights Nocmig recording was very disappointing. Recording nocturnal bird migration is still a learning curve for me and it would seem that clear skies and a full moon are not the best conditions for us nocmiggers!

There was no sign of yesterdays Common Sandpiper when I arrived at Napton Reservoir and just a single Snipe recorded today. Chiffchaffs were plentiful and Blackcaps too, along with three Willow Warblers but incredibly no hirundines for the 4th day running and I'm still yet to register my first Swallow of the year. At one stage I did hear a Water Rail calling from the reedbed but never connected. At the beginning of the week, I was getting a little excited that the water levels were dropping sufficiently to expose a few mud patches around the reedbed but sadly today noticed that the canal sluices were in full swing and the water levels were rising again rapidly

Marsh Harrier moving south over the reservoir towards Napton Hill

I must admit I'd got a little complacent today watching the many Buzzards enjoying the glorious weather, so when a Marsh Harrier suddenly appeared heading south at height I was a little taken aback! So much so that I was enjoying the bird so much I'd forgotten I had my camera. However, I did snap into action eventually and managed a few record shots as the bird departed heading over towards Napton Hill.

Marsh Harrier heads south

I'd originally reported the bird to friends as a cream head female, a natural assumption I suppose but I've since been made aware that this bird is possibly a 2nd calendar year male! In these situations, I'm happy to yield to the more experienced and I'm thankful for the input, either way it's just a great bird to have over the patch.

More Orange Tips beginning to appear now

A number of butterflies on the wing early today and these included: (3) Brimstone, (4) Peacock, (5) Small Tortoiseshell and (2) Orange Tip both males.

 

Lockdown Days 12/13/14/15

It was my birthday on Saturday and so I took a step back from birding and nocturnal recording this weekend to spend some quality time with Dazza. Despite our birthday plans being scuppered, It was a very enjoyable one with a couple of long towpath walks, actually recording our first House Martin of year in the process.

My first Grass Snake during Monday's walk ~ Not this one though, taken a few years back! 

🌧⛅️15C ~ Wind ↙SSW@11mph Monday 6th April 2020 ~ Showers overnight and a stiff breeze prevented me from completing a nocmig last night. My usual walk from the marina through to Napton Reservoir produced my first Willow Warbler of the year, plus a Green Woodpecker addition to my 'Lockdown List'. There was little change at the Reservoir despite the now southerly breeze and a few butterflies were noted in the shaded areas: Brimstone, (3) Peacock and (2) Small Tortoiseshell. The highlight of the day came along the towpath when a rustling within the vegetation alerted me to my first Grass Snake of the year, the backend of which I saw disappearing into the undergrowth.

In the evening I spent time on the pontoon with Dazza and her Bat detector and we did manage to pick up a couple of Pipperstrelle during a half-hour session. I also managed to sight one of the many Starlink satellites which passed almost directly overhead this evening but unfortunately, the bright moon washed the others out!

Common Scoters over the mooring ~ The pass took over a minute to complete

☀️17C ~ Wind ↘SSE@7mph Tuesday 7th April 2020 ~ It was another excellent Nocmig last night with two Common Scoter soundings, the first around midnight and this particular flock were probably the best thus far. Just (9) Redwing + Golden Plover, Snipe, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Little Grebe, a patrolling Lapwing for most of the session and an insomniac Woodpigeon.

Year first Common Sandpiper at Napton Reservoir 

I was hopeful when I set off on my walk to Napton Reservoir today that there might be a few more arrivals and by the time I got to the water's edge, I'd recorded two Willow Warblers and a Blackcap. A quick peek from below the steps before heading up the bank found the now resident three Snipe feeding on the reedbed shallows but inevitably I flushed them as I stepped up. I also flushed my first Common Sandpiper of the year No. 69 on my 'Lockdown List'.

This Common Buzzard had the pulse racing as it flew towards me from distance.

Despite a pleasant walk in the warmth no further new additions to the Sandpiper, but two Red Kite, now seen daily over the area and an interesting Common Buzzard were highlights. Amazingly, not a single Hirundine to be seen today. Butterflies in the early warmth: (5) Brimstone, (7) Peacock & (5) Small Tortoiseshell.

Peregrine over the marina

A few sessions of Vismig during the afternoon from the deck included more Common Buzzards and a passing Peregrine.

 

Lockdown Day Eleven

☀️☁️12C ~ Wind →W@9mph Friday 3rd April 2020 ~ More Common Scoter, Wigeon and Redwings on last nights Nocmig run but the highlight for me was a cracking Curlew sounding which flew through shortly before 5am.

This Coal Tit was a welcome addition to my 'Lockdown List'

Several Buzzards and two Raven, including displaying birds, enjoying the thermals when the sun came through for a short period mid-morning but no big changes during my walk today. Two additions to my "Lockdown' List with a singing Coal Tit at Calcutt Locks and remarkably, considering where I live my first Grey Heron at Napton Reservoir.

Beautiful sunset this evening at the marina

 

Lockdown Days Nine & Ten

☁️10C ~ Wind ↘NW@6mph Wednesday 1st April 2020 ~ Overcast conditions for my entire walk today with a slight breeze from the north-west. No new arrivals overnight at Napton Reservoir but (4) Snipe were flying around the reedbed before eventually dropping in. Other highlights were a Peregrine Falcon ('lockdown' tick) which flew at height towards Napton Hill and a flock of (27) Meadow Pipits, with several more passing through overhead. There seemed to be a lot of Blackbirds around today, each one scrutinised for Ring Ouzel but sadly I had no luck.

Plenty of Meadow Pipits on the move Wednesday

I was at Napton Reservoir when news of an Osprey over Draycote Water, due north from my position, had me scanning for a good 45-minutes. Unfortunately, I didn't get lucky and thanks to Theo de Clermont, who spotted the bird for keeping me updated.

Typical Common Scoter sonograph

☀️☁️12C ~ Wind ↗SW@9mph Thursday 2nd April 2020 ~ First to report is an amazing night of the 'nocmig' (Recording Nocturnal Bird Migration) which literally, after my morning walk, took me the best part of the day to analyse. The highlights included my first Common Scoters over the marina, followed by several soundings of Wigeon. In fact, I would even claim they landed on the marina waters for a short period. Also noted over the session Teal, Lapwing, Snipe, Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Muntjac, (8) unknowns yet to be analysed and (43) Redwings, the increase in the latter likely due to the change in wind direction to a more westerly direction.

Red Kite over the marina just I returned from my walk.

My walk today began around 10am in bright sunshine, picking up a pretty worn Small Tortoiseshell butterfly in a sheltered area of the marina. However, By the time I arrived at Napton Reservoir cloud had blown in and remained for the duration of my walk. Once again there were no new spring arrivals but a single Gadwall was a grateful 'Lockdown' tick.

There were plenty of Thrushes to be found once again with (26) Blackbirds outnumbering the (6) Redwing and (11) Fieldfares which are still around but in decreasing numbers.

 

Lockdown Day Eight (Tuesday 31st)

⛅️9C ~ Wind ←NE@10mph Tuesday 31st March 2020 ~ Completed my daily walk today in springlike conditions but that niggly north-easterly wind still persists, although it was a lot lighter. Due to the threat of heavy showers a break from 'Nocmig' recording last night so nothing to report today, although when I popped my head out before bed I did hear a distant Tawny Owl calling.

Teal ~ A 'Lockdown' Tick today

There were no new arrivals to report at the marina today and just a single singing Chiffchaff. Napton Reservoir seemed to have a lot more activity than recently but still nothing new either in the way of spring arrivals. However, I did manage a 'Lockdown List' tick in the form of a pair of Teal, which dropped in during my circuit. There were more Gulls than of late with Common, Herring and Lesser Black-backed recorded. The reedbed remains silent, although several Reed Buntings were chasing around and like all my previous visits two Snipe were noted.

A wonderful encounter with this Kestrel at Napton Reservoir

Plenty enjoying the skies today with a singing Skylark, several Buzzards, (4) Raven and a Kestrel, the latter offering a perfect opportunity for a few photos when he eventually dropped down.

A Buzzard passes over the mooring today

Other notables today included: Goldcrest, Treecreeper and (7) singing Chiffchaff

A Cormorant enjoying the peace & quiet that has descended over Napton Reservoir 

 

Lockdown Days 4 thru 7

Since my last update on day three of lockdown, I've now settled into a new, hopefully, short-term routine. To be honest Dazza and I haven't been as greatly affected by the situation as some poor folk! We have no children, both my parents are passed away and Dazza's mum and Dad are locked-down in a very rural area of France. In fact, with Dazza now working from home, our weekly food delivery and a drive once a week to the local post office and general stores for other provisions we can survive quite happily.

Plus, we're lucky enough to live on a marina as you know, which has it's own grounds and is just a short walk from Napton Reservoir, which I now visit once a day and so we can't complain.

A typical Blackcap Song Sonograph

So to the birding and nature and during the last three days, I've managed to complete full nighttime recordings, although things have been generally quiet. There are still a small number of Redwings passing through in the darkness, with more around dawn, when the sonograph just goes nuts with birdsong. On Friday morning a Blackcap managed to beat the local Blackbird to the 'first singing bird of the day' accolade, but after a few brief bursts of song, he moved on. A highlight during my nocturnal recordings was a Water Rail, my first recording at the marina!

Kingfisher ~ Once regular around the area but not in recent times

I've been the only person at Napton Reservoir during my walks and as with the lack of public, there's been a distinct lack of spring arrivals too. Although high pressure has dominated recently the wind direction has been mostly from the north or north-east and this is perhaps having an effect on any migrants hoping to push north, mind you, it's still March! There are still Chiffchaffs singing, which are now well established and during today's visit (Monday) a small group of eleven Redwings passed over. A Kingfisher, strangely rare around here, was the highlight during Sunday's walk with Dazza but despite our best efforts not a single hirundine, similar to my other visits.

The water at the reservoir is still high, with little scrape for any passing waders to make use of, although two Snipe have been a regular feature during my visits. The reedbeds are quiet, with only Reed Buntings and the odd Chiffchaff to be found. Wildfowl consists of Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, many Coots and the odd Little Grebe pops out of the reeds occasionally. Gulls too have been thin on the ground but Common, Herring, Lesser & Great Black-backed are all on my 'Lockdown List' (basically my daily walk list) which now stands at 58

My daily walk