Blue is the Colour

Another day of blue skies and sunshine, so far December is shaping up to be much better than dreary old November. As I hoped to pick up a copy of the new bird report from the Oundle bookshop I headed over in that direction but was to be disappointed as it's not in stock yet. Despite drawing a blank on the report I still enjoyed a pleasant walk along the river and around neighbouring Barnwell CP.

Sunny morning.

There was an otter shaped blank at the park where the lake in front of Kingfisher Hide was partly frozen. While a Kingfisher did make a speedy flypast it didn't linger and nor did it return during my short stay there. Just the usual sort of birds were noted with Marsh Tits the best. Elsewhere around the park there were several small flocks of Siskins and also a few Bullfinches. A few Fieldfares and Redwings were seen but they were quite flighty and didn't hang around.

Siskin and Bullfinch.

Nearby at the marina another Kingfisher was as quick as the other one while the Egyptian Goose was still in the area. Large numbers of Lapwings were feeding in the large ploughed field near to the horse paddocks, there were also a few near the frozen A605 floods. A minimum of seven Snipe were also seen around the floods while several others were heard. Some reeds next to the Nene held a calling Chiffchaff, wintering birds often choose spots adjacent to water.

Jackdaws and Robin.

My day ended on a high note when I found an adult Peregrine on the spire of the church, It looks as if the recent work may have stopped so hopefully it will be a regular visitor here from now on.

Oundle Peregrine.